Teen Titans: Darkest Before Dawn (feedback appreciated)

[EternalShadow]

Well, it'smy first fanfic and I must start by saying that it is thanks to PressureCooker! This story should be treated as a following episode to PressureCooker's amazing tale: The End of Tomorrow! Thanks for your permission to use it as a springboard. For best results, you may wish to read The End of Tomorrow first! Enough Chit Chat. I hope you all enjoy!
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Darkest Before Dawn

Chapter One: First Hello

The engines of the T-Sub rumbled steadily as it approached Earth on its course. The Titans were relieved to be home. On their way, they passed the majestic Watchtower, belonging to the Justice League. They all gazed upon the structure in awe, Beast Boy with his faced pressed against his Canopy shield.

"Glorious! It is good to be home!" exclaimed Starfire radiantly.

"Dude! you think the Justice League is in there?" quarked Beast Boy.

"I doubt it." replied Cyborg. "I'm not picking up and signals, besides, they are probably off saving the world."

"Yeah," said Robin, "I was told they were settling a dispute near Alpha-Centauri or something."

The T-Sub began to tremble. A turbulance surrounded the vessel as it entered the Earth's atmosphere. The Titans strapped in and braced themselves for re-entry. Thoughts swelled through their heads of what came next on Earth. Thoughts like: what condition are the City in? Were there any crimes comitted in their time away? What had become of the food in the fridge? And most importantly, would Beast Boy finally beat Cyborg at Gamestation?

The large docking station had openned up right outside of Titan's Tower. The T-Sub gently began its descent into the port. The Titans walked out of the vessel breathing in the Earthen air deeply.

"Last one in cleans the dishes!" Shouted BeastBoy. He quickly took the form of a Cheetah and bolted for the door.

"Fine by me," stated Cyborg. "I got the keys right here!"

"Hey! No fair!" snapped Beast Boy, changing back.

The Titans entered the tower only to be struck by the sound of an alarm ringing. They rushed to the Wide-Screen Computer to see what the fuss was all about. It was a breakout in attempt. Cinderblock. He was escaping from the city's Maximum Security Prison at that very moment. There was no time to lose.

"Titans, GO!" exclaimed Robin. The Titans headed for the door, well, all but Beast Boy.

"Come on! We just got back and the trouble has started already!?!?" Beast Boy whined.

"Let's go little man." said Cyborg grabbing Beast Boy's arm and yanking him out the door, and just as quickly as the tower was filled, it had emptied itself.

The Titans quickly arrived on the scene, but much to their surprise, it was silent. They all stood around poised for action, staring at each other questioningly. They continued in, closer to the scene.

"Perhaps Cinderblock has already escaped," pondered Starfire.

"Well, I guess that is a possibility, however highly unlikely. Where could he hide?" asked Robin.

Just then, the Titans turned the corner to find Cinderblock struggling, as he was being constricted by a dark, black energy. The Titans quickly turned to Raven.

"Wasn't me." she replied. Cinderblock was still struggling within the dark-matter, he then began to levitate above the ground.

At that moment, a titanium support beam, surrounded in the same dark energy, came down striking Cinderblock in the back of his head. The beam then began to curve and wrapped itself around the now unconsious escapee.

Suddenly, someone appeared. He examined the beam to see if it was secure around Cinderblock, then turned dusting his hands of and caught sight of the Titans. He gazed at them with the same confused expression that the Titans showed.

Then, his face quickly turned to a friendly smile. He raised his hand in a waving motion and said, "Hi!"

[Starfire5]

I wonder who this new guy is???? its a good story so far i hope you continue.

[EternalShadow]

You bet I'll continue! Thanks for your input. Any feedback is appreciated be it goodor bad! I currently have 3 chapters written and more on the way! I'll postmynext one tomorrow!

[Lord Welshi]

This is very good. So far it seems you have stuck to the general chara cter traits of the team, which is a good thing. Some good descriptions too. Would like to see what happens next, so keep going!

[EternalShadow]

Ok, my second installment in Darkest Before Dawn. This chapter should shed a little more light on the identity of this mysterious character. I apologize for the lack of action to all you thrill seekers. Enjoy, and once again, feedback is appreciated!
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Chapter Two: One's Purpose

The Titans and the unknown do-gooder returned to the Tower. There was much to talk about. New questions swelled into the heads of the Titans, all except Beast Boy whose thoughts were still focused on Gamestation, Food, and Catching up on sleep. Robin kept glancing at the guy as they walked up the path to the Tower's front door.

He was about as tall as Robin, maybe slightly taller. His skin was a blend between the colors of Starfire and Cyborg's, but it had a faint darkness to it, similar to that of Raven's complection. His hair was pitch black and was neatly spiked backwards in a debonair fashion. He wore a black trenchcoat as well with the occasional blue designs scattered about. His shoes matched, black and custom made with steel soles, much like Robin's. His smile was cheerful, much like Beast Boys after pulling a practical joke.

The door openned and Starfire announced, "Welcome to Titan's Tower! We are the Teen Titans! My name is Starfire! And you are called...?"

Everyone averted their gaze to the unknown visitor.

He laughed slighly with a smile still on his face and replied, "Yes, I know who you are. But I never expected you to find out about me. My name is Shadow. Nice to meet you all!"

Shadow extended his hand out in a formal handshake. There was a long pause. The Titans waited to see who would take his hand first. Starfire rose forward and vigorously shook his hand.

"Shadow, Very nice to meet you as well!" Se answered with a giggle.

All of the Titans exchanged hello's in their own way. Cyborg and Shadow conversed about Gamestation and Beast Boy quickly joined in on the conversation. Robin shook his hand silently. Raven, lastly, paused for a moment, then shook his hand, not averting her gaze from his eyes which stared back.

Another silent pause fell over the tower.

"So," Robin spoke up,"What were you doing at the Maximum Security Prison?"

"Same as you." Shadow answered. "Just putting Cinderblock back in his place."

"How long have you been in Jump City?" inquired Cyborg.

"All my life! Or at least as far back as my memory serves."

"So how come we've never seen you before?" asked Starfire.

"I like to keep my deeds to myself. I've been here for as long as the five of you have!" Shadow stated. "I remember one time, you went off looking for Starfire, whom had left during a fight with Plasmus, I had to deal with Mumbo and Overload."

"Wait...What?" stammered Cyborg.

"Oh sure! You were out in space, looking for Starfire, and Mumbo and Overload were causing all sorts of trouble! If it weren't for me, you may have come back and found the whole city to be a Magicshow!" exclaimed Shadow.

"What an interesting story!" said Starfire.

"Oh, and this time, while you were gone, I had to deal with Plasmus, those three flunkies from the Hive Academy, and, as you now know, Cinderblock!" replied Shadow.

"Ok, is anyone as lost in all of this as I am?" questioned Beast Boy to the rest of the Titans.

"I'll put it this way," began Shadow, "Whenever you five aren't here, I protect the city!"

"Most Impressive!" cheered Starfire. "Come! Let us feast on this glorious victory!"

"Now you're talkin' my language!" chuckled Beast Boy. "Let's go grab some Pizza!"

The Titans left the building one by one until only Shadow and Raven were left inside. "You coming?" asked Shadow reaching out his hand. She reached out, grasping his hand and arose to her feet.

The six of them them headed off for pizza, making the tower empty once more.

[PressureCooker]

Originally Posted by EternalShadow

"Let's go grab some Pizza!"

Please oh please let it be acrobatic pizza... (with props to Lord Welshi )

Hey I'm liking this so far. Shadow rises up to defend the city while the Titans are away. I can already see the sparks between Raven and the newcomer. This should prove to be some good reading...

[EternalShadow]

Thanks Cooker! Though I can't say much, the Pizza does to some extent play a role in the following chapters. I'll post it first thing tomorrow morning!

[PressureCooker]

Originally Posted by EternalShadow

Well, it'smy first fanfic and I must start by saying that it is thanks to PressureCooker! This story should be treated as a following episode to PressureCooker's amazing tale: The End of Tomorrow! Thanks for your permission to use it as a springboard. For best results, you may wish to read The End of Tomorrow first!

I forgot to say your welcome for using my fic. I must say I'm quite flattered with all the attention my work has been getting as of late. I must admit that I turn red when I read such things about my writing...

I like the plotline in this story so far. I can only guess where it will go next...

As for the pizza...

[Blue_Fire]

Hmm. Interesting. I must go read that now. Keep writing. I'm interested to see where it goes.



Eloise

[Lord Welshi]

Originally Posted by PressureCooker

Please oh please let it be acrobatic pizza... (with props to Lord Welshi )

Hey, I haven't finished with that acrobatic pizza yet! He will make a return in my story, so watch yourselves....

Main thing i wanted to say was good going. Story is looking pretty good, nice plot idea (always wandered why we never heard about the attacks on Jump City when the Titans are away...). Keep it up!

[EternalShadow]

Ok, Chapter Three. This will provide a look at Shadow's power and should provide some action that was lacking in the previous chapters. Enjoy!
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Chapter Three: Justice and Pizza

"Get back here Dr. Light!" demanded Robin.

The pizzas had just been set on the table when Cyborg picked up the signal that Dr. Light had been up to some mischevious acts. At that moment, Robin had caught sight of the villain, as he ran down the street which the Pizza Shop was located on. A chase was now in hot pursuit.

The Titans were gaining on Dr. Light when all of a sudden, the villain turned around and shot bolts of light at the heroes. The Titans easily manuevered around the bright beams, but the bolts fell to the ground creating a huge flash, blinding the teen heroes. This gave Dr. Light ample time to head down an alleyway.

The light cleared away. "Ugh, Where'd he get to now?!" questioned Robin. He looked from side to side and saw two alleyways. "We'll have to split up! Star, you come with me. Cy, BB, Raven, you take the other alley. Titans, GO!" he commanded, and just like that, the Titans shot off in opposite directions.

"Uh, what about me?" asked Shadow. It was too late, the Titans hadn't heard him and they were already out of sight due to the starless night sky. "Guess I'm on my own!" he said to himself.

Shadow shut his eyes as dark energy began to swarm out from beneath him. It rose slowly until his shoes were enveloped by the darkness. He bent down low, as one would do as if preparing to jump. In an instant, he shot up into the sky, his feet leaving a trail of black energy which resembled that of a rocket's exhaust fumes. He continued rising into the sky, and then halted himself, sustaining his body in mid-air, his shoes still surrounded by dark energy.

The Titans continued pursuing Dr. Light but none of them had the slightest notion where he was. Raven continued on with Cyborg and Beast Boy, swerving from one alley to another. The group stopped at a fork which split into two directions. While Cyborg and Beast Boy bickered about which way to take, Raven looked up into the night where something had caught here eye. Against the light of the moon, she saw a dark figure from which there seemed to be a trail of darkness which had trailed from the ground.

"Raven, Let's go!" said Cyborg as they shot off in the left path from the fork. She followed.

Up in the darkness of night, Shadow spun around looking for Dr. Light. He quickly spotted him, no longer in an alleyway, but in a hardware store. He was collecting light bulbs of some sort. A tear in space and time openned up below Shadow as he fell calmly through it. It seemed to swallow him up like Beast Boy scarfing down tofu. Once Shadow completely entered the rip in time and space, it vanished.

Dr. Light was busy at work in the store searching for a bulb. A wormhole openned up above the floor and out from it fell Shadow, landing on the floor perfectly, arms folded with a grin on his face.

"Oh, this is new," jeered Dr. Light.

He attatched bulb to his hand. It was instantly illuminated and he shot three beams out of it, each headed to a different target on Shadow's body. Arms still folded, Shadow shut his eyes causing three wormholes to open up, each swallowing their own beam, then vanishing.

"Huh?" proclaimed Dr. Light, confused about what had just happened.



Suddenly, the same three tears in time and space openned up behind him and out shot the three beams, this time headed straight for the villain. Dr. Light didn't even have time to yell. The beams all hit simultaneously, causing another blinding bang! Shadows eyes were still shut, and he was still grinning.

"Argh, I can't believe I let him get away!" Robin argued to himself. The rest of the Titans were sitting around him.

"You did your best man, we all did. Win some, lose some." replied Cyborg.

"Where has Shadow gone?" inquired Starfire.

Beast Boy flipped on the TV only to see the news reporting that Dr. Light had mysteriously been apprehended. He was found lying in a hardware store rubbing his ever violently.

"Dudes! Take a look at this!" Beast Boy exclaimed.

A wormhole appeared near the kitchen table. The Titans all peered over in awe, wondering what was at the other end of the vortex. Out stepped Shadow with three pizza boxes balanced on one hand.

He sighed in relief, looked up, and said, "Hey guys! What'd I miss?"

[Blue_Fire]

hmm. hmmmmm. *squeak* (Yes, I am this odd.)



Eloise

[EternalShadow]

Yet another chapter of Darkest Before Dawn, however I don't have any other chapters written, but I am open to suggestions. I may wait a little while and post the rest after PressureCooker finishes The End of Tomorrow. This is supposed to take place after that.
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Chapter Four: Powers

They were sitting silenlty, legs crossed in the living room of Titans Tower. Raven sat, or rather levitated, quietly, mumbling in a low tone, 'Azarath, Metreon, Zinthos...' Next to her was Shadow, eyes closed, however not chanting any words, just breathing, in and out. He openned one eyelid and saw Raven, openned the other shifting his sights to the Pizza box. He exhaled deeply and a slice of Double Pepperoni rose out, then slowly headed for him.

"Still here I see..." muttered Raven.

Everyone else had gone to sleep. Raven had been left alone to do some meditation. Shadow stayed in the kitchen, finishing of the rest of Cyborg's Pizza.

"Would you like me to leave?" implored Shadow.

"I don't understand how you can be so outgoing." said Raven. "How can you show so much emotion and still maintain such control over your powers."

"What do you mean?" Shadow asked.

"Aren't you from Azarath?" she questioned.

"Azarath, hmm. Nope." he answered, taking a bite of the slice of Double Pepperoni.

"Then how do you conjure such power; A power so similar to my own?" Raven asked.

"Oh boy, where to begin..." Shadow paused for a moment, his chin resting in his right hand. He continued, "You see this space right here?" He raised his finger, which seemed to be pointing out the window. "It's full of molecules, Nitrogen, Oxygen, maybe some dust..." Raven sat patiently listening to him, no longer levitating. "Can you imagine what it would be like if the was no space, or no matter there?"

He paused giving Raven some time to think.

He slowly brought his had down and closed his eyes. In that instant, the area he had been pointing to turned into a sphere of darkness. "That is what my power can do. I call it, Anti-Matter, nonexistant space, no molecule can occupy the space now. By surrounding something, I can move it, bend it, shape it, do just about anything you can do to it."

Raven lifted her finger and tapped the sphere. She found that she couldn't place her finger through it. As Shadow had stated, no matter could occupy the space.

"That's only half the story." he said. The anti-matter disappeared.

"What about that vortex you stepped out of in the kitchen?" Raven asked.

"Ah, that's the other half." Shadow started. "Ever watch the Discovery Channel?"

Raven raised one eyebrow, giving an obvious answer.

"Guess not," he replied. "Well wormholes, tiny tears in space and time, are found all over the universe. It took me a long time, but I found a pair of wormholes which run on the same time frequency." He paused to take another bite.

Raven sat quietly, not necessarily showing any sign of confusion.

"What I mean is," he began, "Whatever goes through the wormhole will come out the other at the exact same time. If they didn't run at the same time frequency, anything going through it may end up coming out anywhere from a billion years ago to a billion years into the future! Time travel is just too dangerous to risk trying..."

There was a slightly uncomfortable pause afterwards. Shadow was finished talking, but didn't know what to say or do. He was looking into Raven's dark, indigo eyes. He felt mezmerized. A moment later he rose to his feet, breaking eye contact with her, reluctantly.

"Well, time for sleep, I guess." he said, drowsily.

"Where will you go?" questioned Raven, perhaps showing concern for him.

"Most of the time, I just warp to a mall or store, and lay in one of the beds in the store window. No one ever knows because the stores are closed. I need to wake early though, so I can warp out before anyone finds me."

Raven hesitated, then swallowed. "You could stay here, if you'd like..."

"...I'd like that." said Shadow. He walked over to the couch, reclined back and placed his arms behind his head as a makeshift pillow. "Goodnight, Raven." he whispered.

Raven looked back, turned the lights out, and ascended the stairs to her room. "Goodnight, Shadow." she whispered back.

[Blue_Fire]

Hmm. Very interesting. My question is, will he become a Titan, or will there be a conflict? And, you know, crazily enough, he's enough like Raven that I wonder what will happen. Romance or enemies. Each would be easy, yet difficult. Add a new dimension to the story. Shadow stays on to be there when they're gone. (hee hee. that rhymed. I'm a poet and didn't even know it. )



anyways. Have fun with it.


Eloise

[EternalShadow]

I thank you all for reading and your feedback! I know it's been a while but here's a bit more for those of you who have been anticipating the next chapter. I am currently waiting for a reply from PressureCooker (along the lines of "The End of Tomorrow") but here is the next Chapter! It reveals more of the storyline and I hope it doesn't cause conflicts with PC's story. Keep Posting!
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Chapter Five: He's Back

He rose early the next morning, took a deep breath, and embraced the sunlight creeping through the windows. With that, Shadow sat down, legs crossed, and meditated. After a brief rest he got back up and headed into the kitchen.

He rumaged around the fridge, cupboards, and drawers removing various items; ingredients, utensils, plates. He turned the stove on and popped many pieces of toast into the toaster. In an instant, the room was flooded with an aromatic odor of tofu eggs, waffles, and fresh breads.

Beast Boy was the first to awaken. It was originally his duty to cook breakfast on that particular day. He was still half asleep, but was completely hypnotized by the scent of tofu eggs, (not over-cooked for once).

"Ah! Good morning, BB. I hope you don't mind me calling you that." Shadow said,his hands skillfully moving from one pan to another.

"Dude, anyone who cooks this well can call me that anyday!" Beast Boy replied with a wide grin on his face. His mouth was dripping with a combination of night-drool and saliva from the abundance of food. He took his seat and Shadow served him his tofu eggs and a tall glass of Florida Orange Juice.

Starfire was the next to show up. She hovered above the floor with her common cheerful personality. "Good morning, Friends!" she chimed in. "I was having the most wonderful dream of how many Okarens it takes to Hoogie a Morphlark!"

"Finbar!" answered Beast Boy. Starfire giggled at the correct answer and quickly caught on to a familiar scent, one she knew quite well.

"Hey, Star," Shadow began, "could you help me with this Zem...Zemg...Zemgo-"

"Zemgoon Klygan!" Starfire interupted with much surprise. "That is may favorite food on Tamaran! It is our special breakfast delicacy! How did you ever learn to make it?"

"You'd be surprised what you can find on the internet!" he answered. The two got to work on the alien cuisine, and within a matter of second, the dish was completed to perfection.

Cyborg was next. He appeared with brilliant radiance. His internal displays and circuitry were alive with a flow of electricity. "There's no doubt! Someone's making my favorite! Waffles!"

"Right here!" Shadow replied. Using his powers, he drowned the waffles in syrup and levitated them over to the table.

"Mm-Mmm!" Cyborg exclaimed. "I'm glad Beast Boy wasn't cooking today!" Beast Boy was too busy chowing down to notice the remark. "All this breakfast needs is som bac-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Shadow laid down a plate with 2 slices of bacon and toast, satisfying Cyborg.

Raven was fourth to descend the stairs. Silence. She approaced the table and it was Shadow himself whom broke the quiet mood.

"Good morning, Raven" he said. "Sleep well? How about some Green Tea to start your day?" Again with his powers, he poured some herbal tea into Raven's cup. She sat down and took a sip. It was warm as it slithered down her throat. It seemed to fill her with the energy she needed for the day. She finished the glass and poured herself more.

"Where is Robin?" inquired Shadow. "His breakfast is getting cold."

"He should be down soon." said Starfire taking a big bite of the Zemgoon Klygan. It was so delicious, she hovered above the table with starbolts glowing green. Then she returned to her seat and gave off a little burp. The others laughed.

In the meanwhile, Shadow joined the others. He sat between Raven and Beast Boy. Raven poured him some tea. He drank two gulps worth and smiled back. As for what he was eating, it was the remainder of the pizza, the last three slices.

"Wait!" Cyborg and Beast Boy shouted.

Before Shadow got his chance to take a bite, the pizza in his hand bit back. Shadow managed to pull his face away in time. "Heh, this is new. Never ate food that wanted to eat me!"

"Well, that's what happend when you leave leftovers in the fridge next to Star's cooking." Beast Boy stated.

Shadow looked at the slice in his hand. It was still snapping its mouth at him. Shadow smiled rougishly and swallowed the slice in one bite. The Titans watched in awe, waiting for a reaction. Shadow swallowed, smacked his lips a few times. "Hmm, tastes like Klorblook!" Starfire laughed along. She was the only one to understand the Tamaranian joke.

Finally, Robin appeared. He looked grave but no one had noticed. He stared at the ground, his chin to his chest.

"Hey, Robin! Hungry?" questioned Shadow. The rest of the Titans joined in with complementary remarks about the gourmet feast laid out before them.

"It'll have to wait..." said Robin quietly.

The Titans listened attentively. Silence.

It's Slade...He's back..."

[Lord Welshi]

Pretty good. A nice little chapter with good interactions. However, a little warning. You are very near to breaking copyright laws on....you guessed it, the Acrobatic Pizza. He's my creation! Grrrr. (I know I'm being petty but, damnit, he's mine! Mine mine mine!!!!)

Other than that, well done!

[PressureCooker]

Originally Posted by Lord Welshi

You are very near to breaking copyright laws on....you guessed it, the Acrobatic Pizza. He's my creation! Grrrr.

Damn. So much for that idea... *promply erases chapter devoted to the Acrobatic Pizza* It's alright tho... The pizza is old and busted. The new hotness is Running Tofu!

Hmmm... better copyright that.

[Blue_Fire]

Running tofu. Nice. Good chapter. Don't eat the food that's in the fridge. It's mutated.




Eloise

[EternalShadow]

Sorry, been so busy reading and reviewing the flood of Teen Titans fics I almost forgot to continue mine, I'd like to welcome all of the newcomers to the forum and I must agree, your Fics are interesting and enjoyable, If you haven't read mine, I strongly suggest you read it from the beginning and become familiar with the fact that this story occurs after Pressure Cooker's The End of Tomorrow fic. Once again, Enjoy.---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter Six: The Search Continues

"Hello Titans..." uttered Slade. It was the same voice that so regularly echoed through the speakers of the wide screen computer. "You look well. Let's cut to the chase. I won't bother with mind games."

The Teens gathered around, all but Beast Boy and Shadow. They were busy clearing the table of emptied plates speckled with crumbs. Beast Boy took the form of an octopus, skillfully manipulating 6 of his 8 tentacles, while his eyes we focused on Slades masked face on the screen.

"Why are you still here?" Robin asked. "How did you survive?"

"Come now, Robin" his deep voice boomed. "If you really think you were rid of me, then I'm quite disappointed."

"Hey, who is this guy?" questioned Shadow to Beast Boy.

Beast Boy transfigured back into his normal form."Words can't describe. He's just... evil. He's looking for an apprentice. First he tried Robin, but we managed to overcome that obstacle. His second attempt was Te..." he paused. He tightened his grip on a plate in his hand, then loosened. "Sorry, I'd rather not. Anyway, how come you've never heard of him? He's only like the biggest threat to Jump City!"

Shadow didn't answer.

"A while after you beat me, I felt lost, discouraged, but most of all, vengeful. I had an epiphany. There was no way I could ever live to see a world without you. I had realized, If any force were powerful enough to eradicate you, it would kill me too. But if that's the case, then so be it."

The monitor blacked out and the room was deathly silent with the exception of water running from the sink. A drop of sweat fell from Robin's chin onto his glove. He walked furiously up to his room. He removed his Communicator and sent out an all-points bulliten to every honorary Titan every to receive a Communicator. "I need your help," he relayed. "Slade is back and if we don't stop him, we may not live to see a future..."

It was still silent downstairs. Cyborg was tracing the signal Slade had broadcasted back to its roots but was unable to pinpoint a location. Starfire walked to Robin's room and began pacing before his door.

Robin soon came out, delivering grave instructions to the Titans. "We need to find Slade and take him down once and for all. This is no longer childsplay. He means business. Search all areas of the city. Beast Boy, you and Cyborg cover below ground level. I'll take to the streets. Star, you and Raven search from the skies. Time is definately against us. He could strike at any time."

They quickly rushed out of the tower, Cyborg and Beast Boy in the T-Car, Robin on his R-Cycle and Starfire and Raven taking to the skies.

Shadow turned off the sink and let out a dejected sigh. Alone, simple as that. They didn't care. Sure, they were acquaintances, but they never really cared.

It's they're battle to fight, he thought. My role is insignificant.
He walked out of the tower, his footsteps echoing. He placed on hand over his face. But they do need all the help they can get. He sat in the shade of the Tower, his eyes closed. He focused on the entire city.

They searched for hours to no avail. They're reports were all the same.

"Nothing here." - Beast Boy

"No sign of him." - Raven

"Sorry, Robin" - Speedy

"Docks are clear." - Aqualad

Wildebeast just let out a grunt, shaking his head.

However, only a few minutes into his meditation, Shadow had located him. "Gotcha..." he uttered. Shadow rose to his feet and created a vortex. He walked through and the second he set his foot down, he came face to face with Slade...

Meanwhile, the Titans returned home, weary and fatigued. "Thanks for your help guys," Robin voiced over the Communicators. The honorary Titans apologized for their lack of results. He stomped softly but forcefully up the stairs and delivered a punch to the wall before entering his room.

The others retired to their quarters as well, all but Beast Boy who stayed downstairs to play Gamestation. The grave mood lingered throughout the Tower and continued into the night.

Either very late that night, or very early the next morning, a figure crept throught the building. It silently moved down the staircase. A shadow was cast against the wall from a flashing TV reading "Game Over." Beast Boy was drooling on the couch in front of it. In the deep dark of the night, the front door opened... then closed.

[PressureCooker]

Originally Posted by EternalShadow

"A while after you beat me, I felt lost, discouraged, but most of all, vengeful. I had an epiphany.

You know... You just don't see that word used enough these days... epiphany. I don't know about all of you, but I just like saying it. epiphany...

...sweet...

But aside from that, a real good chapter here. Left it on a quasi-cliffie with the "shadow in the tower" bit. You must continue (although I guess I should too)

*PressureCooker gives the thumbs up* <--Wow, now thats dorky.