Teen Titans Fan Fiction Teen Titans X: Season 1

[Matt A]

You know, I'm really rather impressed. It's fair to say that most writers form a bit of a bond with their work: regardless of its objective quality, if you criticise a story, then you critcise its creator. And you best prepare for pain. I mean, I like to think of myself as mature, but even I sulk over my work.

But you? Me and Jack didn't exactly lay into your story - personally, I always try be best to be nice about these things - but we were definitely far harsher than usual. I was expecting you to throw an epic hissy over it, an "I put my heart and soul into this, and this is how you repay me!" kind of thing...but no, not only do you agree, you chastise us for not being harsh enough! Considering how you've represented yourself in the past, I shouldn't have been surprised here, but I was. I ain't sure whether you're masochistic, insane or just a Zen master, but it's still nice to see someone be so open about this sort of thing.

Which is why, it must be said, this finale re-do is the best decision you could've possibly made. I have an essay I need to write - not that I want to, but I don't have a choice - so I'll have to keep my thoughts on this fairly brief...but, needless to say, the two new chapters are a major improvement. Kiryu takes a backseat, a complete non-role in fact, to finally give Sergei another moment to shine, and he sure doesn't waste it: he isn't exactly evil, just selfish, spiteful and vicious enough to count as same. More to the point, arranging a televised 693-2 mega-brawl as a bet is pretty damn insane, and clear signs of a man with one hell of a sense of humour...especially 'cause, even if Cipher and Raven pull off a miracle and win, there's no guarantee that he'll keep to his word and let them go.

In other words, if you're going to up the scale, this is a pretty fool-proof way to do it.

Oh yes...like Jack, I'm going to have to mention Raven's Star Wars rant. Except, unlike him, I really enjoyed it: it was surprising, sure, and maybe a little pointless, but also very, very funny. Partly 'cause it was indeed unexpected, but mostly 'cause I just find epic swearing binges funny. And I wouldn't really say it was out of character, 'cause if it wasn't for the fact that Raven is a character in a kid's cartoon, I reckon she'd be a lot less judicious over her language. Either way, it was fairly inspired.

So, with a little frank judgement and putting in some extra hours, you've turned a crap finale into one that's shaping up to pretty damn respectable. All we need to do now is see where you take this next, and if you can keep it up.

-Matt A-

 

[Atoragon]

I ain't sure whether you're masochistic, insane or just a Zen master

Let's go with insane

 

[Atoragon]

So, this weekend I'm going to be out of town for the United States National Chemistry Olympiad, so I decided to post what update I have. Hopefully, I can get some work done while out of town and post more Monday, although I wouldn't necessarily count on it.

So, here we go-

There was a flash of light as the electrical tornado engulfed Cipher. Stray lightning bolts shot outwards, either striking one of Slade’s minions, or sending a group of villains running. Gasps of horror were all apparent as the tornado subsided, revealing Spirnak, 400 ft tall and ripped with iron-hard muscles and razor-sharp diamond plates.

Spirnak took a step forward, but stopped. He shrieked in pain and grasped the back of his head. The feeling was if you had a power drill drilling into the back of your skull. There was another flash of light as Spirnak disappeared, leaving Cipher lying on the ground.

“Okay, what in hell just happened?!” Cipher demanded. The faint chuckle of Sergei could be heard behind him. Cipher turned around to face Sergei, who was overlooking the scene from a balcony.

“Cipher, my boy. Did you really think I would forget about your dear old friend? Notice that you’re still wearing the neural inhibitor. I’ve got to make sure Justi-Break keeps the advantage, you know.” Cipher began to mutter something under his breath, but it was so incoherent, or in Aerkustan, so no one could understand it.

“Begin!” declared Slade.

Cipher wasted no time transforming himself into the Archangel this time. His eyes darted back and forth, looking for his first prey. His eyes narrowed onto a single target, one towards the front of the group.

Gizmo squealed in surprise as Cipher landed on his back. Using the power of the robotic spider legs, he began to bounce around like an out of control bull, but Cipher held on tight. Cipher sent a directed stream of electricity through Gizmo’s backpack, causing the rocket launchers to fire without warning. Six rockets shot out in all directions, plastering groups of robotic minions and super villains alike.

Now that his ride’s usefulness was done, Cipher lit up his right electron swords. Two quick slashes and the spider legs were cut free, leaving the small boy and his “load” in freefall. By being on the bottom, Gizmo had no choice but to be a pillow for Cipher to cushion his fall. Cipher smirked at his first victim. His eyes once again surveyed the surrounding area, looking for the next.

+++++

Raven had been more reluctant to use the power within her that had been up until recent a curse. She had come over her reluctances and was now quite enjoying herself making Mammoth look like a fool. She would appear out of nowhere, kick Mammoth in the back and teleport away before he even knew what hit him.

A faint clicking filled Raven’s ears. She looked behind her to see a column of Slade’s minions advancing on her position. This was the perfect time to end this little tussle with Mammoth. Mammoth was enveloped in black shadows and hurled at the column of minions. The column was plowed over like a set of bowling pins, Mammoth being the ball.

+++++

“Tell me, Rouge. What happens to rubber when you superheat it?” smirked Cipher as he approached Madam Rouge.

“You think you can scare me?” she retorted. Despite the portrait she portrayed, she was scared. No, that would be an understatement. She was scared shitless. After witnessing firsthand your comrades being torn apart, an effect like shellshock can take hold.

Cipher saw right through this disguise, though. Something about the prospect someone’s life had always heightened his senses. He didn’t even bother to raise his arm; he just turned his palm towards Rouge. A bolt of lightning shot across the short distance, bursting Rouge back into a nearby wall. Most of her rubber-like body had been vulcanized instantly.

+++++

“… Remind me to never piss those two off again,” gawked Beast Boy as he watched the carnage unveil before his eyes on the TV.

“I can do that,” replied Cyborg. “But only if you do the same for me.”

“Those two are more vicious and ruthless than the Gordanians could ever be,” stated Starfire.

“Something tells me that there is going to be very little trouble for the next months,” added Robin.

“More like none,” corrected Cyborg. “I bet you that all those two have to do is show up and there will be a similar effect of Dr. Light around Raven. Speak of the devil, I think he’s their last target.”

+++++

“< So Rae, you want the honors? >”

“< No, you have a go at him. >”

“< But he fears you so much more. This’ll be fun to watch. >”

“< But you’ve never had the joy of wailing on him. >”

“Umm, excuse me? I can’t understand a word you two are saying, but I’m pretty sure you’re arguing over who gets to attack me. May I offer a suggestion? Why don’t I just lie down on the ground, play dead and you two just ignore me?”

“Aww, but that will take all the fun out of it.”

“What fun?” asked a new voice. “I’d say the fun is just about to begin.” The two Titans turned around to face the new voice. There, standing in all his glory, was Kiryu.

“Let’s dance.”

 

[Oh look I'm...]

That had to be one of the most wickedly cool cliffhangers I've ever seen. Nicely executed!

 

[RavensDragon]

I love cliffhangers!

 

[Atoragon]

quick update. for the last week or so, i have been cramming all the projects i should have done over the last month into the last week, so i have been unable to get onto my computer. i have just now started writing the next bit, so expect it up in a day or two. if you're really lucky, i may have it up tonight. depends on how much "Halo: First Strike" is still in my mind. I pulled an all-nighter last night because i had to read the entire book, then write a summary for every chapter. that sucked. i still find it hard to believe it was a week and a half ago i last posted. that's extremely long for me.

 

[RavensDragon]

at least you don't die from em!

 

[Matt A]

First up, sorry for taking so long to reply to this. I've been pretty busy lately, I admit, but even by my current standards, fifteen days is just silly. Still, my uni lecturers never seem to give a toss about that sort of thing, so I suppose I didn't have much of a choice.

But I'm now on my three-week Easter break, and that mythical "spare ten minutes" has finally arrived for me to drop in a review. However, seeing as ten minutes is still about all I've got spare (this isn't the only thread I need to catch up on, sadly), I will have to be fairly brief.

So, the chapter. Well, it must be said, that was one pretty sweet fight scene. A fairly brief way to dispatch a 692-strong army, but then again, Raven and Cipher's powers are pretty extensive: it's always been my theory that, if she wasn't restrained by her semi-heroic nature, Raven alone would be completely untouchable. Even without their godly backup, this fight was Raven and Cipher taking the brakes off, refusing to be held back by that pesky notion of "villains having a right to life"...and accordingly, whilst their victory was unexpectedly swift, it wasn't an unrealistic turn.

In a particular advantage, this fight allowed you to play with the kind of black comedy that you excel at. The two notable parts were the other Titans commenting on the fight, especially Beast Boy and Cyborg's opening two-liner, and Raven and Cipher arguing over who should beat up Dr Light: both very cruel, and both very funny. And whilst not being particularly funny, I have to also give you credit for Cipher's "vulcanisation" of Madame Rouge: one of those real "holy crap" moments.

Oh yes, and here's another reason why Raven and Cipher's easy victory was no bad thing: the fight ain't even begun yet. Kiryu could've won against the rest of Justi-Break without even moving, let alone breaking a sweat, and even our mighty heroes are but children next to his terrible majesty. This sure as hell won't be quick and easy...which will only make it more fun.

So, now to see the rest. Maybe I'll even reply in good time...

-Matt A-

 

[Atoragon]

Yay

I am proud to announce that I am finally done with my multi-genre research project from Hell. I can now get refocused on writing. Expect the next piece in a day or two.

 

[RavensDragon]

good point...I've got a science project from Hell!

 

[Atoragon]

Final Overture

So, this should be the ending. To me, it seems a lot better than the original. Hope you agree.

Episode 12.2: The Final Overture

“Let’s Dance.”

“Yes, let’s.” The opposing sides’ attacks were as swift as lightning. No, not quite. The initial speed could be quite possibly faster than light itself. In mere milliseconds, Cipher and Kiryu had launched themselves ten feet into the other’s waiting sword. Angry hisses spat out from the colliding blades. Colorful plumes of mixing plasma ions and electrons spewed into the air, making an aurora borealis effect.

“Yo, Rae!” grunted Cipher. “You can help out any time now!” Raven was snapped out of her daze. This was completely unlike her. It was as if a mental block had been put on her, but she couldn’t identify it. She shook the notion off and grasped the nearest thing she could find, a decapitated Slade minion, and hurled it at Kiryu.

Kiryu was caught completely off guard as the hunk-of-junk robot collided with his head. He was sent sprawling across the floor.

“Bout time you joined the fight,” commented Cipher.

“Little dazed. Over it now.”

“You better be. Keep up like that, and you’ll end up like Rouge over there.” Cipher gestured towards Madame Rouge’s smoldering. A bad feeling conjured up in the pit of Raven’s stomach.

“I won’t die, sir.”

“Sir? Wha? I’m not commanding, I’m just… never mind. Let’s get this bastard!”

“Right.” Raven was the first to strike this time, jumping up into the air and dissipating into a vortex. She reappeared behind Kiryu, cocking her shadow-engulfed fist, but was knocked away by a thrash from Kiryu’s tail. She was launched across the room, crashing into a wall. Her plated armor no sported many cracks and dents, plus highlights of red as blood oozed through.

Cipher charged at Kiryu, sword blaring. He unleashed a wild swing, but Kiryu merely sidestepped to evade. Kiryu straight kicked Cipher in the back, and then with a quick flare from Gorouda’s rockets, launched himself high into the air.

Kiryu came descending from the heavens; a single leg stretched outwards, intent on turning Cipher into a sapphire pancake. Cipher tried to roll out of the way, but he didn’t completely make it. Kiryu landed right on his left elbow, shattering the joint into a million pieces. Cipher cried out in pain as Kiryu removed his foot. He prepared to step on him again when Mammoth’s massive hulk collided into his back, sending him flying and pinned underneath.

“Cipher! Are you okay?!” screamed Raven as she came running up to her fallen comrade. She kneeled down next to him and inspected the damage.

“Despite the fact my arm felt like it was stuck in a blender and some one pressed ‘puree’, I guess I’m fine.”

“Good, because I don’t necessarily have enough energy to he-” She was cut off as Mammoth’s carcass exploded from a blast from Kiryu’s neutron cannons. Bits of flesh and blood rained down on the two Titans.

“That was a bit uncalled for, Raven,” mused Kiryu. Gorouda’s quartet of rockets flared to life, spewing a white-hot blue flame behind it. Kiryu streaked forwards at an amazing speed. Too fast to measure without Kid Flash’s assistance. When he was almost got to Raven, Kiryu dropped his left foot, letting it drag against the ground. His foot caught just like he planned, thus thrashing his tail around directly into Raven’s face.

A sonic boom resonated throughout the expansive room as Raven was sent hurtling across the room. Her body impacted the concrete wall, sending large cracks hundreds of feet in every direction. The walls shook as if there was an earthquake, causing large chunks of concrete to fall from the ceiling.

“One down, one to go,” sneered Kiryu.

“We’re not done yet. You underestimate Raven’s fighting spirit. You haven’t won yet.”

“Take a good look around you, Cipher. With an impact like that, Raven is unconscious at best, more likely dead. And you? Look at your self. Your left arm is completely useless and you are exhausted from your slaughtering of Justi-Break. I’d say I’ve got this in the bag.”

All energy from the Gorouda unit was dumped into the main power reserve. Power surged to extreme-low-temperature light-conducting matrices. The tri-doors on Kiryu’s front opened, revealing the Absolute Zero Cannon as it prepared to fire. The all-so-familiar curled snake appearing sphere of low-temperature light energy conjured up from the three charging rods on the tips of the doors.

“This is it, Cipher, your final overture. Start writing your will, for your life is going to end any second now.” The sphere of energy had reached its full size. It pulsed and crackled in an eerie light-blue energy. There was final bright pulse as the cannon began to…

“Azarath, Metrion, ZINTHOS!”

The tri-doors of Kiryu’s Absolute Zero Cannon were ripped clear of their hinges ad forced inwards. The arctic-chilled beam impacted the makeshift shield at point-blank range and shot back to its source. Kiryu let off a screech of surprise as he became enveloped in a cocoon of ice. The haunting noise echoed throughout the room until there was only silence.

Cipher stared off into space, surprised by what he saw until a loud sound caught his attention. What specifically had caught his attention was the sound of a concrete slab falling over as Raven dug herself out of a pile of rubble.

“Raven… I could have sworn you were… dead.”

“I thought the same thing,” mused Raven as she brushed her hand against the laceration that decorated her face. It stemmed from her right temple to the right side of her mouth.

“Consider getting that cleaned. You look like ****.”

“You’re no sight yourself.”

“Always with the quirky comments, aren’t ya Rae? Come on, let’s go back home.”

Epilogue

Five months later…

“I now officially hate everything about the press,” complained Cipher. He slumped down on the couch next to Raven and stared out the window at the bay. He had just finished was seemed like the hundredth press conference about the destruction of Justi-Break and Moguera.

“Come on, dude, lighten up,” said Cyborg. “Besides, you were the one who volunteered.”

“Because I built Moguera and he was my responsibility. No one else should have.”

“I agree with Cyborg on that you should do the lightening up,” added Starfire. “It is Christmas once again and it is a time of happiness, not anger.”

“Pffft, you’ve just made my day that much worse, Starfire.”

“Sorry… umm, what is that above your head?”

“Huh? Dammit Beast Boy! Com…”

“No, its fine.” Raven reached over and…

 

[Matt A]

And so, finally, we come back round to the Finale. It has to be said, I agree with you here: this version is infinitely superior to the first.

It's superior for one very simple reason: Kiryu's demise is way cooler. Whilst his redemption in the first version had a certain thematic neatness to it, and was something I wouldn't have objected to seeing again, this version acknowledged an even more fundamental truth: even as Moguera, this robot was simply too dangerous to be allowed to function.

Ergo, whilst we don't get a return to Moguera, we still get a fitting send-off for Kiryu. Even to his very last, he's still a lethal mo-fo, inflicting pain all round without really having to try. In particular, his "puréeing" of Cipher's shoulder, even without audio-visual aids, was an "ouch" moment you could almost feel yourself. Hence why I liked how he got capped: he wasn't taken down with some super-move or whatever, but instead out-witted, turning his confidence and his superior weaponry against him. Just as his first use of the Absolute Zero Cannon started him on the long road to becoming Kiryu, so his final use of it (and only his second, if memory serves), what he intended to be the finishing move, was what allowed him to be finally defeated. I have to give you full kudos for using such an irony.

However, there is one question: what happened to Slade and Sergei? Seeing as they didn't fight alongside Justi-Break in the previous chapter, I'm assuming they survived that massacre...so why weren't they mentioned here? It's a problem, sure, but I won't worry about it too much: for all I know, you just want to save them in a later story. We'll see.

Seeing as the epilogue is pretty much unchanged from last time, I'll just re-post the thoughts I gave there:

One thing Teen Titans never really did was examine the relationship between the Titans and their public, so every time someone addresses that issue, as you did with Cipher's five months of press conferences, I can't help but smile. It shows real intelligence to add in that dimension. Also, given all the hints thus far, it was cool for you to do something with the Cipher/Raven relationship in the final lines. Whilst a kiss is fairly heavily implied, the cut-out means that we have to fill in that detail ourselves, and it's always fun to use a little imagination and interpretation.

My opinion now is pretty much the same, so lazy as it may be, I'll let the above stand as is. Either way, it's still good things.

Well, that's all from me. As I said as the start, this was a vast improvement on the previous Finale, and a great end note for this Season and all it contained. That, I think, is pretty much self-explanatory, so I only need to add this:

Roll on The Covenant War.

-Matt A-

 

[RavensDragon]

Man this is interesting!