CONTINUE Y/N?

This takes place after season 5, in the animated universe.

 

The titans are all 17 to 19 years of age.

 

Jinx, after switching sides, has been living in Titans Tower for a little less than a years, and acts as the sixth regular member of the team. Don't ask for details beyond that, or try to correct me about Kid Flash not being there, etc.

 

I know, I'm up on my animated TT lore. Events have occurred after S5. Just go with it; she and KF aren't exactly together anymore.

 

 

 

THE CHARACTER'S NAME IS (apparently) Donn Mortem

 

 

 

 

Midnight falls over the mean streets of Jump City. Grime infests this place, and while the Titans are busy fighting off larger threats, petty crime is common.

 

You are a teenage male, and you've been homeless for longer than you can remember. You are dirty and frail. Black hair hangs in your eyes, long unwashed. Your jeans are too small, and your jacket is too large. Luckily, your sneakers (while old and tattered) are a perfect fit.

 

You've always been unnaturally athletic. Even now, skinny and terribly malnourished, you are significantly stronger and faster than most adults.

 

It is dark, and it is cold. Your jacket provides some warmth, but it can't fend off your growing hunger.

 

To the left, in a nearby alley, a young lady's scream is heard. The dumpster in that alley is where you normally search for food. What do you do?

 

A: That woman's in danger! Rush over and attempt to save her.

B: Go see what's happening, but be discreet. This may be more than you can handle.

C: Ignore it and search for another dumpster. You have to look out for yourself.

 

 

'A'

 

 

You selflessly run in the direction of the scream, thinking only of doing the right thing.

 

Ahead of you, a young woman in a pink dress is being assaulted by two thugs. One holds a knife, and the other appears to be unarmed. They heard your loud approach, and the thug with the knife is making a rude gesture in your direction.

 

"Who the fuck are you?!" He shouts as he walks to your end of the alley, raising his knife. His partner stays back, groping the lady, confident that his armed companion will take care of you on his own.

 

You are still running, coming towards the thug at a full sprint. What do you do?

 

A: Attack him. You've handled chumps larger than this before.

B: He has a knife; you could get hurt, but it's too late to back out now! Look around for a weapon to use.

C: This is just too dangerous! It won't be easy, but try to change direction and run away before you slam into your opponent.

 

 

'A'

 

 

You rush forward at breakneck speed; only a few steps separate you from your enemy.

 

He plunges the knife forward in an attempted stab. This was entirely predictable; you've fought a lot of would-be muggers on the streets, and knives aren't anything new.

 

A quick step to the side avoids the knife, and a rising knee, combined with your full momentum, smashes the man's nose. He falls to the ground, and you get the feeling that he won't be getting up any time soon.

 

You begin running toward the second man, who has noticed his fallen partner. He flings the woman away, causing her head to audibly smack against the nearby brick wall. She crumples to the ground.

 

You aren't very far away now, but the man wasn't unarmed. He quickly removes a revolver from his waistband, and begins raising it in your direction. What do you do?

 

D: Act, don't think. Maybe you can get him before he fires.

E: Stop. Put your hands up, and try to talk this out.

F: Dodge to the side, and take cover behind the dumpster. Then, plan a better strategy.

 

 

'F'

 

 

You dodge to the side, and not a moment too soon!

 

The gun fires, but the bullet that would have pierced your heart misses its mark, thanks to your evasive movements. Instead, the shot connects with your shoulder, inflicting a non-lethal wound.

 

But non-lethal wounds still hurt. The pain is terrible, but you manage to stay focused on the situation at hand, rather than on the hot lead lodged in your body.

 

The thug decides to leave before the police arrive. He turns a corner and sprints off; you doubt you can catch him in your current condition.

 

Coming out of cover, you look down at the lady's body. You aren't sure if she's unconscious or dead, but blood is pooling out from her head, and she doesn't seem to be breathing. In the distance, sirens are heard. What do you do?

 

G: Get the hell out of there. You're just some punk; they'll probably blame you for the murder!

H: You don't have very much time, but try taking off the lady's purse and bringing it with you. You still have to eat, after all.

I: Wait for the police. You follow the law, not run away from it.

 

 

'I'

 

 

You sit and wait, but the sirens seem to take a while. When they finally do pass, they don't stop for you; apparently they weren't out looking for the cause of a single gunshot. Perhaps there's some other crime happening nearby that demands their attention.

 

But as you've been waiting, you've been bleeding. The wound didn't seem so bad during your adrenaline rush, but now that it's worn off, you feel like you might be worse-off than you suspected. A good amount of blood has soaked in under your jacket, and your left arm is starting to go numb.

 

Although the police were otherwise occupied, another group of people DID hear the gunshot. Multiple figures in black clothing are creeping up to you quietly. When you look over at them, they rush forward. You want to fight back, but you've lost too much blood, and a swift blow to the head causes you to black out.

 

Time passes...

 

You wake to a terrible odor. You are in a dark room, lit only by a couple of flaming trashcans. There are no windows, and only a single steel door. You are in your underwear. The pain is gone, but your blood loss has taken its toll; movement is now incredibly difficult.

 

Three teenagers burst into the room, wearing heavy amounts of black and red clothing. "It's time." Says the leader, as they hurry to surround you. What do you do?

 

J: Freak out. Thrash about as much as possible and try to fight your way out of here.

K: You don't even know where you are. Stay calm and go with them; you doubt you could fight right now anyway.

L: Talk it out. Demand to know where you are, and demand to be set free.

 

 

 

'K'

 

 

You remain silent, constantly trying to focus your strength.

 

The teens drag you out of the door and into a larger room, this time lit by a huge variety of candles. The room has a ceiling like a dome, and liquid rushes in an artificial river through a long pit in the room's center.

 

You are in a section of the sewer system.

 

Just ahead of you, surrounded by candles, is an altar of concrete. It seems poorly made, and the top is stained with several splashes of an unknown fluid. Around it sit at least a dozen teenagers; there are far too many for you to fight on your own.

 

You are thrown onto the altar. Your hands and feet are bound, tying you in place, as the leading teen begins reciting some very strange, ritualistic chants. Looking above you, you notice that a bright red symbol, similar to an S, has been drawn on the ceiling.

 

The leading teenagers is holding a knife. He stands over you, and looks into your eyes.

 

"Any last words?" He says.

 

M: Beg and plead. Ask everyone in the crowd for assistance.

N: "I am nothing but skin and bones. Would you insult your god by offering someone as feeble as I in his name?"

O: "Fuck you!"

 

 

 

'O'

 

 

Your outrageous response earns a small expression of shock from the leader, as well as several excited giggles from the crowd.

 

The leader turns and shouts for them to be quiet, momentarily ignoring you. A minute passes before he gets everyone quiet again, and reestablishes the appropriate mood.

 

Suddenly, a stern voice echoes from the shadows.

 

"The only thing you're sacrificing today is your freedom!" It says, as two red blades slice the ropes binding your hands and feet.

 

A boy leaps out of nowhere, delivering a devastating kick to the leading cultist's face. It knocks him out cold. The boy seems to be dressed in a yellow and green uniform, and holds a long, metallic staff.

 

An entire crowd is charging toward your rescuer. What do you do?

 

P: Get on your feet and help him take down these crooks.

Q: Take a moment to rest. He seems like he can handle himself, though the odds aren't in his favor...

R: Run away. You don't know any of these people.

 

 

'P'

 

 

You rush to your rescuer's side, each of you adopting a reflecting combat stance to cover the room's right and left sections.

 

This guy clearly knows what he's doing. His fighting is inspirational; he leaps around the room like a whirlwind of fists and feet, leaving unconscious bodies in his wake. Invigorated by his example, you push past your injuries, and take down almost half of the room's occupants by yourself.

 

The fighting is over almost as quickly as it began. You two have clearly won.

 

Yet, you feel dizzy. A moment to examine your shoulder reveals a clear infection, and again you find the growing absence of your adrenaline to be unpleasant.

 

The unknown fighter rushes to you just as you collapse. He's yelling at you to stay with him, but you're quickly slipping in and out of consciousness.

 

You black out. Time passes...

 

You're getting tired of waking up in strange places, but this one seems a little more promising. You're in a very sterile-looking room. It reminds you of a hospital room, but it seems much more high-tech. Everything is made either of white fabric, brushed steel, or computer panels. A sign above you reads: "Medical Wing". Plastic tubes are attached to your arms.

 

You are laying in a soft bed, covered in a white sheet. What do you do?

 

S: Pull the tubes out, and stand up. You're getting out of here.

T: This seems legitimate, and you don't feel full of energy at any rate. Wait around for someone.

U: Try looking over a nearby computer panel.

 

 

'U'

 

 

You look to your left. A panel is stationed near your bed, but you don't know what it does. There doesn't seem to be a screen; only various arranged meters and buttons.

 

You pass your hands over a button, when you're interrupted by a flat, deadpan voice.

 

"Don't touch that."

 

The sudden voice startles you. Looking to your right, you see a young lady with a flat expression standing over your bed. You didn't hear her come in.

 

She is wearing a blue, flowing robe. Her eyes are a somewhat unnatural shade of violet. She speaks again, flatly:

 

"Someone else will be here soon. You don't seem to be dead."

 

V: "If I'm dead, you'd certainly be one of the angels."

W: "I'm fine. Thank you."

X: "I'm alright. Who are you? Where am I?"

 

 

'X'

 

 

"Raven. Titans Tower." She turns, as if to leave.

 

"Don't touch anything."

 

You aren't entirely sure what happens next. She seems to melt into a shadow, or vanish before your eyes.

 

Several minutes later, the door opens. Two people walk inside; on the left is your rescuer, wearing the same kind of outfit he had on during the earlier fight. On the right is a short, green teenagers, wearing a puzzled look.

 

"You sure this is the guy?" Says the green visitor. "He doesn't look like he can take down six guys by himself..."

 

Suddenly, before your very eyes, the person's shape changes. He shrinks and warps down into the form of a hummingbird, which proceeds to zip around and inspect you closely from various angles.

 

"Okay Beast Boy, that's enough." On the other visitor's command, the bird flips back into a human shape, and stands at your bedside.

 

"I'm Robin." Says the teenager in yellow and green. "You fought well back there, and I'm surprised at how quickly you've healed."

 

He takes a seat by your bed. "Who are you?"

 

Y: "Nobody, really. Just one of Jump's countless downtown homeless population."

Z: "Just a normal, respectable guy. I go to college nearby." (This is a lie)

A: "None of your business."

 

 

'Y'

 

 

"That seems honest enough, but if you're just a normal person, how were you able to fight like that?" Asks Robin, curiously. Something about the confident manner in which he speaks almost demands an answer; you can tell he's the leader here.

 

"Yeah, dude! Robin told me you were nearly as good as HE is, even with an injury!" Beast Boy eagerly chimes in beside of you.

 

Robin continues: "Not only that, but you look like you should have starved to death quite a long time ago. Your physical capabilities are extraordinary."

 

He pauses for a moment, as though think of the right words to use.

 

"I want you to stick around the Tower for a few days. Get in reasonable shape, then train with us one morning. I want to see what you can really do when you aren't two steps away from death." He stops, and looks over your frail body's silhouette under the sheet. You and he are both aware of how long it's been since you've been anywhere near 100%.

 

"What do you say? Will you stick around?"

 

B: Accept the offer. It's been a while since you've had a roof over your head.

C: Decline. This place is strange, and you'd be more comfortable out on the street.

D: You need rest, and time to think about this whole thing. Tell him you'll stay for tonight, and think it over.

 

 

'D'

 

 

"I understand." Says Robin. He and Beast Boy walk out of the room, seeming a bit taken aback.

 

You suppose it is odd that a homeless teenager wouldn't jump at the opportunity to live in the tower for free, but you don't want to make a poor decision because you didn't think it out first.

 

Although, admittedly, it does seem like a pretty sweet deal.

 

Later on that evening, you're feeling great. You seem entirely healthy, but you're still hungrier than you've ever been. You figured out how to watch television in the medical room, and that's been a pleasant distraction from your troubles. Just laying in such a nice bed is quite a relief on its own!

 

It's around 8:00 PM when you hear something approaching the door. It flies open, and an absolutely beautiful, beaming girl with bright-orange skin hovers into your room, carrying a wide tray of food.

 

"HELLO, mysterious injured person!" She seems quite happy to see you. "I am Starfire, and it is my hope that you will enjoy this food I have prepared!"

 

She gently places the tray on your lap, and puts her hands together happily. The dishes on your plate are all familiar to you, aside from two tiny, purple spheres which don't seem to be of earthly origin.

 

"Please, may I ask your name?" She is overwhelmingly polite.

 

E: "Pleased to meet you, Starfire. I've never really had a name, but I'm sure we'll think of something."

F: "What the hell are you?! Are these round things poisonous?!"

G: "No thank you, I'm really not hungry." (Lie to her. You don't feel comfortable accepting food for free; you could be seen as a freeloader)

 

 

'G'

 

 

Starfire is shocked by your response, but seems to understand why you lied. Perhaps she is more perceptive than she seems.

 

"But you are only skin and bones! Please, I insist that you eat at least some of my food!"

 

You look down at the steaming dishes. They DO look delicious.

 

"But now I have other duties to attend to before I go to sleep. Perhaps we will be able to talk at greater length in the future. It was nice to meet you!"

 

Starfire flies out of the room, leaving you alone with the food. You don't think you can resist eating it, now; you've been starving for far too long. To your great surprise, the odd, purple spheres are delicious; they're mildly sweet, with a bit of a nutty flavor. The rest of the food is just as good.

 

You're now very, very sleepy, and this bed is very, very comfortable. Robin will expect an answer tomorrow; are you going to stick around the tower for a while?

 

H: Yes; this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

I: No; your place isn't here.

 

 

'H'

 

 

You sleep. You do not dream; the night is immensely restful to you.

 

The next morning, you wake to a tray of empty dishes beside of you. The alien girl sure can cook; you'll give her that.

 

Sounds seem to be leaking in from behind the door. Seeing no reason to stay in the medical bay any longer, you walk outside, and into a hallway.

 

Just down the hallway, and through an open doorway, you hear the sounds of roaring laughter. Turning the corner, you see a large room, with a kitchen and table located on one end, and a huge series of windows located on the other. At one of the tables stands two figures:

 

The first is a large man, who seems to be wearing some sort of armor. Upon closer inspection, you see that much of his body is made is metallic replacements. He is laughing with earth-shaking volume, but somehow also managing to quickly devour a large plate of breakfast foods.

 

The second person is a thin lady with somewhat feline features. Her hair is pink, and she wears a largely black, form-fitting outfit that reminds you of a sorceress. She's telling some sort of sly series of jokes to the laughing man, about two people named "Control Freak" and "Mumbo". You can't hear the details.

 

The two quiet down a bit as you enter. You're wearing an entirely blank white t-shirt and matching white cotton pants; they are likely the standard medical wing attire.

 

The pink-haired lady walks towards you, and even by observing her most basic movements you can tell that she's intensely agile and trained. She speaks.

 

"The black hair's nice; it frames you face well enough, but you're going to have to ditch the hospital outfit."

 

J: "Excuse me? Are you... Evaluating my fashion?"

K: "Your hair's interesting, but a little over-the-top. Still, it's brightness creates a nice contrast with the black outfit, in any case."

L: "Hey, I didn't ask for your opinion, cat lady."

 

 

'K'

 

 

The lady grins slightly at your response. Perhaps it's her eyes, perhaps it's her slightly devious manner of speaking, or perhaps it's the way that her grin seems ever so slightly twisted, but if this person weren't in Titans Tower you'd swear she were some kind of villain.

 

"I think we'll get along fine." She turns to walk away. "I'm Jinx, by the way."

 

You are made abruptly aware of a large presence beside of you when a thick metal hand delivers a firm slap on your back.

 

"And who might you be?" The metallic man says with enthusiasm. "I'm Cyborg, resident robot. That's Jinx, and this..." He points towards the tables. "Is the kitchen. Most important room in the house! I know you're getting your strength back and all, but uh, try not to eat all the waffles. They're kind of a big deal around here. Anyway, make yourself at home!"

 

He walks over to a pair of double doors, and exits the room. You spot a plate of breakfast on the table, clearly intended for when you got up.

 

Again, you find yourself startled by the silent entrance of the girl in the blue robes. She brushes past you, out of nowhere, and doesn't give you the opportunity to speak.

 

"Don't want to talk. Just getting tea." She's gone as quickly as she arrived.

 

It's early morning, and you're alone in the main room of Titans Tower. Options, options!

 

You see a sign giving directions through the tower. What do you do?

 

M: Head down to the gym; maybe Robin's there.

N: Follow Jinx out to the main entrance; maybe you can go into town with her.

O: Head down to the garage and see what Cyborg's doing.

P: Head to Raven's room. See if she wants to talk.

Q: Go to the roof. You feel like Starfire would be outside on a nice day like this.

R: Beast Boy seems to still be asleep. You could wake him up, but that doesn't seem very smart.

 

 

'O'

 

 

You head down to the garage. It's a dimly lit place, but the personality of its owner seems immediately apparent; things are organized, but not overly so. It's the workshop of a happy, skillful worker.

 

Cyborg is laying under a blue car, performing some sort of modifications to its engine. He slides out and stands up as you approach.

 

"How's it goin'? Hey, check what I've got for you:"

 

He points over to a stool, upon which rests a pair of slim blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a pair of slightly worn tan bucks. You move behind some machines to try them on. It's a simple outfit, but it fits you well, and it doesn't look half bad.

 

"Don't worry about taking those." He says. "I found 'em in an old car I bought and they've been sitting down here forever. I can't wear 'em!" He laughs a bit.

 

His expression gets a little less humorous. "So, what's up? Just wanting to talk, or do you want to learn a thing or two about mechanics?"

 

S: You just want to hang out.

T: You came here to see if he could teach you anything.

U: On second though, thanks for the clothes, but you have something else to do right now.

 

 

'T'

 

 

You eventually leave a couple of hours later, coming up from the garage.

 

Cyborg was happy to hear that you wanted to learn, and although he was hard to keep up with, you think you've gained some serious mechanical know-how today. That might come in handy later on.

 

Robin is sitting at a computer in the main room. He looks incredibly intense and almost cinematic placed under those giant windows. He speaks without turning to look at you.

 

"I see you're awake. Good. I wanted to ask you some things." He stands and walks over to you. Even behind the mask, the intensity of his eyes is unmistakable.

 

"I have a pretty good idea of how you got your bullet wound, but I want to hear your side of the story. What happened that night before you were kidnapped?"

 

He seems very, very serious.

 

V: Tell the truth. You tried to help the lady, but there was nothing you could do.

W: Lie; don't connect yourself with the crime. Say you were mugged, and the mugger ran away.

X: Get angry. "What is this, some kind of interrogation?"

 

 

'V'

 

 

The intensity of his expression fades somewhat.

 

"Okay, good. I thought so." He backs away, and returns to his computer. "You'll stay in the eastern wing for tonight. Use the guest bedroom there. It's just beside of Beast Boy's room." He pauses. "I know you're not at your peak yet, but I'm sure you're much better than before. Eat and sleep a lot tonight. I want you up and training with us tomorrow morning."

 

You grab a large dinner in the kitchen, but it's empty at the moment, and head over to check out your new room.

 

You pass by Beast Boy's room on the way there. Is he still sleeping? It's getting into the evening hours, so that wouldn't make sense. As you approach, you swear you hear giggling from the other side, and the door slides open right as you walk past.

 

"OH! Hey, dude..." You get a strong feeling that you weren't supposed to see this. There is another person in his room; a wiry girl with long, yellow hair, wearing a slightly tomboyish outfit. Beast Boy speaks again.

 

"This is my friend, Terra..." The girl seems surprised to see you, and says "hey" without a smile. She looks like she's ordinarily be much more energetic.

 

"Let's just keep this between us, dude." Says Beast Boy. "My friend here... Well, it's really complicated, but she isn't ready to meet the rest of the team again right now, okay?"

 

Y: Tell him to relax. You'll pretend like you never saw anything.

Z: Get suspicious. Start asking questions. This person could be a security threat!

A: Just ignore him. You aren't interested in talk to the little green freak.

 

 

'Z'

 

 

You stay polite, but explain your side of things: You just got here; you can't start keeping secrets from the team right away. Besides, he's making it sound like something dangerous is going on.

 

Beast Boy responds. "No, dude, it's not like that. They know who she is, and she isn't dangerous! It's just that..." He struggles for the right words.

 

Behind him, Terra speaks up: "It's just that I have a poor history with the Titans, and I'd rather not say hello to them at the moment, okay?" She seems slightly irritated with you.

 

"Come on, dude. Please just let this go right now." Pleads Beast Boy.

 

They're definitely believable. What do you do?

 

B: Fair enough. You'll think nothing of it, and let Terra introduce herself to the rest of the team when she's ready.

C: No dice. No matter how harmless this seems, you're ratting them out immediately.

D: Wave them off. You don't care about this childish nonsense.

 

 

'B'

 

 

"Thanks dude. You're doing me a big favor here."

 

Beast Boy and Terra leave, and you enter your new room. There isn't much to do in here; it's a fairly basic setup. Television, closet, bed, and table. You decide to go to sleep.

 

The next morning, you feel amazing. This is better than you've felt in years! A knock is heard at your door, and you quickly get dressed to answer it.

 

It's Raven.

 

"Training." Despite the flatness, you sense some amount of irritation from her at the word. "Five minutes. Don't be late." She floats away, and turns the corner at the end of the hall.

 

You arrive in the yard with a minute to spare. You are standing over a large field; Robin is by a computer panel, controlling various training courses from a distance. Out in this field, the different Titans are already practicing against mechanical opponents; their combat skills are incredible.

 

"You ready?" Robin hands you a gym uniform and a pair of sneakers. It's nothing flashy, but it fits well. "This isn't complicated. You'll stand in the field, and robots will attack you. Take them out, and power through to the finish line."

 

You nod your head accordingly. It seems simple enough.

 

E: Tell him you're ready, and thank him for the clothes.

F: "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this over with."

G: Only robots? You can handle more than that. (This is a lie. You've never fought a robot, and you have no idea how much you can handle)

 

 

'E'

 

 

It's time. You're positioned in the field; every other Titan is looking down at your from Robin's overlooking perch.

 

Their expressions are mixed. Jinx is smirking a bit, but only just a bit. Beast Boy and Raven seem curious, although Beast Boy more obviously so. Starfire and Cyborg are cheering, but Robin's expression is one of indifference and observation.

 

"GO!" Calls Robin, as several robots burst out of the ground. They're about twice your size, but slow moving. Their hands are only hard plastic chunks, but you can tell they'll hurt if you let yourself be struck by one of them.

 

The first robot charges at you. Before you react, you take the time to appreciate how healthy you now feel; you haven't felt this great in years, perhaps in your entire life! The robot's clumsy swing is easily dodged, leaving you in a position to counterattack.

 

H: Deliver an effective and precise blow to the neck, damaging its wiring and disabling it.

I: You feel stronger than ever before; deliver hammering blows to the robot's cheat in order to disable it.

J: Show them you're a brutal warrior. Jump to the robot's shoulders, and twist its head off of its body.

 

 

'H'

 

 

The robotic foe goes down immediately.

 

Two more machines are advancing on you, readying their bulky hands for strikes. You get behind them, and promptly disable them with similar, professional, clean strikes.

 

Behind those two, the finish line is drawn. You sprint and leap, crossing it with minimal effort and a great amount of speed.

 

Above you, the Titans are clearly impressed. Even Raven might, just barely, be giving the slightest of surprised smiles. Robin's face, however, remains flat. He gets on the microphone.

 

"Good work. You've exceeded my expectations; there's no need for further testing." You leave the field, and change clothes in a nearby locker room. As you exit to the hallway outside, Jinx waits to speak with you.

 

"Hey, good work out there. You might just become one of us." She leans against a nearby wall. As always, you can't quite tell if she's being serious, or if she's implying some amount of sarcasm in her statements. "But don't get too full of yourself. Martial arts training's tomorrow morning, and Robin's gonna kick your ass. I just wanted to warn you." She slips into an elevator nearby. "Because when he's done, I'm gonna kick it twice as hard."

 

The doors of the elevator close, and Jinx is gone.

 

It's the middle of the day. What do you do?

 

K: Go find Robin. Ask him about your performance during training today.

L: Go see Beast Boy. He's probably playing some kind of video game.

M: Head to the kitchen. You think you smell Starfire's cooking.

N: Raven's probably in her room. Go ask what she thinks of your strange abilities.

 

 

'K'

 

 

You find Robin in his room, poring over several thick documents. The door is open, and he speaks before you can ask your obvious question.

 

"You did well in practice today. Too well." He turns to face you. You get the feeling he enjoys being a bit dramatically theatrical. "You aren't human. Human's without my level of training can't react that quickly; they can't strike that precisely."

 

You find yourself surprised. Apparently the clumsy strikes of the robotic opponents were actually quite quick.

 

"I want to see you at your best. I want you to put some muscle on. I want to train you. And then, if you make it that far, I want to make you an honorary Titan. Not a primary member of the team, but as a Jump City Honorary you'd get to live in the tower and go on missions with us from time to time. How does that sound to you?"

 

O: Tell him that sounds great; it's the best opportunity you've ever had.

P: They obviously want you on the team. You're the best there is, after all.

Q: Just an honorary member? You're getting ripped off here.

 

 

'O'

 

 

You leave Robin's room, although you feel it's more of an office.

 

That didn't take very long. It's the afternoon, and you have all the time in the world.

 

You stop to look at the tower directory in front of you. What are you going to do?

 

R: Visit Raven's room. You haven't spoken with her very much, and you want to know what she thinks about your abilities.

S: Go see Starfire on the roof. You're sure she'll be happy to say hello.

T: Go to Beast Boy's room. Hanging out with him sounds cool.

 

 

'R'

 

 

Raven's door is thick, and seemingly designed to block sound from entering.

 

It is somewhat shadowy, and entirely uninviting. Still, you're here for a reason. You raise your hand, and deliver three swift knocks to the door.

 

Nothing. It's quiet for a minute, maybe a bit more, but it eventually slides open, if only for an inch or two. The sliver of light being let inside reveals part of Raven's face, which is now staring at you somewhat expectantly, but still entirely flatly.

 

"What?"

 

You ask her what she thinks of your abilities. It takes her a moment to answer.

 

"You're a magical being. I felt your aura in the city before you even came here." She opens the door a bit wider. "I don't know the details. I've been meaning to run tests."

 

Finally, someone who might have answers for you!

 

U: Why not? You're curious. Let's do these tests right away.

V: Let the crazy grey lady cast spells on you? No way.

W: Another time. You just wanted to know what she thought of you on the field today.

 

 

'V'

 

 

You have no idea what any of that meant, and you don't know who she is. You try to answer politely, but can't quite find the words. She seems to understand your hesitation.

 

"I'm creepy. I know. But I've been on this team as long as anyone. I'm not going to kill you." She seems very slightly irritated with you. "Are we doing this, or...?"

 

You think it over. She's your best chance of getting some answers, and everyone else seems to trust her.

 

Besides, as soon as Robin is told that you're a magical being, he'll probably order her to test you for the specifics, anyway. She seems to be a bit of a magical expert, here.

 

What do you do?

 

X: Let her test you. It's the best option.

Y: Forget it. Everyone else may trust this lady, but you don't have a good reason to.

Z: Not now, not ever. You refuse to get involved with anything magical.

 

 

'X'

 

 

You begin to reconsider your decision as you walk into Raven's room. It's dark, and every decoration seems to give off a dangerous, off-putting feeling.

 

Raven instructs you to lay on the floor, and to spread your arms and legs. She floats around you, pouring a mixture of what seems to be salt and spices into the shape of a five-pointed star; a single point rests, roughly, at your head, each of your feet, and each of your hands. A circle is then poured around those points, and several candles are suddenly, inexplicably lit up.

 

What follows is simultaneously terrible and beautiful, as your consciousness is elevated through each of the magical planes, and you are allowed to see entire universes of the basic elements of sorcery and perception.

 

You zip in and out of wavering, flowery fields, with each petal bearing upon it the names of every man to ever have been born. You zoom into vast expanses of void, within which terrible creature almost think of looking back at you, and you know, now, that if they did, you would never be sane again. You are lifted into cosmic views of pure energy, and pure heat; pure cold, and pure love. These are the basic building blocks of life, and while you can't understand them, entire universes of them are invading your mind at once.

 

Then, it's over. What seemed mere moments for you has taken several hours, and it's gotten late. Raven is sitting on the floor, surrounded by floating books. She turns her head to you.

 

"Do you really not know?" She seems confused, and somewhat angry. "Is this some kind of joke? Some kind of test?"

 

You don't understand.

 

A: Tell her to slow down. You don't know what she's talking about.

B: Get out of here. She's scary.

C: Get angry. "Don't yell at me! You're the one who just put me through some crazy as hell acid trip sequence!"

 

 

'A'

 

 

She still seems just as angry.

 

"I ran you through the magical planes to discover which entity you're comparable to, and there's only one possibility! You really don't know?"

 

You're starting to get irritated. You tell her to come out with it already.

 

"You're the son of an endless. You're the son of Death."

 

D: Ask her to elaborate. You don't even know what that means.

E: Ask why she's so angry. Does that mean you're a danger to the team?

F: Ask about your abilities. What others might you develop?

 

 

'E'

 

 

She's calming down.

 

"No. You mean to tell me, that through your whole life, you've been the spawn of one of the most inconceivably powerful beings in existence and you didn't even know it!?"

 

Your confusion answers it for her. "Visits from beings like you are rarely good things. Usually it means a god playing games with mortals." She pauses to pic up some of her books. "The mortals lose."

 

You wait for her to continue.

 

"I don't know what's wrong with you. You're probably repressing immense magical abilities that you aren't even aware of." She looks you over. "You're also immortal."

 

You aren't sure what to say. You never expected this kind of news.

 

"Just try to develop your abilities. You'll certainly have some magical ones to discover. Come to Jinx and I periodically. We're sorceresses. We can help you."

 

The door to her room slides open. "Leave. I have a lot to think about."

 

G: Get to bed. You've had a long day, and you want to be rested for hand-to-hand training tomorrow.

H: Stay up some more. You have a lot to think about, also.

I: Have a late snack, and see who's hanging out around the kitchen.

 

 

'G'

 

 

 Quoted By: >>53443862 >>53443889 >>53447261

Your eyes open to a room flooded by sunlight. Again, you did not dream; your sleep was deep, black, and entirely restful. Once more you find yourself feeling more capable than you have ever been. Rising out of bed, it's almost as if you're walking on air.

 

That's when you remember what Jinx told you earlier: Hand-to-hand training is this morning.

 

You rise from your bed, and once more don the gym uniform and sneakers given to you for practice yesterday. You suspect that today's practice may be much, much harsher.

 

There is a knock on your door. It slides open by only a few inches to reveal half of Raven's flat, observant face. "Gym." She says.

 

She closes the door, and in a few moments, you step out of your room, feeling rested and ready to take on the world!

 

It's a brand new day! What do you do?

 

A: You don't want to be late; head straight for the gym.

B: The gym can wait. You're hungry.

C: Head to the gym, but with a more aggressive attitude. You're ready to kick some ass!

 

 

'C'

 

 

You walk quickly and aggressively to your destination, getting hyped for the upcoming fights. You distantly wonder which of the Titans you'll have to go up against first.

 

As you step into the gym, you find the other Titans mildly working out as they wait for you. Beast Boy is lifting weights, Starfire is throwing starbolts at targets, and the rest of the Titans seem to be punching and kicking various pieces of equipment.

 

Raven's training seems especially intense. She's out of uniform, wearing a form-fitting, stereotypical martial arts outfit that you feel certain Robin insisted she put on for training today. She's kicking a heavy bag with surprising force, so much so that each kick produces a loud, muffled bang from across the room. Yet, when you see glimpses of her face, despite the sweat, and despite her heavy breath, she seems totally emotionless.

 

"You'll be fighting me first." Says Robin, dressed in a martial arts uniform very similar to Raven's. "I hope you're ready. We're starting now."

 

Robin has moved to stand in front of you, and you notice that the other Titans have stopped to watch.

 

What do you do?

 

D: Attack him first, and attack him hard!

E: Wait, don't rush in blindly. Let him make the first move.

F: Try to grapple with him. Grab him by the shoulders, and throw him to the ground.

 

 

'E'

 

 

You wait, not wanting to make any mistakes.

 

The rest of the Titans seem pleasantly amused by your decision. You feel confident that all of them have tried to boldly attack Robin at one point or another in the past, and you equally confident that it didn't work out very well.

 

Robin sees your hesitance, and decides to strike first. His hand moves forward with shocking speed, but at the last moment, you dodge to the side of it. If not for your calm, focused approach to things, he'd surely have knocked you out.

 

This isn't immensely helpful, however. You barely had time to dodge to the left of his fist, but he's more clever than some other people you've fought recently; he bends his arm, and keeps the momentum from his previous punch, causing his elbow to slam into the side of your head.

 

You go down.

 

"That's enough for now." Says Robin, standing over you. "You'll fight me again later, when you're ready." You hear another person approaching, and get back on your feet. "Jinx is next."

 

Robin steps aside. Jinx is standing a few feet away, with a very serious expression on her face. There's no hint of sarcasm or slyness there right now.

 

G: Wish Jinx good luck. You have to be a good sport about all this.

H: Wish Jinx good luck, but sarcastically, in an ironic tone of voice.

I: Don't say anything. It's time to fight, not to talk.

 

 

'I'

 

 

You stay quiet. She's taking this seriously, and so are you.

 

There's no time to think. Jinx attacks you with unexpected force, for a girl as thin as she. Her fists and knees are hammering towards you constantly, and it's all you can do to deflect them, or at least only let the less powerful ones connect.

 

She isn't as fast or as strong as Robin, but she's still a dangerous opponent.

 

While she attacks you, her cat-like eyes stay locked directly onto your own, and you get a strong, unpleasant feeling in your stomach. You are almost positive that this is the feeling mice get just before they are eaten by a feline predator.

 

You aren't getting anywhere with this. You're only defending, and she's managing to wear you down a little.

 

J: Focus! Return her attacks; you can't win by defending!

K: Wait. Let her tire herself out, then attack. You can probably stay in it for that long.

L: All-or-nothing: Launch a powerful, full-force punch at her face, and hope it catches her by surprise. You're sure to take heavy damage if you do this.

 

 

'J'

 

 

You respond to her aggression with equal intensity.

 

However, as you try throwing punches of your own, you are reminded of what you noticed earlier: Jinx is impossibly agile. Your attacks hit nothing but wind.

 

Her attacks, however, have no problem hitting you. Again you find yourself forced into a more defensive role after a few moments, only this time, you're significantly damaged, on top of being tired.

 

Luckily, you chose to get a great amount of sleep last night, and you feel as though you're built like tank this morning. Despite your poor decision to throw standard attacks at the most agile member of the team, you don't feel like you're ready to go down just yet, and you believe that your well-rested state is to thank for that.

 

Jinx is clearly getting tired, but then, you aren't doing so well yourself. The two of you are sweating as you continue your exchange, and you can tell that someone is going to have to end this soon.

 

M: Wait her out; don't do anything crazy. You might be able to last longer than she can.

N: Do something completely unexpected; throw an unorthodox, sweeping kick at her legs.

O: She looks a little weary now; time to finish it! Put everything you've got into a single, devastating punch to the face!

 

 

'N'

 

 

You try a different approach.

 

For a moment, you seem to be overwhelmed by her assault. However, as soon as she seems ready to bring down a few finishing blows, you throw out your leg in a quick, sweeping motion.

 

It connects resoundingly. Jinx falls flat on the floor.

 

The other Titans are stunned for a moment, clearly expecting a different outcome to this fight. Then, after a second of hesitation, cheers erupt from every direction. Even Robin is smiling.

 

"Dude, that was AWESOME!" Beast Boy is standing next to you, playfully reenacting your moves while morphed into some form of monkey. He seems utterly impressed. Above him, Starfire is flying in circles with a gigantic smile, clearly delighted to see such a marvelous display of athleticism.

 

"You really got me." Jinx is still on the ground, but is looking up at you with her usual half-smile. "Nice work."

 

P: Be a good sport. Tell her that she fought well, and offer your hand to help her to her feet.

Q: Tell her she was easy to beat. Walk away, leaving her on the floor.

R: Stay indifferent. Ask Robin who the next challenger is.

 

 

'P'

 

 

You commend Jinx's fighting, and offer your hand to help her up.

 

"Thanks." She says, rising to her feet. As soon as she gets up, however, you feel your foot unexpectedly slip out from underneath you, and you collapse to the ground. "But next time things will be different."

 

You look over at your foot, and just barely notice a spark of pink energy next to it. You have a feeling you didn't slip naturally.

 

"That's it for today." Says Robin, approaching you. "I'm impressed, but it might just be beginner's luck. Don't think Jinx will go down so easily next time, either; is she's anything, she's competitive."

 

Robin walks away. In the distance, you hear a booming voice echo something about hitting showers. Training is over.

 

You get changed. It's a bright and beautiful day! What do you do?

 

S: Go see Robin. You're enjoying staying here, but you'd like to be a little more helpful. Ask him how you can assist.

T: Go see Cyborg in the garage. Maybe you can help him out with some repairs there.

U: Go see Raven. Ask her if she has any more information about you.

 

 

'S'

 

 

Robin waits in his office.

 

You walk in, and begin explaining the situation. You're grateful for all he's done, and you can't wait to join the team, but you want to be a little more helpful around here.

 

"Okay." Robin stands, and hands you a file from a nearby cabinet. "These are sensitive documents. I need them delivered somewhere discreetly."

 

This is perfect. A chance to prove yourself.

 

"But you won't be doing this for free. Titans go on missions, and you aren't a titan. Not yet." Robin crosses his arms, as if thinking about what to say next. "I need you to go to Gotham City. Find a magic shop next to the eastern subway station, and deliver the file to the owner of that shop. You do that, and I'll arrange payment for you. Fifty thousand dollars. And don't try to protest; if I'm not paying you, it's a mission, and only Titans go on missions."

 

This can be a chance to earn serious cash, on top of proving yourself to your soon-to-be leader.

 

V: Accept the assignment.

W: Decline it, for the moment.

X: Ask if he has any other work available.

 

 

'V'

 

 

You are now in Gotham City.

 

The train to get here was cramped, and the closer you get to this place, the gloomier it seems. Gotham reminds you of the worst parts of Jump, only here, those parts seem like they would be perfectly normal.

 

You walk along the sidewalk, progressing to the assigned subway station. You're wearing a long trench coat, which isn't doing much to protect you from the pouring rain. It's late in the evening, and the weather is downright depressing outside. The file is safe and sound, in a secure case strapped close to your back.

 

As you reach the steps that lead down to your destination, three men step out in front of you. The station seems empty, save for the four of you.

 

"You lost, spud?" A bald man in strange, red glasses is addressing you. He has various piercings. "Figure you pay the fee." He produces a knife from his belt. Why do thugs always come after you with knives?

 

Y: They're surrounding you. Try to talk this out.

Z: You're healthy, and these guys are just punk muggers. Take them down, and do it fast.

A: You hate thugs. Take these guys down, but be brutal about it. A few broken bones never killed anyone.

 

 

'Z'

 

 

This seems easy enough.

 

You take them down, one at a time. You're reversing the effects of your lifelong undernourishment, and putting down these thugs was easier than you thought it would be.

 

They lay on the ground, either pained or unconscious. You step over them, and walk into the station. To your left, half eclipsed in shadow, sits the shop in question. There is no sign, but the burnt-out candles and strange paintings in the windows confirm that this is your destination.

 

You step into the open doorway. It's dark in here. Terribly dark. Still, just ahead, you can see a man standing behind the front desk, although you can't see his face.

 

"Have you brought the documents?" He asks. His voice is powerful. Demanding.

 

B: You have them. Hand them over.

C: Wait. Ask him if he's the owner.

D: Ask him what's going on here. You demand details about what you're delivering.

 

 

'D'

 

 

"Details?" The shadowed man asks. "Your job isn't to ask for details. Do you have the documents, or not?"

 

He isn't budging, and though shadowed, you can tell he's growing tired of you.

 

There is a strange smell in the air. You don't quite know what it is, and it might just be your imagination, but it seems faintly unpleasant.

 

Will you hand over the documents?

 

E: Yes, hand them over. This man clearly knows why you're here.

F: No, absolutely not. This is too sketchy for you. You're getting the details, or you're getting out of here.

 

 

'F'

 

 

"You're here to do a job, not ask questions." Says the voice. It ha a certain dominating characteristic. "But very well. You're an important and potentially dangerous figure, and enclosed in that file is everything Robin knows about you thus far. Don't think he doesn't trust you; he just likes to keep his information straight."

 

Fair enough. You are the son of Death, after all.

 

You know what's in the file, but you still don't know who you're talking to. You get the feeling that Robin wanted the documents delivered without very much prying.

 

What do you do?

 

G: You've heard enough. Hand over the documents.

H: Hand over the documents, but make a mental note to talk to Robin about this later.

I: Not good enough. Demand to know the identity of your contact.

 

 

'H'

 

 

You toss over the container, within which rests the appropriate files. As you do, you decide to talk to Robin about this as soon as you get back.

 

The man gracefully catches the object, and sternly thanks you. Your job here is complete.

 

He turns, and walks away into the darkness of the back of the shop. As he turns, however, a sliver of light passes over his face, and you are barely able to make out some of his features: His hair seems to be solid white, and if you aren't mistaken, there's a black patch resting over one of his eyes.

 

Either way, this isn't your business anymore. That smell you noticed earlier is only getting stronger. You leave, and head back to your returning train.

 

Time passes. You're over halfway back to Jump City when your communicator rings. Well, it technically isn't yours; it's just an old, temporary one Robin provided so that he could contact you if he had to.

 

You open the device. "Where are you!?" Yells Robin. "Why didn't you meet the contact!?"

 

J: You don't understand. Tell him that you met the contact, in the shop, and that everything went perfectly.

K: Get angry with him. You met the contact, and he has no right to yell at you like that!

 

 

'J'

 

 

You recite the details of the exchange to Robin on your way back. He's stern, but he says that you did a good job. You were right to be suspicious, but when things seemed to check out, you were also right to give in and get the job done.

 

"Still," Says Robin. "Someone knows about you now. I don't know who, and I don't know how, but I have a feeling this is going to get bad."

 

The call ends, and you sit back in your seat. White hair and an eyepatch? You've never heard of anyone like that.

 

You arrive back at Jump City. It's morning, and the sun is just beginning to peek in over the horizon. As you step through the doors of the tower, and head into the main room, you notice a festive breakfast.

 

Beast Boy is hanging upside down in the form of a monkey, throwing waffles into Cyborg's mouth, while Starfire hovers above, clapping in amusement.

 

What do you do?

 

L: Join them for breakfast.

M: Go see Raven. She might have more to say about you.

N: Robin's office door is open. You two need to talk.

O: Go see Jinx. Maybe she can also provide some magical council.

 

 

'L'

 

 

You stroll over to the breakfast table.

 

"Hello newest member!" Greets Starfire. "You must join us for the throwing of food! It is most enjoyable!" She says this as she swoops down, and manages to gracefully catch a waffle in her mouth.

 

"Open up!" Says Cyborg, as his metal hand throws a thick waffle towards your face.

 

P: Jump, and playfully catch the waffle in your mouth. This is fun!

Q: Let the item soar past you. You're too good for these kinds of childish games.

R: Politely decline. You'll join them or breakfast, but that kind of fun isn't really your thing.

 

 

'P'

 

 

You catch it perfectly, causing Starfire to laugh and clap.

 

Soon after, when you finish your meal and leave the room, your can faintly hear Beast Boy's voice echo down the hall: "You know? That guy's alright."

 

It seems the team has taken a liking to you. Moments like that only solidify what you've been thinking lately: In your most minute interactions wit the rest of the Titans, you're all starting to become friends. It's a heartwarming feeling, and not one you're very used to.

 

Now it's a bright morning, and the sun is high in the sky. You're well fed and ready to take on the day! What do you do?

 

S: Go see Raven. She might be able to tell you more.

T: Go see Jinx. Her opinion could be valuable as well.

U: Go to Robin's office. You need payment almost as much as you need answers.

 

 

'S'

 

 

You head to Raven's room once more.

 

The door opens before you can knock. A voice from within tells you to enter, and you do so right away.

 

It's dark; darker than usual, even. You see Raven hovering over her bed in a meditative position. Her legs are crossed, and her eyes are closed. Around you, in the corners of your eyes, you can almost make out tendrils of shadow, smoothly reaching out and blanketing the walls. You wonder if that always happens when Raven meditates in here.

 

"What is it?" Raven asks without opening her eyes.

 

V: You want to know more about yourself. How could you be the son of Death? How does that work?

W: You want to work on expanding your magical abilities.

X: You wanted to ask what she thinks about Robin keeping a file on you.

 

 

'W'

 

 

Raven opens her eyes, and lowers herself to a normal, standing position. The room is still dark, but notably less dark than before.

 

"I can't guarantee anything." She says, pulling her hood up over her face. "All I can guarantee is your potential. You could be powerful." Behind her shadowy hood, two eyes begin to shine a bright white. "If you're willing to work."

 

She places her hands on your chest, and you're drawn to her burning, bright gaze. Her eyes are the only things you can see, now; two giant, illuminated beacons, that seem to now be frighteningly large.

 

"In mortals, the soul is stuck within the body." Her hands push harder against your chest, but you hardly notice; her glowing eyes are all you can think about. "But in abstract beings; in the magical, the strange; the soul can dominate the body, and the being may become formless."

 

You feel an interesting sensation. You are getting lighter, and losing your sense of self. You now feel that you can move without walking, and speak without talking.

 

"You are an abstraction. A being with great potential, still unrealized." Her eyes return to normal. Everything is suddenly as it always is, and you two are simply standing alone in her room. "It's time to realize it." She removes her hands from your chest.

 

Y: Ask her what happened. You don't feel any different.

Z: That was horrifying! Tell her to warn you next time!

A: Stay silent. Wait for her to explain herself.

 

 

'A'

 

 

You wait patiently, feeling a combination of sickness and exhaustion at the events that just occurred. Raven is refreshed to have a moment to get her thoughts together, and proceeds to explain herself with a single, simple question.

 

"Where are we?" She asks.

 

That's when you notice: You're on the opposite side of the room. Not the side by the door, where you first started this whole thing, but next to her bed, several feet away. You seem to have teleported.

 

"Try to replicate what you felt moments ago. You can become a soul. An intangible figure." she walks back to her bed, assuming her meditative pose once more. "Just practice it. For now, leave me alone. I have to meditate."

 

You have discovered a new ability! For brief periods of time, you can become an intangible, invisible soul. This may allow you to disappear if you're in danger, or teleport over short distances! Bear in mind, however, that is ability will wear you out. You aren't very good at it yet, and using your magical techniques takes a lot out of you.

 

B: That should prove useful. It's time to see Robin about my payment.

C: Return to the main room. Let's see what the other Titans are doing.

 

 

'C'

 

 

You return to the main room, still a bit weary from your magical self-exploration.

 

Things are looking up! You lost some information to a mysterious man, but hey, we all make mistakes! Plus, with your newfound powers, and the help of the Titans, what villain couldn't you defeat?

 

Suddenly, the whole tower seems to explode. Red lights are going off, and a loud alarm is blaring from all directions. In only a moment's time, five Titans are gathered in the main room alongside you. Yet, you can't help but notice that Jinx is not here.

 

"That proves it." Says Robin, as he shuts down the alarm system. "Jinx is missing. I got some strange interference on her communicator, and I'm unsure of her location." The rest of the Titans wait attentively, listening to Robin's speech. "We're fanning out and searching for her. And you..." Robin looks in your direction. "You're coming too. There are a lot of criminals eager to get even with Jinx for betraying them, and I want her found as soon as possible."

 

Raven carries you out of the tower in a bubble of black energy, as you prepare to search the city.

 

ELSEWHERE...

 

You are now Jinx.

 

You are in a dark room. Blood is on your face. You do not know where you are, or how you got here.

 

Ahead of you, several red lights are seen. Your head hurts, but you try to focus. Pulling yourself together, you realize that you are strapped flat against a steel wall. Your hands and feet are shackled. Your neck is inside of a steel collar, which is also attached to the wall. You cannot move an inch, and the collar is too tight to allow you to speak.

 

Your powers are not responding to you, and the red lights seem to draw near. You hear the sound of metal being sharpened.

 

D: Cry. You are helpless, and alone.

 

 

'D'

 

 

You are now the main character again.

 

You, along with the rest of the Titans, have been searching for Jinx for the past several hours. You haven't been successful, but Raven can sense that she is somewhere in the city.

 

The primary suspects are the remaining HIVE members, who would certainly have a reason to hate Jinx. You've been going through their previous hideouts, but they've all come up empty so far. Robin and the other Titans are searching different areas of the city.

 

There is, however, one possibility left. You almost didn't think of it; the sewer system! That's where your kidnappers took you, correct?

 

Raven likes the idea, and as soon as she lands in the underground tunnels, she can feel Jinx nearby. You make your way down them with her quickly, until you come upon a long, black hallway, which is much cleaner than the surrounding area.

 

You reach the end of the hallway, and it splits into two different, parallel corridors. Do you take the right, or the left passage? Raven can feel Jinx 's presence is still further down.

 

E: Right hallway

F: Left hallway

G: You split up; Raven takes the right

H: You split up; Raven takes the left

 

 

'G'

 

 

ELSEWHERE

 

Jinx wants to scream, but the collar won't let her. It's all she can do to breathe with such a tight constriction on her neck.

 

Brother Blood is standing in front of her. The red lights were his cybernetic enhancements, glowing in the darkness. He tells her that he has big plans for her. She wants to tell him to go to hell, but speech is impossible.

 

From Blood's belt, a knife is produced.

 

BACK TO YOU...

 

You are running at full speed down the left passageway. It's black; you can't hear anything at all, save for your own footsteps.

 

You reach another choice. There are two hallways that look exactly the same, only this time, there is a sign above them, which reads "JINX IS HERE", and has a bold arrow, facing to the left, painted underneath it. Can you trust a sign like that? Is it some kind of trick? A double-bluff, perhaps?

 

I: Go left, like the sign says

J: Go right. Ignore the sign.

 

 

'I'

 

 

ELSEWHERE...

 

Jinx's stomach is exposed, and she is shaking violently. Brother Blood has cut a series of deep markings into her belly, and blood is running liberally down her legs. The pain is heavy and sharp, constantly growing as he cuts her.

 

In the distance, several other people approach. "We got the invitation." Says a large, simple voice. "Ready to get this started?"

 

"Ah, Mammoth." Answers Blood. "So glad you could join us! You as well, Gizmo. Ah, and Kyd Wykkyd? So good to see you!"

 

Her former teammates approach her. Jinx struggles, but cannot save herself. Let's hope you get there in time.

 

BACK TO YOU...

 

Once more, you go left. Perhaps the sign lied, or perhaps the trick was more of a double-bluff, but you're stuck with your decision.

 

In the distance, you hear something faint, but unmistakable; Raven just screamed. Still, you can't go all the way back now, you have to press on. She can handle herself, right?

 

This hallway is longer than ever, but you're starting to see figures in the distance. They are incredibly far away; like dots to you; but you can tell there are several of them. Luckily, the synthetic black material of this flooring makes your footsteps almost totally inaudible.

 

K: Keep sprinting to them. Take them by surprise.

L: Yell out to them. They'll know you're coming, but it'll distract their attention from whatever else they might be planning.

 

 

'K'

 

 

JUST DOWN THE LONG HALL...

 

Blood is finished. Jinx's stomach is a mess of runes and cuts, forming some kind of terrible summoning circle.

 

"Now, Mammoth, would you do the honors?" Says Blood, as Mammoth positions himself in front of Jinx's helpless form.

 

"'Course. This is how I handle betrayal!" Mammoth raises his mighty fist into the air, just in front of Jinx's face. It's hopeless; a direct punch from him, with her head against this wall, will absolutely kill her.

 

Jinx looks at him with a mixture of seething anger and slight desperation. Mammoth's stone fist rises, pulls back, and launches forward with inhuman force... Directly into Brother Blood's Face. Blood is out cold.

 

Gizmo appears by Jinx's head, and breaks the collar surrounding her neck. He then proceeds to sever the rest of her binds, as she stares back at her old family.

 

"Don't think we like you or anything!" Says Gizmo, already flying off down the hallway to leave. Mammoth continues for him, "But family's family. Wasn't gonna let you get killed by that crazy robot freak."

 

Jinx is leaning against the wall, standing over Brother Blood. Her eyes are wide, and a tear is hanging on her face.

 

You pass the former HIVE members as you approach Jinx, who give you a puzzled look when you go by. As you reach her side, you notice her single tear, and you have the feeling that it isn't from any physical pain.

 

"Let's just get out of here." She says, and the two of you begin the long walk out of this place.

 

(TO BE MOMENTARILY CONTINUED)

 

 

Raven was gone; she seemed to have vanished.

 

You met up with the other Titans at the labyrinth's entrance, who were already on their way when you and Raven first arrived. They hadn't seen her, and begrudgingly, you went back to the tower to plan your next move with the rest of the team.

 

That's where you are now. Jinx is sitting on the couch next to you; her midriff is wrapped in bandages, and she occasionally winces from pain.

 

Nobody knows where Raven is, and nobody knows where to look. The rest of the Titans searched the city for quite some time, but found nothing. Now it's getting late, and things are feeling grim around the tower.

 

That is, until a certain object is heard impacting with the roof.

 

The titans rush to the top, only to find a wooden box, which had been seemingly dropped from a passing aircraft. It's an old crate, nearly falling apart.

 

Robin approaches it carefully, using a tool on his belt to pry off the lid. Within it, there is only a single item: a mask, divided into two halves, and immediately recognizable by the team.

 

Robin looks at the mask, and utters a single word: "Slade."

 

M: Ask Robin what to do next. Ask for instructions.

N: Stay quiet. Let him think.

O: This symbolic nonsense is getting old.You're going out into the city to search for her yourself!

 

 

'N'

 

 

You wait, and Robin speaks.

 

"We're hitting all of Slade's old hideouts. Let's move." His voice is flat, but you can tell he's worried. You've heard of Slade in the past; apparently, he's incredibly dangerous.

 

You all set off. Starfire carries you as you all fly from place to place, and the rest of the Titans take their own method of transportation, with Jinx seated in Cyborg's car.

 

Several hideouts are hit. Several hideouts are empty, and nobody knows where Raven can be.

 

Eventually, only one hideout remains. It's an old factory, filled with giant machines, which turn heavy gears. Red light is cast everywhere, and you are certain that this is the gloomiest place you have ever seen.

 

Walking in a tight group, the six of you are ambushed by Slade's robotic minions; this is definitely the place.

 

Has he upgraded his forces? These guys are tougher than usual. To your left, Jinx is taking hits from multiple opponents; to your right, Starfire is getting similarly beaten.

 

P: Rescue Jinx

Q: Rescue Starfire

R: Forget about them; attack the closest minions to you.

 

 

'P'

 

 

Jinx is in trouble; Starfire can probably handle herself right now.

 

You can't get over there quickly enough, though. A minion is raising a gun to her face, and her injuries are inhibiting her usual agility!

 

Quickly, you use the ability you learned from Raven, and instinctively enter soul form. You move as a bodyless entity, teleporting yourself behind the minion in question, and punching it aside. Another skillful strike sends the other minion, quickly approaching you two, to the ground. You've saved Jinx.

 

Starfire is fine, but clearly beaten up. She's taken several good hits, and she might not be as useful now as she could have been in future fights.

 

Still, we took the enemies down. Robin is leading the team deeper into the gigantic factory of gears, but you and Jinx have noticed an alternate path to your left; a ladder, leading straight down.

 

S: Stay with Robin; Don't split up the group.

T: This seems interesting, and it wasn't very easy to notice. You two go down the ladder; Robin can handle things up top.

 

 

'T'

 

 

You decide to split off from the group. You let Robin know you're taking the different path, as he bravely presses ahead. Perhaps this way you'll be able to take the enemy by surprise later on.

 

After sliding down the ladder, you reach a dark, cramped corridor. It's cold, and oddly quiet, despite the fighting happening one floor up. You and Jinx work your way through the hot pipes, slowly progressing ahead into the murky darkness awaiting you.

 

"I saw your little trick back there." Whispers Jinx. "That was cool. To be honest? I was starting to doubt that you were magical at all."

 

U: Tell her you've still got a long way to go; your magic is probably child's play compared to her own.

V: It was obviously cool. You're the son of death, after all.

W: You aren't interested in chatting. Just keep walking silently; you want to save Raven.

 

 

'U'

 

 

"Being a gentleman about it, huh?" Jinx teases you.

 

Your conversation is cut short by a robotic minion, who leaps into the narrow passageway just ahead of you. It's cramped, and Jinx is stuck behind you, but you feel her hand rest over your shoulder.

 

The shadows are lit by a burst of brilliant light, blowing the robot's head cleanly off of his shoulders. Jinx smirks.

 

"But you're right... My magic is definitely stronger." She removes her resting hand from your shoulder, and you continue down the path.

 

Ahead, a noise is heard. It sounds muffled, as though a person is training to speak against something binding her mouth. Could it be.. RAVEN?

 

X: Rush ahead! If Raven's up there, you're busting in!

Y: Creep forward, and examine the scene. You don't want to spoil the element of surprise.

Z: Call Robin; tell him where you are. The sound of your communicator will surely give you away, however.

 

 

'Y'

 

 

You creep forward, not wanting to give yourselves away.

 

At the end of this passage, you are greeted by a scene: You are on a balcony, overlooking an enormous room. This was once, no doubt, the factory floor. Now, it's empty; in its center, you see Raven. She's been bound. Her hands and feet are tied together, and her mouth has been gagged. Around her, you observe an enormous circle of salt, laid out in various, complex patterns. They're familiar to you, but you can't quite place them at the moment.

 

Your vision shifts focus. The room's primary entrance is being guarded by the rest of your team, and standing a little further in, closer to Raven, is a man in a dark outfit. His face is obscured by a certain kind of asymmetrical mask. That must be Slade.

 

"It's good to see you, Robin." Says the masked man. "I thought you'd never show up. Starting without you was, however... Completely out of the question."

 

At his word, tendrils of deadly electricity surround the Titans, rendering them immobile. Slade seems pleased, but curious. "It seems that two of you are missing", he says.

 

A: Now is the time to act! Have Jinx launch hexes at him, while you leap down from the balcony to take him out. An all-out assault.

B: Wait a moment longer. He's planning something, and you want to know what.

C: Just focus. Try to go invisible via soul form, teleport all the way to Raven, and untie her. This is a considerable distance.

 

 

'C'

 

 

You decide to try teleporting to her. You're tired, and you aren't very good, but this is an emergency!

 

You focus. Entering soul form is smooth; you can feel the fatigue setting in, but you press through it. You're moving forward now; time has slowed down. You're going off of the balcony, and moving down to the chamber below. You're getting close to Raven.. Closer... Closer...

 

You can't hold it. Your body snaps into focus in mid-air, and you fall to the ground gracelessly in front of everyone.

 

"The balcony?" Says Slade, and on his word, electrical tendrils surround and capture Jinx, as well.

 

You get to your feet to look at your opponent. Slade exudes power and control. He is staring down at you, and you have only one option left: you have to fight him.

 

This may be your deadliest battle yet.

 

D: You have no time for cowardice. Attack him with everything you've got; attack him harder than you've ever attacked anyone in your entire life.

E: Wait. You learned your lesson before; wait for the right moment, then strike at him. Let him make the first move.

F: Offer yourself in Raven's place.

 

 

'E'

 

 

You are not nearly prepared for this.

 

Slade's armored fist punches into you like a sledgehammer, and you go immediately to the floor. Still, you're awake. Had you have not been waiting for his move, you might have been knocked out.

 

He stands over you, but rather than attack, he speaks.

 

"Do you think you belong with these people? They're afraid of you. Robin's been spying on you from the start, and they've only kept you around to make sure they could keep you under control." He walks around you, pacing, with his hands behind his back. "The son of death, eh? You think heroes would ever care about a person like that? I don't think so." He crouches next to you, whispering. "I think they're afraid of you. In fact, if a certain document I've read is true... And I do believe it is... Robin has already made plans for an enchanted prison cell, high in the Justice League's floating fortress, just in case you get out of control."

 

You look to Robin. He's trying to say something to you, but the electrical field seems to contain sound as well.

 

"But I love death!" Slade goes on. "It's one of my favorite tools, child. All of that love... All of my love... My genuine love... Can be yours."

 

He stands, and extends a hand to you. "If you'll only join me."

 

G: Never. You won't stand for him putting your friends in danger like this!

H: You can't trust the Titans; that much is clear now. Go with Slade.

I: You can't decide. Ask him what he's going to do to Raven.

 

 

'G'

 

 

You ignore his hand, and stand up on your own. Your fists are raised, and you're ready to fight, no matter how hopeless the fight is starting to seem.

 

You will never, ever, join up with this murderous psychopath.

 

"Really?" He says. "That's too bad."

 

His fist collides with your chest, sending you flying backwards into the giant circle of salt. His last punch seemed powerful, but this one was far, far stronger; you're in severe pain, and you can't seem to breathe. You feel as though your chest has been crushed in, and you're seriously hoping that you're as immortal as you've been told you are.

 

To your right, also on the floor, is Raven. You want to reach over to her; to remove her bindings, or set her free; but you can't seem to move. The pain is too intense, and your muscles aren't responding.

 

Is it just your imagination, or is the summoning circle glowing? Slade has stepped away from you, and is now quietly standing near the Titans' electrical cage. Still, within it, Robin is trying to tell you something, but you can't hear what.

 

Everything changes. There is a flash of brilliant light, and the room becomes hot. The smell is one of brimstone and sulfur, and Three stone pedestals have risen from the circle's center.

 

J: You have to movie! Force yourself to untie Raven; she can help!

K: You have to get out of here! Force yourself to your feet, and try to stumble out of the circle as quickly as possible.

L: You doubt you can do it, but maybe there's a chance: Pull together your willpower, get up on your feet, throw Raven over your shoulder, and carry her away from here.

 

 

'J'

 

 

It takes everything you have, but you manage to raise your arms, and snap the cloth binding around Raven's head. It glows for a moment, and immediately fizzles away.

 

Her powers seem to be, at least partially, working again. She is attempting to sever her other bindings with jagged black projections, but it isn't working very well. You aren't sure if she's been drugged as well as bound, but she definitely isn't at her best.

 

Above you, from the Balcony, several Slade minions have captured Jinx; she is thrown down, to the floor in the chamber. When she lands in the circle, two things happen: First, you remember that this circle is the same pattern which Blood cut into Jinx's stomach, only much, much larger. Second, you observe a sudden shaking beneath you, and you can almost feel terrible forces coming to life under your feet.

 

It's too late now. The ground opens, and the three of you, along with the three stone altars, are floating above an endlessly deep pit of spiraling fire.

 

Hands of flame extend from each altar, grabbing the three of you, and pulling you on top of those pedestals. You sit on the lowest pedestal, closest to the pit's mouth. Raven sits on the mid-pedestal, just above. Upon the highest pedestal, Jinx is being held in place.

 

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Slade says from across the room. "The mouth to Perdition... Or, as some might say, the mouth to a certain part of hell. Dante called it the inferno, I believe." Slade approaches the circle, looking up at your immobilized forms. "From this inferno, one might reach the homes of the most powerful demons... Lucifer, Hades, Trigon..." He paces back and forth. "But they wouldn't live to tell the tale. Their soul would be devoured the moment they crossed this portal. That is, unless, they had a significant sacrifice to appease it. A young sorceress, for example." He looks up at Jinx, still helpless on her altar.

 

(TO BE IMMEDIATELY CONTINUED)

 

 

"But visiting a few demons isn't enough." Slade says. "I want the power of hell for myself. So, I contacted certain magical experts, and I drew the appropriate power transferring runes, but..." He stops pacing. "You need fuel for every reaction, and a key for every door."

 

A flaming hand is rising above Jinx, and seems to be growing larger every second.

 

"I thought that if I was going to obtain the power of some hellish creature, why not make it one I had a personal history with? Raven is still Trigon's portal, you know. Using her as the key, I can access Trigon's realm, and pull his power into myself. I'd be no less than a god."

 

He turns to face you. "And you make it all work. You're of cosmic origin. You can fuel spells of immeasurable power; compared to your lineage, Trigon is nothing. No... Less than nothing, and I won't have to worry about his resistance."

 

Around you, things are slowing down. All of your choices have brought you here: The flaming hand seems ready to grab Jinx, and it will surely burn her alive. Below you, a rush of power is rising, ready to make Slade the god he wishes to be.

 

Raven is frantic. She can't make a projection precise enough to cut her own bindings, and in only a moment's time, everything will be lost. There's only one option left.

 

Above Raven, a rough spike of black energy is produced. She looks at you; at Jinx; at her team; and drops the spike into her own chest.

 

Raven is dead.

 

(TO BE IMMEDIATELY CONTINUED)

 

 

The portal changes, and violently shifts. You and Jinx are thrown to the side, out of the circle, and onto the nearby factory floor.

 

Raven's body is falling into hell, being encased in yellow flames. Slade, who stood next to the portal's mouth, falls inside as well, and in a moments time, his screams are much too far away to hear.

 

The rest of the Titans come to your side, and peer down into the hellish entryway. Your mere presence, even outside of the opening, is enough to stabilize the portal, and due to Slade's unfortunate fall, a sacrifice has been made such that it is openly passable.

 

Jinx is quickly speaking to Robin, going over everyone's options.

 

A: Ask to be let in on the conversation. You want to help.

B: Talk to the other titans. See how they're doing.

C: You don't have time for this! Jump into the portal. You're bringing Raven back, even if you have to go all the way to hell to do it.

 

 

'C'

 

 

You don't know how long this portal's going to stay open, and you don't care! Raven's down there right now, and you're going to rescue her!

 

You take a flying leap, and jump right into the mouth of hell itself.

 

ELSEWHERE...

 

"Raven...?" A voice, larger than life, vibrates the ground of a fiery throne room. "You defeated me, so long ago, and now you're here... My daughter... My... Successor."

 

BACK TO YOU

 

You are falling at a terrible speed. Thinking back on it, this may not have been such a good idea.

 

However, miraculously, you are unhurt when you land. Your feet carefully stop upon the ground in the middle of a large, barren desert, with hot brown sand and a fiery red sky. You suppose that Slade's unfortunate death really did make the portal safe, after all.

 

Ahead of you, far in the distance, you spy a black iron wall, with a tall, tall gate.

 

D: Now or never. Walk to the gate.

E: Wait here for a moment. Look around for a better option.

F: This was incredibly stupid. You're in hell. Try getting out of the portal.

 

 

'D'

 

 

You begin the long walk to the gate in the distance. It doesn't matter what stands in your way; your teammate gave everything to save the world, and you're prepared to give everything to bring her back.

 

You take the first several steps. It's hot here; the entire sky is like one single, blazing sun.

 

But you think you hear something else. Another set of landings, just behind you.

 

"Don't think you can leave without us." Says Robin, as he and the rest of the Titans stand under the portal. "You're not alone in this."

 

The rest of the team joins you, as you all walk toward to looming, twisted gate in the distance. This is what you have to do.

 

"Let's bring her back." Says Cyborg, with a more serious expression than you've ever seen.

 

The gate is closer now. Much to your surprise, as you approach, it opens to you. The team seems ready for a fight, but none comes.

 

G: Pass through the gate casually.

H: Stop; you and Robin should look for traps.

I: Have Beast Boy become a bird, and fly up to look at what's just beyond the gate, past your line of sight. It might be an ambush, after all.

 

 

'G'

 

 

You stroll through the gate like you own the place.

 

Around you, transparent, nude humanoid forms are standing in lines. They seem confused, but at the same time, they seem to know exactly where to be.

 

You are in a large valley of blackened brimstone. Far ahead, if you focus your vision, you can see the eventual destination of these poor fellows: a massive demon, in the shape of a gargoyle, is leading to the side of a pit so massive that its opposite side cannot be seen. Then, he is swatting them off of the edge with his long, spiked tail, likely into some torturous layer of hell fire.

 

The Titans push past the doomed ones, avoiding their stares and incoherent questions. Eventually, you reach the feet of the great demon, sorting the souls into place. He doesn't seem to notice you at first, but soon enough, he looks down at you with a sudden jerk. His tail is still flicking the souls down the chasm as he speaks.

 

"Who?" His voice is broken and disgusting to hear; it sounds as though the words were produced by grinding together a sack and flesh and bone. "Visitor?"

 

J: Yes, you're visitors. You request safe passage through the underworld.

K: Tell this demon to give you Raven's location, and then to stay the hell out of your way.

 

 

'K'

 

 

The demon throws up a shout of roaring laughter, which the team can't stand to hear. His idea of a laugh sounds more like several bodies being loudly ground up inside of him, and come to think of it, you aren't entirely sure that isn't what's happening.

 

"Daughter of red?" Says the demon. "Look to center. To lowest point. Look to black throne. There... A raven is perched."

 

ELSEWHERE

 

She has not felt this demonic in quite a long time. Sitting on the throne of hell... It's incredible. She feels more power than she could ever use; this place... This whole place... Is hers, now.

 

Upon the throne, four red eyes are seen.

 

BACK TO YOU

 

Out from the demon's back, a large, armored wing is slowly produced. It beats towards the team a massive gust of wind. You are flung into the pit, and down, tumbling through the shadows into the shadows.

 

Just as last time, you find a surprisingly soft landing waiting for you.

 

The team is now standing atop a mountain of three paths; the first is labeled Anger. The second is labeled Greed. The third is labeled Violence.

 

L: Walk the path of Anger.

M: Walk the path of Greed.

N: Walk the path of Violence.

 

 

'L'

 

 

You are now Beast Boy.

 

Robin and the new guy chose to go down this 'Anger' pathway, but that doesn't matter to you very much. You're here to rescue Raven, and you don't really care how you get there.

 

This path is difficult to go down. Or, at least, it WOULD be difficult to go down, if you weren't in the shape of a mountain goat right now. It never ceases to amaze you how nature made an animal for everything.

 

You shift back into human form, looking out over the scene ahead. It's a river of blood, and snaked throughout it are long strings of red flame. On the river's surface, you see the bodies of several men, who all seem to be constantly fighting, trying to stay on the surface of the fluid. Below them, you can hear muffled screams, as though they are standing over a floor of drowning victims.

 

Dude. This is messed up.

 

A small, rotting boat pulls up to the shore. Rowing it is a skeleton draped in a robe of black. The rest of the team seems to be deciding whether or not to get on the boat, but something different has caught your eye.

 

In the distance, just up the path you came from, stands a thin, blonde girl. She is around your age. You find her to be very pretty, and it takes you only a few moments more to realize who she is.

 

"Terra?"

 

O: Walk up to see her. Ask what she's doing here.

P: Tell the rest of the team about her.

Q: Ignore her. This is probably some kind of illusion.

 

 

'P'

 

 

You turn, and promptly inform the rest of the team that Terra followed you guys here.

 

The rest of the team looks up to the path. There's no one there; she's gone.

 

"Pull it together Beast Boy. We have a job to do." Says Robin, as the team steps onto the boat. You decide to follow them, and try to pull yourself together.

 

But as the boat shoves off, something is very, very wrong. You are alone; nobody else is on the boat with you, and you are stuck in the middle of this river of flame.

 

"Beast Boy." Says a voice behind you, causing you to turn.

 

Terra is sitting in the boat. She is wearing the first outfit you ever saw her in; that tomboyish outfit, with the gloves and the goggles. You love that outfit.

 

R: Talk to her. Demand to know what she's doing here.

S: Don't say anything. This is a trick. Morph into a bird, and fly back to shore; the other titans are probably there waiting for you.

T: Speak to her, but hesitantly. You don't believe it's really her; ask the illusion what it wants.

 

 

'S'

 

 

Terra is furious!

 

As you turn to a bird, you immediately realize that this atmosphere is far too hot and thick to support your flight. When you shift back to human form, Terra grabs your leg from the air, and slams you down to the boat's floor.

 

"Stop running away from me!" She screams, as she drops over you, and pins your arms to the ground. Her blonde hair falls around her face, which is mere inches away from your own.

 

"It's your fault I died, Beast Boy! You TOLD me I didn't have any friends! I didn't WANT to go with Slade at the amusement park! WHY DID YOU LET ME?"

 

A complex blend of incredibly powerful emotions is building within you. This is a deep kind of anger that you haven't felt in a very, very long time.

 

U: You need to let this out. Tell Terra what you've always wanted to tell her; just let it flow.

V: Don't say anything. Stay silent, and bottle it up.

W: Call out for your team. You need help with this.

 

 

'W'

 

 

You're confused and afraid. You call out for the team, but a firm hand clamps over your mouth.

 

Tears are streaming down Terra's face as she holds you to the floor.

 

"Why do you hate me so much, Beast Boy? You caused every bad thing that happened to me. You caused every bad thing that I did, just because you were too weak to live up to your word when it mattered the most."

 

You struggle, but she holds you down.

 

"Is this why, Beast Boy?" You blink, and out of nowhere, Terra is topless. You can only see the upper half of her body, but she's more beautiful than you've ever imagined. "Is it because you think I'm pretty? Why won't you be more direct about that?"

 

X: Sleep with her. You aren't going to leave her behind ever again.

Y: Kick her in the chest, and try to jump into the river. Leave her there.

Z: Try to talk to her. Explain things.

 

 

'Z'

 

 

You try to speak logically, but you can't seem to stay calm. You've kept this inside of you for far too long.

 

"Dude! You fucked with my family! YOU BETRAYED THE ONLY FAMILY I HAVE LEFT!" You're becoming progressively angrier. "You CAN'T blame me for that! My parents are dead, the Doom Patrol is out of the question, and you try to kill the only family I have left!? Of course I broke my promise to you!"

 

You are furious, but Terra, above you, is crying. She looks more beautiful now than she ever has. "I'm sorry." She says, and she kisses you passionately.

 

You don't know how it happened, but you are both entirely naked. You feel unbearable levels of anger and lust washing over you in tides, quickly clouding your thoughts.

 

You've wanted Terra for years, and now, here she is.

 

A: Sleep with her. Stay with her for now.

B: You can't take this. Quickly throw yourself over the edge of the boat, and into the water.

C: Attack Terra. This thing has to be destroyed.

 

 

'C'

 

 

You throw her off of you, and get to your feet.

 

She looks shocked and furious, but yet, her mouth is smiling. You waste no time; you send powerful punches and kicks at her, but they barely seem to do any damage.

 

Her returned strikes, however, are immensely damaging. She cracks your face with simple jabs, and throws you around the ship with ease. This is too much; the adrenaline, the high emotions, the fight...

 

You don't know how it happened. You think you're fighting her; you think you're hurting her; but you're actually making love to her on the ship.

 

It's the greatest thing you have ever felt, but simultaneously, you feel a sick, twisting feeling in your gut. This is wrong... You... You were supposed to be killing this thing!

 

But now, her inhumanly powerful arms are wrapped around your back. You can't seem to get away. She is too strong.

 

D: Just keep going. Maybe, when this is over, you can find a chance to escape.

E: Pull yourself together, and act in desperation: Morph into a whale. Sink this ship.

 

 

'E'

 

 

You make one last effort to get out of this situation.

 

You become a whale. The boat breaks under your weight, and you're overtaken by a river of boiling pain.

 

...Except, the pain never comes. You open your eyes. You are on that boat again, but this time, the rest of the team is there with you.

 

"Beast Boy!" Yells Robin. Apparently you passed out. Either way, you managed to make it back.

 

You are now the Main Character.

 

The green guy passed out earlier, but he seems to be doing alright. To your left, rowing this boat, a skeleton speaks to you:

 

"Master," His voice is shrill and grating. "Shall you take the road high, or low?"

 

F: The high road.

G: The low road.

H: I really don't give a damn.

 

 

'G'

 

 

You take the low path.

 

The boat comes to a stop on a certain shore. Beyond it, you see a deep, muddy pit, about twice as deep as you are tall. You must go through it in order to press on, but when you step inside, spotlights illuminate the area!

 

This is an arena.

 

You are now Robin.

 

You are by yourself. You don't know where you team went, but you're getting out of this arena and finding Raven.

 

Ahead of you, you see a man. He is dressed in a black suit, and on his chest is the symbol of some kind of bird. Curiously, the two of you wear the same type of mask.

 

You aren't in the mood for games.

 

I: Take out your staff. Teach this guy a lesson, and let's get going.

J: Just walk right past him. You have more important things to worry about.

K: Don't rush. Call out; ask who he is.

 

 

'K'

 

 

You ask quickly, but assertively. You want to know who this guy is, and what happened to your team.

 

"Me?" He says, as he brandishes a staff that reminds you largely of your own. "I'm Nightwing."

 

He charges at you, and you dodge a hard swing of his staff. "And I'm better than you." He smiles as he speaks. He's definitely fast.

 

What do you do?

 

L: This guy can't beat you. Attack him, and be quick about it.

M: You don't have time for this! Throw an explosive in his direction, and run past him in the confusion.

N: Stop. Think this over. Think about where you are. Think about who this person is.

 

 

'N'

 

 

You don't attack. You're a detective, as well as a fighter.

 

Your team is gone. Beast Boy passed out earlier. This man, looks oddly familiar, but for no particular reason. This unnatural urge to fight...

 

Nothing here is real. You open your eyes.

 

You are being carried on Cyborg's back. You hop down, and assume the lead of the group once more.

 

You are now the Main Character.

 

Robin is awake, and when you climb out of the other side of the arena, everyone sees the same relieving, but also heart-crushing sight: You are standing in front of a massive, pitch black castle. You feel that this is where your journey will end, for better or worse.

 

You turn to ask Robin for advice, but he's gone. In fact, you're totally alone right now. It's just you, the red sky above, and the massive double doors of the castle ahead.

 

O: Go through the doors.

P: Look for your team.

Q: Try to get crafty. Switch to soul form. Then, raise yourself as high as you can go, in an attempt at getting into the castle through the roof.

 

 

'O'

 

 

You open the doors, ready for anything.

 

And yet, you don't see very much. The room is simple in its design. The floors and walls are black. In the center there sits a large throne of petrified wood, adorned by a single bright, red gemstone.

 

A lady is sitting on the throne, but not as though she owns it; it's more as though she's just visiting, or as though she happened to stroll in by chance. She has incredibly pale skin, with long, black hair, and a distinctly black outfit. Around her neck rests a silver pendant in the shape of an ankh.

 

"Oh, hello." She calls to you. "How... are you doing?"

 

She seems to be awfully nice. Still, this is hell; tricks and traps abound.

 

R: Tell her you're fine. Ask who she is.

S: You don't have time right now! Ask her where Raven is.

T: Ignore her entirely. Take the backdoor out of this place, and keep looking for your teammate.

 

 

'S'

 

 

"Oh, yes. Of course." Says the lady, wearing a somewhat melancholy smile. "She's sitting right here on this throne. You just can't see her right now because you're still outside. Hell puts people's minds into these strange places, where everything reflects some kind of deeper problem they have. Take you, for example." She holds out her hand, as though identifying an example that isn't actually there. "This room was supposed to have some kind of strange vision in it, where the rest of your team tells you that you were better off on the streets, or something to that effect."

 

She waves her hands in front of her, as though dismissing that idea. "But that's far from peachy keen. I just thought I'd get rid of those visions, and show up here myself, instead."

 

She walks up to you, and her face begins to look a bit more somber.

 

"Do you... Know who I am?"

 

U: You have no idea. Can she just wake me you up and let you get on with this whole 'rescue' thing, already?

V: Ask if she's your mother.

 

 

'V'

 

 

She smiles again, clearly pleased by your question.

 

"In a manner of speaking." She says. "You were broken off of me quite some time ago. That piece of me was brought into this world through a certain man, thus beginning the process by which a certain plan would come into motion... It's all very dramatic."

 

She says her last sentence with a shade of sarcasm. She doesn't seem to be taking this conversation terribly seriously.

 

"I'll let you figure out who your father figure is on your own. For now, you have a little bird to save. Am I correct?"

 

She is. It's time for you to go.

 

W: Ask if she can expand your powers.

X: You've spent enough time here. Leave.

Y: Leave, but tell her you're glad you two were able to meet.

 

 

'Y'

 

 

You give your mother a heartfelt goodbye. The world starts to fade away.

 

Your eyes open. The team is standing around you, waiting patiently. You get to your feet, charged with an overwhelming sense of confidence. It's time to rescue Raven; it's time to bring her home.

 

The titans ready their weapons, fully prepared for anything to happen. You and Robin kick in the gigantic doors, and the throne room ahead is just like the one in your vision. There is, however, one major difference; seated there, on the throne, is Raven. Yet, she looks slightly different, and it isn't just the four red eyes glowing under her hood. She seems to have changed in a slight way that you can't quite put your finger on.

 

"No..." Exclaims Jinx, from just behind you in the group. "I was afraid of this. Time is warped in this dimension."

 

"Uh, what?" Asks Cyborg from the left.

 

"It means that while we were waiting to come through the portal after her, time was moving much, much faster down here than it was up there. It's only been a day for us, but..." Jinx trails off, uncertain of what to say. "Raven's been down here for a whole year."

 

Tendrils of black lash out, striking each member of your group to the floor.

 

"You're in my castle." Raven voice is still flat, but there's an unmistakable hint of primal rage solidifying it. She's been in her demon form for a very, very long time.

 

Z: Talk to her. Tell her who you are. Surely she remembers.

A: She doesn't have to be conscious when you take her back. Attack!

B: Wait, and let everyone stay quiet. See what she does. She might even recognize you.

 

 

'Z'

 

 

You talk to her, and the tendrils of darkness slowly lessen their grip on you. Eventually, they disappear entirely, and dark, violet eyes replace the harsh red ones.

 

Raven lowers her hood. Her hair has grown longer. Her face, once collected, is now wide-eyed and confused. She can't believe what she's seeing.

 

"I... You came here... For me?" Raven can't believe it. She seems stuck between crying, and waving you all off as illusions.

 

C: Slowly walk to her. Tell her it's going to be okay. Tell her you're getting her out of here.

D: Tell her to hurry; this place is dangerous, and you need to get on with this rescue mission while the portal remains open.

E: Give her time. Stay silent.

 

 

'E'

 

 

"Please, leave me here." She says. "You can't take me back."

 

"No way." Says Robin. "We came this far, and we're not leaving you behind now."

 

"You don't understand... You..." Raven raises a hand to her head, and begins to shake as she runs her fingers nervously through her hair. "I can't leave. Those seated on the throne have to stay. The guardians make sure of it."

 

F: You'll take out any guardians that try to stop you. Raven's coming home.

G: Ask her if she's sure. Ask her how powerful the guardians are.

H: Stay silent. Don't respond to her. Wait for her to continue.

 

 

'F'

 

 

You tell Raven she's going home, whether the guardians like it or not.

 

"Please, friends, let us go!" Starfire says, as she swoops forward, grabs Raven, and carries her in her arms out the door. Raven is still mumbling something about guardians, but you can't make it out.

 

You all burst out of the double doors, and start dashing madly through the arena ahead, when a large shadow swoops in overhead.

 

It's the monster from before; the one who sorted souls into their respective pitfalls. He's huge; at least fifteen feet tall; and his entirely body is covered in thick, solid scales. He has two giant wings and a long tail, the tip of which is covered in spikes.

 

Again, his voice is unbearable. "Leave girl. She must sit on throne."

 

I: Not on your life. Tell the titans to take this guy down.

J: This might be too much for you all to handle. Trying talking things out.

K: Ask Raven for help.

 

 

'I'

 

 

Starbolts, hexes, explosives, and sonic blasts slam into the creatures thick hide, catching it by surprise.

 

When the dust settles, is stares down at your team relatively indifferently, although its huge, bulbous eyes are twitching with irritation. It is totally unharmed.

 

"One must sit on throne." It says once more. "Take bird, another must fill its cage."

 

You look into those terrible, rotting eyes, and you instantly what you must do.

 

L: Offer yourself in her place. You're powerful enough to sit on hell's throne.

M: Give Raven back to him. Maybe she was right; you guys can't rescue her.

N: Tell Robin and the others; try going for it's eyes with your next attacks. You're going to kill this thing!

 

 

'L'

 

 

You step forward. The other Titans understand what you are going to do.

 

Before you offer yourself to the guardian, Jinx runs to your side.

 

"Hey, you sure you wanna do this? Who knows if he'll live up to his side of things." She says in a loud whisper.

 

You tell her you don't know, but you're a hero, and this is what heroes do. They make sacrifices.

 

"Your call." Jinx slowly backs away from you. "And just in case I never made it clear... I think you're great." She seems to want to say more, but this already isn't her style. She backs away, looking into your eyes.

 

"Thank you." Says Robin, as he places a yellow communicator in your hand. Silence lingers for a moment's time. "You're as much of a Titan as anyone."

 

It's time. You smile at the team, and approach the monster. You're taking Raven's place, you tell it.

 

"With certainty, you say?" Is asks.

 

You tell it yes, and not to ask again. You're getting this over with.

 

(TO BE IMMEDIATELY CONTINUED)

 

 

This is it. The black throne.

 

You stand before it, and the guardian behind you ensures that you will be forced to take the seat.

 

As you approach, power fills your body. You feel limitless, controlling, and potent. You feel as though you could shape the world to your liking, or smash your enemies into dust. Despite yourself, you can't deny a small tinge of excitement at the prospect of this deal. You are about to become a god in this place.

 

From elsewhere in the room, however, another voice calls out. A very, very familiar voice.

 

"I'll take that seat, if you don't mind."

 

The skeleton draped in black is standing by the double doors. He is the one who rowed you here, but he never had very much to say, aside from asking where you wanted to go. Only now do you realize who he is; it's Slade, or at least, it's what remains of him.

 

A: No way. You're finishing this now, and you're taking him down for good this time.

B: Fine, let him take his chair. He may rule over this realm if he wants; it doesn't really matter who does it. Your'e going home.

 

 

'B'

 

 

Fine, you tell him. He can take it. You're going home.

 

"Excellent." Says Slade, as he approaches his new seat of power. "I'm so glad you see things my way."

 

As the giant doors close behind you, a voice calls out one, last time. "And if you still want to join me, well... You need only ask."

 

You don't stick around any longer than that. The doors close, and you set off on foot to find the portal once more, retracing your steps. The boat takes you back across the water, although now without anyone to row it, and you find ways to make your way up the dangerous pathways and terrain you followed to take you here.

 

Eventually, up ahead in the distance, you see the rest of your team. They're walking back to the portal with good vigor, but they don't seem to be talking very much. Not all of them knew you that well, but all of them feel your absence. You offered your life to rescue one of their own, and they won't soon forget that.

 

You've earned yourself a family, in these people.

 

C: Catch up to them, and reunite.

D: Hang back for now. Make your reappearance to them more dramatic later on.

 

 

'D'

 

 

You hang back for a moment, waiting to make a hero's entrance.

 

Following the team quietly, you see that they are about to leave through the mouth of the original portal. Jinx looks especially downtrodden, but they all seem particularly low. This doesn't seem like a victory for them.

 

At least, not yet.

 

You walk towards them, in the distance, just as they are about to leave. Jinx's head snaps up, almost like a cat's, and slowly, she turns to see the source of the footsteps coming in her direction. Her face is shocked, for a second, but immediately takes on that slight, sarcastic smile you're come to enjoy.

 

"The prodigal son returns." She says, giving a little laugh at the dramatic nature of everything. "Give me a break."

 

The rest of the team send up continuous cheers. As a result of your actions, the world has been saved, the team has been saved, and you did it all without allowing even a single death.

 

It's time to go home.

 

(END OF ACT)

 

(TO BE IMMEDIATELY CONTINUED)

 

 

 

 

 

NEW ACT

 

 

 

You arrive back at Titans Tower. The world has been saved.

 

You head to your room, shower, and change your clothing. It's a fresh, brand new, beautiful day outside!

 

The Titans have all left for their own rooms to rest, relax, and get washed up after the long mission you just got back from.

 

What do you do?

 

E: Go visit Jinx. You want to talk to her about the things she said to you.

F: Go see Raven in the medical wing. You saved her life, and you've been wondering if she's okay.

G: Go see Robin. You still have a payment to discuss, which is not to mention several other serious matters.

 

 

'F'

 

 

You walk in and see Raven, currently sitting up in the same bed you slept in when you first arrived here.

 

Her hair is still long, thought it's clearly been washed. Her hands are crossed over her lap, which is covered by a thin, white sheet. She is staring out of a nearby window, and wearing a white, cotton t-shirt.

 

"Hi." She says as you approach. She remains otherwise silent, and continues to look away from you.

 

H: You wanted to see if she was okay. This whole thing has been hard on her.

I: She's probably still tired. Let's do this another time.

J: Ask her what it was like to sit on the throne for a year.

 

 

'H'

 

 

You try asking Raven if she's okay, but she doesn't seem to want to respond. The room is deeply silent for several moments.

 

"Fine." She says, but adds nothing after it. It seems highly unlikely that you're going to be able to speak with her at the moment.

 

Thinking you should give her some time, you turn to leave. However, her voice stops you.

 

"Would you have really done that?" She asks. "Would you have really taken my place back there?"

 

She is looking directly at you now, but her expression is as flat as ever. It is totally unreadable.

 

A: Of course. It was the least you could do for your teammate after the sacrifice she made.

B: Of course. You'd do anything for a lady like her.

C: No. You were trying to trick the guardian and look for another means of escape.

 

 

'A'

 

 

She looks to the ground, her face still flat, as though she's trying to process what you're saying to her.

 

"I thought I'd be there forever." She mumbles, her face still flat.

 

She then looks up to you, now displaying a subtle mix of emotions that are hard to understand. "Thank you. What you did... It means everything to me."

 

Raven is quivering a bit, her expression on the verge of several different extremes. Elsewhere in the room, the screen on a computer panel turns black, and explodes.

 

As if on command, Raven's face becomes flat once more. "Sorry." She leans back on her bed, and speaks again in her regular tone of voice. "See me again later. We have more to talk about."

 

She resumes staring out of the window, and you take your leave.

 

It's a beautiful day in Titans Tower! It's just before noon, and you have all the time in the world!

 

D: Go see Beast Boy. You haven't hung out with him very much.

E: Go see Robin. You two have some things to discuss.

F: What is Starfire up to?

G: Cyborg could probably teach you something new about mechanics today.

H: Jinx might want to hang out today.

 

 

'H'

 

 

You walk to Jinx's room, and find the door open as you pass.

 

It's atmospheric, but not nearly as dark as Raven's. Various magical artifacts, crystal balls, and tiny charms are scattered around. Multiple pieces of incense are burning, and the aroma gives the room a relaxing, dreamlike presentation.

 

Jinx is standing in front of a large mirror, whose frame is twisted and mysteriously shaped. You guess that it is somehow magically enhanced, but for now, she seems to be using it like it's a normal mirror.

 

Her shirt is lifted, exposing the carvings on her stomach. She is looking at them in the mirror with obvious disapproval when you pass by.

 

I: Walk in and speak with her.

J: Knock on the frame of her door first to get her attention. You don't want to walk in uninvited.

K: Stay silent. See what she does.

 

 

'J'

 

 

You knock on the frame, but she doesn't react.

 

"Yeah, come in." She says, dropping her shirt to cover her stomach once more. "I can't believe this. My stomach is a portal to hell."

 

Jinx turns to you. "Not like it'll open on its own, but it still bothers me, ya know?"

 

She leans against a nearby bookshelf, looking you over, again, with a smile that reveals a hint of sarcasm.

 

"So... About what you did back there. You trying to be some kind of hero?" In the dim light of the room, her cat-like eyes are oddly bright.

 

L: No, you were just looking after a member of your team. It was the right thing to do.

M: Of course. Being a hero is who you are.

N: You just wanted to save a beautiful girl from a fate she didn't deserve.

 

 

'L'

 

 

You tell her that you were just doing what was right.

 

"That's..." She stops for a moment, puts her hand to her chin, and thinks about what to say next. "Selfless. Damn selfless."

 

She walks past you, towards the room's exit, and stops in her doorway. "I think you're gonna fit in here just fine. In any case, I've been to hell and back, and I'm going out for some fun."

 

She looks back at you, and gives you a wink. "See ya."

 

O: Let her go. Then, go see what Robin is doing.

P: Let her go. Then, go back to the main room, and choose something else to do.

Q: Tell her to hold on. Ask her if she'd like to go out with you tonight instead.

 

 

'O'

 

 

You go to Robin's room. He's in a martial arts uniform, punching some sort of wooden object in various ways.

 

"I guess we have a lot to talk about." He says, before stopping to sit at his desk.

 

"What Slade said was true." He tells you. "You're the son of death incarnate. When I found out about you, I immediately arranged for a way to contain you if things got out of hand. I didn't know you. I didn't know what you could do, even accidentally. You could have unleashed some kind of plague, or caused everyone you touched to drop dead." He gives a deep sigh, putting his elbows on the surface of the desk. "I know it was unnecessary now, but I'm not going to apologize. I had my reasons, and it's better to be safe than sorry."

 

R: You understand. In his position, you might have done the same thing.

S: You don't understand. Even if he had a reason, you don't like someone preparing a prison cell for you, and exchanging your information to his superiors behind your back.

T: You're just here for your money. You don't really care about any of this.

 

 

'R'

 

 

You tell him you understand; it's okay.

 

Robin leans back in his seat, relieved at your response. He sighs again. "I'm glad you think so. You've been extremely valuable to this team, and I don't want you to think I don't trust you. After what you did for Raven, I trust you as much as anyone."

 

He points at your belt, to the communicator he gave you. "Just to be clear, you're an honorary Titan now. You're part of the team, and this place is your home. You've certainly earned it."

 

His chair is pushed back, and he stands, making his way to a nearby filing cabinet. He opens it, searches for a moment, and removes a tiny, plastic card. It's black, with a white T placed in the front.

 

"You've also earned this. It's a card for a bank account at Jump Central, and it has fifty thousand dollars on it. You'll also get regular pay as a member of the team, so long as you remain active." He grins at you. "Welcome aboard."

 

U: Thank him, and tell him you're glad to be here.

V: Accept it quietly, then leave.

W: Ask him if he's sure he wants to pay you. The job did go wrong, after all.

 

 

'W'

 

 

You remind him that the job didn't go as planned.

 

He waves it off. "Don't worry about that. You did the right thing. I didn't give you very much information, and for all you knew, that person was exactly who you were supposed to be meeting. Besides, even if you did screw up, I'd say you've more than made up for it by now."

 

He goes back to his desk, sits, and opens a file. On the front of it is the face of a young girl, and though you don't get a good enough look to tell who it is exactly, you notice that she has blonde hair.

 

"That's all for now. I have to get back to work."

 

He interrupts you as you turn to leave. "There is one more thing, actually. Go see Starfire, when you can. She has something for you. That's all."

 

You go back to the main room.

 

X: You haven't spent enough time getting to know Beast Boy yet.

Y: Go see Cyborg; he probably has more to teach.

Z: Go see what Starfire wants to give you.

 

 

'Z'

 

 

You leave to see Starfire. The door to her room is open, and you're not entirely sure what to expect when you look inside.

 

The room is a bright and confusing mixture of pinks and purples. Brightly colored posters for groups you've never heard of hang on the walls, and objects with a somewhat alien appearance sit on her shelves. Next to her bed, a small table supports several empty bottles of mustard. Beyond that detail; the room is very clean, and it has a subtle, but very pleasant smell.

 

Starfire swoops to her door, encasing you in a powerful hug. "Friend! It is so good to see you!" She says, before finally letting you go after several moments. You make a mental note to prepare yourself before she hugs you again in the future. "In return for your great bravery in the terrible world below our own, and in honor of your inclusion in the Titans, I have made this for you!"

 

Starfire reaches into a cabinet, and produces a small, black t-shirt. On the front of the shirt, in striking white, is an Eye of Horus.

 

"Cyborg was most helpful in designing a garment which would protect you from danger, but I suggested the appearance. Friend Raven informed me that this symbol is related to your heritage in some way. Do you like it?"

 

A: You love it. Thank her for her hard work.

B: That symbol might be a little grim for a hero to wear.

C: No thanks. This isn't the kind of costume you want.

 

 

'A'

 

 

You tell her it's wonderful, before stepping into the hallway and trying it on.

 

The shirt fits you perfectly, and you can see Cyborg's efficient influence in the design. It's incredibly form-fitting without being restrictive. In fact, you can barely tell that you're wearing a shirt at all, though the clear quality of the garment reassures you that it will provide much greater protection than your last outfit.

 

"I am pleased to see that it fits!" Says Starfire, performing a quick spin in the air to highlight her enthusiasm. "However, I must ask you to leave for now. I have made arrangements for a date with boyfriend Robin tonight, and I do not wish to be late for our departure. It was good to see you!"

 

Starfire hugs you again, even harder than before. While you try to catch your breath, she closes her door, and proceeds to prepare for the upcoming date.

 

You have a costume now. Or at least, you have a signature piece of clothing. It's been a great day so far, and you still have plenty of time left.

 

D: Go see Cyborg. He might have something to say about your new attire.

E: Look for Beast Boy. You haven't spent enough time with him yet.

F: Head into town on your own. Maybe you'll run into something interesting.

 

 

'E'

 

 

You look for Beast Boy, but he isn't in his room.

 

In fact, he doesn't seem to be in the tower at all. You search his room, the kitchen, the main area, and the beachfront, but there's no sign of him anywhere.

 

Then, you spot him, totally by accident, while glancing out of the window in the main room. He's in front of the entrance, about to come into the tower, and a girl is with him. You remember that her name is Terra.

 

He seems to be having a great time. They're both laughing about some kind of joke, and just before they go their separate ways, she gives him a high five. Moments later, Beast Boy steps out of the elevator, and into the main room with you.

 

"Hey, dude." Despite his previous laughter, he doesn't look especially happy. In fact, he looks slightly depressed. "Cool shirt." He says.

 

G: Tell him you just want to hang out, if he's up for it.

H: Ask him what's wrong. He seems to be in a low mood.

I: Leave him alone for now, he doesn't seem like he's in the mood to talk.

 

 

'G'

 

 

You tell him you just want to hang out. You guys haven't spent very much time together since you joined this team.

 

"I appreciate the offer dude, but I'm not exactly in the mood right now." He says, before walking past you in the direction of his room. "Some other time."

 

He's gone shortly thereafter. You saw tears forming in his eyes as he went past you, which he clearly attempted to hide. Maybe later you should ask him what's wrong.

 

It's a beautiful afternoon at Titans Tower! What do you want to do?

 

J: Head out into the city. Maybe you'll find something to do.

K: Go see Cyborg. He's probably down in the garage.

L: Go to Beast Boy's room. Knock on the door, and ask what's wrong.