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Green Lantern Kyle Rayner started to see Jump City off in the distance, a good 20 miles from where he was as he flew.

“Alright. There it is.” He said to himself as he kept flying. “Just hang on, guys. I’m practically there alre-”

A sudden blast of red energy from above caught Kyle Rayner’s eye, making him quickly stop and swerve out of the way in the air before being hit by it. He spun in a circle for a moment before recovering in time to look and see how fired.

Descending from above was none other than Atrocitus, his arms crossed and a devious smile on his face as he said “Not so fast, boy.”

Kyle, surprised by this, asked “Atrocitus? If you’re here, then who’s…?”

The Red Lantern chuckled before saying “I your friends mistook my newest initiate for me. While she may not be as powerful as myself, I cannot help but see a similarity in our want for revenge.”

“Initiate?” Kyle asked before realizing what this meant. “And you sent her after the Titans, didn’t you? Just to keep them from helping me?”

“Quite the contrary, earthling.” Atrocitus said with a smirk. “I’m keeping you from helping them!”

With that Atrocitus fired a beam from his ring that turned into a battering-ram-like object as the end. Kyle created a shield with his own ring and managed to block the attack, the two struggling for a moment before Kyle pushed the red construct back. He then created a flare of green bright enough to blind Atrocitus for a moment. Kyle tried to use this moment to fly past him but Atrocitus, recovering in time, caught Kyle by the leg and swung him back.

“As I said, boy, you’re not going anywhere. You’re fight is with me. And once your friends are finished you’ll be joining them!”

Kyle, realizing Atrocitus was his only obstacle between himself and reaching the Titans, sighed before priming his ring and saying “You’re going to wish you’d let me go.”

Kyle’s ring flared green as he roared and flew forward towards Atrocitus, the Red Lantern’s ring doing the same as he charged ahead as well. Both intended to fight as long as possible until one or the other succeeded, giving planet of time for the fight between Blackfire and the Titans to be determined.

*********************

Blackfire had created a red alien beast with her ring, something of hybrid between a rhino and a frog. The alien construct gave a low snort as it charged through the street towards Cyborg.

In response he charged both of his arm cannons and said “Bring it!” before charging forward towards it himself.

Once both met in the middle he struck his cannon’s against the monster’s snout, the construct breaking into pieces once he did. Cyborg took a moment to recover while smiling at the fact he managed to stop it.

He look back towards Blackfire and said “That all you g-” but was silenced when she flew forward and gave a hard punch to his chest.

While Cyborg flew back in the air BB, in the form of a bull, charged from behind with Robin on his back. As BB charged Robin threw one device after another, birdarangs and explosives. Blackfire covered herself with her arms for the moment before using her ring to make a wall in front of her. When Robin stopped throwing devices she reacted by making the wall move forward and slam into BB.

Instead of busting through he smacked right into it, Robin doing the same when hit. The two dropped once Blackfire made the wall disappear. While she smiled in her victory Raven and Starfire floated from behind and began firing starbolts and small blasts of magic at her.

Blackfire turned and created a shield with her ring in time to block the attacks before turning it into a giant hand. It balled into a fist and punched Raven away before grabbing Starfire and reeling her in while squeezing her.

“That’s right, sister.” Blackfire said. “Keep struggling. The more you fight, the angrier I become!”

Starfire struggled more before Robin, taking the opportunity, attacked from behind with a good whack of his staff to Blackfire’s head. She screamed and dropped Star as she held her head in pain, giving Star and Robin the chance to get away while she was disoriented.

They recovered with the other Titans with BB saying “Dudes, I think we need a different strategy. We keep hitting her but she won’t go down.”

“I fear my sister will not stop until her quest for vengeance is fullfiled.” Star aid with a worried tone.

“So what do we do now?” Cyborg asked. “Not sure how much longer we can keep this up before she winds ripping us up with that ring of hers.”

Robin pulled out his communicator and asked himself “Where the heck is Kyle by now?” After turning it on he waited until Kyle answered and said “Robin, calling Green Lantern. We need support right now.”

From the other end the Titans could hear fighting going on while Kyle said “I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock, guys! Atrocitus has me blocked off from the city and I’m doing my best against him as it is. I’m sorry but I can’t help until I deal with him.”

The Titans gave a worried look to Robin who, after a moment of silence, talked back to Kyle and said “Understood. We’ll do what we can. Just be safe and get here as soon as possible.”

“So Atrocitus IS a part of this.” BB stated.

“Guess this was part of his plan the whole time.” Robin figured. “Keep our only Green Lantern out of the way so we wouldn’t have anything to fight against his newest Red Lantern.”

Raven looked back and said “Speaking of which.”

They all turned to see Blackfire, recovered and looking angry as ever, give a loud shout as she changed her ring and created a new alien beast with her ring. This one looked like a giant ape that was created from a reptile rather than mammal. It stomped towards the Titans as Raven created a bubble of magic around of them for protection, only for the beast to start pounding away at it.

As Raven tried to hold the protective bubble she called back to the others “Someone think of something quick. I can’t keep this up forever.”

Robin started with “The ring’s Blackfire’s source of power. We need to get it off her.”

“That will not be easy.” Starfire said. “A power ring is strictly bound to its wearer and will not come off unless they wish it.”

Cyborg thought for a second and said “I think I have an idea.” He then looked towards Raven and said “Raven, get ready to drop that shield.”

“Got it!” she said before finally dropping it as the red creature construct bashed at it again.

Cyborg took the opportunity and fired his cannon at it, the creature backing up as it was effected by it. He called for the others to keep Blackfire busy while he pulled Raven aside. The other Titans sprang to action, Starfire punching the red constructed beast hard enough to break it while BB, changed into a tiger, and Robin ran for Blackfire. The Tamaranian Red Lantern saw them coming and only shouted as he fired another red energy blast at them.

While they fought Cyborg brought Raven aside and away from Blackfire’s sight before saying “You think you could do that magic thing where you enter into someone’s mind? Like you did with Robin before?”

Raven gave him a questionable look and asked “What for?”

“If Starfire’s right, then the only thing to get Blackfire’s ring off her is Blackfire. And it’s not like she’s planning to do it anytime soon. But maybe you can try and control her long enough to get it off.”

Raven sighed a bit before saying “I don’t like to do it unless I have to.”

“If it means stopping her, then I think you know what you have to do.”

Raven contemplated this for a moment before sighing again and saying “Keep her busy.”

Cyborg smirked and said “Not a problem.” Before running back out into the streets to help the other Titans.

Robin and Starfire dodged as Beast Boy, in the form of an elephant, had come crashing down near them after being hurdled away by Blackfire. Starfire fired her starbolts, hitting a nearby fire hydrant instead of aiming for her sister, and the water shot out and hit Blackfire. While she was distracted by this Robin threw another device towards her feet, it detonating and freezing Blackfire in ice.

As BB recovered and Cyborg rejoined the two Robin said “That’s not going to hold her for long.”

Cyborg pointed upward and said “Maybe long enough.”

The Titans all looked as Raven stood on a nearby rooftop, looking down towards Blackfire before sitting in a meditative position. She began to float in the air as she chanted her spell and tried to concentrate.

“What’s she doing?” BB asked.

“Just wait and see.” Cy answered before they could all see Blackfire breaking from the ice.
An explosion of red energy burst from her frozen prison before she stood there with her eyes blazing and shouted “All your little tricks are starting to annoy me! Just hand over my sister and this will all be over shortly.”

Raven had finally managed to ready her spell and, after hearing Blackfire, she said “Soon than you think.”

Raven’s “soul self” traveled from her and towards Blackfire. The alien girl’s back was turned so she did not see as it came rushing towards her and enetered her body from behind. Blackfire screamed and held her head as she suddenly felt Raven’s magic trying to take hold.

In her head Blackfire could hear Raven’s voice echo Don’t fight us, Blackfire. We don’t want this to get any worse.

Blackfire struggled as she said “Then….stay out of this! All of you! All I want…is Starfire!”

As the Titans watched they could see BLackfire holding her head in pain. Her eyes kept fluttering open and, at points, they could see Raven’s eyes in her own. But they seemed to be eclipsed by the red glare from her pupils as she continuously fought.

You can’t let hatred be your only motivator. Rave continued as they both struggled for control over her mind. I know what it’s like to have anger have too much control.

“The only one….in control….is me!”

As Raven spoke in her mind Blackfire’s hand reached towards the ring on her finger. Her hands shook as Blackfire kept trying to resist.

Meanwhile in her mind Raven could see images of things from Blackfire’s past. Things like being on Tamaran. Being chased by the alien police force. Finding her way to Earth and Starfire and the Titans. Being banished from her home after being overthrown by Starfire. Joining Lex Luthor and the Injustice League. Finding a beaten Atrocitus and training with him to receive her ring.

Please, Blackfire. Let me help you before you go too far.

Just as Raven managed to use Blackfire’s hand to hold the ring, the alien girl opened her eyes, both flaring pure crimson red, and shouted “Get…out…of…my….HEAD!”

A sudden shock wave burst from Blackfire strong enough to knock Raven’s soul self out of her and back to her body. Raven collapsed onto the ground while the shockwave had managed to hit the other Titans as well, making them stumble back or protect themselves; like Cyborg raising his arms up like a shield while BB turned into a turtle and huddled into his shell.

********************

In the outskirts of the city Kyle had managed to knock Atrocitus out of the air with a green fist contrast, sending the alien warrior tumbling out of the sky. While he smirked in his apparent victory Kyle turned when he heard the sound of the shockwave and looked back to see the small red light burst from the middle of the city before fading away.

“Oh no.” he said before trying to fly off.

He was stopped when a red construct of a spiked wall appeared and blocked him off. Looking back Kyle saw that Atrocitus wasn’t out of the fight yet, waging his finger at him before attacking with another blast.

As the Titans recovered they could see Blackfire holding her knees and catching her breath from the sudden burst of power.

“That could’ve gone better.” Cyborg said to himself.

Raven, still on the rooftop, rubbed her head before picking herself up to her feet. As she recovered a few images that she’d seen in Blackfire’s mind ran through her own thoughts. She gasped when she realized the one that the Titans needed to know in order to beat her.

“That’s it.” She said before calling to the other Titans. “I know what we have to do! We need-”

Before she could finish she was seized by two giant clawed hand constructs created by Blackfire, who said “You won’t do that again!” before squeezing Raven tightly.

Raven struggled before feeling the hands grow tighter and tighter, she screaming as she felt her body being crushed underneath.

Beast Boy, seeing this, shouted “Raven! NO!”

Blackfire continued to squeeze, Raven giving one final yell of pain before passing out. Before Blackfire could deliver the finishing blow Robin threw an explosive at her back, drawing her concentration towards him. The hands disappeared and Raven started falling towards the ground, BB turning into a jaguar to run fast enough to reach her before turning into a gorilla to catch her.

Robin through device at Blackfire that was revealed as a flash-bang grenade. It detonated and blinded Blackfire long enough for Cyborg and Starfire to give a double punch, sending her flying back into a display window of a store. With her down for the moment they ran with Robin towards BB and Raven.

BB, cradling Raven in his arms, pulled off her hood and pleaded “Raven? C’mon, Raven, wake up!” Once he was close enough Cyborg kneeled nearby and used his scanners, BB waiting before asking “Is she…?”

“No.” he answered. “But she needs medical treatment. Fast!”

“The general hospital’s not too far from here.” Robin stated. “I can take her and-”

“No.” Starfire said. “Let me. I can fly and transport Raven to the hospital faster is-”

Suddenly she was cut off by Beast Boy who said “No!” He gave a serious look to all of them and said “I’ll do it. The rest of you guys need to deal with Blackfire. I’ll get her to safety and stay with her until she’s better.”

The other Titans could see how determined BB was, making them nod while Cyborg said “Alright, Beast Boy.”

He nodded before laying Raven on the ground and using her cape to wrap around her body. They could see he was making something of a hammock or body-sling for her in order to carry her in the air.

Robin gave a quick “Be safe. Both of you.”

BB looked back and nodded before turning into a pterodactyl and spreading his wings. He flapped them and, once in the air, picked up Raven by the cloak and carried her off through the city. The Other Titans watched as their friends left, hoping Raven would be okay soon.

“Now it’s down to the three of us.” Robin stated.

Starfire however said “No. Only one of us. Myself.”

“What?” Robin asked with surprise. “You can’t take her on by yourself. She’s too strong!”

“Blackfire is here because of me.” Starfire began. “I drove her to this and because of her want for revenge, she has hurt one of my friends. I cannot allow that anymore.”

“But, Starfire, she’ll destroy you!” Cyborg pleaded.

“And I’m not going to stand by while she does.” Robin said, walking up and holding Starfire by the shoulder. “We’re in this together, Starfire. To the very end.”

Starfire smiled at this and said “I know you are, Robin.” She then took his hand and removed it from her shoulder and said “But I am afraid not this time. I must do this myself. I am…sorry.”

With that Starfire flew off, Robin trying to run after her before being stopped by Cyborg. He grabbed Robin’s shoulder and shook his head, Robin watching as Starfire flew towards where Blackfire had crashed.

Blackfire kicked down the door to the shop she’d crashed into while whipping herself off of all the glass and debris that was on her. By the time she stepped out Starfire landed a few feet in front of her, looking angry.

“What now, baby sister?” she asked. “Do you and your little friends have any more tricks for me?”

“This has gone on far enough, Blackfire.” Star began. “You have aligned yourself with an evil force yet again. You have caused much destruction. And you have hurt one of my friends. All because you seek vengeance on me.”

Blackfire sneered and asked “What? Are you trying to make me feel sorry?”

“I only wish to explain why I feel that there is no other choice.” Star said as she prepared to fight. Her hands and eyes glowed green as she said “You have chosen your path, sister, and I must do what I can to stop you at any cost.”

Blackfire smirked and said “How noble of you, Starfire. But all of that won’t mean a thing after I see you burn!”

With that Blackfire launched herself towards Starfire and visa-versa, the two Tamaranian sisters charging and roaring with anger as they readied for their final battle.

*********************

In an undisclosed location, someone was watching a monitor with satellite imagery of Jump City and the surrounding area. The monitor showed an overview of the city and at least 30 miles of the surrounding area, certain areas showing large blots of red. The only other blot was green which was near one blot of red away from the city where the larger red blot was.

The person watching the monitor asked “Well? What does the data read?”

“It’s a match, ma’am.” Another person in the room answered. “The energy signatures are similar to the ones we picked up a month ago.”

“Then it is a different power ring source.” The woman said. “So I guess lanterns come in more than just green. Interesting development. And speaking of which, what’s Mr. Rayner’s current location?”

“With the red source outside of Jump City.” The person answered. “It might be the being the reports called ‘Atrocitus’.”

“Meaning there’s someone else wearing a red ring in Jump City. Where those younger heroes, the Teen Titans, are.” The woman stated.

“Should we continuing monitoring, ma’am?” the person asked.

She was silent for a moment as she thought to herself before finally saying “Send a unit out to gain a visual. Have them wait for my orders once they arrive.” Once the other person understood and made the request she looked to the red blot in Jump City and said “Whoever or whatever you are, you may have just given us powerful foothold.”