The Titan Trials

Chapter 7: Determining the Strength of One's Willpower

"Kristin, I think that there is more to who you are than you think." Shiroto tells me, suddenly sounding serious.

"Oh yeah, and since when do you care?" I spit at him.

"Well firstly, the more power you have, the harder it will be for me to become the new Titan." he states, "Also, you're not the only one who can sense the spirit energy your giving off right now." I look up to see Shiroto with a concerned face and Raven with an alarmed one.

"Well, if I don't know why I'm here, then maybe you should tell me why you brought me here." I turn to Raven. "It's a bit obvious you were the one who chose me. Why did you choose me of all people, when you could choose someone who excels at martial arts, or someone who can tell the future, or otherwise? You know there are a select few people who can do that in my universe. Heck, there are people who think they are superheroes themselves!"

Raven stands up. "I chose you because I saw in you the potential to excel in all of these qualities equally." I give her a look. "I chose you because out of all of the humans I noticed in your world, you were the most well rounded, equal, and non-partisan of them all. You also have in you, a unique power to your universe, that none of us..." she motions to the whole group, "have ever seen before. I thought all that would translate into some form of superpower that would come from the core of your being, brought out by existing in this universe."

"This is a very nice cause, Raven," Nightwing tells her, "but it's not our goal at the moment. We need battle ready heroes to compete for the slot to replace Donna."

"I understand that. But maybe throughout the trials her powers will emerge."

"What I don't understand..." Alexander buts in, "is why we have to compete amongst ourselves to choose seldom one person to fill in this slot. What does the number five mean to you anyway? These trials are a waste of time. Why don't you just train us all to help you? We are all equally worthy."

Nightwing shoots a look at Alexander, but he doesn't flinch. "I know I must be right. It's separative actions like this that ultimately lead to the downfall of a powerful group. I've seen it before in my own universe. Well, what do you all think?"

"I have to agree with our white and blue friend." Starfire speaks up. "Every day we spend on these trials we allow Circe to further her plans. After hearing what Alexander has said, I think we should act in the practical manner and let all of them help us."

"It will only take longer to train all four of them with their capabilities, don't you see?" Nightwing rebuttles. "If we only choose the strongest, then we can let the rest live their normal lives again."

"Even I know that Circe is a powerful threat," I say, "and I think the four of us together with the four of you will be a good combination. We should let Wonder Woman's apprentices bid us time. I'm sure if we ask, the metas and techies can lend their support as well. From a strategic standpoint, it will bide us the time to prepare for the final assault." Jing Ti looks at me with a stunned face as I look at Nightwing expectantly.

"Fine. We will see if Wonder Woman can lend more support. If not, we will see if the other wings can help. In the meantime, the Titan Trials will be... integrated with a collective training program to form the newest Titans." Nightwing announces.

"How are you gonna pull that off?" Cyborg asks him.

"I'll figure something out. For now, I think it best if we head to the cafeteria for lunch. After, the candidates will spar each other to test their capabilities. Raven and Cyborg will supervise while Starfire and I will head to the three wings to ask for their support."

"Finally, we're getting something to eat!" Shiroto exclaims hungrily. "Let's go!"