TeenTitans #1: The Forgotten Son

Part 2

As smoke and the smell of decay rose from the Temple of Azarath, Makuta stood in the now flaming courtyard listening to the screams with a demented grin on his face while more and more demons continue to pour into the realm. Suddenly two Azarathans, covered red demonic markings, slowly come walking through the portal and approached the burning temple. One of them, named Silas, gazes at all of the carnage and destruction around him. He immediately rolled his eyes and said in a mocking tone "Makuta is nothing but a fool who's been chasing a ghost for years! I seriously doubt we'll find the "White Crystal" in this... insignificant temple."

Kronos, the other creature, quickly turned to Silas and shouted "traitor! Makuta is wise, Makuta is strong, Makuta will free the great Trigon then-" "Then return to Earth and wipe the land clean of the stench of humanity and blah-blah-blah. Did you memorize that speech, Kronos? Or is it just drilled into that thick head of yours!?" Silas bickered, cutting him off in response. "Enough!" Makuta shouted as he approached them. In fear for their lives, Silas and Kronos quickly kneel before Makuta as he turned back towards the tower and continued "the crystal is here. I can sense its power in the catacombs, underneath the temple." A little smile stretches across Silas's face as he then stood up and said "I humbly volunteer to search them and find the White Crystal."

Suddenly Makuta grabs Silas by the throat and growled "I did not spend years searching the realms just so you could get your greedy little hands on the crystal. When this is over, you'll get what I promised and nothing more!" "Yes... lord Makuta" Silas muttered in complete terror. Makuta releases him then looks at Kronos and said "I must speak with my master. Search everywhere and bring the crystal to me immediately when you find it. And keep an eye on Silas, don't let him get any ideas" Kronos nodded and replied "As you wish, master. But what of Arella and the surviving Monks? They've fled and gone into hiding in the lower catacombs?" As Makuta approached the portal back to the demon realm, he turns to Kronos with his red eyes glowing like fire and uttered "bring... me... their... bodies."

The Demon Realm was a lifeless and rotted kingdom, little could grow or live there. Darkness surrounded Makuta's black fortress, where remaining demons stood guard and roamed the land awaiting his command. As Makuta walks into the fortress, he immediately heads to the chamber where the Red Crystal, that imprisons Trigon, is being held. Though Trigon is trapped in there, he can still communicate with Makuta both telepathically and through mediation. As the demons leave their presence, Makuta places his claws on the crystal and says "father, our plan has finally been set in motion. Even as I speak, the White Crystal is being brought to me; so that I may drain it of its power. Power I will use to shatter this wretched seal that keeps us apart. Once you're free, father. All the realms will fall beneath our rule."

Suddenly Silas cowardly walks in and mutters "uh... master?" "WHAT IS IT!? Makuta growled as he turns to him enraged. Silas nervously replies "we... we've searched the catacombs and found the monks, but Arella was able to-" "Arella!? We do you speak of her as if she's still alive!?" Makuta shouted as he scrapped his claws into the Red Crystal. As Silas tries to explain, Makuta's eyes glowed and his teeth grew sharp like daggers as he violently grabbed Silas and muttered "SHE ESCAPED!?"

Meanwhile on Earth, the heart monitor showed that Arella was finally stable as she laid on the medical bed in the Titans Tower. "Your mom is gonna be ok, Rae" Beast Boy said as he continued to comfort Raven. Raven didn't reply, she just held the tears as she used her powers to help heal the deep gashes all around Arella's body. As Raven nearly finished healing her mother's wounds, Beast Boy noticed something tightly gripped in Arella's hand. "What's that?" Beast Boy asked as he pointed at a crystal. "I don't know" Raven replied as she slowly and cautiously took it out of Arella's grip.

As they both stare at it with curiosity, Raven said "whatever it is, I can sense a great power in it." Suddenly Arella's eyes open up as she began to breath and cough heavily. "Mother!" Raven cried as she quickly handed Beast Boy the crystal and hugged her. "Are you ok?" Raven asked with concern. Arella looks around and realized where she was then finally started to calm down. After a few deep breathes, she turned to Raven and replied "my daughter, you have to help us." "What are you talking about?" Raven asked in confusion. Seeing that her wounds were gone, Arella slowly stands up and says "Raven, they... they attacked the temple and... they're slaughtering everyone." Her words pierce Raven like a blade. After Beast Boy placed the crystal on the medical table, he walked back over and asked "wait slow down for a sec... what attacked?" Arella turns to Beast Boy and muttered "demons."