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Chapter 11: The Beginning of the End Part 1

"So what do we do know? Whoever took down Robin and Star is a complete unknown and that coupled with whatever other tricks the Brain has ready for us, that doesn't put our chances at succeeding very high just charging in there like bats out of hell." Raven asserted the need for a plan once the trio had rejoined their remaining companions in the corridor before the Brain's command center, the empath made it a point to ignore the look from their green field leader.

"Well unfortunately we don't really have time to try and sneak around the command center and plot out how to do this." Beast Boy countered, so far his general way of operating had worked. Gloved hand ran through the mess of his green hair, leading during the crunch time of such situations was more stressful than he had imagined. "The Brain's deadline likely has other countries getting itchy trigger fingers on how to respond. With militaries, and probably heroes getting ready to mobilize things are likely to get crazier if the Brain the starts getting paranoid."

"She's got a point though Gar. Robin, Starfire, whatever civilians didn't manage to evacuate before the occupation was in full swing, there's a lot at risk to just suggest just charging in." Argent drew surprised looks from both parties as her opinion was voiced. The superheroine sighed as she gave her boyfriend an apologetic look, the situation overruled playing the supportive girlfriend role. "I know we don't know a lot of what's on the other side, but a basic idea could really help."

With a sigh Beast Boy relented to the young women. "Okay, okay, I get it. We've been lucky so far with improvising along an outline more than a plan, but we're on the final showdown now." The admittance was slightly difficult for him, but in thought he went over what they did know. "Hmm... The mystery ninja girl is the biggest problem I think, there's just to much unknown about her." With that a plan slowly started to formulate. "Rae, once we go your first priority is to get over to Robin and Star, if they're not in any shape to join the fight once their free teleport them somewhere safe and rejoin the fray. Toni, your job is to take on this Ravager. Keep your distance if you can, if things get hairy we can rotate someone over to help you." The girls of the group were arguably the most powerful of the bunch in combat situations, and it made sense for him to put aside other thoughts and let them handle the solo roles in the plan. "The rest of us, it's not as simple as it sounds putting it this way. But, we're going to bash through whatever mutants the Brain has there and stop him from setting anything off."

"Well sounds like a plan, heck I even have a limited E.M.P burst that can gives a narrow window to get to the pickle jar before he can even think of doing anything." Cyborg voiced as he tapped away at his arm programing the burst. He was actually pretty of his younger best friend, though he did have a few concerns to raise."But, do you have any ideas for getting through the guards?" Seeing the fang revealing smirk on the changeling's face, a similar if less toothy expression formed. "Follow us Robert, watch and learn."

-Boom-

The crashing of the proverbial gate occurred in what could almost be described as a comedic fashion, a triceratops with emerald scale armor bashed through the door before charging into the formation of the Brain's bodyguards. Atop the dinosaur's back, his best friend sat with both his arms in their cannon form blasting away. "Booyah!" Cyborg declared his signature catchphrase replacing the team's more conventional battle cry as the duo pummeled their way, knocking over opponents like bowling balls. Wildebeest brought up the rear, taking out any opponents not knocked out in the initial attack.

"Boys." Was all Argent said as she and Raven flew into the room to accomplish their goal, the two actually shared a brief laugh at the scene before the battle unfolded. While at first their opponents had been stunned by what was unfolding, as the initial surprise wore off more mutants advanced on the trio. Swords drawn, Ravager prepared to join the fray when she was suddenly knocked back by a beam of crimson energy. "Oh no you don't," Argent declared as she moved into intercept position. "Suit yourself then." With a growl the eye patched teen rolled under a podium for cover, before lunging at her airborn opponent, swords clattering against a hastily tossed up shield.

The dark energy that was signature of Raven's magic slid around the chaos like a passing shadow, with its usual screech she appeared before her captured teammates. Arms bound over their heads Raven drew in a breath, Starfire appeared well enough. The girl was tough, a few bruises but could likely rejoin the battle once she was freed. The Boy Wonder on the other hand, appeared in worse condition. Bruising, cuts, and blood littered the Titan his battered body was likely going to need some serious time healing before he could even consider taking to the field again. Deciding that given their narrow time frame, more firepower was likely to be needed she used her magic on the bonds above the alien princess first. "Starfire, are you alright? Can you fight?"

Groggily the alien princes was brought back into focus on what was occurring around them, "I... I have the most powerful of the headaches, but I believe I am otherwise unharmed. I shall do the surviving," As she came back to the world Starfire's eyes widened slightly as she drew in a breath, "Is Robin okay?!"

Raven's more emotionless side was quickly running out of patience for her comrade's couplings, even if one was far more openly established then the other, that appeared to be a bit of a hassle even in active combat situations such as this. "He'll make it Star, I'm going to get him somewhere safe, but we could really use your help here." Hand threw up a protective barrier to halt any incoming projectiles from the the ongoing conflict around them.

Eyes narrowed at the sight of the woman that had taken her by surprise earlier in the operation, but temporarily were diverted back to the wounded boy wonder. Despite making to say something, the alien bit her tongue. "That... That is a most reasonable plan friend Raven, please do see that... friend Robin is out of the harm's way." A glare was shot at their blonde enemy, as she launched herself towards the woman. "I shall see to it to help our friends win the day."

A series of grandiloquent statements in French flowed from the Brain's voice synthesizer as a thin frail mechanical mandible extended from his unit's frame to the set up in front of him. "IT. WOULD. APPEAR. THAT. OUR. YOUNG. FRIENDS. HAVE PREPARED A FINAL GAMBIT. VERY WELL CHILDREN LET US SEE WHO SHALL PREVAIL IN THE END."