A/N: This is the first chapter of many that will come. This chapter specifically surrounds the issues that are happening within Steel City and the Titans East's own turmoil because of it.

Of Azarath

Chapter 1: So It Begins

Bumblebee grimaced as the frigid winds lashed against her skin when she took flight. Steel city in her opinion was unpleasant – the summers blistering and winters harsh – today was no exception. However, the members of Titans East were able to find comfort in the admiration and appreciation of the Steel City's citizens. This became their home, but in the past few weeks there was shift; the warmth of the once beloved citizens now fleeting. They greeted the titans like winter did.

Bitterly.

A sigh escaped the heroine's chapped lips, recalling the beginning of the change – of the anti-super hero movement. Whispers came first. Whispers questioning the effectiveness of the titans' inhabitation within Steel City. It was in correlation with two robberies in which the perpetrator was not apprehended or even seen for that matter – no trace or evidence at the crime scene. That is what irritated the young leader and her gang of teenage heroes the most. How could they possibly be to blame if they have not even had the opportunity to defend the city? The criticism was unwarranted. Yet, it was encouraged by the new chief of police, Ernest Petty.

"That bastard." Huffed Bumblebee. She would have to 'speak' with this Ernest Petty about his propaganda.

Her comment didn't go unnoticed, "You okay Bee?" asked her Atlantean comrade, Aqualad. At this point the titans had stopped their travel, the archer – Speedy, and twins Mas y Menos staring at the pair with concern. They too had been affected by the obvious distaste for them lately. Yet, they knew that Bumblebee as the leader felt that the recent negative opinions and branding of the group were her responsibilities to mend. It was her team, and despite the fact that she knew that the majority of hate was the result of the media and Ernest Petty, she couldn't help but feel slightly guilty for their situation. Perhaps, she did not lead them well enough or maybe her press conference skills were lacking? She would save face for her team's sake.

"Of course. Now, come on you guys! Stop being bums and position yourselves around any possible entrances. Speedy rear, Aqualad front, Mas y Menos sides and I'll get the roof. We need to get this guy." With that Bumblebee sped for the roof of the building, Steffany & Co., the last jewelry store in Steel City that has not been ransacked. The leader smiled, 'Tonight is the night.'

Speedy gave his signature smirk, "I hope she is right or this will be the last rear I get in Steel City."

"Womanizing pig." Aqualad muttered heading towards a pillar near the front of the building leaving Speedy to himself at the rear of the structure while Mas y Menos raced off. Whether Speedy would show it or not, he was truly worried. Their livelihoods were on a tight rope, and so were their identities. He couldn't go back to being average Roy Harper, regardless if he was the ward to a billionaire. Yet, would that even be possible to retreat to or would he be persecuted by the Steel City police and be ordered to reveal his identity. There would be no normalcy to return to even if he had wanted to. The green arrow's former apprentice cringed at the thought. 'I have to stop thinking.'

It was half past one in the morning, when it happened – a change in the winds. Bumblebee was fully alert; quickly picking up the abnormality. The gusts became warm and caressed her almost numb limbs, bringing them to life. Definitely strange for being in the peak of winter. Quietly, Bumblebee accessed her communicator.

"Do you guys feel that?" she whispered.

The twins exclaimed, "Es muy calida!"

"Oi! It could just be all that global warming mumbo jumbo." The carrot top hero interjected, obviously agitating his amphibious counterpart.

"Global warming is real and it's hurting our planet and my oceans!"

Speedy had meant his comment as basic comic relief to balance out the very tense atmosphere. He really had no intentions to make a mockery of what his team mate held dear to him. It was a façade, he would play the role of the typical ignorant archer in order to hide the fact that this specific mission was so detrimental to their team's very existence. Yet, he knew what he had just said was a mistake; only providing irritation to this already aggravating quest. He sighed, readying himself to abruptly apologize, but was instantly cutoff by Bumblebee.

"Boys be quiet. Our robber is about to make an entrance."

Her order was stern, which was very much like their leader, however there was a distinguishable difference. Her attitude was missing, the spark that had made her their Bee. She seemed anxious. Nonetheless, the boys listened, continued listen, and listened some more. Yet, there was nothing. No sound that implicated the arrival of someone or a break in attempt. Bumblebee clenched her jaw with anticipation. Had she been wrong? Are the robberies done with? She hoped not. Their reputation would forever would be tarnished not by the slander of the media and police, but their own actions, or lack of. A criminal would walk free.

Was this the beginning of the end of Titans East?

Bumblebee wanted to lean over and hurl at the thought of the following morning press conference. She could imagine herself being berated with questions she simply could not answer, one of her worst fears. The citizens deserved closured regardless of their behavior. Then, the news papers' headlines would read in big bold blinding letters 'ARE THE REST OF TITANS INCOMPITABLE LIKE LEADER: CRIMINAL WALKS FREE'.

Then, of course she would have to tell Robin their reason for leaving Steel City with their heads hanging in shame. Even worse, they would have to disband. She would have failed as leader, a title that Robin bestowed upon her. She would have to admit that she was wrong. . .

Clang! It was a sharp sound, but barely audible. That simple sound had shattered Bumblebee's defeat; providing hope.

"The criminal made it in. Titans Go!" Bumblebee shouted, instantly forgetting her own strategy of surprise. She was far too excited to be discreet, zapping a hole through the roof of the store. The boys quickly followed pursuit entering the darkened structure weapons raised and powers summoned. There they stood united in front of the criminal that had been the cause of their pain – a woman in a dark blue cloak – a familiar dark blue cloak. All revealed was her eerily pa – familiar pale hands. Bumblebee didn't bother making anymore observations and hastily attacked sending a few electric shocks towards the Jane Doe. Aqualad followed, drawing a large amount of water from the floor, while Mas y Menos circled the liquid until it produced a tornado hurtling it toward the cloaked woman. However, with wave of Jane Doe's palm, the objects were engulfed by a dark force causing them to dissipate.

Bumblebee snarled, "She has telekinesis!" The ability was not a mystery to her. She after all knew another titan with the same abilities. This situation seemed all too similar. They would have to change their strategy, and get close enough to do hand to hand combat in order to hopefully break the woman's concentration. She would have to rely Speedy's skills for that. "Tactic 3!" Speedy smiled understanding Bumblebee's logic, quickly he prepared three of his arrows. In front of him Aqualad produced another mass of water. The archer would have to shoot an arrow that generates heat in order to create steam which would make a perfect diversion. He gripped his bow, pulling it back eagerly. This would have to work. He released his arrows giving a smirk of premature victory – a victory that would not happen.

The Jane Doe yelled, "Necronon Hesberek Mortix!", and with that the titans were defeated as the dark force enveloped the arrows causing a blinding explosion, launching the heroes back into the building's concrete walls. They all landed with a heavy 'thud' possibly weighed down by their own sinking pride. It seemed to have only been a one-two fight, a clear knockout within only a minute of the first round. Were their tactics that predictable to this woman, or perhaps she was already aware of their intentions; maybe once seeing the same method before – even possibly by them. Was their opponent a stranger that was well versed or someone that was already an acquaintance – no it was someone closer. This person had anticipated their every move with ease, without any complications or hesitation.

Bumblebee sucked in a sharp breathe that was tainted with debris. Within her own heart she hoped that their opponent was the dark girl that she knew, despite knowing the fact it would be a devastating blow to the Titans West. It would their loss, but her team's gain, well when they caught her. It was her team's only chance of success. The leader looked up hazily, and not quite being able to move she began to shift in the rubble, wanting to take a glimpse of the woman who had defeated them. Jane Doe ceased her pursuit of the exit when she heard the hero stir and turned around giving a simple yawn, "You weren't that interesting. Although, I do admire your courage." She admitted in a solemn voice. The titans flinched at the monotone drone, all too familiar.

"Raven." Bumblebee whispered. It was not a question, but a statement. She was even more anxious, her heart racing; eagerly waiting for some reaction from the woman – no she wanted confirmation. She had to be correct. However, Jane Doe did not speak, but instead raised her familiar pale hand to the hood of her familiar cloak, taking hold of the blue fabric and pulling it back, only to reveal a face that was not so familiar. The woman's hair was an ashy grey while her eyes were a piercing white – haunting in a sense.

"No. I am Brygida the White Mage of Nole." With her admission the woman turn back to her original direction and continued walking, her steps silent, but she spoke one last time, "It is magic not this telekinesis." Then her figure began to fade. Bumblebee's heart plummeted. Her assumptions were incorrect – she had been wrong. Yet, before she would admit that to her team or the media – she would have admit it to a certain grown up boy wonder. Then, hopefully he would have some ideas or words of comfort. She coughed again and stared into darkness, 'Magic huh? Maybe Raven can help?' she thought with a small renewal of slight hope. Bitter winds once again tickled her limbs.

A/N: Well, there it is. I tried my best to highlight Bumblebee's issues with the change within Steel City; allowing insecurities to surface. Personally, I think she is very confident in her abilities, but some deep insecurities about her position as leader. I drew this conclusion from the fact that in the beginning Bumblebee ad difficulty 'leading' the team. Cyborg had step in. Hope that makes sense.