Chapter 1: Dark Storm Rising
Well, HERE WE ARE AGAIN, FRIENDS! This was one of my favorite stories I began, and I really am sad I never went back to finish it. I think I just started too many different stories in spring of 2005. Silly me. But I'm going to once again try to do this, and actually finish it. I have since lost all of my little notes and notebooks, but I'm going to see what I can come up with. I still remember all the details of Tempest's description. I actually made an entire illustration of him on some website back in the day… it was pretty cool. I think I shared it with Rebel-Aquarius (A, you still out there?)? I've revamped Tempest a LOT, giving him a whole legend and background and such. Shakespeare fans should be pleased with some of it.
Anyway, let's try this again, shall we? I'm going to try and figure out the rest of the storyline for this bad boy so I don't get muddled up again and leave everyone dangling off a cliff like last time. So rude of me. Feel free to brandish pitchforks and flames. I really deserve it.
After the storyboard, this one is definitely more of an action/adventure, but if anyone knows me, they know I love my RobinxRaven romance, so I'll try to sprinkle in as much of that as I possibly can! The storyboard itself is 11 pages long and not done yet, so we'll see how long this story ends up being.
On we go: Lost In the Storm, take two!
Disclaimer: I own no part of DC Comics or their creations. Tempest is a little mine and a little Rebel-Aquarius'.
I also claim no knowledge of meteorology. Sorry I'm not sorry.
P.S. never go to the real world. Job-hunting sucks mega monkeys.
The rumbling sky overhead announced the fast approaching storm as winds blew in from the west. The skies were already black despite the noon hour, and yet life in Titans Tower went on as usual. Cyborg and Beast Boy were in the kitchen arguing over lunch like they did every meal, obscuring the sounds of the oncoming storm. Battle cries of "Meat!" and "Tofu!" echoed through the main floor, as well as Starfire's pleading voice; she had ventured into the kitchen to try and settle the dispute after the first few clashes of frying pan and meat mallet had clanged through the living room. Robin and Raven remained silent where they sat on the couch. Raven was on the far end reading her latest horror novel while Robin watched the news, waiting to hear when the storm would hit Jump City.
"Now we see the low pressure in this quadrant coming to meet the high pressure here on the outskirts of Jump. The storm should be moving in around four this afternoon with heavy rains…" The weatherman's voice droned on, blocking out some of the din from the kitchen. Delicately flipping another page of her novel, Raven felt the stare again. She looked up to see Robin with his eyes still glued to the screen, engrossed in Weatherman Dan's report.
Raven let her gaze drop back to the words in front of her. She could have sworn someone was staring at her. Again. Glancing around the room, she noted it still lacked the louder three. Shrugging to herself, she settled back into the paperback, missing the small smirk growing on Robin's face.
His mask really was an unfair advantage, but he didn't care. He had indeed been watching her. It had become a habit of his, a kind of game. His fascination with the dark empath had always existed, but lately the urge to study her was much stronger than a simple curiosity. Honestly, he doubted he would ever tire of learning things about her, and he really would always be fascinated by her, but the massive truths of Raven were all but known to him at this point. Her father, her powers, her past, her favorite color; he even knew about the small teddy bear she kept tucked away in her room. All of this, he knew. But there was more he learned every day, and this time, the information was not coming from any sort of conscious effort. It was like these nuggets of information just appeared in his brain. The way that one lock of her hair was constantly in her face, how her eyes lit up when she was particularly excited about something, the slight drumming of her fingers on the cover of a book during a particularly suspenseful scene. And his favorite, the shy smile that made Robin want to fly. It rarely peeked out, but when it did, Robin found himself in high spirits for the next few days to the point of others wondering why he was so happy. These were the things that may have always been around, but he was finally noticing them, and there was no end to the joy of discovery. Like today. When Raven read horror novels, her right knee bounced up and down constantly. It was almost imperceptible, but Robin noticed. He noticed everything about her.
The knee bounce stop and Robin diverted his eyes back to the television screen, nothing betraying his previous focus. Raven wrinkled her eyebrows as she looked around. The kitchen had fallen silent, but still the three were nowhere to be found and Robin was watching the news. She gave her head a slight shake, sure her paranoia was stemming from the book in front of her, and her knee began to bounce again as she continued onto page seventy-five.
Robin kept his eyes on the television this time. He almost felt bad for disturbing her. If the others were in the room, it wouldn't be a problem, but she was more relaxed when it was just him around. Her usual laser focus for her book wasn't necessary when there weren't small green distractions running around, but while Robin was glad for their quiet moment, he knew it came at a cost, namely her ability to pick up on other things around her, like his stare. He smiled to himself as he shifted into a more comfortable position on the couch. Raven didn't look up.
The bond between the birds had grown stronger the past few months. The ever-present problem of Slade was one Robin could not let go of, and instead of struggling against him like the others, Raven had given him her quiet understanding and settled in to help him rather than fight him. Unbeknownst to her, this simple action had made Robin's unhealthy obsession less severe. His actions were less erratic, more planned out, and no longer the dangerous, life-threatening impulses of before. There were better things to focus on, he realized. And so he found himself making up random excuses to be with his lavender-haired friend more and more, and she accepted it without question. His fascination with her had evolved into a love that went beyond platonic, and as it grew, his obsession with Slade leveled out. And he knew Raven knew that. On some level, deep beneath her calm face, she knew. And Robin sailed through each day knowing she wasn't pushing back against it.
Another crash of thunder echoed overhead, but that wasn't what brought Robin away from his thoughts.
"Earth to Robin. I repeat, Raven to Bird Brain. Anyone up there?" Raven waved her hand in front of his eyes. Shaking his head slightly, Robin looked up to see the object of his affections impatiently tapping her foot, arms crossed over her chest.
"Yeah, Rae?" he asked, flashing her a smile. She simply rolled her eyes at him.
"That's not my name," she deadpanned. "Cyborg and Beast Boy want to know what you want for lunch."
Before he could answer, the room started to blink red and the alarm blared.
"Never mind, then," she sighed. Robin dashed past her to the computer and punched in a few keys. He turned to the assembled Titans, ignoring the spatula in Cyborg's hand.
"The HIVE is trying to pull off a jewelry theft down near the square. Titans, go!" Robin commanded. The five ran to the garage, Cyborg, Starfire, and Beast Boy clambering into the T-car. Raven began to climb in, but she felt a gentle hand clasp her wrist. Looking up, her amethyst eyes met those of a masked wonder.
"I haven't had the chance to fix my hover cells yet. Can you give me a lift?" Robin asked, gesturing towards his motorcycle. Raven raised an eyebrow.
"Um, okay," she said slowly. Robin smiled at her and pulled her with him towards the red machine. Sitting down, he turned to her.
"Hop on." Raven slowly got on behind him and tentatively put her arms around his waist. Holding on tight, she prepared herself for a drive only Robin could pull off. As soon as she was settled, Robin gunned the bike and they shot off after the blue car.
…
The dark choppy waters below only added to the sense of foreboding in the air. Lightning flashed in the distance and the swift wind rippled across the growling clouds. The Titans flew low and fast over the water, one car hovering five feet above and one red bike encased in black magic flying beside it, both heading to a flashing building in Jump City's town square. Raven smoothly landed the motorcycle on the street as Robin accelerated. The T-car landed a second later and chased after the fiery red streak. Raven held Robin tightly as he whipped around curves and launched off construction ramps to avoid traffic. If it had been anyone else flying through the city at 120 MPH, she would have already stopped the vehicle and maimed them, but she trusted Robin. She also loved the thrill of the ride and the rush of excitement that ran through her every time Robin performed some dangerous stunt designed to get them to the store faster, and Robin knew it. He could feel it in the grip of her arms and the thrum of her heartbeat against his back. And he loved it.
As they reached the line of police cars and men firing at the escaping criminals, Robin swerved over to a fire truck and accelerated even more as they ran up the length of the ladder. Reaching the top, Robin pulled the front up and they soared through the sky. Raven chanced a look at the ground. Below them, the T-car had screeched to a halt, and the other three Titans were hot on the HIVE's heels. As the motorcycle began its descent back towards terra firma, Raven shut her eyes and squeezed Robin's waist. He smiled as he felt her lay her head on his back, preparing for landing. They passed over Jinx, Mammoth, and Gizmo's heads and Robin landed in front of them. Riding a few yards further to absorb the shock of the landing, he brought the motorcycle around to face the fleeing group. Dismounting, he stepped off to one side and felt Raven follow suit and come up beside him, her cape brushing against his body as a gust of wind blew through.
"Looks like you're surrounded," Robin commented as the others came up behind the HIVE.
"But not defeated. You'll have to catch us first. Attack pattern Zeta!" Jinx yelled. Gizmo flew into the air and flipped around to open fire on the three Titans at the rear. Yellow electron blasts ripped through the air as blue and green shots came countering back. Jinx and Mammoth had their attention focused on the two birds blocking their exit.
Robin pulled out his Bo staff and gave it a twirl before running at Mammoth. Raven stood her ground, waiting for Jinx to come to her. And come she did. Throwing hexes and pink energy shots, Raven quickly put up shield after shield against the attacks, patiently waiting for her opening. Catching a pause in Jinx's assault, Raven flicked a garbage bin towards Jinx. While the pink-haired witch flipped backwards to avoid the projectile, Raven rose into the air.
"Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" she shouted. A street sign glowed black and flew at Jinx as she landed, twisting itself about and immobilizing her. She struggled against the cold metal but found no opening.
"Defeated," Raven said simply as she walked past Jinx. Jinx growled and tried to work a hand free, but it was no use: the metal was too tight. Raven flew up to help the others with Gizmo. He had made some new adjustments to his pack, it seemed. Robin was still locked in combat with Mammoth, but he looked to be done soon. Raven focused her energy and uttered her mantra, sending Gizmo's wings melting into oblivion.
"Stupid scrum-buffing Titans!" Gizmo shouted as his spider legs shot out of the backpack, catching him above the ground. Raven watched Cyborg grab and twist the front two legs, sending Gizmo into a waiting Stegosaurus tail, when a sudden pain seared through her shoulder.
…
Robin blocked and parried every punch and kick Mammoth threw at him, but he could not get a clear shot at the giant. After a few more swings from Mammoth, he finally saw his opening. Leaping high into the air, Robin flipped over Mammoth and kicked the back of his head. Upon landing, he swung his leg out behind him, bringing the giant crashing to the ground where he lay still. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Robin glanced up to see Raven melt Gizmo's wings. He smiled and turned to see what state Jinx had been left in.
Jinx was on the street wrapped in a metal pole, watching the battle just as Robin had been. She was struggling against one of the bars, and Robin walked a bit closer to see what she was doing. She smiled and he saw a hand free of the mtal prison. Robin began running towards her to stop her, but Jinx was too fast. A purple-pink glow emitted from her hand and the energy flew from her fingertips with a small explosion. Robin skidded to a halt as the spell whipped past him, the energy heading straight for Raven's turned back.
"Raven!" Robin shouted, throwing a freeze disc back towards Jinx as he charged towards the floating mystic. She turned and the energy blast skidded over her shoulder. Raven heaved a bit in the air, fighting the effects of the glancing shot, but her eyes fluttered shut.
Time seemed to slow around Robin as he watched her go limp and fall back towards the ground. Robin sprang off the ground and caught her still form just before she hit the cement. Tucking into a ball, Robin somersaulted and came up on one knee with Raven in his arms
"Where's the train," Raven mumbled. Robin smiled a little in relief. The hex had only been a sleeping charm.
"Raven, time to get up," Robin said gently, shaking her.
"Five more minutes," she said softly, curling against the cold wind and nuzzling up against Robin. He felt a blush creep up the back of his neck. This was a new side of Raven nobody had ever seen. Except maybe her teddy bear.
"Raven, wake up!" Robin shook her again as Gizmo flew over his head and crashed into a car in front of them, Starfire casually floating behind him. Raven yawned a bit and slowly opened her eyes. Sitting up, she gingerly touched her shoulder where the spell had hit.
"What happened?" she groaned. Noticing where she was, Raven quickly leapt up only to fall back again. Robin smirked as he stood up with her in his arms for the second time that day.
"Robin, put me down! I can walk," Raven said, struggling against him.
"If you can walk, how come can't stand? That hex Jinx threw at you was strong," Robin said. "You may be conscious now, but your muscles are still waking up." Raven scowled and gave him her infamous death glare.
"Down, Robin," she hissed. He resisted the urge to laugh. Her cheeks were tinged pink and that one strand of hair kept flying into her face.
"Okay! But when you fall down, don't blame me," he said.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure to attack Jinx first," Raven responded cooly. Robin set her down again and she stumbled a bit before regaining her balance. "See?" she said before turning to go back to a half-frozen Jinx. Robin shook his head with a laugh and went to help Starfire extract Gizmo from the crumpled car while the other two loaded Mammoth into the armored car down the street.
…
The rain started slowly at first, but soon the Titans were drenched. Lightening lit up the sky as the car with the HIVE drove off towards the police station.
"Finally," Cyborg said, clapping his hands together. "We missed lunch and I'm starved. Who wants pizza?" He grinned and gestured towards the pizza parlor on the left.
"Anything to get out of the rain!" Beast Boy ran after Cyborg towards the restaurant.
"Friends? Are you to be joining us?" Starfire questioned as she began to float after the other two. She watched Robin watch Raven. Raven's face was pointed towards the sky and her hood was off, the rain falling freely across her pale skin and soaking her.
"What, Star?" Robin came out of his trance and looked at Starfire. She felt a smile on her face. The two members of their team, so known for mystery, were not the most subtle of people when it came to some things.
"Lunch?" Starfire repeated.
"Oh, yeah, Star, we'll be there in a bit," Robin answered. Starfire nodded happily and flew off after Beast Boy and Cyborg. There was another battle to referee, only this time she would have a bottle of mustard in front of her as she mediated insults.
"Raven?" Robin called. "You okay?" He walked up to her but stopped when he reached her. There was a small smile on her face as the raindrops fell on her and ran through her hair. She was thoroughly soaked, but Robin had never seen her look so peaceful.
Raven always ventured outside when the rains fell. She could stay out on the roof for hours on end, something Robin knew all too well if only because he worried she would catch cold and often left steaming cups of tea by her door for her return from the roof. But the rain was Raven's medication. It helped calm her in a way meditation could not. And this was her favorite kind of storm. Lots of thunder and lightning, heavy rains that soaked through clothes within minutes of exposure. No one came out during these heavy storms, so they provided the solitude she loved.
"Raven? Time to go," Robin said again, gently placing a hand on her upper arm. Her eyes opened slowly and she locked eyes with him. The smile still floated on her lips and Robin felt his heart skip a beat.
"Hungry?" he asked.
"Not really. I think I'm going to head home," Raven said. The thunder crashed overhead and Robin flinched a bit.
"Need a ride? It's getting pretty nasty out here," Robin responded.
"Sure. Let's go tell the others, first. I think our transmissions will get muddled in this," Raven said, gesturing towards the weather. She walked towards the restaurant and Robin trotted after her.
"We're heading home before the storm gets any worse," Robin told the others as he and Raven stood dripping by the table.
"We're doing takeout, anyway. News just said the storm is supposed to get a lot worse." Cyborg pointed at a television. "We'll meet y'all back at the tower in a few." Raven nodded and walked back out with Robin into the rain.
"Can we stay in the 50-100 MPH range on the way home, please? Crashing and dying doesn't sound too appealing," Raven told Robin as they climbed onto the bike.
"Fine by me," Robin smiled. "Let's go before the sky really breaks."
"You mean it hasn't already?" Raven questioned as Robin started the motorcycle. Robin laughed.
"Hold on. Don't want you flying off." Raven adjusted her slippery grip and Robin waved to the others before kicking the bike into motion, sending the pair back towards the tower.
…
Robin watched the rain fall from his place on the couch. It had gotten heavier halfway back, and even worse after they got inside the garage. Robin could barely make out the city lights through the thick rain. Raven had retreated to her room as soon as they got home and Robin was left alone to watch the droplets chase each other down the windowpane. It was eerie being in Titans Tower by himself. Sure, Raven was hovering around somewhere, but he wished she were here with him. He had kept the lights off, choosing instead to watch the lightning crackle across the evening sky. Another flash lit up the room and Robin jumped in surprise. A dark shape was now sitting on the couch across from him, watching the storm outside as well.
"I thought you went to your room," Robin said lightly. The figure did not answer. "Raven?" Robin ventured again. When she again did not respond, he walked over towards her. Jinx's hex couldn't have fallen back over her; it had been too long. He heard the other three Titans swish through the door and the fluorescent lights illuminated the room. He barely registered the three screams from his other teammates. A small, strangled noise escaped Robin's throat as the four Titans looked at Raven propped up on the couch.
…
Don't worry, just a little dash of horror in here for the sake of an evil cliffhanger. I didn't expect this to get written so quickly, so don't get your hopes up for the rest! I had a burst of midnight energy. Still finishing the storyboard for the last few chapters, but I'll start on the next few chapters soon!