I redid an old fan fiction story I wrote about a band back in the 90's and changed the characters to the teen titans so the story wasn't just taking up space on a disk where no one ever got to see it. In this story I use only the characters. None of them have any super powers or are aliens so I use the real names or alter egos as listed in the orignal comics. So as in the case with Rachel aka Raven she is not emotionally restrainned due to her powers. As I started working on revamping it I had intended for the main character to be Kori Anders aka Starfire, but as it evovled it just made more sense to make it Rachel Roth aka Raven-which will show up more in later installments. For the sake of keeping the story as close to the orginal version as possible, I had to make my main charcter Richard aka Robin-due to a short flashback/dream you'll see later. Leave a review and let me know what you think.

The Awakening

When Richard awakens he notices how severely his head aches. He feels dizzy and he has no idea where he is, or even who he is.

"It's good to see you awake young man. You're very lucky."

"W--where am I?"

"You're in the hospital. You suffered a pretty nasty head wound. Do you remember what happened?"

Richard tries to remember what happened. He can vaguely remember a girl. The only other thing he remembers is waking up moments ago. "I can't remember what happened...I can't remember anything."

"The memory loss is probebly only temporary. You're friend has been here waiting for you to wake-up since yesterday. She's been here with you all night in fact."

"Can I see her?"

"I'll have one of the nurses get her."

The doctor leaves Richard to wonder who he is and what happened to him. Minutes later a woman wearing dark sunglasses and a scarf over her hair comes into the room and closes the door. She removes the sunglasses and scarf as she approaches his bed side.

"Why did you come here, Richard?"

"I can't remember."

"You should have listened to me. It's dangerous here."

"Why did you come then?"

"I had to...I can't talk about it right now."

"Then would you tell me something else?"

"If I can."

"Who am I?"

"You're Richard... wait you don't remember who you are?"

"No."

Rachel walks over to the chair beside the bed and sits down. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't even have said anything to you--then you wouldn't be here-hurt."

"Somehow I don't think it's your fault."

"Yes it is."

Richard sees a tear fall from Rachel's eye. He has the urge to hold her in his arms. "Who are you?"

"I'm Rachel Roth--" More tears fall from her eyes. "--Richard I'm sorry."

"Please don't cry."

"I'm sorry--the last few days have been very stressful...and now you're hurt because of me."

Richard can't resist the urge any longer. He eases himself up into a sitting position, takes hold of Rachel's hand, and pulls her up onto the bed. He holds her in his arms as she finally breaks down crying. "It's okay, I'm not hurt bad."

"You can't remember anything. "Bruce Wayne is going to kill me."

"Bruce Wayne?"

"He was your legal guardian."

"Was?"

"Now you're head of the Wayne Tech Branch in Jump City...I'm so sorry about what happened to you, Richard."

"Don't cry okay. I don't like to see you cry."

"What?"

"I said I don't like to see you cry."

"You said that to me after the fight I had with Xavier."

"Xavier? That name at least seems familiar."

"He came to my house drunk after we broke up. I was talking to you over the phone when he came, I tried to keep him out. You got there just in time to...to stop him before he..."

"You were really shaken up then weren't you?"

"It was mostly from something he said to me...I was so scared--too scared to press charges."

"It's like I can almost remember that. When you talk about it...it seems familiar anyway."

"Oh, Richard...I wish I could do something to help you remember."

Richard watches Rachel quickly put the scarf and sunglasses back on as the doctor opens the door. "I'm going to run some tests to make sure you're okay. If everything checks out you're free to go. Miss I take you know this young man."

"Yes, I know him."

"Would you mind going over some forms with the nurses?"

"Sure." Rachel leaves the room, so the doctor can run his tests.

***

A couple of hours later Richard walks into the waiting room where Rachel is sitting. "The doctor says I'm free to go."

Rachel stands up, gathers her belongings and walks over to Richard. "You'll have to sign a couple of forms. The nurse has them."

Richard walks over to the nurse who shows him where to sign the forms. He hesitates, staring at the line he's supposed to sign.

Rachel whispers in his ear. "James Roth."

Richard signs the form and hands it back to the nurse. "What about the bill?"

"That's been taken care of."

Richard watches as Rachel glances nervously around the lobby. "Come on lets go."

Richard follows Rachel to her car. "You called me Richard why did you have me sign something else?"

"Trust me it safer for you here if you only use a fake name until we leave--I told them you were my father's nephew--I hope they don't they don't find out-he was an only child." Once they get into Rachel's rental car-she gives Richard his wallet and cell phone-she'd kept hidden from the doctors and nurses.

"Where are we going?"

"Back to my motel room. I shouldn't be seen here."

"Why?"

"I'll tell you once we get there."

"Will you at least tell me my real name?"

"Richard Grayson."

"No middle name?"

"If there is, you never told it to me."

Richard sits back and looks at the scenery as Rachel drives what are obviously far out of the way backroads to the motel.

***

Once they're inside her room, Rachel locks the door and closes the blinds.

"Rachel, why are you being so secretive?"

"Because I'm not supposed to be here."

"Why?"

"You could get into a lot of trouble if you know."

"I'm pretty sure I didn't care about that. You say that you told me not to follow you and I did anyway."

"I should have known better than to say anything to you. You never could resist solving a mystery."

"So, what's going on?"

"I shouldn't tell you--"

"--I want to know Rachel."

Rachel takes a deep breath. "My step-father...Slade Wilson...he runs a smuggling ring--everything from drugs, to weapons. I found out about it by accident. He found out I knew and he told me if I left town and kept quiet, he wouldn't do anything to me."

"Then why did you come back?"

"My mother passed away. I came back for the funeral."

"I'm sorry I had no idea...but by the way you're acting-you're risking alot to come back here."

"I was only taking some lunch out to my step-dad's warehouse. Mom was worried because he had rushed out before breakfast that day. I overheard him talking to a bunch of forigen men-I tried to run when I realized what was going on. Some of his thugs saw me...you and I met for the first time that very night. It was supposed to be a one way trip to Jump City."

Richard can see this has been very hard for Rachel so he doesn't press her for any further information right now."

Rachel rummages around in a suit case and takes out a simple little black dress. "I have to go to the funeral, but you need to stay here. Don't open the door if anyone comes. Victor and Garfield won't be here until late tonight, so you know if anyone does come it won't be them."

"Garfield?"

"His parents still wonder why he hates them. He's one of your good friends from work, Victor too. I need to get ready now."

"Why do I need to stay here?"

"My step-father has to know I'm here and that you followed me. There's no other reason for you to have been hurt. He must think I've told you something that would make you worry enough to come after me. I don't want you to get hurt any worse than you already are...please promise me you won't leave this room."

"Okay, I'll stay right here."

Rachel goes into the bathroom and changes into the dress. Richard just stares at her when she comes back out. Rachel looks at herself in the mirror to try and figure out why Richard is staring at her. "What is it?"

"It's like I can almost remember...but when I try to focus...it's gone."

"What is it-maybe I can help you?"

"Were we...are we, dating?"

"Garfield begged you to go on a double date with him and Terra. Her older brother didn't exactly trust Garfield. I had just ended it with Xavier so you begged me come with you."

"But we didn't go out again did we?"

"No--you were really busy with a project at work."

"Did you want to-go out again I mean?"

"If we'd had the chance...sure."

Rachel picks up her the scarf and sunglasses. "I'll be back in a few hours."

"Are you sure you should be going out there alone?"

She pauses as she grips the door knob. "No, but I have to be there."

The door is suddenly forced open by a couple of armed men. One of them quickly grabs Rachel. "The boss heard you were back in town."

"Let her go!"

The other guy closes and locks the door. "Didn't we already deal with this guy?"

"Guess we'll just have to finish the job--then we can have some fun with this cuttie."

Angered by the thought of Rachel being hurt, Richard lunges at the guy. The second one is quick to step in and strike Richard with the butt of his gun. Richard is knocked to floor temporarily stunned from the force of the blow.

"No! Please don't hurt him!"

"You keep quiet." He throws Rachel to the floor as the other guy strikes Richard again. He pounces on her-striking her across the face before she can scream for help.

As the man tries to force a gag into her mouth Rachel is able to kick him in the crotch.

"Aahhh--you bitch!" He tries to make a grab for Rachel as she gets up but misses.

Rachel rushes toward Richard as the second guy trains his gun-armed with a silencer on him. She falls beside Richard as the bullet strikes her instead.

"Rachel!"

"Oh shit!"

"What the fuck did you do?"

"I didn't--I wasn't--she got in the way."

Richard forces himself to his knees. "Please be okay Rachel." He turns her over-to reveal the bleeding wound on her chest. "Rachel."

Rachel opens her eyes looking up at Richard. "Get out of here while you still have a chance."

"No--I'm not leaving you. We go together or not at all."

"Neither of you are going anywhere."

The one who fired the shot paces nervously. "What do we do? The boss wanted her unharmed."

"Shut up and find something to stop the bleeding! If she dies-the boss will make sure you're next."

Ignoring the two men, Richard yanks the sheets from the bed. "Hang on Rachel." Richard wads up the sheets and places them over the bullet wound and presses down with his hands applying pressure.

Rachel cries out weakly from the pain.

"You hang on Rachel! Don't you dare leave me!"

The second man with the gun again trains it on Richard. "Keep quiet."

"We need him now to help keep her alive. Go get Xavier-he used to be a medic."

Richard looks up at the mention of the name Xavier. He watches as the second man unlocks the door and leaves the room. "So help me if she--"

"If anyone can patch her up it's Xavier--damn shame the guy didn't go to medical school-he'd make one hell of a doctor. You just focus on keeping her from bleeding to death until he gets here."

Richard looks down at Rachel-she lays there so still with her eyes closed. "Rachel?"

Rachel opens her eyes looking up at Richard. "I'm sorry for getting you mixed up in this."

"You don't have anything to be sorry for, I'm the one who came after you...I followed you because I love you."

"What?"

"That's the one thing I could never forget."

The one who shot Rachel comes back with another guy. The first looks up as the door is opened.

"Xavier--."

"What the hell did you two screw-ups do?"

"I told you Xavier she just--"

"The boss is waiting for the two of you--for both your sakes you better hope I can save her."

"And leave you alone here?"

"Chang is outside-he's watching to make sure you two didn't draw in any unwanted attention." As the other two leave Xavier kneels beside Rachel. "God--Rachel...you never should have come back here--I told you what he would do to you."

"Xavier...?"

"Save your strength-you're going to need it." Setting down a kit of medical equipment, and rumages through it. "Think you can help me? If I have to call Chang in here you won't live through this."

"You almost make it sound like you're going to let us go."

"I'll do my best--you just be sure you take care of her." Xavier looks down at Rachel. "I was only supposed to keep an eye on you for the boss. Somewhere along the way I started to care for you-a lot. I never meant to hurt you that night--I just didn't want to loose you." Glances over at Richard. "But I never really had you in the first place did I?"

"Xavier I--"

"Sorry? That's something you'll have to get used to...Richard--isn't it? When something bad happens she always blames herself."

"Noticed that." Richard looks down at Rachel, then back up to Xavier. "What do you need me to do?"

Xavier prepares an injection. "We're not in a hospital--the best I can do is to give you a sedative Rae" He gives Rachel the injection in her arm. "Don't worry I was a field medic in army, I was a paramedic studying to go to medical school before that, I'll patch you up--better than new you'll see."

"Don't call me...Rae..."

"You were in the army?"

"I don't look that old huh? I get that alot." Xavier sets out the things he needs, then goes to wash up in the bathroom.

Richard watches as the sedative Rachel was given takes affect. "Hang on Rachel."

"It won't be easy to get you two out of here-I can only promise to try. If this works you're going to have get her some kind of new identity...name change at least-the boss could still have people in Jump City."

"What are we supposed to tell the hospital when we get back there? She's going to need medical attention."

You know the media-it's not even going to be safe for either of you to end up in a hospital when this is over. She may not even be hurt that bad--I won't know until I take a look at the damage." Xavier checks to make sure Rachel is unconscious. "Do you think you can help with this?"

"Like you, I can only promise to try."

"One last thing...do you know your blood type?"

"No. Why?"

"She's going to lose an awful lot of blood by the time we're finished. I know I'm not a match."

***

When Xavier is finally finished Richard looks up to see that nearly an hour has passed. "Is she going to be okay?"

"She's weak--she lost alot more blood than I thought she would."

"You said not to take her to a hospital. What would you have done if this happened back in the army?"

"If we absoulty couldn't get a soilder to a mash unit in time we could do a field transfusion-from one person to another. We couldn't exactly carry blood with us out into the field. But everyone's blood type was written on their dog tags."

"What happens if someone gets the wrong blood type?"

"The body's immune system attacks it-unless it comes from a universal donor-she couldn't survive that. Didn't the two of you go give blood once? They would have sent you a donor card with your blood type on it."

"How would you--?"

"--Know that? It was my job to keep an eye on her-to know every single thing she was doing--which included checking her mail. I saw the donor card they sent, and I heard the two of you talk about it over the phone."

"Phone Tap?"

"Hidden microphones and video cameras too. The boss sent me because I'm the best."

Richard pulls out his wallet looking for the card Xavier mentioned. "Is this what you're talking about?"

"That's it." Xavier looks at the blood type listed. "Perfect-you can donate blood to her. Just let me get cleaned up first."

As Xavier goes wash up, Rachel begins to come around. "Richard?"

"I'm right here. Xavier patched you up just like he said he would."

"I was dreaming...about how we met."

"Did I ever thank you for that night?"

"You never said who she was..."

"Kitten...she likes rich eligable young bachlors. I thought if I told her I was meeting someone that night she would leave me alone. You were the first girl I saw when she wanted to know who."

"Lucky me..."

Xavier looks at himself in the mirror-he wonders now just how he's going to get the two of them passed Chang. When he finally comes back out he glances out the window. Outside are the flashing lights of cop cars...his cell phone rings soon after.

"Chang--what's going on out there?...Stay there don't draw attention to yourself...no-no it's not looking good at all...don't worry I can handle him...let me know when things settle down out there." Xavier hangs up the cell phone.

Richard looks up at Xavier. "Trouble?"

"There was a fender bender. Chang says it was those two clowns the boss sent to bring in Rachel earlier. They tried to run...they didn't get far. The longer we can wait before moving her the better. It gives me time to come up with a way to get you two out of here."

"Rich...your fri...friends...Vic...Gar..."

"Please tell me they aren't coming here. The last thing we need is for all three of you to get mixed up in this."

"...called them...pick up...Rich..."

"Save your strength Rachel don't try to talk, okay. This could work though...we just need to get a message to them to meet us somewhere else."

Richard takes his cell phone from his pocket as Xavier sets up to do the blood transfusion. He searches through the contact list until he locates them. "Where do they need to go?"

"Outside of Castle Rock would be good. Let me get this set up-then I'll text the directions." Xavier quickly sets up the tube for the Transfusion. He puts it first in Richard's arm and then Rachel's. "Just sit there beside her-you're going to have to stay elevated-we don't have any fancy machines so gravity will have to do the work." Xavier finally turns his attention to texting directions on Richard's cell phone.

Richard just sits there watching Rachel's slow shallow breaths.

***

Richard hadn't been aware he'd dozed off, but he awakens when Xavier's cell phone rings. He han't even been aware of it when Xavier removed the transfusion needle.

"Chang?...no--its bad. The bullet did too much damage-she bleed out...no took care of him--tried to transfuse blood from him to her before she died--slipped him an O. D. worth of morphine. All that's left to do now is get rid of the bodies, and clean up this place...wait until its completely dark then back up to the motel room and have some stuff to clean up this mess...yeah that too...I called him 30 minutes ago. He said to just dump the bodies...I know just where to go-leave it to me."

Richard looks up at Xavier as he ends the call. "So that's it-you're just going to let us go?"

"If you're smart you won't talk about any of this--not even to your friends when we meet up with them. Just hide out until you're both well. Speaking of are you okay?"

"I'll be fine."

"I gave Rachel something for the pain--she'll be out for awhile. Think you can act dead or do I need to give you something to knock you out for awhile?"

"Acting? No...I don't think I could pull it off long enough to fool anyone." Richard looks down at Rachel. "You're sure she'll be okay? I would feel better taking her to a hospital."

"She'll be weak for a long time. Just keep her bandages changed and watch for infection. She'll need some medicine...I'll leave what I have now with your friends. I'll get her more one way or another." Xavier prepares another injection. "It's almost dark now...are you ready?"

"Yeah." Richard eases himself down beside Rachel. He watches her as Xavier gives him an injection to knock him out.

"Just hope that Chang will stay here to clean up the room."

When Richard is finally out Xavier covers them both loosely with the bloodied sheets, hoping it will hide the fact they're still very much alive.

***

Dreams of jumping of a platform and swinging high above a crowd lingers in Richard's mind as he finally awakens. He throws off the sheet he was covered with-and sits up.

"You alright back there?"

"If everything would stop spinning."

"We'll meet up with your friends soon. Check on Rachel..." Tosses back a set of keys. "...These might come in handy. They're the keys to my place in Jump City. The two of you can hide out there until you're well."

Richard pockets the key as he pulls the sheet off Rachel. "She's still asleep."

"She probebly will be for awhile. The boss has already called me about cleaning up her house. I'll be there in a few days."

"I don't suppose you've figured out what we're going to tell everyone?"

"She left behind a jealous ex--who couldn't stand her being with someone else when she came back. I'm just trying to make up for the mistake I made with her by giving you two a way out. You have to keep it out of the press though, so the boss doesn't find out she's still alive."

---

"Victor, do you think Richard will remember us?"

"I don't know, Gar."

"What if he never remembers who he is? How are we supposed to explain all of this to Bruce Wayne?"

"Maybe the first time Kitten starts chasing him around the office trying to get him to go out with her-he'll remember." Victor checks her watch. He and Garfield have been waiting for nearly an hour now?

"Why was he following Rachel anyway? She didn't even say how he was hurt."

"Something's up. Texting us to meet him here? This literally is the middle of nowhere."

Garfield points up ahead. "Is that them?"

"Lets hope so."

When the van stops they recognize Xavier getting out. They step out of the car as Xavier opens the back door of the van.

Xavier helps Richard get Rachel to the car.

Garfield opens up the back door of the car. "What happened to the two of you?"

Richard looks first at Victor then to Garfield. "I'll explain what happened on the way, but we have to get Rachel out of here." Richard turns to Xavier once Rachel is settled with him in the backseat of the car. "We both owe you--"

Xavier hands over the medicines he promised earlier. "--Just promise me you'll take good care of her. That's thanks enough."

"I will."

Garfield and Victor get back in the car as Xavier gets back in the van and leaves.

Before either of them can say anything Richard speaks up. "Is there some reason that I should have dreams about being on a trapzee in a big circus tent?"

Garfield turns to Victor. "Rae wasn't kidding he really doesn't remember."

Victor glances back at Rachel. "Call her that again and she'll probebly wake up just to slug you."

***

When Rachel wakes up, she sees Richard sitting beside her.

"How are you feeling?"

"Weak."

"You lost alot of blood, Rachel."

"Where are we?"

"Xavier's old place he says it's yours now."

"I only dated him because I hated being alone in a strange place."

"You'll never be alone again, Rachel. I'll always be with you, no matter where I am."

"What do you mean?"

"You needed blood--we had the same type. Now you'll never be alone, because a part of me will always be with you."

"You always know what to say to charm a girl." Rachel tries to sit up.

"No...you need to rest, get your strength back so we can make up for all that time my work keep us apart."

"You remember?"

"Not everything but it's coming back a little more everyday. How are you feeling? Do you need anything for pain?"

"No--not right now."

Richard holds Rachel's hand, then sits down on the chair beside her bed. "Xavier said you'll need a new identity or a name change...something to hide." Richard slips a ring on Rachel's finger. "I have an idea about what that name change should be."

Rachel looks at the ring, then up at Richard. "Are you sure?"

"We almost lost each other. I want us to be together from now on. So will you--?"

"--Yes. Just promise me one thing though."

"Anything."

"Never call me Rae--I've always hated that name."

"I promise."

Rachel smiles and closes her eyes as Richard continues to hold her hand. "I am awake right?"

"Huh?"

"This is real and not a dream--right?"

"If it is a dream, I hope it never ends."