Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans.

The Healer

Chapter 13: Happening Here (The Confrontation I)

The tower shook, and in every hallway echoed the loud impacts of every blow Raven and Starfire threw at each other. Neither girl showed any signs of giving up; however, both were exhausted, and each heavy breath only emphasized that. Raven's eyes still glowed with a menacing red light and Starfire's green, glowing eyes revealed her warrior spirit. And once more, Starfire raised her tightened fists. Raven scoffed.

"Still wanna fight?"

"See what you are doing."

Raven scanned the hall. She only saw Cyborg at Beast Boy's side and Robin (Crow) leaning against the wall unconscious. Then she returned her gaze at Starfire.

"What's your point?"

"You are hurting everyone! If-If it means not hurting my friends, then I will have to fight in order to stop you, Raven."

"But, aren't I also your friend?"

Starfire clutched her head in frustration. She stomped her foot.

"I know that! I know…"

She lowered her arms and then she looked at Raven. Her green eyes stared at her teammate, pleading for a chance to stop all of this.

"This… All of this…"

Starfire spread her arms to present the destruction that surrounded them. Upon closer inspection, the tower was badly damaged. The walls had holes in them; live wires hung from the ceiling and sprawled out onto the floor. The familiar buzzing of electricity could be heard. Windows were broken, doors that should be there gone, and cracks that invaded every visible space. Starfire stood motionless, her arms still stretched out, and her eyes still on Raven.

"Stop, Raven. Fighting you is a most unpleasant feeling. It hurts me inside—and I want it to go away… Please, stop."

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"I know, Star. It hurts me a lot, too."

Raven's voice was so soft; and it was music to Starfire. The alien girl's countenance brightened and her whole body relaxed. Her arms returned to her sides as she drew a long sigh. The serenity that pervaded the room was also felt by Cyborg across the hall. Seeing the two girls lower their fists was a welcome sight to him.

"Raven!" Starfire rejoiced. "You are you!"

She dashed forward and took Raven into her arms giving her a tight and loving embrace.

"At last," said Starfire. "It is over."

"No, it isn't."

Starfire's eyes widened.

"Rav—"

"Starfire!" cried Cyborg.

In the blink of an eye, Starfire was coated by Raven's black aura. With the flick of a wrist, Starfire's embrace was broken and she was lifted high above Raven's head. The hooded girl looked at her captive and Starfire stared back. As Raven looked at her with a menacing glare, Starfire only had shock and confusion in her eyes.

"Why?"

"To end this."

And with another flick of the wrist, Starfire was slammed onto the ground, causing a great tremor within the tower.

"I will end it all… BY KILLING HIM!"

Raven shot forward. As she sped across the floor, the energy that trailed behind her destroyed everything it touched. Her hands were encased in the black aura and her eyes sharpened, set on Crow.

"THIS IS IT!" she yelled.

Cyborg had to act fast. He ran in front of Crow in the hopes of intercepting Raven.

"Oh no you don't!"

His arms were in front of him, ready to hold back the bullet-like charge. But try as he might, Cyborg was sadly outmatched. Raven roared,

"OUT OF MY WAY!"

With her powers, she threw Cyborg aside. He landed in a pile of rubble, but he was unharmed save for the heavy damage on his right arm and left leg leaving them immobilized. He stretched out his one functional arm in Raven's direction almost hoping that in doing so he would be able to hold onto to her and stop her malicious attack. Of course, he was too far and too injured to try anything. In summary, he could do nothing.

"Raven, don't!"

In a flash, Raven stood in front of the unconscious teenager. She opened her right hand and then it commanded a flow of dark energy. The grim aura started to coat her hand, continuing to collect more energy. When at last she gathered what seemed to be the right amount, the energy took the shape of a short blade, sharpening to a fine edge.

Her eyes locked onto her target. Her body turned as she readied the final blow. And without anything further to say, Raven unleashed her fury. The blade drove forward, piercing flesh and bone; there was much damage without prejudice.

"NO!" cried Cyborg.

However, Raven's blade did not find its target. Raven's eyes widened. Even she could not believe the violence that she has committed. Starfire stood motionless, her arms spread wide in a defensive manner, protecting Crow who was still asleep. The sight of her bloody friend forced a switch to turn off within Raven. At last, the usually calm and harmless girl emerged.

Raven's eyes were watering. Streams of tears ran down her cheeks. Her purple eyes glistened with a gentle glow. All at once, the rage she has felt disappeared—but replaced by shock and remorse.

"Starfire, why?" she almost choked on her words.

Starfire's smiled weakly.

"It is… good that you… are back…" she struggled to say.

Then she coughed and blood started to drip from the corners of her mouth.

Raven quickly retracted her hand, the energy blade disappearing. Before Starfire could hit the floor, Raven caught her in her arms.

"S-Starfire?"

But there was no response.

Raven tried to shake her a little, hoping that it would wake her up.

"Star?"

Her tears dropped onto Starfire's cheeks. No matter what Raven did, Starfire did not stir.

A debris that fell on the floor caught Raven's attention. She raised her head and as soon as her eyes beheld the ruin before her, terror filled her gaze. A heavy pressure started to come down onto her shoulders and seemed to have strengthened near her chest. She scanned the room and all she saw was destruction. It was the first time that she realized the true extent of the damage. She looked at Crow who was heavily injured and leaning against the wall; then there was Beast Boy lying on the floor, also bruised and wounded. Some movement and noise to the corner caught her attention: under some rubble was Cyborg struggling to free himself.

"Cyborg!"

Cyborg looked up.

"Raven!"

He instantly recognized the old Raven.

"Is-Is it really you?"

After gently placing Starfire on the floor, Raven immediately went to Cyborg's side. With her powers, she was able to move the rubble out of the way. She looked at the battered Cyborg with fear in her stare. Her hands trembled as they reached forward, but then stopped before getting any closer to Cyborg. Raven was on both knees and her arms hung loosely at her sides. She only stared at Cyborg in silence. But Cyborg could hear how every breath she drew shook.

"Raven?"

At the sound of his voice, Raven's eyes widened and then the tears that formed shone clearly. Her voice was weak and shaky.

"Cyborg… what have I done?"

Cyborg struggled to sit upright. Between grunts, he managed to let out words:

"We… can discuss this… later."

And for the first time, Raven looked straight at him.

"What's import-tant right now… is taking care of them."

He pointed at the other three titans. Raven followed his fingers but as soon as she saw them she quickly turned her head back to Cyborg.

"I can't!"

"Raven… we don't have… much time!"

Raven's hands grabbed her head. Then she shook her head side-to-side.

"No! I'll hurt them again!"

"Raven! You—"

"I can't!"

"Raven!"

Cyborg's hand shot forward and grabbed Raven's arm. His grip was strong making Raven wince. But it was his tight grip that was hurting her arm that allowed her to pay attention to the urgency and desperation in both his voice and countenance.

"Listen to me!... They're in danger… and you're the only one… who can help them right now!"

When Cyborg's grip finally loosened, Raven flew away rushing to the aid of their downed comrades.

"Hurry… Raven…"

Cyborg sighed before he himself succumbed to unconsciousness.

Chapter end