A/N: The reviews were excellent, I love you all. Thank you. Enjoy.

Part 6: Requiem

Chapter 37: Shadows

They strapped her to a chair and pressed several needles into the crook of her arm. Next, a thick Velcro strap was applied to her bicep. Raven licked her lips, they were cracked and sore from Gar's incessant kissing yesterday. Her neck was covered in small red spots, and her loins were slightly tender. She knew that Bruce's team of scientists noticed, and with that she felt anxious and embarrassed.

Bruce eyed her, noticing her discomfort. "Be still while we inject the first round of the test fluid. This series will mainly be to test out if you have any side effects from it. I suspect you'll feel tired and depressed."

"More than I already do?" Raven asked brokenly, looking at Bruce with her wide purple eyes.

Bruce gruffed. "Yes, more than you already do." He wrote a few things down on his clipboard. "The only way we'll know we have a cure is if you're vomiting blood. So until we get there please hold off on the sarcasm."

Raven rolled her eyes. "Should I apologize for being my sarcastic self? I'm basically giving my body up for science, give me some slack." She said flatly.

Bruce ignored her and passed the clipboard to one of the men in the white lab coats. Another person came in, holding a glass vial and a long needle. Raven gulped. "So if I vomit blood it works? If I don't its back to the drawing board?"

Bruce crossed his arms. "If it doesn't work, we'll need to try some stronger tests."

Raven leaned her head back and closed her eyes. A few minutes later she could feel the gloved hands of the scientists holding down her arm. She kept her eyes closed and thought of Gar's soft hands and green emerald eyes. She thought of his gentle whispers, and comforting gaze. She imagined being in his embrace, sitting on a windowsill while reading. This calmed her.

As soon as the needle entered her the first of her tears began. When the burning medicine began coursing through her veins she had to bite her lip to stifle the screams.

When the burning liquid traveled its way up her spine she let loose a bloodcurdling scream.

"Gar, there's one heading towards south gate." Wally said, cradling his rifle.

Gar nodded and looked down the expansive wall. He aimed his AK-47 and unloaded a barrage of bullets at some of the gathering Walkers below. They crumpled and bled as they died, landing on top of other piles of dead Walkers. He turned to Wally with a smile. "Bullseye."

Wally smirked. "It's getting late, we should head in. Alfred has a private dinner set up for Jenny and me."

Gar nudged him. "How are things with Jenn? I know a month ago you guys had some issues."

Wally waved away his concerns. "Jenny and I are on the same page, she's absolutely everything for me. She's IT for me, you know?" Wally looked at the sky with a wistful smile.

Gar sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I know." They began to descend the ladder, their weapons strapped to their backs.

"How's Raven?" Wally asked, strengthening his grip on the ladder that hung precariously off the Gotham wall.

He shrugged. "She's…Hurting. I'm keeping an eye on her though, there's no way I'm letting her out of my sight."

The red-head resisted the urge to sigh. Raven had been Gar's main priority for the last month, and with his obsession to keep Raven alive, he almost forgot to care for himself. Wally and Vic had to often bring Gar meals, or remind him of the time so he could sleep. Richard also watched him closely, worried about his well-being. It had been exhausting, and as his own exhaustion grew he saw Raven's posterior crack. At first she seemed devoid and empty about her decision, but ever since a week ago, she had new circles underneath her eyes, and an added line to her frown.

As they walked back to Wayne Manor in silence they kept their guns lowered. Gar looked around the darkening section of Gotham. It was raining, the downpour coating Gotham in a sticky glow. The sun had been missing for days, and that only dampened the mood of all the residents. "It's a perfect day for some comedy." Gar said, looking at Wally as they entered the muddy gates of Wayne Manor.

Wally frowned. "If you tell me another one of your 'zombie' puns I'm going to push you into a puddle."

Gar was about to rebuttal but was interrupted by Jenn running full force towards them, a wide smile on her face. She looked happy, dressed in Wally's red oversized sweatshirt and leggings. She was holding a handful of pink carnations, they waved wildly. She slammed into Wally, laughing at his yelp of pain. "WALLY!" She laughed. "My ENTIRE room is COVERED in pink carnations!" She kissed his cheek as he lifted her up.

He returned the kiss, running his hands down her back. "I told Alfred to steal some from the greenhouses for me, I've been planning a little date for us tonight."

She jumped out of his arms and looked at him shock. "A date?" She looked towards Gar. "Are my ears not working? A DATE?!"

Gar smiled at them. "He's telling the truth, I don't know how he set it up, I just know its going to be a good evening for you two."

Jenn looked back at Wally, a rare look covering her features, a look full of love. "I don't know how to thank you."

Wally pulled her in for another small kiss. "You don't need to, I love you, and tonight is just for us." He shrugged.

Jenn smiled. "I need to find Kori and Raven, they can help me prepare. When and where should I meet you?"

"About an hour, right here. We're going out tonight."

Jenn gave him one last peck and ran back towards Wayne Manor, smiling and twirling on her heels like a giddy school girl, it was rare to see her mood like this. But it was nice to see a smile in the storm that was the apocalypse.

Gar gave Wally a pat on the shoulder before retreating into the Manor himself, his own late night plans already churning in his head.

"I just love him, you know? The best part about it, we're in the perfect place to love freely. We're safe." Jenn said as Kori brushed her hair.

Kori nodded. "Yes, friend Jenn, I do also feel safe."

Raven was sprawled on Kori's bed, watching as Kori began to braid Jenn's hair intricately. She felt sick and extremely shaky. She had the vague taste of blood in her mouth, and her fingers twitched every few seconds. The burning sensation of medicine reverberated through her veins every few minutes making her wince. The side-effects were only supposed to last a few more hours, and then if she vomited it would be a cure, if not they needed to try some other tests.

Either way, it sucked.

"Friend Raven, do you think I should braid this side, or this one?" Kori asked, looking at Raven.

Raven sighed and lifted her head, her fingers twitching again. "It looks good either way." She answered half-heartedly.

Kori frowned slightly. "I need a hair tie." She poked her lips. "Oh! I believe I have a few in Richard's room, I shall be back!" She scurried out the door, her red-hair flowing behind her.

Raven sighed again, her body trembling in pain.

Jenn turned around, looking at the tiny purple-haired woman, her eyes squinted. "Raven…"

Raven looked at her, her eyes inquisitive. "Yes?"

"You...Uh…You haven't told anyone, have you?"

Raven sat up uncomfortably, their previous conversation echoing in her mind. It was daunting that Jenn actually trusted her with a secret like that, and at the same time it made Raven rethink almost everything. "No, I haven't. But when are you going to tell Wally? He has a right to know." Raven looked at the door to make sure Kori wasn't back yet. "You're pregnant, and dying…That's not something that should be kept secret. This is a decision you two should make together."

"It's not a decision. Death isn't a decision. It shouldn't be a decision" She sniped, raising her eyebrow at Raven.

Raven rolled her eyes. "I'm not talking about death, and my decisions have nothing to do with yours. I'm talking about the child. You AND Wally should decide what to do."

Jenn shook her head. "No. Abortion isn't an option. Giving it up isn't an option either. I'm having my child, and he or she will be a fighter just like me, no matter the circumstances of my own health." Her eyes withered. "This is a light in the dark." She placed her hand on her stomach. "This is a miracle."

Raven stared at her, and was about to say something when Kori came back in, her face a mask of shock and anger. Her face was slightly red, her mouth puckered, her fists clenched. "I did not know friends kept secrets from other friends." She said with gritted teeth. Her eyes were ablaze with unbridled fury.

Jenn paled and Raven wanted to jump out of her skin.

Kori's eyes watered. "I KNEW you were keeping something from me, I could see it in the way you kept looking at Raven. I KNEW IT! Why did you not tell me? Am I not trustworthy?"

Jenn sighed and looked at Raven. "Kori, it's nothing personal…I promise…"

Kori wiped a tear. "You are pregnant and dying…What does that mean?"

Raven was beginning to get a headache. "Kori, her cancer is back, and she's pregnant. That's what it means."

The red-head glared daggers at her, "You knew this and still proceeded with your own plans to die? You knew this and kept quiet?" Kori's expression changed to horrified. "You-you knew this and you still…" She was silent for a moment, her clenched fists shaking. "I did the arguing with Richard and Victor yesterday…I DEFENDED YOU! I truly believed there was good in your heart, but now…Now there is just darkness and selfishness and that distances you from the rest of us." She sniffled. "You are not my friend, you are just another person tainted by the evil world we live in."

Raven's mouth was wide open, staring at Kori in shock. "Kori…" She whispered.

"Leave, get out of this room. And do not return. I do not wish to see you until you have realized the importance of life and death, and your importance to the people around you." She said. "LEAVE!" She shouted. "I WANT EVERYONE OUT!"

Raven left first, she jolted and ran towards the door. She flung it open and charged towards her own room, ignoring the fiery pain burning through her muscles and tendons. Her head swam and she flung herself into her room, slamming the door behind her. She slumped to the floor, tears pouring from her eyes, blood running from her nose. She was sick.

She was actively dying for a cure.

Her hands shook uncontrollably, so she threaded her fingers into her scalp pulling at the hair strands to contain the scream she wanted to unleash. Why didn't they understand? Why didn't they LISTEN? She didn't want to LIVE ANYMORE! She had watched the world burn around her, her house was gone, her parents were gone, and she couldn't even keep Trina and Gwenn alive! She killed a man! She shot bullets into numerous souls of the undead, she killed and pillaged and plundered…ALL FOR NOTHING. NONE OF IT MADE A DIFFERENCE. In the end people still died. In the end pain still existed. In the end everyone still got hurt! In the end she still felt hollow. She curled her body as another sharp pain wracked through her small frame. Her sanity felt nonexistent.

But maybe that was gone too.

The only thing still inside her was a tiny light, flickering in her heart. And it belonged to Gar.

She had the power to make it stronger, she also had the power to squash it to protect herself.

But why keep quelling her emotions? Why keep suffocating?

It only made her die even faster.

Raven bit down on her lip, drawing blood. All she wanted to do was scream.

She leapt towards her bathroom, tearing off her clothes. She twisted the knob to scalding and entered the shower. She plopped on the floor, allowing the steam to caress her skin. It didn't ease the pain, not mentally or physically. Raven looked up into the water, it invaded her eyes and burned. The added pain was more bearable than the pain in her mind. Gwenn and Trina flicked in her mind and a small sob escaped her.

The one sob echoed in the bathroom and that was when she suddenly sensed another presence.

He pulled back the curtain and looked at her. His shirt was already off, and his pants followed. His boxers stayed on as he stepped in. She stared at him in wonder.

Gar nestled himself behind her, hugging her small frame to his chest.

He ALWAYS knew what she needed. As Raven unleashed her tears and sobs into the steamy echoes of the shower he caressed her arms and kissed her head. He pushed her hair out of her eyes, holding her tighter with each sob. Rocking her back and forth.

After an hour she began to quiet, and the water began to get cold. Gar reached around her and shut it off. They sat in silence for an immeasurable amount of time. Raven closed her eyes, inhaling their combined scent lingering in the mist. She splayed her hand on his chest, running her fingertips along the scars that resided there. "Gar…"

He kissed the top of her head, her touch driving his senses into a frenzy. He reveled in the fact that he could do this. That she trusted him enough to allow him to hold her, touch her. It reminded him of the Arboretum. The cold nights she would nestle into his side and shiver until she was warmed by his body heat. He used to watch her sleep; admire the way her face would change with the emotions of her dreams. Some nights he imagined he could hear her dreams, loud and clear. "I love you Rae." He whispered.

Raven looked up at him, her face was tired, her eyes round with slight amazement. They were red from the crying and scalding water. She looked paler than usual; sick. "It surprises me every time you say that." She pecked him on the mouth, a soft dull kiss that warmed them both. "I don't know why you torture yourself Gar, staying with a girl doomed for death."

Gar let out a small chuckle, he pushed back her wet hair, grabbing both sides of her face in his calloused hands. "Aren't we all doomed for death? No one lives forever. I'll love you until the day I die, heck, maybe after too." He kissed her hard this time, she sighed into his mouth and together they forgot about the world.

Kori paced back and forth continuously, angry tears making their marks own her cheeks. "They are my friends Robin, you do not understand."

Richard sat on his bed, for the past hour he had listened to Kori cry and shout and rant about Jenn and Raven. He was exhausted to say the least, but still devoted to every word she said. "Star…You have to realize…They didn't tell you yet because of how you would react." He said carefully.

Kori glared daggers at him. "How I would react?!" She took a heavy breath, more tears streaming down her face. "I TRUST THEM, AND I LOVE THEM! ISN'T THAT ENOUGH?"

Richard stood up, holding his hands up to not enact the red-head's wrath. "Your reaction now is proving my point." He added.

She suddenly stopped, her arms going limp, her eyes softening. "Why didn't they tell me?"

"They probably were going to tell you, but maybe now wasn't the right time."

She looked at him, her eyes still brimming with tears unshed. "What if they weren't going to tell me at all?"

A knock on the door interrupted them both, Richard sighed and Kori folded her arms. "If it is Jenn or Raven, tell them I am not here."

Richard smirked at how cute and childish she acted. "Sure."

The knock echoed in the room again and Richard jogged over to answer it. He swung it open, ready to say 'Kori isn't here', but was greeted with two different faces. "Cheshire? Kole?"

Cheshire rolled her eyes. Her hair was French braided, she was dressed in combat gear, strapped with multiple guns and knives. Her arms were crossed and she looked ready for a battle. "Take a picture it'll last longer." She shoved her way into the room, followed by Kole, who looked a little less chipper than usual.

Richard gawked. "What's going on, why are you dressed like that? Is everything okay?"

Cheshire sighed as Richard shut the door. "Relax, oh so fearless leader. We came for Kori, not you." She added with sass. She turned to Kori, her mouth in a downward pout. "We need to talk to you about something important."

Kori looked dumbfounded. "If it is about friends Jenn or Raven, I do not care." She noncommittedly crossed her arms.

Kole finally stepped forward, shaking her head. "No, whatever happened between you guys has nothing to do with this. We just need you to come with us, NOW." Her voice carried an urgent tone, stronger than usual.

Kori nodded, her face becoming serious. "Is everything okay? Do I need to alert the rest of the Titans?"

"No, don't. This isn't a 'Titan' thing." Cheshire said with an added eye roll. "Now let's go, this is important." They both briskly walked towards the door. "Bring your weapons, meet us out front." She eyed Richard, who now looked at them urgently. "And leave lover-boy, this is a girl's only thing."

Kori nodded as the door slammed. "I must go to my room, grab my gear." She sighed heavily. "Thank you Richard for listening to me rant, I apologize for being the 'over-dramatic'." She shrugged and walked to the door.

"Star, don't worry about it." He waved it away. "Should I go with you? They both seemed really heavily armored…It's the middle of the night, whatever they're up to doesn't feel right."

Kori smiled. "Oh Robin, are you worried?"

He reddened. "No…Well, yes…I just should know what's going on with my team, they're Titan's too. I should be alerted with any and all issues and disturbances."

Kori smirked. "I will be fine Richard." She gave him a quick peck. "Do not wait up for me, I will be back late!" She leapt out of the room, suddenly excited for what Cheshire and Kole had in store.

The door slammed.

Richard stood still for a moment, but barely hesitated. He walked over to his combat trunk and threw it open. He grabbed both titanium Eskrima sticks, two Glocks, and extra ammo. He changed into his Kevlar pants and insignia shirt. His mind told him to just go to bed, but his heart screamed danger, and to follow the one he loved.

Kole stood in the moonlight next to Cheshire outside of the Manor, her arms folded against the chilly air. She was dressed in layers and only had her one weapon, her silicon bat. Over the past few weeks she had worked on making minor adjustments to its design. It now had spikes and barbed wire wrapped around the base. When the moonlight hit it a certain way it sparkled. Just how she liked it.

"You should've at least grabbed a gun." Cheshire said, jogging on her toes to keep warm.

"All I need is my bat, nothing else." Kole sighed, her breath puffing out into a mini-cloud. It was freezing. "How do you think Kori is going to react?"

Cheshire rolled her eyes and stopped moving, glaring daggers at Kole. "Does it really matter? She's going to react the same way we did."

"Do you think we were right to leave everyone out of this? Wouldn't Jenn be a better option?"

Cheshire's green eyes glittered maliciously, she momentarily inspected her gloves. "No, she's too obedient to the system, she'll tell Wally immediately, and our plan would be foiled."

Kole glared at her. "Won't Kori do the same? She and Richard are inseparable! They basically share the same brain."

"That's where you're wrong. Kori is strong willed, and when under pressure she'll make her own decisions, call her own shots. She'll do what's right." Cheshire was about to say something else when the doors opened to reveal Kori, strapped with her bow and guns. She wore a heavy dark jacket, and her famous purple combat boots. She jogged towards them, her red hair up in a neat bun.

Cheshire smiled. "See, she didn't bring Dick."

"Hello friends…" She stopped and sighed, "It's so chilly tonight."

Kole nodded. "Yes, it is."

"Enough small chat ladies, we have business to attend to." Cheshire stared at Kori, stepping closer. "Tonight is important, we have about 2 hours before our window of opportunity closes. We need you to follow us, and save the questions for later. Understand?"

"I do not understand." She shook her head, a few strands of red hair falling into her eyes. "Where are you taking me, what is going on?"

Cheshire was about to say something but Kole held her arm, quieting her. "Kori…" The pink haired girl took a deep breath. "I need you to trust us, if this wasn't urgent we wouldn't bother you…Explaining it to you now would be futile, you need to see this…Please."

Kori stared at the girl, so much younger than she was. She looked almost afraid, paler than usual. She could see the urgency in her eyes, feel the heat draining from her with each blink. "I see…" Kori whispered. "It must be urgent if you did not bring Tim and Roy with you…" She sighed looking at the closing doors behind her. "Fine, I shall go with you, but let us make with the haste."

Cheshire and Kole exchanged quick glances. "Good girl, let's go." Cheshire said.

And they ran, keeping to the shadows of Gotham. They skirted around the greenhouses and headed towards the farthest southern point of the walls, where the forest met Gotham. Where the dark patch of green laid unguarded.

Where no one went.

Another shadow followed them.

A/N: Thanks so much for reading this chapter. If you're still here, I love you. So many things have happened in my life to prevent me from touching this story. But this story is my love, writing is my solace, as many of you know. Thank you for reading, I will be posting more chapters soon. To those of you who reviewed recently, that was my catalyst for jumping back on this wild train ride of a story. There's a special place for all of you in my heart.

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Next Chapter: "Oh my god…This…This cannot be happening." She looked around in the darkness and was about to scream when a hand slapped her over the mouth, muffling her cries.