Chapter 5


It was early morning when the alarm blared through the tower. Danny was never quite able to get accustomed to the sound, and each time he would nearly jump. This morning would make no difference, and he shot up from his bed disoriented as he stumbled towards the common room in only his boxer shorts. Later he would realize his state of undress, and might have had the decency to act embarrassed, but at this moment he was more concerned about what exactly was going on. It was a day away from the next expected disappearance and he didn't think it was a coincidence for the alarm to go off.

He walked in, still groggy from sleep, and ignored the blatant stares, or in Raven's and Starfire's case, a barely contained blush.

For Raven however, it took all of her self-control to not stare at his admittedly well-defined abdomen.

"What is it?" He asked, his voice still husky from sleep, not one for pleasantries. Robin looked curiously at him for a moment before turning his attention back to the screen. He was more alert than the rest of the team, save Raven, but that was because he hadn't slept at all.

"The figures are back, same place. It looks like they're fighting another meta-human. It's too dark to tell."

Danny cursed, he didn't expect them to attack so early.

"Expect them to be able to fly and have magical abilities. And chances are they may have others under their control, literally. Don't let them capture whoever they're trying to take, and if you see a green light, Stay. Away. There's no telling what they might do if they think they can get their hands on a Titan."

He gave a pointed look towards Robin who only looked at him in slight bewilderment. How much research had Danny actually done without him? And more importantly, why would the figures target him and his team?

"Don't bother waiting for me, I'll catch up!" Danny then yelled over his shoulder as he jumped over the couch and ran to get clothes. He faintly heard Robin's signature cry of 'Titan's Go!' before he heard them dash out towards the fight that was currently going on in the alleyway. Danny rushed to grab his gun, Fenton Bazooka, and Fenton Thermos. He wasn't sure if they were ghosts but he wasn't going to take any chances. He knew that this would raise questions, particularly from Robin, but the chance to catch one of the shadow figures was more appealing.

He quickly grabbed a t-shirt and black pants, slipped on his black combat boots, and strapped on a utility belt not unlike Robin's before sprinting out the door and getting into his black four-door car. Fortunately the scene wasn't too far away so Danny was hoping he'd have time to catch up.

Danny urged the feeling of apprehension away and focused his eyes on the road. It was quiet and empty, still in the early hours of the morning where most people would still be asleep. This case was beginning to aggravate him, and he berated himself for even taking it in the first place. Although Danny would be the most equipped being available to fight these entities it unnerved him. They didn't seem like ghosts but it still felt like he was fighting them. That made the temptation to use his powers even harder.

He drove a few more blocks and sure enough saw flashes of green along with Starfire's star bolts and Raven's dark magic. He parked a few blocks away and clipped his hand gun to one side of his belt with the Thermos on the other. He ran quietly with the Bazooka in his hand, pointed downwards.

He turned the corner and widened his eyes. He could guess there were probably about ten shadow figures fighting with the Titans. He scanned the scene to find Robin currently fighting the meta, it must be a criminal. The problem was the alleyway was such a compacted space the Titans could hardly get in a shot without inadvertently shooting one another, and it looked like Cyborg's blasts didn't have any effect on the figures anyway. Starfire watched helplessly not wanting to risk a Starbolt hitting one of her friends as Beast Boy attempted to hit the figures. He was in the form of a cheetah and his claws would just pass straight through. Raven's seemed to have an impact and she was working to use her powers to rope in a few of the figures away from the others.

"X!" Danny turned his attention to see Robin fighting the black and white figure who was currently ducking from Robin's side kick. Red X put his hands up, claiming innocence.

"I have nothing to do with this Chuckles, I swear! They were trying to kidnap me first!"

The figures turned their attention on the two after his outburst and Red X was suddenly thrown back against the wall and Robin was thrown back into the other as two distinct figures raised their arms. Danny chose this time to intervene, he jumped back and shot an ecto-blast at both figures. They hissed when the blast hit them, taking them back. So that meant they were spirits, though Danny wasn't exactly sure they were ghosts. His ghost sense still hadn't went off the entire time.

He walked steadily to Robin who had already gotten up as he shot another blast towards an oncoming figure. It made an awful unnatural hissing noise and Danny resisted the urge to cover his ears. It flew back and made another noise, akin to a yell and the other shadow figures looked back. Raven cried out in pain when the figures released power that contradicted her own. She let go and they flew up higher, and Danny widened his eyes in recognition as one of the figures pointed one hand at Red-X and the other was pointed towards Robin.

"Watch out!" Danny barely had time to yell before he dashed, tackling Robin in the process who didn't have time to register Danny's words. The others shouted and Raven threw up a black shield around the two. In an instant, green illuminated the area and suddenly it was gone again along with the figures and Red-X.

After a moment of silence Danny moved to the side to let Robin up. He returned the grim smile Robin gave him of thanks and they helped each other to their feet. The entire battle may have lasted only a few minutes.

"Dude what was that?" Beast Boy asked breaking the silence. Everyone turned to look at Raven who merely shrugged,

"Dark spirits."

"Like the spirits who attacked us when Trigon took over?" Cyborg asked the empath who pursed her lips slightly. To the untrained eye she remained stoic however Robin could see just how uncomfortably she was, he saw as her fingers itched to wrap around the cloth of her cloak.

"They are similar yes, but they are not associated with Trigon. Otherwise I would show the marks of Scath. It seems someone has managed to take control over a distinct group of spirits from the spirit world."

"So how was Danny's gun able to shoot them?"

There was a tense silence and everyone turned their eyes to Danny in question. Danny contemplated how he could lie, he wasn't new to making up excuses on a whim. He had had plenty of practices with his parents after all. But they weren't his parents, and they would know if he was lying, and wouldn't allow any explanation besides the truth. He could at least give him that, and reveal some of his past. He sighed as he prepared exactly what he wanted to tell them.

"My parents were…ghost hunters. They were also scientists and inventors, and were able to successfully make weapons to use against them. It was common where I used to live for ghosts to show up and terrorize the citizens there, so my family made it their goal to protect them. I didn't know if it was actually going to work against them, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try."

The explanation was slow and deliberate as if Danny was careful of each choice of word. The Titans listened intently, it wasn't everyday for Danny to share a part of his past. Actually, he never did. Danny of course knew about Raven, and in time he came to learn about Beast Boy and Cyborg. Starfire told Danny about her past the first day he arrived at the tower, though Danny wasn't as forthcoming when it came to talking about his past. Danny even knew Robin's secret identity though Robin never actually told him. He had a sneaking suspicion that Danny had done more than his fair share of research on the Titan's leader.

"That…is awesome!"

Danny's eyes landed on Beast Boy's who yelled in excitement. He managed a small smile of amusement before frowning slightly. Sure it was pretty cool, until your parents vowed to hunt you down and 'tear you apart molecule by molecule.' Still, he'd give anything to have that back.

"Sure, it didn't do anything to help my popularity though." He retorted and crossed his arms. He still remembered everyday of High School where Dash made it his goal to practice on Danny, making him his own personal punching bag.

Although Beast Boy was excited, that couldn't quite be said for the others. Starfire of course did not understand so she was unaffected, more perplexed than anything as was Raven and Cyborg. Robin however was silent, and his face completely neutral.

"So we're dealing with a bunch of dark spirits that are being controlled into kidnapping metas for their own bidding?" Cyborg asked perplexedly and only raised his eyebrows to see Danny's blunt nod.

"Basically yeah, they're targeting people with a wide-range of abilities but there's a small similarity between all of the victims. Most have the ability to fly, and are very knowledgeable about the area. They know all the ins and outs of Jump City and have undoubtedly lived here most of their lives."

There was a pause as everyone took in the new information. Danny had been doing most of the research concerning this specific case because it was his purpose being at the Tower. It was also notable that the others were distracted, which at this point couldn't be considered a coincidence, by the sheer amount of criminal activity that had sky-rocketed just recently. Most times Danny opted to stay at the Tower, not that they expected him to fight anyway because he was only a detective, and would stay behind to work on the case. He had almost been able to pinpoint the exact time they would strike the next day, and had made plans very similar to an ambush. It was clear to Danny however, whoever it was he was trying to catch, was very aware of the detective's intentions and had moved the timing of the event.

"We need to find out what X was doing here. If we find his motives, then we find what they're using to lure people out."

Robin stated and Danny gave him a curt nod, accepting the assignment. He could spend the next few hours going over the security cameras, interviewing some of the people near the bar, maybe even talk to the owner himself (undercover of course), and then-

"Well we can't do anything without proper sleep."

Beast Boy interrupted Danny's thoughts and made a point to yawn, very loudly. He rolled his eyes, really, Beast Boy could be such a child.

"You guys go ahead, I'm going to scout out the area."

Danny was met with silence including raised eyebrows and Raven was the first one to respond,

"At four in the morning? Who are you going to interview, the garbage bin rotting in the corner?"

Danny's deadpan look told her everything, he did not appreciate her sarcasm. He could have sworn he saw the ghost of a smile pass her face before she turned away.

"Yeah man, come on. Get some sleep with the rest of us and you can get back to work later when everyone is awake." Cyborg added causing Danny's shoulders to slump. They did have a point, and he was still exhausted. His dreams were becoming more vivid and most times he opted for no sleep at all rather than succumb to what seemed to be a nightmare.

The rest of the team was relieved to have Danny agree, and then make his way back towards his car, keys in hand. Danny didn't see the look of communication cross between Robin and Raven before the empath strode to catch up, walking silently beside him. He rose and eyebrow in question looking sideways at her. She didn't bother to shrug,

"I'm going with you to make sure you don't change your mind last minute. I am aware that proper sleeping methods are required for young men, and that you have not been getting enough."

Her statement was enough to earn her a glance of surprise and she withheld her smirk. She knew of course that Danny wasn't getting sleep, if the bags under his eyes weren't any indication. Danny's mouth turned downwards in disapproval before lifting back up with a smirk. Raven wasn't sure which look she preferred,

"Alright, buckle up then. That is if you still want to ride."

Raven bristled in response and would really rather smack the smirk right off his face. Instead she took a breath and gathered her next words,

"I'm not sure if that is meant to be a true insinuation of your reckless driving abilities, or if it is simply an empty threat to try and keep me away."

Danny spared her a short laugh, the sound beginning to become accustomed to the empath and she nearly smiled in response. Danny looked at her fully and shoved down the sudden urge to draw closer to her. It was true he didn't really want her with him because he made it a point to keep everyone away from him physically and emotionally.

"Try both."

Raven wasn't sure if she should be offended or fearful. She contemplated her next words for a moment before saying them rather bluntly,

"You do realize that your attempts to push them away will go unheeded. It is not in their nature as a team to hold everyone at a distance."

Danny snorted rather loudly in response masking his discomfort though Raven was not fooled,

"It's easier not to get involved emotionally, not to mention, professionally expected."

Raven watched his face turn to what looked like a grimace. She decided to push further,

"Be that as it may, that leads to quite a lonely life don't you think?"

Danny knew the conversation had turned personal, and there was no doubt Raven was reading every emotion he couldn't reign in himself. It made the atmosphere around them tense, but it was his fault. He really didn't want to have this conversation. He tried his best to keep the resentment out of his voice but he failed,

"Seems rather ironic that the local mystic who specializes in shutting everyone out would choose to lecture me on the detrimental effects of social isolation."

Raven did her best to remain unaffected although the statement bothered her deeply. Fortunately Danny didn't notice, too focused on the intricate patterns on the sidewalk before them,

"My friends didn't give up on me, and they won't give up on you either. Haven't you ever had an intimate relationship with close friends and family?'

Danny didn't answer for a while and together they walked in silence. Usually Raven wouldn't have minded the silence, and would even welcome it, but now it seemed to grow more tense as it continued. Danny did have an intimate relationship with his parents, and also Sam and Tucker for that matter. It was great, and he loved it. He loved them all and he had trusted each of them with no hesitation at all. The love that he had with his family only made the pain even worse when he lost them. He didn't want to go through that again. Danny did well to keep his composure and Raven thanked him quietly when he opened the door for her. It was only when he got in on his own side, cranked the engine, and went to pull out onto the road when Raven spoke again,

"You may be able to hide behind a façade in front of some of the others, but you don't fool me. I know you're hurting, I can feel your sorrow in your aura wherever you go. You don't have to tell me what happened to you, and you don't need to for me to be able to tell that it was tragic. We've all been through some pretty tragic things Danny, but my family helps me through. Keeping everyone at a distance will not help you."

Danny gripped the steering wheel tightly and Raven could see him physically restraining an overwhelming emotion that threatened to release. Who was she to talk to him like that? Little did he know Raven was trying to get him to unleash his emotions. She could see that he kept his rage, and his sorrow bottled up so tightly it was unhealthy and was seeping into his very core, she of all people would know. He needed to let go.

"Save me the lecture Raven, it's not like you're so innocent to point fingers at me. You don't think I see you struggle with your own emotions? I see you battling rage everyday. You're so afraid of becoming your father you won't even allow yourself to feel at all. So next time you want me talk to about confronting what I'm feeling, make sure you do it yourself first."

He looked over to see Raven clenching her fists, her jaw was tight in barely contained anger. Maybe he had each pushed too far? His relationship with Raven was fragile at best, and he was pretty sure this confrontation would not help them at all. Raven turned her head to look fiercely at him making Danny look away with his eyes on the road.

"I can feel more than you think, I am very aware of what I'm feeling thank you. Your problem is you ignore any aspect of yourself that is emotional. You're afraid of allowing yourself to feel any positive emotion towards others unless it's kindness. And your anger? Your grief? You're pushing it away, you need to confront it and you need to do it soon before you destroy yourself in the process."

Raven was surprised that Danny hadn't already turned on her in anger and realized that he was containing it. Danny didn't want to know just how much her words were affecting him and he did his best to keep the cool exterior. Truthfully it was if her words had physically come out of her mouth to smack him across the face and shaking him awake from his own slumber of callousness. Had he really shut himself from the world so much that it was affecting his very being?

Danny said nothing and Raven was all too welcoming for the silence. when they got back to the tower each of them stormed to their own respective rooms, ignoring each other when they had to cross paths, and slammed their door shut causing the others to look at them questioningly. They sting of each other's words were still fresh in their minds and they were both stubborn, each not willing to let the matter go just yet. Danny knew later he would eventually seek Raven out and apologize, however he was too mad at the moment. Raven's intent to draw out his emotions had failed, and instead Danny only shoved the feeling of hopelessness away. It left him drained and the knot in his stomach that had formed during their conversation had yet to relax. He was sure he wouldn't get any sleep the rest of the morning.

Raven had a different thought process, and with her training and with the help of her friends she had learned to confront her own feelings head on, and intended to meditate the rest of the morning in Nevermore and she would be sure not to come out until she was calm and collected, lest she say anything else to hurt anyone.

The team were used to each of them doing that repeatedly at different times of course, but not because of each other. Cyborg looked between Beast Boy and Robin while Starfire looked on worriedly,

"What the hell? They only drove for ten minutes."

The others shook their heads, it was beyond them what made each of them angry. Robin wasn't worried however and simply shrugged. He had figured them both out well enough to know that they would be okay. Maybe Raven had managed to get under Danny's cold exterior. Maybe Danny was just frustrated that there was a part of him that knew Raven was right, and he was afraid because maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to become attached to the Titans.


A/N:More to come on Danny's emotional storm (as I have been referring it to)

Next: Will Raven keep trying to get Danny to open up? And what will happen when the mail comes?