Kitty: Hoyo! Two more chapters to go! Whoopie!
Chapter Eight
Is it Real?
A blinding light filled the dark room. The five Titans were scattered across the room.
"Ow...that was painful. Are...are we home? Is it real?" asked Starfire sliding off the counter where she landed.
"It looks like it." Robin said trying to fix his cape that was twisting around his neck.
"I'm...a cyborg again..." Cyborg flexed his fingers sitting on the ground.
"And I'm upside down!" Beast Boy cried. They turned to see his legs over the top of the couch. His chin was on the ground and his arms spread on the floor. "My neck hurts, man."
"Where is Raven? Did she not appear here?"
"I'm here, Starfire. Thanks for asking. I ended up in Robin's museum of toys. I think I broke something. And I don't mean a bone." Raven said dusting off her arm.
"Crap." Robin ran towards the room of villain tools.
"What happened to us? Was it an Earth custom you did not tell me about?" Starfire asked bewildered.
"No." said the other three Titans simultaneously.
"I would like to know the same thing, Star. What did happened?" Robin asked, coming though the door.
The four Titans glanced at each other as Raven walked to the kitchen.
"Anybody want tea?" She asked getting down on one knee to search the cabinets.
"NO! I want to know what happened!" Beast Boy exclaimed. He stormed over to her and grabbed her arm, swinging her around.
Navy blue met green and locked in a silent battle. He dropped her arm and turned away, arms crossed over his chest, he huffed.
"Fine. Be a jerk. I know you know what happened. When you feel like being part of the team, tell us." He stomped towards the door and disappeared, most likely going to his room.
Raven watched him leave, one hand raised towards him with a broken look. She dropped her hand and clenched her fist. She determinedly turned back around to search for her tea.
"I think Beast Boy's right. You do know something. We all went through this. We should know, Raven." Robin said.
"Whatever. I need to get my emotions under control and meditate. Can you please wait?" Raven muttered without turning. A teapot turned black and floated to the sink.
"We should all get some rest. That was some ordeal." Cyborg concurred. "I'm totally exhausted."
"I am tired, also, Robin. I wish to go to bed." Starfire piped in.
"Yeah, I'm pretty wiped, too. Get some rest, Raven, you're not going to get away tomorrow." Robin warned. The three left.
Raven flicked her hand and the pot flew to the stove and she turned it on. She leaned against the counter and let out a low breath. She slid down the cabinet and her head fell on her palms.
"What if the answer is 'no'?" Raven whispered desperately. "Damn emotions."
Raven lifted her face to the jet of hot water. It felt so nice. Showers, tea, a good book, that was all she needed to relax most days. They rarely failed her. Today was no different. Of course, instead of a book, her body demanded sleep. The trials had left her drained like her friends. Of course, they didn't know what had happened. Robin and Beast Boy were right, she was behind it.
She turned off the water and stepped out the shower. Wiping away the steam, she looked at her reflection. She turned one way, then the other. She didn't look any different, just tired. She touched the gem on her forehead. She grabbed a towel and dried out her hair. Wrapping it around her, she stepped into her adjoining room, flipping the switch as she left. As usual, it was dark; no windows to let in light, no lamps turned on.
She gasped and fell against the wall. A person was lying on her bed, feet braced on the floor.
"What are you doing in here?" she hissed.
"Just asking a simple question."
"Couldn't it have waited until after I was dressed?" Raven snapped. He got up and walked towards her.
"No. I want you to feel as vulnerable as I do." he whispered.
"When did you learn that word?" Raven asked spitefully, covering up her slight fear.
"I don't know, maybe in medical school. Of course, I had no idea I ever went there, but for some reason I was a doctor twice. Mind telling me why?"
"Couldn't you wait until tomorrow? I know you're as exhausted as me...and the others." Raven mumbled.
"No. I have a feeling I want to know what you have to say before you tell everybody else." He let her go and took a step back. She suddenly wished she could see him clearly. See what was in his eyes.
"And what makes you so special?"
"I don't know. Why did you keep dying for me?" he snapped. Raven's breath hissed sharply. "Do you really think I'm that stupid, Raven?" his voice sounded sad.
"No! I... maybe I should turn on a light."
"I couldn't find one. You actually have one?"
"I read at night, and I don't read in pitch black." Raven explained a little angry.
"Sorry." She walked to her bed and, gripping her towel, turned on the dim light of the lamp. "You read in that light? Why aren't you blind?"
She turned slowly. Green eyes in a surprised green face looked back at her.
"I see very well in the dark." she shrugged. "Do I really have to talk to you in only a towel?"
"Yup." He sat on the end of the bed with his arms crossed. She sat near the end on the side, a blush on her face.
"What's your question?" she asked softly.
"Why did you keep dying for me? Besides that one time, you died for me." Beast Boy whispered.
"It wasn't real, well, a little, but not really. It something my people go through, I don't want to explain it twice...but you're right...I need to tell you this now, before I tell the others." Raven fiddled with her towel anxiously. A green hand fell over her fingers and she looked up startled.
"Raven...I...remember a lot a stuff I shouldn't be remembering. Can't you just tell me why? I'm going crazy." She swallowed uncomfortable.
"I...I can't...it's really hard for me...I haven't felt emotions like this, I'm not supposed to." She shook her head wildly. "I'm sorry. It's so confusing."
Beast Boy closed his eyes and then opened them. Every time he closed his eyes he remembered her beneath him, blue eyes shining with something he couldn't tell himself. Being in tune with animal instincts wasn't helping him. Every fiber in his being was screaming to do something he really shouldn't. He squatted on the balls of his feet in front of her.
"Raven...just tell me okay? It can't be as bad as your making it out to be." Beast Boy growled softly.
She looked at him startled at his tone. She recognized that look in his eyes. From a life before...she shook her head. Don't remember that!
"It isn't bad! Well, maybe..."
"Raven, just spit it ou-"
"I love you!" she cried out. He fell back on his heels. Black surrounded the lamp and the light bulb exploded. Darkness fell upon them once more. "Everything that happened...it was all a test! And ...and, I think, I passed..." she trailed off.
"Oh."
Raven burst into laughter.
"Hey! That's not funny! Wait...were you joking with me? That's not funny!" Raven laughed harder. He jumped to his feet. "You are...are... evil!" Beast Boy exclaimed. He turned on his heel and started for the door.
Raven jumped to her feet also and flung herself at his back.
"No ...no, I wasn't lying! I just couldn't help it. I don't know why. You just said 'oh'." She giggled. "I think I'm going crazy, too."
Beast Boy stiffened.
"I should probably go." Beast Boy choked out.
"Uh hm." Raven didn't let go. It felt nice being near him. She was so sleepy and he smelled so good...so sleepy.
Beast Boy felt her grip slacken and begin to fall backwards. He turned around and caught her. He shook her and sighed realizing she asleep.
"Crap. Now what am I supposed to do?" Beast Boy groaned.
He positioned her head against the hollow of his shoulder and swept up her legs. He set her on her bed and managed to pull down the covers. Thanking whoever was up there were no lights, he grabbed the towel and pulled up the covers. He fumbled his way to the door and dropped the towel on the floor.
"G'night, Raven..."
Raven woke up and rubbed her eyes tiredly.
"Huh?" she looked down feeling air on bare skin.
Robin flipped eggs and Starfire put plates on the counter. Cyborg and Beast Boy sat on the couch waiting for breakfast.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Everyone jumped and straightened.
"Was that Raven?" asked Cyborg.
"Yes. Maybe she found Silky?" suggested Starfire. Silky crawled across the counter.
They all sweatdropped.
"Let's go, Titans." Robin raced down the hall.
Beast Boy transformed into a cheetah and managed to get in front of Raven's door.
"NO! Don't go in there!" Beast Boy shouted desperately.
"She screamed, Beast Boy."
"Look, just trust me okay? Don't go in there." Beast Boy pushed at Robin.
"This is ridiculous, Beast Boy. Something could be seriously wrong."
"No, there isn't-" the door opened behind him. He turned slowly to see an on fire Raven. "H-hi, Raven." Robin backed up slowly and then ran.
"You want to know something really funny?" Raven gritted past her teeth.
"S-sure...I think..." Raven grabbed his shirt.
"I woke up naked." Raven hissed, "Would you like to tell me why?"
"I didn't see anything. I can't see in the dark without transforming into an animal that can. I just didn't think you'd like to sleep in a wet towel." Beast Boy said defensively.
"Hey, you two, come and get some breakfast."
Everyone sat on stools in the kitchen silently eating breakfast. Raven poked at her over easy eggs.
"Raven, I think you should start talking. We're all here. If this is real then we could be called to work soon. How long have we been gone? What if a crimin-"
"Time stopped, in a manner a speaking. It would have been a long time for us, but a short time here. So, don't worry." Raven sniffed, "Just because I'm the cause doesn't mean I wanted it to happen. Do you hate me or something?" Raven burst into tears.
"Urk." Robin's eyes widened and his mouth worked uselessly.
"Whoa...deja vu! You're acting like the you in your mirror. The one always downing on herself and crying."
"That was an emotion, numskull!" Raven shrieked. Cyborg shrunk under her glare. Raven quickly closed her eyes and breathed slowly. "Sorry, all will be explained."
"Just stay calm, okay, Rae?" Cyborg said.
"I'm not supposed to feel emotions. Emotions disturb the balance of my power and cause me to lose control. You know, like when I lose my temper?" They nodded. "But, well, there's one emotion my people will never be able to control. Uh, this is going to sound corny. It's love.
"My race have only one way of controlling this emotion and their power at the same time. They go through a test. They have to live seven lives, and in each, prove their love and give their life to their intended. I know, it sounds pretty weird, but you have to understand. Emotions aren't some petty little whim we take for granted. Love is an especially strong emotion. We have to prove we're ready for it. My race, also, takes a partner forever. There is no divorce, no dating. You find someone you're meant to be and you're with that person for the rest of your lives. Do you see why we go through so much? We have to prove we mean it. Seven is a strong number, so the couple goes through seven lives in which they give up their lives for one another."
"Then...what...just happened...you're..." Robin choked out. Raven nodded, her face reddening.
"Yes. I found a life partner. But because he wasn't of my race, he didn't have to give his life for me. I don't have any idea what's going to happen next. This never happened in history before. There's a catch, though, for me..." Raven stared at her hands.
"Friend Raven, we will be here for you. You should not worry." Starfire said laying a hand over Raven's.
"Thank you, Starfire. If I gave up my life seven times, my powers will be depleted. I'll be much weaker than I am now, more than half. But I'd stay here and be with the one I love and with you guys. If I didn't give my life seven times...my memory would have been erased and I would have no memory of you at all. I'd become soulless and only filled with power. I'd be a monster and destroy everything in my path." Starfire gasped.
"Wait...did you say seven?" Robin interrupted suddenly, his...mask...narrowed.
"Yes..." Raven agreed slowly.
"We only lived through six." Robin said.
"What?" Raven's eyes narrowed.
"Let us count the lives. We will make sure...double times." Starfire said quickly.
"Um...the one where you three were psycho." Cyborg said holding up a finger. Robin and Raven glared at him.
"Then when Raven and I were sisters and Princesses!" Cyborg held up a second finger.
"When I got stabbed in the back and we were all bandits." Cyborg held up a third, a sweatdrop on his head.
"When you were a cat and I was hit by a car." Raven snapped. Cyborg held up a fourth.
"When we were Teen Titans again! Only with...loud noise making...things..." Starfire piped up. Cyborg held up a fifth finger with a sigh.
"Instruments, Starfire, instruments."
"And the last one, where you were married to...Aqua Lad?" Robin said with a raised eyebrow. Cyborg held up a sixth finger.
"That bastard is up to something." Raven seethed slamming her palms against the table.
"What?"
"This is my father's doing, I know it!"
"Maybe this is just the seventh life and we're not back home?" Cyborg suggested.
"No, we're home. I'm sure of it. Maybe-"
"Wait, Raven. You said this thing started because you fell in love."
"Robin is right. Who is it?" Starfire asked eagerly.
"Eh..." Raven flamed brightly.
"Maybe you shouldn't have said it like that, Starfire." Robin said a little exasperated.
"I don't think I should tell you. I mean...he might not-"
"Didn't you die saving BB when he was cat?" Cyborg asked suddenly. The two 'urk'ed.
"Hey, you died to save Beast Boy when Slade was King and yours and Starfire's dad." Dawning lit in the three other Titans eyes.
"Oh happiness! You love Beast Boy!" Starfire exclaimed hugging Raven tightly.
"I can't breathe, Starfire." Raven gasped turning blue.
"I had no idea." Robin shook his head bewildered.
"You lucky dog. Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I didn't know until last night." Beast Boy shrugged Cyborg away and stomped towards the large door.
"Wait, Beast Boy-"
The entire room was lit with red and Raven's eyes flared the same color.
"He's here." She turned black and melted into the floor.
"Teen Titans, go!" Robin called out.
Raven rose out of the ground, eyes sweeping over the island.
"Where are you, Father?" Raven demanded. She spread her feet apart to balance as the island shook and waves smashed against the shore.
"Raven, where is it coming from?" Robin shouted.
She hissed and turned her head up. Her eyes widened. She dashed forward and flung herself Cyborg knocking them about ten feet away. A huge red pair of legs landed where Cyborg had been standing.
"Oh my god! Thanks, Raven." His eyes rose and met the red, four-eyed face far up. "He's that guy from your mirror."
"I told you my father was behind this." Raven glowered angrily.
"You will regret your decision, spawn!" roared the echoing voice.
"You want to bet, promulgator?" Raven shouted back.
"Whoa, what the hell did that mean?" Beast Boy wondered out loud.
"I read a lot." Raven said before rising off the ground.
"Didn't she already defeat this guy?" Beast Boy asked.
"It was just a reflection of him, BB. She only defeated his hold on her, not him." Cyborg explained.
"Azarath Metrion ZINTHOS!" Raven cried.
"Metrion Zinrath!" Her attack was flung back at her.
"Agghh! Morpheus Jinko Rath!"
"How strange. I have never heard those spells before." Starfire said suddenly.
"They must be spells that Malchior taught her she never used." Robin speculated.
"But...they're dark spells! She might lose control again!" Beast Boy exclaimed. He started to transform before Robin stopped him.
"Don't this is her fight! We can't interfere." Beast Boy glared at him and Robin was sent spinning back to the days the chemical had affected him.
"Fine."
"AHH!" They all looked up as black and red fire surrounded Raven.
"Raven!" Raven looked down to see Beast Boy so far down below her. Sweat dripped down her face.
"Is this the feeler you have emotions for?" grumbled Trigon. Raven's eyes flared red. Feeler was a dirty word for ones who welcomed emotions.
"I'll defeat you if it means to keep him!" Raven screamed, black energy flaring around her. She destroyed the fire around her and flew towards his face, fist raised.
Raven beat him back mercilessly, red eyes glowing brightly. Trigon crossed his arms over his face to protect himself. In a second pause, his slammed the back of his fist against her. She soared towards the ground. She slid over the dirt on her face and shoulder.
"Raven!" All the Titans rushed to her.
"Back off!" Raven screamed harshly as they neared her.
Beast Boy and Starfire took a step back with hurt, wide eyes. Energy blazed around herand formeda circle in thesand and a small whirlwind of dirt. She rose to her feet her blue cape bleeding red. Her eyes snapped open, all four, a glaring red.
"I'm going to kill you, once and for all!" Raven cried rushing towards Trigon. His laughter tore into her ears. "Igitor Kilo Freeth!" Bullet-like black energy balls rushed to him, exploding against his skin.
"Zinthos Shjacklin!" A blade formed from her right palm and down over her arm to her elbow.
Raven brought up her right arm and blocked his fist. She kicked out and blocked his other arm. Pushing past his arms, she slashed across his face and spun her leg around in a roundhouse kick to the side of his face. Without letting him recover, she sliced down his chest. Rapid kicks and punches to his stomach made it hard to breathe, let alone retaliate.
The Titans were cheering below her and she ignored them before getting a big head. Something wasn't right. Trigon wasn't even trying. The answer to why became glaringly obvious. While she was using her own energy and spells, he had created his own right beneath her nose. She flew backwards, chest heaving. He raised his hand and her eyes returned to normal and her cape back to blue.
"NO!"
The Titans eyes widened, all four frozen like deer in headlights. Green eyes widened and pointed ears raised as the hair stood on the back of his neck. Instincts of all the animals in him fought and he stood, frozen, with indecision. A deja vu met his vision.
Raven appeared in front of the red-black beam. Her body arched, hair flung around her face, her mouth slightly open in a silent scream, her eyes wide. The beam sent her sailing past him, skidding and tumbling limply over the ground.
"r-RAVEN!" Beast Boy cried rushing towards her fallen form, stumbling over his feet and loose dirt.
He scrambled over rocks and fell to his knees beside her. He rolled her over and brushed hair and dirt off her face. Her eyes had closed in her fall, but her mouth still hung slightly open, as if still taking in air. Her chest wasn't moving and no heartbeat reached his sensitive ears. He flung his head back and howled an eerie beast-like cry. Goosebumps ran up everyone's flesh at the hollow, despairing sound.
"Beast Boy..."
"Oh...Raven...no..."
"Rae..." Cyborg followed after his steps and knelt besides him. "BB, let her go...BB, we have something to do. Let her go." Cyborg whispered firmly as Beast Boy held her tightly against, shaking his head, his nose buried in her blue hair.
A shiver ran up Beast Boy's back as a noise hit his pointed ears. It was laughter. Cyborg got up and turned, anger making his black eyeand red eyesnap. Starfire's eyes glowed and her hands balled inside the green globes. Robin pulled up a handful of bird-a-rangs and his metal pole extended in his other hand. Tears and down all their faces. Trigon had his head thrown back, laughter reaching into sky.
"My idiot daughter! She died for a senseless, one-sided emotion." As Trigon continued to laugh, Beast Boy's eyes flashed open his pupils dilating into slits, fangs and claws growing.
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT, MONSTER! I...I loved her more than life! I'll kill you!" Beast Boy roared rising to his feet, Raven having lain gentlyon the earth.
"I'd like to-to, no. No, I killed you." Trigon whispered. His four eyes widened.
The Titan's frowned confused and then turned as one to the body in blue. She was slowly rising off the ground, air whirling in a circle around her. Like before, the blue bled away, only this time to reveal a blinding white. The red stone cracked slowly and then shattered into dust floating unto the wind. Her eyes slowly opened and blinking rapidly before she lowered herself onto her feet.
"Raven..." Beast Boy moved quickly in front of her. Her eyes looked at him, wide and confused.
"But I died." She whispered. He smiled. "You-you love me..." she smiled back.
"Wait...does that make all this fake?" Beast Boy asked suddenly. She shook her head.
"I'll explain it later. We have something more important to do." Raven stated.
"Yeah."
"I won't let you!" screamed Trigon. He shot a powerful beam at the two and Raven erected a barrier quickly and the beam bounced off uselessly.
"You can't defeat prophecy, father." Raven smirked.
She moved in front of Beast Boy and grabbed each hand in hers. They held their hands straight in front of them. Her palm was against the back of his; their fingers outstretched hers in the gaps between his fingers. Her cheek lay against his and their eyes closed.
"Azarath...Metrion...Zinthos!" They cried as one. Cyborg, Robin, and Starfire's eyes widened seeing the black magic take the shape of dozens of different predators, leaping or flying towards Trigon.
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!" His body was ripped or shredded by the magic animals and he screamed in unearthly shriek. His body fell with a thud that shook the tiny island.
Raven and Beast Boy rose off the ground. They stood above the heavily gasping Trigon.
"I'm doing you a favor, Father, and putting you out of your misery of a life." Raven murmured.
"A favor you don't deserve." Beast Boy added angrily.
Raven entwined their right hand fingers and lowered their hands.
"One hand should do it. Get ready." Raven whispered her eyes closing. Beast Boy closed his eyes.
"Azarath Metrion ZINTHOS!" They shouted. Once again, black beasts flew from Beast Boy's left hand, power channeling through him from Raven's palm.
Trigon's body disappeared in the onslaught of magic and animals. The Titans cheered and jumped below them.
"We did it. Wow." Raven muttered amazed.
"Yeah." Beast Boy gulped and then kissed her cheek. They both blushed brightly.
She moved slightly away and smiled at him. He grinned, a half-smirk back. Suddenly, her eyes rolled to the back of her head and her body started to fall limp. He grabbed her quickly, still hovering though he didn't even realize it.
"Rae, what's wrong-" His own eyes rolled back and his precious hold on their defiance of gravity broke.
"Catch them, quick!" commanded Robin. Starfire quickly flew up to grab Raven and gasped as Beast Boy continued to fall and then jerked her down abruptly when his hand refused to let Raven go.
"We need to take them to the infirmary. Or at least to their beds." Robin ordered.
"I...can't...make...them...let...go!" Cyborg panted.
"Hm ...well, I guess we have no other choice." Robin shrugged.
"We saw off hands, yes?" Starfire asked grinning.
"WHAT?"
Raven and Beast Boy were in half-curled up, their foreheads almost touching. Their right hands still clasped and Cyborg pulled the blanket up and put their belts on a nightstand.
"Aw, how cuuute." Cyborg cooed. Robin huffed, half-annoyed.
"But this is not right! On my planet, the sleeping in one bed must only be with siblings or spouse. They are neither. Is this not wrong here?" Starfire asked worried. "Raven would be branded an Oldaroig and Beast Boy a Snaroig. They would be cast from our cities in disgrace."
"We...need to have a talk about American hormonal teenagers and how just sleeping in a bed is just fine." Robin said leading Starfire away by her arm.
"This should be entertaining. Nighty-night, lovebirds." Cyborg closed the door.
V V V
Kitty: YES! 13 pages! And ...one more chapter to go! WHEET!
