Wow, OK, OK, I get the message! I'm updating! I'm updating:sweat drop: Death threats no more cliffies! –screams- Anyway, here's chapter 9 before blaze-firestorm cuts off my head! –Jason

DISCLAIMER: The following lyrics are from "Lying From You" by Linkin Park. 3

Crimson Shadows

Chapter 9: Iron Curtain

It took everything Raven had not to let her mind fall into darkness. It was a nightmare; a nightmare in which she could never wake up; she was as awake as she could be.

"Garfield!" she half-sobbed, putting down her hood. "Please STOP!" Garfield Logan, now Beast Boy, stopped. It was her; the only girl he ever loved, the only girl who made him feel like he meant something.

When I pretend, everything is what I want it be,
I looked exactly like what you always wanted to see
When I pretend, I can't forget about the criminal I am
Stealing second after second just cause I know I can, but
I can't pretend that this is they way it will stay…

The changeling felt his heart rip in two, and his mind swirled in a whirlwind of thought. The irony of attacking his most treasured person made him fall on his knees, sobbing. Raven's teammates looked puzzled. "Shouldn't we take him while he's down?" Cyborg asked. "No… hold on. It looks like Raven knows this guy," Robin said, putting his hand up.

Raven shuffled slowly to the slumped body that she had was her best friend. Garfield was wearing a black jacket and dark leather boots and pants, and his hair had grown longer and messier. His eyes seemed to lurk evil and coldness; it frightened her the way he seemed so malicious, and angry.

I remember what they taught to me,
Remember condescending took for what I ought to be
Remember fussing and all of that and this again
So I could turned it up to the person who was feeling it
And now you think this person really is me…

"Ga-ga-Garfield," she stuttered, "it's OK. I'm not mad. Just please, tell me what's wrong." For a moment, she saw the real Garfield, his eyes widened and he looked ashamed, then the evil returned. "Stay away from me!" he screamed, pulling away. "Garfield is dead, DO YOU HEAR ME! I'M BEAST BOY NOW!" Raven backed up and felt numb. She didn't even shed a tear, or utter a sound. "I know you're in there, Gar. I know you are. This isn't you. I don't believe it. Fight it. Fight it Garfield. If not for me, do it for YOURSELF."

Inside Garfield's ears, he heard Slade's murderous, unforgiving voice through the microphone speaker. "If you go with her, I will kill your Raven and her friends. I will make your life a living hell. I will destroy you from the inside out." Garfield Logan screamed in agony, and began to run in the opposite direction. "Get him!" Robin yelled, and the team began pursuit. "Please, I don't want to fight anymore. Leave me alone!" Beast Boy yelled in pain, and began to turn into a hawk. Before they could catch him, Garfield was flying into the night sky, and they could have sworn they heard crying…

I wanna be close beside so let me go
(nah, no turning back now)
Let me take me back my life
I'd rather be all alone
(no turning back now)
And anywhere on my own, cause I can see
(nah, no turning back now)

The very worst part of you, is me…

Robin shook his head, and suddenly stopped, peering down at the ground. It was a communicator, like their own, but it had a silver "S" engraved on the front. "I know what's going on. That kid is working for Slade!" he said angry, kicking the ground in frustration. "Who is this Slade?" Starfire asked, looking worried. "He's bad news," Robin sighed, looking up at the sky. "Raven's "friend" is being pulled into the same badness." Raven looked up. "Why does he want Garfield?" "His powers," Cyborg spoke up, walking up next to her. "He knows that your friend would have joined us instead. It's just a matter of the good guys versus the bad guys." Raven began to understand. "Please, we have to save him. He's not really the person you saw back there. He's kind, compassionate and sweet. Please, help me save him."

The others looked nervous for a moment then nodded. "Alright. But if he tries anything funny, it's curtains for him," Robin said.

"Is the line really that clear?"

Thanks for reading guys. I really appreciate the feedback and kudos. It's very kind. -Jason