"Ruby Dreams"
By: DarkSeductress
Summary: (AU) Raven is the leader of Titans, who have just reached adulthood. Titan member Giovanni, the weather witch, is having strange dreams linked to the criminal Red X, which are making her powers spin wildly out of control.
WARNINGS: Vampirism (which means blood play, blood drinking, and basically just blood in general), semi-consensual sexual situations, X-men crossover, mentions of Static Shock.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of the Teen Titans, X-men, or Static Shock. They are owned by their respective parties.
Author's Note: Just so everyone knows all the names of Titans and the other superheros they don't get confused: Robin - Richard Grayson, Beastboy - Garfield (Gar)Logan, Cyborg - Victor Stone, Raven - Raven Roth, Starfire - Koriand'r (Kori), Static Shock - Virgil Hawkins, Gear - Richie Foley, Storm - Ororo Munroe, Gambit - Remy Lebeau, Rogue - Marie. Those are some of the names for now, not all of them appear in this chapter but you need to know anyway.
Feedback: appreciated
Distribution: Just ask first.
Author's Note 2: I just want to apologize for the long wait. I got to the middle of this chapter and got writer's block. Really sucks... So instead of making everyone wait even longer for the completed verison of chapter 4, I decided to split the chapter in two separate parts. So here's the first part of chapter 4. Hopefully, I'll have the second part done soon. I'd also like to personally thank everyone who left such glowing reviews for the other chapters. Your encouragement drives me forward.
Specials thanks to the ever-talented Darkmoon Knight. Read Scarlet Embrace, it rocks.
Chapter 4: Blood Reunions Act 1
Raven sighed as she took a meditating position in her darkened room. She was unable to meditate in her usual spot on the rooftop because of the strong winds. Giovanni was obviously having a tantrum and Raven wasn't sure she could blame her. But at the same time Raven couldn't help being a bit annoyed. Giovanni seemed to be under the impression that the team delighted in temporarily losing a skilled fighter, contributing strategist, and most importantly a good friend. Raven had tried to relay everyone's dismay and reluctance to her but apparently it not gotten through. To say the least, Raven found Giovanni's attitude and behavior childish and unfair. It seemed something or someone was blocking her from thinking clearly and Raven would hate to think it was Red X.
Raven mused that in a way, she really shouldn't be too surprised. Professor Xavier had warned her that Giovanni was, at best, temperamental. He explained his reluctance of letting the weather-witch leave so soon. He believed that on many levels that Giovanni was not emotionally ready to commit to a firm cause. When Raven had asked why, Professor X only hinted to what he called a dual nature. He assured her that Giovanni was quite sane and not schizophrenic at all, she just didn't function well under extreme emotional distress.
To say the least, Raven initially had huge reservations about allowing the mutant to join the Titans. But everything changed when Raven met her. Raven had watched Giovanni spar with Scott Summers in the Danger Room. Raven was immediately impressed by Giovanni's physical skills along with the control she exerted over her powers. If Giovanni could keep up with the leader of the X-Men, she was perfect to Raven in that aspect.
But after talking to the green-haired young woman, Raven's decision was made. She liked Giovanni. She was intelligent and sharp, friendly with an air of cynicism, and was prone to bouts of morbid thoughts. Giovanni didn't view the world in black and white but was of the opinion that everything was in a shade of grey because everyone had 2 sides.
After introducing her to the other Titans and numerous discussions, arrangements had been made for Giovanni to officially join the team in 3 months. Raven noticed that everyone was excited except one green-toned asshole. She never let on but Raven had noted the change in Beastboy's behavior, the quiet hostility toward the weather-vixen. At first Raven thought Beastboy felt bringing in Giovanni was too soon after the Terra episode. Maybe he wasn't given enough time to get over her betrayal and ultimately her self-sacrificial death. But after talking to him, Raven realized that his quiet dislike had absolutely nothing to do with Terra.
Raven had decided to let the matter drop as long as Beastboy remained cordial to the new titan. But she wasn't easily fooled by his goofy laugh and didn't believe he was just being cautious.
And now she wondered why he had helped Giovanni out of her restraints. Garfield wasn't one to let anything go. He didn't like appearing weak and Raven assumed that he felt the situation last night made him appear very weak. So Raven was confused: Why did he help her? What was in it for him?
Something very wrong was going on.
"Raven, do you not know that frowning has been proven to cause wrinkles?"
Raven opened her eyes to Starfire smiling at her innocently, "How did you get in here, Kori?"
Star smiled sheepishly," I removed the door..."
Raven glanced towards the entrance of her room to see the door resting against the frame...ripped from its hinges.
"Kori..."Raven raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.
"I am most sorry, Raven. I tapped the door politely, as you had strongly requested in a past discussion, but when you did not answer...I thought you were injured." Star's cheeks were slightly flushed as she waited for the backlash.
"It's okay, Star. You can always fix it." Raven shrugged, realizing how much she had mellowed in her old age of 23. She remembered the discussion Starfire was referring to and Raven remembered it being an all out scream-fest in which she had threatened any soul a slow, painful death if they ever violated the sanctity of her room again. That had been years ago...yes, Raven had definitely mellowed.
"Just don't make a habit out of removing my door." Raven gave Star a small smile. "So what's wrong?"
"I was just thinking...perhaps we were with haste regarding our decision last night." Star played with the helm of Raven's sleeve.
"I thought that at first, too but now I'm not too sure..." Raven stated thoughtfully.
"Please share." Star seemed relieved but perplexed by Raven's answer.
"Last night, I felt some things...emotions..They took on images and invaded my dreams..." Raven paused uncertainly, thinking perhaps she was being silly.
Star noticed Raven's hesitation, "Raven, if this matter is causing you too much discomfort, it may be best you not hold it in." Star stopped playing with Raven's sleeve and placed her hands in her lap and gave Raven her full attention.
Raven took a breath as her cheeks reddened," Okay...I dreamt of two people having sex...covered in blood."
Star raised an eyebrow, "Is it not normal for all creatures to have dreams of erotica?" Then after seeing Raven's pained expression of embarrassment, she added, "Or am I not understanding what you mean?"
"They were covered in blood, Star, and neither of the bodies belonged to me." Raven held her head.
"Well..." Star appeared pensive, "Maybe your mind was roleplaying... or perhaps it was symbolic of some other desire you have been suppressing?"
Raven felt like banging her head against a wall. She wished the ground would swallow her. Raven could look death in the eye, she could even face down her demonic father but she was beyond uncomfortable discussing sex with anyone, even if it happened to be Star.
"Raven, are you okay?" Star removed Raven's hands from her face and peered at her with concerned green eyes.
"No..." Raven ground out, resisting the urge to blow something up.
Star began playing with Raven's hands, "It is nothing to be ashamed of. On my home planet, it is-"
"Kori..."
"Yes, Raven?" Star smiled.
"Shut up for a moment and let me think." Raven muttered.
"Okay." Star didn't take it personally. She knew Raven wasn't the most friendly person in the world but she loved her anyway and took her rudeness in stride. When she had first met Raven, Raven would hardly look her in the eye but they had come a long way from that. She would wait patiently for Raven to express herself, something she still had trouble with when it came to her emotions.
Raven took a deep breath, "Kori, what I'm trying to tell you is I think I had someone else's dream last night and felt someone else's emotion...I'm not even sure if it was a dream..."
"Oh, why did you not just say that?" Star wondered rolling her eyes.
"I was." Raven muttered.
"I am sure you were..." Star smirked.
"Anyway, for some reason, I think it was Giovanni's emotions." Raven stated with a frown.
"...So, why do you think it was her?" Star wondered. "Do not frown. It causes wrinkles."
Raven ignored her last comment, "Everyone's emotions have a psychic signature. It sort of gives off a different signal to me. Like if we were separated in a crowd and you were sad and lonely, I would just know it was you and not Vic or Gar. It's hard to explain but the closer I am to a person the more in tune I am to their personal signature." Raven sighed, "I'm not sure if that made any sense."
"It makes a lot of sense...It is very sweet of you...So I guess you are completely in tune to me, right?" Star smiled happily.
"I wasn't trying to be sweet..." Raven blushed, "That's just the way it works...and yeah, I guess I am but anyway... I'm not too sure but I'm pretty sure it was Giovanni. Her signature is very hard to pick out unless she's angry. She's very good at blocking general psychic reaches."
"Psychic reaches? Now that I am not sure I understand." Star was truly interested, it was a rare occasion that Raven discussed the mechanics of her powers so openly.
"I'm not a complete psychic as you know, I'm only able to pick up emotions. So even when I am not exerting my powers, they still pick up on vague emotions. Like if Gar is annoyed with Cyborg, even when I'm not actually trying to feel it, I will anyway because my empathy is constantly pulling. Usually, I just push it to the back of my mind, unless I want to use it. But the thing about Giovanni, is I never pick up any emotional residue. She's very good at closing out her mind and emotions. So I'm not too familiar with her signature if it isn't completely buzzing and for some reason last night, I think it was completely buzzing but clouded by someone else. So I'm not too sure..." Raven explained.
"Are you thinking that someone is Red X?" Star sounded wary.
Raven nodded.
"Then if it wasn't a dream, that would mean he was somehow able to get into the Tower without alerting our security...or..." Against her own advice, Star frowned.
"Or Giovanni let him in." Raven finished.
Star cleared her throat uncomfortably, "Now I understand why you do not think we were with haste. I want to say something, Raven, but I do not want you to get upset."
"You know that's a promise I can't make, Kori. Just tell me and I'll do my best to handle it." Raven raised an eyebrow. Star wasn't easily startled or prone to panic when impossible situations occurred, that's why Raven could confide in her, so if this was upsetting her it was serious.
"Raven, I like Giovanni." Star stated quietly looking down at her and Raven's entwined hands. "She is very nice to me. At times she acts like you and at times she acts how Gar used to act but something is wrong. I do not want to believe that she would allow our enemy into our abode but yet with her current behavior I know it is possible. I am worried for her and for you because I know you two are almost like sisters... but I hope that is not clouding your judgement. And then there is Gar, whom I can not figure out. He does not like Gigi and I do not know why and it is becoming troubling..."
"You're very perceptive." Raven stated calmly. Star was right. Raven was agitated and upset because she knew what Star was saying held a lot of truth.
"You are upset." Star searched her eyes.
"No."
"Yes, you are. There is no need to lie to me." Star mumbled sadly.
"It has nothing to do with you, Star. This situation is driving everyone insane. Red X is ripping us apart." Raven tried to smile but failed. "Maybe I'm not being a good leader."
"That is a blatant lie." Star glared. "Just because there is trouble does mean you can run from it."
"This won't be the first time someone has betrayed us." Raven stated quietly.
"Just say her name." Star huffed.
"Say whose name?" Raven wondered innocently.
"Terra!" Star snapped as Raven flinched. "Terra was a mistake that nearly ripped all of us apart. But that will not happen again. We are stronger. We are smarter. We have a great leader and I know she will insure our safety. Everyone makes mistakes. Stop doing the mope about it. It is over. Terra's gone and Giovanni is not Terra. So just...shut up..."
Raven flinched again. Starfire angry was not a pretty sight and usually nothing made her angry except Raven moping, her friends being hurt, and discussing Terra.
"Are you finished?" Raven asked as coolly as she could.
"If you are finished, then yes, I am finished with that subject too." Star stated quietly. "Everything will turn out fine."
"Maybe you're right." Raven shrugged.
"Of course I am right." Star smiled pulling Raven into a bear hug and pecking her nose. Star giggled at Raven trying to appear annoyed while blushing.
"Now I feel like a damn-" Suddenly Raven slumped forward as a strong wave of emotion hit that she wasn't expecting. The diamond on her forehead started glowing.
"Raven, what is wrong?" Star was wary of touching her, when she was overtaken by someone else's emotions, it usually had a violent outcome.
"Damn Beastboy..." Raven ground through her clinched teeth as another wave of complete fury hit her.
Starfire's eyes narrowed, something had to be done about this very soon.
Raven took several deep breaths trying to calm her mind. The diamond on her forehead stopped glowing. Raven glared. She didn't say a word as she marched over to her closet and pulled out a cape.
"Are you okay?" Star asked standing.
"Yes and this shit is going to stop now." Raven stated as Star floated after her.
"Please, do not do anything rash or agitate the situation." Star pleaded as Raven marched toward the elevator.
"I'm not going to do anything rash." Raven growled, then muttered under her breath, "I'm just going to rip Garfield a new asshole..."
"Raven..." Star gasped. "Do not be-"
Star was interrupted by the elevator door opening to spill out Beastboy. He didn't look to be in the best shape and Raven could feel the anger, frustration, and fear pouring off of him even as he tried to mask it with a goofy grin.
"Elevator's free." He grinned attempting to brush past them.
"Cut the bullshit, Gar." Raven snapped.
"Huh?" His grin dropped.
"I don't know what the fuck just happened but I felt it. So fess up, now." Raven demanded with a growl.
"Nothing happened." He stated calmly.
"Oh? So you're just feeling pissed and horny for kicks?" Raven snapped, grabbing the front of his sweatshirt, "Where the hell is Giovanni? And don't lie because I know you did something!"
"Raven!" Starfire pleaded.
"I didn't do anything to her. You should ask what the fuck she did to me." He glared before opening his mouth and revealing a bloody tongue.
"Giovanni wouldn't do something like that unless you provoked her." Raven pushed him away from her.
"Yeah maybe before she had fucked Red X but now it's whole new game." He muttered fixing his shirt.
"You're still lying, Gar." Raven stated, staring at him evenly.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Raven, but I'm not." He smirked.
Raven opened her mouth to retort but her T-com started to beep.
"Raven here."
"Hey, Rae, Storm and Dr. Grey just arrived and they brought a guest." Cyborg's voice stated.
"Okay, I'll be right there, Vic." She clicked it off and turned back to Beastboy, "Let me remind you, Garfield, that I am the leader of the Titans and I'm not as oblivious to what's going on as some would like to think. I know you have a problem with Gigi but that's going to be fixed, you can do it yourself or I'll do it but this bullshit you've been pulling lately will stop. There's too much drama going on with Red X, without you adding to it. I'm putting your ass on notice."
Gar slapped a smile on his face, "Whatever you say, Rae, whatever you say."
Raven rolled her eyes before grabbing Star's hand and disappearing in the black flames of a raven. Raven was sure she heard Garfield mutter something like fucking dykes before the teleport was complete. She shook her head in disgust. Changes were definitely in order.
End of Act 1.
Expect Act 2 soon.