Ooooh...
Let me put this bluntly, I will need my plasma cannon to answer some of these reviews.
Jax: Zeph, quick, the insanity shelter!
(Jax and Zeph hide in hole in the floor)
MUA-HA-HA-HA-HA! LET'S ANSWER SOME REVIEWS WITH MY LITTLE FRIEND! (Blasts holes in the ozone randomly)
VashTheStampede7123- Yes, I live! Please, don't break your computer, I NEED YOUR REVIEWS! I was actually out for more like three weeks, and I wish I could say I was writing the chapter during that time, but I wasn't. And I wish I could say I had writer's block, but I didn't. ...I guess some people call it "Laziness," I call it "creative relaxation". Thanks for your review! I hope this chapter is as pleasing as the last one!
N/M Shin: Now see, I didn't need my cannon for that one, did I? Some people write perfectly fine reviews, I salute them! (Salutes)
...I'm gonna need it for this next one though...
Shadow 12002- Oh, I just KNEW someone would try to rain on my parade. I KNEW it! Don't burst my bubble! I'd have a pretty God-damned long chapter too if the ENTIRE STORY WERE ONLY ONE CHAPTER! In fact, it would be about 25,000 words and counting! You think you're so fuckin cool, huh? Would you be cool as A PILE OF SMOLDERING ASH? (Blasts her sonic cannon)
N/M Shin: MUA-HA-HA-HA-HA! (Explosions sound in the background)
Jax: It's because of people like you we even HAVE an insanity shelter.
Zephyr: Jax, get back in the safety zone! (Pulls Jax back into insanity shelter/hole in the floor)
N/M Shin: Thanks for the publisher comment, I seriously doubt it though. Just DON'T EVER, EVER RAIN ON MY PARADE!
Now this next review I absolutely LOVE. Thanks Steve, I really needed that! (Gives Steve a golden toilet seat)
Steve-Racer- Thank you so much! Yeah, I'm not giving anything away on how Raven is, maybe this chapter will explain it...or, maybe not... MUA-HA-HA-HA! (Cough) Sorry, anyway...The Thana idea seemed good at first, but after about two days, I really regretted that. I hate it when people give their kids exotic names, it just drives me nuts! So, her name was changed to Hannah because Thana sounds...well...incredibly dorky and cliché. I'm glad you agree with me on that. Yeah, Darren and Hannah, doesn't get much more normal than that, huh? Oh, and Connie, Not "Stardust" or any of that other shit, just...Connie! YAY! ...MORE YAY! I GET A COOKIE! (Munches on cookie) In case you didn't know, the author's notes are not meant to be serious in any way, but thanks for the critique. I learned something! Thanks a bunch for the awesome review, I hope you like this next chapter!
N/M Shin: See, in that one I even got a cookie! YAYY! No sonic wrath for Steve-Racer, no siree!
Jax: Don't you have homework to do?
N/M Shin: Oh, right, I'll be right back! (Leaves the room)
What show is this quote from?
"Snap, crackle...KABOOM!"
Jax: Now, to answer reviews that didn't actually answer the question. Hey, it's her fic!
Taiba- Heh heh, I don't really know what triggered that odd simile...I wasn't hungry...or anything...hmmm...Oh well. YOUR CAT ATE TSIVVY? TAKE IT TO THE VET, YOU MAY BE ROAMING!
...Wait, wrong scenario... I don't know about Jersey or whatever, but that commercial is really popular down here...
...Whatever, I'm just wasting space.
CrazyTomboy- Teary-eyed? How does that happen! I just write something that doesn't involve emotions at all in my opinion, and people review back saying they were in tears? How does this keep on happening? Thanks so much for the review...hey, where's your gerbil or whatever?
Jax: Okay, enough fun in the author's note, just wrap it up and Put. The. Cannon. Down. Now.
N/M Shin: Did any of you see 'Birthmark'? Did you see those markings? THAT IS COPYWRITE INFRINGEMENT! STRAIGHT FROM MY FIC GOD-DAMMIT! I guess I should be kinda flattered... but still!
Jax: You know that fanfiction isn't copywrited anyway, right?
N/M Shin:...DAMN! Oh, and, I broke up with my boyfriend. Single, YAYY!
XXXXXXXXX-Doom doom DOOOOM-XXXXXXXXX
(Tee hee, I'm high off dry rice krispies...)
(Dis first part is a flashback. Y'know, italics...and stuff)
The Titans were lounging about in the living room, enjoying the lazy Saturday afternoon. Sun filtered in through the tinted windows, which were devoid of curtains or blinds, and cast a golden hue over all those whom its bright beam fell upon. Of course, it did not reach Cyborg or Robin, who were hidden from the radiance behind the huge television, playing a heated game from their spot on the soft carpet. It did, however, reach Starfire, who was sitting with perfect posture, cheering the boy wonder on; and Beast Boy, who was in the kitchen fixing his own breakfast (Everyone had eaten already, but he had no intention of joining them in the poor animal massacre that was their breakfast), and was temporarily blinded, because of the lack of wall between the living and dining areas.
"Oh, you think you're good, but you're not, oh no you're not, you're just-Hey, what the fuck?"
"I'm just the winner, baby! Go Cyborg, go Cyborg, go Cyee!"
"You...You cheated! That's it, you cheated!"
"Please, rejoice friend Robin, for you have competed honorably in your strange ritual of pixel-men fighting."
"I want a rematch!"
"You'd just get your ass whooped again!"
"Would not!"
"Would too!"
"Would not!"
Starfire looked at Beast Boy pleadingly, who was glancing over and smirking at their fight and Star's poor example of intervening.
"Hey guys, you seen Raven? She missed breakfast, so she'll have to eat my tofu now." He changed the subject.
"Um, BB, it's a little late for breakfast." Cyborg raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, and you said you weren't hungry when we were eating breakfast. If you're hungry, just make lunch." Robin suggested.
Cyborg leaned over to Robin's ear and whispered, "He just wanted to make some brunch for his little crush."
Robin broke out into laughter, "Oh Cyborg, that almost rhymed! You could be a poet!"
Beast Boy turned about three different shades of red. "Would you guys grow up? C'mon, we're almost nineteen!"
They both laughed even harder. "Look who's talking! The most grown up guy we know!"
"Please, is it not Beast Boy who is talking?" More laughter.
"Shut up and stay out of it!" Beast Boy stormed out of the room, angry that he couldn't slam the futuristic sliding door.
"Bastards." He muttered as he padded softly down the hall. They had been the Teen Titans for a long time, but more than one afternoon had gone down like this. At every hint of crime, the JLU came swooshing in to save the day. Each Titan was on edge about being replaced; they knew it was only a matter of time. They took it out on each other, making what may be their last few weeks together uncomfortable and tense.
Beast Boy sighed. How much longer did they have? What if they left before he could get his feelings out toward a certain female titan?
"That's why I'm here, to get some feelings out." By here, he meant outside Raven's door with a platter of tofu brunch.
He took a deep breath and knocked. "Hey Raven, I really need to talk to you. And if you feel like some tofu then-"
"Come in; just... watch your step." Raven called through the door. Her voice sounded strained; pained even?
He put the tray down outside the door, which glowed black then slid into the wall with a whirring mechanical sound. Her powers wore down the gears in the door, and Robin really got on her case about forcing it open.
The green teen stared as the room came into view.
Candles were numerously arranged throughout the room, filling it with haze and unfamiliar but calming scents. Several strange figures were present on the walls and floor, and a huge, arcane symbol was even burned on the ceiling. The other symbols were painted, burned, arranged with sand, or even carved from the carpet; each one just as different and mysterious as the last.
Raven sat in the center of her bed, her legs crossed and her fingers bent in a mesmerizing and enchanting way. At her left side was her mirror, which had its own symbol glaring from the center in a blood red light, at her right was a decorated, gold-hilted dagger, its blade turning sharply and shining in the dim light of the candles. She was chanting softly and slowly; that beautiful language Beast Boy loved but found unfathomable.
"...Dude..." was all he could muster.
"Just so you know, I'm not committing suicide."
"What are you talking abou-...Dude, what the fuck are you doing?"
Raven had picked up the dagger and inflicted a small cut on the ends of each of her fingers; she began to rub them against her blanket in another strange design around herself; a blood red, glowing design.
She chanted another long incantation, her voice becoming hypnotizing and thick with a Balkan accent.
"Knoll rahnen, mes irihs, hel zarrow mannen zhall!"
The dagger flew from her hands and pierced her through the heart.
"Holy shit! Are you crazy!" He ran towards her, only to be stopped by an invisible force at the edge of one of the markings.
The dagger dissolved in a golden light as the markings all disappeared from the room and every candle's orange flame flickered out. The force that held him back dissipated and Beast Boy fell flat on his face.
He scrambled to his feet and rushed to Raven's bed, the sheet completely devoid of blood.
"What the fuck did you just do?"
She didn't answer, all Raven did was wrap her arms around him and cry into his shoulder. Her tears soaked his black and purple uniform. Needless to say, he was flabbergasted.
"Um...Raven?"
She whimpered. "I finally," sniff, "I finally did it."
"It's okay Rae," He tenderly rubbed her back, "just tell me what you did."
"It's like I put a switch in my mind," sniff, "When I want to feel something I just," sniff, "Turn them off."
"Turn what off?"
"Beast Boy," sniff, "I can just turn off my powers at will."
His eyes widened. "B-but that means...no more explosions! No more melting furniture! This is great!"
She nodded against his shoulder. "Then why are you crying?"
"Because," she paused, "I...can."
XXXXXXXXX-One Year Later-XXXXXXXX
Beast Boy walked downstairs, sporting a pair of dark baggy jeans and a dress shirt. His hair had been combed to the side, but some of its spike still remained in the center of his scalp, the gel refusing to give up.
He was greeted with a collective gasp as he entered the living room. "What did that snappy dresser do with Gar?"
"Hahaha, very funny Cy, coming from a guy who's naked."
Cyborg glared for a second. "Man, that's harsh. Why are you so snazzed up anyway?"
"Hello! Earth to Cy! Today is the one-year anniversary of Raven's little psychic on/off switch!" He made a motion like flicking a light switch; "We're going to that new Italian restaurant on Fifth Street to celebrate!"
"All right! When are we leaving!"
Robin tapped him on the shoulder, "Um, Cyborg, I think he means he and Raven are going...alone."
He gave Beast Boy a thumbs-up that he quickly returned. Robin was the only Titan he had told about his big plans for the night. Boy, would she be surprised.
At least, he hoped she would be.
"Are you guys doing some kinda secret agent thing with the thumbs-up or are you just losers?" He crossed his arms in satisfaction.
They glanced at each other; should they let Cy in on it? Both men shook their heads at the same time.
"Well, I guess you caught us. He's Nightwing and I'm agent double-0-zero. Nightwing, put your shades on, we'll have to erase his memory."
Robin collapsed in laughter and Cyborg frowned. "Well when you both gang up on me how can I win?"
Beast Boy's ears pricked up as he heard someone walking down the hall towards the living room. "She's coming, you dudes gotta hide, and don't make any noise, okay!" He said quickly, ushering them into the elevator.
"Good luck." Robin whispered as the elevator doors closed.
Beast Boy barely made the leap to the couch and assumed a leisurely position before the doors swished open. Raven walked in, her bare feet padding softly on the old carpet. She wore dark blue jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt with an upside-down cartoony skull on it. Underneath in white words it said, 'They buried me this way'.
She glanced around, "Hey Gar, where is everybody?"
He waved his hand nonchalantly. "Rob and Star went to the movies and Cy went somewhere downtown. He told me to put some gas in the T-car while he was out. Mind if we make a stop on the way?" He had told Robin to keep Star busy until they got back.
She raised an eyebrow. "On the way to what?"
Beast Boy laughed, "To the dinner I'm treating you to; didn't think I'd pass up an anniversary as big as this one, did ya?"
She smiled broadly and hugged him by the neck from over the back of the couch. "I'll get my shoes on; do you think I should dress a little more formally?"
Gar made a big deal of scanning her from head to toe. "I think you look fine; it's not a big hoity-toity place anyway."
He stood up and offered her his hand like a gentleman, "Your custom-made metal chariot awaits, my darling."
They entered the T-car, which Robin had forced Cyborg to let him drive tonight, and drove for a few minutes until they reached a gas-station. Beast Boy got out and filled up the car, then told Raven she could listen to the radio while he went inside the building to pay. He came out about ten minutes later, his hand in his pocket to the hide the small object he had just purchased.
"Ready to eat?"
XXXXXXXXXX-At the Restaurant-XXXXXXXXX
They arrived at the small, but nice family restaurant about half an hour later. The building was packed, and Raven began to sit down on the worn plush chairs in the waiting area before Beast Boy grabbed her arm and pulled her back up.
"Oh no, mademoiselle, we have reservations." He grinned at the foreign phrase until he got some strange looks from the Italian waiters.
"Gar, "mademoiselle" is French." She laughed at the bright shade of red that crept up his face as they were led to their table.
"Well, it would've been awesome if it was Italian." He grumbled, folding his arms.
"Yes," She agreed, sitting down, "It certainly would have been romantic. But you get points for trying."
"What're you gonna get?" He asked, scanning the menu. The prices were reasonable, but Robin had let him dig into the Titans' bank account for the night. After all, that's why they had it; special occasions like this.
"Probably the chicken parmesan." (A/N The most delicious food in the world!) He grimaced at her choice of meat. "Don't give me that look. I know you've been that animal, but I also know that I'm not eating you; you're sitting right in front of me."
"Fine, fine, kill another animal why dont'cha?" He grinned. "The nice thing about Italian food is: pasta doesn't need meat to be tasty."
They ordered their food and it arrived shortly there-after. Gar going with angel-hair pasta and a house salad, and Raven with the chicken parmesan (A/N -Drools-)
After they were about halfway through the meal, conversation picked up. "So, why did you get all dressed up and make reservations anyway?"
"I already told you, I wanted to celebrate the anniversary of-"
"Don't give me that" she said teasingly, "You think I'll believe that Star and Robin, AND Cyborg had something to do tonight?Do you have a hidden camera or something? I am on Punk'd or whatever show you watch all the time?"
"You're paranoid, you know that? You're just not used to people doing nice things for you is all; but you'll see a lot more of that soon."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
He chuckled. "You'll see." She frowned.
That left them with something to think about for awhile; as Raven moved her chicken around in the marinara sauce in deep thought, and Beast Boy stuck his straw wrapper to the condensation on his glass to form a white ring around it.
He had to plan it perfectly, something he could brag about for the rest of his life; something...fantastic.
Raven tried, but couldn't figure out what he was up to. It wasn't anything bad; she could tell, but...what was he planning?
The check arrived after a minutes of deep meditation, and was quickly taken care of. They both climbed into the car, BB driving, and rode silently on the way home. But soon Raven noticed that the scenery seemed...unfamiliar; but she had seen it somewhere before.
"Where are we going?" she asked as he drove further down the empty street.
"To the park;" He chuckled, "Gotta walk that food off, ya know? Well...I do anyway."
She smiled at the complement he had snuck into his explanation. "That was sweet."
His toothy grin grew wider.
XXXXXXXX-At the Park-XXXXXXX
They had chosen one of the many jogging trails that snaked through the war memorial park in uptown Jump City; one of the only green spots in the entire city, he noted.
He sighed. Perfect, just don't mess up.
With a leap of courage, he linked his arm with hers. She simply smiled and took it in stride; phase one complete. Beast Boy fingered the small object in his pocket, then the larger one.
He inhaled deeply, taking in her wonderful lavender scent with the smell of late-night dew on the grass. At night, the park was one of the most romantic spots in the city. Especially near the man-made lake.
Of course, that's where they were headed.
Raven noticed the lake growing closer as Gar lead her through the moonlit park. What was he planning?
Once they had walked in silence for about twelve minutes they came to a stop at a bench by the edge of the water. Ducks gathered in a large group on the shore, ready to go to sleep until tomorrow, when they would get more free bread thrown to them by the excited children of the park.
Beast Boy inhaled deeply again; phase two underway.
He fished the object out of his pocket. "How about a little after-dinner mint?"
She laughed. "Gar, that's a ring-pop."
He glanced at it comically, pretending to have just noticed. "Oh my gosh, I must have picked up the wrong thing." He wasn't trying to fool her; this was just the comedy portion of his plan.
Then he widened his eyes. "But, you know what I can do?" She shook her head. "I can make it change colors. Wanna see?"
He put the ring-pop candy on her finger; her slender hand felt soft and warm in his. "Now, close your eyes; and don't open them until I say so, okay?" She nodded.
Once she had closed her eyes, phase three, perhaps the easiest to mess up and the most crucial phase, had initiated.
Beast Boy took yet another deep breath; he quickly switched the candy with the other object in his pocket. His quick hands made it impossible for her to notice. "Okay, open your eyes."
He kept his hand over hers, hiding it from view as she opened her eyes. "Now for the magic words."
Hopefully, his last deep breath of the night. "Here we go." She watched in anticipation.
"Will you marry me?"
She looked shocked for a second, then giggled. "Gar, you can't marry a girl with a ring...pop..."
Of course, he had removed his hand from hers.
Which revealed the real ring.
XXXXXXXXX-That was UBER fun to write-XXXXXXXX
She awoke from the nostalgic flashback with a start; not wanting to remember the rest of the night.
After all, that was the night they had been forced to disband; which, in turn, prolonged their marriage for about eight years.
Once the flashback had lost its effect, the first she noticed was pain. It felt as if she was being stabbed in a thousand different places, her skin burned and weight on top of her was slowly crushing her ribs. She could tell that at least two were broken from the painful way they ground against each other.
Dammit...what happened?
Raven could feel the puddle of her own blood growing larger around her, soaking through her old uniform and making her cape moist around her legs. She was losing consciousness quickly, and soon fell into a dreamless comatose state.
XXXXXXXX-Uh-oh, Rae-Rae is hurt-XXXXXXXX
Beast Boy was reveling in the prank he had just pulled. It had been perfect, and it had made Darren pretty mad too. He was just as easy to rile as his mother; why hadn't he inherited his father's sense of humor instead?
But something wasn't right; as he neared his son and Connie, Darren's figure came clearer and clearer through the dense fog. Did he seem taller? What were those huge things on his back? And was it his imagination, or did his voice sound deeper too?
Hey Darry (He hated that name too), you okay? You sound kinda funny."
Of course, before Darren could respond, Hellion came into view.
(A/N Now, you have to remember, Beast Boy doesn't know about Dar's knew power yet. This'll be surprise, now won't it?)
Now, if you saw a huge, monstrous, demonic figure holding an injured and bleeding friend, what would you do?
You would attack, that's what. (A/N At least I hope you would)
"You put her down right now, you monster!" He screamed as he went cougar on Hellion, scratching and biting his face.
He swatted the cat away with the back of his clawed hand. "Dad, get off! It's me! I have a power; an honest-to-God power!"
Gar de-transformed out of utter shock. "What? You expect me to believe you?"
"Mr. Logan, that's really him! He can heal people and everything!" She glared up at him. "At least, he can barely heal people."
He glared back at her. "Is that so? Maybe I should put the feeling back in your foot then, huh?"
She blanched. "N-no, that's really okay, I-I'm fine."
Hannah walked up to him, poking him on the arm through his thin layer of fur. "Ouch! Hannah, don't do that! I have, like, a MEGA-sunburn!"
She smiled mischievously. "Oh really?"
"Yes, now could you please heal it or something?" Connie coughed, "Oh, and her ankle too. You're almost as good with your powers as Mom." Hannah nodded and surrounded them both with dark green energy. The scent of cinnamon wafted over them until the aura dissipated; their skin and other damaged ligaments fully healed.
"Thanks sis." Darren said gratefully, flexing his enormous wings simultaneously with his arms.
"Dude, that is so cool!" Beast Boy cheered as Darren put Connie back on her own two feet. He poked his arm through Hellion's reddish-brown fur, and ran his gloved fingers across his leathery wings in amazement.
"Yeah," He agreed, "But my healing and other powers suck. This transformation is all I've really got."
"Okay, now that that's settled, please explain to me the fact that you have a sister." Wildfire demanded, walking up next to Hannah and looking her over.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer."
"Oh, you're just a barrel of laughs, arent'cha?"
"Shut up."
"Oh, so that's how it is?"
"Yeah, you gonna do something about it?"
"Maybe, what're you gonna do about it?"
Rurrr...gr.
"...Oh...shit." There was now a monstrous, golden bear on its hind legs right in front of her.
"Okay, okay, introductions are over." Darren lifted the enormous bear over his shoulder and hovered a few feet above the ground.
"Hey, put me down!" Hannah de-transformed and tried to struggle out of his grip.
He lifted her off of his shoulder and held her out in front of himself with both of his arms. "Now, you're going to apologize to Connie for being a jerk; and Con, you're gonna apologize to Hannah for being annoying."
Hannah squirmed once more before giving in. "Yeah, sorry, whatever."
"I'm sorry too, now, let's start over! Hi, my name's Connie, what's yours?"
She growled threateningly as her brother put her down. "Right...never mind."
Hannah looked from Darren to Connie, then back to Darren again.
"So is she your girlfriend or something?"
"Well...umm..."
"Not really- I mean..."
"Heh, hit the nail right on the head there, Han."
"Dad!" "Mr. Logan!"
XXXXXXXXXX-Uh oh, outta Dr. Pepper-XXXXXXXXX
(Can't decide whether to leave it here or continue...)
(Hehe...I'm so evil)
Okay, the end of the fourteenth chapter has arrived.
Jax: That was actually pretty long, but it doesn't compare to the last one.
N/M Shin: If I tried to make every chapter as long as the last one, my brain would fizzle out.
Zeph: Yeah, but this one was pretty long too. I mean, it's not like it was a bad chapter or anything.
N/M Shin: Yes, I am quite pleased with it. I wanted to shed some light on Rae and BB's engagement, and yes, I know there are some contingency errors with it, but please, do your best to ignore them.
Jax: N/M Shin was actually planning for them to go to an Italian restaurant all along, but didn't know many details about it. Then you know what happened? They went to an Italian restaurant for her sister's birthday. Is that luck or what?
N/M Shin: Yep, so, I have a few more points to be made. First of all, I am aware that I am not updating very quickly, but this is a very trying time for me at school. I have two projects, both due on March 8th, which are about 300 points of my overall grade. That's a whole fuckin lot.
The next point I need to make in its own paragraph. To put it bluntly, I need help with Hannah's name. Superheroes don't go around calling themselves Hannah, but I cannot think of anything to save my life.
Remember her powers; shape shifting and telekinesis, and help me come up with one. Even if you only have a vague idea, maybe even one word that would sound good as a name that has ANYTHING to do with it; I NEED YOUR HELP ON THIS ONE.
Jax: Why don't you think for yourself for once?
N/M Shin: Would you like to write the fic instead?
Jax: ...Y'know what, I would! I'm a muse; I can do it by myself!
N/M Shin: (Glares) So, you're loyalties lie in yourself then, huh? Well, THAT'S MUTINY ON MY SHIP!
Jax: Yeah well, I'm getting off the SS insanity! I'm starting my own liberation force! We'll have a bloody war if we have to!
N/M Shin: You're on! (Begins war plans)
Zeph: Um, guys...why don't we just...
N/M Shin and Jax: HE'S ON MY SIDE!
Zeph: AHHHHH! (Runs) You reviewers better choose sides now, or you'll be considered renegades and be used to test mine fields!
N/M Shin: Whoever wins gets full control of the fic! The Insanity Brigade will be the winner!
Jax: Oh yeah, well your blood will litter the battle grounds while The Muse Liberation Front writes this petty excuse for a fic!
Zeph: So remember, choose a side, suggest a name, and answer the question!
And as always, Read, Review, Repeat!