1Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans so lets not try and sue me since I don't have anything to sue for.
Ch 17: Loss of What Matters Most
SoulBurn P.O.V: (This is a first)
Right after Cyborg left I managed to make my way over to Terra. She was still in a state of shock after almost being killed by the demonic Raven. I placed my hand on her shoulder to comfort her and received an unexpected reaction. She flung herself at me and hugged me in a death grip crying into my bandaged chest. It took all my willpower not to scream out as she pushed against my wound. I hugged her gently back and spoke quietly to her.
"It's okay Terra. Everything will be okay. That wasn't completely Raven trying to kill you. It was mostly her father. You didn't do anything wrong." I could hear her sniffle a few times before she started speaking again.
"I…I think she was right. I do deserve to die. Something is terribly wrong in this world. I can feel it through my powers. The Earth is causing so much destruction and death and I…I think its my fault. I think I've lost control of my powers again. Why did I ever have to come back." Terra continued to cry into me but I pushed her slightly back and lifter her head so that she was looking into my eyes. Blue eyes met blue eyes.
"Terra. I need you to listen to me very carefully. Everything that is happening out there right now is not your fault. You are completely innocent of all this destruction. This…this is all my fault. Do you hear me Terra, this is all entirely my fault."
She looked at me with such sad blue eyes. She didn't respond only kept staring at me with those eyes. I thought back to the strange vision I had while I was unconscious. I had found myself completely surrounded by white. I felt like I was floating there as I felt no floor beneath me. Suddenly I heard a very faint voice. It seemed to be in a lot of pain as it spoke. I could not figure out where it was coming from as it seemed to be coming from all around me. I could barely understand what it was even saying though I managed to hear the words.
"Release of the Stone Maiden has disrupted the energy of the world. The loss of her energy will create an imbalance and the world will suffer. It will become a word perfect for His coming. The destruction will only serve to increase his presence in the world. Soon the Gate will allow Lucifer to enter into the realm of mortals permanently. A part of his body and essence lie within the daughter. His power lies within the emissary. Each of these three parts is needed to allow his entry. Salvation lies within these words."
The voice stopped and the white around me found some way to get even brighter. The next thing I knew was that Cyborg's body was coming right at me and I had to get out of the way. It was those words that told me everything was my fault. By releasing Terra I had caused some type of energy feedback into the planet that caused the disasters to occur. I believed I was giving a young girl a chance at redemption, giving her a second chance. Instead I only served to damn myself further. There was only more blood on my hands.
I tried to understand the rest of what was told to me. It seemed like maybe there was an answer to stopping Armageddon within the words, but I just couldn't figure it out. I could feel Terra hugging me again though this one was very gentle. She probably saw the broken look in my eyes. This hug was meant to comfort me rather than comfort her. I smiled at the small gesture. Maybe there was still hope for me after all. I gently picked up the thin frame of Terra and laid her in bed. She gave me a warm smile and closed her eyes as she laid against the pillow. Her battle for now was over.
Suddenly I felt a power being used that I had not felt for sometime. It was Slade. Only the power given to him by Trigon could feel like that. If Slade was using his power in such a way I could feel it then…The Titans!. I immediately forced any amount of pain from my body and stood tall. I concentrated solely on that dark power and in a flash was gone. My battle was just beginning.
Robin P.O.V
It felt like I had been running around the city for days though it had not been anywhere near that long. I had been busy directing Starfire and Beast Boy to help city workers clear rubble and I had been helping the police evacuate people and organize. Though from other reports I knew Jump City had been hit relatively light, there was still so much destruction. It was hard to fathom what the rest of the world was like. However now it seemed like things were getting quieter. I watched as Starfire landed next to me as Beast Boy ran up. Beast Boy had a look of exhaustion on his face though Starfire still smiles.
"Robin. We were successful in digging the innocent out of the collapsed building. Everyone will be alright. We have managed to save so many people have we not?" It was hard even now not to smile at her. She was such a beacon of hope even now. She wasn't even from this planet yet she still cared as much as I did for its occupants.
"Nice work Star. You too Beast Boy. I think we've done all we can for right now. I think its time to go back to the tower and check on everyone." I was about to ask Starfire for a lift when my communicator went off. Cyborg appeared on the screen.
"What do you need Cy?" Inside I was worried. He could be contacting me for any number of bad scenarios. He definitely had one of the worst.
"I've been trying to get a hold of you for like 5 minutes man. We got a major emergency right now Rob. Raven woke up but she went all demonic on Terra like she did on Dr. Light. She said Terra was going to kill us all and tried to kill her. Raven ended up whooping my butt pretty bad. SoulBurn woke up and managed to calm her down and bring her back to normal but then she ran away from the Tower. She's in the city all by herself right now. Things are definitely going to shit." I processed the information as quickly as I could.
"Where's Raven?" That was the most important question on my mind. I knew I had to play the leader role and should have asked if everyone was alright. I shouldn't have focused entirely on her, but I couldn't help it. I needed to get to her right now. If everything Cyborg had said was true, then I needed to see her right away.
"I've tracked her to about 4 blocks west of your position. I'm on my way in the T-car and should be there in about ten minutes. The streets are messed up so it will take me awhile. SoulBurn is back watching Terra and…." I cut off the communicator and started running down the street toward my destination. I didn't even say anything to Star or BeastBoy though they immediately followed me into the city. Raven please be safe.
Raven P.O.V.
As soon as I saw what I had done in the infirmary, I immediately fled the tower. I knew that the Titans would never stand by me now that I had almost hurt one of them. Cyborg could have been dead for all I knew.
I flew as far away as I could before my strength gave out due to my mental instability. I fell to the ground in the middle of the street. I could feel broken glass digging into my legs, but I didn't care. I deserved the pain. I deserved things far worse than this for what I had done to Cyborg, for what I almost have done to Terra. I so badly wanted to cry right then and there but that would have been the selfish thing to do. Releasing that kind of emotion right now would only bring more suffering to those around me.
As I flew over the city I witnessed the devastation that had been brought to the city. Buildings were collapsed all around and small fires still burned. I saw lava trails on the outskirts of the city still flowing from the ground. I wondered if all this destruction was my fault. I wonder if losing control is what had truly brought all this to the city I had swore to protect. I rose to my feet and began half running half stumbling through the streets of the city. I had no idea where I was going. I didn't even have anywhere to go anymore. I knew I had lost the Titans at the same moment I allowed myself to lose control. I wasn't even aware of where I was until I ran straight into something very hard. I looked up only to see the malicious glint of Slade's eye.
"Hello there Raven. It is so nice of you to come to me for a change and completely alone I see. This is just perfect." Being so close to him I could feel the symbols on my body burning. I managed to crawl a few feet away from him only to see Robin running down the street toward me, followed closely by Starfire and Beast Boy. I knew Robin was calling my name. It was filled with caring and concern. Maybe they hadn't turned against me. I was brought back to reality upon hearing Slade's next few words.
"Ah so I do get to have some fun tonight. I see your little boyfriend has finally arrived. Your father did tell me just how much you care for him. Really now Raven. Falling in love with your leader when you know what your destiny is. Tsk Tsk Tsk. Let's find out if he's willing to die for you."
My mind raced with his words. They knew about my feelings toward Robin. My father knew about my feelings toward Robin. Robin was in such danger. I again tried to get up only to be pushed back by a wall of flame created by Slade. I flew back only to be caught in the arms of Robin. I realized where I was and instinctively pushed myself away from him only to fall again to the ground. I could hear Slade laughing.
"Raven, Raven, Raven. I'm nice enough to put you in the arms of your love and you push him away. Now that's not very nice of you is it." I looked up at Robin hoping he didn't hear the words but I could tell by his face he did. He was looking at me with his mouth slightly open as if hoping I would tell him that what Slade said was true, that I did love him. We simply stared at each other before I broke the gaze, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of it.
"Raven…" That was the only word he could speak as I could still feel his eyes upon me. Despite everything going on around me it felt like it was only just us two. I realized then and there that this could be my last chance to tell him. My father already knew somehow of my feelings so there was no use in trying to conceal them from him anymore. I believed I had lost all of them when I lost control but at least I would be able to tell Robin how I felt before everything I every cared for was gone. One last little attempt at a bit of happiness.
"Robin…I…" I was cut off by Slade.
"Sorry to interrupt you Raven, but I've been waiting here awhile and really have become quiet bored. You can talk to Robin when you see him in Hell."
Slade unleashed a stream of fire aimed directly at Robin. I couldn't even find the strength to get up to push him out of the way. I couldn't even put myself in the way. I watched his eyes grow wide as the fire neared him. I closed my eyes and screamed for it stop as I had done on my birthday only it did not work this time. I waited to hear the scream from the love of my life but it did not come. I opened my eyes to see the figure of SoulBurn standing there. He had appeared out of nowhere and blocked the fire with a shield of blue energy. My Robin was safe. At that moment, all I wanted to do was feel Robin's loving embrace but instead I felt cold metal slam up against the back of my head.
SoulBurn P.O.V.
As soon as I appeared on the scene I saw the attack approaching Robin. I immediately put myself in front of fit and gathered energy in front of me to block the attack. I found that I could block it though I could not absorb even the slightest bit of the energy. I could not make a connection to it. Using my powers caused me pain in that same cut on my chest as I did it but all that mattered was that Robin was saved. I could not react fast enough as I watched Slade move with incredible speed and slam a bo staff against the head of Raven. I could hear Robin cry out but once again I had to put up a shield to stop another blast of fire. By the time everything cleared Raven was no longer in front of us but in the arms of a slade-bot. Slade still stood in front of us taunting us.
"That was almost too easy. I thought you people would protect one of your own. I guess you really have abandoned her" Robin stepped forward to meet the challenge but I put an arm up to block his path.
"Robin. You and the other Titans go after Raven. I will handle Slade. I am the only one who has a chance." I could feel Robin step back reluctantly but I knew he agreed with me. I assumed a fighting stance that I instinctively knew as I stared at Slade with glowing blue eyes. "I owe you a lot Slade." I could feel the rage coming from within me building. I watched the remaining Titans disappear into the darkness following Raven's captor.
"I believe you owe me a lot less than you think SoulBurn. I am merely an emissary of a greater power. I am only helping to fulfill yours and Raven's destiny. Do not blame me for your cursed existence."
I let out a yell of rage and through a punch at Slade's face. I couldn't see it but I knew he was smirking underneath his mask. He easily caught my punch and through me over his shoulder. I balanced myself and landed on my feet. I barely touched the ground before I was attacking again. I extended a blade of energy down my right arm and teleported to right in front of Slade, jamming the blade straight through Slade's chest. I could feel it penetrate straight through his body with ease. My right arm burned with the use of the energy but I didn't care. I could tell the smell of burning flesh was not only from my body, but also from his as the energy of my blade ate away at him. I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder and looked up at the taller Slade. I could tell he was still smirking under his mask.
"Nice try SoulBurn but let me show you how it's supposed to be done." My eyes went wide as a vicious right hand connected with my jaw. I flew back from the attack and skidded a few feet across the ground on my back.
I struggled to my feet very slowly trying to clear my head. Slade had not moved from his spot. I could hear the sound of battle down the street though I took no true notice of it for I had more pressing matters at hand. I quickly teleported behind Slade and fired a blast of energy into his back. He flew from the impact and just like I had before landed on his feet and was back on the attack. I blocked his next punch with my arm and ducked his kick.
However, I was not able to block the wave of fire he sent at me. I managed to block some of it with a shield but enough got through to push me back. I watched as Slade suddenly appeared through the flames charging me. I ducked another powerful right hand but took a quick knee to the chest. I could feel my wound reopening.
I looked up to see Slade coming down with the intentions of crushing me under his foot but I quickly fired another powerful blast of energy into his chest. This one sent him flying into the air as he landed on top of a parked car. The car immediately burst into flames, lighting up the night with an eerie glow. However, I just knew Slade was not done, would never fall so easily. I waited for his form to appear as I fought back the pain that was building in my body from my powers usage. I suddenly heard his voice behind me.
"Do not assume that you are the only one who can teleport SoulBurn." I felt a punch into my spine that sent a shock up my entire body. My legs gave out under me, and I collapsed to the ground. I felt Slade grab me by the shirt and pulled me forward. He reached down and grabbed me by the throat. I felt my entire body being slammed into the brick wall of a building impacting hard against it. I could feel the bricks give slightly from the force of the attack as Slade talked down to me as I weakly slumped to the ground.
"I don't know why you fight against Trigon. How can you truly fight a destiny that was set long before these mortals even existed on this planet. Everything you've done to help bring about His arrival was fated to happen so long ago. You never had a choice in this the same way Raven never had a choice to be the Gate. You were always meant to be the Key SoulBurn. It is your power that was needed most to bring the end" I felt Slade again grab me by the neck and slam me into the wall. I absorbed some of it with my energy, but that only caused my chest wound to hurt more. I could feel blood dripping from my chest.
"Do you even think you truly care about these mortals you are trying to save SoulBurn. Have you truly forgotten how you ended up here! What makes all this so funny, is that you and Trigon are exactly the same. A part of him lies deep within you and has since before his imprisonment. You share the same fate as him SoulBurn. You always were meant to."
My body managed to painfully cough up blood despite Slade's steely grip around my throat, the blood spitting out on to Slade's mask with the smallest bit of satisfaction. Slade pulled me forward so that we were mask to face, his one cold eye boring into me with sheer amusement in it.
"It's too bad I didn't get to meet you before you lost your memory. I think we would have gotten along…or at least you would have put up a better fight." I could feel my air supply leaving fast. I could hear my blood drip to the ground as I dangled there in the air. I tried to concentrate but Slade's words kept getting to me. None of it could possibly be true. It simply was impossible. Everything started to get black until I suddenly found myself hitting the ground as a stream of blue impacted against the side of Slade. He flew back from the impact.
"Booyah! Hey SoulBurn, I thought I told you to stay with Terra." I looked up to see Cyborg. He had finally arrived. I could hear Slade impact with the ground with a sickening thud. Cyborg helped me to my feet slowly, even though he watched Slade the whole time. When I got to my feet I saw Slade getting up as well. His right arm was bent at an impossible angle. Slade simply grabbed the right arm with his left hand and snapped the bone back into place without so much as a scream.
"It really does come in handy being half-dead." He turned to both of us. "Well I have what I came for. I do hope to see you again. You really should think about embracing your true self SoulBurn. It will make everything so much easier." In a flash of fire Slade was gone but we both had the same exact thought going through our head, "Where was Raven?"
Robin P.O.V:
Me, Starfire, and Beast Boy immediately started chasing after Raven. What appeared to be one lone robot eventually gave way to nearly one hundred of the enemies lining the street. I gritted my teeth and clenched my hands around my bo staff.
"Titan's Go." I was a whirlwind of destruction as anything in my path to Raven met its quick end. I would occasionally see a green streak of energy or hear the roar of some unseen animal but almost all my attention was focused on what lie ahead of me. The small body of Raven clutched in the enemies hands. I let out a snarl as another robot tried to get in my way. I cracked its head off with my staff and threw an explosive birdarang into a group of robots to my left. The explosion lit up the night revealing more robots in my way but not the one that had been carrying Raven.
In a fit of rage, I viciously assaulted everything I could get near. Despite them being robots, I could almost taste fear coming off them. Every swing, every kick was meant to completely destroy. It was only a matter of time until there were no more enemies to fight and the only noise was the burning of a few fires. I quietly whispered a single word to myself.
"Raven." I watched as Beast Boy arrived next to me and saw Cyborg carrying a limping SoulBurn toward us. Apparently he could not stand against Slade either. Cyborg was the first to speak.
"Where's Raven Rob?" I lowered my head in defeat. The only gesture that needed to be done to tell them what happened.
"Damn." We all stood quietly in the street until SoulBurn managed to speak a few words.
"Does anyone know where Starfire is?" We all suddenly reeled in shock in realizing Starfire was nowhere to be seen. I could feel my body shaking with fear.
"Please not her too."
