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Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans so lets not try and sue me since I don't have anything to sue for.
Ch 21: A Moment in the Moonlight
Raven again awoke on hard material though it seemed to have a strange warmth. Also, this time she could feel chains on her arms on her legs holding her down. An unearthly blue light seemed to emit from under her. She tested the bindings and found that they allowed her very little movement and her powers still did not work. She turned her head to the right and managed to catch a glimpse of Starfire. She was a few feet away chained to a stone column. Her hands were chained above her head. She too seemed to be just waking up.
"Starfire. Are you okay." The Tamaranian princess shook her head as if trying to clear it.
"I believe I am fine Raven. How are you?" Raven immediately answered with her usual I'm fine and asked Star to do something.
"Starfire, tell me what you see around us. I can't get a good look because of how I'm being held down." Starfire proceeded to survey the surroundings and a scared look crossed her face.
"We are surrounded on all sides by some type of black wall.. It is hard to tell because there is very little light. It looks like nighttime. There are many small fires providing light around us. There also seems to be a small cave opening nearby." Starfire looked around again taking in more information. "There are Slade-bots all around us. I do not see Slade or the Brother Blood. You seem to be chained to some type of stone alter. It has strange marks on it and is glowing a blue similar to that of the one emitted by SoulBurn when he fights. Raven took in the information and knew the time had come. It was time for the prophecy to be fulfilled.
"What do we do Raven. I do not want to be here."
"I'm scared to Starfire but I don't think there's anything we can do. We just have to wait and hope that the Titans come for us."
Raven laid there contemplating everything that was going on. If this was truly the end, then Raven knew that all the things necessary to break the 5 seals had to be there. All the people involved had to be present. She was hoping she could figure it all out and maybe could convey that knowledge to the Titans if they arrived to help. Blood of purity and darkness alike. The flame of Hell and the Rage of the Light would break 4 of the seals.
The souls that had been taken by SoulBurn when he was controlled by Brother Blood would be sacrificed to break the fifth. Slade had already told her Starfire's pure soul would unlock another and Slade definitely contained the Flame of Hell. That was three. Raven had deduced that the blood of darkness would be somehow involved with Brother Blood. He had to have more reason for being around here and that was the only thing she could thing of that made sense. She knew exactly what reason she was here for.
That left only one factor, Rage of the Light. It was the one factor Raven had yet to figure out. She also thought back to the vision she had so long ago. In it her Father told her the Last of the Fallen was the Key. She knew, just knew these two were connected.
Raven had realized that all the seals seemed to have a particular meaning to them and Raven did her best to think back to her teachings from years ago on Azarath. She remembered very specifically learning about the three different aspects of mortal beings: purity, darkness, and the immortal souls. All three were present. One seal also represented Hell and its terrible power.. That left one aspect of all reality not represented. Heaven.
Both the Rage of the Light and the Last of the Fallen seemed to be tied into this but both seemed to be contradictory. All those who were fallen from heaven were locked away in Hell with Lucifer and stripped of their heavenly powers. It was impossible that one would have the energy of heaven to provide to break the last seal. It was also impossible that a heavenly being would voluntarily unleash Lucifer from his prison. That would be just as dangerous to Heaven as it would be for the mortal realms. It just didn't make sense.
However, Raven knew something that did. She did not want to believe it because it meant that another person whom she thought she could trust might be the one to betray her and this world. She thought back to the nice things he had said to make her feel better, telling her see was innocent in all this. If what she thought was true, then those were probably just more lies.
It had to be SoulBurn. He was the only one it could be. He had to be the one to unlock the final seal. He would provide the power of Heaven to unlock the most important seal on the Gate.
There were just so many questions that didn't have answers. Was he really a fallen angel? Was he really evil and if he was how did he come to be in this place with the powers he wielded?
SoulBurn just did not seem to be the answer to this question, did not fit the person that Raven had met because she knew...knew he was not evil.. Raven would have sensed it if he was of malevolent purpose.. He had done nothing without being controlled that ever hurt an innocent. He even helped try and figure out the prophecy. Something was definitely wrong with all of this and Raven had no idea what it was. She was pulled from her thoughts by the familiar burning sensation of the marks on her body. Slade was here. She watched as Slade walked up followed by Brother Blood, Slade with a ceremonially looking dagger in his hand.
"Ah good. You two are awake then. The festivities were almost ready to start and I didn't want you to miss a second of it. Your friends should be arriving any moment now so its time to get prepared." Slade handed the dagger to Brother Blood. He used the dagger to cut himself across the cheek coating the blade in blood. He handed it back to Slade who charged the blade with the power given to him by Trigon. It now glowed with an inner fire.
"That will help break two of the seals. Now only two more to go. I'll have to wait on those though. Have to wait for the right moment to achieve that goal." Raven growled.
"Would you please shut up Slade. No one wants to hear you speak." Slade glared down at Raven through his one eye.
"Why must you be so hostile Raven. You might want to try and be cheerful for once in your life. You have such little left of it so try and be happy." Again Raven growled but she quickly calmed herself.
"Slade. Answer me one question. Is SoulBurn the Key? Is he really the one who will help open the Gate?" Slade laughed.
"Well aren't you the clever girl though it did take you till the very end to figure that out. SoulBurn was needed to fulfill so many tasks to help open the Gate. So far he hasn't disappointed though he did have no intention of helping. He will provide the energy we need to break one of the seals and then he will suffer for eternity just like the rest of this pathetic world. It would have done the Titans well to have killed you or SoulBurn when they had the chance. However, because of their weakness, Armageddon will come.
"Not wishing to take a life is not a weakness Slade. It is a strength." Everyone was surprised by Starfire's sudden outburst. "The Titans will still stop you Slade. My friends will bring your evil to an end." Slade walked over to the alien princess and stared her directly in the eye. He held the dagger close to her throat and hissed at her.
"You are all weak Starfire. You will watch your friends die. You will watch this universe die. I will make sure you are alive to see it all, and then you will see just how truly weak you are." Starfire glared daggers back at Slade though she was really scared on the inside. Slade slowly walked away from Starfire back toward the altar.
"I sense their arrival. Go meet our guests at the door Blood. Don't try and escape when you think no ones looking. Trigon does not react to treachery well. In fact, he can carry a grudge for a very, very long time." Brother Blood walked away from the altar expressionless as Slade cackled evilly.
The Titans all felt themselves come out of the teleportation. It was a strange feeling even still though Raven had teleported them enough times. It was just strange being moved such long distances so quickly. The Titans found themselves in complete darkness. Cyborg turned on his shoulder light revealing a canopy of trees above them. However, they were quick to notice that the light did not penetrate the darkness directly in front of them. It seemed like there was a wall of darkness blocking them. Robin approached it cautiously and extended his hand toward it. He found that it was solid and cold to the touch.
"Any idea what the hell this is SoulBurn?" SoulBurn nodded his head.
"It is a barrier of evil that I felt when I reached out to find Raven. I could not get through it from the distance I was at. I believe I can now."
Robin nodded his head in approval. SoulBurn approached the wall and a faint blue light formed around his left hand. He placed it near the wall and everyone was amazed to watch the darkness move away from his hand. The energy around his hand increased and the so did the gap in the wall of darkness. Soon there was a gap large enough for everyone to walk through. Robin could see a few beads of sweat forming on SoulBurn's forehead so he hurried everyone through the barrier. SoulBurn was the last one through.
The sight on the other side was almost surreal. The only light sources were from small fires that were lit everywhere. An army of Slade-bots stood in front of them as if expecting their arrival. Brother Blood stood in the middle of the army with his arms crossed. Behind the robots a glowing blue altar could be seen. Chained to it with glowing orange symbols covering her body was Raven. Near her chained to a pillar was Starfire. Her eyes widened at our arrival. Finally, there was Slade. He stood next behind the altar. As usual, no one could see it but knew he had a malicious grin on his face under his mask. Robin could see Terra visibly shaking upon hearing Slade's voice.
"Welcome Titans. I'm glad you are on time for the end of the world. And Terra, it is so nice to see you again. I haven't seen you since you knocked me into burning lava. I will make sure I pay you back for that." Beast Boy could be heard growling at that comment. It was deep, dark growl that echoed in the night. "I see you've found yourself a little protector Terra or maybe your just whoring yourself out to him and this is how he's paying you back." Beast Boy roared and shot forward but Robin stepped in front of him blocking his path.
"Not yet Beast Boy." Beast Boy reluctantly took a step back and returned to his spot next to Terra. You could see her mouth a quiet Thank you to Beast Boy.
"It also good to see you again SoulBurn. I mean we wouldn't even be here right now had it not been for your assistance. Are you sure you haven't come to your senses yet and realized who you should really be fighting for. I mean one fallen angel really should be fighting on the side of the rest of his brethren."
Each of the Titans looked at the mysterious young man who stood with them. Starfire's eyes had widened significantly on hearing the words. The only two who did not show a look of shock were Robin and Raven. Slade had only confirmed what they both believed to be the truth. Beast Boy, Terra, and Cyborg all took a step back from SoulBurn not sure how to react to this information. SoulBurn was the one to speak.
"Talk all you want Slade. It will not matter. The prophecy will be stopped and you will go to Hell where you belong. I know in my heart I am not evil and I will prove that here today." Slade only laughed in response.
"You will try but one can not fight their destiny, especially not for one who has been destined to help bring about Armageddon for eons beyond comprehension for us mere mortals. You are and always will be fallen SoulBurn. Now come and help bring the end of the world." SoulBurn did not take the bait but rather looked toward Robin.
"I await your orders Robin. Let us save the universe." Robin gave him and nod and looked back at the other Titans.
"Terra I want you to attack the robots on the left. Beast Boy, you take the ones on the right." Both nodded with looks of determination in their eyes. "Cyborg I want you to go after Brother Blood." Cyborg smiled and clenched his fists.
"It will be my pleasure Rob." Robin finally turned toward SoulBurn.
"SoulBurn. Me and you are going straight toward the altar. I'm going to try and free Raven. I believe if she isn't on that altar, the prophecy can't occur. I want you to keep Slade away from that altar if you can but your number one priority will be Starfire's safety. If you see the opportunity to free her, do it. We will need her help in this battle. Everyone understand?" Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Everyone be careful and know that I am proud to call you all my family." There was a brief smile between all the Titans. "Alright. Everyone knows the drill. Titan's go!" With that final yell the battle for the universe had begun.
Beast Boy immediately morphed into a velociraptor and charged toward the enemy. Terra's hands glowed yellow as she ripped up the ground in front of her decimating the first line of robots. Cyborg, Robin, and SoulBurn all charged forward straight into the heart of the battle. Cyborg and Brother Blood met in the middle meeting fist to fist forcing each other back. Brother Blood began his taunting.
"Do you really think you can take me Cyborg. You beat me once by pure luck. You have to know that will never happen again." Cyborg only smiled.
"This time will be completely different Blood. I am going to make you pay for everything you've done to me and my friends. I am not going to let you destroy this world."
"We shall see Cyborg. We shall see." Both charged forward again as Cyborg's sonic cannon met Brother Blood's wave of red energy.
Meanwhile, Robin and SoulBurn were a blur mowing through the ranks of robots. Robin was using his bo staff and swift movements to decimate anyone who tried to get in his way. He needed to get to Raven.
SoulBurn had extended blades of blue energy down both his arms and was viciously slicing off limbs and heads of any robot who dared oppose him. His movements were quick yet effective, and Robin was surprised by the ease at which SoulBurn destroyed his opponents. Robin did not remember him being so skilled when they had tested him. The thought was soon forgotten as Robin again engaged the masses of robots that stood in his way.
It was not long before Robin found himself nearing the altar. It seemed as if most the robots had converged on the other three Titans behind him. With one last kick he found himself looking on the beautiful face of Raven.
"Don't worry Raven. I'm going to get you out of here." Robin pulled out a sharp birdarang to cut the chains. Raven started frantically speaking
"No Robin. Its SoulBurn. They need his energy to break the last seal. We have too…" She was cut off by a scream from Robin as his birdirang made contact with one of the chains. Dark energy started flowing into his body causing him immense pain.
"Robin!" Raven let out a cry as she watched Robin shoot back from the massive wave of energy. Robin landed a few feet back on his back. Smoke rose from his body as he laid motionless on the ground. Raven let out another cry as tears started forming in her eyes.
"Robin please be all right."
SoulBurn watched Robin fly back from the altar but he maintained his course toward Starfire. She needed to be freed. Slade seemed to have disappeared from the fight but SoulBurn could still feel him somewhere around. Starfire stood about 10 feet in front of him with pleading eyes when in a flash of fire appeared next to her. It was Slade. He held a large dagger to her throat that glowed with demonic power.
"Easy there SoulBurn. You wouldn't want me to hurt poor little Starfire." SoulBurn growled but retracted his blades as Slade pressed the blade harder against Starfire's throat causing her with whimper. SoulBurn again growled with anger.
"I warn you Slade. If you hurt her I will make Hell seem like a vacation. Be a man and fight me." SoulBurn gritted his teeth as Slade cut down the side of Starfire's face drawing blood in a thin line. Tears began forming in her eyes.
"Oh don't worry SoulBurn. I'm not going to hurt her bad enough to kill her. I still have certain uses for her." Slade continued to draw the knife down her body to her shoulder and stopped. Rage began building up within SoulBurn. He could feel it fueling the energy within him.
"You see SoulBurn, Starfire is my reward for helping Trigon enter into this realm. She will be mine." Starfire watched in shock as SoulBurn's eyes turned black and blue. Dark black energy began mixing with the normal pale blue energy of SoulBurn, swirling around his body. Starfire was almost positive she saw a little red enter SoulBurn's eyes. Slade grinned under his mask. He pressed the blade against Starfire's lower region. She again whimpered as tears began falling from her eyes.
"And I'm sure you can imagine all the fun I can have with something as pure and beautiful as her." SoulBurn finally snapped. Light and dark energy began forming in his hand as he let out a roar. Slade stepped back from Starfire with a satisfied grin holding the dagger in front of him. Starfire watched as SoulBurn's voice became distorted and evil sounding.
"I will not allow you to destroy purity and hope Slade. I hate you and now you will die!" A massive beam of blue and black energy left SoulBurn's hand heading directly for Slade.
"Finally, the power of heaven distorted by the vilest of emotions, Rage and Hatred."
Slade braced himself and held the dagger in front of his body. The energy impacted with the dagger forcing Slade back. He could feel his body burning from the energy but held his ground. When the energy had cleared, Slade stood tall with the dagger clutched in his hand. It now coated with the necessary blood. It now flowed with the necessary energy.
Slade wasted no time and unleased a wave of fire at SoulBurn who was still recovering from his vicious attack. It slammed into him sending him flying. Slade walked triumphantly over to Raven who remained helplessly bound to the altar. Raven looked up at Slade with terror in her eyes as he raised the dagger. Robin had finally gotten to his feet only to watch as Slade brought the dagger down. He let out a terrible scream.
Cyborg had been fighting Brother Blood hard but he could tell he was losing ground. Interference by robots had forced him to use his amplified sonic cannon more than he liked and he could feel the effect it was having on his body. Brother Blood, ever the opportunist, took every chance he had to deliver damage to Cyborg while he was distracted. It was all taking its toll on Cyborg.
Beast Boy who was clawing robots apart as a massive bear watched as Cyborg was knocked back by Brother Blood. He also could see Terra was beginning to be overwhelmed by more robots than even should have been attacking her. Beast Boy knew he only had one choice. He let loose the beast within. Beast Boy could feel his body transforming into the creature that was his true ultimate form. It combined strength, speed, and reflexes that no other natural animal could.
He let out a roar and shot forward with a burst just as Brother Blood was about to deliver a vicious punch to Cyborg's human face. Cyborg was shocked to find the punch never hit as Beast Boy in his beast form slammed into Brother Blood. Cyborg watched as Beast Boy crunched down with is teeth tearing easily threw Brother Blood's robotic arm. Brother Blood countered with a blast of red energy that pushed Beast Boy back. Knowing this could be his one opportunity to end this, Cyborg channeled most of his remaining energy into his cannon and fired at the unsuspecting Brother Blood. Brother Blood managed to turn around and his glowing red eyes widened as the blast came at him. He tried to block it with his energy but the blast pierced right through his shield impacting directly into his chest. The blast sent him flying into one of the barrier walls with a sickening crack. His eyes dimmed down and Brother Blood was out of the fight.
Beast Boy had immediately gone to save Terra and easily helped dispatch the robots that were threatening her. She seemed scared at first by the beast helping her but after looking into its eyes, she could see it was only her love Beast Boy. She gave the Beast a quick hug. Cyborg tried to get up but found he didn't have enough energy to move, just enough to stay awake.
He noticed that the darkness of the battlefield seemed to brighten and looked up to see the blackness of the sky separating to reveal a blood red moon. Its light beamed down on them, bathing the altar in its unnatural red light. The three titans watched in horror as Slade raised a blade over his head and plunged it into Raven. The three titans could hear Robin screaming for Slade to stop. The cry was filled with desperation but soon turned into one of pain as the blade met Raven's stomach. Her scream made everything seem to stop.
Black energy began pouring from her body. The energy of the altar seemed to rise up as small balls of light, the souls of a thousand innocents sacrificed to an unholy being. Everyone could hear the cries of anguish coming from the souls. The black energy combined with the souls in a large ball of energy about ten feet behind Slade as he started chanting some strange language. The energy started slowly expanding into an opening. The Gate had been opened.
After being blasted by Slade, it had take SoulBurn a few moments to gather himself to his feet. He watched as Slade raised the dagger containing his energy above his head and plunged it into Raven's bound form. Robin's cry caused him to grip his ears. It was so full of pain that it was almost overwhelming him. He could feel both Raven and Robin's pain as if it was his own. He realized it must be from entering the link they shared. He watched as the souls he had been forced to steal combined with the black energy that was pouring from Raven's body. He listened to the words chanted by Slade and somehow recognized the words.
"The seals are finally broken. The Gate is opening. The anchors of your body, essence, and power lie on this side of the Gate. Come forth Lucifer and claim what is yours. Bring never-ending pain to all."
SoulBurn listened to the words and remembered the words that had been told to both him and Robin during their visions. It finally made sense to SoulBurn what the voice was trying to tell him. Lucifer could only come through the gate if a piece of his body, essence and power were already there. If one was forced back through the Gate, the Darklord of Hell would not be able to come through.
Raven contained the essence and body of Trigon. The essence had left her body and helped create the Gate so that could not be stopped. He was defiantly not going to throw Raven's body into Hell. That would never be an option. She would be saved.
That left one and only one last possibility for him, Slade. If Slade was forced through the Gate, then this would all end. Lucifer would not be able to enter into the mortal realm and destroy everything that mortal beings had strived to create. SoulBurn watched as the portal began slowly expanding in size. The other titans were trying to reach the altar but some time of fire barrier was keeping them away. There was not much time as Trigon's booming voice could be heard coming from the other side.
"The time has come! I will rule all existence and exact my revenge!" SoulBurn concentrated at managed to teleport through the barrier while most of its power was concentrated keeping the other Titans out. He stared down Slade who stood laughing in front of the Gate.
"You have failed SoulBurn. You have ensured the destruction off the mortal realm as well as heaven. You truly are the Last of the Fallen Angels." SoulBurn felt the rage rising again. He looked over at Starfire who was still chained to the stone column. She was still crying and bleeding but her eyes held a quiet strength. SoulBurn could barely hear her say something to him.
"Please SoulBurn. Please save Raven. Save the Titans." SoulBurn gave her final smile.
SoulBurn could feel energy building up within him again though this was not fueled by rage and hatred. Instead he focused on the Titans.
He thought of the shining beacon of hope that was Starfire. Even at the end with her life in danger, she only carried about her friends lives. Her purity and gentleness had eased his soul even when it was torn apart.
He thought of Cyborg, the strong spirit of a man within a machine who would give everything for his friends.
He thought to Terra and Beast Boy, A love so strong that it endured such horrible betrayal and even death itself.
The other Titans watched as pure white energy began swirling around SoulBurn. Slade's eye widened at the sight. He unleashed a wave of fire at SoulBurn only for it to be met with blinding white energy flowing from SoulBurn's hands. The power of heaven and hell met to determine the fate of all existence. SoulBurn fought with everything he had but could feel himself losing. The power flowing through his body was beginning to destroy it. He could feel the flesh of his arms beginning to burn. Slade laughed maliciously.
"This was foolish SoulBurn. You could have served Lucifer as I have chosen to. You could have helped rule beside him. Instead you will die now. It really is sad that your mortal body was never meant to harness such awesome power. You might have stood a chance otherwise."
SoulBurn watched as the fire got closer as the portal still continued to grow in size. He could see the towering form of Trigon in the burning landscape of Hell with His disfigured and corrupted servants waiting ravenously behind him for the Gate to open fully enough to allow their passage.
SoulBurn looked over at Raven, her small body chained to the altar with the dagger still imbedded in her. He could hear Robin calling to Raven from behind the barrier trying to get her to show some sign that she was still alive. SoulBurn knew what he had to do. Raven would have her chance to live without the burden of her Father. She and Robin would have the chance to love each other. Even when all of fate and destiny told them they couldn't be together, SoulBurn still could feel the love that was coming from the two, though it was fading in Raven's dying form.
"No Slade. The world will be saved. There are things in this world that must never be ended. Now go to Hell." SoulBurn opened up his entire body to the energy around him. The pain was immense but he ignored it. The wave of energy pushed toward Slade even as the skin of SoulBurn's arms melted away revealing the bone in some places. SoulBurn looked one last time toward Robin. Masked white eyes met glowing white eyes.
"Take care of her." Robin could hear the words in his mind though nothing was said. SoulBurn unleashed more energy that quickly overcame Slade. It contacted his body and in a brilliant explosion of white, blasted the half-dead emissary of Hell back through the Gate, minus his entire body below his ribs. White energy erupted from SoulBurn's entire body covering the entire area within the barrier.
When the energy finally faded away, the smoking visage of SoulBurn could be seen on his knees, his arms laying limp beside him, his head down. His arms were charred beyond recognition, the skin completely black and the bones of his fingers and hands were visible as no flesh remained. Blood dripped from an unknown amount of wounds to the ground and his white hair was now nearly burned completely off. It was a horrible sight. The Titans watched as the Gate seemed to start breaking down, its energy seemingly not able to hold it together anymore. SoulBurn had done it, the proof given by an enraged scream that could be heard from the other side as the portal started to slowly close.
"Noooooo! I will not be denied! If the universe can't be mine then I will at least have my revenge." The Titans watched in horror as a massive right hand came threw the Gate despite the resistance the energy of the Gate seemed to provide. The hand wrapped itself around SoulBurn's battered body.
"Come to Hell Azrael. Your father will watch you suffer for all eternity. I will have my revenge!" Starfire heard words in her mind as SoulBurn looked to her as she heard the massive hand begin crushing SoulBurn's ribs. Tears streamed down her face as she watched him suffer but SoulBurn managed to give her a smile.
"Its okay Starfre, existence is finally safe. Thank you for being the hope this Universe needs. Don't worry about me Kori, this is probably where I belong." The massive hand of Trigon disappeared back through the Gate taking SoulBurn with him. The Gate shut soon after.
The black energy that had helped form the Gate returned to the body of Raven while the blue souls seemed to dissipate into the sky. Raven screamed as the energy reentered her body and the Titans finally found the barrier gone. Robin was immediately at Raven's side. The chains binding her fell to the ground. He noticed the dagger was no longer there and there no longer seemed to be a wound. However she was not moving. He pulled her tiny body into her arms holding her tightly to his chest.
"Please Raven. Please be okay. You have to be okay. I need you Raven. I need you more than anything in this world. I've wanted to tell you for so long Raven and I don't care anymore if you don't want to hear it. I love you Raven. I love everything about you and I always will." Robin reached up and pulled off his mask as tears started falling from his eyes. Two light green eyes finally revealed to Raven.
"Please Raven. Please wake up." Raven's eyes slowly fluttered opened. Two beautiful amethyst eyes met two blue eyes for the very first time. Tears continued to flow from Robin's eyes. "Oh Thank God. Your okay." Robin closed his eyes and embraced her tighter hoping he would never have to let her go. "I love you Raven. I love you." Robin kept saying the words over and over again. He heard Raven say his name and he once again met her gaze. Tears were in her eyes as well but there was a small smile on her face.
"Would you please shut up and kiss me already. I can't wait any longer." A large grin formed on Robin's face as he brought his head down to give Raven a kiss. As if the universe itself was happy for them, the sky began to clear up and the stars became visible all over the world. The moon returned to its normal color and in the pale white moonlight, two new lovers kissed for the very first time.
