The Titans ordered pizza, and were able to dissuade Starfire from making one of her celebratory creations in the kitchen. They talked late into the night. Raven's friends told of their search for her, which had begun to seem everlastingly fruitless. They would interrupt their own telling to ask Raven questions about her various occupations. But the hours wore on, and when Starfire fell asleep on Raven's shoulder, the Titans agreed to continue their storytelling at another time.
Raven walked down the familiar hallway, and when the door to her room slid open, she found everything untouched since she had last occupied it. A faint smile appeared on her face. Any lurking fears she had that they did not want her back finally dissipated.
At different times throughout the night, each of the five woke from the nightmare that Raven's return was but a dream, and raced to the dark girl's room only to be reassured by the peacefully sleeping form on the bed.
Raven woke the next morning to Beast Boy and Cyborg's normal argument about food. She smiled, thinking of how much she had missed the eccentricities of her friends. She rose from bed, showered and dressed before appearing before her friends in the main living area. The two were still grumbling.
As Raven went to make tea, Terra drifted to her side. "They're back to normal, now that you're back." At Raven's confused expression, Terra explained, "They were too worried while you were gone. None of us really acted like our usual selves. We're just glad you're back." She smiled and sat with Raven at the table.
Raven had just placed her empty mug in the sink when the alarm sounded. She followed the others to where Robin was already typing on a keyboard. "It's those ninjas again," he said solemnly. "They're at a museum this time."
"Ninjas?" Raven repeated.
"We'll explain on the way. We need to get moving," Robin spoke hastily. "Titans," he said, being sure to catch Raven's eye, "Go!"
During the short journey, Raven was briefed on the enemy they were about to face and promised a full explanation later.
Robin, Beast Boy and Cyborg looked worried, thinking on their past loses. Terra chided them, "Don't worry so much guys."
"Yes, friend Raven is with us now," Starfire added confidently.
Raven fought back a blush and tried to protest that she could not make much difference, but her fellow Titans would not hear her speak such.
"It's true," Terra said forcefully. The males did appear visibly more confident with Starfire's reminder.
Eight black-clad ninjas were pilfering priceless gems and jewelry when the Titans arrived, but several filled bags proved that they had already stolen from other exhibits.
"I see you gained a member. Won't make any difference," sneered one man who appeared to be in charge.
"We'll see," was all Robin said in reply. He whispered almost mischievously to Raven, "How about showing us a new trick you've learned?"
Raven gave a small smile and nodded. "Azerath Metrion Zinthos Haltev," she chanted. Her magic, more of a dark crimson than black and devoid of its white perimeter, seeped up from the floor to cover the doors and windows.
One of the ninjas warily approached the nearest door at the leader's order. He cautiously reached a hand to the knob, but the door did not budge in the slightest, even when the man tugged with his fully weight. Two other ninjas detached themselves from the group and moved to a separate door and window to try their luck, to no avail. Annoyed with their persistence despite obvious failure, Raven narrowed her eyes and the three yelped in pain and drew back, their gloves smoldering.
The leader growled, the first sign of apprehension ever displayed before the Titans. "Let's take care of them so we can get out of here. If necessary, kill the witch."
Three sprang for Raven while the remaining five each took on the others. Raven heard her friends cry out crossly at the unfair odds, but they could nothing. Raven, however, was able to hold her own.
She conjured silver armguards like those of medieval knights, but despite appearing semitransparent and being weightless, they were stronger than metal. Using her armor to block any advances that she could not dodge, Raven was able to use her powers on the offensive, though rarely. And she had to focus thoroughly on her own attackers, hoping her friends could fend off their own assailants.
Soon the ninjas seemed to again be defeating the Titans. An unseen metal spike on his opponent's heel punctured Robin's arm when he blocked a kick. Terra managed to knock down her foe, causing him to lose his weapon, only to have him take advantage of the fall to grab a broken piece of glass and stab her leg.
Upset at her friends' pain, Raven snarled and her eyes glowed fiercely white. The dark girl's new state made her rivals pause in their attacks. Her mind rapidly searched for the right spell. She had only just begun her study of Wicca, and was not certain she had one for what she needed to do. Suddenly, one came to mind.
"Azerath Metrion Zinthos Koncured!" Her black-outlined-white powers darted from her body in thick tendrils to wrap around the ninjas, holding them fast. As an afterthought, she flicked her fingers, causing her glowing powers to engulf their heads so they could not see or hear the Titans.
Beast Boy's mouth gaped open for a moment before he remembered his injured friends and rushed to aid them. Raven, glowing a faint white as she continued to use her powers to hold the ninjas, approached her friends. She stretched a hand out to hover above each wound. Murmuring words under her breath, the light around her hand changed to green, and the cuts healed before their eyes.
Raven smiled as her friends stood with awed looks and softly spoken words of thanks.
"What do you want to do with them?" Raven inquired, gesturing at the bound fighters.
Robin looked at the magic-covered figures. "I'm thinking we should let them go, and follow them."
"All of them?" Starfire asked, surprised.
"It'll look to suspicious if we let only one or two go," Robin replied.
"It'll look suspicious if we let any of them just walk away," Terra argued.
Raven looked thoughtful. "I haven an idea," she said quietly, in her monotone voice.
"Let's hear it," Beast Boy encouraged.
"They didn't see me heal you, and they don't know how long I can use my powers for," Raven began.
The others caught on.
"I don't know, Rae. Sounds dangerous," Cyborg protested.
"Do you have another idea?" He was silent. "It'll be fine," she reassured them. "Just play along."
Raven allowed her powers too waver, as if weakening. The magic around the captives began to deteriorate, and Raven fell to her knees, panting. The ninjas struggled to get free as her powers evaporated.
"Raven!" Her friends played their parts as worried and still injured.
The enchantment that kept the windows and doors closed had dissolved, and as soon as the ninjas were free, they all but fled in fear. "We'll get you next time. And we'll be ready for the witch," declared the leader before he, too, disappeared.
When they all had left, forgetting their plunder in their haste to get away, Raven stood nonchalantly, as if nothing had happened. "Shall we go after them now?"
The Titans silently followed behind the escaping ninjas, keeping enough distance between them to remain undetected.
"Dang, Raven! You had me half believing you really were worn out by your powers!" Terra whispered as they ran.
Raven raised an eyebrow. "I did spend quite a bit of time around actors."
"Oh, right," Terra replied more quietly, slightly embarrassed. Raven gave her a small smile.
They arrived outside a tall brick building surrounded by a tall brick wall topped with barbed wire. The iron gate was locked behind the ninjas, who then entered inside the building. Trucks like the ones at the military base were parked near a loading dock.
"We need a way to find out what's going on in there without letting on who we are or what we're doing," Robin said.
"Can't we just bust in there?" Beast Boy asked. "We already know they're thieves. We could get the police to arrest them."
"No, there's more to this than meets the eye. We need to find out what."
"I agree," Terra added. "Everything they've done doesn't seem connected. A mall, a military warehouse, and then a museum."
"Except in attracting your attention," Raven spoke suddenly. They all turned to look at her, but she was eying the building.
"What are you thinking, Rae?" Cyborg asked.
"This building looks pretty old, doesn't it?" Raven questioned in response.
The others nodded, looking confused.
"Have you another plan, friend Raven?" Starifre inquired.
"I just might," she said quietly. Then, more loudly, "Let's go back to the Tower. I need to make a call or two."
The Last: As you can see, there is still more to come. Too many loose ends would have been existent if I had ended the story with the last chapter. And I updated sooner this time, lol. Thank you for your review and support!
dancingirl3: Look, I did update much faster than last time. I am delighted that you like my story so much. Thank you for reviewing!
DelofDani: I meant to e-mail you back, but I got so busy. I did join your site, and read your story. I look forward to reading more of it. Be sure that you keep writing as well.
Broken Outcast: Thank you very much! I am glad you like my story. I hope this and future chapters please you as well.
Umbra Puella: Thanks very much! I am happy you like my library idea. No need to worry, there is still more to come in this story. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Kai Phoenica: The end to this story as not arrived quite yet. Too many questions would be left unanswered. However, I did not want to end the last chapter with a cliffie. I am glad you approved of my writing. Thank you for the review!
Robyn J.: There is no need to review every chapter, I am just pleased you like my story so much. Thanks very much! And yes, it's not the end quite yet.
cd lover: Do not worry, it's not the end. A few more chapters, I think. I am glad you like my story so much. Thank you for the review!
isa: Thank you! I am honored you like my story so much. I hope you like this chapter as well.
Dark-Magic67: Thanks so much! I am glad you were pleased with the last chapter. I believe there are a few left before this story is finished. Thanks, again!
YoshiVixen: Lol. I seem to have that effect on people, having them tolerate a character they previously despised, I mean. I am truly honored that you like my story, despite your character portrayal preference. Thank you very much for your review!
papersak: Nope, the end is approaching, but will not come for another few chapters, or so I am currently thinking. I did rather enjoy imagining the Titans' faces as Cyborg sped down the street. Thanks for reviewing!
otakualways: I hope I updated relatively quickly for you. Better than last time, at least, yes? I believe a few more chapters will come before the end. Thanks for the review!
Khaleda: Yes, about time they found her. I am glad you enjoyed the last chapter, and more are to come before the ending. Thank you for reviewing!
teenRAVENtitan: Thank you, I am very glad you like my story. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Raven of the Night676: Your wish is my command. This story is to continue for a bit longer. Too many loose ends would be left hanging if I ended with the last chapter. Thank you so much for reviewing! Good luck with your sunburn. I hope you are feeling better.
GS Dragono: This story is not ending quite yet, no need to fret. I am very happy you like my story so much. Thank you for the review!