Chapter 3:

Who Am I…?

Author's Note: Well, seems to be chugging along quite well, don't you think? Sorry about some of the grammatical errors (like repeating Beast Boy over and over again instead of using the noun "he." It was really late when I did that and we're out of every object containing caffeine known to mankind). Please, don't be shy to submit a review. I've got a story over in "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest" section that's been ready by 65 people: not a peep out of them on it. This story has about ½ that people read, and it's only been up for a day or two! If you'd like an official soundtrack that goes quite nicely with reading the chapters, pick up a copy of Cold's 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage and Year of the Spider (Explicit Version). Anyway, enjoy the rest of the story! --Adam

By dawn, I was back to normal. I kept one of the blankets around me, mimicking my cape, as I walked down the steps to the lower level of the living room. I curled up onto the couch as Starfire gently removed the bandage on my forehead, fixed me a glass of herbal tea and something to eat. Cyborg and Robin delivered to me all the information they had collected. They set the shoebox full of newspaper articles and clippings down beside me.

"There was some sort of inscription written on a tablet near where this thing was buried. Translated from ancient Hebrew, it's name is… Jenova," Cyborg said.

"Peachy," I said sarcastically. "What else did you find?"

"That's it, really. The coverage of this creature was really limited. Maybe the government has some interest in it and wants to keep everything hush, hush."

"Does Star Labs still have the rest of the body? Does Slade really need the rest of the body?"

"We don't know," Robin said. "Chances are they've heard about the destruction of the science wing over at the university. They've probably moved it. The question is: if and where?"

Cyborg checked his scanners, saying, "We need to find out if they've taken the body somewhere else and to see if we can locate these big-ass creatures Slade wants to call out."

"Yeah, I know," pondered the Boy Wonder. "But Raven said she heard something about a new apprentice… I've got a bad feeling."

From the rear entrance of the living room, a dark female voice sounded, "And you should."

Everyone flipped around to see Beast Boy standing in front of a new guest. Her red hair was kept straighter than any line one could draw with a ruler, pulled back in a ponytail behind her that reached down the middle of her back. Her piercing azure eyes among her perfectly curved, beautiful face were a conflict of warmth, worry, determination, and anger. The uniform she wore was of absolute black with a small interlace across her chest. Overall, it fit her like a glove, complete with flowing cape and all. Beast Boy thumbed back at her, "Check out who I found wandering into the Tower!"

Starfire floated, obviously excited about the new guest.

"Ariel!" she shouted as she flew towards the woman. The two hugged each other tightly as everyone else scratched the back of their head.

Starfire continued her squeal, "Oh, it is so good to see you old friend! I have not seen you since I was a small kornishka eating marlokites, yes?"

Ariel smiled warmly back, like a mother does to her child, saying, "My little Koriand'r, you've grown into a beautiful young girl." She stroked Star's hair, "I knew you would do well here on Earth."

Starfire looked away and started to press her index fingers together. You know: the ritual she does when she gets nervous.

"Yes, well, um… I still have a lot of learning to do. That is, if we do not get destroyed by the big nasty creatures."

"That's why I'm here," Ariel assured her. "Come, I must introduce myself."

Starfire floated back to the couch while Beast Boy escorted Ariel down to everyone.

Robin extended his hand, saying, "I'm…"

She shook his hand, "Robin, yes, the Boy Wonder."

Confused, Robin shook back and nodded. Ariel turned and named Beast Boy.

Beast boy, proud to be noticed by something that had tits and breathed, blushed, grabbed the back of his head and said, "Yeah, that's me!"

She turned to Cyborg and named him. Cyborg nodded and shook hands with her. After she let go, he looked down to see her hand indentions in his metallic hand. His eyes widened, "Whoa! Quite a grip you've got there."

Ariel smiled and turned to me. Her blue eyes met my purple ones.

I looked up and asked, "Ariel? Isn't that Hebrew for… lion of God?"

She nodded, "It was also another name for Jerusalem in the Old Testament. You must study etymology in your spare time."

"Names fascinate me. Everything you ever need to know about a person is often found in their name."

"Then you'd be correct, young Raven," Ariel said. "In response to your next burning question: no, I am not the one who interrupted your meditation."

Astounded, and speechless, I fumbled to find the words: "Huh? How in the hell did you know I was going to ask that?"

"I'm just that good. And watch your language," she said.

Agitated, I snapped back, "I'm sorry, but I don't think you understand that the world is royally FUCKED right now!"

"Raven, hold on! She said she's here to help," Beast Boy said.

"I hope she's right," I sighed. "Because I don't even know where to start."

Ariel stepped aside, revealing a Masamune blade sitting elegantly on a stand. Everyone's jaw dropped.

Beast Boy, the most excited of them all, proclaimed, "Dude! Where the hell did that come from!"

He began to search around Ariel's cape, up her sleeves, and her gloved hands. Ariel rolled her eyes, "It's not magic, Beast Boy."

"Bullshit. That was the most magical thing I've ever seen!" he argued.

"Look, sit down, somebody give Raven her tea and something to eat, and I'll explain everything. But, my information is limited, so bear with me."

"Can we trust you?" I asked.

"Yeah, we've sort-of had a problem with people showing up that in the end screwed us like a jailhouse bitch," Cyborg said.

Ariel shook her head, "You just said it yourselves: the world is… whatever explicit adjective you kids decided to use. It would be extremely pointless to hinder you trying to stop something the size of the Empire State building."

"We've taken on Trigon," said Beast Boy. "He was pretty beastly and big."

"Try taking on three of them," Ariel sighed.

Everyone fell silent.

"Dude, you mean there're three of these things?" Beast Boy asked in a hushed voice.

Ariel nodded, "Or more; I do not know at the moment. I'm still trying to figure out how Slade managed to pull this off. Dimension hopping is something extremely hard to pull off without the right magic."

"Well, there was Larry," Robin said. "He came from an alternate universe."

Starfire pondered, "True; do you think Larry would have some sort of part in this, against his will, perhaps?"

Robin disagreed, "I don't think he would be that efficient. I mean, he did send me to purgatory when he fixed my arm."

"Yes," said Ariel. "I don't think young Nosyarg Kcid would have the ability to transport Slade and any minions or bestiality with him on a routine basis so flawlessly. Unless…"

"Unless what?" Cyborg asked.

Ariel turned to me, "Raven? Is there any books missing from your collection? Is there a page or two missing from one? I know when the prophecy came true for that amount of time, there was a lot of turmoil and you yourself wouldn't be able to keep track of your belongings."

"I… I don't know," I stammered. "I'll have to look and see."

"Never mind, I've already been told that there is something missing," she said. "From the Journal und Ansammlungen Germania und europäisches Zwischen-Mass buchstabiert und Prophezeiungen."

"How… how did you find that out?" I asked.

Ariel looked at me, worry washed over her like a tidal wave, saying, "Do you believe in miracles?"

"What's a miracle?"

"A miracle is an act of Divine Intervention or in laments terms: an act of God."

"God…? You, you can speak to Him? How?"

Ariel sighed, "Raven, anybody can speak to God if they get to know Him personally. But there's no time for that now, we must get ready. After you all finish having your breakfast, please join me in your training facilities. I need to see how good the Titans really are in real life."

With that, Ariel turned and ran out of the side entrance. Everyone was silent for a minute before Beast Boy spoke up, "Dude… what just happened?"

"I don't know man," Cyborg said. "How is everybody getting by the security grid? And who is this woman? And what the hell is that funky German book that's missing a few pages?"

I lowered my head as Starfire set my breakfast tray in front of me.

"It's an ancient tome that was handed down to me. From it was the same passage that I used to become the portal for my father to come into this world. I guess… when Titan's Tower was originally turned into a throne, my books got scattered. Slade must've picked it up because more than likely he knew what it held. If not him… somebody took it and handed it to him," I said. "With it, he can go anywhere and everywhere he wants. That's how he discovered this 'other' place; how he got his apprentice – and these powers – are far beyond me. I don't know if we can stop him…"

Robin punched his hand, "We will stop him."

"Robin, be realistic," I said. "Even if we do stop him, what about the so-called weapons buried below the Earth's surface? He also said something about the sky falling…"

"Sky falling? What the hell does that mean?" Cyborg asked.

"I don't know, maybe Ariel can tell us. If it's what I think it is, we're going to be screwed. Don't forget about his apprentice: there's no telling what kind of power he possesses."

"Still, can we trust this woman?" Robin asked. "I mean, Starfire seems to know her, but acquaintances don't automatically label you a good guy."

"After seeing that dragon yesterday… and those panther creatures… any sort of assistance would be a… Godsend," I said somberly. "Robin, you told me after we stopped the end of the world that I was the most hopeful person you had ever met. Well, to be brutally honest, right now I'm not very hopeful. In fact, I would gladly welcome my father back to take on another round with him that try to tamper with Slade's new power. But, I know I can't do that. We're the Teen Titans: it's our problem, we've got to make some sort of attempt to put an end to it, whether we know what we're getting into or not. Frankly, I don't give a tinker's damn who helps us, whichever side their on is not the question. Humanity is in trouble, and I'm willing to recruit every person I can."

That being said, I began to eat my breakfast and enjoy my tea. Everyone stood in silence for a minute before moving on to the side door and onto the training facility. Starfire stayed behind and sat next to me.

"Raven?" she asked timidly.

I looked up at her.

Star put on her cutest look, "You are angry, yes?"

She was so adorable.

I put my cup of tea down, "No, Starfire, I'm not angry. Just… I don't like where this is going."

"What do you mean?"

"From what it looks like, this is going to be the toughest battle we have ever faced. Robin's obsession with taking Slade down will more than likely be used against him. I especially don't like the fact that there's a six foot long sword in the living room and the fact that it entices me is even more worrisome. By the way, how do you know Ariel?"

Starfire smiled simply, "You could say she was a mentor."

"I thought Galfore was."

"No, Galfore was my, as Earth people call it, 'nanny,' but not so much as the 'Nanny' I see on television. Oh, and Raven?"

I looked into Star's begging emerald eyes.

"I wanted to ask you, as you seem to know some about it… about this, God?"

I blinked for a minute, sinking deeper into myself.

I turned away, "I'm sorry Star, I don't understand myself…"

Even though that was an outright lie, it would have to suffice to keep Starfire from pressing the matter further. In truth, I knew about God, but not everything. No matter how I looked at who He was, comparing it to who I was, I couldn't see how He would love something like me. Other Christian's would say that He would accept anyone, no matter where they came from. Unfortunately, I just couldn't see how He would accept the daughter of Satan, the portal to a true Hell on Earth.

To change the subject quickly, I pointed at the Masamune, saying, "Could you bring it to me, Starfire?"

"Yes, of course, friend," she said.

I set the tray on the coffee table and stood up, allowing the quilt to fall back to the couch. Starfire lifted the blade with both hands with some trouble.

She shrieked, "It is very heavy. Do you think that you can handle it?"

I nodded, "I'll take my chances."

I walked over and took grasp of the hilt. As soon as I firmed my grasp of it, images shot through my mind at lightning speed. Inside me, an unspeakable power surged like lightning does when it strikes. I screamed with pain but my grip on the hilt remained. After it was over, I fell to my knees for a minute. Starfire covered her mouth and stood perfectly still as what little energy was free came off of the sword in the form of static shocks. I regained my senses and brought myself to my feet. Looking ahead, I brought the Masamune forward, swung it upside down where the curve in the blade faced downward, and brought it under my right side, held tightly in my hand. I stood there for a few moments as I reorganized my thoughts and senses. Starfire approached me slowly, "Raven…?"

I snapped back into the world.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"I think so," I said. I looked down at the hilt, "There's something written on it."

"Let me see…"

Starfire lifted my hand and examined the hilt.

"Genesis nine, colon, six. What does that mean?"

I shook my head, "No clue. Let's flip it over and check the other side."

Starfire rolled the sword over to expose the other side of the handle.

"Matthew twenty-six, colon, fifty-two. This is all very strange to me."

"I'll bet. Let's go."

We left for the training room. The Masamune kept itself perfectly parallel to the floor below me.

The training room was eerily quiet when Starfire and I entered. Everyone formed a small semicircle in the center of the floor.

"Raven, we've come up with a good idea," Robin said.

My friends began nodding their head.

Cyborg said, "We want you to be the leader through this. Anything and everything you say, we'll follow it to a T. No objections, no confrontations, just following direct orders. If you tell BB to pull down his pants and hop around for thirty minutes, he'll do it."

"Yeah," Beast Boy said. "Hey, wait a minute!"

I looked at everyone.

"You've got to be kidding, right?" I asked.

"Now's not the time to be joking, Raven," Ariel said. "Your friends agreed that in a situation like this, your leadership skills would be better equipped than those of say Robin or Cyborg."

I shook my head, "Bullshit, what have you done to them!"

Everyone looked at each other.

"I have done nothing; they came to their decision without my interference or influence. Now, will you please come forth and listen to what you're going to be going up against?"

I narrowed my eyebrows and walked forward.

"First of all, how often have you used a sword?" she asked me.

"This is my first time. My specialty is not hand-to-hand combat."

Ariel waved her hand: suddenly everyone was picked up and moved back to each corner of the training room. She reached behind her and produced a Masamune of her own. My eyes widened as fear took hold.

I screamed at her, "Whoa! What the hell are you doing?"

Ariel's eyes filled with green energy as she yelled, "Preparing you. GO!"

I brought the Masamune up quickly and managed to counter Ariel's first major forward slice. She continued to hack and slash like a maniac; I frantically blocked each one. Ariel's eyes narrowed as she kicked me in the stomach. The force of the kick sent me back into the nearby workout bench and dumbbells. I flipped over the bench and slid into the exercise bike. Scrambling to get back into the makeshift arena, I jumped off the exercise bench and started on the offense. Strangely, I fought as if I had been sword-fighting for years. Ariel blocked all of my attacks and tried to leg sweep me. I jumped and kicked as hard as I could. I made contact with Ariel's jaw; she flew into the wall and landed on an aerobics mat. She shook her head as she tried to get up. I ran forward and tried a hard side slash. Ariel, surprised, barely blocked it. She brought up her hand, yelled "Quake!" and leapt backwards. Below me the floor seemed to open up to a giant sink hole. I lost my balance and fell backwards onto my rear end. The hole sealed itself back up flawlessly. Aerial stuck her Masamune into the floor to signal the match was over. I picked myself up and kept the Masamune at my side.

"Didn't think you had it in you, did you?" she asked.

Sweating, panting, I asked, "How did I manage to do all of that? What was that sinkhole you opened up? How… where…? I need to sit down."

I took a seat on a nearby workout bench as everyone came forward.

"Wow Raven, you were great," Robin said, beaming.

Starfire was jumping up and down, "Yes, you performed with utmost excellence! A Tamaranian barbarian could not have been better!"

"Raven! That kicked major ass!" Cyborg said.

"Yeah," Beast Boy inserted. "I really hope I don't piss you off too bad now."

Ariel came forth, saying, "The power of the Masamune is reserved for particular people, no matter which side they're on. You, Raven, possess the skills needed. That will be the last sword you ever wield in battle. It is yours forever. Unfortunately, Slade also has the power needed to wield such a weapon. To stop him, you need to understand what power he's using, and then use it against him."

Ariel reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a small green orb.

"I believe one of you found one of these earlier?" she announced.

Beast Boy reached in his pocket and pulled out the golf-ball sized orb.

"This is materia," Ariel said. "This came from the planet. I know it's hard to comprehend, but just go with it, okay? By using this, you can call upon the forces of nature. For instance, when I caused that giant sinkhole under Raven's feet while we were battling. Different materia produces different results. The more you use materia, the better you get at using it. Get real good at it, and you can learn some new tricks with it. There is something to keep in mind, though: they are, like Raven's powers, emotion driven. The more you feel, the more power you unleash. Watch as I demonstrate."

Ariel turned to a punching bag hanging next to her. She called out, green energy circling around her, "Ice!" A strong frost encased the bag before melting and disappearing.

"Put your hand on it," Ariel said.

We all looked amongst each other. Being the one to take initiative, I stepped forward and slowly put my hand on the damp cloth.

"It's like it's been in the freezer," I said.

Everyone began to touch it and marvel at it.

"Stand back," Ariel said.

"ICE!" she said, getting more into it, more ferocious.

A giant encapsulation of solid ice enclosed it before breaking apart and disappearing into nothingness. It was identical to what Slade had performed the night before when he engaged Starfire and I in my room.

"Touch it if you want to get severe frostbite," Ariel said. She turned to me, tossing me a little green orb. "Try it."

I took a few steps back and felt the glass ball in my hand. Everyone stood back as I concentrated.

"Ice!" I called out.

An ice cube dropped out of the air and shattered on the floor.

"Way to go, Raven," mumbled Cyborg. Robin elbowed him in the side.

Ariel said, "Try it again, Raven. Put your sword down so you don't lose concentration."

I gently laid the Masamune down beside me. I took the cold green ball in my hand and concentrated more.

"ICE!" I called out, focusing all I had on the target in front of me with regards to the materia in my hands. I could feel the energy circling my body, moving the air around me. I waved my hands and there it was: a giant encrusted block of ice covering the punching bag. I shot my arms apart, shouting as more energy came forth, ripping apart the bag. The shattered ice scattered every which way; everyone covered their faces. When it was over, everyone stood upright again and stared at me.

"Damn," Beast Boy said.

Cyborg coincided, "Yeah, I know."

Ariel applauded, "Very good, Raven. Come, I have much explaining to do and we have much training to start."

I picked up my Masamune, turned over the hilt, and inserted my very first materia into the empty slot. My trials and tribulations… it was just the tip of the iceberg.