Chapter Twenty-One: "Mind Wars"
Raven was in her room, still looking through her books, when she felt something . . . or someone invading her mind. Going into defensive mode, Raven got into her meditation state and began chanting.
"Azarath Metrion Zinthos, Azarath Metrion Zinthos . . ." Raven was now inside her mind.
Who's there?
It's me, Keyda.
What do you want?
Kayla wishes you to bring Robin back.
No.
Raven please.
I said no!
Look, I know it's wrong to take Robin away from Starfire-
Yes, it's wrong Keyda! Tell Kayla that she'll have to go through me first!
You know that's not a good idea Raven.
I don't care.
You should.
If you're not here to help then leave.
You know I would love to help you Raven, but I can't.
Keyda I've known you for a long time, you must know something that I'm not seeing. Help us, help me.
I can't.
Why not?
You know that betrayal acts are dealt with crucially.
If you help us, then we'll protect you.
That's a very promising offer, but I can't.
Yes you can. Please, I can't do this on my own.
Raven, I don't know much about marriage and its rules.
You know more than I do.
Look, all I know is that Kayla wants Robin, and if she doesn't marry then she will-
She'll what Keyda?
I've said too much.
Keyda, tell me!
Kayla is giving you three Earth days to bring him back. On the third night, if Robin is not back in the Shadow Realm then Starfire's fate will be sealed. I'll be awaiting your decision.
Keyda? Keyda!
Raven searched her mind to see if Keyda was still there, she wasn't. Raven was left alone, alone to figure this out on her own. After sitting for awhile, thinking, she heard someone knocking on her door.
"Who's there?" she asked in her monotone.
"It's me, Beast Boy."
Raven walked to her door and opened it slightly.
"What is it?" she asked annoyed.
"I, um, wanted to know if you needed any help." He asked nervously, giving her a small smile.
"No thank you." Raven replied, getting ready to leave him in the hallway.
Beast Boy made it inside her room before the door closed all the way.
"Raven, I'd like to help." Beast Boy pleaded.
"I said no, and get out of my room!"
"Raven, I know you're stressed out." Beast Boy grabbed one of her books and handed it to her.
"What?" Raven asked.
"I know you're stressing out about this. You haven't looked or acted like yourself. I mean you haven't made fun of me all day." Beast Boy replied.
"I'm to busy trying to get Robin out of his current predicament." She snapped at him.
"Then let me help. You know, I may not be the smartest team member here, but I do know when someone is over working themselves. Raven let me help you. You need it and maybe I can find something that you're overlooking." He said softly.
Raven gave him a serious look.
"Look, you can mediate and tell me what it is you need help finding." Beast Boy smiled, taking the open book from off her bed.
Raven didn't say anything as Beast Boy sat down on the floor, Indian style, and began reading through the book that had been turned to a section that was about Shadows.
"Fine, what you can do is look through these books," with her powers she levitate many different books next to him and sat them down on the floor, "There are sections in them about Shadows, read everything you can about there marriage laws and rules." With that said she turned each book to there own section of Shadow creatures.
"Okay Raven." He beamed, happy that he was finally being able to be of help to her.
"Metrion Zinthos, Azarath Metrion Zinthos, Metrion Zinthos, Azarath Metrion Zinthos . . . " she chanted as she began drifting into her mind.
--Inside Raven's Mind--
"Why is he helping me?" Raven asked herself.
"I think he likes us." Love replied.
"What are you doing here Love?" Raven asked.
"Well, you're in need of someone's advice about Beast Boy. Who else is better qualified then me?" Love smiled.
"Why you? I don't love him." Raven denied.
"Raven, you really need to keep in touch with us more often." She beamed.
"What are you talking about?" Raven asked confused.
"You've loved him for quite some time."
"No I don't."
"Yes, and I'll prove it. Do you realize that every time he smiles at you your heart begins to race?"
"Well, that's because he makes me angry." Raven denied again.
"No, that's because you feel for him."
"I do not." Raven objected.
"And you know how when he gets a little to close your stomach fills with butterflies?"
"That's because he's invading my personal space."
"No, that's because you like him, and today you're going to realize that you love him."
"I can't love him." Raven said as she shook her head. Love walked over to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Raven, you can and you do."