Disclaimer: I own no part of the Teen Titans or their associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.
(A/N): Finally, the last chapter in this story. Took long enough.
Chapter 10
Moving On
The rumpled old man slowly rose from his seat and set the violin aside. Sarah and the Titans relaxed and slowly spread out. Stretching slightly he waited. Beast Boy was the first to speak.
"Jack…I…I really don't know what to say first…"
"Perhaps I should start Garfield. I imagine you all have quite a few questions about what happened last night and what you saw me do." They each nodded slowly in response. "It's a long story. However, I sense you have the time. Perhaps we could find a more comfortable venue than this darkened roof for which to tell it? Warm and clear though these southern nights are, I shouldn't think we'd wish to stay out in them." Raven glanced at Robin who nodded and spoke.
"Sure. Let's head down to the common room." He stepped aside and motioned toward the door. Jack nodded and took just a moment to carefully set the instrument in its case before following. Carrying both the case and a canvas satchel he followed Robin and Starfire down the stairs into the tower. Raven, Beast Boy and Sarah followed behind, closing the door as they went.
No one spoke during the short trip to the common room though Jack did cast interested glances around the halls and down the corridors they passed. Arriving in the common room most of the group headed for the couch while Raven made for the kitchen and a pot of water. Jack grabbed a chair as he passed the table and set it in front of the TV. Sitting, he waited while the group arrayed themselves on the large couch. When Raven returned and sat down on the end next to Beast Boy, he nodded. After a few second to compose his thoughts, he began.
"The story I'm about to tell you has been passed down for…a thousand years at least. It was a dark time in the east, warring factions divided the lands. One man, a mystical warrior, appeared out of the mists of these times. He went by the name Togawa. He seemed to have a super human ability to understand the more esoteric parts of the world. Unfortunately, his extensive studies in such metaphysical worlds eventually cost him much of his humanity. It was in this later stage of his life that he developed something most of you are familiar with." Beast Boy nodded in recognition.
"The Soul Sword."
"Yes. He sought domination toward the end of his life. Before this though he created some truly incredible objects. Earlier in his life he sought to understand the working of the universe. Limited as science was at the time he was unable to form any mathematical ideas. However, one day while playing one of his many instruments, he discovered something extraordinary when he played a certain note on his violin." At this point a whistling came from the teapot and Raven rose from her seat. Silence reigned while she prepared tea and gave the each a cup. After a sip Robin questioned.
"What did he discover?"
"He noticed that when he played a certain note, a glass across the room would vibrate. This made him wonder if the same might e true of reality. For years he began to test harmonics, trying to find a note that could affect the very fabric of space and time. All of his work culminated in the creation of an instrument." Jack moved to the satchel he had brought down and drew out a second violin case, more word than the last. Opening it he revealed a black velvet interior and a master piece of wood working. Despite the wear on the case the violin and bow he drew from inside show not one scratch and looked brand new, as did the bow.
"He fashioned this with his own hands. In the hundreds of years since it was first constructed, it has never been cleaned or repaired, never had a string replaced. It has been in perfect tune since he first strung it." They all stared at it for a moment before Sarah spoke.
"What is it?"
"Exactly what it looks like, a violin. But the notes it plays resonate with the very fabric of the universe. When played well it can have a limited effect on reality. What you saw on that roof top was its influence being exerted. After Togawa developed it he spent years mastering how to use it correctly. Once he had mastered the instrument he knew he would need to pass on the skills if it was going to be of any use. So, he found an apprentice. For years the apprentice trained until he too had mastered the instrument. Having mastered tool and technique he was entrusted with both and left Togawa for parts unknown.
"Later on, after Togawa had begun to lose his grip on reality he wanted to regain the violin and use its powers for his own twisted ends. Fortunately, his apprentice had already passed on his training and the instrument. He went to his grave without revealing the location or name of his apprentice. Ever since, the skills and the violin have been passed on from master to student, master to student, always hidden from the rest of the world. For a thousand years it has existed this way.
"Only recently have disturbances in space time become a possible occurrence. When I was learning I could only fix tears y master had created. What you saw on that building was the centuries of mastery and training at their full effect." Each person considered what he said for a few moments. Finally Robin spoke.
"But…how did you know where to be?"
"I'm not sure how to explain it. I don't consciously go anywhere. I just sort of drift from place to place, hence the sailboat, and always seem to be where I'm able to do the most good." Raven thought he might have shot a quick glance at her and Beast Boy, but it happened so fast she could have imagined it. After several ore moments of silence, Beast Boy put his hands to his knees and rose.
"Well, most of that was way over my head. Maybe Raven can explain it to me later, using small words." Raven cocked an eyebrow at this statement while it drew a smile from the others. "But for now, I'm going to bed. Good night everyone. Jack, it was good to see you again."
"You too Garfield." Beast Boy meandered out of the common room and down the corridor. Robin rose a moment later, followed by Starfire.
"For once Beast Boy had a good idea. Good night all. Jack, you're welcome to stay in one of the guest rooms, Sarah knows where they are."
"Thank you." Star followed robin from the room after bidding good night herself. After another moment of silence Raven also rose. She directed a questioning glance at Sarah.
"Uh…I…I think I'm going to stay up and talk to Jack…if he doesn't mind."
"No problem. I have a question or two for you as well." Raven nodded, accepting.
"Okay. Well, good night. See you tomorrow." They both nodded in response and Raven headed for the door. Stealing once last glance as it slid shut showed the pair still seated, contemplating each other in the light of a single lamp that shone from near the TV.
Raven quickly headed for her room and changed, again into the midnight blue satin pajamas, and melted into the floor. Arriving in Beast Boy's room she found him sitting on the edge of his bed, stripped to his boxers. When she arrived his face broke into a wide smile.
"I was hoping you might drop in. Have you come to explain what Jack said?"
"We both know you don't need that. No, I came to sleep. I seem to remember finding a comfortable spot around here last night…" She floated closer to him and a small smile crossed her face. "Would you happen to remember where that was?" He was under the cover and on his back nearly before she could finish. Smiling wider she slid in next to him and retook the position she had vacated that morning. Settling in her head again found a comfortable place on his shoulder. Her whole body seemed to relax at his light touch against her back. His other hand found her chin and raised her head just enough to look into his eyes.
"I love you Raven."
"I love you too Garfield." Smiling again she felt his breathing shallow out and she joined him in falling deep asleep.
The sun was just rising in the east and Jump City was slowly coming to life. Soon the populace would begin going about their normal business, secure in the knowledge that the town was protected by the Teen Titans. Their tower cast a protective shadow over the city and gave its residents comfort that only a handful of others could boast, Metropolis, Gotham and Steel among them.
At the base of the tower the garage door opened slowly and closed, just as slowly, a few moments later. The engine noise died away as the T-car came to a stop and shut down, back in its home. The driver door opened and the eldest of the Titans rose from the seat. Closing the door, he took several steps toward the door to the rest of the tower.
Cyborg stretched his various muscles as he walked on. It had been a long trip and he was glad to be home. After dropping Terra off in her new home, he had helped the others get to know her a little. After that failed, he and Bumble Bee had taken a few days off to relax. That had been a blast. Returning to Bee's tower they had found the team getting along rather well. Things seemed to be looking up for the once fallen Titan.
The T-car had performed well overnight. It had been the longest single run for the autopilot so far. He had been able to sleep in the reclined seat while the car crossed the long boring stretches of road that made up much of the west. He had set it to wake him at the slightest sign of a problem and was pleasantly surprised when he first awoke to the sight of the Pacific Ocean. He hadn't programmed autopilot for the hover function yet.
Working the rest of the mid-morning stiffness out of his muscles he headed for the elevator. Rising to the level of the common room he headed down the corridor. Reaching the main gathering room of the tower he was unsurprised to find it empty. Preparing a quick meal he greedily consumed it. After dealing with the dishes he glanced around. His eyes fell on a piece of paper sitting on the living room table. Striding over he picked it up and scanned over the writing.
To the Teen Titans:
First I wish to thank you for the continuing hospitality you have shown me since I arrived. You took me in and sheltered me even though you had never met me. With your help I was able to face what I am and defeat those who had come after me. Now the time has come for my journey to continue away from the safety of this tower. Jack has offered and I have accepted the position as his apprentice. With his training I should be able to hone my powers to an even greater degree. He believes that combined with the violin, my abilities will outstrip any who have come before by many orders of magnitude.
Unfortunately, neither of us is very good at saying goodbye. So we left this morning with the rising of the sun. Perhaps, one day, we shall meet again.
Good bye my friends,
Sarah
Cyborg looked over the note twice trying to make sense of it. Apparently there had been some happenings here while he'd been gone. He'd have to find out what from the others. Holding onto the note, he returned to the elevator to check on his room. As the lift made its way down to his level he tapped into the security system. Hmm…four other people. No surprise there. Star and Robin were both in his room. Again, no surprise. What he saw next threw him ore than a little.
Raven was in Beast Boy's room, with Beast Boy. He repressed the urge to check on how long she had been there. He had stepped over the line already checking up this closely, not need to push further. Making a mental note to question BB as to what he and Raven were doing, he stepped from the car and made for his room.
It felt good to be back in his own chamber after the extended trip to Steel City. Punching in his security code he opened the wall safe and replaced the pair of bracelets he had taken with him. They were designed to control Terra's powers and he had intended to give them to Bumble Bee. Bee had turned them down however. She had told him that if Terra was going to be part of the team, she needed to be trusted. Having those bracelets lying around would betray that trust.
As the safe closed he stepped back and fired up his computer. After doing a quick scan of the tower's systems and fixing a couple bugs he did quick review of the security log. One…no two people had been in here, one of and on for most of the time he was away and the second for just last night. Someone was going to have to fill him in.
Glancing up at the wall he noticed that a couple hours had passed since he had arrived. Shutting down the system he decided to try the common room once more. At least Robin should be up. Riding the lift back up, he passed through the short corridor and arrived at the common room. He was able to quickly scan the room before anyone noticed him.
Robin was indeed up and working on his computer. Starfire sat on the couch watching some bizarre coking show. Raven hovered in a corner reading what appeared to be some obscure manuscript. Beast Boy, the first to notice him, sat on the far side of the table, doodling incoherent pictures on a piece of paper and casting the occasional surreptitious glance at Raven. He vaulted the table as Cyborg stepped forward.
"Cyborg! You're back!" Firmly shaking his hand he stepped back at the others rapidly approached and did the same.
"So Cyborg, how was Steel City? How's Terra fitting in?"
"Good Rob. I think she's going to do well there."
"Excellent."
"It was nice to get away but man, does it feel good to be home."
"It's good to have you back man. Place wasn't the same without you."
"Thanks, B." A moment later Cyborg pulled out the note he had found. "But you did have some company. I found this when I came in this morning. Care to fill me in?" He handed the note to Beast Boy. After quickly scanning it his face registered surprise. He passed it on and each person read, also surprised. Beast boy was the firs to elaborate on their response.
"Yeah…this is a long story. I can fill you in on the way."
"'On the way'? On the way where?"
"Video store. I need to return this." From out of nowhere Beast Boy produced the DVD they had watched the previous night.
"Okay, sounds good. We can take the T-car."
"Awesome." Cyborg turned back to the door, followed by Beast Boy. As they headed out Robin and Star returned to their seats and whatever they were doing. Raven hesitated for a moment glancing between the door and her book. A moment later she headed out the door. Beast Boy was about to enter the elevator when she called to him.
"Beast Boy, wait up! I'll come with you." In response he muttered something she didn't quite catch to Cyborg and turned to meet her half way.
"Actually Rae…I was kind of hoping to talk to Cyborg alone." She looked surprised and just slightly hurt.
"Oh…uh…okay…"
"Hey…to make it up to you, how about I take you to dinner? Say…tonight at 6?"
"Uh…sure."
"Great!" He leaned in and kissed her quickly. "See you later." She smiled as he entered the elevator and disappeared. Raven turned slowly and headed back to the common room. Pulling her book over from the corner she headed for the roof. She needed to think. Though slightly surprised that Garfield didn't want her to come along, her mind was already working on what he could be talking to Cyborg about. Each of her emotions had an idea, each more far flung than the last.
The noonday sun shone down on a peaceful Jump City, the tower of its resident protectors and the car in which two of them were riding. After dropping off the movie and some welcome back pizza, Beast Boy and Cyborg were cruising around town getting caught up. Cyborg furrowed his brow as he spoke.
"Now that I think about it…I did see that sort of sailboat out in the harbor when I arrived…" While discussing the goings on while he had been gone, Cyborg had been trying to figure out how to ferret out what was going on between Beast Boy and Raven. Nothing had come to him so far. "So, what happened to Jinx in the end?"
"She's in custody. Apparently she's suffered some sort of backlash. There's been no evidence she can use her powers since she was imprisoned. The city's actually considering leaving the building the way it is. They think having a replica of the Arc de Triumph might be good for tourism." He glanced back out the window as the car rolled along. "Hey, Cyborg, stop the car. I just want to look here for a minute."
Cyborg obediently came to a quick stop and leaned forward to see what had Beast Boy interested. The answer surprised him. "Uh…B? This is a jewelry store."
"Yeah. I know." He pushed the door open and stepped out. "I want to get something for Raven."
And just like that, there it was. Cyborg took his shot. "Really? So, what's going on with your two anyway?"
"Going on? What do you mean?"
"B, don't even try to play dumb. You two are spending huge amounts of time together, you promised to take her to dinner to make up for not bringing her along and, most telling, you're shopping for her in a jewelry store." The slight reddening of Beast Boy's cheeks created an eye wrenching clash of colors on his face.
"Uh…yeah. See…uh…it's like…uh…"
"Oh…no way…no freaking way." A slightly insane grin crossed Cyborg's face. "You're kidding."
"What?"
"You're falling for her!" The look on Beast Boy's face was all the confirmation he needed. Just as he was about to mock the green one mercilessly, another realization struck. This time he spoke far softer. "And…she's fallen for you…"
"Uh…yeah. Could we talk about this later? Somewhere not quite so public?"
"Yeah…sure." Things began to click into place in Cyborg's head as he followed his friend into the store. He had had his suspicions about Beast Boy and Raven, but actually getting confirmation was something else all together. As his mind played out possibilities and slotted in this as the reason for certain actions over the last few weeks, his eyes scanned the store.
It was a typical small jewelry store, glass cases and velvet lining. Beast Boy was wander around looking at various things, Cyborg noticed blue seemed to be the color of choice, while the owner, a kindly elderly man, helped someone in a long trench coat. The owner nodded to him, but the other man didn't even glance around.
Glancing back, Beast Boy had stopped at a small display case set atop the cabinet displays. He was leaning close to the glass, his eyes fixed on one specific piece. Cyborg stepped over to see what had his attention. After a second's scanning he came to a startling realization. Before he could voice it however, Beast Boy spoke.
"This is it." He pointed slowly to a piece through the glass, seeming afraid to touch it. "This is the one for Raven." His voice had an odd sort of quality that Cyborg had never heard in it. Returning his attention to the case he voiced the earlier thought.
"Uh…B?"
"Yeah?"
"These are engagement rings."
"Yeah."
"You're not seriously thinking--" The telltale sound of a gun being cocked drew both of them inn heartbeat. The coated shopper had pulled out a Tec-9 and drawn a bead on the owner.
"Open the cases! Right now!" Neither Titan thought before acting. Beast Boy sprang across the gap in a lightning blur. The man turned to see what he expected to be a single shopper only to find a half metal man and a green blur. Beast Boy grabbed his free arm and swung him around, which set up a clear shot for Cyborg. The sonic blast threw the man across the store and smashed him into the wall. He slid to the floor a moment later, dropped the gun and passed out.
Both Titans turned to check on the owner, expecting the panicked mess most people were after an incident. Instead they found him, standing straight, looking rather impressed. Cyborg asked the obviously unnecessary question.
"Are you alright, sir?"
"Just fine. Thanks."
"No problem. If you don't mind me saying, you seem a little…calm."
"I was on the beach at Normandy. After that, I've never panicked a day in my life." Beast Boy looked at him with a newfound respect and just a little awe.
"Oh. Then thank you. We all owe you guys one for that."
"We serve as we can. Now, until the cops arrive, is there anything I can help you with?"
"Yeah, actually. There was a ring over here I was interested in…"
When they returned to the tower, Beast Boy disappeared almost immediately, so Cyborg was alone when Raven found him stepping off the elevator. Doing his best to extract himself from that part of the tower, he put on a locked smile. "Uh…hi Raven."
"Hello…Cyborg." Something about the tone of her voice made him swallow hard. Her face had a definite determination about it.
"Uh…something I can do for you?"
"Yes. You can tell me where you two have been for the last…five hours."
"We were…out. B was filling me in on what happened. And we got pizza."
"And?"
"And nothing. That was it." He very innocently started to edge past her down the hall and she began to very innocently move to block him.
"Nothing else happened?" He swallowed again as her face switched to 'tell me or you're going to an alternate dimension' mode. Suddenly a desperate gamble that just might save his hide occurred to him.
"Nope. Nothing. You know, you seem rather interested in what we were doing. I'd almost think you care about him." The moment of stunned silence was what he was hoping for. "Well, you can ask him about it. I'll seeyoulaterbye!" He nearly sprinted down the hall before she could recover and stop him. People, he had to find people. She wouldn't hurt him then. Probably.
Raven stalked down another corridor of the tower. Beast Boy was doing an excellent job hiding. The others had all seen him for a moment or more but he had so far evaded her search. Cyborg had been studiously hanging around the others in an attempt to avoid her questions. She glanced at her communicator. Damn. His ruse had worked, it was five-thirty. She had to get ready. Cyborg's interrogation would have to wait.
Dropping through the floor she appeared in her room. It took a moment before she saw the flower on her bed. Picking up the bright red rose she found a note attached.
Raven,
6 o'clock on the roof. I'd appreciate it if you wore that dress.
Garfield
Reading the note a couple times she eventually set it on her night stand with the rose next to her mirror. Casting off her cloak and striding to the closet she pushed aside her normal clothes and pulled out the hanging bag that contained the dress she had worn to the Justice League party. A smile crossed her face at the memories that sprang into her mind.
Silently slipping into the dress, it took a few minutes to find the matching heels. Slipping them on as well she glanced at the clock. Just enough time to get to the roof. Putting thoughts of Cyborg and apprehension over what Beast Boy had in store out of her mind, she slipped on her coat and headed for the roof.
Silently stepping out into the late afternoon she found Beast Boy standing at the roof's edge, holding another rose, dressed in his tuxedo. A large smile crossed his face at the sight of her and was mirrored by a smaller one on her own. He stepped forward and held the rose out to her.
"You look incredible Rae."
"Thanks. So do you." Any anger she had at his hiding was gone in an instant. She reached out for the rose. Taking a firm grip she was thrown when he gave a small tug and pulled her into a rather deep kiss. Releasing her several moments later he spoke.
"Raven? You trust me, right?"
"Of course."
"Good. I want where we're going to be surprise. I will tell you that it's very exclusive and nearly impossible to get into."
"Okay…"
"So. I need you to do two things. First…" He turned around. "I wrap your arms around my neck and hang on." She was only too willing to wrap her arms around him as she pressed herself against his back. "And second, I need you to close your eyes and promise not to open them until I tell you." This was harder for her, but she allowed her eyes to slip closed.
"I promise."
"Excellent. Now…hold on." She could feel his body changing to something rather larger. After a moment he took a step and then took to the air. After a moment she decided he must be a pterodactyl. It was the only form he had large enough to carry her for long. He dove, then rose, then dove again and went through a dozen banks. She realized this was for more than the fun of it. Her sense of direction was now thoroughly confused. Unable to see, she instead enjoyed the air rushing past her and the feel of Garfield's body beneath her.
It was at least a half hour later when she felt them begin to descend. Moments later Garfield managed a soft landing. Her feet touched down as he reverted to his human form. She was immediately struck by how quiet it was. Where would they be that it could be like this? She felt Garfield slip out of her grasp and reappear behind her. His hands covered her eyes and she could feel him talking against the side of her neck.
"Ready?" She nodded. "Good. Okay…surprise." He removed his hands and she opened her eyes. It took several moments for her eyes to adjust to the light of the setting sun and then to figure out where they were. She looked around in wonder. It was the same rocky outcropping they had first found after leaving the party for the Justice League. Bathed in late evening sun, it was an even more incredible view.
Looking at her immediate setting, she was even more surprised. A blanket had been laid out with all the trimmings for a rather formal picnic. The spread was exceptional and far beyond what she knew he could make.
"Since when can you cook like this?"
"Since never. This I got catered." He motioned to the blanket, which was partially laid over the natural bench they had found, and she joined him to share a rather extraordinary view over an excellent meal. The same amiable silence that accompanied so much of their time together fell over them once again.
The meal was finished as the first rays of the sun touched the horizon. Packing everything away in record time, Garfield returned to Raven's side and pulled her close with his left arm. She let her head rest on his shoulder and feel the beat of his heart.
"I love you Raven."
"I love you too Garfield." She could fell rather than see the smile that crossed his face. She suspected hers mirrored it quite accurately.
"Well then…I have just one little favor to ask you…" Confusion crossed her face as he slid away from her and twisted around to land on one knee facing her.
Her eyes grew wide and breath caught in her throat as she noticed the small velvet covered box held in his right hand.
And that does it for Strings of Fate. Check out the wrap up for further comments.
(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.