At The Titans Training Grounds...
Beast Boy was knocked down to the ground, but seconds later he got back up and stared, seriously, into the eyes of his opponent. "I told ya, B!" Cyborg said standing opposite end, facing towards him, "I can kick your butt any day of the week!"
Over at the control panel, Robin, Starfire, and Raven, watched over the battle. "This seems almost too easy for Cyborg!" Robin said, "Beast Boy is putting everything he has in his training." Starfire agreed as she replied, "I may fear that our little furry friend may lose; despite the four years apart for training." "No..." Raven said with no emotion, with arms folded, "I see, for a fact, that Beast Boy has something up his sleeve..." Then, without any notice from the others, Raven's eyes changed from basic purple to lighting red within seconds. 'You may be able to fool the others, Beast Boy, but I know you're holding back... I know it; I do have the sight...'
"C'mon, B!" Cyborg said, "There's no way U can beat me!" Suddenly, Beast Boy closed his eyes as he put himself in a fighting stance. His right hand was held out as his left arm tucked underneath it. "Let's go!" he said seriously. Cyborg thought he was crazy, but he decided to finish him off. He ran in at top speed throwing a right fist, but amazingly, Beast Boy ducked out of the way and attacked the chest with his left hand, open palm. The blue robot was pushed back a little as the changeling went on the offensive. Smoothingly, he did one of Starfire's moves and spun right beside Cyborg, then did something differently; Beast Boy, with the back of his right hand, slapped him in the back of the head, then threw him down on his back.
"Looks like I win!" the changeling said. "Wow!" Starfire said, "Beast Boy actually won!" "Guess Raven's eyes never lie!"
"Beast Boy did do great!" a voice said, "Although he needs more work on his technique!"
Everyone turned to see a young girl, taking off her sunglasses.
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EPISODE 4: "ERIKA!"
Beast Boy shouted the girl's name as she gave her a hug.
"Hey, take it easy Beast!" the girl said breaking off the hug, "It's only been four months since you saw me!"
The girl, Erika, wore a green, long-sleeve coat underneath her blue-and-white, short-sleeve shirt with a blue broken heart in the middle. She also wore blue jeans with brown belt, and red shoes; as well as red wrist bands that matched her red, tied-up hair with a few strands downward.
"Way to go, B!" Cyborg shouted, "I didn't know you..." "Now, hold on there, Robocop!" Erika said making Cyborg jump, "Beast Boy's cute, but he's not boyfriend material!" "Erika's my teacher," Beast Boy said. "Are you going to school?" Starfire said as Raven sweatdropped. "Not that kind of teacher, Star!" Robin said, "He meant Martial Arts Teacher!" "She's the one who taught me how to fight without using my beast forms most of the time."
Inside The Tower...
In Beast Boy's room, he sat on his bed while Erika looked around. "Hmmm..." she breathed, "Not what I would call spacey, but at least it's working." "I've been keeping up my training, ever since that time!" Beast boy said. "Have you kept your past erased from your present," she replied picked up one of his pictures, "Exactly like I told you?" "Mos def!" Beast Boy said with no worries. "Then why are you still thinking about HER?"
The Changeling looked at Erika with a questionable look on his face.
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In the Living Room, Cyborg was checking the dataspace, while Robin, Starfire, and Raven were playing cards.
"I got ya now!" Robin said as he laid his cards down, "Three five's!" "Got you beat, Robin!" Raven said as she laid her cards, "Ten-high Straight!" "What do you have, Starfire?" Robin asked, "Show me your hand!"
Starfire, being nervous, turned her hand around as she said, "Well, I haven't played Poker before, but is this good enough?" "NO WAY!" Raven shouted showing a big head. "That just so wrong!" Robin said with his jaw dropping, "She got a Royal Flush!"
"HEY!" Cyborg shouted, "Bring your tails over here! I found something!" As info appeared on screen, Cyborg continued. "Her name's definitely Erika. According to this, she was wanted by the FBI, for questioning, for the massacre of former Mob leader, Muggy McClain." "Muggy McClain..." Robin began, "...was one of the Mob Bosses, Batman took down. But, he was only a one-time bank robber..." "It also says that at the age of five, she was a wiz at Martial Arts. And the only weapon she has, is a customary sword."
"Wow!" Starfire said, then she slyly narrowed her eyes at Raven saying, "You better get Beast Boy right now, Raven. Otherwise, she might get lucky!" "What's that supposed to mean!" Raven said popping a vein, staring at her, "Are you saying that I'm jealous?"
"I don't know!" Robin said playfully, "You did seem kinda tweaked. I mean, you seem to be kinda attracted to Beast Boy, and his new appearance, ever since we've reunited." "I AM NOW JEALOUS!" Raven said turning away from the others, folding her arms, 'I'm just very uncomfortable with her around...This could be...'
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Back at Beast Boy's room...
"What are you talking about, Erika?" he replied. "I'm a kindred spirit, Beast! I know what you're thinking!"
Without saying anything, Beast Boy got off his bed and walked towards his mirror. "Beast, you've gotta let it go, dude!" Erika said, "I know you want to see her again, but haven't you forgotten about what she did? Besides, she did say, "things change"!" "You know," Beast Boy said trying to clench his fists, "I've been putting that pasttime behind me, now! I don't even wanna bother why you'd bring it up! And like I said, I've put everything in my past behind me! So, I don't wanna talk about anymore!"
With that, the Changeling stormed out of his room, with Erika staring at him.
'What about your friends, Beast? Have they put it behind them?'
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Ten minutes later...
Erika stepped into the Living Room saying, "Hey, I just saw Raven walk past me! She looked pretty peeved, too!" "Don't worry about her, Erika!" Robin said, "She just blowing off steam, again!" "Actually, it was a good idea that you came here," Cyborg said, "We wanted to know what happened with your battle with Muggy McClain." "Hmph!" Starfire said opening the refrigerator, then whispered, "That is if she can remember!"
"Actually, I do remember, Starfire!" Erika replied. Starfire nearly spat out her soda she got, and said, "How did you know I was saying? I was barely whispering!" "THAT'S one of my special abilities! I've got a thousand animal spirits living inside me!" "But, how did you get your powers?" Robin said, "Were they an accident?" "Trust me, it was no accident! Let's just say: The Animal Spirits gave me a new lease on life!"
Robin, Starfire, and Cyborg listened very closely as Erika told her story...
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In The Hallway...
Raven and Beast Boy were walking at the same time. They didn't realize it, until they bumped into each other.
"Oh, sorry!" They both said. "Uh, have you seen Erika?" Beast Boy asked. "She's with the others," Raven said, "What do you see in that girl, anyway?" Before he could move another step, Beast Boy turned towards Raven and said, "What does that mean!" Raven didn't say anything, but he knew were this was going.
"Oh, I see!" he said, "You're very uncomfortable around her! Just like you were before!" "I have a reason to, y'know!" Raven said, "I know it's been four months, but what makes you think Erika hasn't tried to steal from you, or even kill you?"
"Why are you so threaten by her?" Beast Boy raising his voice, "Just like me, Erika's been through a LOT!"
"And just like Terra, Erika doesn't have a motive until the last minute!" Raven said making a point that made Beast Boy taken aback. Suddenly, he tightened his muscles so hard as he showed an angered look on his face. It was that name... The same name of the girl he promised to erase from his past...
Terra.
Beast Boy couldn't explain by words, just by action. He was ready to tear Raven apart after hearing that name. But, it took every restraint that he had to keep from turning into the ManBeast.
"Don't you ever...EVER compare Erika..." Beast Boy growled out, then shouted, "...TO THAT WASHOUT!" Raven moved back a little after she heard him shout out. "At least Erika has the guts to admit her mistakes and go on with her life!" Raven wanted to say something, but she was so taken from his words, she couldn't be but shocked! She had never, in her life, heard Beast Boy talk about someone to who used to be a Teen Titan, let alone who he had somewhat of a relationship with...
"You know, Raven!" he continued, "You've always thought that I had changed, well, you're the opposite of me! You've always cared about your intrests, none of the others! I'm ok with that, but keep your jealousy out my business!" Then Beast Boy closed his eyes and walked a few steps in front of Raven, who turned to look at him, then he stopped.
"It's just like you, Raven! I can help you get out of the darkness and become my friend, but when it comes to knowing somebody I know, I always get pushed aside!"
Then he ran from Raven, who just mumbled...
"You're right, I was jealous..."
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Back in the Living Room...
"Woah!" Starfire said. "That's what happened to you?" Robin said as Erika nodded.
"All the Animal Spirits, that gave me a new life, now live in me now!" Erika replied, "Now, I'm using their power to help all those who are innocent, and the ones I've done wrong!" "I betcha you can't beat me in Arm Wrestling!" Cyborg said changing the subject. "Wanna bet?"
Seconds later, the alarm went off.
"What's going on?" Erika said. "There must be trouble downtown!" Robin said checking the monitor, "Somebody's robbing a bank!" "A bankrobber!" Starfire said, "Reminds me of good old times!" "Sounds like rookies at work!" Erika said as Raven entered the Living Room. "Raven, there's a robbery in progress!" Cyborg said, "We have to move!" "Where's Beast Boy?" Robin asked.
"He...uhhh..." Raven studdered. "He's not feeling very well!" Erika interrupted, "But, he said he'll me us out there! Don't worry, I'll help you out!" Robin agreed and told the rest to head for the scene of the crime. Meanwhile, Raven asked, "Why'd you help me out?" "Friends don't leave friends hanging!" Erika said smiling, "Especially, when you two had that argument." "How did you..." "You're not the ONLY one with special abilities!"
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At The Bank...
All of the team, except Beast Boy, made it towards the robbed bank. They saw a giant-sized man who turned around with a smile on her face.
"ADONIS!" Robin said. "Looks like he paid for an upgrade!" Cyborg said. Indeed, he was right. The big musclehead was now wearing black, with gold emblems, and had a laser claw on his left hand.
"Well, well!" Adonis said, "If it ain't the Teen Titans! I've heard a rumor that you've gotten back together. Good, because I get to try out my new ripped body on you!"
"What is it with guys and muscles?" Erika said pulling out a customized, white sword, "And you wonder why I stay single!"
Seconds later, Adonis fired a laser beam from his left hand. The impact of the explosion knocked Robin and Cyborg down, while Erika and Raven ducked out of the way. "THAT DOES IT!" Cyborg shouted getting up, "I'm over you!" He fired a beam from his Sonic Cannon, but it bounced off of Adonis. "What!" "My armor can repel any beam you throw at me!" Adonis said smiling. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven incantated, giving out hand signals, "Maybe a little fire may heat things up!" "Give it your best shot!" Adonis said prepared. 'Art of the Ancient Sages: Cyclone Fire!' Surrounded by her black aura, Raven blew fire from her mouth engulfing Adonis.
"Robin!" Erika shouted, "Let's attack him while we still can!" "Let's do it!" Robin shouted as he fired two discs at Adonis, covering his face with smoke. Meanwhile, Erika rushes in, giving the muscle man three slashes; two on his chest and one on his side. When she turned around, Adonis appeared to be unscathed. 'Damn! That armor must be very thick! I didn't make a scratch on him!'
Robin jumped high enough to land a blow to the face with his bow, only to be grabbed by the head. "Let him go, dipstick!" Cyborg running in for a right hand. The blow was effective, but it did little damage as Adonis grabbed him by the arm. "Eat this!" Cyborg shouted giving him a kick to the chest, but Adonis just smiled. "Let them go, or I will toast you badly!" Raven said getting ready for another fire attack. "Raven, DON'T!" Erika shouted forcing to Raven to halt, "That flame attack you did may hurt Robin!"
"Then I'll try!" Starfire said coming out of nowhere pointing her Star Blazer at Adonis. "STARFIRE!" Raven shouted. 'When did she...?' Erika thought. "I thought you had ran away after my first attack!" Adonis said. "I had to reload my gun!" Starfire said with no emotion. Seconds had passed after that, then without Adonis knowing, two last pellets pounded his armored chest. Adonis was about to say something, but a third shot pushed him backwards. Without blinking, Starfire continued to burn lasers into his armor, while Adonis was losing his grip on Robin and Starfire.
"Do you think your little pistol can defeat me?" he said. "What made you think I was planning on defeating you?" Starfire said. "What!" Then she smiled as she said, "Take a look in the sky if you're so confident on beating us!"
As Adonis looked up, three slashes cut his face causing him to let go of Robin and Cyborg. As Robin and Cyborg landed, a hooded figure stood in front of them. "Ah...Beast!" Erika shouted. "Beast Boy?" Robin said. "Better late than never, BB!" Cyborg said. "Starfire gave me a call on her communicator," Beast Boy said, "I was feeling under the weather!" "I remember you!" Adonis said removing his hands showing the scratches, "You were the one who defeated me last time!" Beast Boy removed his hood and said, "I'm surprised that you ugly mug would even remember me!" Suddenly, without warning, the Changeling sped up so fast and landed a bear palm, throwing him off his feet.
"Why You!" Adonis said getting up. "I've become better, haven't I?" Beast Boy said. "Not good, enough!"
Making a cloud of smoke, Adonis disappeared, leaving a stunned Beast Boy searching. Meanwhile, Raven activated her Sight ability and began searching as well. 'I can see his movements! His exact location is...' Then her heart jumped when she saw the result. 'He's behind Beast Boy!'
"BEAST BOY!" she shouted, "BEHIND YOU!" Hearing that, Beast Boy looked behind him to see that Adonis was thrusting his laser claw at him. The Changeling didn't know what to do; he wasn't able to move! Suddenly, Raven pushed him out of the way and she took the full brunt as the impact threw her inches away from the muscle giant. "RAVEN!" Beast Boy shouted as the others went towards her. Raven cringed as she held on to her left shoulder.
"Raven, don't try to move! OK?" Robin said as he slowly removed her hand from her shoulder. The wound was like a sword slash, and it was pretty deep. Tiny blood streams were dripping out of it. "She can't move with injury!" Starfire said. "Star's right!" Cyborg said, "It'll be infected if we don't treat it soon!" Without saying anything, Erika took off her trenchcoat and placed over Raven's shoulder. "Erika..." Beast Boy silently said. "Make sure that wound is cut off from her blood!" Erika said without emotion as she walked towards Adonis.
The Kindred Spirit's eyes turned from red to pure glowing white as an indigo aura surrounded her. "YOU think you're a match for me?" Adonis said. "Trust me, Adonis!" Erika said unemotionally, "It's not gonna be much of a match!" Suddenly, a close-up of Erika's left eye and it transformed into a cat-like eye. Then her aura transformed into the spirit of a wolf howling. Then she clenched her left fist so tightly, and ran towards Adonis at blinding speed. Adonis countered with a right fist of his own. The fists collided causing a major shockwave; the Titans covered themselves from any harm. During the test of strength, Erika's roar was not that of a human, but that of a wolf as her power shattered Adonis's right arm.
While Adonis was backing off, Erika's aura changed again turning it into a spirit of a gorilla. Roaring like a gorilla, Erika clenched her right fist and drove it into Adonis's gut, destroying his mechanical body. When it was over, Adonis was completely unconcious. Seconds later, Erika fell to her knees as Robin grabbed her. "You okay?" he said. "I'm fine, Red Bird!" she said, "C'mon, let's tend to Raven!"
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On Top of Titans Tower...
Erika stared at the sunset while the wind blew her coat.
"You're leaving?" a voice said as Erika turned around to see Raven, who was covering the injury with her cloak. "Yeah," she said, "I'm not much of a team player. But, I'll be around when you guys need me." "Look, it hard for me to say I'm sorry for all the inconveinence I kinda gave you." "You don't have to. I know you can't trust me, yet; I'm still trying to trust my own abilities. But, you can't argue with Beast Boy! I mean, from what I've heard, he's been talking about you ever since he's been with me!" Raven just smiled as Erika waved goodbye and said, "Tell the others goodbye for me!"
As Raven saw Erika disappear, another voice called her name. "Raven?"
She turned around to see Beast Boy. She kept very silent as he continued. "I just wanted to apologize," he began, "I thought you were jealous, instead you were just looking out for me..." "I was jealous to a point," Raven replied to him, "Most of the time, I got scared. I just didn't want you going through the same pain you had with..."
"Don't worry, I'm just lucky to have a friend like you," Beast Boy said, "I'll see you inside." As Beast Boy started to walk back inside, "Hey!" Raven said stopping him, "If we're not doing anything, do you want to go to the mall, just the two of us?" "Why Raven?" Beast Boy said slyly, "Are you asking me out on a date?" Raven chuckled as she said, "You can call it whatever you want..."
"Just don't tell the others though..."
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-Next Episode-
Raven: Raven...Why did my father chose that name? I tried to keep the meaning of my name inside me. But now it's gotten out...and I can't stop it! It knows everything about me, including my existence. It has my voice, my looks, my life...
"THE RAVEN BEYOND MY LIGHT"
I have to destroy it...I have to destroy...
...me...