The Raben Project
By
Agent X
The Termagant
A/N: Here we have the first special of the series. I believe I also mentioned these might occur way back in the first chapter. It is an original moment that does not stem from, create or concern itself with RaeRob. Basically, I am just trying to develop the characters so that there is a greater overall narrative to this body of work. Many thanks to my beta DrewMay.
Moment: [Special] Episode 23 – Betrayal.
It did not happen the moment she woke to the sound of blasters, and a horribly familiar cry echoed down the hall.
It wasn't after that first unanswered call, when the apprehension turned into a knowing dread that settled in her chest.
It didn't happen when they finally stopped – gasping, battered and bruised – only to see their home in ruins around them.
It wasn't even when she learnt the truth. When Beast Boy (hands shaking, eyes down, in the softest voice he'd ever use) recounted to them the machinations of their team mate. Not even then.
It was after. The instant she saw the expressions on her friends' faces when the message sank through; before they got angry, before they could pull up their masks and speeches and excuses, when everything was still laid bare.
That was the moment when Raven decided she hated the girl named Terra.
The girl who had begged for a place and a family and had so graciously, so easily been accepted. Who'd violated their home, who'd shattered the Titans' trust. The girl who insinuated herself into all of their lives, had caused Raven to doubt her own instincts, had caused her to lower her guard. That girl who (Raven knew; Raven hated knowing) despite everything was not evil. The one who, she knew, was not finished.
The feeling was cold, ice cold, as hard and sharp as an athame within her chest. It was nothing like the hot rage she was used to controlling, and at first she struggled with it, trying to master it, trying to subdue it when part of her wanted the indulgence.
In the end, it was the same memory of the same faces that sparked the compulsion, which allowed her to tame it. Raven could see the anguish, the incomprehension, and the naked hurt that her friends suffered due to Terra's betrayal.
And a voice that sounded exactly like Terra said:
Yes, but when you do it, it will be ten times worse.
There is something dynamic about the relationship between Raven and Terra.
I'm not sure what this says to the individual readers, but what I was trying to infer was something along the lines of Raven being able to manage these emotions because of the thought/knowledge of what will happen (to her friends) if she leaves it unchecked. Basically, because she has to... of course, that does not necessarily mean she's managed them well.
Fractured is next. Excitement abounds. Please let me know what you think of the Special in the meantime.