The Raben Project
By
Agent X
The Fragile
A/N: You know, as pretentious as it may seem, I have to wonder if the writers/animators of the show really understood the messages they were sending. Watching the initial fight scene (before we get to Slade) in this episode is eye-opening. Raven and Robin work together so well, fight so smoothly, and every time we see Starfire it is like a jolt to that rhythm (not her fault, of course). I am really curious as to how long and why they were building this Raven/Robin what-have-they relationship up.
Moment: Raven kneels next to Robin and helps him sit up. Together they await Ternion's next move.
In every fight there is something new and something old. Robin's flash bombs are an old move: too old – he noted with a grunt of frustration – as they did next to nothing against his foe. They were a staple of his fighting style and a favoured opening move.
The Cinderblock-Plasmus-Overload-how-the-hell-did-they-even-do-that-fusion, was new …ish. The electrocuting prehensile tentacles at least were new, as Robin discovered for himself when he was caught up in them and a searing jolt was delivered throughout his body.
He didn't feel himself hit the pavement – he couldn't feel much of anything besides the spasming of his muscles and the twanging behind his teeth – but he was aware enough of the fall to know that he would feel it tomorrow, if they could finish this.
When, he corrected himself, when we finish this. Because anyone could see there was only one outcome to this battle. The Titans who had clawed themselves out of the ground were not the same as the ones who'd been sent into it. There was no lingering hesitation, no what ifs or maybes or whys. Raven was right. Terra had tried to destroy them, and the Titans had finally taken it personally.
That's a valiant thought, Robin berated himself, but it'll be more believable when you're not flat on your back.
Regaining some control of his muscles, Robin struggled to sit up. He was unsurprised when steadying hands came in from behind; a light but familiar pressure on his back and arm. For a brief moment they waited together, watching their opponent, while he caught his breath.
He didn't look over. He didn't need to know who was beside him.
Pain was not new to him. Neither was making mistakes. There were things he'd come to expect in every battle: the thrill of a close call, the satisfaction of a good blow, the mingled relief and pride in his team at the end of it all.
He wondered when the list had gotten longer, because it seems both new and old to him: the expectation that when Robin falls, Raven will be there to pick him up.
I know that many people have been looking forward to this particular moment. In a way, this image of the two of them together is one of the most iconic Raven and Robin moments.
I also think this is a nice parallel (I know I am always pointing these out. Sorry.) with the moment in Aftershock 1:1. Robin down, Raven guarding him from above. And it ties in with events further on in the series as well. We will most likely see a recall of this chapter at some point.
Please note that I have been doing some heavy editing and even rewriting of previous chapters. As of this post, this includes chapters 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24 and 26. This editing process will continue for a while. If you would like to contribute to the project, please feel free to revisit any of these and let me know what you think.