I have arrived! Here we are for another exciting installment of Final Shadow! I got all kinds of good feedback about Raven's recent transformation, so thank you to everyone who reviewed. Props for that, all of you. Ahem… where was I… oh yeah, I don't own Teen Titans. Let's start with another flashback, to show more of BB and Rae's relationship development…

P.S. The flashbacks really aren't in any order… just random a smattering of events to pace out the horror as we go. That's why 'Raven's Game' and all the stories associated with it are classified as a Horror–Romance.

Raven's Game 3: Final Shadow

Part 11 – That Sinking Feeling

FLASHBACK

"C'mon Raven! You know you wanna go swimming with us!" Beast Boy was trying to get Raven to do just that. It was a hot summer day, and everyone was swimming out around Titan Island. Even Titans East was there, and Cyborg was manning the grill for the upcoming luncheon. And, of course, there were bathing suites. All except for Beast Boy, who was still bashful about his scars. (Well, Cyborg didn't need a bathing suite, but you get the idea.) Raven had glared down anyone who commented that the green teen wasn't wearing one. Neither was she, so what was the big deal?

"You just want to oogle at me in a bikini." Raven snapped, looking up from her book. Beast Boy winced, knowing her to be exactly right. "Hmph…" she said, going back to her story and turning the page.

"Well if I can't get you to go to the beach, I'll just bring the beach to you!" Beast Boy declared, running off.

"Bring the beach to me, what a moron..." Raven knew she was still in love with him, despite all his faults, but sometimes he said the most idiotic things. She watched him race away towards the others. Well, at least she had a few moments to read alone. She'd grudgingly given up her cloak because of the hot day, but her black unitard wasn't exactly helping. Sitting in the shade of an umbrella, she turned the page again.

Suddenly, Raven became aware of a large shadow looming over her. Her eyebrows bunched and she squinted in the sunlight. A huge, hulking figure was standing before her. Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to shout–!

SPLOOOOOOOOSH!

A green elephant sprayed her with water! Raven shrieked in surprise and the umbrella shot a hundred feet into the air because of her powers. "Beast…. Boooooy!" Raven said through gritted teeth. She rolled up one of her sleeves, dripping wet.

"It was worth it!" Beast Boy took off running full speed, and she gave chase. "It was worth it!" He sweat-dropped as the sandstorm called Raven began to catch up to him, thunder and lightning too. All of the other Titans sweat-dropped, knowing that it wouldn't end well…

END FLASHBACK

Beast Boy stared in a numb sort of awe. The white figure turned to look at him. His back to the wall and most of his body in pain, he could do nothing but sit there and breathe. She walked slowly, swirls of smoke and particles of dirt seemed to retreat from her. Nothing could taint the white of her sacred garb now that she'd really obtained it. Nothing. Her skin seemed to have a soft glow all its own, though there was no light to make such an effect. It was simply a part of her. She came slowly and knelt. "Rav–!"

"Shh…" she said quickly, putting a slender finger over his mouth. She took his mangled hand in both of hers, murmuring her three word spell a few time. Beast Boy felt the muscles and tendons realign, and quickly heal up. A helpless sigh of relief escaped him. "Azarath…" she was drawing close to him. "Metrion…" Their faces were inches apart, and she placed a hand on his chest. "Zinthos." Their lips connected, and he felt a warm flood of strength rush into his body. The bruises and cuts vanished in an instant as she shared her light with him. A soft, short-lived moan escaped him. Her hands skirted his body, healing all injuries she came across. When she withdrew, Beast Boy was in perfect health again. The glow vanished, leaving the white-clad Raven looking just a little more normal.

"Awww." Cyborg said from behind them. Raven flushed, standing and yanking the green teen up with her. Even in the horrible situation they were in, there was still time for awkward teenage moments like those. Starfire giggled, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Raven brightened considerably. They'd finally, after so long, found something to smile about. Even if it was at their expense.

Sensing this as well, Beast Boy leapt into Raven's arms Scooby-Doo style. "My hero!" He said, putting on a girlish voice. He interlocked his fingers and pressed his hands to his cheek, batting his eyelashes at her.

"Yuck." Raven grunted. She dropped him with a rather painful bump. That got laughter from everyone, including Raven. Their little comedy act over, Raven helped Beast Boy to his feet.

"I cannot believe it, Raven!" Starfire cried, rushing over and examining her cloak for herself. "It is your garb of sacred white! You are free of your emotional burdens!" The young woman yipped for joy, hugging her friend as gently as she could. (The last thing she wanted to do was cause more injury while they were stuck in the game)

"Yeah, go girl!" Cyborg's stump waved around. He sweat-dropped, them reached up to pump a fist in the air with his left arm. "I don't suppose you can do anything about this, huh?" he gestured to his handicap.

"Sorry." Raven shook her head. "I'm a sorceress, not a mechanic." That made everyone deflate slightly, but soon the mood was on the rise again. They all looked around, suddenly realizing that the room was repaired again. The game had acted while they weren't looking, repairing the scorch marks and all other signs of battle. "Are you two okay?" Raven asked the two teens she had not healed just recently. They both nodded, looking shaken but not beaten.

"That was pretty hot stuff, Raven!" Cyborg pulled up a memory hologram of Raven fighting the dragon. It showed Beast Boy running over to her, though their dialogue was too static-filled to decipher. "Whatever you said to her BB it must've been pretty good!" He jabbed a thumbs-up towards his best friend, grinning.

Raven smiled a small smile, her eyes narrowing in amusement. She and Beast Boy had recovered so much happiness to the group right then. So… that was the good feeling that a leader has when things went right with his or her team. "Well… should we continue?" Raven asked. There was a long silence, smiles fading. Their happy moment was over. It was time to get back to business.

Starfire spotted Jumanji laying on the floor near where she'd been pinned earlier. She went and retrieved it, and it was Cyborg that spoke next. "How about the attic? There's plenty of room up there since we were doing our spring cleaning." He jabbed his thumb upward. Raven shuddered, remembering what had happened to her there, long ago. She'd come across a zombified version of herself, hanging from a rope. "Is… the attic a bad idea?" Cyborg saw her look.

Raven quickly wiped her face of emotion, out of pure habit. "No, that's fine." She nodded, and they set out. But, as soon as they stepped out into the hall, they jerked to a halt.

The vines and plants from the common room were slowly growing up through the floor.

"I knew that would come back and bite us in the butt…" Beast Boy whispered, rushing past with the rest of them. "They won't stop until they've wrapped their vines around the whole tower. As they were running a set of purple flowers exploded into bloom. "Look out!" he shouted. Barbs shot from each plant, straight for Starfire! She let out a shriek of terror, holding the game up like a shield. They battered against it and fell to the ground. One was stuck in her gauntlet, and she cried out in shock. "C'mon! Before the poison takes effect!" They ran onward and upward, arriving at last at the attic. Cyborg wrenched the door open and slammed it again when they were all through. "Take that metal thing off!" Beast Boy shouted. "Raven, can you cure poison with magic?" Starfire was pulling desperately at the latches on her gauntlet. Ripping it off and tossing it aside at last, her arm was grabbed from all sides by her comrades. "Light!" Beast Boy said. Cyborg's shoulder-light flared to life, shining bright to reveal –!

Nothing.

There was a group-sized sigh of relief. Starfire had a small indention in her arm, but the skin wasn't broken. "I am okay!" Starfire looked very happy, of course. Everyone slumped back for a moment, breathing hard. Sitting amongst the few boxes and artifacts that remained, they looked at each other for guidance. But, there was none to be given. Old boxes of used tech, a few sets of civilian clothing… Raven's old Grandfather clock, Beast Boy's desk he hadn't used since he'd moved in with Raven… all sorts of things were still to be sorted through for spring-cleaning, but now wasn't the time. Beast Boy made a show of picking up the dropped gauntlet, turning it over to reveal the poisonous barb. It was dug in pretty well, almost all the way through. He gingerly pulled it out, then tossed it away. Starfire put the gauntlet back on her arm, securing it firmly. She offered a small smile, but got none in return. They hadn't even rolled the dice that time, and she'd almost been poisoned… whew…

"It's my turn." Beast Boy said aloud, looking to the game where it lay on the floor. Scooting it close to the group, he pulled open the double doors and picked up the dice. "Here we go…" He rattled them, and then dropped them. Bugs… Terra… what would he bring down on their heads this time? Clatter. Three. A 1 and a 2. Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward to read as the smokey green words started taking shape. The black, circular piece of glass sparkled lightly like it always did, and the message was complete.

BEWARE THE GROUND ON WHICH YOU STAND,

THE FLOOR IS QUICKER THAN THE SAND.

Beast Boy began sinking into the floor, along with everything else! He let out a cry of terror as everyone threw themselves back to escape. The floor still looked like dusty old wood, but it was quicksand. Cyborg yanked the game board back just in time, a look of fear on his face. The quicksand rippled and bubbled, still looking just like the floor it started on. "Friend Beast Boy!" Starfire flew into the air and pulled on both of his arms. "I have you, hold on!" She tugged with all her might.

UuuuuuuUUUUNGH! LET GO! My arms are coming off!" Beast Boy screamed. "Something's got me! I'm hooked on something!"

"Don't panic! You'll only sink quicker!" Raven put up both hands, laced with black magic. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" She tried to part the sand, reaching for it with her magic. If she could move enough of it out of the way, he would be free. Her white cloak flaring with no breeze, her eyes shone white. She grunted with effort, and gestured hard to make it so.

…nothing was happening!

Beast Boy was up to his waist and slowly sinking. Trying not to move but still freaking out, he waved his arms desperately. "C'mon Raven!" he shouted.

"Something's wrong!" Raven protested. "It's… its slippery or something! I can't grip it with magic!" To her powers, the quicksand felt like oil slick. It could be touched, but not effectively moved. Beast Boy was up to his chest, looking very panicked.

Cyborg looked horrified. God, he couldn't even get close enough to help his best friend… ah! "Raven! Use this!" Using his remaining arm he tumped the giant grandfather clock from earlier over. Everyone flinched when it hit with a crash, but it served as a bridge all the way to Beast Boy!

"Thanks!" Raven dove forward, and the grandfather clock barely supported her weight. It sank halfway into the quicksand, bobbing dangerously. She crawled on her belly and sank both of her arms into the quicksand. Beast Boy was up to his neck, and his wrists were barely above the surface, grasping her raft for support. Raven's arms floundered, and she grabbed him by the armpits to help him as best she could. "I've got you!" It was claiming his head now.

Beast Boy groaned, trying to keep his face above the surface. The quicksand made a sucking sound, trying to pull him all the way under. "Raven…" he whispered, looking at her with frightened eyes.

FLASHBACK (Yup, the same story as earlier this chapter with the other flashback)

Raven had chased Beast Boy way far away from the others, and she wasn't giving up yet. All the way around to the opposite side of Titan's Tower. Employing her powers vengefully, she chased him with a massive wave of blackened water. "It was worth it! It was worth it!" he cried over and over again, comical tears running from his eyes as he ran.

Raven gestured violently and the wave smashed into him with the force of a bulldozer! Beast Boy cried out and he was washed to the shallow part of the water. (It was only a few inches deep where he lay, so not even his ears were submerged) He lay face up, completely soaked, and temporarily dazed. Raven loomed up over him, her shadow casting itself between the green teen and the sun. "That's what you get for being stupid, you moronic– GUH!" Raven fell on a slippery rock, right on top of him. It knocked the wind out of both of them and they gasped. They stared at each other for a long time. Raven found herself straddled over him. Straddled? How had that word come to mind? Raven's book-fed knowledge knew that word was only for riding horses and – OH MY GOD! Raven's face turned a deep crimson, and a wave of water rushed away from them both because of her powers.

Beast Boy's eyebrows had shot upward, and he was staring at her somewhat awkwardly. Her hair came down like a veil, hiding her face in shadow but still light enough for him to see. Her eyes look confused and a little scared. Their awkward position… this needed a joke to lighten the situation… think… think… Beast Boy suddenly blushed and bit his thumb in a gesture of open kinky-ness. "Be gentle with me, Rae…" he whispered, looking at her with bedroom eyes. Raven looked shocked for about two seconds, and then slapped him outright! He yelped in pain as she threw herself off of him, quickly stalking away. He scratched the back of his head in confusion. Man, he was sure that joke would've worked.

He didn't see the small smile on Raven's face, though. He was the most perverted, dumbest, clumsiest… funniest guy she knew. She just couldn't laugh without blowing something up. Oh well…

-----END OF FLASHBACK -----

"Uh-HOWTCH!" Beast Boy cried. All of the quicksand had halted and suddenly hardened like a shell. He and Raven both were now effectively stuck in the floor.

"Are you okay? Raven asked softly, leaning down to be close to his face. "Did I hurt you?"

"Oh no." he assured her. "Thanks for keepin' me up." He smiled. His hands and forearms were the only things besides his face still sticking out of the floor. He tried to cup her cheek, but she was too far away… she leaned down further so he could do so, and he smiled.

His touch, even through the gloves he wore, was warm and gentle. Always was he gentle with her… she sighed a soft sound of feminine relief. She'd saved her mate from certain doom… again. "I thought I'd lost you again…" she whispered, referring to when Dark Fall had sucked him into the game alone.

"Looks like I'm sticking around this time." Beast Boy whispered, stroking her hair just once. She flushed softly, smiling a private smile at him. He tried to smile widely, but the position he was in didn't allow it. So, he used his eyes to smile at her. The effect resembled what Raven saw to be bedroom eyes, and her blush deepened. Surely the others wouldn't mind if she stole one more kiss…

The game board was pushed into her face by Cyborg. "Hey man! I'm under here!" Beast Boy's muffled voice exclaimed angrily. They'd placed the board game literally on top of his face.

"Couldn't help it." Cyborg grinned.

"Oo 'uck!" Beast Boy grumbled from under the board. Raven shot Starfire and Cyborg a dirty look, and they moved it off of him. "That's better." He comically clapped his hands as best he could. "Well uh… Thanks for helpin' out, you guys." He smiled as best her could with such limited space. "Raven and I would like to get out of the floor, so it's your turn, Starfire." He looked at her encouragingly.

"Okay." Starfire nodded, going over to the gameboard. With Cyborg standing guard and a spell ready to be cast by Raven, she reached and picked the dice up.

…Clatter.

Well, what terrible threat will appear this time? C'mon you guys! I need some good new rhymes to keep this ficcy away from the movie! Some ideas I will NOT use are things like gunshot wounds, raining sharp objects, bombs, and so on. I'm not using technology to cause horror here! Cyborg was a rare exception, but I'm trying to stay away form tech, okay? And I'm not giving Beast Boy fleas, whoever suggested that! What kinda horror is that? Jeez… Even if you don't have a rhyme, if you have a specific threat you'd like to see, just let me know. Because, to tell the truth, I'm kinda making this us as I go along… Until next time, horror fans!