Sheee! Tah, don't mind my random noises. Wow, thanks a carp load guys for all the reviews. But I've only a couple to respond to regarding the same thing.

As for the rest of the Titans, just wait for them. Just wait. –maniacal laughter-

Anyhoo. I decided to compensate for my lack of updatage and give you an insanely long chapter. (by my standards)

Enjoy.

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A Time Again

Chapter Eleven: Raven's Note

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After Slade managed to half-drag Raven down to the basement she collapsed into unconsciousness, the occasional nauseating peck at her mind being the only thing reminding her that she was still alive. She slept restlessly through the rest of the night and nearly all of the next day, and awakened in the lonely darkness with only a sliver of her strength renewed.

Slowly, Raven shifted into a more comfortable position, her legs throbbing painfully as she tried to revive the circulation in them. She couldn't and didn't have any idea how long she had been unconscious and the prospect unsettled her. How long had it been since she had called out? How long had it been since she had been dragged down here, half conscious?

How long?

Raven closed her eyes and learned her head back against the railing. Had Nightwing come? Had he even heard her call? What if Slade had managed to capture him? What if he was hurt?

What if he was dead?

No, Raven shook her head. He wouldn't be dead; Slade would want them to experience one of them dying in front of the other's eyes. So no, he wasn't dead. Not yet.

Raven sighed and tried to move her wrists and the metal handcuffs clinked loudly against the railing. Before all of this, the very idea of being restrained with handcuffs was laughable. Now...

Raven opened up her balled fists and cried out sharply. The blood had dried in the shape of her fist and was now acting liking a glue, sticking raw bloody skin to healthy skin. But now she had broken the seal and blood began to pour freely from the open wounds.

What was happening to her? She used to have such a high tolerance for pain and now...now she was feeling like a...

Like a mortal...

Her powers had shielded much of the physical pain she had to endure. Without them, she was normal. Defenseless, weak.

This was the second time Raven had preferred Death, felt Death, and one time had been enough. Well, her father had finally gotten what her had always wanted, even if it was a little late in the game. Here she was, broken, diminished, wounded and as defenseless as a new born kitten.

Raven sucked in a breath of air as her mind was stabbed at by the power in the ropes. These infrequent prodding's annoyed Raven the most of this whole mess. It was like she was being mocked, laughed at, and she loathed the feeling. But what could she do? She-

Oh do shut up...

Raven snapped to attention, her eyes wide and curious.

Intelligence? Raven asked her mind, surprised.

Her emotions had been coexisting as one for such a long time that they rarely spoke out alone.

Yes, yes it's me.

Raven closed her eyes and looked deep inside her mind...and opened her eyes again. Around her, all of her emotions stood or sat in a half circle with Raven across from them. They were all clothed in the original outfit Raven had worn for so long, (in their colors, of course) and Raven was surprised and pleased to find that she was as well.

She fingered her blue cloak absentmindedly, So how is this not considered using my powers? She asked.

Intelligence folded her hands in her lap, Because we're inside your mind, we're apart of you, not a creation from your powers. Raven let a little 'ah' escape her lips. Now, onto business. Intelligence said, adjusting the glasses of her nose. Raven allowed herself a small smile; she was frank as always.

For awhile now, at least two days, Intelligence beganRaven's jaw dropped in amazement. Only two days? Intelligence continued, Gloomy has had a lovely free rein of her bland sadness and we're all quite sick of it. She looked to the other emotions, who all nodded, all except Gloomy. Now, you needed to be brought here so I could explain to you what to do.

Raven smiled. I'm assuming you have a plan?

As always, Intelligence grinned back.

x

Slade looked up from what he was doing and glanced at the monitor. She looked to be sleeping. Again. How dull... If she didn't wake up soon this would be no fun at all...

x

Raven reopened her eyes, this time not bothered by the insolating darkness. She knew what she needed to do now, and the plan's simplicity astounded her. Why hadn't she thought of it in the first place?

A small peal of laughter echoed in her mind, and despite her surroundings and predicament, Raven smiled. It always seemed that, for some reason, dealing with her emotions at a one on one basis cheered her some how. Shaking her head, Raven shifted her entire body that seemed to have fallen asleep while she was...away. She closed her eyes again and listened. Not with her ears, but with her mind. It didn't take her long to find what she was looking for. Slade had strengthened the power in the ropes so much that the trace and hum of the power was impossible to miss.

Now, Intelligence had said to look for a break, a pause, a rest in the soft hum, and alter it. For one, she had no clue how to accomplish that and Intelligence hadn't given her any substantial help in the matter when she had asked.

Just...try it. You'll know what to do. Intelligence had said.

Raven snorted to herself. Why couldn't you have just taken over? She asked her mind, knowing Intelligence was paying close attention to what she did.

Because I only know what to do, not how to do it, Intelligence replied, her image flashing up briefly, besides, I do intelligent things, make intelligent choices. And sometimes, for all of my intelligence, I do something stupid. You need more than intelligence in situations like these; you need your common sense and instinct, and I'm smart enough to know that.

Raven accepted the answer with a small now and focused her attention back on the hum of the power. Alter it? Raven wasn't much of a singer, or anything close to a musician, but she did like music, and know a little about it. The simplest of basic stuff, at least.

She could change the key...No, no, that was too complicated; she didn't even know what key it was in now. She thought for a moment. Discord maybe? That might confuse its sound and flow. She hummed the note to herself and tried to create a discord. Raven generated the odd sound, but it didn't work. The power, not recognizing this new sound and not liking it either, lashed out defensively, stabbing Raven's mind until she ceased.

Stars swam before her eyes and she swayed dizzily from shock and pain. Discord. Bad idea. She breathe slowly and deeply until the pain ebbed and she could try again.

Harmonize. Yes, that might work. Raven hummed the root not first, and then went lower, trying her best to harmonize. At first, she succeeded in creating a discord again, but stopped humming before she was attacked. But if at first you don't succeed, try, try again, only more cautiously. The second Raven hummed the harmonized note she could see and feel the power change.

Though unsure of what was happening, the power flowed with Raven's note, its aura changing and its purpose being altered. Raven could almost taste her freedom and power.

With a violent bang, the basement door swung open and light flooded the room. Her concentration broken, Raven withdrew from her mind and blinked rapidly to get used to the sudden violent light. She looked up, wincing as her rigid neck creaked, and stared at Slade.

"Time to go."

X

Nightwing crept silently, stealthily across the rocks lining the island's shore. He was careful not to trigger any alarm systems that Slade may have stationed around the Tower's exterior, but was surprised and a little unnerved to find none.

He was waiting.

Nightwing figured this anyways, but Slade always seemed one step ahead of him, and the prospect was beyond agitating.

He crept up to the door, expecting, wanting something to happen. But Slade undoubtedly didn't want him dead quite yet, and having him temporarily detained would only slow his efforts and plan. So no tricks, bombs or otherwise troublesome distractions.

Nightwing pressed a button next to the door and it slid open with a soft whoosh.

Memories flooded back to him, old ones, long buried but not forgotten. He could almost see them they were so real. But Nightwing shook is head and cleared his mind; they would only pose as unneeded distractions now.

The main hall looked much the same, if years' buildup of dust and other damage wasn't taken into account. There was many footprints leading in and out of the door, but they were all from the same boot.

So she wasn't walking.

Nightwing slowly strode forward, careful to check for any cameras or hidden triggers just in case. Though he expected that Slade knew he was here by now.

But first and foremost, Nightwing needed a plan. He had the faintest formation of one, and even that was sketchy and risky. His most important thing to do first though, was find Raven. Even if he did manage to find and defeat Slade first, there was still the very real possibility that she could somehow die regardless.

So he would search the Tower from basement up for as long as it took, just as long as he found her. Nightwing could think of several places that would be more obvious for keeping prisoners than others, and he would start there first.

Nightwing strode briskly, but not arrogantly, down the hall and turned towards the door leading to the basement. He opened the door and silently made his way down the stairs, deciding to risk a light and trailed his flashlight on the shadows.

He reached the end of the stairs and looked around. Everything was much the same, except covered in dust just like the rest of the Tower would be. Nightwing resisted the urge to call out to Raven, and instead ventured forth into the darkness. He searched the room quickly and effectively, but there was no Raven to be found.

Just as he was about to climb the stairs, Nightwing noticed an impression in the dust at the foot of the stairs. It was hard to discern at first, which was the reason he missed it in the first place, but it was definitely there, and the person who had created it hadn't moved around much. He traced the light around the edges and glimpsed a dark mark trailing away from the metal railing of the staircase. It was blood. Her blood.

Nightwing stood up quickly, pocketing the flashlight. He had been dilly-dallying far too long. Face set and not paying any attention to the noise he made, Nightwing ran up the stairs.

He would have to search the upper floors as fast as humanely possible, but there was something in his gut telling him that she wouldn't be there. Slade had Raven with him, and he knew, somehow, where they were waiting.

He stared at the dull steel door intently, wishing things were...normal again. Yes, he had missed the old days and kicking bad guy ass, but not at the expense of losing someone he loved. Slade was supposed to be dead. He had died twice, and one would think that once would be enough. As much as the twisted man irked him, Nightwing wasn't bound to gamble with Raven's life over Slade's; not now, and not ever. The only thing he had in mind now was getting Raven out alive and safe, and if Slade happened to be decimated in the process, that would just be an added bonus. But what he hated to admit was that he was tired. Tired of playing the game. Tired of defeating Slade, and being taunted by him.

This needed to end.

Tonight.

X

In the time after Slade had come to collect her, Raven had reentered her mind and her focus on the outside world was lost. She had no idea what he was doing, where they were going, or where Nightwing might be, but all she cared about now was the note. Even if Nightwing did manage to find her, she knew that Slade would harm her in any way possible if she was taken. And she knew Nightwing. She knew that he would be blind of anything else save for getting her out of harms way. She knew he would be an easy target, and an even easier person to control. That's why she needed to be free, to have her powers so she could aid him in every possible way.

Raven refocused herself back on the note. Harmonize. She was so close this time, having lost some of the harmony created before Slade interrupted her. But she paused, thinking.

Without her mind to propel her movements, her body was given only simple functions. Walk in a led direction, sit or lay down when prompted to do so. Raven had checked in from time to time, just to see what her body was doing, and now she was kneeling on cold concrete, with someone, presumably Slade, at her left shoulder.

She exited her mind and looked up at her surroundings. The walls of the Tower's living room stared back at her. The room was blandly illuminated by the waning moon outside and a small lamp to the side.

Raven looked back down, not wanting Slade to know she was awake again. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight that met her eyes, and she wondered if it would have been better or worse for her to have been awake during the time that Slade had dragged her away from the basement.

Strapped to her chest in a sort of half vest without sleeves fashion, were nine blocks of C4. Green wires spiraled in between the blocks, connecting each one to the other in a maze of death. Raven nearly gagged on her horror and revulsion. She couldn't believe that Slade had come to this, this shallow and cowardly way of getting what he wanted. But if the idea disgusted her, the current situation angered her more.

But before she could delve any further into her bubbling anger, the door into the living room slid open with a soft whoosh.

Raven raised her head slightly, eyes wide, and stared the entrance.

"Hello again Nightwing." Slade's silky voice penetrated the powerful stare that gripped Nightwing and Raven's gaze.

Raven blinked and stared back at the floor.

"Let her go Slade." Nightwing responded, his fists at his side tightening in cold-edged fury.

Slade's chuckle, however soft, was heard clearly by everyone in the room. "I think not Nightwing. You see, you and I have some...things to discuss that would be extremely pertinent to Raven's survival."

Raven wanted to listen in longer, but knew her impeccable listening skills would be of no use here. She closed her eyes and entered her mind, sure that this time she would break free and have full contact and use of her powers again.

She hummed as quietly as she could without the noise breaking or faltering, and was relieved when Slade didn't hear her. The note changed, and flowed with the pattern Raven's note made, and she could feel the strength of the power filtering through the ropes weakening.

Within a matter of precious seconds, the power vanished and the note's soft hum ceased and Raven opened her eyes. She noticed a flashing green light positioned in between two blocks of the C4 and her eyes widened. Now it was activated...Raven lifted her head enough to see that Slade was holding his left hand out and grasped tightly in it was the detonator. She wasn't sure what she had missed, but it seemed to be mildly important to her living.

Raven turned her attention away from Slade and focused her comforting stream of power on the ropes binding her hands. The bonds were wrapped in a cloak of ebony power and fell away instantly. Raven looked back up at Nightwing and winked, smiling slightly as he struggled to suppress a slight grin as well.

She then turned her head up slightly and stared at Slade and then at his outstretched hand. Her amethyst eyes glowed white and then she phased through the floor and out of the vest. She reappeared next to Nightwing, smiling.

Slade's eye grew so wide it was almost comical, and Raven would have laughed hysterically had the gravity of the situation not held her mirth. Then with a tired flick of her hand the detonator was destroyed and Slade pushed back over the rotting counter tops and table.

Raven wavered on her feet and Nightwing grasped her shoulders firmly to keep her from toppling over. Her little use of power had taken a lot out of her, and now she was having a difficult time keeping her eyelids from drooping. She had never been this weak, and she didn't like it.

Slade stood up and brushed himself off. "Clever Raven, but unnecessary."

Nightwing's comforting hand fell from Raven's shoulder and moved to his wrist.

"We've had enough of your tricks Slade." He said loudly, nudging Raven to back up towards the window overlooking the bay.

Slade chuckled softly, mockingly, and took a step forward, his hands clasped behind his back. Raven held out her hand again threateningly.

"Stay back you psycho." She growled menacingly. Slade took another step forward, daring her, tempting her.

"You know as well as I that you are weak, as are your powers. Any shields or defensive maneuvers you may use will be easy enough to penetrate." He responded smoothly.

Raven's eyes narrowed and her hand faltered slightly, but stayed up. Faster than her brain could register, Slade pulled a small, but sharp, knife from his belt and threw it at her at an alarming speed. She only just managed to pull up an ebony shield, but to no avail. The knife sliced right through her significantly weakened power and embedded itself in her gut.

The agony of the blade ripping through her skin and internal organs rippled over her body and threatened to overwhelm her. Raven felt Nightwing at her side, holding her up while shouting incoherently at Slade. She could feel the tug of unconscious and nearly succumbed to it, but then her eyes flew open, glowing a dazzling white.

In a sudden burst of anger and hate at Slade being right, and her having to learn it, Raven sent out her power in a vengeful block and knocked Slade through the open door and her powers slammed it shut behind him.

Raven closed her eyes and groaned as she wrenched the knife from her abdomen and tossed it to the side with a clatter. Her hands were dripping with her blood, and a small pool had gathered where it had dribbled off of her torso. Nightwing gently cradled Raven in his arms and tore off a piece of her pants to hinder the blood's bright red flow. The rough piece of cloth did little, and within seconds it was drenched.

"We have to go." He whispered and picked her up tenderly. Raven grunted with pain and wrapped an arm around his neck.

I sealed off the door so Slade won't be able to get back through, but I don't know how long I can hold it. Raven's faint mindvoice whispered into Nightwing's mind.

He said nothing, but walked up to the bay window and threw a disk at it. The glass panel froze instantly and Nightwing kicked it with a grunt and it shattered. Something on his wrist beeped and he quickened his pace.

In a swift fluid motion he pulled a black bird-a-rang from his belt and fired it at the large wrap-around couch where it lodged itself nicely. With a sharp last glance at the door Slade was stuck behind, Nightwing jumped out of the window, gripping Raven with all his might.

They landed hard on the gravel and Raven groaned again.

The thing on Nightwing's wrist beeped again. 30 seconds...

He ran as fast as he dared for his black motorcycle and revved it up, clutching Raven tighter and whispering for her to hold on. Just as he pulled away at an alarming speed, the Tower exploded, Nightwing's carefully planted bombs combining with Slade's in a blast of blinding light and thundering sound.

He drove madly, running a high risk of killing them both in the process of saving her. But he took alleys and dark streets less traveled to save time. Nightwing could feel her slipping, the amount of blood loss taking its fatal toll.

"Hold in there..." He whispered into her blood-matted hair as he increased the bike's speed.

They reached the hospital in record time, considering what it originally would have been. Nightwing screamed for a doctor as soon as he came within shouting range. He gently placed Raven on a gurney that had been wheeled his way.

Within seconds, several nurses surrounded them, checking blood-pressure, looking for a pulse. Nightwing stared down at Raven, worry etched all over his face. Her clothes and face were smeared with her vermilion blood and her chest rose and fell at irregular intervals. Their eyes locked once more before Raven drifted into unconsciousness.

Nightwing back up, letting the myriad of doctor's and nurses do their job. He looked down at his clothing, noticing for the first time that he too was covered in Raven's blood. Content to leave her for five minutes, Nightwing rushed away to discard his nightly façade.

x

They had her stable within minutes and Raven was rushed into surgery to check for damaged organs and to patch up her abdomen. A middle-aged doctor who was slightly shorter than Richard walked up to him and said that she would be fine, and that it was lucky that she was brought in when she was, because she had been fairly close to death.

And then all Richard could do was wait.

Raven slept through the rest of the night, regaining her strength and just sleeping. When morning came and the sun broke over the horizon, she finally woke, her eyes fluttering open drowsily.

Richard had fallen asleep in the chair next to her bed, his head resting next to her body. Raven gently shook his hand and smiled when he looked up at her.

"Is everything alright?" He asked, relieved beyond imagining that she was awake and well.

"Everything is perfect." She whispered back, giving his hand a kind squeeze.

Someone cleared their throat loudly at the doorway and both turned their heads to see Shannon standing there.

Raven's face lit up even more as her friend ambled in bearing gifts; a hot cup of Raven's favorite tea and a box of lovely (and fattening) doughnuts.

Richard stood and offered Shannon his seat and left the room, though not before commandeering one of the glazed doughnuts. His eyes held hers before her strode out of sight and Raven smiled and took an appreciative sip of her tea.

"Yeah, there's definitely nothing going on between you two." Shannon scoffed, stirring her own coffee.

Raven turned to her friend and watched Richard walk away.

"You know, there just might be."

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Yeah, I realize I said no end notes from now on last chapter, but well, what do I know? Heh. Then, I had thought that I'd have another two chapters of this story, where instead I have only one big shebang of a chapter for this story. Now...pop a review for this or skip ahead to the next and leave a very frustrated one there. Either way, it'll make me insanely happy.