32 Productions Presents…
A Teen Titan Fan Fiction The Teen Titans in…"For Friendship's Sake
Chapter Three
Raven and Shade
Shade followed Raven nervously. Now that he understood how easily Raven would be able to sense his feelings, he was desperately trying to hide them. Wait…her powers were gone. It was okay!
Raven: …we're going to be okay.
Shade: Huh?
Raven: You're worried, aren't you?
He guessed he was telegraphing enough for her to tell.
Raven: Even with our powers gone, we can do this.
Shade: It's not like you to be encouraging.
Raven stopped, frowning.
Raven: …you're right. …come to think of it, I haven't been feeling like myself since I lost my powers.
Shade: What do you mean?
Raven tried to put her feelings into words, but was having difficulty.
Raven: I…it's almost like…a strange sensation in the back of my head. It's hard to describe. Like a buzzing…or…I don't know. A tingle maybe.
Shade was about to ask what that was supposed to mean when he was struck from behind. Raven turned at the sound and her eyes widened. Standing behind Shade was a middle aged woman with blonde hair and silverish eyes. Not like Shade's eyes, hers were far lighter in color. She was dressed in red. A red shirt and a red skirt. Obviously the victim of a mid-life crisis. What caught her attention the most, however, was the metal rod in her hand. Shade groaned and received another blow.
Raven: What are you doing!
Woman: Punishing the beast.
Shade: M…mama…I didn't do anything…
Raven's eyes got even wider. "Mama"! This woman that glared at him with such hatred was his MOTHER! Mother or no, Raven wasn't about to let anyone beat on Shade.
Raven: Leave him alone.
She was ignored. Again she raised the rod and again she struck him. Raven felt a surge of anger. She leapt forward and grabbed the rod from the woman. Before she could move, Raven swung the rod from right to left, catching Shade's mother in the face. Blood come out of her mouth.
Raven: You like beating on innocent people!
Shade watched in amazement and horror as Raven struck his mother in the kneecap. She collapsed to her knees and Raven began beating her in the face and back of the head wildly before she could even hit the ground. Blood splattered on the walls, the floor, and on Raven herself. Shade managed to get up and grab Raven's arm.
Shade: Raven, stop!
Raven gasped and dropped the blood soaked rod. She gripped the sides of her head, unknowingly putting red hand prints on her face and hair.
Raven: What did I do!
Shade: It's okay…she's not real. My mother is light years away…or something.
Raven: But I didn't know that…Azar help me, I just beat somebody to death…what's happening to me!
Raven's Soul
Raven stood in the middle of one of the floating rocks. She looked around, confused.
Raven: Wha…? How did I get here?
Yellow: …you're trapped here like me.
Raven turned and saw Yellow sitting on a rock next to her, book in hand.
Raven: Trapped? But this is my mind! How can I be trapped in me?
Yellow: With your powers gone your emotions are running wild. Finding no logic in acting against you, I chose to remain loyal. So they trapped me here. I was promised that control would be returned to you eventually…but Red is known for breaking promises.
Raven: I have to get back…Shade could get hurt.
Yellow: You're welcome to try. Just realize you'll be going against more then just your anger this time around and more then just one emotion at a time.
Raven: Then help me.
Yellow shrugged, closed her book, and pushed her glasses up.
Yellow: Very well. Just don't expect to succeed because of me.
Raven: Whatever. Just help.
Reality
Raven stared into space, still holding her head. Shade shook her.
Shade: Raven! Raven, snap out of it!
Raven shook her head. She looked up at Shade and smiled brightly.
Shade: …this ain't right. …you feeling okay?
Raven: Fine and dandy like sour candy! Hey, wanna see a trick?
Shade sweatdropped as Raven "pulled her thumb off".
Raven: I see my talent leaves you speechless! Well, worry not, kind sir!
Raven revealed that she hadn't, in fact, pulled off her thumb.
Raven: …you can applaud at any time.
Shade was at a loss for words. Raven stared back before beeping his nose and giggling.
Shade: Er…do I need to call an exorcist?
Raven coughed and spat on the floor. Snorting back mucus in her nose, she wiped her mouth.
Raven: I had that loogie building up all day. Hey, I got this zit on the back on my neck. Could you pop that for me?
Shade shuddered. Raven was officially freaking him out. Inside Raven was struggling to regain control, horrified at her actions.
Shade: You know, you really shouldn't. They scar you know.
Raven grabbed his shirt.
Raven: Don't tell me how to treat my body, scum bag! I'll do whatever the hell I want!
Her face went from angry to remorseful in a second. She let go and dusted him off.
Raven: (sniffling) I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I'm not feeling myself today.
Shade: Uh…it's okay.
Raven: No, it's not. I disgusted you and then yelled at you. That was terribly rude of me. You probably hate me now.
She sobbed and started walking away. Shade caught up with her.
Shade: Raven, I think this place is having an effect on your emotions.
Raven: Gee, ya think? Anyway, let's get going. I wanna show Dr. Blades what happens when you mess with the Titans. He ain't gonna like it.
Now she was talking his language. They walked for a little while until suddenly she froze.
Shade: …something wrong?
Raven turned and she had a smile on her face that sent chills down his spine. Not creepy really…just one that was really out of place on Raven. She spoke with a seductive purr in her voice.
Raven: No, nothing wrong…
Raven pressed against him, running her finger along his chest.
Raven: In fact, I've never felt more right.
Raven was screaming inside her head at this point. If the ceiling gave way and crushed her body right now, she'd be eternally grateful. Shade gulped.
Raven: Come on…don't be nervous, Shade.
Raven wrapped her arms around his waist.
Raven: I know how you feel about me. You see…when we first met and our powers mixed, we bonded in a way that can never be undone. I've felt all those nice thoughts you've had about me…and all the naught ones too. And you know what?
Shade jumped as Raven's hand travel down his back. She had just pinched him.
Raven: I liked it. Show me just how much you like me.
Shade was torn. On the one hand he REALLY wanted to show her how much she liked her. On the other hand, if he did that he'd be taking advantage of her current state. She'd hate him for eternity and then some. He was saved when she suddenly changed again…well…sort of saved. She pushed him away.
Raven: What, am I not good enough for you? You think you're better then I am! Is that it?
Raven tackled him and wrapped her hands around his throat.
Raven: You're not better then me! You're filth!
Shade couldn't breath. Raven held on with inhuman strength, a vicious grin spreading across her face.
Raven's Soul
The other emotions appeared.
Green: Okay…we might have let Red get out of hand.
Raven: Just help me get back under control!
Purple: …but I didn't get a turn…
Raven: Shut up and help!
Reality
Raven's grin faded and she backed off of Shade, holding her head.
Raven: Nngh…what happened? Why are we on the floor?
Shade coughed as air once again reached his lungs. Raven looked over at him, concerned.
Raven: Are you okay? …what are those marks around your neck?
Shade: You…you don't remember anything?
Raven shook her head.
Raven: Sorry. I remember something about you getting attacked and then…nothing. Did something happen?
Shade sighed. Did this mean Raven DIDN'T know how he felt? Did only a part of Raven know? …it was for the best.
Shade: No. Nothing important. Let's…
The lights went out.
Basement
The Titans reawakened in the basement in front of Dr. Blades, Krystal, and Blackfire.
Blackfire: You see? Just like I told you! It was a waste of time! They're fine!
The Titans stood up slowly. Cyborg noticed that he was…well…a cyborg again. Beast Boy was green and apparently thrilled about it. Starfire floated into the air and Raven did the same.
Krystal: Hate to be a downer, but Blackie's right. They're not suffering at all. You promised heaps of suffering!
Dr. Blades smiled and crossed his fingers in front of his face.
Dr. Blades: And they are. Cyborg had a taste of normalcy and lost it again. Raven felt the terror of losing control of her own mind…and Shade…well…he knows what he lost.
Beast Boy: You said you'd cure Terra!
Dr. Blades waved a finger and stood up, walking over to Terra's petrified body.
Dr. Blades: Ah, ah, ah. If you'll recall, I never said that.
Dr. Blades slashed Terra's body. The claw marks glowed and Terra fell from her pedestal, breathing hard.
Raven: …depraved bastard…
Beast Boy: What…what's going on?
Terra looked at her stone hands in horror. The suit was back to normal, but her body was still made of stone.
Terra: What's happened to me!
Raven: …he said he'd restore Terra to life…not back to normal.
Terra: I can't feel anything…my body is numb…
Terra sprang to her feet and swung at Dr. Blades, punching him in the jaw.
Terra: You did this to me!
Dr. Blades shrieked with laughter. Physical attacks had no effect on his body. It only amused him. Shade raised a hand and a vortex opened behind the good doctor. Tendrils shot out, wrapping around his arms and legs.
Dr. Blades: What…what the hell is this!
Shade: Appropriate choice of words. It's not exactly Hell, but it's close enough. Most people wouldn't be able to survive in the shadow dimension…but you're not most people are you?
Dr. Blades struggled to pull free, but more tendrils wrapped around him. He turned toward Blackfire and Krystal.
Dr. Blades: Help me!
Blackfire yawned and shook her head.
Blackfire: Sorry Doc. I told you what would happen if you screwed up. I'm walking.
Krystal: Yeah, me too. Have fun in the realm of eternal darkness and suffering!
Blackfire blasted a hole in the ceiling and the pair flew out. Dr. Blades fell and his legs started going into the vortex. He dug his scalpel like claws into the ground, but he still moved back.
Starfire: …if I know my sister, she shall not waste this opportunity to attack.
Robin: Raven, get us out of here.
Raven nodded and raised her arms. Her soul self enveloped all of them and took them out of the basement. Dr. Blades was pulled completely inside the vortex, screaming in fear and rage. Seconds later a hail of blackbolts and a massive ball of light struck the mansion, leveling it.
Titan Tower: Terra's Room
Terra looked around her room. Everything was exactly as she left it. The bed was even still a mess. She turned to Beast Boy who was standing at the door.
Terra: …why?
Beast Boy: Why what?
Terra: Why did you help me? …if you can call this help…not that I'm mad. I just…can't believe you would go through that for me.
Beast Boy rubbed the back of his head, blushing.
Beast Boy: Well…I like you…
Terra: …Beast Bo…
Beast Boy: …call me Garfield…or Gar. Gar is better.
Terra: …Gar…I'm a traitor. I stabbed you all in the back. How can you trust me again so quickly?
Beast Boy sighed and rubbed his arm.
Beast Boy: …not everybody does. I do…and I think Robin does. I know Starfire trusts you…but Raven…
Terra: …yeah. I understand. But why do you trust me? I tried to kill you…and I was so cruel…
Beast Boy: …yeah, that good bye kiss thing was harsh.
Terra looked toward the ground as she remembered. Beast Boy winced as he realized his mistake.
Beast Boy: But I'm totally over it! Really! …you saved us all, Terra. You took down Slade for good. You could have bailed on us, but you stayed behind to stop that volcano.
Terra: …it was the least I could do. …and I guess I deserve this.
She looked at her hands.
Terra: I can't feel anything. Well, I can feel my tongue in my mouth but that's it. Is…is this how Cyborg feels? Do his metal parts feel as numb as my stone skin?
Beast Boy: …Terra…here.
Beast Boy handed her a bag.
Beast Boy: It's your old costume…complete with goggles.
Terra: Gar…that's…
Terra opened the bag and paused. A faint smile grew on her face before she burst into laughter. Beast Boy looked confused.
Beast Boy: What's so funny?
Terra: (between laughter) I don't remember owning purple boxers with yellow polka dots!
Terra waved a familiar pair of boxers in front of him. Beast Boy shrieked.
Beast Boy: Wrong bag! Gimme those!
Beast Boy tried to snatch the boxers from Terra. She pulled them away, sticking out her still human tongue.
Terra: You want these? Huh?
Beast Boy turned into a monkey and jumped on her, trying to get the boxers. Terra giggled as she tried to get him off. It was good to be home.
Main Room
Shade stood outside, pacing. Raven was in the main room, he knew that much. This time he would do it. Shade was going to go in there and tell her exactly how he felt. No chickening out this time. Even if she said it wouldn't work because of her powers, at least he wouldn't be hiding it anymore. He took a deep breath and stepped into the room.
Shade: Raven, I…
He saw Raven's head on the arm of the couch. Peering over it, he saw that she had fallen asleep, her book still in hand. He sighed. That figured. He carefully took the book from her and put the bookmark inside. He gently picked her up off the couch and sank into the floor. He reappeared in her room and placed her on her bed. What she didn't know wouldn't hurt him, after all. She shifted on the bed, making him hold his breath. If she saw him in her room… Rather then wake up, she grabbed her pillow and held it close. Shade reached down to brush the hair from her face but paused. He sank into the floor and reappeared in his own room.
Shade: …it's better this way. If I told her, she'd be all embarrassed and stuff. It would cause nothing but awkwardness and trouble.
He climbed onto his own bed and closed his eyes. Yeah…he'd just keep telling himself that.
732 West Dillwyn Rd.
Krystal dug through the refrigerator as Blackfire piled the bodies of the former residents and tossed them down into the basement. It was a nice house. Still Blackfire felt like crap. She once had an entire planet at her fingertips…now she was stealing people's houses. Not quiet a common thief, but a thief nonetheless. Not that she never stole before, but it was purely for fun back then. Krystal came into the room, a chicken bone in her mouth. She held up another drumstick to her. Blackfire sighed and took it from her, nibbling on it.
Blackfire: …it's cold.
Krystal: Refrigerators do that. You gotta learn to not be picky.
Blackfire: I'm a damn princess! I'm not supposed to be eating cold leftovers!
Krystal shrugged.
Krystal: I feel for you, Blackie, I really do. I know what it's like to have your life turned upside down. I may act happy all the time, but before I went nuts, I was a pretty nice person. In retrospect, I guess I had it pretty good. Still…
Krystal pecked Blackfire on the lips. Blackfire dropped the drumstick in shock.
Krystal: I wouldn't trade knowing you for the world.
Blackfire stared at her with wide eyes.
Blackfire: But…I…I'm not…
Krystal: If you don't like it, you can always kill me. Doesn't matter either way. I like you Komand'r. I like you a lot.
Blackfire picked up the drumstick and blew on it. Disgusted, she threw it out.
Blackfire: …you don't even know me.
Krystal: I know enough. We have oh so much in common.
Blackfire: …and that would be?
Krystal: We're homicidal. We have siblings that we try to kill on a regular basis. We can fly. We can fling glowing orbs around that explode on impact. And I'm willing to learn what else you like.
Blackfire: …
Krystal: Come on…you know as well as I do that Tamaranians are extremely open in this sense. Love is love to your people.
Blackfire sighed.
Blackfire: I'm not the shining example of my species.
Krystal: Neither am I. Another thing we have in common.
Blackfire: …I don't know.
Krystal: Give it time then. I don't care. I'm happy to just be around you. …well, I'm bushed. I'm gonna hit the hay before we blow this popsicle stand.
Blackfire watched her go before sitting down in the easy chair to think. This was unexpected to be sure. …and…maybe not unwelcomed. She sighed. What did she have to lose?
THE END
