I'm not too sure about this chapter...in my mind, I think it sums up everything that Raven's been going through...and why she kinda went off the deep end.

Sorry about the lateness...taking classes during the summer can be very time consuming.

Disclaimer: Look in Chapter 1

Chapter 19

Olive green eyes stared with muted trepidation as he glanced around the small, club. The soft jazz music washed over him, its pleasant tones quite the contrast to the dingy tables, and peeling paint.

Slowly, hands crunched in the pockets of his dark blue jeans, Beastboy shuffled to the table, and sat down beside a teary looking brunette clad in short red dress. Turning slightly, he smiled at the young woman, noting the heavy eye shadow that framed her round eyes. "Sorry to ask you out like this, Melissa. I'm sure there are other things you'd rather do.

The young woman was silent for several minutes, slowly sipping at the colorless liquid in her glass. Pursing her lips, the woman sighed. "Nothing important. Besides, you needed to find your friend...and I'd be glad to help any way I can."

Silently, the young man discretely slid a photo across the table to the woman eyeing her carefully for any kind of emotion. Would she remember? It had been about two months ago…The young man looked up, eyes meeting with the inquisitive bartender.

She smiled, dark brown eyes twinkling with a strange intuition. "You with the cops? It's been a while since a detective came in here looking for answers."

Beastboy smiled, taking a sip of the drink sitting in front of his clasped fingers. "Not a cop. Just trying to find a friend."

Melissa's eyes seemed to waver with uncertainty as she turned towards the young man. "This person…she's your friend? Her long brightly painted fingernails tapped the photograph absently, and the woman took a long sip of the alcoholic beverage before speaking, her voice carrying strange derisive undertones. "Yea, I've seen her before."

Beastboy's eyes stared in wonder. Turning, he eyed the woman's face, trying to search for some signs of evasiveness or anxiety. Containing his excitement at the long overdue lead, the young man spoke quietly, fingers playing with the ring on his finger. "You two didn't get along?"

The woman snorted. "It's nothing personal…I just hate blondes. "

At this the bartender turned, eyebrows raised in astonishment. "Ya hate blondes? Whatever for?" The woman pushed another glass of vodka in Melissa's direction and leaned over to press a lighter into the brunette's rapidly moving fingers.

Beastboy said nothing as Melissa took a few drags of the cigarette, ears tuned in to the soulful music lazily drifting across the hazy room. Everyone seemed to be smoking…and drowning their troubles with bottles and bottles of alcohol.

This place, this seedy joint was no place for a child! How then could Melissa, a woman who just turned twenty, enter such a place with abandon? And even to receive drinks? Didn't the bartender ask for identification first?

What kind of place was this?

"Long story", came Melissa's curt reply. "I did see this girl, Tarra or something like that? She was in this bar last week."

"Last week? Do you know why?"

Melissa's face seemed to pale and her eyes glanced around the mostly empty room, finally settling her gaze back on the mahogany colored table. Leaning on her arm, the woman stared into Beastboy's eyes, an eerie intensity in her gaze. "You mean you don't know? Look around. See that girl there; sitting in the booth? And the other one talking to that man? They didn't just come in here for fun. That's what Club Passion's for. "

"What are you saying?" Beastboy swallowed, hoping the fear filling his mind wasn't etched into his features. Swallowing, the young man took a sip of his drink, feigning ignorance. Tilting his head, he plastered what he hoped to be confusion on his face.

"I'm saying that they're being paid to come in here…get it?" Melissa whispered harshly into his ear, pulling away and staring at him with a guarded look.

Fuck.

Beastboy inhaled slowly, trying to resist the urge to slam his fists against the counter. Of all things to get tangled with….was this what Raven was running from the whole time, then? Why drag Terra into the mess? What could Raven possibly gain by sending Terra straight into the midst of an ongoing prostitution ring?

With a quiet voice Beastboy spoke again, "Then, have you seen this person? She's also a friend of mine…she's been missing for a few weeks and her parents are really worried. They traveled together, I think. "The shape shifter questioned, deciding not to unnerve the woman any more than necessary.

"Son of a bitch. Haven't seen her face in so long!" A hoarse laugh left the woman's lips, an odd sorrow etched into her voice. The woman lit another cigarette, taking a long drag and exhaling slowly. Leaning against the table, the woman faced him once more…brown eyes moist with unshed tears. "Disappeared so suddenly…"

Jade green eyes lightened. "You know her! Can you tell me where she's living? I just want to pass along a message from her parents. Tell them she's Ok and stuff."

The mournful look flitted from her features, leaving only a steely guarded glare. "Look, whatever mess Tara's gotten into just leave it. Cause something bad will happen." Her long fingernails tapped erratically on the picture of Raven, then darted away, crushing the cigarette onto the coaster. With a huff the woman turned back to her drink, fingernails now tapping out a melody on her cold glass cup.

"Was she…one of them?" He tapped on Raven's picture, eyeing the woman beside him for any signs of recognition.

"One of?" Melissa laughed cynically. "She was always more like his pet…or maybe a slave. That girl couldn't go anywhere unless she was latched to that bastard's arms. She was obviously his favorite…Tried to run away once too; he nearly killed her that night. Hell, she may even be dead for all I know!"

"Who tried to kill her?"

"Why, Eric Greyson of course!"

oOoOo

Starfire blinked rapidly as she fought against the intoxicating lure of sleep. Wiping the lone tears that escaped her eyelids, the teenager focused once more on the CCTV security footage. What exactly did Robin expect to find, a leprechaun?

Yawning for the umpteenth time, the alien took swig of coffee from the lavender colored coffee mug resting on the table. Everyone always said coffee helped one stay awake. Perhaps it didn't work all the time? Puckering her lips against the strange lingering bitterness, Starfire rose from the office chair and paused the footage. Maybe a walk would be more effective.

It was already midnight…and Raven still hadn't returned. Was she with Derek? Or had Raven been taken by the same entity that kidnapped Terra? A sigh left the dry lips of the teenager. What kind of horrible fate was this? That someone could suffer so much in life? Shaking her head, Starfire made the sign of the cross…maybe the strange sign would protect her? It always worked in the movies…

"Ah, Cyborg! Have you located Raven?" The alien could sense that he hadn't…the irritable look on his face spoke volumes. It was better to feign ignorance than to say something rash. Tilting her head in a false display of curiosity, Starfire hoped maybe Robin would give in and let them sleep. Raven could take care of herself…she always did. She probably went to Derek's house…and didn't want to come back.

Nobody would blame her.

"Nope. The signal on her T-com seems to have been jammed. I don't know if she's doing it on purpose…maybe she doesn't want anyone to find her?"

Starfire crossed the hall and entered into one of the many sitting rooms present within the large mansion. Eying the filled bookshelf with interest, the alien contemplated Cyborg's question. Raven not wanting to be found usually meant trouble. "But if she simply went to Derek's abode…why would that need to be a secret?" Starfire inquired, eyebrows rising as she lifted the mug to her lips.

Why indeed. Starfire could think of no reason that Raven would want to hide her boyfriend from them…after all; didn't he meet everyone at the beach party? Everyone knew him…especially after the charity event. He was a nice guy…it's not like Derek was a thief or a serial killer.

Turning suddenly, Starfire caught the curious look of horror that danced across the man's face. What was that about? Jade green eyes narrowed as the man shrugged and spoke with a nonchalant voice.

"Maybe she didn't want Robin to 'investigate' her boyfriend. He'd do the same to any of us." Cyborg's voice seemed normal enough…but there was no mistaking the dread that gleamed in his eyes.

Starfire bit her lip in apprehension. Raven really was hiding things…which meant trouble. It always did. Forcing her breaths to calm, the alien closed her eyes and turned to the cybernetic standing across her in the large room. She watched with muted trepidation as the man paced up and down the floor…a very Robin-esque habit. Was this serious? Or did Cyborg know something important? "Cyborg, when does Beastboy return from his inquiries…I thought he was only interviewing that one lady?"

The door slammed shut and Starfire turned to see Beastboy storm into the room and flop into a chair, his eyebrows furrowed in rage. What was his problem? "The interview was bad?" The alien inquired, holding back the urge to approach him. Tilting her head in curiosity, the alien couldn't help but notice the shapeshifter' clenched fists and furrowed brows. Obviously something was not right…how come everyone seemed so upset?

"Oh no, it was great! Very enlightening." The sarcastic tones coating Beastboy's voice weren't lost on the two standing in the reading room.

Starfire let out a quiet breath, facing the bookshelf once more as Robin entered carrying a stack of papers. What could have gone wrong? "What did the lady say, to have you so angry?" Somehow, Starfire couldn't help feeling that Beastboy was once again blowing things out of proportion. Why else would he scour the city searching for Terra? Why was he acting like Raven threw her to the dogs? Terra even wrote a letter, with proof that she knew exactly what would happen should she go undercover.

"Where's Raven! She'll have to answer for this herself!" The shape-shifter intoned angrily, folding his arms and sitting back impatiently.

Robin sat down across from the shape-shifter, his masked face pointing towards the grandfather clock on the opposite wall. Pursing his lips, the young man finally addressed the shape shifter. "What did Raven do this time? How many times must I repeat this? Raven told Terra everything…Terra can take care of herself."

Beastboy gave the leader a look of disgust and annoyance. Turning to face the wall the shape-shifter uttered angrily, "Did Raven tell you everything? Can you honestly swear you know every detail about this undercover mission? Can you!"

Starfire paused suddenly, acknowledging some truth to Beastboy's ranting. How much information did Raven disclose? What if there was something…some major detail left lingering in the shadows? Could this whole idea have been a setup? Heck, even Terra's resurrection had been on false pretenses…

Oh! The door! Starfire dashed out of the room, skidding into the hallway and stopping abruptly when she finally noticed the tears in Raven's eyes. "Why so sad, friend?" Tentatively the alien reached out and rested a hand on her teammates shaking shoulders.

Raven sniffed, wiping the tears away with shaking fingers. "Nothing…W-we're fine." The sorceress turned away and exhaled shakily, a groan of agitation leaving her blood-red lips.

In the silence permeating the grand hallway, Starfire could only stare at her friend in wonder. Walking forward, the alien rested her hands on the marbled round table that rested beside the coat rack. We? Starfire blinked several times…what on earth did she mean by we? Pursing her lips, the alien placed a reassuring hand against Raven's slumped back. "It'll be ok…Come; everyone wants to talk to you."

At those words, the sorrowful look vanished from Raven's face…leaving nothing behind but cold indifference. Inhaling softly, the sorceress nodded. "What about exactly?"

Starfire looked back anxiously, hoping no one would enter the hall any time soon. Swiftly, she leaned over slightly, whispering frantically in Raven's ear. "Beastboy's pissed. I think something the lady said ticked him off…and he's wants answers." Pulling back, the teenager stared into Raven's eyes for a sign.

Starfire was slightly disappointed when Raven merely laughed hysterically, and walked into the library with a condescending smirk on her lips. Was that it then? Couldn't she have at least been horrified? Quickly the red-haired teenager tiptoed into the room, pounced into the couch beside Raven and promptly burst into giggles as the two collided into each other. It was relieving to see her friend with a genuine smile on her lips. The half-demon's smile had started to border the thin line of sanity. Maybe when all this blew over…she'd be normal again.

"This was all part of your plan, wasn't it Raven!" Beastboy's harsh growl broke the calm silence. "You knew exactly what she'd be doing, didn't you!"

Starfire paled slightly and turned to Raven, watching as the young woman crossed her arms and sat back, a defiant look on her features. "What exactly, Beastboy?"

"Our informant, Melissa is a prostitute. And somehow, she recognized Terra…and you. Now either she's an avid follower of Jump City Daily, or there's something you're still hiding from us. And whatever it is…I think we all have a right to know."

The alien bit her lip, trying not to gasp in horror at Beastboy's revelation. Was Terra really working undercover as a prostitute? And no one knew? How awful! Starfire turned, watching Raven's blank face with confusion. Did Raven really know about it…this entire time? "Raven, did Terra know about this?"

Raven blinked, her violet eyes locking on the shapeshifter with a steely glare. "Like I said, Terra was told of any risks. Her consent was fully informed." Crossing her legs slowly, the sorceress pursed her lips…it almost seemed as if she didn't care. "Shall I tell you why Terra agreed? She was looking for someone…someone she once loved."

"Who?" Starfire blurted out, ignoring Beastboy's sputtering.

Raven laughed, her violet eyes glowing with a strange light. "You didn't honestly think I brought her back for you Beastboy, did you? Don't flatter yourself. I needed something from her…and she wanted my information."

"So this whole 'investigation' was simply a business transaction? You two plotted and planned this whole charade?" Cyborg's red eye seemed to glow with an angry light as he spoke and his fists clenched in a threating manner.

"It couldn't be helped…" Raven paused and stared at her black polished nails. "I needed liability. You people…you'd do anything for Terra, just as long as she 'came back from the dead'. I brought her back….and you didn't disappoint me."

"What are you gaining from this, Raven?" Robin asked quietly, his face betraying no emotions. In fact, one could say the young man looked…impressed. His hands remained crossed at his sides, almost like a judge reviewing a prize winning presentation. Maybe as a detective, he was impressed.

For almost a year Raven and Terra had concealed their scheme…deceiving even Batman's apprentice. Starfire let out a breath. Something didn't make sense though… "Raven, how does Melissa know you?"

"Melissa and Raven both worked for Erik…as prostitutes." Beastboy's voice shattered the apprehensive silence.

Starfire watched as the shape-shifter stared at the floor, the anger in his face replaced with a look of pity. Why was he feeling pity now? The alien couldn't help but wonder. And was this what Raven wanted from the beginning…someone to understand her pain? Maybe she did this for revenge?

"I wasn't his prostitute. I was his 'prized possession'…a trophy. Of course I had to get away…Melissa wasn't so lucky." Raven's voice was quiet, and composed…as if revealing such a secret didn't matter. The subtle shaking of the teenager's fingers wasn't lost on Starfire.

Robin sat forward, arms resting on his thighs. "And Angel's mother?"

"She lost her life…trying to help me escape. But this isn't about me. The Justice League wants Erik out of the way…and if Terra did her job right, now you know exactly where he is. Isn't that why we came to Gotham in the first place?" Raven questioned, the smug and haughty look now etched on her features.

"Damn. You really played us well, Raven." Cyborg mumbled, shaking his head in disbelief. "This is what you've wanted all along, wasn't it? You knew the Justice League was looking for him…and they went straight to you, didn't they? Why didn't you just tell them? Is this some sick game of revenge? After what they did to you…this is payback?"

Raven stood a cold look on her face. "No. This isn't revenge. I am allowing them to keep some semblance of dignity…their blameless reputation. Revenge comes later." The sorceress laughed again, somehow amused at the entire situation. "I really wanted to come clean to them, truly I did. Then I found another person...forced to break the law in their name. Did you know, Cyborg? That the Justice League bribes disadvantaged citizens to commit crimes in exchange for better lives? Robin, I said you were above the law, didn't I? Now you know why."

The Boy Wonder's fist clenched tightly as he let out a shaky breath. "And Gabriel Sanchez?" Robin questioned, still staring at his teammate with a look of awe.

"Why, revenge of course…he knows everything about Erik. They are similar in kind…and their friendship runs back for thousands of years. Decades of strained peace finally shattered the night his wife was killed." Raven raised an eyebrow. "Are you catching on now, Robin?"

"What about Jinx and Argent? Or Kid Flash? That intel on Red X…did you have something to do with it?" Robin's voice took on a strained tone, and it was beginning to seem like he was losing his patience.

Starfire only stayed silent, unable to help the swell of pride that bubbled in her heart. Raven really was a true warrior…to have hidden this much in plain sight! On Tameran such deception, in order to capture the enemy, would result in days of feasting and gifts of priceless cost.

The sorceress only shook her head. "They had nothing to do with my schemes…and I would never orchestrate my near death…no matter how desperate. But Erik Greyson needed to be taken down…and no one in this god-forsaken country was doing anything to stop him! How many more people must be dragged to living hell before he is stopped! How many more must die before something is done! "

Raven slowly slumped into the sofa and buried her head in shaking fingers. Drawing in an unstable breath, she spoke quietly. "I pulled you into this battle…but I cannot fight much longer. I cannot find peace…"

Was she crying? Starfire placed a gentle hand on Raven's shivering body, wondering why she felt so cold. Peace, revenge…which was it? At times it seemed like the girl's personality was divided…and she effortlessly switched between the vicious unfeeling vixen and the tortured hurting soul. Ever since that incident….ever since Raven had been shot. Her personality began to dissociate, splitting into strange fragments that no one could understand or comprehend. The restlessness, the constant mumbling, outbursts of anger and rage…those pills from long ago!

No, much longer than that…she started acting like this after that vision. After that night Red X managed to enter the Tower… Starfire's green eyes widened with horror. Exactly how long had Raven been slowly falling apart?

"Do you think Terra was the sacrifice, Garfield? No…she escaped it all. Terra's found where she belongs…now she's free." Raven finally looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. "You'll live though, you all will…I'll make sure of that."

The young woman struggled to her feet and turned towards the door, her unstable footsteps almost agonizing. "I-I won't forget you…so please, disregard my transgressions. Please remember that I was once your good friend." Turning, she smiled tearfully. "No matter what happens, I have no regrets."

I know what you must be thinking.

How could I have planned all this? Would I be boasting if I said it all came to me one day...probably? I know it sounds like one big stupid plot device…probably the result of too much vodka and thriller novels. But I had no other choice…I couldn't deal with it any more. How much longer did I have to suffer that man's constant presence in my mind? How many more sleepless nights would I have to suffer...how much longer could I resist my slow descent into madness?

The voices in my head...those screaming and tormented voices that haunted me every hour of the day. They grew louder...beginning to bleed into my already unstable reality. Everywhere I turned, I could see him...watching me from the shadows, that twisted smile on his face. Didn't I deserve freedom and sanity? It was like facing my father once more…but without my powers. Perhaps I should have told the Justice League his whereabouts... but I couldn't bring myself to do that either.

Why should those people get the happy ending, obtain the reward for apprehending a man that had schemed under their noses for decades? Clark Kent in his self-righteousness, couldn't lower himself to the level of playing pimp in an effort to rid the country of such a menace.

They were content to ignore Erik Greyson and his human trafficking ring...until they found a victim to exploit. Then the music changed... and day after day inside that wretched building all I heard was, 'Tell us where he is and we'll let you live' or 'Don't you want to go to college? If you cooperate, we'll make that happen' and 'You don't have to be afraid of him...we'll protect you'.

Fucking bastards...how could they so easily forget those doctors plotting to kill me! Why would I cooperate with the very people who wanted me dead simply because of my father? No, I couldn't trust the Justice League anymore...they were just as corrupt and as wicked as Erik. I was a plaything to them...just a means to an end.

That night when Red X broke into my room…the night I had that horrible vision, I knew then that something would have to be done. I had been contemplating running away, going back to that man and his torture or even suicide, then I remembered Terra. Blonde haired, green eyed Terra…traitorous Terra. Such a naive little girl with a father complex and years of pent-up sexual frustration.

I remembered her love for Slade. So twisted and yet…familiar. Falling in love with the person who wronged and mistreated you…is such a thing normal? Perhaps I was just as twisted as Terra was...maybe more so considering how much I craved and yet despised my attraction to Malchior. Sometimes I curse my empathic abilities…how can such a gift be so crude and yet so…perceptive?

Love was such a stupid emotion…a nuisance. I remember thinking this as I plotted and planned her escape and my retribution. It was simple really, my plan. All I had to do was find a reason for the team to visit Gotham. Robin's curious and righteous nature would take over the rest. He would have to defeat the villain and restore order...and Batman would be obligated to help. Everything was perfect…then Derek came. Derek with his golden, cat-like eyes and beautiful voice. Derek who played guitar like Jeremy…Derek who made me fall in love again.

Hadn't I sworn off such emotions? How could he come into my life and fill me with doubt…with uncertainty and hesitation? My plans had been ruined…and instead of the glorious victory I'd imagined all these months, all I could envision was bitter remorse. Something bad was going to happen…Erik would make sure of that.

And to protect everyone…to protect Derek, I was going to have to surrender. I was going to become the sacrifice...

Why didn't I regret it?

Two weeks

It had been two weeks since anyone heard from Raven. She simply disappeared one morning...how could one miss such a thing? Thinking back...all the signs were present that day, the tea kettle that usually graced the stove was absent, resting instead in the cabinet with the other cooking pots and pans. The television sitting on the counter by Bruce's phone was off...and Raven's coat was missing from the rack by the front door.

No one noticed...not even Bruce himself.

Cyborg let out a sigh, his heart filled with self-loathing emotions. Raven was like a little sister to him...how could he have ignored such signs? Sitting back, the cybernetic paused his absent tinkering...for days he'd been trying to figure out exactly what was wrong with Raven's communicator and why it only worked when at the Tower. What exactly could she have done to the device...something that even he couldn't figure out? A dry chuckle left the man's lips as he stared at the circular communicator resting on the table.

Standing slowly the man left his room and entered his kitchen, pausing to stare at the green titan's hunched form on the couch. Was he blaming himself for Raven's disappearance? Perhaps in some way everyone was responsible. Maybe if he'd been more insistent, Raven would have at least said something before disappearing.

The jar in his hand slipped and landed with a hard slam on the counter. "Damn it." With a huff of annoyance, the young man swiped the loaf of bread from the fridge and began to fix a peanut butter sandwich. It would have been better with grape but no one was feeling up to a food run. Someone would have to go shopping soon, there wasn't any juice or milk left.

Cyborg wasn't expecting the door bell to sound as he sat down with his snack. Who one earth could that be? The mayor, come to snoop about and demand the whereabouts of Raven? Until how long would they be forced to lie to the man's face, feeding him bullshit about vacations and family issues? What would happen if he found out the truth? The mayor controlled a lot of the money that entered their hands...if he stopped paying, what would happen to the Tower?

Should he simply ignore it? Let whoever it was file a formal complaint? Cyborg shook his head and looked down once more at the communicator, noting with curiosity how all the red wires had been rerouted with the black ones. Why rearrange them like that?

A frown crossed his lips as he realized that the wires weren't just rerouted...every single red and black wire formed an 'X'! How did scrambling the wires in such an arbitrary manner result in extremely selective communicating range?

"Cyborg!" The Tameranian's voice cut across the silence, she sounded very insistent. "You must come quickly!" What could be the problem?

Rising, the cybernetic set down the cold glass of juice and hurried after the girl's voice. As he neared the front door he could see that indeed something was very wrong. There, barely able to balance on his own two feet, Derek leaned against the doorway clutching his side in agony. Why was he so pale looking?

"Star, he looks sick. Let's get him to the med-bay." Quickly Cyborg began to assist the man inside, growing even more worried about the man's frigid body temperature. It was almost ninety degrees outside!

"He never comes if Raven's not around..." Starfire's voice trailed off as she opened the doors of the med-bay and dashed to turn on the computer monitors. "I think he will need some blood tests, if a full body scan will not reveal anything."

"No! No tests...I'm fine." Derek shouted weakly as he struggled against Cyborg's grip. Pushing the man away, he sat up and took several deep breaths, eyelids still clenched tightly.

"Derek, we just want to help...you don't look fine." Starfire reassured, placing a hand tentatively against the man's shoulder. The alien's eyes seemed conflicted as she watched the twenty-four year old slowly open his eyes. A frightened gasp left her lips and the scanning device fell to the floor with a loud clatter.

Cyborg stared in awe and confusion. Derek's eyes...why were his eyes glowing? The cybernetic furrowed his brows and clenched his fists. Who exactly was he? Could this man have been a meta-human this entire time? What powers or abilities did he possess?

"Cyborg...Derek is not completely human, is he." Starfire deadpanned as she continued eyeing the man with suspicion. Her jade green eyes widened and the girl twirled around, hands clasped together in realization. "You think Raven knows? Maybe she's been trying to hide it and -"

"Starfire, you realize he can hear every word, right?" Cyborg quipped with a smirk of amusement. Starfire's animated character always seemed to brighten anyone's day. "Derek, you have to tell us what the problem is-"

The man turned swiftly, the strange light in his eyes gaining an intimidating aura. "Raven's still missing, isn't she." A strange smirk played around the corners of his lips as his eyes took in the shocked looks. "For people who claim to be her best friends, I'm surprised you couldn't anticipate this."

The cybernetic bit back the anger bubbling in his mind. At the moment he wanted nothing more than to smack the all-knowing smirk from Derek's face. A huff of exasperation left his lips; did he really come all this way simply to taunt and gloat? Why did Raven even like the guy? "Why did you come here, Derek?"

Derek stood from the cot and walked towards the door, all traces of the strange illness gone from his features. Pausing dramatically, the man turned around and spoke, "I found Raven."

Review please!

~heartless16