Fixed crappy chapter set up...sorry about that.
DISCLAIMER-(See chapter 1)
Ch.3-Flee
Raven lay in her bed covered in sweat; the sleeves of her outfit were torn away by the blood red runes that ran the length her arms, and beneath the crawling Runes of Skath
Crimson could see other marks.
Tiny, thin scars the length of her forearm.
Thin and sharp scars that could only have come from a blade.
From a corner Crimson watched the rune's burn with an inner light.
He watched as they spread from her shoulders then further.
His mind drifted back to earlier that night when the Titans had decided
To give him a trial run so to speak.
Robin wouldn't allow anyone to join unless the decision was unanimous, Beastboy had been dead set against him joining until Raven came back down long enough to cast her vote, Beastboy had assumed that after what had happened she would vote his way.
But to everyone's surprise she wanted Crimson to join, she gave her decision and left she said she wasn't feeling well.
Beastboy had reluctantly changed his vote.
That over they took him to his room and went to bed, after he was sure every one was asleep Crimson left his room, he walked down the hall coming to stop at Ravens room.
He had to see her, to make sure she was alright, and all that stood in his was a locked door.
So here he was watching the demon-script etch its way across her helpless, sleeping form.
He knew how to stop it, but to act now would allow the enemy to know he was here, an enemy he still didn't know…the choice must be made carefully.
Raven moaned as another symbol began to carve its way onto her forehead.
Crimson sighed, the choice was made.
He came to stand over Raven.
He placed a light kiss on her forehead, over the burning symbol that was the mark of Skath…Trigons mark.
The symbol dimmed slightly at his touch, he spoke softly "Fear not Raven my dark angel for I will do all in my power to stop this from happening".
An angel an a devil what a pair they make he thought, he shoved his power into the mark, it slowly faded and he moved to the others leaving no traces of what had happened, even the sleeves of her leotard where whole again.
Crimson fell to his knees exhausted he had used too much power in to short a space of time but it was worth it.
A smile crossed his face and it wasn't happy, was it worth it, was it really worth it, was she worth all he had lost, was this one girl worth more then an empire, a world?
A small amount of moon light fell through a crack in the heavy curtains, Crimson got shakily to his feet, he felt compelled, and he acted on it.
He quietly opened the curtains, and the moon light spilled into the room.
He looked at Raven, bathed in moonlight and darkness the answer was yes, she was worth all things, for her he would give up empire, world, life, nothing was too great.
"So my Goddess shows me to be a fool" he whispered.
Crimson slowly closed the curtains, kissing Ravens forehead on last time he left the room and silently made his way back to his room and slept.
Raven woke slowly dreading a new day, for each new day brought the prophecy closer to fruition.
Someone knocked at the door "Hey Raven", it was Beastboy "Time for breakfast, get up".
Raven got out of bed "I'll be down in a minute"
"OK" he responded, she heard his feet softly pad down the hall.
She walked to her closet reached in and grabbed a new outfit, her hand stopped in midair, something was wrong, every night since Slade came back her outfit was ruined by morning, but this morning it was fine, she was fine.
In fact she felt better then she had in months why? What was different now?
Then it dawned on her, Crimson was in her room last night, she had thought it was just a dream, but if he was really here.
Her mind drifted back to last night when they were...a pillow vaporized into a cloud a feathers, Raven blushed, she had to talk to him alone if possible.
These people where strange Crimson thought, not in a bad way just strange.
Here they were different likes, clashing personalities, even different worlds separate them and still they were friends all enjoying a meal together.
Beastboy and Cyborg were sitting next to each other arguing about some game, though Beastboy keep glaring in Crimsons direction.
Starfire was planning a trip to get Crimson some new clothes since what he had were trashed, and Robin was discussing fighting techniques with Crimson.
Raven walked in and all conversation stopped, this was the first time in 4 days she had been able to make it to breakfast.
Starfire jumped up, knocking her chair to the ground, then grabbed Raven and spun her around in the air "Friend Raven, you are better", Raven waited until the Tamaranian put her down "Yes, I'm fine".
Starfire clapped her hands together "Friend Raven, we will be traveling to the mall of shopping to procure new garments for Friends Crimson, you must come with us".
Raven looked over to Crimson, his shirt was gone leaving his vary muscular chest bare, and he was wearing a pair of Cyborg's old sweat-pants his hair was done in a tight neat braid, he still looked too hot to be real, should she go, could Crimson go to the mall and not be corrupted by Starfire happy demeanor.
A sudden image of Crimson dressed in bright happy colors flashed through her mind that could not happen "Sure, I'll go".
Cyborg dropped his fork "Did you just agree to go to the mall……willingly".
"I need to get something's anyway" she said as she left the room.
Beastboy spoke "Hey Star I need something's to, care if I tag along".
Starfire giggled "We should all go, like a family", she flow over to Robin and pulled him from the room "Come we must get ready" and they were gone leaving Crimson alone with Cyborg and Beastboy.
Crimson turned his gaze to Beastboy "My I ask you a question".
Beastboy put his fork down "I guess, if you have to", he really didn't like Crimson and his eyes were really weird.
Crimson nodded slightly "Why so you have such hostility toward me, have I offended you in some way?"
Beastboy stood and took his plate to the sink "I don't know what you mean".
"Yes, you do, there is no need to lie".
Beastboy looked in his direction for a moment, and then looked at the floor "Because I don't trust you".
Crimson stood and walked around the table putting himself closer to Beastboy "Is it because I seem untrustworthy or because you trusted her so easily and were betrayed".
Beastboy closed the distance between him self and Crimson, mere inches apart jade green eyes staring into blood red, he could feel something drifting from Crimsons body, like heat, a soft electric current, it pulsed against his skin, a hint of what it could be.
Crimson could see the pain in his eyes "How do you know about her" Beastboy asked, Crimson took a step back, he was not afraid but he also did not want to provoke Beastboy any farther then he had to.
"Because that all you've thought about since last night" he waved his arm toward the living room "all of you have been thinking the same things and your thoughts have made there way to my mind and though I have never met her and don't know her name I know what happened and why you hate her".
"I do not hate her" Beastboy said through clenched teeth, and his words rang true, could the emotions he received last night been misinterpreted, no there had been hatred, lots of it but just in case.
He delved into Beastboy and Cyborg's minds, digging, seeking, seeking for the source of there anger toward this girl and he found it in the form of a single eye framed buy a black and gold mask, it was for this person that there hatred burned for and him alone, he searched a little deeper pulling a name from them….Slade!
Beastboy didn't like the way Crimson was staring at him or the fact that he hadn't said a thing in like a minute.
Crimson put a hand on Beastboy's shoulder "I am sorry, I did not know how you felt about her."
Beastboy shrugged and walked back to his seat "It's no big, don't worry about it" his anger forgotten in the onslaught of old, pain-filled memories.
Crimson felt a twinge of remorse, it had not been his intension to cause pain "Truly Beastboy, I'm sorry, but you must stop blaming yourself, you could not have saved her."
Crimson had expected many things from Beastboy anger, fear, even denial; he was not prepared for what he got.
Tears welled up in Beastboy's jade eyes, his breath came in chocking sobs as he buried his face in his hands, Cyborg patted his friend's back "Its okay B, let it out man".
Crimson staggered backward grabbing the edge of the table to keep him from falling as he was assailed with feelings of guilt, sorrow, pain and hate.
But with them came hope, loyalty and love and beneath them all an overwhelming sense of self loathing, in Beastboy's mind he had failed not only this girl but all the Titans and he had never forgiven himself.
Crimson had to help, to leave him like this was simply cruel "Beastboy, look at me".
Beastboy slowly raised his red rimmed eyes, Crimson took a seat on the opposite side of the table "Listen to me, you must stop blaming yourself", Beastboy shook his head "No, it's my fault, I pushed her away, pushed her right back to Slade" he slammed his fist into the table "It my fault she's dead".
Crimson snapped his finger to gain Beastboy attention "Share your pain with me Beastboy".
"What do you mean", Beastboy felt a hand on his other shoulder, and he looked up to see Crimson "How".
Crimson raised a hand "Later, Cyborg can you leave us for a moment".
Cyborg stood "I give you a few minutes, but if you hurt him, I'll hunt you down, I swear it".
Crimson nodded, "I understand, and I will try to ensure that no harm befalls him".
Cyborg looked over his shoulder as he walked out of the kitchen "Don't try man, just do it".
Beastboy looked at Crimson "What's going on", Crimson sat in Cyborg seat and faced Beastboy, his eyes now glowing slightly "Open you mind, let me see what causes you such pain".
Beastboy started to rise "Look I'm sorry that you think I don't like you, its not you I... I'm just worried about Raven ok" Crimson grabbed his arm "Then let me see, it will cost you nothing, and someone here will understand the pain your going through".
Beastboy let out a slow breath "Fine, do it".
He stood up and sat Beastboy in a chair "Close your eyes", Beastboy slowly shut his eyes "Will this hurt".
Crimson sat in the other chair "Not physically, but you will feel that ache of loss strongly, and for that I'm sorry", Crimson placed a finger on each side of Beastboy's head; over the temple "First show me the girl, the one who served Slade".
Crimson felt anger rise from Beastboy like a levitation sitting just under the surface, a great and terrible thing, anger and sadness "Beastboy calm down" he said, and slowly the anger and pain sunk back down "Her name was Terra, and she's the one who stopped Slade, she died to save us".
Now he had a name, and a reason for such pain, a love sacrificed, a friend lost, a great empty hole within Beastboy heart, that was slowly filling and healing, until last night now new wounds bled and festered, it was not enough he needed more "Show me Beastboy, let me see just think, replay it in your mind, will me to see, to know, dare to allow others to see your pain, and know that I will keep silent of all you don't want shared".
The walls around Beastboy mind fell, a myriad of images flooded Crimson mind causing him to momentarily pull back and sort through them slowly.
At first they were normal, a quite evening watching TV with friends Terra head resting on his shoulder, an afternoon spent at the mall as Terra and Starfire ran from store to store and Robin trying to keep up.
Then as if to destroy the peaceful moments, there stood Slade fighting off a savage attack as Beastboy tried to protect Terra from this devil, the claws of a Raptor tearing at the armor but to no avail in the end Beastboy was beaten and Terra walked into the shadows willingly with Slade, the true pain was not in the betrayal but in the final words as Beastboy tired to cause pain to her by turning his back on her.
A underground compound, the Titans were battling Slade as Beastboy tired to save the same girl he had alienated, he succeeded but to late Terra broke Slade's control and defeated him but her life had to be sacrificed in order to save the city only her ability's could save them, and so the Titans left leaving there life in the hands of a girl who had betrayed their trust, they never doubted.
So many moments, so much joy, pain, love, loss, shared moments with all the
Titans flashed through his mind all except Raven, not one memory of just Raven came to him Beastboy had blocked them, kept them locked and guarded, it would be easy to pry the knowledge, but that was a breach of trust, a breach of honor and would not be done.
Crimson felt something, a pulse, a vibration in the back of his mind, Beastboy was using the link to shift through his more easily accessed thoughts and memories, he had to brake off the link, there were things he could not allow to be known, dark secrets that must not surface.
Beastboy felt Crimson digging around in his mind, but it didn't matter all his focus was on the thoughts he was seeing, Crimson amidst a horde of other people, and things that were huge and horrible, twisted disfigured creatures of massive and terrible power…demons.
A war was going on Crimson was on the losing side, he watched as his men fell before the demon, man cannot fight the denizen of the pit and hope to win.
Crimson stood apart from the battle eyes blazing like stars, blood covered him from head to toe, from earlier battles that day, painting a frightening visage.
Beastboy watched as Crimson tore into the battle, all fled before him only to be cut down as they ran, even the most powerful of the demons screamed for mercy, one stood out, a man, a human watched as a massive demon swooped down, wicked black talons aimed for Crimson, the blooded warrior laughed as huge claws pierced his body, the large winged demon tried to take to the air after attack, but only screamed in pain as its wings were torn from it.
Gone was Crimson from bloody claw, he stood atop the demon in one hand a wing far larger then himself the other hand was placed on the demons skull, the man and Beastboy watched in horror as the skull collapsed in on it self, but the demon did not die, Crimson worked slow, tearing off limbs, crushing bone and flesh until the demon ceased breathing.
The man screamed 'what are you', Crimson began to slowly stalk over to the man, Beastboy noticed that none interfered.
Those who didn't die at Crimsons hand had fled or were on his side, 'you are lucky servant of Kelborn you may get to live today when all others fell', the man stumbled and fell trying to run 'please, spare me you are a follower of the Goddess, you must be merciful'.
Crimson laughed, laughed until tears rolled down his face 'you beseech mercy after your people turned to the rulers of the pit to defeat us, you speak of the Goddess after you turn from her in your greed, you beg me for mercy after your armies leave me homeless, after they tired to raped my sister, after they killed my family'.
The man started to cry 'please, I have two daughter's, they are young and there mother is dead I'm all they have'.
Crimson dropped to one knee in front of the man and painfully dug through his mind, a snarl crossed his face a second before he struck the man sending him rolling backwards 'you pig, you beat and lay with your own daughter's, does it make you feel better, does there pain make you feel more of a man, do there screams of pain make you life seem better'.
Crimson grabbed him by the hair and smashed his face into the blood stained ground feeling satisfaction as he heard cracking 'no daddy please' Crimson voice sounded like that of a little girl no older then nine 'please, I'll be good, I sorry, please', the man rolled over, blood dripping from his nose, blood seeped from his open mouth from his now missing teeth, "No, I never I would never hurt my daughter's', Crimson smashed his head into the ground again.
Beastboy flinched he didn't know whether to feel sorry from the man or to wish more on him.
Crimson lowered his face to the mans ear and whispered slowly 'do not lie to me, the night before you came to war what did you do', the man tried to crawl away and Crimson kicked him in the ribs, it sent him spinning through the air he hit hard on the ground and over it all Beastboy could hear breaking bones, Crimson walked over to the gasping man, grabbed him by the hair and pulled him to eye level 'you left you oldest daughter lying on a bloody mattress, you crushed the bone around her eye, you broke many of her ribs and her arm, then you left you sick bastard, you rape you own daughter then left with your other daughter lying in a crib unfed for days, your beaten battered daughter rose from her bed that morning and limped crying all the while, and made sure your youngest was fed'.
'Please things have been hard on me, I don't do it on purpose I just', Crimson grabbed the mans arm and crushed it in his hand, the man screamed and Beastboy felt a wave of heat wash over him, he was going to faint 'you just accidentally fucked your daughter and left her to bleed in you house' Crimson pulled him closer 'listen to me, I'm going to let you go' the man whimpered a thanks and Crimson slapped him hard enough for blood to fly from his face 'shut up, you go back to you lord and tell that the Storm has fallen, tell him that if there is any more hostility I will wipe his kingdom from the face of the planet, and don't worry about you daughter's they will trouble you no more, I have removed them from you house', Crimson released him and he fell catching himself on his bad arm, his scream broke the silence.
'good, you should take them I am a bad father, I deserve to be alone' Crimson laughed and gabbed the man by the throat 'you will not be alone you will deliver this message then you will go home and waiting there will be the Camezal, that will be you punishment', the mans face went white 'how are you able to order the deamons'.
Crimson struck him gain 'I have broken you ribs and you're arm' he slammed his fist into that mans face resulting in a wet crunch sound, the man twitched and sagged to the ground unconscious 'I have shattered the bones around you eye, all the pain you inflicted on your daughter have been repaid but one and the Camezal shall repay that'.
Crimson lowered his hand to the mans forehead, his hand glowing, the man eyes shot open and he screamed he screamed until he ran out of breath, his eye hanging from its socket 'now make you way to your king tell him what I have said, tell him that the Crimson Storm has come into his power tell him the Crimson Pain lives".
The broken, batter man stood, rising shakily to his feet, his face was battered beyond recognition, his breathing accompanied buy a wet, nasal sound.
Crimson resisted the urge to simply kill him, so strong was it that he clenched his fist hard enough to draw blood from his own hand, "Leave now" he told him "Leave and tell you king what I have said".
The man only nodded and began to walk away, cradling his broken arm.
Crimson stood and watched as he vanished from sight, he then raised his voice to the sky issuing forth a primal roar that echoed through the land like thunder.
Beastboy knew he wasn't really there, even though he could feel the ground tremble, the air felt charged, as if a thunder storm were approaching, another voice tore through the air "Crimson", Beast boy turned around to see 3 new people walking toward Crimson, who's back was turned away from them.
The two in the back were blurred and Beastboy couldn't make them out aside from the fact there clothing was dark.
The man in the lead however stood out with blinding clarity literally, light
seemed to poor forth from his body, his hair was golden, not blond but the color of real gold, it hung in waves down his back nearly brushing the ground, he was handsome, but his eye were arrogant, and he walked with a self important strut, he wore no shirt, leaving his tanned, muscular upper body bare, around his upper arm and forearms were black straps each holding some type of knife, the hilt of two swords could be seen above his shoulders as well as two at his waist attached to a black sash, his pants were a dark shimmering blue that billowed as he walked, his feet were bare.
"Noble" Crimson spoke with out turning to face him "What do you want".
The man Noble had a scroll in his hand "Would you like to read it Storm".
Crimson shook his head "No, I would not deprive you of the pleasure, read".
Noble smirked "To the Crimson Storm, on this day, well lets skip to the good stuff shall we, after considerable time spent in deliberation, oh hell they have banished you, we have come to take you in for your punishment".
Beastboy had never met this man but even he could hear the satisfaction in his voice.
Beastboy felt a pull, then Crimson voice filled his mind, I'm sorry Beastboy but I think that's enough.
The world went dark as the ground fell from beneath his feet, he tried to draw a breath but there was no air, he panicked, the struggle making the need for air worse, the pain in his chest was unbearable, then nothing.
Beastboy's eye's shot open, he took a large gaping breath, and he felt someone patting him on the back "Breath Beastboy, slow and easy or you could hyperventilate".
Beastboy took a long slow breath and looked behind him, Crimson stood on the other side of the room with Cyborg aiming the sonic cannon at him, it was Robin patting his back, Raven stood in the doorway with Starfire behind her.
Robin stop patting his back and put his hand on Beastboy neck, checking his pulse "Do you feel alright, are you dizzy or light headed".
Beastboy got slowly to his feet "Im fine Rob", Robin looked unsure "Really Im fine, you can let him go Cyborg he didn't do anything".
Cyborg's human eye narrowed "What'd mean he didn't do nothing, we came in
here and y'all are floating in the air with bolts of orange shit shooting back and forth between you heads".
Beastboy crossed the kitchen and stood in front of Crimson blocking the sonic cannon "Put it away dude, he didn't do anything I swear".
Raven walked up next to Cyborg, her cloak pulled low hiding most of her face "Let it go Vic".
He turned his head to look at her and slowly lowered his arm, which changed
back into his normal hand, or as normal as it got.
Cyborg extended a hand to Crimson "Im sorry man, I saw y'all up there like that and I just lost it".
Crimson tuned Cyborg hand over "How do you do that" he asked.
Cyborg chuckled and pulled his hand away changing it once more into the cannon "Modern technologies man".
"Can you feel" Crimson asked.
"There are thousands of sensors that transmit impulses to my brain that
simulate what normal people feel, so yeah in a way".
"Amazing" Crimson said
Starfire walked over and took Crimson's hand gmancing unsurly at the group "Are we all friends again", she looked back at Cyborg who just nodded "Good, then we shall leave now" she said smiling.
Raven cleared her throat to get everyone's attention "We have a problem, there not enough room in the T-Car for all of us".
Cyborg let out a chipped laugh "Then you have another cause the T-Car on the
Lift and in about 300 pieces, its not going anywhere".
Starfire let out a small scream "We must find transportation".
"Starfire you can fly" Raven said.
She nodded "Yes, but what of everyone else".
"Well" Raven said slightly irritated "I can fly and so can Beastboy, Robin's bike if still running, were fine".
Starfire shook her head and pulled Crimson from behind Cyborg "What of
friend Crimson", she suddenly smiled "Perhaps if we each take a hand".
"NO" Beastboy cut her off "Im sure Crimson can get there on his own".
Starfire looked at Crimson who nodded and floated into the air "If someone shows me the way I can get there".
"You can follow me, Starfire and Beastboy, if you can keep up" Raven said as
she turned and left the room.
Crimson smiled "That sounds like a challenge".
Raven's voice floated in from the other room "Maybe it is, care to try your luck".
Starfire squealed and joyfully leapt into the air "Joy upon joy a race, may I be included".
"Me too" said Beastboy.
Crimson walked from the room with Starfire and Beastboy behind him, Robin
and Cyborg remained in the kitchen looking somewhat down "Dude, I think we
just got ditched" said Cyborg, Robin walked toward the basement "What do you mean we, I still have a ride", Cyborg looked around "That is so wrong".
Raven slowly drifted above the water waiting on the others, her mind drifting back to last night when her body had been possessed.
She couldn't remember how it had happened, then Crimson just happens to come
along and... well...nothing.
She heard a noise behind her she tilted her head and saw Crimson and Starfire quickly catching up.
She still couldn't see Beastboy though he couldn't be that slow.
A green blur shot by her head, she covered herself in her aura waiting for
the attack, then she heard the laughter, Crimson and Starfire had caught up
and where laughing at her, she saw the blur was really green falcon flying in a circle around her, Beastboy.
She blushed under her cloak, thankful that there was nothing around to blow up.
Crimson relined in the air "Well what are the rules, and what does the winner get".
Beastboy began to circle more quickly, "Go ahead and shift Beastboy I've got
you" Crimson said.
Beastboy shifted into his human form and hovered into the air "Dude,
this is weird, how are you doing this" he asked.
Crimson shrugged "The mind is a powerful tool".
Starfire flew over and grabbed Beastboy hand's twirling him in the air.
"Starfire, it easier to hold him up when he is still" Crimson said.
"I apologize" she released him and put her hands behind her back "Shall
we race now".
Raven turned her back to them "Here's the rules, were going to fly back to
the Tower, then fly to the mall".
"And the winner" asked Beastboy.
Raven though for a second "I'll decide when I get there...GO", Raven shot across the sky.
Starfire quickly followed her lower body covered in a green light.
Beastboy looked at Crimson "Um dude, can you let me go now", Crimson
Waved his hand and Beastboy fell, quickly turning into a Pterodactyl he took
Off in the direction of the Tower, Crimson remained where he was deciding
is was better to give them a chance.
Some how Starfire had managed, barely, to catch up and was only a few feet
behind Raven, Beastboy could be seen far on the horizon and Crimson was
nowhere to be seen.
Raven landed on the roof of the tower and quickly launched her self back.
Starfire decided to circle and lost a few seconds Raven now far ahead.
Beastboy had all but given up now but he wouldn't quit, Crimson waited for Raven to come back into view, she streaked toward him surrounded in her black aura, he could see a smug smile on her face, it was time.
Crimson flew of in the direction of the tower with such speed that Raven was
pulled backward's by the wind tunnel left in his wake, she stopped and looked toward the tower, Crimson managed to get around it before Beastboy.
Starfire was now watching him as well as he speed toward her like a comet
she tumbled in the air but managed to catch herself before she hit the
water, and now he was coming back toward Raven.
Raven could feel her heart begin to beat against her chest, feel her powers
looking for a outlet and she gave them one, she turned and streaked
into the sky no longer concerned with winning, but with something more.
Crimson watched her, he saw it in her eyes the moment she was caught, he watched her speed off again, a challenge to him, she probably didn't even realize what she was doing, if he could not catch her then he would be proven unworthy... this was not acceptable.
Raven looked behind her to see the water parting as Crimson past, such power, she had to get away and sped even faster, the water began to build behind her creating a wave of massive size.
Starfire and Beastboy landed at the mall where Robin waited, watching a TV mounted in a display, an emergence news program covering a title wave had formed from no where and threatened Jump City, and in front of the huge wave was Raven.
Robin hit a button on his communicator "Raven come in", no answer , he could
hear the water now.
Beastboy got out his communicator while Robin continued to try and contact Raven "Crimson, are you there".
"Yes", he answered.
"What happened" Beastboy asked, he could hear the sound of water nearly overpowering the sound of Crimson voice.
"Something that shouldn't have, I am trying to reach her".
Robin started shouting "Raven, can you hear me you've got to stop", Raven's voice crackled to life "Robin" she sounded terrified.
Robin sighed in relief "Raven you have to stop, your causing a Tsunami".
Raven's voice came back on "I Cant stop, I've tried, I cant" she siad "Im sorry Robin" the communicator went silent.
"Raven, come in, Raven" he shouted, he threw the device down causing it to shatter "Dammit".
Robin grabbed the small device from Beastboy "Crimson, can you hear me".
Seconds past "Crimson, god-dammit answer me".
Robin could see the wave towering over the building's now, soon it would hit
the city.
"Crimson" he shouted into the communicator, Crimson voice floated over the noise of screaming people "It will be taken care of Robin" and it fell silent, all the Titans could do was wait.
Starfire screamed "Robin, the Tower".
He let out a chipped laugh "The Tower is the least of our worries Star".
"No Robin" she said "Look", she pointed toward the tower where a red streak
was hurdling across the sky, Robin smile, Crimson would make it.
Crimson flew a speeds that caused his vision to blur, the surrounding
bleeding together, but he would not fail, he would not let these people down, not these people.
He smashed through the wave and broke through to the other side in a huge
spray of water, Raven remained unaware of his presence.
He flew over her and dropped down wrapping his arms around her waist, he whispered in her ear "Its over Raven, I have caught you".
She stiffened in his grasp, then relaxed, he felt her begin to slow "No" he said "you must go faster, we have to beat the wave".
Raven shook her head trying to clear it "What wave" she asked.
"The one behind us" he said.
Raven craned her neck "Oh, that's what that noise was", then it hit her "It going to hit the city".
She felt them accelerate, the shore closing in faster and faster "How do you propose we stop that".
"We'll build a wall" he answered.
They landed on the ground with only minutes to spare, Crimson reluctantly released her, "You'd better prepare yourself Raven" he said, he looked down at himself "The irony, I may die wearing old, grease stained sweat pants".
Raven's gaze slowly traveled over him "You look fine" she said regretting the moment it left her mouth, he smiled at her and bowed, his long blood colored hair brushing the ground "I thank you, you look lovely yourself dear Raven".
Raven blushed and turned away "Its good to see that imminent death doesn't affect your sense of humor".
He stood straight, his hair moving itself back into position "I don't plan on dying here Raven, we have much to discuss later".
She turned to face him, her eyes glowing white "Yes we do", the sound of a motor cycle drew there attention.
Robin pulled his bike up next to them "I hope you two have a plan, Starfire
and Beastboy are trying to keep people calm but they cant keep it up".
Cyborg sat in the garage, music blaring from a large wall mounted stereo, he
brushed the sweat from the human side of his head "Man , this sucks, hope the others are haven fun", he carefully placed a piece of the T-Car into position and welded it onto the frame, "This is so Wrong".
Starfire flew above the crowed urging people to return to there homes but having little luck "Beastboy, we must go help Robin" she said, he barely heard her over the roar of the crowed "We cant Star, someone has to keep order".
She hovered closer to be better heard "But what if he has become injured".
Beastboy turned to her anger showing plainly on his face "The only thing
stopping these people from rioting is us Star we have to stay, it is in there
hands now, its in his hands now", he turned back to the crowed trying to
calm a group children, Starfire didn't think the he that he meant was Robin.
Raven levitate a few inches above the ground, trying to focus her mind and
control her rampant emotions "Azerath Metrion Zinthos", she repeated over
and over, each time her mind calming a bit more.
Crimson stood on the bank watching the wave rush toward them, Robin stood
next to him, his face a stoic mask allowing nothing through.
"Crimson, can you two stop this" he asked his voice void of emotion.
Crimson looked at the ground "We don't have a choice do we".
Robin smiled "No I guess not".
Raven lowered herself to the ground and went to stand on the other side of
Robin, her eyes glowing, her violet hair whipping in the wind "Don't worry Robin, we wont fail, after all... I hate losing".
She raised her hands "Azerath Metrion ZINTHOS", huge blocks of earth raised
from the ground standing in the way of the water.
Raven looked over to Crimson "Don't just stand there".
He smiled "I have no intension of allowing you to top me", he slammed his
fist into the ground, bright blue light shot across the ground causing more
block of earth to rise "It wont be enough Raven" he said.
Raven raised more blocks "Then we make more".
Crimson watched her raise tons of earth and forge it into a wall, but it
still hadn't coved the width of the wave and now she was straining, Robin
saw it to and put a hand on her shoulder "That's good Rea, it should stop most of it".
She dropped to her knees, gasping in breath as fast as she could "He's right...it... won't be enough".
Crimson turned to the wall, the wave smashed through it barely slowing down "Raven we can stop it".
She glared at him, distrust showing in her eyes "How".
Crimson waved for Robin to move back, he did but only a few steps.
Crimson reached for Raven "All you have to do it take my hand Raven, our combined power can overcome this".
She could barely hear him over the rushing water but she knew what he wanted.
She took his hand and he pulled her to her feet, he smiled "Stop fighting Raven" he said.
She looked into his eyes, burning red now "I don't know how" she said He held out his other hand "Just take smalls steps, we have time", she smiled "Your not funny".
"We are running out of time here guys" Robin said.
Raven stared into his eyes and dropped her shields, the shields that held her power in check and allowed her to keep her emotions contained.
Power smashed into her, not her own but Crimsons, so much that it brought her to her knees screaming and when she though she would burst it only flowed faster "What are you" she yelled.
Crimson pulled her to her feet again "I am your's, and that's all that matters".
She started to fall again but Crimson squeezed her hands until she made small pained noises "Don't fight it Raven" he said "Embrace it, bend it, use it".
The wall of water was nearly on top of them now "We live or die here today Raven, its up to you", he released one hand, she fell to the ground.
"Crimson do something" Robin shouted.
Crimson smiled "I already did".
Raven stood, her eyes blazing with white fire "Lets get this over with".
As one Crimson and Raven flung there free arm wide, a wall of black energy
shot through with red rose from the ground, the wave smashed into the wall, Raven fell to her knees and as she began to weaken power flowed from Crimson into her, just as she could feel her power strengthen him.
Not only did they stop the wave they pushed it back, shoved it down until the water laid smooth and flat.
Robin stared in disbelief, only when Raven had frozen time had he seen such
power, the wall of power shimmered and faded leaving only the sound of the surf.
Crimson and Raven stood facing each other, there hand's still intertwined.
Crimson leaned closer, Raven placed her free hand on his chest stopping him she shook her head and slowly released his hand.
"Raven" his voice sounded unsure.
She turned and walked toward the city "We need to have a long talk when we get back from the mall until then lets keep this professional".
Robin and Crimson watched her walk away, Robin turned suspicious eyes to
Crimson "What going on with you two" he asked.
Crimson returned the stare, his eyes were confused and at the same time happy "Robin when I figure it out you'll know".
Robin crossed the beach and sat on his bike "Well lets go, we still have
shopping to do", he pulled his helmet "People are going to want to know about, cant have you seen wearing old stained pants and nothing else".
Crimson smiled, a wicked gleam in his eyes "I could always take them of and walked around naked, I sure the press would love that".
Laughter echoed from Robin helmet "I could see the headline 'new Titan battles both crime and conformity".
"Hey Crimson" Robin said "We didn't ask last night but where are you from".
"I am from a different world, in another dimension" he said.
Robin nodded "Why did you come here".
"I was banished for what they said were crimes of war and betrayal".
Robin decided to push the subject "What crimes" he asked.
Crimson looked over the sea, but his mind was in a far away place "I refused
to slaughter innocent people" he said "My kingdom was at war with another, I
was to lead an assault against there main forces, but to do so they wanted me to eradicate a small village to use it to hide my army and attack by surprise".
Robin sat and listened.
"I refused and met them head on, the loss of life was enormous on our side, there side was completely destroyed, so they turned to the creature of the pit, demons you call them, to bolster there ranks".
Robin went still, the only demon he had ever heard of was Trigon, had
Crimson fought things like that before.
"No, I haven't" he said answering Robin's unspoken question.
Robin grinned "You can read minds too?"
Crimson only nodded "There demons wiped out most of my remaining forces and I was forced to enter the battle, Beastboy can tell you the rest he has seen it".
Robins eyes went wide "How did he see it" he asked.
Crimson turned to him "Just ask him, I don't want to talk about it anymore".
Robin started his bike "Well lets go, we still have things to do today".
They left, one by land the other by air meeting up with the other Titans at the mall were the press was already waiting in droves, Crimson was forced to make his first public viewing in old sweet pants.
The day faded finding Crimson in new clothes, solid black, no pictures or
catchy little phrases just black, from boots to coat, the only addition was
a spiked collar.
By night they were back at the Tower tired and lugging an entirely new living room with them on top of all Crimson's new things.
Cyborg lay asleep in the kitchen, a plate of hamburger lying on the table.
After Beastboy caused another hole in the wall by scaring Cyborg awake, everyone sat down to eat except Raven who excused herself and retreated to her room.
Crimson and Beastboy watched her leave, Beastboy slapped Crimson in the back of the head "What are you waiting for dude, go after her".
Crimson stared at him "What about you, you care for her as well".
Beastboy shrugged "I'll be alright, there plenty more fish in the sea and all that shit" he smiled "Besides Im hoping she does to you what she does to everyone else who goes into her room".
Crimson stood "What would that be" he asked.
Beastboy turned back to his tofu eggs "You'll have to find out".
Crimson left the room.
"Where he going B" Cyborg asked.
Beastboy smiled "Ravens room".
Cyborg choked on his burger, Robin acted quickly and slapped his friend on
the back "That stupid, stupid man" he said when he could breath again.
"He may surprise you Cy" Robin said.
"I'll be surprised if he lives" Cyborg retorted.
Starfire looked at Robin "What will be our surprise Robin" she asked.
Robin scratched his head "You'll just have to wait and see" he turned to Beastboy "We need to talk".
Beastboy put his own food down "About".
"Crimson, you and a war", Beastboy put his food down and stood "Ok,
lets go".
They left the room with stares following them "I believe they are hiding
things from us" Starfire said, Cyborg threw his burger down "I know
they are".
Crimson went to Raven's room but she was not there, he didn't feel like searching for her and flung his senses wide, not sight or smell but other sense, he could feel her on the roof, waiting.
Raven looked out over the sea, onto the sparkling lights of the city.
She could feel Crimson walk onto the roof "I wondered how long it would take
you to find me" she said.
She could hear his coat scraping on his pants as he walked toward her "I didn't know it you wanted to be bothered or not" he answered.
She smiled and turned to look at him "We have to talk".
"If that is what you want" he said jokingly.
"What else would I want you for" she shot back.
He put his hand on his chest "Im hurt, really I don't think I will ever recover", he closed the distance between them "We have much to discuss".
Raven took a deep breath and let it out slowly "Yes we do" she said.