A/N: Longer than expected to write, longer than expected in length. Parts are based off of the actual The End episodes just to let you know. Perspective changes are a bit off but I can't seem to make myself care right now. Next few chapters shall be dedicated to evilsangel, Cherry Jade, Logan X, MyChemsweetie, ravenslair, Cherished18, RavenBraven, Teen Titans Obsessor. Your reviews are always appreciated and always shall be, especially the strange ones that make me laugh. Not enough humor in this world. Anyways, Thanks again and enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans, but hey, I think we all knew that already

Trying To Do the Right Thing

Chapter 21

By: Finalitylife

Robin P.O.V:

I never thought the day would come when I would hate the fact that I woke up alone. I never thought I would actually live to see the day when I wouldn't mind having someone else slumbering next to me violating my personal space and the private sanctity of my room.

Of course it was not outside my understanding that such thoughts must of at one point been mirrored inside the head of the young woman who I was hoping would still be next to me when I awoke. She was not, any presence of her gone except for the smallest bit of her unique scent lingering on the linens of the bed and the pillow I still rested my head upon.

A small part of me was still wondering if what happened had been in fact real and not some concoction of my subconscious mind though I knew better than to believe that. As unexpected and surreal the events of last night were, I knew they had been all too real as were the emotions that I had felt, absolutely none of it fabricated because of Raven's unique powers. It was as if for a few moments, everything made it self clear to me and true clarity always seemed to be in short supply for me no matter the circumstances.

What had almost occurred last night, what I had almost done with Raven...God how I had wanted to but it was simply not to be. It had taken every ounce of my will to not take her then and there, her mind and body had been more than willing, yet I know it was not the right time, it was not the moment for such a joining.

It could have very well been the last night of any of our lives, the last time that anything like that is possible, but to have done it, I would have felt like I was taking advantage of Raven. She had been scared, she had been upset, and I believe what she was looking for more than anything else was comfort...comfort in the arms of the one she loved. That was something that I was able to give her, able to provide a sense of peace for her troubled soul. I only hope it was enough to help her, I only hope that I will have another moment when things will be right, where I will be able to find the courage to tell her waking form what I believe I feel in my heart.

I sat up in my bed, shifting so that my feet settled on the cold floor of my room though I did not rise. I closed my eyes and took a very deep breathe, holding it in for a few seconds before finally exhaling. After another moment of silence, I opened my eyes, seriousness flowing from every part of my body, all other concerns pushed into the back of my mind except for one. Today would be the day, and I would not fail.

Raven stood in her dark room, fully clothed, staring intently at a picture clutched tightly in her hands. It was a picture of all the Titans, before Terra had arrived...even before Robin had taken it upon himself to become Red X, embracing his darker nature for the first time. Raven easily noticed the slight physical changes that had occurred for each of the Titans over the time since the picture had been taken but what was most drastic was the look in three of the members eyes.

This picture was from a more innocent time, before life had decided to throw the worst at the Titans, before they had to endure tragedy as a team, not just from each of their perspective pasts. Cyborg, Beast Boy, and even Starfire had gained a slight edge to their gazes, a sign of maturity, but also a sign of enduring hardship.

Robin...Raven found herself shuddering ever so slightly as she though about his icy-blue eyes that were not visible in this picture, those eyes that held such an intensity last night. Robin changed but it was always different for him than the others. Since she knew him, he had been in a constant state of change within himself, sometimes going backward and forward in his progress, an uncertainty about who he truly was always seeming to influence his decisions. It reminded her strongly of herself, as though she had always known her destiny, she never truly knew who she was, never truly knew what lied deep inside. She had crafted a negative self image for herself, a lack of worth and deep self loathing, and for so very long, that mind-set never even had the slightest of cracks in it.

However, two weeks ago, all that was shattered by the deep, caring feelings that flowed from all of her friends and last night...simply being able to feel the emotions that radiated off of Robin had made her feel like the most special person in the world. Robin had rejected her body last night, though he had not rejected her soul, that much she knew. It was the best nights rest Raven could ever remember having...the universe's gift for her final evening.

Raven set the picture down and dwelled over the thoughts of why she had left him. Raven would not have left Robin's side in his room except for one important occurrence. Right before she awoke, she had a vision of her mentor Azar. The stoic old woman had told her that her destiny had never been one to be avoided no matter what she learned or what she did. It had been a quick and confusing vision, and Raven wasn't sure if it simply had been created by her own mind in response to the knowledge of the inevitable. Azar had asked her one important question...if she had truly found something to fight for...to die for... and Raven had without any doubt said yes to that question. Azar had then gifted her with a rare smile and left her with one last bit of information. Raven had a feeling she understood what was lying truly within those parting words and she only hoped she was strong enough to follow them.

Raven looked over at the clock, realizing it was still early, and decided that she would venture to the kitchen to get some tea and to cook breakfast for her friends before they awoke. It was the very least she could do for them before the end, one last small attempt to show just how much she loved each of them.

Starfire, Beast Boy, and Cyborg all found themselves waking up to the smell of food wafting throw the hallways of the Tower and it was indeed a very good thing. None of the three could ignore the grumbling of their stomachs nor the teasing of their taste buds and hurried toward the source of this impeccable odor. What they found was lots of food and one very surprising cook. There in the kitchen was Raven, an apron on, cooking something over the oven though there was already food placed out in each of the Titans spot waiting for them. She didn't even notice the others arrive. Beast Boy leaned to the right and whispered to Cyborg.

"Hey Cy, you don't think this is some kind of trap and she's going to feed me poisoned tofu?"

"As strange a sight as this is B.B., I don't think there's any ulterior motive here except for her to do something nice." Beast Boy nodded his head in agreement.

"Wait...what does ulterior mean?" Cyborg chuckled and shook his head slightly.

"Just go enjoy the food Beast Boy." While the two had been talking Starfire had floated over toward Raven and Raven finally turned around to notice her friends arrival. Her face was comically covered in various ingredients and she had the smallest of smiles on her face though she let out a startled yelp upon seeing Starfire who was only inches away from her face looking at her skeptically though with concern.

"Are you okay friend Raven?" Starfire placed her hand on Raven's forehead much to Raven's irritation. It was something Starfire had seen people do on television to see if others weren't feeling well. "You do not feel any warmer but you are acting most strange. I have never once seen you do the cooking of the morning food." Raven removed Starfire's hand from her head and again the smile was on her face.

"I'm fine Starfire. I just thought this would be a nice treat for all of you. So you don't need to worry about me right now. All you have to do is sit down and enjoy your food." Starfire's reaction was to give Raven a big hug before flying over to her seat and instantly started digging into the food that was there for her. Cyborg and Beast Boy both soon joined her and Cyborg loudly started munching on the plate of meat in front of him while Beast Boy continued to look questioningly at the food. Raven let out a sigh and shook her head.

"If I was going to do anything to you Beast Boy, I would have done it a long time ago." Beast Boy gave her a sheepish smile before picking up his fork and slowly picking up a bite to eat. It finally made it to his mouth and his eyes widened in surprise.

"This is awesome. Way to go Raven."

"Yeah dark girl. Its almost as good as my cooking...almost." Raven rolled her eyes at Cyborg's comment. Starfire was too busy gorging herself on her breakfast to say anything that would have been coherent. Raven smiled again and went back to her cooking.

No one noticed Robin standing in the entranceway, leaning against the wall. He had been there long enough to see everyone smiling and everyone enjoying the food that Raven had generously made for them. His eyes settled on Raven and he couldn't help but notice how cute she looked in the apron.

He had been ready to call an emergency meeting for all the Titans so that he could inform them of the coming situation but now he realized how wrong he had been. Raven had the right idea. Let everyone have a few more moments of simply living, simply enjoying being together. There would be time for fear, there would be time for preparation, fighting would be inevitable, but this, what Robin could not pull his eyes away from, could not open his mouth to speak words to ruin it, this was what it was all truly about. His footsteps were not weighed down as he approached the others.

Robin P.O.V:

I eventually broke the truth to all the Titans and it truly hurt me deep to do it when they were all so happy. They immediately turned their gazes to Raven, who would not meet their eyes, though she solemnly nodded her head to reaffirm what I had already said. There uncertain eyes then turned to me and I stood tall and confident as I met each of their gazes.

"We fight...we fight until this is all over." That was the extent of my pep talk, nothing more needed to be said because there really wasn't anything else to say. We knew Slade would come, we knew we would have to fight him, and we knew without any doubt, we would have to win.

Cyborg and Beast Boy were the first to get up, heading toward the infirmary so that Cyborg could remove Beast Boy's cumbersome cast. His arm had not healed yet completely, but Beast boy really didn't care. Starfire was the next to get up, grabbing a huge plate of food to bring to Silkie back in her room...a last meal of sorts for her beloved little worm. I couldn't help but feel a stab of pain in my chest as I watched the Tamaranian Princess walk...not float out of the room with her shoulders hunched.

This of course left me and Raven standing there, alone again. She had somehow moved next to me during the course of all of this though I hid my surprise at her sudden closeness. I turned to face her and I couldn't hide my smile at her face covered in the cooking ingredients. I reached up and gently wiped one of the smudges off one of her cheeks and I could see the faintest of blushes appear on her cheeks at my actions. She slowly reached up and took my hand in hers and stared smiling at my face.

"Raven..."

"I need help washing the dishes Robin. Will you help me with that?"

"Of course Raven. I can't think of anything else I would rather be doing." She let go of my hand and we silently walked over to the kitchen sink where we would work together.

Hours passed far quicker than any of the Titans would have liked and soon nightfall came, anxiousness and nervousness at an all time high. I found myself pacing back and forth in front of the windows, waiting for an alarm to blare or some explosion to sound. Cyborg stood by the mainframe, continually checking all the sensors for any movement. Raven floated in the air, meditating quietly to herself and Beast Boy and Starfire simply sat watching the other three Titans.

I glanced over at Raven whose eyes were shut tightly as she spoke her three magical words over and over again and I found my stare continuing to linger on her face. It was at this moment that the alarm finally blared to life and I turned to Cyborg who had a cold look in his eye. The time had come...Slade had arrived.

Slade stood on the rocky ground of the Titan's island, his hands behind his back in his trademark stance. His calculating gaze moved from one Titan to the next, it stopping for a few drawn out seconds on the object of his mission and then stopping again as it settled on his former apprentice, me.

"Well I see you've all come out to greet me on this wonderful evening. Have you all come to say good bye to Raven one last time before she goes to do what she must." I growled at Slade.

"Raven is not going anywhere Slade. It is you who will be saying good bye tonight because when this is all over, you will be defeated and this prophecy will be put to an end. Do you hear me Slade! This will all end!"

"I couldn't agree with you more Robin. Tonight, my purpose as well as Raven's will come to a close, my reward obtained, and after that...well I happen to have a few ideas..." Slade took a step forward.

Cyborg pushed a button on his arm and all around the area, the ground opened up and all manner of weapons rose up, powering to life. Cyborg had a satisfied grin on his face as all the weapons shifted their position until they were all aimed directly at Slade, their guidance systems locking directly on the Mark of Scath on his forehead.

"I wouldn't recommend taking another step Slade because if you do, I can promise that you will find out first hand what it feels like to be pelted with more weapons that most small countries have." Slade turned his head first to the left and then to the right noticing all the weapons now trained on him.

"I am most impressed Cyborg but honestly, do you really think those pathetic little toys can stop me with the power that I wield." I responded.

"Well I guess we'll find out won't we Slade because I have the strangest feeling that you won't be leaving."

"Good intuition as always Robin. Let's see if you expected this." The symbol of Trigon burned brighter for a few seconds and the Titans found the ground beginning to shake underneath them, those forced to be on the ground, doing their best to keep our balance, me having the most success.. The ground in front of us collapsed on itself, forming a deep crevice in the Earth that seemed to go down forever into darkness. Beast Boy tentatively leaned over the edge, looking down.

"Okay, some one want to tell me what that was?" His question was answered as the smallest bit of light could be seen forming deep down. It started out as a single, burning light, but quickly became two, and then even quicker became 100, and then exploding in number until it looked like their was a burning river at the bottom of the hole. It was then that it became clear what was making the light and fear was known.

Beings of pure fire, their flames shifting, and lashing out from their own forms rose up from the depths of the Earth, their forms gathering around all of us, many forming ranks behind Slade, a hellish army under the leadership of this twisted general. Slade laughed a knowing laugh as he looked over at Raven whose eyes were shifting from the demonic beings back to his own form.

"You have no chance Titans. It is time to end this little game we play. It has been fun. Lets see where this all takes us." His gaze was intently on me as he finished his comment and I met it with equal strength, my resolve to fight would only end when my body no longer drew breath.

"Titan's...Go!" The battle for Raven and the Universe had begun.

The Titans fought well with the aide of Cyborg's enhanced defense system, mowing down row after row of hell spawn, but it was fast becoming clear to me that we simply were not winning. For every fire monster destroyed, another ten rose up from the ground to take its place, fast removing any place to even fight by their sheer number. The island of the tower had become a land of fire, appearing like some unholy beacon in the sky. I did my best to keep an eye on Raven as I fought for life as she was the reason for this attack and I instantly noticed something: The monsters would not attack her. They avoided Raven, focusing all their attention on the other Titans, doing their best to overwhelm us. The creatures would not risk hurting their master's portal.

Raven was doing her best to fight but she found that she could not lock on to the non-corporeal forms of her Father's minions, limiting her power to using the landscape around her to attack. However, she found herself spending most of her time providing defense for the others against the relentless waves of fire that kept coming and coming. Raven found herself growing more and more desperate with each passing moment and was slowly realizing that she had only one course of action left...the one the last words of Azar had led her to understand.

I was doing my best despite my exhaustion slowly moving toward its peak, to fight toward Slade who had yet to move, rather only watched with sheer amusement in his eye which only pissed me off even more. The Titans were losing, and Slade had not even move a muscle.

I threw a few freezing disks out, catching dozens of enemies in the icy attack, and followed up with explosive birdarangs to shatter the newly formed ice statues before they could thaw. The path to Slade was now clear. I sprinted without hesitation at Slade jumping high into the air, unleashing as many explosive birdarangs at my target as I could. A massive explosion erupted and I was forced once again to use my cape to shield myself from the flames that sought to eat my alive.

However, I knew that attack would not finish Slade, not after everything I had seen. I did his best to survey the surrounding, looking for the attack that I knew would come. The fire demons seemed to mull around me, avoiding my presence at this moment like they had been avoiding Raven. I knew this was because of Slade.

The attack came from behind me, I never saw it coming. A fist slammed into my spine, causing my entire body to seizure, and I could not help but drop to my knees.

"Too slow Robin, always too slow." I forced his body to roll forward, managing to turn my body as I did so that I was now facing where Slade should have been. Slade was not there and instead a kick met my side, knocking the breath out of me.

"I truly miss when you were still a challenge Robin but I became stronger and you...you became weaker. It is a shame you never embraced who you truly are, but who knows, maybe I still will have the opportunity to see it."

"You know nothing about me." I managed to say through shortened breath and gritted teeth.

"I is you who does not know themself. I know you Robin just as you know me. We are one in the same, simple as that."

"No I am not." I shot up, ready to deliver a devastating punch but Slade simply caught the punch in his own grasp. Slade kneed me in the chest three times and then threw me easily over his shoulder and I found myself slamming painfully into the ground. The monsters had forced Starfire, Beast Boy, and Cyborg into that exact same spot, and the hordes were now surrounding the four of us, with nowhere to run. Despite the pain coursing through my body, it was then that I managed to hear Raven's voice, we all heard it, quiet yet commanding.

"I'll go with you Slade. Call of the attack and leave my friend's alone." I quicker than I should have been able to pulled myself up from the ground, wanting to run toward Raven and Slade, yet the hordes of evil surrounding me and the others kept us at bay.

"Raven no! Don't do it! Get away from him!" Raven did not acknowledge me or my pleas nor those of the other titans. Slade smiled at the words of Raven.

"That is acceptable child. With your cooperation, they are no longer of any concern to me or your Father. They shall be allowed to live...for at least a little longer." Raven nodded in reluctant acceptance but she knew, this was the only way. Raven turned away from Slade and started floating toward the others, the sea of fire parting as she moved by, forming obedient aisles of servants. She eventually found herself a few feet in front of the her friends, her family, her life.

"What are you doing Raven? You can't go with him. We have to keep fighting..we have to..."

"No Robin. This fight is over. It can not be won. I finally understand now...that is was always a futile effort for me to try and escape my destiny. I have to complete what I am meant to do or I never will escape it."

"Do you even understand what you are saying Raven? Do you! You can't let Slade win. You can't allow your Father to be free! You can't..." I was surprised when Raven quickly floated forward, her finger pressed against my lips to silence me. Her voice gentle as I had ever heard it, the other Titans only able to watch on, unsure of what to say or do, continuing to eye the surrounding enemies who appeared to no longer care about them, their attention only on Raven.

"Shhhhhh Robin. I know what I am saying...trust me I know. This has to be completed...it simply has too..." I found myself unable to pull myself from the eyes of Raven. They were filled with the truest conviction I had ever seen in someone's eyes. Raven's hand left my mouth and gentle laid itself on the side of my face, lovingly holding there.

"Robin...my destiny has to be completed but once it is done...there is nothing written as to what will happen...no prophecy, nothing written into stone. Anything will be possible and...Robin...I leave that future to you, I leave all my hope with you."

"Raven, I don't understand. This is madness. I won't let you go. You hear me, I won't let you go." I grabbed hold of Raven's hand, clutching it tightly within my own. Raven only continued to stare with unrelenting strength in her eyes.

"I know Robin..." A surge of black energy suddenly shot from Raven's body into my own and then immediately flew into all the other Titans. I could hear the three Titan's behind me immediately collapsing to the ground though I stubbornly refused to fall despite my body and minds protest, refused to let go of Raven. My vision continued to fade as was my strength.

"Raven..." The name barely came out of my mouth, my whole body not wanting to cooperate, me barely able to recognize the smallest bit of moisture in Raven's beautiful eyes.

"I know Robin...I know you wouldn't let me go. I'm sorry..." and with that, I finally fell into unconsciousness, falling to the ground joining the other Titans. Raven could not take her eyes off her friends though she willed all her emotion back deep into herself. Raven had barely taken notice of Slade who was now behind her until he spoke.

"How touching but really, we must be going. I believe your Father has waited long enough."

"Damn you for this Slade...damn you for making me do this. I hope you burn in Hell for an eternity for doing this."

"Child... I have already been to Hell and I do not plan on going back any time soon." Slade turned around, walked toward his destination, and with one last look at her fallen friends, Raven turned to follow the emissary of her Father to the culmination of her existance.

Raven silently followed Slade as he lead her into the Earth, down a winding stone staircase, the surrounding air continuing to grow hotter and hotter. The world itself was beginning to warp and mold itself as Trigon's increasing power and influence manifested in this dimension. Hell was coming to Earth and sadly, Raven knew it had to be done.

As they walked the only sounds were Slade's armor shifting as he walked, Raven and the fire monsters floating along. Their number had seemed to diminish though Raven knew they were still somewhere out there, more than likely returning to the area of their fiery birth to await their master's release. There numbers were near infinite, only limited by the strength of her Father's malevolence which was without equal.

Eventually, the staircase came to an end at a large circular room. Ancient ruins lined the walls, marking she recognized as the one's that were placed on her body on her birthday. In the center, radiating nothing but pure evil was a large stone claw rising from the ground, the dark hand of Trigon himself.

"This is the place Raven though I am sure that fact is blatantly obvious to you." Raven cast an angry glance at the smug Slade who continued to taunt her even after he had won.

"It should also be blatantly obvious to you Slade that your part in this is at an end, your use no more." With these words, the burning monsters that had followed them there swarmed around Slade, latching their flaming appendages around him to restrain him. Raven couldn't help but smile at this.

"Betrayal...how unexpected." Slade's eye held absolutely no surprise and his voice was thick with sarcasm. The monsters with their prisoner started sinking into the ground while Raven looked on.

"Farewell for now Raven though do not think that after last time I wouldn't be prepared for another betrayal." Raven couldn't fathom what Slade thought he could do though she was unaware of the small golden ring he was grasping in his hand.

With them gone, Raven began gathering her energy, centering herself for what she would do.

Slade's journey eventually came to an end in a very familiar spot, the place where he spoke to the one who had granted him his power. The fire monsters left quickly leaving Slade alone with the four burning eyes lording above him.

"Foolish mortal. Did you really think I would have kept my end of the deal once this your mission was completed?"

"So I guess you won't be giving me my reward then. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to take it by force. Fire formed in Slade's hands and he began furiously throwing fireballs at the great eyes though it was quickly obvious they had no effect, the power he wielded not able to affect the one who provided it.

"Hmm...that is expected but can't blame a guy for trying." Red energy lashed out as Slade and he instantly found himself encased in red energy, his entire body feeling like it was being ripped apart atom by atom. Even the inhuman Slade could not resist the need to scream out in pain though in his mind he was smiling arrogantly, knowing that he would survive this because of the ring on his finger, knowing it was time to enact his own plans for the future.

Meanwhile, Raven was nearing the point of no return, feeling the necessary power within herself. She stared at the hand in the middle of the room and floated above it, taking her position. She somehow simply knew what to do, her darker side taking greater control as she began to speak.

"Oblivion has finally come to pass. I, the daughter of evil, with nothing but hatred and anger in my heart, willingly release that which has been locked away in his own darkness. Arise Trigon and finally return to the world of Mortals and reap a great culling on all those who oppose you." The red glowing marks sparked to life all over Raven's body, causing her unimaginable pain, immeasurable torment. The whole room lit up with the same color as the marks and Raven let out an unearthly scream, releasing all the dark energy that was flowing threw her. In an instant, Raven, the daughter of Trigon, no longer existed and darkness was free once more.

Robin P.O.V:

I found himself slowing coming back to consciousness, the last image of Raven's face still heavily in my mind, her last words still coursing threw my brain. I knew Raven had not given up, knew there was a purpose for what she did, I just needed to figure it out. I stood up with a groan and immediately noticed the changing environment around me. The sky seemed to be completely black, no stars visible despite there being no clouds and flashes of crimson lighting ripped through the sky. A heaviness seemed to settle in the air, making it difficult to breath. I then noticed that the other Titans too were coming back to reality. Cyborg was the first to his feet.

"What the Hell hit me? I feel like I got run over by a truck." I grimly responded.

"It was Raven...she was the one who knocked us out." Beast Boy and Starfire as they rose said the same thing.

"Why would Raven do that?" I shook my head slightly.

"I don't know but she had her reasons. I could see it in her eyes, she knew what she was doing."

"But she said she was going to release her father! Why would she do that? Why would she doom us all?" I looked over at Starfire.

"Starfire...I promise you that we are not doomed. We will not die here today. The world will not end...there will be a tomorrow!" Suddenly what sounded like a massive explosion of thunder hit, the entire world shaking from the occurrence, the Titans finding themselves back on the ground.

"That could not have been good." The answer came as a massive red skinned being rose up from the Earth. Its strange antlers, white hair, and four burning eyes clear to be seen as its incredible size towered over all the surrounding buildings.

"I don't want to die either Robin but I think he may have something to say on the matter." An incredible bellow echoed through out the world as the Dark Lord of Evil made his presence to the mortal realm known once more.

"Freedom at last. This world is now mine." I could only watch in horror as a massive wave of fire exploded from the form of Trigon and sped toward us. There was nothing we could do. I screamed out Raven's name as all was consumed, an entire world ended in only a moment.