Happy Thanksgiving everybody. I hope you have been enjoying all the turkey and trimmings. It has been quite since I last posted a chapter hasn't it dear readers. I hope this chapter will make up for the time loss. And in the spirit of Thanksgiving I want to thank everyone that has ever left me a review. Story on!

Disclaimers: You already know.

Chapter 8: The Rebels

It was night time now as they cruised down the streets of Jump Town. Ericsson and Anya told Raven and the others that they would be staying with them at the mansion. Not five seconds after that the Elder and Angelus came out of the room. The Elder bid them a farewell and they were off, and now they sit riding along. They pulled off the main road heading down a forest like path that was still the rubber road. They glided along the path in silence, no one had anything to say out loud. Raven sat staring out of the window. What did the Elder mean? Did he mean that I loved Slade as much as I loved Robin? That's ridiculous. Slade is a psychopath! I can't love him. Can I? Raven's face frowned visibly at the question. Anya, who was sitting in front of her, looked at her. She heard Raven's thoughts.

Raven, just because you feel negative feelings towards the things he has done, does not mean that he is a bad person. The actions of a person, invariably have meaning behind them, or maybe he is really simply evil. But I do not sense an evil aura on him. I in a way trust him. Raven looked at her irritation visible on her face.

Are you saying Slade is a good person? Give me a break! You don't know Slade, Anya. He has done terrible things.

You have done some terrible things too, Raven like on Azarath. . . but that doesn't make you a bad person. Now, my cousin you are being a hypocrite. Anya's face was calm and thoughtful. Raven looked at Anya her irritation subsiding.

You know about Azarath and you don't think I'm evil.

Of course not Raven. You simply lost control of your emotions. Its okay. I had a similar experience.

What happen to you?

I'll let you read my mind. . .later.

Now I know we are related.

How is that?

Not many people can frustrate me and inspire me at the same time without me thinking about causing them harm.

I love you too Raven. Raven smiled at her cousin's sarcastic thought, but knew deep down inside she meant it. Both Raven and Anya closed there eyes and continued to talk about different things within their minds.Starfire was on the edge of sleep her head on Cyborg's shoulder. Cyborg looked at Starfire sleeping and smiled. He tucked a few wild strands behind her ear and planted a kiss on her nose. She smiled at him in her sleep. Slade was sitting with his arms across his broad chest as he looked down at his lap. I actually told her that I loved her. Damn Wilson you are slipping! Silly emotions, I was doing fine before those reappeared. Before she appeared. Why do I love her? Ever since I saw her loose control with Dr. Light on my surveillance. I knew that there was something about her. Her darkness intrigued me she was special. The more I watched her the more I wanted to know about her. Raven is dark like me, maybe she can understand me? But she loves Robin and I knew she would say that. But I do not stop until I get what I want. I'll make Raven want to choose me. Across from Slade was Ericsson, and Angelus doing basically the same thing the others were doing. Talking to each other within their minds.

So Angelus tell me why you really don't like that Slade guy? Are you intimidated by him?

Don't be absurd Ericsson! Slade could actually learn a thing or two from me old chap.

You are aren't you.

Yes a little Ericsson. It's just something about him that doesn't sit right with me.

Anya's right you know, they would make a wonderful addition to the team. At least until they find a way back to their own dimension. Why don't you wrestle or spar with Slade or something. That's how men bond Angel.

Don't call me that!

Why? Zori calls you that all the time.

That's because, one she's my girlfriend, and two she could very well kick my arse. You know better than to call her Zori. If she finds out you called her Zori my arse isn't the only one that will get kicked.

Youare correct old friend she is quite the pistol. Back to the original conversation, are you going to them to join us in our fight?

I'm going to get the opinions of the other Rebels. See what they think of them, and I'm going ask the titan's to train with us tomorrow morning. Does that sound fair?

It sounds fair to me old chap. They continued to talk with in the mind as everyone else was.

It was silent as they rode down the path coming to a stop in front of a gigantic iron gate with a large 'R' on the center of it.

"Squall" The driver said looking in the rearview mirror at the back of Angelus's head. "Do you want me to stop right here or are you going to open the gate?"

"Who's Squall?" Cyborg asked looking at the others. Raven and Anya looked at one another. Slade looked around to see the commotion and Starfire began waking up.

"That is my code name. Driver I'm going to open the gate." Fully waking up and joining the conversation Starfire asked,

"What does 'Squall' mean friend?" Starfire blinked a couple of times looking quite innocent.

"Squall means a strong wind Starfire." Slade said looking up at Angelus. Angelus narrowed his eyes at the man he'd come to despise.

"Excuse me sir but my name means violent winds." Angelus put an edge to his voice when he spoke.Ericsson andAnya looked at Angelus as he went back to looking for the remote. Slade smirked underneath his mask. I think I've made a new friend, but I think I better play nice. . .at least for a little while.

"Do you guys have code names too?" Cyborg asked looking at Anya then Ericsson.

"Well my code name is Furry, but Anya here thinks she doesn't need one."

"Sort of like our girl Raven here." Cyborg jabbed at Raven, but the half demoness merely stared at him a moment before turning to look out of the window.

"Don't think I'm not keeping score. I'll get you back tin man." Raven said nonchalantly. Angelus was still digging inside of his pockets for the gate opener but was stopped by Anya after he failed to produce the device.

"I got this." She closed her eyes and waved her arms in one fluid motion then chanted, "Amity Seraph Zion" The gate was covered in a white glow as they were pushed open by an unseen force. Raven looked at Anya after the scene. Anya looked over at her as well and gave Raven a small smile.

"So your powers are a lot like mine?"

"Almost identical."

"Do you have to control your emotions too?"

"Every second of every day, but I can show more since the Head Elder had this leather band made for me."

"That is sort like your bracelets Raven." Starfire deduced as she touched one of the bracelets. Slade looked at Raven's bracelets then Anya armband and shook his head. I could teach them to control their powers without those bands.

I don't think so Slade. The Head Elder himself couldn't teach me to fully control my powers so I don't think you can.

I'm slightly offended that you do not believe in my skills as a teacher.

Are you mocking me?

Yes. I am. I could teach you to control those powers in a month.

Maybe you shall receive your chance. Knowing you there is something you want in return or are you going to do this out of the goodness of your heart.

You are such a perceptive young lady as well as sarcastic. There is a definitely family relations between you and Raven. But I think you know what I want.

I will not deliver Raven to you. True love will prevail. If my assumptions are right I already know the outcome of this.

What are your assumptions?

All will be revealed in due time. Anya ended the link between their minds. She looked over at him a small smile on her face as she winked at him.In the distance was a mansion made of brick and stone. The mansion was beautifully built and sat on 100 acres. The vehicle drove a little further before riding around a circular drive. Everyone got out and stood at the front steps.

"Welcome to Rebel Manor."

Three people stared down below at the group standing at their door steps.

"They're here. Isn't this exciting!" a girl that appeared to be of Asian dissent exclaimed clamping her hands together. She was 5' 7 with fair skin, hazel eyes, and short black hair aside from the single braid hanging over her right shoulder. Her hair was so black that it looked blue. Her uniform was aqua and royal blue trimmed in black. The top was long sleeved that stopped right below her breast. The skirt stopped in the mid part of her thighs that had two splits on the sides and the top of her skirt was in the form of a wave. Her flat stomach was apparently visible. She wore aqua stretch pants underneath, and black boots with blue wave designs on them that came up to the knee.

"They don't look like much to me." A handsome man, who was as muscular as he was tall, with stringy dark brown hair spoke. He had a scar running through his right eye brow and a neatly trimmed goatee that connected to his mustache. He hadmuscular tanned skin.He wore a denim jacket with the arms ripped off, a green muscle shirt, black jeans and black boots.

"Whatever, Claude. You just feel intimidated by the one with metal all over his body. Another big man that you think is going to take your place. How lame is that Claude?" a sassy young woman standing 5' 3, with caramel colored skin, honey brown eyes, and she had black hair with fire red streaks running through it, that stopped above her shoulders. Aside from the two extremely long red hair that framed her face stopping below her breast. Those two pieces of hair looked like they were on fire. Her uniform was red, black trimmed in yellow. The top was sleeveless with a flame design going up the neck and stopped at her midriff, showing off her nicely toned abs. The pants hugged all her curves, and she wore black ballet shoes with flame designs on them.

"What are you people up to?" A males deep barren voice from behind caught their attention. They all turned to see a slender yet muscular man, standing 5' 10, with sharp blue eyes, he had a neat blonde goatee on his chin, and long blond hair tied in a pony tail. He wore black muscle shirt under a black leather trench coat with the collar turned up, black leather pants, and black boots. He stared at the girl with fire colored bangs, and she turned away from him.

"Nothing just watching the people Angelus told me would be staying with us." Yoko answered looking at him happily. Her single braid swinging as she spoke. He smiled at her before saying,

"Instead of standing here watching them, why don't we go out there and say hello."

"Well I think we should what till Angelus at least brings them into the house." the caramel colored girl said putting her hand on her curvy hip. He gave her a sly smile as he looked her up and down. He stepped closer to her and she remained standing where she was. He inhaled her scent,

"Well at least show me what they looked like." He looked down at her

"Well since you asked so nicely." She said leading him to the window. She pointed down at the unsuspecting group down below, as he looked over her shoulder. He chuckled lowly his extremely deep voice rumbling by her ear causing her to shiver. Yoko looked at the man that stood beside her, and behind the girl covered in flames.

"So what do you think Bo?" She asked cheerily wrapping her arms around his waist. He cleared his throat putting a hand on her lower back,

"They look interesting to say the least. What do you think Zori?"

"They look cool to me, and my name is Blaze. Bogart!" They stared each other down before everyone burst into laughter.

"You two I swear are just like children." Claude said slapping Bo across the shoulders.

"Sorry father for disturbing you." Bo jabbed at the overgrown He-Man.

"Hey! They must be inside cause I don't see them down there anymore." Yoko commented as she searched for them until Anya sent them a telepathic message.

Could everyone come downstairs to meet our guest. Rebels looked at one another as they made their way downstairs. They came face to face with four strange people.

"Rebels we have guest that will be staying with for awhile, and possibly working with us." Angelus began as he pointed to each person in turn, "This here is Cyborg, he's half man half machine."

"What's up ya ll?" Cyborg said waving at them. They nodded or gave a reply.

"Okay this here is Starfire, Cyborg's girlfriend."

"Hello all! Would you like to be my new friends?" She asked her eyes beaming with happiness.

"Sure?" Blaze said looking with a brow up.

"Of course! I would love to be your friend. I'm Yoko!" She said smiling from ear to ear.

"Glorious!" Starfire clasped her hands together and tucked her legs behind her as she floated in the air. The Rebels gasped as she did so.

"Are you an air elemental?" Blaze asked amazed. Starfire frowned a little as she shook her head.

"At least I do not believe there are Elementals on my planet."

"Um. . .Star's from another planet called Tamaran. She's a princess on her planet." Cyborg spoke as he stuck his chest out proudly.

"Right." Angelus began, "and this here is Slade." Slade gave a slight nod. "And last but not least is Raven. She's my first cousin."

"Really? How?" Bo asked putting his arms across his chest.

"Well, her father and our father are brothers." Anya said putting an arm around Raven.

"That is wonderful news! Welcome!" Yoko said happily.

"Thanks." Raven said dryly.

"Well let me introduce you to my team. The sassy girl with the big mouth here is Zori A.K.A. Blaze. She's a fire elemental and my girlfriend."

"Just a quick note." Blaze cut Angelus off, "My name is Blaze. Zori is the name I was born to, but Blaze is my name of rebirth. Okay?" The others just nodded.

"Whatever, luv belt up would you? Okay the bubbly one here is Yoko, but her code name is Wave. She's a water elemental. She and Blaze are the only Elementals that can create their element. The big dude in the back is Claude known also as Rock."

"Wait. Let me guess he's an earth elemental? Right?" Raven sarcastically spoke with a hand on her hip.

"Yep that's Anya's cousin." Ericsson commented looking at the half demoness getting a laugh from the Righteous Rebels and a playful smack from Anya.

"Okay moving along we have the dark creepy dude Bo code name Turbulence. He and myself are air Elementals. He and Yoko are dating."

"But I thought you were half angel. Don't you have angelic powers or something?" Cyborg asked the question they all were wondering.

"Our mother was an air Elemental. I inherited her powers and Anya inherited father's. Well if there is nothing else Rebels show our guest to their rooms, and we have a meeting at 10:00p.m. and its 9:30 now. Anya, Blaze, and Yoko. You too Bo you've been late to our meetings lately."

"Sorry your grace. It will not happen again." Bo said sarcastically as he told Slade to follow him. Everyone laughed even Angelus.

"Belt up Bo. I'll see everyone promptly in the war room 10:00." with that Angelus marched away.

"Girls follow me." Blaze said walking toward the stairs.

After the Dr. Fields arrived the Titan's East were sent to the living room area. Aqualad was asked to stay to help. Beast Boy came to shortly after they arrived at the tower. Dr. Fields released him after she checked him saying he had a mild concussion, that was 15 minutes ago. He was now sitting with Terra who had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Bumble Bee paced back and forth, Speedy leaned against the wall playing with his bow, and Mas y Menos sat beside each other whispering. A few minutes later Dr. Fields walked into the living area with a stern look on his face. Bumble Bee greeted him,

"So how is he doc? Is he okay?" The doctor smiled at her putting a hand on her arm leading her to the crowd,

"Robin is going to be fine. He sustained some 2 degree burns in the palms of his hands and he suffered a shock to his brain which forced his body to sort of shut down and reboot. That is why he was unconscious. He should be awake any minute now. He'll be back to normal crime fighting self in a few days." The doctor explained.

"So when can we go see him doc? I need to ask him a few questions."

"I would prefer if only one of you at a time go in to see him, but you can go in now if you would like. I would also prefer if you keep your questions to a minium."

"Thank you doctor. Speedy could you escort Dr. Fields back to the main land." Bumble Bee directed.

"Sure thing. Right this way." Speedy led the doctor to the transport.

"Beast Boy what happen to the others?." Beast Boy looked sadly for a moment.

"It's kinda my fault. It happened yesterday when we were battling Slade at the museum. The device that Slade was after the 'Parallax Apparatus' turned on and sucked Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, and Slade into it."

"What's a Parallax Apparatus?"

"Its this device thingy that opens portals to alternate dimensions or something."

"How did it come on and why were they the only ones sucked in?" Beast Boys ears drooped at this question. Bumble Bee looked at her team mate and figured he was the reason.

"Because of me. I tackled the Slade bot that had it and it came on, and cut it off before anyone else could get sucked in."

"Beast Boy. You really shouldn't blame yourself. Nobody else here does. It could have happened to anyone. Why don't you try to get some rest. I'll keep an eye out for Robin."

"Thanks Bee, for everything."

"No biggie, that's what friends are for." Beast Boy picked Terra up in his arms and walked out of the room. Bumble Bee went over to the twin speedsters, "You guys just find a room to crash in for the night. We'll head out in the morning. Oh and word of advice stay out or Raven's room. I hear she's pretty strict about her room, but to you this way she worst than me about her room." The twins face was covered in fear. They nodded that they understood.

"Yes ma'am we understand." Menos spoke carefully. The twins were given language converters until they could speak English on their own. It was placed around their necks. The twins walked out of the room in search of a safe place to sleep.

"I'll go check on Robin and Aqualad." She said to herself as she went to the medical bay. She saw Aqualad reading some charts. To her he looked tired and needed a break. "Hey fish boy."

"Yes miss insect." She giggled at him. They built a brother/sister bond ever since they teamed up to take down Brother Blood, that has grown since the creation ofTitan's East.

"Why don't you rest for the night. I'll stay with him." He was about to protest, "Captain's orders." He smiled at her placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Call me if you need me." He said arching an eye brow at her before walking out. She shook her head at the Atlantian. He and Speedy know me so well. Maybe too well. She stood next to the wall watching the boy wonder. Speaking of Speedy where is he? He should have been back by now. Her legs began to hurt so she pulled a chair next to the bed placing her chin on her fist as she continued to watch him sleep. She had always had a thing for the boy wonder, but all that changed when she and Speedy started dating, and Raven and Robin began dating. She didn't know Raven intimately but she had a lot of respect for her. Bumble Bee always thought that she and Raven had a lot in common. She had a dark child hood too, and knew what it was like to be called strange and different. She could relate to the dark sorceress. Bumble Bee dozed off.

She woke up 40 minutes later to Robin's mumbling. She rose out of the chair to hear him.

"What is he saying?" She leaned down close to his face to hear better.

"I'm sorry Raven. I missed you so much. I'm glad you're back."As he finished the words he pulled Bumble Bee down to his lips and kissed her. He smiled then passed out again. Oh my God! He kissed me. It was nothing he just thought I was Raven. No big deal!

"What's going on?" Bumble Bee turned to see Speedy standing in the doorway. Her eyes were as big as saucers.

"This is where you will be staying Raven." Anya opened the door for her allowing her to enter. Raven flipped on the switch to see an amazing room.

"Wow it looks a lot like my room in my dimension." Raven looked around at all the dark decor.

"It was my room when I was going through my dark phase. I'm still dark but I think the light has taken over. . .for now." She said with a smirk on her face.

"This looks like your room on Earth friend." Raven and Anya turned to see Starfire standing in the doorway. "Yoko and Blaze showed me my living quarters and it is most intriguing. It seems that my new friend Yoko is as fond of the color pink as I. Friend Blaze on the other hand finds the color repulsing. I do not understand, is pink not a girl color?" Anya smiled at the innocent alien.

"Starfire, colors are not gender based darling. Some people like Blaze, Raven, and my self prefer louder or darker colors. That's all honey. Do you like your room?"

"Yes it is most cold!"

"Cool Star. Cool." Raven corrected. All three looked around to see Yoko and Blaze arguing as usual.

"NO! Yoko! I don't like pink! Would you just drop it Yoko you're giving me a headache." Blaze glared at Anya then pointed to Yoko and brought the same finger across her throat. Kill Her! Anya chuckled at her thought before speaking.

"Now, now girls. Not in front of the guest. Well at least wait until they join the team." Anya stopped the feuding.

"What do you mean join the team?"Raven asked with blank look on her face.

"Well my dear cousin we are fighting a war. With Lord Dread."

"The awful man we saw earlier, correct?"

"Yes Starfire. The resistance is beginning to fail. We need help. We need your help."

"Certainly we will help." Starfire spoke immediately. She then looked to Raven who looked sort of lost.

"We will have to ask Cyborg his opinion. And ask Slade for his help before we agree to anything. You understand our position."

"Sure. Of course Raven. And no Starfire we will not ask you to leave if you do not fight with us." Anya said with a smirk.

"But we could really use your help. But we will honor your request." Yoko bowed to them and smiled.

"We have that meeting your stuffed shirt brother schedule at ten. We need to book." Right on cue Angelus called all the Rebels to the meeting room.

"Just think about it." Anya said before heading out of Raven's room.

Raven crept around the long hall ways with a certain destination in mind. She came to a door and sensed Slade's presences. She knocked softly and heard him say come in, she entered to see him sitting Indian style on the floor. His mask still on his face but without his uniform top. His chest was nicely tanned on toned. His muscular arms rest on his legs his eye was closed. She stared at him with her mouth agape. He's beautiful. What I am I thinking! Get a grip Raven. Wait a minute he mediates? How sexy is that? I mean no it is not sexy. Oh man I need to get out of here.

"I can come back another time since your meditating."

"No. It is quite alright. What is it that you need?"

"I need to talk to you."

"About?" He said tilting his head in a questionable manner. He chuckled as he caught her staring at his chest. "What about my dear?"

"Um. . .my cousin asked me if we would join her and the Righteous Rebels in defeating Lord Dread. I told her before I give her an answer, I would talk it over with you and Cyborg. Star is talking to Cyborg right now. That leaves you and I to discuss what we will do."

"Really?" He said slyly as he got up and walked over to her. She stood her ground as he invaded her space. She looked up at him defiantly,

"Well? What are you going to?" He reached for a lock of her hair rubbing it between his fingers. He inhaled deeply capturing her scent in his senses, Just like I thought Lavender. He was careful to shield his thoughts from her. He caressed the skin of her cheek and she closed her eyes enjoying his touch.

"My beautiful Raven." He began stepping even closer to her. "I shall do whatever you need me to do. If you are fighting, then I am by your side." He dropped his hand and walked over to the night table with all his gadgets on it. Raven remained standing there her feet glued to the floor her emotions running amuck.

"Why Slade?"

"What do you mean Raven?"

"You know what I mean Slade. Why do you love me?"

"Because," he turned to face her walking over to her, "you are dark. Like myself you are misunderstood. I was once a very good man a soldier even, I played by the rules. Had a wife and a son. I was slightly reckless and arrogant like Robin. I was always considered dark. So after they took my son away I became what they thought." Raven frowned slightly as she looked at the man before her,

"What's that Slade?"

"Deathstroke. I became Deathstroke Raven." Raven looked into his one good eye and saw much sadness.

"What did they do to your son Slade?" He smirked underneath his mask.

"Are you sure you're ready to hear my life story."

"If you're willing to tell me."

"If I tell you my story you have to tell me yours." Raven was silent, but was amazed at how willing she was to tell her story to Slade.

"It's a deal. Tell me your story Slade.

Did you like? I hope so. Please leave a review telling me how much you loved it or hate it. Right now I want to take the time to thank each reviewer in turn.

Nyakai: Thanks for all the reviews and tips as you can see they worked. Your story is turning out nicely. I can't wait to see what you write next.

Gotc147: Thanks for the reviews and I'm waiting on your next story. Friends divided was great.

Pakkrat: Thanks for all your in-depth reviews they truly help. I am also waiting for all your updates. Update any of your stories and theirs a smile on my face.

Vampirecheetah: Your story rox too! I also thank you for your reviews and tips.

Whitedarkness: Thanks for giving me clarity

Animerox: Thanks for the encouragement and for being my first reviewer.

Aurora Martye: Thanks for the tips!

LM22102: Thanks for the insight and yes it is Alternate Universe.

Kittyblah: Thank you Kittyblah for being one of my first reviewers.

Cruel and Usual: I'm glad you like it and I can't wait till you update. It's been awhile.

And thanks to: Infamous one

Lotie

Raven/Storm fangirl

Okay I hope I didn't leave anyone out. That's all for my Thanksgiving spirit. I'm usually not into holidays so much but this year I have been different. Look for the next chapter soon! Gobble gobble!

Gracefulraven,

out!