Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to the Teen Titans or any characters in the DC Universe.
Cyborg had given Raven and Beast Boy each a small telemetry device. It was disguised as a small pin with the Titans logo that they could wear on their costumes. The pins reported their vital signs, the environmental conditions around them and allowed Cyborg to hear what they heard.
He had been monitoring the Logans since they arrived at the gate and Cyborg found himself yawning while they were stuck in Hugo Strange's waiting room. Batman continued performing research on the Bat-computer while Starfire and Nightwing were quietly discussing the plans for their upcoming wedding on Tamaran. Robin was off in a corner performing some martial arts katas or forms. He had just completed the Taekwondo Kwan Gae form. Without looking up from his console Batman commented.
"That's better, but steps 12 through 16 could use some improvement. Do it again."
"Again?" The boy wonder moaned. "But I've already done it like 20 times."
"And you will repeat it until you do it correctly."
Robin sighed as he adopted the ready position on the mat. He knew that he was doing the form well enough to win a gold medal at a national level competition. But that wasn't good enough. It had to be perfect.
Just as Robin began to repeat the pattern or form where he engaged imaginary opponents Cyborg leapt to his feet, knocking over a tray of cookies Alfred had left for him, which clattered as it hit the ground. Everyone turned in his direction.
"What is it Cy?" Nightwing asked.
"I don't know man. Both Raven and BB's vitals are off the charts. At first I heard some gunfire and Raven telling BB to hide and now this is all I can hear." He said as he flipped a switch. A loud whooshing sound was heard on the loudspeakers. Then after about a minute it died out, followed by the following exchange:
"Take a good last look at him sweetheart, because I'm gonna splatter his brains all over the place!"
"Please." Raven pleaded. "Don't kill him. Kill me instead."
"Sorry kid, no deal. No one messes with my woman."
Starfire's eyes glowed bright green.
"Our friends are in danger!" And without another word she rocketed out of the Batcave.
"Starfire! Wait!" Batman called out after her.
Nightwing opened his communicator and tried to hail her, but she did not respond. He looked at his mentor.
"Nightwing, Robin, Cyborg! In the Batmobile! Now!" Batman barked at them. Moments later the car thundered out of the Batcave, on its way to Arkham.
Raven stood petrified, unable to breathe. Time had slowed down again and after what felt like an eternity there was motion in the human pile in front of her.
Terra was the first to move as she slowly lifted herself up. She was stained from the crimson pool she rose from and Raven was unable to discern any wounds on her. Raven then focused on the smaller of the two figures that remained prone on the floor, the one wearing the black and purple Doom Patrol uniform. After what felt like an eternity the green man stirred and sat up. Both he and Terra appeared to be in a daze. Before Raven could react her husband reached over to Spivak and rolled him over. His eyes were open yet it was clear to all that they did not see anything. Raven saw that his chest was soaked in blood and that there was a bullet wound above his sternum. John Spivak had taken a point blank bullet to his heart. Raven knew that he was already dead and beyond anything her blue light could heal.
Terra threw her arms around the changeling and began to sob. He hugged her back in consolation as he made eye contact with his wife and began to cry as well. Raven snapped out of her trance and ran to them, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him repeatedly before she too began to cry. Terra expanded her hug to include Raven and the trio spent the next few minutes huddled on the floor, hugging, crying and exchanging kisses.
In a maneuver worthy of a Kryptonian Starfire arrived, crashing through a cinderblock wall. Dusting the pulverized concrete off her costume she scanned the room until she found her friends hugging, kneeling on the floor next to John Spivak's corpse. The princess paled at the sight, yet was relieved at the same time. She rushed to their side.
"Friends, thank X'Hal you are unharmed!" She cheered as they rose to their feet, already anticipating her bone crushing hugs. She surprised them though and was gentle.
"What happened?" She asked as she looked at Spivak's body. "Who killed John Spivak?"
"He killed himself Star." Beast Boy replied. "He had a pistol and we were trying to disarm him when he shot himself by accident."
Starfire dropped her head.
"This is most unfortunate. We have not had to kill a villain since Slade." The princess whispered. She turned to Terra. "I offer you condolences on your loss."
Terra was staring at her now former husband with a blank expression.
"He was insane and evil, but I didn't want this for him." Terra deadpanned, her voice devoid of all emotion. She released Raven and Beast Boy from her hug and knelt down next to Spivak. She raised her hand and delicately lowered his eyelids, closing his eyes.
Batman, Robin, Nightwing and Cyborg came charging in, coming around the same corner Spivak did when he arrived.
"Our friends are unharmed, but John Spivak has perished." The Tamaranian announced.
Batman surveyed the scene while the others remained silent. Raven was still clutching Beast Boy tightly while Starfire comforted Terra.
"He had a pistol and in a struggle to disarm him he accidentally shot himself, correct?"
Raven spoke for the first time since the pistol was discharged. "I guess that's why they call you 'The Detective'".
"The police will be here soon. They'll be expecting statements from all of you."
He then turned to Terra.
"Miss Markov, how did you escape from the asylum wing?"
"And how did you get your powers back?" Raven added.
The others all focused their sight on Terra.
"You've got you powers back?" Nightwing exclaimed.
Terra sat down on a couch in the waiting area that had somehow managed to escape the destruction that had ensued. She then proceeded to tell them about Poison Ivy, Rav and Roger Whyte.
"So where are they now?" Cyborg asked.
"They're long gone Cy, they probably escaped during the mayhem." Nightwing replied before noticing that Raven was trembling.
"Raven, are you OK?"
The sorceress composed herself before replying.
"Considering that I almost got to witness my husband be murdered I'd say I'm doing pretty well." She then turned to the blond geomancer.
"Thank you Terra, I'll never be able to repay you."
"Raven, as soon as you make your statements I want both of you to go home and rest." Batman ordered the couple.
"What about Terra?" Beast Boy asked.
The Dark Knight grabbed the doorknob to Hugo Strange's door.
"I'm going to have a little heart to heart with the good doctor."
Raven materialized with Beast Boy in the Batcave. Beast Boy sighed as they made their way to the staircase that led into the manor.
"Dude! That Harvey Bullock is a jerk! Did you hear how he talked to Batman?"
"I know." Raven replied. "Good thing commissioner Gordon keeps him on a short leash."
"He practically accused Terra of pulling the trigger on purpose."
"Forget it Gar, we were all cleared."
"I know, the jerk just got to me."
The couple slowly trudged up the stairs and made their way to their room, where they found Alfred.
"Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Logan. Master Bruce called ahead to let me know you were on your way. He mentioned that the mission had been somewhat messy so I took the liberty of drawing you a bath. I also left you a tray with some lunch. If you need anything just call me on the intercom. Oh, you may place your costumes in the hamper and I'll take care of laundering them later."
The Logans thanked the ever helpful majordomo who then quietly left their room.
"We sure could use someone like Alfred back at the Tower." Beast Boy said as he began to undress.
Raven was a step ahead of him and was already in the huge jetted tub.
"Maybe he has a brother." She replied.
Beast Boy entered the bathroom with the lunch tray and handed his wife a plate with a sandwich, of which she took a bite. She moaned.
"Even his sandwiches are to die for."
The couple ate their lunch and relaxed in the tub for a while in silence. They were too tired to be playful and instead washed up, after which they dried themselves. Raven slipped on an oversized T-shirt while Beast Boy donned some boxers, after which they got into the huge bed. Beast Boy was behind her, two spoons in drawer style, and wrapped his arms around her. In less than a minute he was snoring softly.
Raven felt his breath on her neck and her eyes began to tear.
"Thank you God" she whispered.
"You are very welcome." A deep manly voice replied.
"You seem to be having trouble with your patients Dr. Strange."
"Yes Batman, it turns out that one of my assistants provided the antidote for my superpower suppressant compound to a few of my patients."
"And it just happened to be on the day when Raven and Beast Boy came to visit. And one of the patients who received the antidote was John Spivak, who had a personal vendetta against the green Titan. How very convenient Hugo."
The psychiatrist adjusted his dark glasses. "That was a mere coincidence Batman and an unfortunate one too. Believe me; no one is more pleased than I that Raven and Beast Boy were unharmed."
"Somehow I doubt that is true, but lucky for you I can't prove it."
"Now, now Batman, unfounded accusations are not what you are known for. So tell me, what can I do for you?"
"I've analyzed your suppressant compound."
"You have? I don't recall giving you a sample."
"Your patients aren't the only ones with access to your stock room."
"I see. So let me guess, you're about to tell me that you've found unusual components in the suppressant?"
"Forbidden components, to be precise."
Hugo Strange chuckled. "So you think you can have me dismissed with that? I have powerful friends on the State Board of Health Batman. They'll back me up, believe me."
"I know." The Dark Knight replied. "But they won't be happy with the negative publicity."
Hugo Strange opened a drawer in his desk and pulled a form out. He quickly filled in the blanks and signed it. He detached the pink copy and handed it to Batman.
"Miss Markov's release. This is what you really want, correct?"
Batman examined the form carefully before folding it and tucking it away.
"She'll be leaving with us." He said as he walked to the door. Before exiting he paused.
"I'll be watching you doctor." He said as resumed his pace and walked out the door.
Raven bolted into a sitting position on the bed and shook Beast Boy vigorously.
"Gar! Wake up! There's someone in the room!"
Beast Boy continued to snore despite her continuing shaking.
"He won't wake up Raven."
Raven stared at the stranger. He was sitting in one of the wing back chairs that faced the bed. He wasn't there when they slipped into bed just a few minutes earlier. She looked at him carefully. She knew he was tall by the way he filled the chair, at least six foot six. He was also very muscular, had long auburn hair and was unquestionably handsome.
"W-w-ho are you?" She stammered.
"Have no fear Raven. I've been sent to heal you."
"Heal me? But I'm not sick or injured. What are you talking about?"
The stranger stood up and approached the bed. Raven raised her hand to conjure her dark energy, but nothing happened.
"My powers! They're gone!"
The stranger smiled gently. While his figure was formidable, he was not threatening.
"Be at peace child, you and your mate are not in any peril."
"Who are you?" She asked again.
"My name is Raphael, and I have been sent to heal you Raven."
Raven went bug eyed. "Raphael? You mean to tell me that you are the Raphael?"
The archangel chuckled. "I've never been called 'The Raphael' before. And in answer to your other question, I've been sent to heal your soul."
Starfire was the first to return to the Batcave. Alfred was waiting.
"Greetings your Highness. I see that you too encountered some dust on the mission. Would you like me to draw a bath for you?"
"Thank you Alfred. Maybe later. Where are Raven and Beast Boy?"
"The Logans are in their room, sleeping I believe. I haven't checked in on them but they looked very tired when they returned. We have no guests today so you may dispense with your holorings at dinner. May I provide you with some refreshments your highness?"
"Yes, thank you Alfred, I do have the appetite. But first I will check in on my friends." She replied before she flew up the stairs into the manor.
Alfred Pennyworth shook his head as he watched her fly away. He still couldn't believe that Richard Grayson was betrothed to such a stunning princess. He then headed off to the kitchen to prepare some lunch for Starfire.
Meanwhile Starfire had flown all the way to the door to Raven and Beast Boy's room. As she levitated in front of the door she listened carefully. There were no sounds of any kind coming from the room. Cautiously she knocked softly on the door. There was no response.
She slowly opened the door and peered into the room. As Alfred had predicted they were asleep in bed. Starfire smiled, happy for the bliss her dear friends shared with each other, until she noticed that the girl that Beast Boy had his arms wrapped around did not have violet hair. Alarmed she floated over to the bed to get a better look.
As she slowly approached the bed she saw that the woman sleeping next to Beast Boy had a tan complexion, not as dark as Cyborg's but dark, perhaps Mediterranean would be the best description. She also had dark hair.
Starfire was confused. Who was this woman? Why was she slumbering with Beast Boy? And where was Raven?
As she reached the side of the bed she gasped. The woman had Raven's face, without the Chakra stone on her forehead. The woman's hands were both visible and Starfire could see that she was not wearing a holoring.
Cautiously she roused the sleeping woman.
"Raven, wake up." She said softly.
The woman moaned softly and opened her eyes.
"Starfire?"
"Oh Raven! It is you!" The princess shrieked, waking Beast Boy in the process. The changeling and his wife sat up together. After rubbing his eyes he also noticed that something was amiss.
"Rae? You look … different."
Raven smiled. "I can explain everything, but let's wait until the others get back."
Sorry for the short chapter. I didn't want to keep my readers waiting too long to find out who took the bullet. I'm pretty sure you already figured out what happened to Raven.
We're almost at the 15,000 hit mark too. I never thought this story would attract such a following. Thanks to all of my loyal readers!
Mail bag time:
Rosalind2013 – "Oh, and I like how you had Raven pray in there; and the way that she did so was very touching and believable! I think that was probably my favorite part of this chapter! :)"
I wanted to add that without being too preachy or denominational. I hope you liked that I brought St. Raphael into the story. He is associated with healing.
Anon – "How long do we have to wait for the next chapter?!?! I swear my blood pressure is gonna sky-rocket if I have to wait long!!"
We don't want you getting an aneurism now, do we?
Man of galifray – "I am more like the doctor than the master cause the doctor always wins in the end"
I am so going to miss David Tennant! He has to be the best Doctor yet. The new Doctor, Matt Smith, has his work cut out for him.
DragonOTDarkFlame – "You might muse for a moment or two on how useful your taekwando is … Please refrain from harming the couples please. ^_^"
Never follow a threat with a phrase that contains the word 'please'. Have you ever heard Slade say 'please'?
Spartan585 - "-i really hope you'd work with DC comics one day."
That would be really cool, but unlikely. I'm also looking forward to the upcoming revival of your great but unfinished fanfic "Change".
WarriorsFan26 – "Great, never should have read this before bed...this is all im going to think about now"
Thanks! That's quite a compliment!
Titanfan45 – "Your cliff hanger was pure Author Evilness."
The dark side is more alluriong at times!
Novus Ordo Seclorum – "I would have to give it a rating of 'Sweeter than a cherry pie with Redi-Whip Toppin'''
And yet it has zero calories!
DarkRapture – "OH, and I have good news! I got that taco!"
Hey! No Tacos on Friday during Lent!