Robin stared into the sky, in a vain attempt to find Rachel. He furrowed his brow in disappointment.
"Star, can you still see her?"
The Tamaranian focused her alien eyes on the horizon.
"Barely." She replied.
"Follow her! The last thing she needs now is to be alone." He commanded her as he pointed at the sky.
The Princess nodded her agreement and took off, shooting like a rocket out of cannon. She moved so fast that she left a vapor trail in her wake, as if she was a fighter jet.
She zoomed over the bay, from the residential area where Control Freak tried to rob a suburban bank, to the city's gleaming downtown area, quickly gaining ground on the much slower sorceress. By the time Rachel reached the business district Starfire was just a few hundred yards behind her and slowed her speed so as to not overshoot Rachel. The gray Titan was unaware that she had been followed, which was not surprising considering her emotional state.
Starfire decided to simply follow her to wherever her final destination turned out to be. This soon became apparent as Rachel was heading for the roof of the city's tallest structure, the Jump City Tower. It was primarily as decorative structure, Jump's answer to Seattle's Space Needle. It was much taller, just over 1500 ft at its peak, and was topped with a large TV and radio broadcast antenna. Like the Space Needle, it had a revolving platform near the top, around the 1000 ft level, which contained a restaurant and shops. Rachel alighted on top of the platform's roof and dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around herself as she slouched. Starfire softly landed behind her.
"Friend Rachel, it is I, Starfire."
The sorceress turned around, tears dripping down her face. With no warning she began to bawl. The princess wrapped her arms around and hugged her, caressing the crown of her head.
"It's over, Starfire. It was a joke, a charade."
"I do not understand."
Rachel pulled away from her royal friend.
"I'm just a copy, Starfire, and no one likes a copy. Of course he likes Raven better, who wouldn't?"
"That is not true, you are not a copy, you are a person. A unique person."
Rachel snorted derisively.
"Forgive me Star … I know you're trying to help … but what you're saying, while it's well intentioned, it's not true … when I look in the mirror every morning, whose face do I see? Mine? No, I see Raven's face."
The princess sighed softly. This was not going to be easy.
"You are more than your face. What defines you is your heart, and yours is very big …"
"No it's not … I'm selfish, I want Gar for myself. But I should have opened my eyes sooner. Why wouldn't he rather be with Raven, she's the genuine article, not a cheap knock off like me. It's time for me to leave, Starfire, to step aside."
The Tamaranian shook her head.
"Wanting your beloved for yourself is not selfish. And you will not do the leaving, not yet. And as for who Beast Boy prefers, you are doing the jumping to conclusions. You will now come home with me and we will resolve this misunderstanding."
"The Tower isn't my home, it's Raven's. I don't even have my own room. I certainly can't stay in Gar's room anymore, and Raven has reclaimed her room."
"You will stay with me, in my room, until Cyborg can prepare a new room for you."
"I should just go by myself to Titans south and start over."
"That will be decided later." Starfire interjected as she stood up, lifting Rachel to her feet. "It is time to go home."
"I'd rather not."
"Where will you stay tonight?"
"I don't know … I could stay at the Y, I guess."
"Unacceptable! You will come home with me."
A faint smile appeared on Rachel's lips.
"You sure care a lot about me, even though I'm just a clone."
"Do not say that, you are more than that. We will return and have a quiet evening in my room. Then tomorrow you will meet with your beloved and resolve your differences."
"If I can pry him away from Raven … something's … odd about her, Starfire. She doesn't seem like herself."
"Yes, I too have noticed this. Raven seems like she is someone else, a stranger."
"So you've noticed too?"
"We have all done the noticing … I am most worried about her Rachel … she seems like another person. She is more uninhibited with her emotions, and that makes me happy, but at the same time she also seems to be … how can I say this? … She reminds me of my sister."
"Blackfire? … I think you have a point there … she's become so underhanded, sneaky … even conniving."
"Rachel, how can this be? How is it that Raven has changed? And in my opinion she has not changed for the best."
"There is an explanation, but I can't believe that she would have used it … it would be so unlike her to do that."
"Do what?" Starfire asked, clearly puzzled by Rachel's remark.
"You're right, Starfire, I should go back. I'll confront her tomorrow."
"But you have not told me what this suspicion is."
Rachel sighed. "Let's just say that it involves magic, the bad kind of magic."
"Malchior!" Starfire gasped.
"No, not him, but definitely his kind of magic. But this would be a huge accusation, Starfire. Until I know more I don't want to say anything."
"I understand. Now, let us return to our home, and it is just as much your home as it is mine."
Starfire took Rachel's hand and the two Titans took off, heading back to the Tower.
-( scene break )-
A cocktail mixer was loaded with ice, after which a pair of hands expertly poured both gin and vermouth into the mixer, which was then covered and shaken. The lid was removed and the cocktail was poured into long stemmed cocktail glass. Finally, it was garnished with an olive and a lemon twist. The completed drink was moved to a tray, which was then picked up.
Slade sat at his desk, poring over plans and diagrams. Wintergreen approached him and deposited the glass in front of his one eyed friend.
"You looked like you could use one." Slade's confidant informed him.
Slade glanced at the Martini.
"Shaken, not stirred?"
"Just the way you like it, Wilson."
Slade stared at the cocktail and after hesitating for a moment he removed his mask, revealing his platinum blond haired and goateed face. He picked up the glass and sipped the drink.
"Exquisite, Wintergreen, as always. How did you know I wanted one?"
"You always want a Martini when you are plotting against the Titans."
Slade chuckled. "You know me all too well, Wintergreen."
"So, do you have a plan?"
"I always have a plan. I've been approaching this the wrong way."
"How so, Wilson?"
"I need a different kind of clone, one that will be easier to control."
"So I take it we will be collecting a new sample, Wilson?"
"That is correct."
"And we will be growing new clones in our garden?"
"Correct again, and your garden analogy is quite apt."
"How so?"
Slade chuckled. "Let's just say that we'll be growing green shoots in our garden."
-( scene break )-
Robin was feeling a bit more relaxed as he sat at the dinner table. Starfire successfully brought Rachel back, though she was holed up in the Tamaranian's room; while the others were sitting down to enjoy a pizza feast as Cyborg and Robin had stopped on the way home to pick up some pies.
As soon as Cyborg plopped the pizza boxes down on the table, Starfire opened them, inspecting the pizzas until she found a veggie deluxe. She picked up the box, tucked a two liter soda under her arm along with a mustard container.
"You will do the excusing of me, but I will be eating dinner with Rachel in my room."
"Star, she's welcome at the table." Robin reminded his girlfriend.
"She knows, but tonight she does not wish for the company." The Tamaranian announced as she left the common room.
Cyborg snickered. "You're still in the doghouse, grass stain."
"Dude, this is so unfair, I didn't do anything wrong."
Raven patted his hand.
"Don't worry about her, Gar, everything will be fine."
"But what if she doesn't forgive me?"
"Then I'll take care of you."
Robin and Cyborg pretended to not hear the conversation and focused on their pizzas. They were both feeling uncomfortable with what Raven was doing, but didn't know what to do or say.
"Uh, what do you guys think of the pizza? I got it at that new place, Salvatore's" Cyborg remarked out of the blue.
"They make a nice veggie pizza, that's for sure." Beast Boy replied.
"So, Robin, when are we leaving for San Antonio?" Raven changed the subject. "I won't speak for Gar, though I imagine that he's just as eager to go as I am to get going."
"Right … yes … well, that's still on hold and I haven't decided who is going. We need to sit down with Rachel tomorrow to find out where she stands with Beast Boy. While it isn't official, I am getting the impression that she's … how do I say this?"
"You mean she dumped the grass stain." Cyborg interrupted.
"What a shame." Raven remarked as she smirked.
"Not my choice of words … but … yes." Robin agreed. "But until we sit down and hash this out, nothing is official."
Raven slipped her hand into Beast Boy's. "I think I know what the outcome will be."
-( scene break )-
"The veggie pizza, it is acceptable for you?" Starfire asked as she drenched her slice in mustard.
"Don't tell Gar, but when it comes to craving meat … a meat lover's pizza is to die for … but this is pretty good for a veggie pizza."
"You do miss eating the meat?"
"You have no idea, and I'm not a vegetarian because of Raven's stupid Azarathian beliefs … I do it for Gar, though to be honest I'm considering going carnivore again … right now I'd kill for a meat lover's."
"You would commit the murder for a pizza? Why? The family sized meat lover's only costs $15, which is a very reasonable price for …"
Rachel began to snicker.
"Oh I see … that was another of those earthly slangs?"
Rachel nodded as she stuffed a slice into her mouth.
"Right … what shall we do after we finish eating?" Starfire tapped her fingers together.
Rachel wiggled her toes.
"Ah yes! The painting of the toenails! And we can also do the braiding of the hair while we watch the 'chick flick' on the TV."
"Sounds like fun … do you want the last slice of pizza?" Rachel asked.
Starfire smiled. "You may consume it while I retrieve the nail polish and set up the TV."
Rachel burped after eating the last slice of pizza and tossing the box aside in a very Beast Boy like gesture. Starfire returned with several DVDs.
"We have several movies to choose from …"
Before she could begin to enumerate them, their communicators began to buzz. Starfire removed hers from her belt.
"It is a distress call … and it is from Beast Boy!" Starfire shrieked.
Rachel flipped her communicator open. The changeling's panic stricken face appeared on the display.
"Guys! Come quick! We're in Raven's room … something's happened to her … I think she's dying!"
-( scene break )-
After quickly consuming their own veggie pizza, Raven led Beast Boy out of the common room. Her only words to Robin as they left were: "Unless it's an emergency, don't bother us."
Cyborg was the first to remark: "Rob, something is just weird about this."
"I know, but what can we do?"
Meanwhile the original Chromatically Challenged Couple™ rode the elevator to the habitat level. They exited the lift and walked down the hallway, until they were in front of Beast Boy's room.
"Well, this is my stop." He announced with a hint of nervousness. "Thanks for hanging out with me Raven."
A look of concern appeared on her face. "Gar, you were going to spend the night with me."
He rubbed the back of his neck while he grinned sheepishly. "It's OK, Rave, since Rachel's bunking with Star tonight, I can stay in my room."
Raven smiled sweetly. "Garfield, the last thing you need to do is be alone tonight. And don't worry, I don't bite."
"Well, now that you mention it, I guess I don't really want to be alone right now."
She took his hand. "Then let's go."
Raven led him to her room. She hopped on her bed and patted the spot next to her. He hesitated for a moment, but joined her. They watched a movie, one of those cheesy ninja movies he was so fond of. Once it was over it was late and they both yawned.
"Time to sleep." He announced as he hopped off the bed and morphed into a dog, curling up on the floor.
"Don't be silly, Gar, we can share the bed." She gently chided him as she headed off to the bathroom to get ready for the night.
"I'll go get my pajamas." He said as he morphed back into his human form.
"Just sleep in your underwear." She called back.
Beast Boy paused, deliberating on whether or not he should go back to his room to fetch a set of pajamas. In the end he shrugged his shoulders and stripped down to his boxers and a T shirt. Just as he pulled back the bedcovers Raven emerged from the bathroom wearing a very revealing nightgown. While not as exposing as the one Rachel modeled earlier for the changeling, the lacy black negligee left little to the imagination. It partially exposed her two gray breasts but that's not what the changeling noticed. What caught his attention was a dazzling pendant that shined with what appeared to be a supernatural light, sparkling as if it was alive. It was under her nightgown, and like her bosom, the negligee did not conceal it.
"Hello, Gar." She purred.
He gulped.
"Uh, Raven, what are you doing? You're almost naked."
"I guess I am. Lucky for you, huh?"
"Uh, Raven … Rach is still my girlfriend."
"I don't think so." She cooed him as she caressed his face with her index finger. "You have a new girlfriend now. A better girlfriend."
The changeling stepped back, away from her. His leg caught on the edge of the bed and he fell on his back, landing on the bed. Raven, still standing, drew closer.
"Just where I wanted you." She smiled.
"Raven …"
"Gar, don't be afraid … I love you … don't you know that?"
He nodded. "Yeah, but Raven … not like this."
"Don't you love me?" She asked.
"Well, yeah, but this is wrong. Raven, we have to wait until I talk to Rachel."
She leaned over him. The Star of Eradon was shining red, which drew his attention.
"Gar, she's already rejected you, and you know why? Because she knows that you and I are meant to be together."
Raven leaned over even more. And that was when it happened. The Star of Eradon slipped out of her nightgown, and like a falling star is landed on his face. It was quite hot and the burning sensation on his face triggered a reflex as he reached for and grabbed the pendant. Raven's demeanor immediately changed.
"Don't touch that!" She shrieked as she instinctively stood up in an attempt to draw the gem away from him.
But it was too late, as he had it firmly in his grasp. As she stood up the chain became taught. Afraid of breaking the chain she shifted her stance to release the tension on the chain. While doing this she lost her balance and fell back towards the floor.
"Noooooo!" She screamed when she felt the chain snap.
Beast watched in utter amazement as a red mist emerged from the gem. It briefly floated in the air until it made a beeline towards Raven, entering the chakra stone on her forehead.
A blood curdling scream emerged from her mouth and her entire body which was now prostrate on the floor began to shake violently. Beast Boy stared in horror as the scene unfolded before him.
Remembering his communicator, he retrieved it from his belt which was draped over a chair, and pressed the panic button. After what felt like an eternity, a face appeared on the display.
Rachel's face.
"Guys! Come quick! We're in Raven's room … something's happened to her … I think she's dying!"
-( scene break )-
I think we were overdue for a cliffhanger!
And now, back by popular demand … the mail bag!
Anonymous
In all Honesty...Can you please kill her lmao Im sorry,Im sorry but I have never hated a character so much!Wanna kknow why BECAUSE SHE LOOKS LIKE RAVEN!Thats why I hate her lmao.I like Terra more than her...i cant belive I said that...Force...Your stories make me like this lol
Poor Rach, she needs some love
SladeRavenFan
Feeling sorry for Rachel? Never! Raven all the way. It sounds mean, but hopefully Slade will return and end Rachel. And hopefully the Star of Eradon will go away with some magical loophole from Malchior.
I'll bet you weren't expecting BB to yank it off Raven's neck.
gabylokita41
Damn i agree with star rae-rae is like a new person, but i bet gar will find out why shes acting like that poor Rachel shes got everything messed up, i wonder who will end up leaving :) anyways great chap loved it
The new Raven is toast, but what will happen to her?
bluedog197
ohhh ya ohh ya do a happy dance... wooohooo mini cat fight dude. but poor rachel she kinda deserved it i say its not the best way to win somebody back but way better then making a bet to see who wins. i wonder if beastboy really likes raven or is just a rebound for him anyway i loved the part where they where calling each other names. but now robin is on to them this could end badly for both of them. but super awesome fist pump in the air story keep it up
Possessed Raven and Rachel make for a good cat fight! Meow!
Guest
Yup poor rach. And im guessing she might go dark side
It ain't over until it's over.
MelonLord28
I know evilraven should put me more on edge, but Rachel wasn't exactly little miss innocent here, she matched raven blow for blow. So in the face of apparent equal eviltude, I have to go with the infinitely superior other words, not really at all. But then again I'm judging this by my preconceived biases rather that a straight logical assessment. Take that for what you will. Man your story rocks.
Thanks! My biggest fear in this story was that Rachel would be a Mary Sue
Avandra the Mary Sue Slayer
I like that BB and Raven are finally together... but poor Rachel, I hope she doesn't run to Slade or anything! Raven should take that pendant off as soon as possible, I really hope BB notices it! You know, it bugs me that he gave up on Rachel so easily, sure he had feelings for Raven, but if he doesn't go look for her he'll prove her right; it would mean he never loved her but Raven. This is sad!
BB sure noticed the pendant. Rachel is gonna blow her lid when she sees the Star of Eradon in BB's hand
titanfan45
I actually do feel sorry for Rachael, but as they say; all is fair in love and war. I think the Star of Eradon becoming bright and hot would definitely wreak havoc on intimacy. At this point, I don't see how things can really work out with Raven and I don't things will work out with Rachael as long as the two girls and Beast Boy all live under the same roof. I just hope that Rachael doesn't find herself in Slade's clutches again. I have to wonder if Raven's glimpse into the future is yet to come true.
What a mess I've concocted, huh?
punkrocka23
Happy for Raven, but obviously that chain she's wearing is affecting her in a not so good way. I still want them to end up together, but I hope Rachel can find something good in her life too.
A tough choice, isn't it?
FelynxTiger
I do not feel sorry for her. BUT, Raven's kinda cheating with the gem so it's sort of unfair to Rach, hmmmh poor Gar though v.v
What is BB going to do?
GreennaveyblueRaven
I need a bucket of popcorn for that catfight go raven get him back.
I like catfights too.
Jason9000
Let me guess Slade ran into his brother Deadpool and now has to deal with his shenanigans?
That would be interesting. I was tempted to bring Rose into this story, but decided to stick with Wintergreen
Chico Magnifico 1/13/13 . chapter 20
Hey man sorry about your Broncos. It was a good game and if it's any consolation at least the Seahawks lost right? :D
Oh and good chapter! This is definitely becoming an interesting triangle and I feel bad for all three involved! :O
Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory
shaylove
I'm not really feeling too bad for Rachel... I feel bad for BB. He's being pulled and pushed in two different directions and he must be so confused.
He had quite a fright in Raven's room
Cyllan Anassan
Oh, man... BB, pick a side and stick with it, would you? If he already choose Rachel, then he shouldn't give Raven any ideas. He know what she feels for him. I don't feel sorry for Rachel, she had that coming, for not trusting Beastboy -although I can't say she's mistaken right now-. And Raven... isn't Raven, that simple. I don't know what to think of her. Even with the Star of Eradon her behavior is just disgusting right now. Please, bring ol' good Raven back... is just too hard to feel simpathy for her right now.
Rachel is very insecure because she is a clone. And for that reason she does stupid things.
Curse you Perry the Platypus
Really no mail bag, NO MAIL BAG! Raven and Rachel's fights sure are heating up.
The Star of Eradon is making Raven into a douche. Now that BB's yanked it off her, what will happen?
Dezarulordoftwilight
Yay control freak my Fav villian. But more seriously, looking at it Beast Boy is the issue with the whole triangle, Rachel and him are doing fine everythings cool then some stuff happens and hes snogging with raven hes the problem he needs to decide on a girl and stick with her. But whatever I liked this chapter it was good.
Though he's kind of goofy and wasn't in the comics, I kind of like him
Rosalind du Coudray
Sort of starting to feel bad for Rachel...and I'm sort of starting to think of Raven as a...well...promiscuous biotch. It's ever-so-good! You keep my guessing and chomping at the bit for the next chapter! Please continue soon, and keep up the great work!
You can't blame Raven; it was the Star of Eradon. She must be feeling mortified.
Katwizzle
I wonder what beast boy will do when he finds out about the Star of Eradon... i cant wait for the next chapter!
Well, that won't be until the next chapter
Dragonkyng
I think Rachel is going to Slade. Also, doesn't Raven know she's playing with an emotionally insecure guy's heart?
A lot of people thought she would go to Slade.
Azarune
No mailbag, HOW DARE YOU GOOD SIR! Also yes I feel bad for Rachel. I even believe that I hope Beast Boy stays with her... Heresy I know...
We will soon know who he will choose.
MickChick125
Raven and Rachael are both acting like sluts. Get your shit together ladies!
Rachel is less inhibited and Raven was possessed by the Star or Eradon.
WhovianTitanPotter
I actually prefer Rachel to Raven. I'm also a BB/Rach shipper in this story.
Poor Rachel, I think her lot is worse than Raven's