Here we are with the seventh chapter, and I hope everyone is ready. Sorry again for taking so long since I have been stuck with classes and work. I also kind of lost interest in some my stories. However, I got some fire back in me and going to do my best to work on them again.
I will do my best to get them done and hope you are all ready for this chapter. Anyways, yes we are now in the Raven arc of season 4. However, things will be different than in the original series. Considering who I have in the story.
How will things play out with Isamu and Raven? Will we see some more fighting? Will we see some action? And what will happen when they meet the old enemy of the Titans?
Also thanks to my friend General Herbison for his help on my crossovers. We hope you all like them and the new version for this second version too.
Well, let's find out with this new chapter and let's go with the disclaimer first. I don't own anything from the DC, Bleach, and Star Wars universe. Just my OCs, except for the OCs from the general. Enjoy the chapter everyone!
Chapter VII
Titan's Tower
Morning soon came as Isamu headed down towards the Common room. He lets out a loud yawn and rubbed his eyes as he makes his way over to get some coffee. He had tried to contact the old man last night but ran into some trouble. He sensed a dark disturbance and went to go check it out.
However, he couldn't find the exact location of where it was. He thought it was underwater but found nothing there. He thought maybe he was just tired and was on his way home. That was until some Hollows appeared and so had to deal with them.
By the time he got home it was four in the morning. Leaving him with only a couple of hours of sleep. He is just hoping he will get some coffee soon and then take a little nap. However, when he got to the room, he is surprised to see Starfire fly passed him and appears to be putting some bags away in the cupboards.
"Um, Starfire? What are you doing?" he asked curious on what the alien girl is doing.
Star turns around and grabs Isamu before poking her head out of the room. Once it looks like the coast was clear she closed the door and took Isamu to the kitchen.
"I am getting things ready for the surprise party," she whispered as if she is someone might hear her…even though they were the only ones in the room.
Isamu who didn't mind the strange alien girl decided to play along and whispered back. "What surprise party?"
"Beast Boy did not tell you?" she asked surprised that her friend didn't tell Isamu. "It is a birthday party for Raven."
Isamu's expression changed to one of surprise when she mentioned Raven's birthday. "Her birthday is today? Really?"
Starfire nods with excitement in her face. "Yes, it is," she said in now her normal tone and not whispering. "Beast Boy said he found out about her birthday and now we are going to get everything ready for her tonight."
Isamu seemed happy that today is Raven's birthday, but also a little disappointed. Why didn't she tell him it was her birthday? He knows that she hasn't admit she likes him as a friend, but still he told her when his birthday is during one of their many conversations. Yet she never told him about when her birthday is and just kept telling him it already passed.
"Beast Boy and Cyborg are working on getting the food for the party. Robin is busy keeping an eye on Raven to make sure she won't find out…" Star goes into the cupboards and pulls out the bags. "And I am in charge of the decorations. I even plan to make her a traditional Tamaranian Throknar, the Crown of Meat."
Isamu snapped out of his thoughts when she mentioned a crown made of meat and is thankful his birthday is not going to be around soon. "I see…well um that sounds great and all. I think I'll use this chance to also find a gift for Raven."
"Oh how wonderful! What kind of gift are you going to get her?" Starfire asked as she got some ideas. "Oh how about some flowers, or chocolate, or those animals that are stuffed with wool?" she then noticed Isamu's expression looking confused. "I was told that is what boys give to girls on days of celebration."
Not exactly, but why rain on her parade. Isamu thought as he cleared his throat and came up with a better idea. "I actually plan to give her something that I used to read as a kid. It was a gift my mother used to read to me when I was little."
Starfire gasped and got even more excited. "Oh, how wonderful and thoughtful. I am sure Raven will love it. Shall I assist you?"
Isamu shook his head in response. "Nah. I got it. You go ahead and work on your…meat crown. I'll go get the gift ready," he said as he left the room forgetting to get his coffee but decided he would not need it.
Starfire was very happy to see Isamu is going to get Raven something very nice. She never said this to the others, but for a while now she has noticed how Raven has begun to open up again with someone outside of the team. Ever since what happened with Terra and Malchior, Raven closed herself off. Sure, she bonded with the others, but not with a lot of people outside of the team.
Not even with the other Titan members. Perhaps she is just worried she might get too close to someone, and they will end up hurting her. However, things have changed. Isamu was different from Malchior and despite what Robin thought she knew he was the right person for Raven.
"Perhaps Raven will finally find her lobster," said Starfire as she noticed Silkie looking at her confused. "It is something I saw on the television. About how lobsters' mate for life and are seen holding their cute claws together when they walk."
Meanwhile
Isamu took off out of the tower and heads towards the city. He figures he will be able to find the book he is looking for at the bookstore. He would have given Raven the one his mom gave him but left it back in Japan. He knew it would take him too long to get there and too long to get back.
So, he'll have to buy a new one and hope Raven will like it. He did think about calling the old man, but decided to leave him out of this. Since he is sure he is busy working on some leads. So, he didn't want to disturb him.
He arrives at the bookstore that Raven goes to and looks around the place. He comes by here a lot with Raven and finds some fun books to read. They even spend time in the shop together to read some books. Despite what she says he knows she likes having him around.
Probably because a lot of her friends don't have the same thing in common with her. Beast Boy and Cyborg prefer playing video games or watching TV. Robin is busy training and work on his bike. Starfire likes to go out, shop, buy dresses, or even do something to her hair, which she claims is in style.
So, spending time with him and going out to read he feels makes her feel happy to have something in common with someone. Although, he gets the feeling she is hesitated to show it. He doesn't know why and doesn't try asking the others about it. Since he feels it's none of his business and should leave it alone.
He goes looking around the store towards the section where he knows the book is at. However, to his surprise it's not there. He didn't expect this at all and wonders why it isn't here. He could have sworn he saw it last week.
"Looking for something?" the owner who is an elderly man approached Isamu while using his cane.
Isamu nods as he replies to the owner. "I'm looking for book you had here," he points to the empty shelf that has the title of the book underneath it. "Did you sell it to someone?"
The owner nods in response. "I'm afraid so. To a father who got it for his daughter."
Isamu sighed a little. He was glad to know someone bought it for their kid, but now needs to try looking for it somewhere else. "I don't suppose you know where else I can find it?"
The owner shook his head in response. "Not till I can get some more in a couple of weeks."
"I see…all right thank you," Isamu replied as he left the store and began thinking of another way to find the book. "I guess I can try finding it in another store, but it will most likely be one of those graphic ones."
He also knew it would take too long if he tried taking say a plane to Japan and then come back. However, it was then he came up with an idea. He knew there are other ways of getting where one needs to get. He knew asking them for a favor might not go well, but he wants to try. It is for a good cause after all.
"I just hope the old man and the others don't find out," he said as he makes his way down to the nearest alleyway and into an empty lot.
He takes out a soul candy and swallows it releasing his soul form from his body. "All right. Head to some of the other stores and if you find the book then call me."
The Mod Soul aka the substitute soul that is inside Isamu's body nods in response before taking off. Isamu takes out his phone and begins checking to see if there are any Hollows around to make. He didn't want to leave the city unprotected before taking off. Once he is sure things look okay, he puts his phone away and goes near the corner.
He makes sure no one who could see spirits could see what he is about to do. He pulls out his sword, which he kept in its sheath and has it in a holster that he keeps on his back. He moves it in front of him as he closed his eyes. Once he opens them the sword begins to glow brightly.
He moves the sword towards the wall as it phases through it. He turns the sword as if it was a key and soon a bright light appears in front of him. A door in the form of a traditional Japanese waiting room appears and fully opens.
"All right. Time to go on in," he said as he steps in and begins heading through the doorway as it closes behind him.
Later
Hours passed by as Raven sat in her room watching the clock in her hand. After last night she spends most of the night and day in her room. Leaving only to go to the bathroom or get some food. Thankfully there were no criminals causing any trouble, so she didn't need to leave the tower.
Whenever she did leave her room, she noticed the others seemed busy with something. She tried asking them about it, but they claimed it was for something else. A part of her wanted to know what they were doing, but the other part of her reminded her of today. How she needed to focus on it and forget what the others are doing.
So, she returned to her room and found ways to pass the time. Not even noticing there was a member in the tower that was missing. Isamu, he wasn't with the others, and she couldn't sense his presence. Starfire told her before she went to her room, he went to go buy something. She knew she could always call him on his phone but decide that maybe he is off fighting Hollows.
So, as the sun has set, and nighttime has come she put her focus on the clock in her hand. She continued watching it while sitting on her bed as the clock reaches six. In her mind it is almost over. It won't be long before this day is done and what she has been threading will be a distant memory.
"Just six more hours and it'll be over," she said glad that nothing has happened today.
A knock came to her door though, which got her attention off of the clock. She assumed it is her friends but didn't hear a sound from the door. Another knock came as Raven decided to go check it out. Opening the door she finds no one is there. She did notice however some signs on the floor that pointed down the hallway.
Following them she finds they are heading towards the Common Room. She just hopes this isn't going to be a prank from Beast Boy. She was not in the mood for any of his jokes. She opens the door to find the room empty and dark.
"Hello?" she called out wondering what is going on.
The lights suddenly turned on and her friends appeared. "Surprise!"
Raven screams and disappears from her friends who see she is gone.
"Um…Raven?" said Cyborg.
"It is merely us, your friends," said Starfire as she like the others wonder where she went. "With warm wishes for the day of your birth."
"I told you guys a surprise party was a bad idea," said Robin who knew this was going to happen.
A dark aura appeared behind Beast Boy as Raven emerged. Shocked that everyone found out about her birthday. "How did you know it was my birthday?"
"Um…remember last night how you made that big deal about tomorrow?" Beast Boy began recalling last night and what Raven said. "Well, we started wondering what tomorrow was, so we did some snooping," the others glare at Beast Boy who confessed. "Okay, I did some snooping and I sort found a restricted file in the off-limits area of the Titans' computer that kinda had your birthday on it."
Starfire spoke up next. "And we have been preparing your celebration ever since."
Beast Boy slides next to Raven and shows the hard work they did. "We put up tons of decorations and made sure you didn't find out what we were up to."
Raven looked around seeing what her friends did and should have known something was up. She should have known since she has seen her friends do this to one another whenever they were setting things up for their surprise parties. However, she didn't give it many thoughts to it. Not with what's on her mind.
Cyborg brings out a dish and reveals a large cake with different frostings on it. "I baked my famous eight-layer cake with three kinds of frosting."
"And I have assembled for you a traditional Tamaranian Throknar…" Starfire shows what appears to be a crown made of meat. "The crown of meat," of course it is made of meat. She should have known.
Raven, however, didn't like the idea of them celebrating her birthday. She saw nothing great about celebrating it.
Robin noticed Raven's expression and tries to talk to her. "I hope this is okay. We just-…"
"No, it's not," Raven lowers her tone and calmly talks to her friends. "Look, I really appreciate what you're trying to do…but I'm not interested."
Before she tried to leave Starfire flew in front of her. "But…there will be music and the iced cream, and a strange game involving pins and the behind of a donkey."
"We got a piñata shaped like Beast Boy," Cyborg shows the actual piñata. "You know you want to smack it."
"I said no," Raven replied as her tone began to rise and so did her emotions.
"Come on, Raven," began Beast Boy wanting to lighten Raven up. "I know you hate fun, but it's your birthday. It's special. You can't let this day end without-…"
"No!" Raven shouted with her eyes glowing red. Her powers got unleashed as she destroyed the decorations and the cake before leaving the room with her friends in shocked.
"I told you a surprise party was a bad idea," said Beast Boy.
"Give it a rest," said Robin as he goes to catch up with Raven.
Raven heads back towards her room wanting to hide for the rest of the night. She also didn't want to talk to her friends after snapping like that. She knew they just wanted to celebrate, and their intentions were good. However, if they knew the truth…
"Raven," she stops and turns around to see Robin approaching her. "What's wrong?"
Raven turns to her friend and tries lying to him to explain her snapping. "I just don't like parties."
"It's more than that," said Robin who knew she is lying. "I can tell. We have a bond, remember? You've been inside of my mind. Let me inside yours."
Raven knew that was true. Ever since the Slade incident where she went into his mind to help they've had a bond. She understood him better and even saw a bit of his past. Not too much, since she didn't want to violate his mind by learning everything.
Still, for his safety and the safety of the others she needed to keep this from them. "Robin. You know me better than anyone. You should know there are places in my mind where you can't go, where no one should ever go."
"I'm willing to try if you'll-…" Robin was interrupted by Raven.
"I can't," she replied refusing to let him help.
Robin though refused to and wanted to help his friend. "Tell me what's going on."
"Just trust me. If you knew anything about the day of my birth," Raven begins to slowly walk away. "You'd know there's nothing to celebrate."
Back in the Common Room the Titans began cleaning up the mess left behind by the…birthday girl. Cyborg and Beast Boy are seen cleaning up the cake, while Starfire is taking down the decorations.
"I do not understand why our friend is upset with us not celebrating her birthday," said Starfire as she took down the birthday banner. "Is it common on Earth for those to dislike their birthdays?"
"I guess so," said Cyborg as he recalls back when he was still a normal teenager there were a lot of girls who didn't like their birthdays. "I guess I thought with Raven though it would be different."
Starfire nods in agreement with Cyborg. She thought with everything they went through since they came together that she has finally opened up. Sure, she hasn't told them much about her past, except where she came from. How she was raised by the monks of Azarath and why she came here.
Other than that, there wasn't much about Raven that they knew about. Still, she should not be that surprised. Since the others are the same too, but at least when they celebrate their birthdays there is a lot more happiness. Perhaps something happened that made her dislike her birthday?
"Well, what I'm wondering is where is Isamu?" Beast Boy asked as he finished cleaning the table. "Raven did say he has been her friend since their time in Azarath. So, maybe he might be able to tell us why she hates her birthday."
Starfire soon realized that Isamu is indeed not here. He contacted her earlier telling her he was going to run in a little late. Though that was three hours ago. Perhaps he hasn't found the gift he was looking to get Raven.
"I don't think it matters," said Robin as he came back into the room. "I don't think Raven was planning to change her mind anytime soon."
Starfire puts the decorations down and floats over to him. "I take it the talk did not help?"
Robin sighed as he walks over to the kitchen. "Right before she left, she said if we knew anything about her day of her birth, we'd know there is nothing to celebrate."
"What does that mean?" Beast Boy asked wondering what about her birth is so bad.
"I don't know," said Robin as the mystery of their friend's birthday has gotten them all curious. "I just wish she would realize that she can tell us anything."
"Maybe Beast Boy's right," said Cyborg who agreed with what his fried said earlier. "Maybe if we ask Isamu, he might be able to tell us something."
"He could, but maybe for now we should let Raven calm down and wait for her to eventually tell us," said Robin as he looked around noticing Isamu is not here. "By the way. Where is he?"
"He said he is looking for a gift for Raven and would not be long," Starfire replied, while also making a small lie that their friend wasn't going to be long.
"Oh, all right. Well, let's finish cleaning up then," said Robin as he begins helping his friends and hope that Raven will eventually tell them the truth.
Tokyo, Japan
It is eight in the morning in the Rising Sun and the citizens of the city are seen going about their day. The adults are seen going to work, while the kids are seen going to school. Unlike Jump City, the citizens here don't have to worry about super-powerful monsters or criminals appearing to attack them. The criminals they have been dealing with normally have been normal criminals that the police can handle.
In the western part of the city, Isamu arrived while wearing a cloak. He knew the people wouldn't be able to see him, but he still wanted to be sure.
He wanted to get what he is looking for fast and get out before he is noticed by those who know him. He couldn't sense his sister or either one of his two mentors. However, they could come back to the city before he knew it. So, he had to make this quick otherwise they might think he is skipping out on his mission.
He arrives at a familiar apartment building and opens the window. Thankfully he keeps the balcony window opened. Just in case he wants to get home without dealing with the front door. Looking around he noticed the place is empty and goes inside.
He goes to his room and opens the door. Finding it to be clean and in order. "Just the way I left it," he said to himself as he sets his sword on the table.
The room is a good size for him with a king-size bed, a bookcase, a table with a laptop on it, another table that has some drawings on them, a closet that is closed, a medium size flat-screen TV that is attached to the wall, and has a video console that is underneath it.
"Now, where did I put that book?" he asked himself as he looks for the book and knew he didn't keep it in the bookcase.
This book is special to him, and he would keep it somewhere safe. "That's it," he said as he goes under his bed and lifts it up.
He steps his foot around until he feels a loose board. Removing the board he finds a metal case. He takes it out and sees a combination lock. Putting in the numbers he is able to open it and there is the book he is looking for.
"All wrapped up in the cloth like I left you," he said as he took the book that is wrapped in the red cloth and put's it away in his kimono. "All right time to…" he stopped a moment when he noticed a picture of a family on his nightstand.
He walks over to it and picks it up as he stares at it. In the picture are a couple. A male and female Japanese adult, with two children on the picture. All were wearing colorful kimonos, they appear to be in some sort of festival, and all were smiling. Isamu stared directly at the adults and his expression turned to one of sadness as he wipes away a small tear from his eye before putting the picture down.
"I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to save you both…but once I find him…I will make him pay," he said before he left the room and closed the door as he begins heading back to the others.
However, as he left a cloaked figure is seen nearby watching him leave. The figure took out a phone and began texting to someone. Letting them know Isamu came back and is leaving again. The figure receives a response telling the figure to follow him and report back once they find what he came back for.
Jump City
Meanwhile, back home Raven is back in her room sitting on her bed and continuing to watch the clock. After her talk with Robin, she locked her door and tried to forget what happened. She didn't like snapping like that to her friends. She knew their intentions were good and they don't know the truth.
Still, she knew if they did not only would they realize why they shouldn't celebrate her birthday but might end up hating her too. Maybe even fear her. Once this day is over, she will make something up. She'll explain why she doesn't like her birthday and hope they will believe her lie.
That's if the day finally ends. She has her legs crossed and has her right knee tapping on the bed out of frustration. Three hours passed since what happened earlier and she still has three more hours to go before midnight. Normally she would have a lot of patience and would even lecture Beast Boy on the importance of patience. However, now she is becoming impatient and wanted time to hurry up.
"Can't this thing go any faster?" Raven lets out a loud groan. "I just want this day to be over!"
She soon began trying to calm herself down. She has made it this far without any incident and doesn't want to jinx it. She just needs to be patient for a little longer. And once the day is over she will be free.
"Only a few hours to go…it might not even happen," said Raven knowing that's all she can do is hope.
She falls back on her bed and sighs as she looks up noticing the dreamcatcher. Ever since she got it she hasn't had any nightmares or visions of this day coming. She was glad Isamu gave to her and how it has come in handy. The moment she thought about Isamu is when she realized she hasn't seen him all day.
She has been so focused on this day that she didn't see Isamu and he hasn't come to see her. She tried using her powers to try sensing him in the tower but found that he isn't here.
"Where could he be?" she asked wondering if the others told him, it is her birthday or figures he knew since he did say he knew her. "He must be working," she said figuring he is in the city.
At least that's what believes he is doing. Still, normally he would come around to talk to her before he takes off or to just to talk to her. She figures being stuck in her room all day would get him to come check up on her. Not that she wanted him to she just feels this feels weird of him not coming to see her.
She then began shaking her head and sat up. "W-what do I care if he does see me or not? I don't…" she said to herself when she stopped before realizing how she is getting upset just because he hasn't come to see her. "I mean, would be nice to let me know where he is. Even if he goes working."
She figures though she could just call him and find out. She goes to her pillow and pulls out under it a cell phone. Isamu gave it to her in case he is out somewhere, and something is wrong. She goes to call him and find out where he is when she stopped herself.
She puts the phone away and sighs. "I'm sure it's nothing and he will come back…I hope," she said as she decides to try mediating. "Focus…meditate and it'll be midnight before you know it."
Raven begins to levitate off her bed as she began to chant. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos," she said as she repeated this.
As she continues, she suddenly begins to cough. As if the air began getting thin in the room. Suddenly she found she couldn't breathe and her room is set on fire. She looks around to find a familiar symbol.
She recognized it as the dreamcatcher behind her began coming apart. She grabs it and tries to keep it from breaking as she hears a familiar voice.
"What you have concealed, you shall become!" spoke the deep demonic voice. "You have no other choice. Your destiny will be fulfilled. The portal must be opened!"
Raven closed her eyes and yelled loudly. "NOOOOO!"
Raven gasped as she opens her eyes and finds the fire is gone. Her room is back to normal, and the symbol is nowhere to be seen. She sighed in relief but can feel sweat on her face. She looks down at the dreamcatcher to find some of the strings broke.
She goes to use her magic to fix it when she hears a knock on the door. She goes to it and finds Robin on the other side.
"I heard you scream," he said looking concerned.
Just before Raven can say anything the alarm begins to go off. "Trouble."
That's the end of this chapter and yep, we are now in the Trigon arc or at least the beginning of it. That mean we'll have the Titans come across an old enemy. Will this mean Isamu is going to arrive in time for the fight? Will he be enough to stop their old enemy?
Will the others find out about Raven's past? Honestly if you have seen the show then you know where this is going. Still, with Isamu around things might go differently. Just be patience though and you'll see what I mean.
So, tune in next time to see how things will go. Also, the doorway used it is called Senkaimon or also known as "the World Penetration Gate." It is used by Soul Reapers to go into the World of the Living and also go to the Soul Society. For this to work a Soul Reaper takes their Zanpakutō, move it forward in any area.
Doesn't have to be against a wall. It can be out in the open and then they turn the sword like a key. This will cause the door to appear out of nowhere and open as a traditional Japanese waiting room. It fully opens and allow the user inside.
To General Maraxus, no dude only Soul Reapers can do this not with any inventions the Forever Empire might make. So, if we work on this some more with our crossovers. Anyways, thanks to everyone for the support and reviews. I appreciate it and thanks to my friend the general of his help.
Please leave some reviews and let me know what you all thought of the chapter. Nothing negative please. If you didn't like this chapter then don't leave a review. That's it everyone. I'll see you all next time and take care.