Raven

"So there's something in his bloodstream?" Raven asked Dr. Laprigasta.

"Yes. As far as I'm concerned, Officer David Ramirez had a certain fluid in his body that isn't naturally produced nor commonly injected by any type of junkie. We're unsure what it is, but as far as I can tell, it's some Grade A chemical weaponry. It's clear it was ingested and though we don't know how it was ingested, from the report we have and what you gave us, the effects are astounding. It affects the brain in a way that it makes you feel wonderful and acts like LSD, but then it brings up your emotional levels. Emotions such as fear, anger, madness, and sensuality. Takes them to the extremes."

"Extreme enough for attempted murder?"

"Very much in this case. To be honest, I think this might be a attempted experiment to see how it works. No one another in their right mind would test this on themselves twice unless you were trying to promote sensuality. And seeing how this is very little of such a chemical, I doubt whoever made this knew the recommended dose of an unknown drug unless they ran a drug ring with kidnapped participants or they were just too stupid. I know I'm not a detective, but right now, it seems that this drug… this unknown drug is dangerous. Officer Ramirez ingested twenty milligrams of it. Just imagine if some one got this in a protein powder or a can of beans."

"That would be bad," Raven said lowly.

"Unimaginable. If you heard about that chemical gas in Gotham we identified as Fear Toxin. Used by an Arkam criminal named Scarecrow. He used it to enhance emotional levels to reveal the worst fears of his victims. If you overdosed, you'd probably go insane. This seems to be a more original version of such toxins."

"You think Scarecrow's toxin derived from this?"

"It has to. Fear Toxin won't kill you on an overdose. This however, will most certainly put you in the grave. It's very similar to the toxin, but, there hasn't been any case reported on this. Whoever used this has to ether be the creator or an old school assassin who miscalculated the dosage."

"Is he awake yet?"

"Not yet. But he won't be leaving until we've cleared him to be viable for anything. We took some blood samples and we'll give you some."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome. Please wait out here while we get you the samples."

Raven went to a seat and sat down. As she took a deep breath. Her eyes were closed as she reached down into a meditative stage. Her hood covered her head as her third eye glowed. A strand of hair fell over her eye. She always cut her bangs, but Raven knew there wasn't actually in hair there. She may not have been fully submerged in meditation hence why she didn't started floating nor crossed her legs.

On the contrary, she could feel her own spirit slip between a meditative plane and reality. It was as if she was dozing. She began to think as she felt her spiritual form become more physical with her soul. Her physical body unaffected to the human eye, but her soul could feel long hair, tattooed, and her inner demons lurking in their cages.

What drives Terra? She mentioned she needed to take us out to teach her ways. She plans to teach something. But I need to consider a few things. What does she plan to teach? Who does she plan to teach? Why does she want to teach? How does she plan to teach? Why would anyone want to hear what she has to say?

Raven's phone rang. She dug it out and smiled seeing the picture of Beast Boy doing a stupid dance move. His tongue hung out and enticed her to a small shift of emotion through her heart. A warm tingling spread through her as she answered. She pressed the cold glass to her ear.

"Hello?" She spoke first.

"What a foolishly weak security network you have," a smooth once answered. Raven felt the hairs on her neck as she recognized the heavily accented tone. It was the man from the roof. "I would expect you to keep something along Wayne Tech. Instead, you have LexCorps. Absolutely pitiful for a phone company if you ask me."

"Who are you?"

"My name is Zelo if you haven't figured that out."

"Zelo? Rose told me to protect you."

"Ah! I figured she told you such. She used to be obsessed with her father, but when she met me, she became fascinated with me with all her life and all her attention. I became just as obsessed with her. When we met up for the first time since a horrible ordeal, she didn't believe it was me at first. She shoved me. Slapped me. Kissed me. Anything that a person would do if they saw a loved one return from a grave that could not contain the body. We agreed to move out, but we had a bit of a problem. Her name is Terra."

"If you two had problems with Terra, why didn't you just kill her when you had the chance? The girl was living with her. An easy target."

"Let's say that boy, Garfield was married to you," Raven felt shivers grip and shatter her spine as his cold voice smoothly told her that he knew everything. Zelo spoke scratchingly, "Then he was swept out to sea. Twenty years later, he shows up, but POOF! you're married to the cybernetic man. Victor Stone.

"So who are you with now? You're technically unfaithful on Garfield. But Victor has been a calm down from the old days you had with Garfield. It's been so long, it seems like you have psychosis and see memories slither down a blanket like poured milk. So, who do you take? The man you married and love with all your heart for the past twenty years, maybe you have children with him or the nostalgia where true loyalty lies."

"I would take Garfield as much as it pained me. Until death do we part."

"And you could live with that?"

"With a flaring pain. But what does that have to do with anything?"

"It's a metaphor, dear. And it's close to home. See, I'm that Garfield of yours and Terra is that Victor Stone. You are Rose. And she made the same choice. She couldn't stand to break her heart, so she made her hate her and drove her off. What a heartbreak it was, but I do think she had a bit of a pent up anger and Terra just wasn't compensating."

"She offered to turn herself in. She apologized for raping her."

"I never mentioned guilt. When I heard what she had done, I rebuked her and then told her I'd always love her. Overcame with shame, she told me she'd serve her time and I promised I would visit her. Except, well, I can't now. I have a meeting I have to attend, but I pray you realize that I am coming for you."

"Who are you meeting?" Raven was too late as the phone hung up. Before the phone cut off, she heard a muffled voice ask, "Who are you?"

Raven looked at the phone and saw the number was a business line. She didn't need to turn it in to the Titans to know it was a front and Zelo would undoubtedly switch the phone immediately. She shook her head and pocketed the phone as Dr. Laprigasta reentered and gave her two vials of dark red blood.

"Thank you," Raven gave appreciation whilst masking her uneasiness in her bosom. She felt lightheaded with a hint of paranoia as if Zelo was watching her from a corner. She resisted the temptation to look over her shoulder. Dr. Laprigasta gave a squint at her.

"Are you feeling well?" Dr. Laprigasta asked with sincerity in her voice.

"I'm fine," Raven sighed with audible distress. "Just a long day and I have to go deal with something now."

"I see. Take it easy. Sometimes letting go of things that aren't worth keeping are the best things for you. Keep the stress down and I suggest you get a good night sleep."

"Thank you," Raven turned one corner of her lip upwards. She started walking to the exit as she saw the TV reporting the incident at the pizzeria. Vickie Vale was on the case. Raven drew closer to the screen.

"-As you can see, it appears from the footage, the notorious criminal Terra Markov has finally been apprehended. We were unable to interview the Titans nor the two "mysterious" twins that saved the day. Police have said that they do not approve of vigilante justice, but the twins were in full right of self defense as they made a citizen's arrest with necessary force that police could not achieve. Stay tuned for further details. I'm Vickie Vale and this is Goth-"

Raven's blood boiled. She hated reporters. They always lied and when the good ones came along, the ones who had beautiful spirits and hearts they'd get in the way and die. Heartbreak every time. She only had so much love she could give. She turned away and exited the building.

Back at the Tower, Starfire was making quick friends with Asa while Osvaldo sat off in the corner. Beast Boy did not disturb him as he awaited Raven. Cyborg was nowhere to be seen, but it was suggested that he needed to make upgrades to his weaponry. Raven knew that was damn lie as she smelled dinner brewing in the kitchen.

"Friend Raven, have you met Friend Asa?" Starfire asked with giant green gooey eyes.

"Yes, Star. I have."

"Is that so? Then what's her name?"

"Asa, Star. You just said that."

Starfire gasped. "OMG! Yes! I humbly apologize for questioning your wisdom."

"Star, no- sure. Whatever."

Starfire went back to entertaining Asa who kept the consistent creepy smile as always. Raven decided to approach Osvaldo. He looked up her with a blank face. His dark black eyes opening the door to another universe. She sat in front of him.

"I do not like being observed like an animal," Osvaldo told her.

"Sorry. I'm just wondering what to say."

"How about, "How are you?" "

"How are you?" Raven asked without much thought. She took his word as a command.

"I'm confused."

"Why are you confused?"

"I don't know."

"What are you confused about?"

"I'm confused about why everyone hates us."

"Not everyone hates you."

"Yes they do. Before we met you, conscious, you saw how we were treated. Why is that when the Daughter of Satan arrives to the world, not a single person cries Antichrist, but when two twins fall in love, it's like the world is drowned in the bowls of God's wrath?"

"Because I define myself according to the laws. You on the other hand oppose it. The only reason you aren't in prison is because you saved me."

"And you plan to turn us in?"

"I'm giving you the chance to run or at least join the Titans where we can say that you're saving the world."

"Is this an ultimatum?"

"It is," Raven had steel nerves.

"I'd rather not join you. I have a feeling we'd have more murderous encounters when you lose control of yourself. We'll keep shopping around the town and get a job. Thank you for hosting us, but we'll be going."

"That's not an option," Raven stood as he rose up.

"And who's going to stop me?" Osvaldo brushed his pants. "You?"

Raven knew she could kill him, but, his confidence was not in his words. He was humble in his words. He already knew what he could do. She didn't. The Queen of Darkness had no choice but to let him go least he overthrow her. Who knows? He could be the King.

"Asa," he whistled. "Can we go now?"

"Can't you just wait for another hour."

"No, ma'am. Dinner is awaiting us."

"Why don't you eat here?" Starfire beamed.

"Thank you Starfire," Osvaldo gave a weak smile. "But-"

"We'd be honoured," Asa hugged her. Raven pursed her lips as Beast Boy touched her shoulder. Raven tried to soften her glare but failed to when she laid eyes on him. Beast Boy didn't flinch.

"It's Robin," he said in a quiet voice. "The Batman is here."

Raven followed him, praying for the best.

I've got other projects to pursue, so consider this on hiatus until further notice.