Teen Titans Fan Fiction Surrounded By Mysteries

[Matt A]

That was pretty damn nasty. Interesting, but still nasty. There's more to this backstory than demons, mystics and brief encounters, that much you've said, but what we've seen so far does give a fairly good impression of what's going on. I'll keep my guesses, vague as they are, to myself until the next chapter turns up, but rest assured that I'm very intrigued. I get the feeling this'll be getting even more twisted before long...

-Matt A-

PS: I liked the use of Them. Just through italics, you know they're dangerous.

 

[Aquagirl15]

That was pretty damn nasty. Interesting, but still nasty.

No one ever said this was gonna be a pretty story.

PS: I liked the use of Them. Just through italics, you know they're dangerous.

I couldn't decide what to call Them other than Them and seeing as I liked how that worked out I didn't feel the need to come up with a true name. It was hard enough coming up with Naret and Nigrot. Names are my downfall.

This long awaited chapter will give you more insight than I orginially planned so be happy.

Chapter 17: Family Bonding and Not-so Clear Explanations


Trevor stepped back quickly from Raven’s hand as if her touch had burned him. Raven slowly lowered her arm.

“I don’t know who you are anymore.” She said quietly.

“Obviously not who you thought I was.” Trevor tried to flatten his hair again.

“That’s it then?”

“Raven, you’ve seen my chakra but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna tell you anything. The truth is better left unheard.”

“Maybe to you! I’m the one who trusted you. The only reason Robin let you in is because I trusted you. I told him you were ok! And now, I can’t even promise him that much. Did my trust mean so little to you?”

“I never asked you to trust me Raven; you made that choice on your own. I could have run away from that orphanage and found a living on the streets just like I did when I was younger.”

“No you couldn’t have. You wouldn’t leave JD. It’s easy to see that much from the way you act.” Trevor didn’t answer her, but he knew what she said was true.

“You know that I have powers, and that’s enough in itself, more than what I was going to tell you. Did it ever occur to you that I’m protecting you by not telling you anything?”

“But I didn’t ask to be protected. We didn’t ask to be protected! How much damage can an orphan with no noticeable powers be?”

Raven’s words cut Trevor deeper and more painfully than any knife could. Trevor’s eyes became downcast.

“Maybe if I’m just ‘an orphan with no noticeable powers’ I wasn’t worthy of your trust to begin with.” He walked past Raven and to the door back into the Tower.

“Trevor… I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant it doesn’t seem like you have anything to protect us from.”

“I’ve been through the mill ok? My mom didn’t make the choice to have me, she was forced! Knowing you’re your mother’s burden is bad enough, but no, that’s not enough misery for me. I’m the reason she’s dead too!”

“My mom was forced to have me too. She’s not dead but she’d probably be better off that way.”

The two stood in silence for a while. Finally, Trevor turned and came back to Raven.

“You’re my kin, and you never told me.” Raven said sadly.

“No, I’m not an Azarathain. Sure, one of my parents was but I’ve never seen Azarath. When I told you I learned the language by different means I was telling the truth.” At this statement, Raven made a serious mood swing from half-sad, to indisputably angry. Flares of her power circled her and Trevor. Trevor didn’t fear her powers, whether in her control or not. Simply put, he wasn’t afraid of getting hurt.

The cause for Raven’s anger was explained shortly.

“How am I supposed to know what you’ve told me are lies and what aren’t?!”

“Because,” Trevor said slowly and calmly. “I never lied to you.”

“What?” Raven was getting back control.

“I never told you I wasn’t from Earth. Ok, so maybe I haven’t exactly come out with the truth, but nothing I told you was a lie.” Raven rubbed her temples.

“Isn’t there something you can tell me that won’t hurt me?” she asked finally, nearly giving in to defeat.

“Yes, there is one thing.”

Raven stared up at him, almost not believing.

“I’m trevor.” Now that Raven heard that it was easy to make the connection; she was surprised she hadn’t figured it out by herself. Trevor had the same calming voice, the voice that made you feel like you could trust him. But now Raven wasn’t so sure.

“Ok, so, I guess that’ll help me sleep better at night. Now I know I’ve got one less person watching me.” She glared. “How did you know where to find me?”

“It wasn’t hard. You didn’t exactly keep yourself hidden.”

“But why did you pick me out in the first place?”

“That’s something I can’t tell you.” Raven accepted this.

“How much do you know about me?”

“If you want the truth, a lot. I know who your parents are, what happened not too long before I showed up, and how I’m going to tie into all this in the end.” Before Raven could ask Trevor how he’d found these things out he continued. “Your dad’s not exactly the most inconspicuous person around, Raven. After I found out about him from books, it was easy to trace you, your mom, and find out about the whole ‘taking over the world’ thing.

“I also know,” Trevor smiled, oh was he going to change the mood. Raven didn’t like that. “About your little crush.”

“You what?!” Raven burst out, her powers flying again. Trevor laughed harder than he had ever laughed before.

“Robin.” He managed to choke out between gasps. After catching his breath he elaborated, but Raven still seethed. “That’s why you didn’t try very hard to stop him from finding out about me. That’s also why he knows the most about Trigon and the background behind your birth. But if you wanna get back on subject,” He could tell she did, “I know more about that than he does.”

Raven still wasn’t calmed down any.

“Oh c’mon Raven, I only did that to tease you a little. I’m not going to tell anyone. Anyway, it’s none of my business. You don’t poke around with me and Starfire; at least I don’t think you do.” Raven blinked.

“Are you saying there’s something between the two of you?”

“I thought you wanted to know about more important things.” Trevor said, slightly stiff.

“This is important. Starfire’s my best friend, and I can’t let you do anything to hurt her.”

“I’ve already told you! Just knowing me is harmful to people. I can’t help that, but why on Earth would I want to hurt Star?”

“I don’t know. But she does like you, and you’re not exactly giving her a clue as to where you stand.”

“Well,” Trevor suddenly felt sheepish, “That’s deliberate.” Raven smiled.

“Listen to us, teasing each other like we’re brother and sister.” Trevor laughed nervously.

“Yeah…” He shook himself mentally. “But I mean, doesn’t it get like that with everyone here?” Raven shrugged.

“Sure, I guess. If you want to put things in family terms as to what we do, Robin does what a dad would, Cy would be like the oldest kid, I’d be the sister that never needs taking care of but still gets it, Star would be the one we all protect, and BB would be the annoying little brother.”

Trevor watched Raven as she spoke of the Titans being like a family. It made a lot of sense that they were like one. He smiled softly at her little speech.

“And you and JD,” She continued. “You’d be like the unexpected relatives that went though a hard time and needed somewhere to belong.” Trevor was surprised he and JD were included. He hadn’t thought they’d been around long enough to count.

“Thanks Raven, thanks a lot.” He said softly. She looked confused.

“For what?”

“For including us in your ‘family’.” Raven considered him for a minute, and did another uncharacteristic thing. She hugged Trevor. And you’re not the only one surprised by her action. The boy being hugged could only look down at his friend, his ‘relative’, and smile.

That was one crazy conversation. Trevor thought as he lay in bed about five hours later. Maybe I didn’t realize such a tender subject all that was to Raven, she seemed to be giving into impulsive emotions more than normal. Trevor moved his arms behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. As he recalled the memories of the conversation he realized something. Looks like I’ve loosened up a bit since JD and I started living with the Titans. I would’ve never joked with someone like that before now… Then again, he squinted at the ceiling. Raven’s not just anyone.

Raven, however, did not wait until later to think about the conversation. She went straight to her room, giving her friends a look that dared them to bother her. Once in her room, she grabbed her mirror and went into her mind. She had a bone to pick with Happy for having her hug Trevor.

When Raven arrived in Nevermore, she didn’t wait for the rocks to form a path for her. She flew to the main rock, and found all her emotions assembled there, including one she rarely saw up front. The light-blue clad Confusion.

“What do you think you were doing?” Raven asked Happy accusingly after sweeping her eyes quickly over her emotions. Happy grinned.

“Nothing you didn’t want to do.”

“What makes you think I wanted to do that?”

“C’mon Rae, we’re inside your mind. We know everything that goes through your brain and decide if we want you to act on it or not. Like a second brain for thoughts to go through really.” Happy explained. Raven clenched her firsts, but didn’t answer.

“Why do you really care anyway?” asked one emotion Raven didn’t bother to identify.

“I don’t go handing out hugs like Starfire.” Raven retorted.

“True enough.” Intelligence broke in. “But it’s better than Happy making you hug someone else.”

“I’m not that reckless, that’s her job!” Happy pointed to the green clad Raven.

“Not reckless, brave.” Bravery reminded Happy boldly.

“But you cause us to do reckless things sometimes.”

“That’s enough!” Raven barked. “That’s not the issue here. What do you guys think about all the new information we’ve found out?”

“I’m just glad that someone like Trevor is on our side and not our enemy.” Timid voiced quietly. Everyone nodded.

“No matter what you’re telling yourself, I’m going to tell you that you don’t need to be wary of Trevor.” Intelligence spoke up once more. “He’s proved to us more than once he’s not loyal to anyone else like Terra was. (there was an angry stir at the name) And I don’t think he’s going to do anything to harm the Titans. In any case, he seems more likely to help if he ever decided to show us his powers.”

“I doubt he will, he’s more secretive than we are.” Bravery pointed out.

“I think he should just the hell on with it and tell us. It’s not like we’re gonna tell Robin.” Rudeness made herself heard. But it didn’t do much good; her statement went mostly ignored, except for the Robin part.

“That might be the base of the problem.” Intelligence bit her lip slightly. “He knows how you feel about Robin, Raven. And Robin is the one trying to puzzle Trevor out. If what he tells us is true, if he suspects you of going to Robin, he won’t tell you anything for fear of being revealed.”

“Why would we want to reveal him? If we did we would only hurt ourselves.” Reasoned Timid.

“To stop this from happening.” Blue Raven, normal Raven, said. “To stop all the confusion. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m tired of trying to solve this puzzle. Right now I want everything laid out clear in front of me so I can understand it and decide what to do next. Feeding us tidbits of information isn’t going to help us for a long time.” Confusion decided to take the stage.

“We have to try and piece everything that we know together anyway.” She looked around at them all. “What have we learned about Trevor since he arrived here a few months ago?”

“He’s unlike any person we’ve ever met before.” Timid responded.

“Besides ourselves.” Bravery added. There was a murmur of assent.

“His habits mirror ours a lot. He likes to read more than most people care to, and knows a lot more than most as well. He’s not as dark as you usually choose to be, Raven, but darker than your average person. It seems as if he was put here to be the perfect companion for you.” Intelligence spoke slowly, and even as Raven listened she realized these things for herself. It scared her how another person could be so much like herself.

“We also know he cares about people a lot but won’t show this weakness.” Someone said. They had seen this side of Trevor, the caring side, over and over again with JD. He didn’t know he was being obvious, but most people don’t when they try to hide their secrets and end up displaying them anyway.

“He’s not human.” Bravery called out without an explanation, which got her a lot of looks. “Well, he’s not! His charka is proof enough of that. No one born though an Azarathain is completely human. And, I really don’t think he’s human at all. What would cause his chakra to take such an unusual shape? No Azarathain has ever had one that’s not a primary shape. Diamonds, triangles, squares, the occasional circle, but never a crescent moon.”

After a long silence, Intelligence said;

“Bravery speaks the truth. But it would be unwise to challenge Trevor with questions about this at the moment.” A few more words were exchanged, and then Raven left Nevermore, more confused than when she entered it.



Ooook, what should I write about next? Three choices will work right now: continue with Kain and Heather, continue with the Titans, or go into more detail about Dandi, whom I hope you haven't forgotten. Your choice, as I bid you adieu.

 

[dimmy52]

Well, I read the first and second chapters so far, and when I have time I'll read the rest.

First of all, I just have to say: What is so appealing about the GREEK language that people use its characters to represent the Azarathian Language? To someone who actually studied Greek for 8 years, that message was utterly confusing, and was the most atrocious use of the language I had ever seen!

...But you are not a native speaker, so you are forgiven , however, I did manage to decipher the message...until I realised the translation was underneath...

Anyway, apart from that, interesting beginning, it moved just a tad fast for my liking, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable! Good work so far, and I will comment on the rest of the story once I read it.

Cheers, Dimster, Delta Member One (I'm still here!)

 

[Matt A]

I'm not an expert on Jessie's reasoning, but it's probably the same reason as I once used myself: "Symbol" is the only non-Latin based font in Microsoft Word that also looks like a language in its own right (all the other non-Latin fonts being pictograms and suchlike), and this is because it in turn is based on the Cyrillic script. It's just once of those coincidences.

Anyway, back to the chapter. Whilst there might not have been much new information given away (certainly less than you said), there was still the vital re-statement of who Trevor is and what we know about him thus far: as it turns out, not much, though this in itself is the biggest problem. Using a discussion between the Emotions to achieve this was an interesting tactic, and certainly not one it would have occurred to me to use. Raven and Trevor's conversation was also well done: would could have just been an irritating spat was instead something a lot more pleasant to read, with Trevor doing the sensible thing of being as honest as he can (including about not being able to be fully honest). So, what could have been a dull chapter, thanks to a more imaginative take on things, wasn't.

And just so's you know, that Symbol-ified word was the most irritating masking-of-truth I've ever seen. Kudos to you for doing something so openly evil.

As for where we go next...well, I think that's your job, don't you?

-Matt A-

 

[Aquagirl15]

That language thing gave me more trouble than it was worth... or so I'm starting to think. Sorry about that, I didn't realize it was really a language. Anyway, I'm glad to have a new reader!

So, what could have been a dull chapter, thanks to a more imaginative take on things, wasn't.

I always find that dicussions can turn many different ways. I just did that with my writing, and I guess that's what made it interesting; the changing of emotions.

And just so's you know, that Symbol-ified word was the most irritating masking-of-truth I've ever seen. Kudos to you for doing something so openly evil.

I know But I was guessing that most people had figured out that Trevor was trevor.



Chapter 18: Escape

“Heather… Heather wake up.” Kain gently shook his girlfriend awake.

“Huh? Where are we?” Kain didn’t answer her question. He knew perfectly well that when Heather had really woken up she would remember everything. He didn’t really want to be the one to jerk her out of her stupor, she could do that on her own.

“You’ve got to get up.” He said again. Heather blinked rapidly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Kain could see Heather wince as the simple motion of raising her arms brought pain, and with the pain the remembrance of their predicament.

“What’re we gonna do?” she asked.

“You’re not gonna do anything, I’m going to. I’ll get you out of this mess and take the punishment later. But first we have to wait for Slade to unlock the door.”

“He locked you in here with me?”

“Slade doesn’t treat his followers any better than his hostages.” Kain replied bitterly. “Besides, the reason he had me kidnap you is because he knows how I feel. He’s testing me, and you’d better believe I have every intention of failing.” Heather smiled, and leaned up against the boy.

Kain absently played with Heather’s hair as he told her his plans.

“I’ve got this bug thing that I created in Slade’s lab. It can shut down any electronic device. I convinced Slade that I made it so I could shut Cyborg and security cameras down, but it can also shut down Slade’s own cameras.

“When Slade comes to let me out of here and make me do something for him, I’ll let my bugs out. They’ll climb the walls and enter the cameras and shut them down. That way I can come get you and let you out before Slade ever notices there’s a problem. I’ve already tested them on the cameras in here.”


Kain pulled a small, black bug-looking machine out of his pocket. It looked exactly like a ladybug, only about five times bigger and with a red X across its back. Heather studied the bug with interest. Then she bit her lip slightly.

“This X will tell Slade you’re the one who set the bugs won’t it?”

“Yes, it will, but that’s part of the point. Slade won’t be able to fix the cameras until he takes the bugs out, that’s how they work, and then he’ll come after me and not you.” Heather was silent, and Kain could tell she didn’t like this part of his plan. “Don’t worry Heather, in the villain world I’m known for not being loyal to anyone but myself. I’m also known to work under other villain’s protection, and seemingly work for them until I get bored. If Slade expected me to stay and work for him he’s a fool.”

Heather blinked back tears, not sure why she was beginning to cry in the first place.

“I don’t approve of your reputation as a villain,” she said, “But if these things will help us both I guess I’ll have to be thankful for them.” Kain looked away from her feeling guilty again.

“I’m sorry Heather… I really am. I didn’t mean to be like this. I-” But Heather cut him off.

“You’re not like this. Feeling guilty and apologizing for what you’ve done proves you’re not a villain like the rest of them. You’re the boy I got to know over my summer vacations, the reason I always wanted to come here on any kind of school holiday. After I met you I started wishing I didn’t go to a boarding school, no matter how prestigious it was supposed to be.

“I guess I knew that eventually I would fall in love with you, and I was afraid every time a semester came to an end to ask my parents if I could move back here and go to Jump High.”

“You were right to be afraid of loving me.” Kain said dully. “Look where it got you.”

“I’d rather be here with you than safe, knowing you were acquainted with this monster of a man.”

Kain and Heather’s conversation was cut short by loud footsteps in the hall.

“Slade’s coming.” Kain said, jumping up and putting his mask back on. And, sure enough, the metal door opened to reveal Slade.

“Ah, Red X, I’m sure you enjoyed your stay with our lovely prisoner.” He said sarcastically.

“Immensely…” Kain replied his voice now robotic-like again. Heather could picture Kain rolling his eyes under his mask. She tried to hold back a giggle, but failed. Thankfully, Slade took it for a whimper of terror and turned his gaze on her.

“I trust she was no trouble.”

“After you left she barely had the energy to speak and fainted once I stationed myself to guard her.” Red X replied.

“Allow me to have one of my servants prepare you something to eat, X. I will call you when it’s ready and you will find it in the room I gave you.”

“Sure, you do that.” X told Slade, like he was the one giving orders. It was clear Slade didn’t like to be treated like this, but apparently Red X’s help was too valuable for him to do anything. Slade left the room and it seemed like the door shut extra hard on his way out.

At this point Heather burst out laughing.

“The so-called greatest villain in Jump City listens to a teenager tell him what to do.” Kain smiled as well.

“My help is something that comes along every once in a while, and Slade knows that. I’m usually the person villain’s call to when they need something stolen. Not that I always answer…” Kain trailed off. He decided it wasn’t a good idea to tell Heather about this. To his surprise she asked a question about his villainy next.

“So did, um, did Slade ask for your help?”

“No, he didn’t. I’m using recent events as protection. See right now Slade is supposed to be dead. You and I are the few people who know he’s alive, that I know of anyway. And this is a big threat to Slade. So even after he finds out I destroyed his cameras, he won’t dare hurt me because he knows I have an alias and can go to the Titans.” Heather smiled.

“I keep forgetting you always figure everything out. Your ideas always seemed to work so well, and now I know why.” Kain grinned too, but he had left his mask on so Heather couldn’t see.

“Being a villain does wonders for your thinking process. If your plan goes wrong, you get hurt. That’s why you have to find every weak spot in the plan and get rid of it.”

There was a static buzz and a crack came from a corner of the room. Heather and Kain turned to look at an intercom that was obviously coming on. Slade’s voice filled the room.

“X, I’ve had some food placed in your room. Lock the door and make sure the girl can’t get out.”

“Yeah, I know the drill.” Kain retorted. The static disappeared and Slade could no longer hear what the pair talked about.

“What happens now?” Heather asked, feeling small and scared. She was confident in Kain, but not so much in herself. What if she messed something up?

“I release the bugs on my way to my room. I’ll stay in there for a while so Slade thinks I’m eating. But I’ll bring the food here and you can have it. After you eat I’ll send you off.”

“We can share the food.” Was all Heather replied as Kain left the room.

Red X pulled five of his bugs out of his pocket. Three of them disabled the cameras in the hallway, the other two disabled the cameras by the front door. Kain watched as each bug crawled up the wall, into its camera, and out of sight. Then he moved on to his room.

The food given to him wasn’t good, but it was edible and this time it would be crucial. The both of them needed energy to do what they were going to do. Kain wasn’t entirely sure what he would do after Heather had escaped, maybe he too would leave the hideout. Kain hadn’t been around Slade long enough for the man to find the need to figure out his alias. He could disappear without a trace until the Titans really killed Slade. It was inevitable they would.

Ten minutes later, X was back in Heather’s room and they were sharing his breakfast. They ate quickly; feeling like someone was watching their every move. Red X hid the breakfast tray, even while doing so unsure of why. But then, both teens had been unsure of everything since Kain broke into Heather’s house and kidnapped her. Before they got ready to make their escape, Heather told Kain something.

“I’ll be going back to school soon after this.” She said. “It’s almost September.” Kain nodded.

“I know.”

“Are things… still going to be the same after this?”

“Only if you want them to be.” Kain replied. Then he opened the door and the pair stepped out. Even though Kain knew Slade was in some far away room, deep within the hideout, he felt the need to be quiet. Heather was leaning heavily on him, and he knew she was more afraid than he was.

The hall was dark and silent, save for their mingled breathing, which seemed entirely too loud. It seemed like they would never reach the front door. But reach it they did, after what felt like hours. Again, Kain opened the door and he and Heather stood blinking in the bright morning light. This time only Heather stepped through the doorway. For a long time she stood, facing the sunlight. But then, she turned around and faced Kain.

“Go,” He pleaded with her. She nodded, but still did not turn around again. Heather’s mind was completely numb, but there was one thing she wanted to do before she left. She stepped close to Red X and pushed his mask up enough so his mouth and nose were visible. Heather kissed Kain hard for a long moment, and then pulled his mask back down and ran away.

Kain swayed slightly. He did not know what hit him. He watched Heather scramble over rocks, logs, and other things blocking the way of the path that would take her away from Slade and the danger. In that moment he decided, that if it were necessary, he would die for this girl.

It took Slade about two hours to suspect anything. Kain was sitting in what used to be Heather’s prison when the intercom came on again.

“Is there anything I should know about X?” Slade asked in a voice that told Kain he knew something was up.

“Oh, well, nothing to report here. Wait, now I remember! That girl escaped while I was having breakfast.”

“What?!” Slade yelled in fury. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? We could have caught her before but now there’s no way!”

“I dunno…” Kain said slowly. “I guess I just thought a pretty thing like her was worth giving the chance for escape.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Slade asked dangerously.

“I left her door open when I went to have breakfast to see if she would notice. Apparently she’s not just a pretty face. Besides, I didn’t think you got your kicks by torturing innocent girls for information it’s clear they don’t have. If this Trevor kid is special in some way, she doesn’t know it.”

“Don’t lie to me you stupid boy!” Slade was definitely losing patience with Kain. “She was there when Trevor attacked you. How could she not know?” Kain bit back a laugh.

“You know how people get when they’re scared.” He shrugged. “She probably thought she was dreaming, and witnesses who don’t think what they saw was real are highly unethical.”

Kain could just picture the way Slade looked, having been once again lectured by a teenaged boy. Kain wished Slade would hang up the microphone that attached to the intercom in this room so he could burst out laughing like he wanted. Slade seemed to have recovered, as he began speaking again.

“What do you plan to do about this X?”

“Do?”, Kain pretended to be innocent, “I wasn’t planning to do anything. Except perhaps leave, you’re starting to bore me anyhow. I suppose if you weren’t still pretending to be dead it would be different, but right now I think I’ll take my leave.”

Slade didn’t reply, but he didn’t hang up the microphone either. Kain didn’t care. He got up off the floor and headed for the door.

“I know the damaged cameras in the hallway and in this room have your name on it X.”

“Why on earth would I want to tamper with your cameras?”

“To help that girl escape.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I just met her when I tried to steal from her family’s safe. Do you really think I would get attached to someone in that small time span?”
“Maybe not, but I will find out how she got away, and if I find out you helped her, you will pay.” This time Kain laughed loud enough for Slade to hear.

“You’re the one who would pay if you turned me in. Think about the things I could steal for you. If anything happens to me because of you, you’ll be sorry not me.”

With that, Kain left the room and the hideout all together. He pressed the round button on his belt with an X on it, and disappeared.

 

[Alpha Man]

A long time it has been, so a long review it shall be...

Favorite Chapter so far:
Chapter 16, "The Cost of Living"

Favorite Character so far:
Heather

Favorite Line so far:
“Raven, there’s something I’ve been needing to tell you… I’m your-”

Review:

Well, since it’s been months since this old fic has been started, I thought it would be most prudent if I re-read all that stuff, just to keep myself up to date. Therefore, this review is more or less that of the entire fic so far, rather than the simple chapter 18. Throughout the story, Surrounded by Mysteries, we’ve taken quite an adventure. One might feel, however, the need to call this adventure simply “beating around the bush.”

In what was a stellar installment of beginning chapters, particularly because the focus was on Raven, the story took a somewhat odd turn afterward and began to move at an undeniably slow pace. Since I am not in the author’s head, I have no idea of her intentions, and thus do not understand the point of describing experiences at the mall and returning to the routine of Gamestation. We were introduced to two spectacular characters, Trevor and JD, but then their appearances, especially JD’s, became somewhat immaterial. Perhaps the author wishes to build an attachment to the little girl, JD, because this character might be the focus of a tragedy later in the story. If this is the case, all those “filler” chapters are worth it. However, I can only speculate.

The character, Trevor, is one portrayed brilliantly, delicately, and uniquely. He is the indisputable equal of Raven. With his I-don’t-give-a-damn attitude and his apparent eating disorder, Trevor is the spotlight of the story and he is, as the title suggests, surrounded by mysteries. We were led to believe—since this was the continuation of Birthmark, an arc that centered on Raven—that Raven was the one surrounded by mysteries. To some, this proves terribly disappointing, especially to hard-core Raven fans. However, to others, it is an interesting and brilliantly done take on a male-version of Raven: Trevor, who seeks to discover the mystery of himself within the course of this adventure. Hence, he takes trips to different people so that he can 1) be sure that they don’t expose him and 2) see if they know more about him, so he can learn about himself.

My favorite character is definitely Heather. Why do I like her so much? Well, because she represents, in my opinion, the prospect that this story will turn into an unforgettable one. I hope that there is more to Heather than a simple working girl that was previously associated with Red X. The author has the unique but irritating ability to make us crave more from these characters, becoming attached to them with each passing chapter and hoping that the next chapter will be “the big one.” If Heather has powers or fits some electrifying role in this story, this reader will be pleased. Right now she seems weak and innocent and oblivious, but I hope that she becomes more: Heather’s character is that of a strong and passionate young woman, and she can fit the ideal of feminine strength. When it comes to Heather and, more importantly, the prospect she represents, the author’s technique is sheer brilliance.

My biggest qualm is that the author has currently made Slade a push over! If he is so credulous, why did Trigon pick him to be the servant? Why didn’t Trigon go for Red X, who is clearly more competent? However, I may be seeing Slade’s character from the wrong angle, as he might be holding back on purpose. Slade, in all of his depravity and wickedness, could be planning to make Kain (a radically cool name, by the way) to suffer in ways that I can’t begin to fathom—such is the caliber of Slade. Trigon, for all we know, could be telling Slade to hold back. Again, this is a prospect and a dream that the author could take that would shape Surrounded by Mysteries into a treasured tale of greed, love, redemption, and corruption. Hopefully, our comma-phobic author will not let us down.

No pressure.

 

[Matt A]

No, none at all. Especially not from here.

Truth be told, I haven't had the foggiest clue where this story has been heading since the day it started. However, such is the appeal of the characters, both new and old, not to mention how delicately the little pieces of plot and backstory are revealed, that this seeming lack of focus has never bothered me. It's bothered me so little, in fact, that I'd forgotten that trevor was the name of the weird messenger guy at the start. Which is my fault, I suppose, but I give you credit for keeping me interested despite forgetting such key details.

Anyway, onto chapter 18. Kain, it must be said, is perfectly in-character for Red X: cunning, sarcastic, vain, amoral, and yet, perhaps bizarrely, an honourable, even romantic soul at heart. His treatment of Slade was classic black comedy, especially since Slade is no idiot himself: this is going to bite Kain in the arse, I can just tell. All we need to do is see how.

-Matt A-

 

[Anime]

Well, because she represents, in my opinion, the prospect that this story will turn into an unforgettable one. If Heather has powers or fits some electrifying role in this story, this reader will be pleased.

I totally agree. If Heather has powers or kicks ass at some point, that would so ROCK!

I haven't had the foggiest clue where this story has been heading since the day it started.

Same here. Granted, I think this story is totally cool and has made some startlingly realisitic characters, but there comes a point in every reader's mind where he or she wants the story to move along. How long as it been? Eighteen Chapters! Well, the anxious little reader in me wonders how the "Birthmark" angle will all fit in to this, as that is something that we haven't seen yet.

If this story takes the wickedly awesome turns I think (and hope) it's going to take, it'll be on the top of my list!

By the way, I never really had a problem with the Azarathian Language, and I can see why so many people have picked "greek." One, it's the most foreign-looking language on paper (or, on screen) and two, it's the language that most closely resembles the markings on Raven's body in "Birthmark" and in "The End."

I, for one, think Aquagirl15 did something totally cool by using that language!

 

[Alpha Man]

Red X: cunning, sarcastic, vain, amoral, and yet, perhaps bizarrely, an honourable, even romantic soul at heart.

I agree with all but the last trait. Romantic? I'm considering both meanings of the word when I read that.

1) representing something artisitic during or relating to the 18th and 19th Centuries. (click here to understand what I'm talking about)
2) loving, compassionate, the ideal of a loving person

Okay, he definitely doesn't fulfill the second category, at least not in the show. So, I don't know how you can call him in-character for that. True, Kain is in-character for this story, being that he was once involved with a girl and still has feelings for her. That was done brilliantly, but it's not the same Red X as the one in the show, up to a certain point.

However, he does represent a folkloric principle as in the Romantic Era. Meaning, he's like those old Shakespearean scoundrels that no one, except guys like Matt, remember. I'm leaning towards this as Matt's original intention, simply because he's British, which I respect. If this is the case, then I must agree in saying that Aquagirl15's Red X is in-character.

I haven't had the foggiest clue where this story has been heading since the day it started.

That's my biggest fear about this story too. However, knowing Jessie, she'll find a way to either overwhelm our fear with a bigger one, or she'll make that fear go away altogether, leaving us numb from a shocking plot twist or something. Again, no pressure.

I can see why so many people have picked "greek." One, it's the most foreign-looking language on paper (or, on screen) and two, it's the language that most closely resembles the markings on Raven's body in "Birthmark" and in "The End."

You goof, you know that's the reason I told you for why I picked Greek in my story. I'm not so sure if it's the same reason Aquagirl15 picked it for her fic, but I'm not protesting, unlike some of you others out there. Let the girl do her thing!

 

[Aquagirl15]

To tell the truth even I'm not sure if I'm playing this suspence thing out right. I'm probably overdoing it. Anyway, you'll find out why Slade was being such a, quote, "push over" in the next chapter. And, because so many people seem to like her, I've come up with an amazing way for Heather to play a bigger role in this story. At least, I think and hope it's amazing. But I doubt any of you will see it coming...

That said, I'm glad my story has kept you guys reading, and I promise to reveal something important in the next few chapters. Heck, I've already gotten the climax of the story mostly written out in my head. I just need to find a way to get to it. I hope to keep you guys reading to the end, you have no idea how much your support means to an unsure writer. Laters! -prepares to write chapter 19-

 

[Alpha Man]

And, because so many people seem to like her, I've come up with an amazing way for Heather to play a bigger role in this story. At least, I think and hope it's amazing. But I doubt any of you will see it coming...

As long as Heather kicks ass or has powers, I'm golden. Hopefully, though, it will be both. But either way, I'm excited as hell now!

I promise to reveal something important in the next few chapters.

Eeesh! The next few?! Good Gawd, woman! How long must we wait? Oh well, I'm only acting this way because I hope I can see the end before the suspense kills me.

I'm always in full support of this story!

 

[the_punisher]

aaaaaaahhhhhh my eyes they hurt. ive been sitting for 4 hours straight reading the fic from chap 1 till last and it was so interesting i couldnt stop reading and am loving it and yes i have sooo much free time cause i just gave my exams and am enhoying free vacations.


now i must also admit that most of the parts are way too confusing but as u go on reading u understand the previous parts.

mine also fav chap was " the cost of living"

waiting impatiently for MORE

no pressure whatsoever

 

[Aquagirl15]

aaaaaaahhhhhh my eyes they hurt. ive been sitting for 4 hours straight reading the fic from chap 1 till last and it was so interesting i couldnt stop reading and am loving it and yes i have sooo much free time cause i just gave my exams and am enhoying free vacations.

Thanks for reading! I'm sorry your eyes hurt, but I'm glad my story has entertained you! I didn't think it was that interesting.

now i must also admit that most of the parts are way too confusing but as u go on reading u understand the previous parts.

I meant it to work that way. Just wait until I make everything make sense...

mine also fav chap was " the cost of living"

waiting impatiently for MORE

no pressure whatsoever

That's my favorite too.

I'm working on it, just clearing up a few bugs and it'll be ready before Tuesday.

*Not feeling any pressure* Heh yeah right. PRESSURE OVERLOAD! *explodes* Now look what you've all done to me!

 

[Aquagirl15]

I'm early because I have stuff going on tomorrow and wouldn't have had time to fix this up. Yay! Thanks to everyone who's read this far, your patience will pay off very soon. The moment you've been waiting for is contained... in the next chapter. Sorry, had to be dramatic and make you think this was the moment. But fear not! I'm just as excited as you are for the next chapter so I'll be writing it as soon as I post this. Hmmm, better stop talking then.

Chapter 19: Fire and Pain

Slade began laughing; a laugh that probably was one reason people called him a madman.

“You think you can win that easily, X? Oh no, you stupid boy, your alias won’t help you at all. Even if I don’t know who you are, the Titans already know I’m back. Going to them won’t help you now.”

He laughed again before stopping himself suddenly. “Dandi!” he barked.

“Y-yes, sir?” The time traveler stepped out of the darkness, “Uh, Slade, uh, Master…?”

“Prepare a rather… gruesome future for the girl,” Slade ordered.

“R-right away…” Dandi hurried out of Slade’s office and into the hallway, breathing hard.

“How could I have allowed myself to get mixed up in this?” Dandi’s voice cracked, he was rightly afraid of Slade.

-

Three days after Trevor had barged into Dandi’s house, the time traveler had just gotten back from reviewing the future of a distant friend, when a man showed up at his house. The man was wearing a hooded black cloak, even in the heat.

“What do you want? How did you find me?”

“I want your services, Dandi, and as to how I found you… let’s leave that part out for now.”

“You know who I am? Er, what I am?”

“I do, and I’m prepared to offer a great deal of money if you’re willing to help me out.”

Dandi had surveyed his old, worn out beach house for a few minutes, contemplating.

“What kind of help?” he asked. He didn’t want to make any life-threatening promises to a stranger.

“You can see the future...”

“Yes.”

“…and change it.”

“Well, not necessarily change, but I can tell you the proper things that need to be done to put something in your favor.”

“Perfect.”

-

That conversation seemed lifetimes away. Dandi had been at the hideout even before Kain kidnapped Heather. Dandi had foreseen X’s plot and warned Slade. He told Slade that the thing to do was let them both go, and he could set up revenge for the future.

Now he wished he hadn’t come to the door. He could’ve easily pretended not to be home. But no, he had told, even bragged, about his abilities. And it had landed him with Jump City’s greatest criminal, madman, and paper story. Even Dandi hadn’t thought Slade was going to come back from the dead, so he thought there was nothing to fear.

“I guess all that’s left to do is to cooperate and stay out of trouble with this…” Dandi struggled to describe Slade. “Man.” That was hardly a word to describe him.

-

Back at Titans Tower, it was obvious that Robin was more interested in learning about Trevor than helping Raven. She noticed this neglect; she wasn’t stupid, after all. However, Robin’s recent behavior had actually affected her, which rarely happened. To Raven’s surprise, she felt hurt.

Robin had guessed that Slade wouldn’t try anything again anytime soon, because the public didn’t know he was back. And it was a good guess, because he was right. But while there was no real crime to investigate, there was plenty Robin should have been looking in on.

And Robin still didn’t know that Raven knew who Red X was. This factor had completely left Raven’s mind, with everything that happened between her and Trevor. That is, it left her mind until one afternoon. Trevor talked to Heather at the coffeehouse the day after she arrived back from being kidnapped, it was a Thursday. When she saw him, she wasted no time and embraced him quickly and tenderly.

Trevor hugged her back awkwardly and noticed how she winced slightly. He took a step back to look at her, to see what her kidnapper had done. There was a large bandage wrapped around her right forearm, and on her left two big Band-Aids. The white squares that always have people asking, ‘what hit you, a car?’. But the people here had more sense than to ask thankfully. Heather had a few small, skin-colored Band-Aids on her face, but the some of the less ugly scratches were left uncovered. But it was her eyes that were the worse. One was almost swollen shut, and the other didn’t look as if it could help Heather see at all. It was almost as bad.

“I’ve been worried about you.” she said quietly, aware that not only were her parents watching but also Kain. Trevor decided not to comment on her injuries, but put all his worry in his next sentence.

“Where’ve you been?” he asked. It was hard not to know Heather was missing. Her parents were so upset; they called everyone from him, to one of Heather’s teachers at her boarding school. Trevor had told none of the Titans about this.

“I could ask you the same.”

“Well, something came up and I couldn’t come to work. I’m sorry, I would’ve called but-”

Heather shushed him with a wave of her hand.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. We’re both here and in one piece, so let’s get back to work!” She dragged him behind the café’s counter and slung one of the aprons over his head. When Heather let go of him, Trevor couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. He tied the back of the apron and took his place waiting for orders.

The next day, Trevor also offered to work. He wanted to work as much as he could before and after Heather left for school. After she went back, he would have to cover for himself and her, at least when Mrs. Gordman wasn’t helping. This was the moment when everything about Red X suddenly came back to Raven. She had offered to pick Trevor up after work and came by about half an hour early so she could have a drink. Ever since Heather had returned, Kain had been hanging around the coffeehouse, as he was doing so that Friday afternoon. Upon seeing Kain, Raven remembered Trevor’s description of the boy Red X was supposed to be, and she knew this was him. He didn’t have a thoroughly bandaged hand anymore, which was the way Trevor had recognized him, but it was wrapped in a layer of gauze.

Without blinking, Raven seated herself at the front counter on a swivel chair and ordered some tea. She was about four or five chairs away from Kain, who was sitting in front of the cash register. When Trevor brought Raven her tea, she whispered to him, “What is he doing here?”

“I’m not sure Heather knows who he is, but that’s her ex-boyfriend or boyfriend or something like that. They had a fight about two weeks before she was kidnapped and now they seem to be on good terms again.”

He shrugged, his way of apologizing for not knowing anything about date life. Raven shook her head.

“With everything that’s happened lately I’d forgotten about him. Do you think it’s time to tell Robin?”

Trevor looked hesitant, “I don’t know. It’s probably the best thing to do, but Heather really likes that guy, villain or not. I don’t want to mess her life up anymore by taking him away from her.” He was silent for a moment, thinking. Then, he continued, “Heather’s going back to school in about a week. You guys could figure out everything after she leaves, and it’ll be like nothing happened when she gets back.”

“I don’t know,” Raven said honestly. “We’ve never figured out a villain’s true identity before. I’m not sure what Robin would do. He may land in prison and won’t be out when Heather does come back.” She stirred her tea thoughtfully.

“I have to get back to work. Just because my shift’s almost over doesn’t mean I can slack.” Trevor gave Raven a small smile and grabbed the orders that had been filled while he was talking.

Raven and Trevor chose to walk home that night. It was getting cooler in Jump City, though only noticeably at night.

“Messing with people’s feelings can be dangerous,” Trevor said, “and what if Heather does know who Kain is and still likes him?”

“We can’t tell for sure unless you’re willing to ask her.” Raven replied.

Trevor sighed, “It’s not the kind of thing you could really ask someone. If she doesn’t know, then we’ve just told her something she probably wouldn’t want to know. And I’m not just talking about Heather’s feelings when I say we’re messing with feelings.”

“Why should I care?” Raven asked more forcibly than was necessary. Trevor shook his head, knowing exactly why Raven should care. He knew she wanted to talk to Robin soon, and it was hard for her to keep her mouth shut.

The two walked in silence for some time, until Trevor stopped walking abruptly.

“Red X was the one who kidnapped Heather.”

“Yeah, so?” Raven was too preoccupied to figure out any kind of link.

“I’m going out on a limb here, I know, but I’m thinking Kain wasn’t acting on his own reasons. Someone else was giving him orders to kidnap Heather, so they could test him. The reason Heather was only gone for a day is because Kain revealed himself and helped her.”

“It makes sense, but we can’t prove it.”

“But someone I know can,” Trevor muttered to himself, thinking about Dandi. While it wasn’t overly important to figure out what to do with this, Trevor still wondered if Heather knew.

-

After making sure that the time traveler was busy, Slade descended into an underground room under his lookout. He walked down a long, dark hallway, towards a small amount of red light at the end. Slade flexed his fingers, remembering that he had to do this if he wanted to be back in a real body. Scare the girl and capture the boy—the orders were simple enough, but Trigon didn’t know how evasive the two teens could be, especially when they were expecting an attack.

Slade arrived at the end of the tunnel. The red light was bright now and as vivid as blood, coming from a circular window into another realm: Trigon’s realm. Around the window was a wooden frame that had symbols etched into it, glowing red as well. Slade forced himself into a bow.

“Master,” he spat out the word like a curse. “What is our next order of business? I’ve convinced the time traveler to help us. That was your last order.”

“I think,” a deep, growl-like voice answered, “it is time to make a house call.”

“To whom, may I ask?”

“Raven, who else? I will not allow the boy to know of my presence until necessary. He is far more powerful than Raven, and he knows more than she does too.”

“Sir, I think he already knows,” Slade replied. He didn’t want to go to Titans Tower. He had to find a reason not to.

“If that is true, then this will merely be a warning to him and the Titans. It is almost time, you know.”

“I will carry out the duties,” Slade said dully.

-

Raven slept peacefully until three in the morning, when she became restless. Her dreaming mind was warning her that there was something wrong. She sat bolt upright in her bed, scanning her room quickly. Nothing, she thought, nothing out of the ordinary. Was it a feeling for the future? It had to be there was nothing, but then a bright orange light shone from the wall farthest from her.

“Ready for your nightmares to become reality?”

Fire surrounded her bed and was slowly creeping up towards her. Raven tried to call her incantation but couldn’t: her throat hurt so badly. The fire was burning her bedcovers, coming towards her even quicker. Soon she felt the white-hot, searing pain on her hand. There was no way for her to put the fire out.

Her powers were rendered useless by some spell Trigon had given Slade.

The fire slowly burned the sleeves of her costume. The pain was blinding her, but she refused to give into it. She would not pass out! If she did, Slade might kill her. The flames stopped at her shoulder but came back, burning the fabric away from her stomach.

Suddenly, all the fire went out. The pain was reduced to a throbbing. Raven could see that evil masked man standing at the end of her bed. Raven looked down at her arms, legs, and abdomen to see how much damage the flames had inflicted. She screamed.

“The clock’s ticking, Raven,” Slade’s voice said above her screams, “it’s almost time.” Then, he disappeared.


-

Trevor awoke to Raven screaming somewhere below him.

“Raven!” He threw the covers off of his body in one swift motion and ran downstairs to help her.

Meanwhile, in another room in the Tower, another boy awoke in much the same manner.

“Raven…” Robin jumped out of bed and ran down the hall to her room.

-

Trevor and Robin almost ran into each other in their rush. They recovered quickly, and Trevor punched in Raven’s door code. Both impatiently waited for the door to accept the password and rushed in. Raven lay on her ruined bed, unconscious. She had finally given into her body’s request and collapsed after Slade’s parting words.

Trevor was the first to approach her bed and almost fell backwards when he saw the girl. Trigon’s red symbols streaked up and down her body, covering her arms, legs, and stomach in one steady current of writing. Robin joined Trevor at Raven’s bedside.

“Slade,” he said.

“Who?” Trevor asked. “This is Trigon’s work, not some random villain’s.”

“Slade is working for Trigon,” Robin explained briskly. He didn’t bother to ask how Trevor knew about Trigon.

Neither boy knew what to do to help their friend. They waited and, after a while, the marks on Raven vanished. Trevor gently lifted her arm up to examine it.

“Burns,” he said, horrified. “Trigon gave this ‘Slade’ fire powers?”

“Yes.”

Trevor held Raven’s arm until her burns began to glow a faint blue color.

“She’s trying to heal herself. Maybe…” Trevor set Raven’s arm back down on the bed and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“What are you doing?” Robin asked.

“Giving her energy,” he replied. “She’s too injured to heal all her wounds with the power she has now, but maybe if I give her some of my energy, she’ll be ok.”

Robin watched Raven and Trevor, silently waiting for some kind of sign that Trevor’s idea was working. Raven’s chakra began glowing a purple-ish red color. Under the cover of his bangs, Trevor’s glowed blue. Trevor breathed deeply and focused on giving Raven the power to heal herself. It worked. He began to feel drained and tired, like he had run for a very long time. Soon the light from the pair’s chakras faded and Trevor straightened up with difficultly.

“I think she’ll… be ok,” he breathed slowly. Then he passed out as well, his head landing on Raven’s shoulder.

 

[Matt A]

Well now, this is interesting. I'd been wondering how Dandi would figure in the grand scheme of things (okay, I'd nearly forgotten about the guy, but I had been wondering), but this little development was nowhere near what I'd had in mind. Seriously, what little twisted corner of your brain came up with the idea of him being one of Trigon's henchmen? That's just genius.

I think it's fair to say the Titans are in trouble. Trigon has a time-traveller in his employ (well, kinda), Kain's about to get very seriously busted, and Slade's role as messenger now covers GBH as well as arson and frightening young women. Even if you hadn't told us about the next chapter, I'd say this is where things finally start to hot up (excuse the pun)...though, as Trevor failed to ask, how does Robin know about Trigon when we haven't covered The Prophecy yet? Either way, the times are about to become interesting.

-Matt A-

 

[the_punisher]

excellent chapter , as usual, yup ill have to agree the titans appear to be in deep sh*t, also the thing with raven and slade u almost copied the birthmark episode with her sleeves and stomach being exposed, but then she didnt get burned , interesting

but ne way there is 1 thing i dont understand in chapter 14 u wrote:

It was around one-o’clock in the morning. Kain and Heather had been locked in the room they had first entered all night. Kain had his arm around Heather, trying to soothe her. Slade’s interview had been nothing to laugh at. Heather refused to answer any of Slade’s questions, a strength Kain knew Heather had, but had never seen her use. She was hit every time she refused to answer, which was with every question.

By the time Slade was finished, Heather was bleeding in many places and already had bruises forming. Both her eyes were black, her ribs probably broken, and cuts covered her arms. She laid her head on Kain’s shoulder and fell asleep.

so if heather had deep cuts , bleack eyes and brocken ribs how was she able to function normally on the job and did no1 notice the suffering she had been through,with all the bruises and all

 

[Kraven]

Being a fan of Danny Phantom, I immediately got the nod. It was nothing short of delightful.

-Kraven

 

[Aquagirl15]

so if heather had deep cuts , bleack eyes and brocken ribs how was she able to function normally on the job and did no1 notice the suffering she had been through,with all the bruises and all

I'm gonna be honset, I totally forgot about that. I'll go back and edit that and repost it highlighted before I move on to the next chapter. I've got a week off of my PE summer school stuff so I'll do a lot of writing.

 

[SecretNinja]

HOLY POO! You dont know how much I like this story! I love the characters especially Trevor...hes too cool. You keep writing...or else.

 

[Aquagirl15]

I have edited the last chapter, adding the stuff about Heather's injuries. It's not a big add-in, but it serves it's purpose. The added stuff is in green, way too hard to miss. Now I can focus on the next chapter. *And there was much rejoicing* Love to everyone, especially my newest readers!