Under the Red Hood

Chapter 6

Unknown POV:

I knew she was gone the second I saw him take her away. If my suspension was right, he would be taking her back to Jump City where the Titans were at.
Getting to her would be tricky, but not impossible.
I've studied all the Titans and I know how to defeat each and everyone of them.
Once I finish off Black Mask and keep Batman running in circles, she will be mine.
I will get her back, that's a promise.
For now, let the games begin.

I wake up to my alarm clock ringing. I shut it off and groan as I snuggle deeper into the covers, hoping sleep takes me again.
It's then that I realize that I'm not in my apartment.
I sit up and look around and remember that I'm in the Tower.
That's right. I remember now.
I look at the nightstand beside the bed and look at the photo of Jason and I and clutch the photo to my chest.
I swear once this is all over, I'll be coming back to Gotham. Back to Jason's grave. Where I will spend my days until I see him again when I die. When I die, I'll finally be at peace. No more Trigon, no more villains, no more fighting, just spending eternity with Jason in the afterlife.
I place the photo back onto the nightstand and decide to head to the roof to get fresh air.
I open the door to the roof and a gust of cold air greets me. I shiver slightly and step out to see the sun cast a warm glow onto the ocean.
Wind plays and twirls my hair around my body as I breathe in the crisp air.
I wonder what Red Hood is planning...

...

"Raven?"
I look up from my book to see Dick with a case in his hands.
"What is that?" I ask as I quirk my brow.
"This is for you. Since you're going to be back in the hero business, I've modified your costume. The material is made from my suit so it's bulletproof and lightweight! It can also take a bit of damage and it's fireproof as well. I hope you like it."
He sets it down beside me and I look at the case to him.
"You've put a lot of thought into this. If I didn't know better, I would say you've had this for awhile."
He laughed and rubs a hand behind his head, "Guilty as charged. Try it on. I want to make sure I got your measurements right."
I grab the case and walk to the bathroom in the hallway.
I set the briefcase on the counter and click it open. It opens with a quiet hiss and my eyes widen as I take in my costume.
I pull out the first piece which is like a dress. It's black but reflects a dark blue with light. Its more of a body suit that turns into a split dress. It's sleeveless and it feels smooth. I set it aside and grab the next thing which is two sets of gloves that stop just below my shoulders. It's black as well and knuckle pads have been added. It's fingerless as well.
Beside it is a golden belt adorned with a golden raven as the centerpiece that clicked open to attach.
I decide to strip my clothes away and put on the suit and gloves.
I slide the suit on and notice the split dress stops just below my knees and I see that it hugs my body and the gloves feel nice.
I secure the belt around my waist and look in the case to see boots as well as a new cloak.
I take out the boots first and put them on. They are thigh high and is the same color as the suit and gloves. The boots add a couple inches to my height and the cloak is different from my old one.
Instead of one broach it's two golden ones like the ones on my belt.
I drape it onto my shoulders and when I look in the mirror I feel my breath leave me.
I look like older, and the costume reminds me of what some of the people on Azarath would wear.
With my purple hair it only seemed to make my costume pop more.
I pull the hood over my head and I suddenly feel a surge of emotions overwhelm me.
If I didn't run away and leave the Titans, I would have worn this and defended the city.
A knock on the door takes me away from my thoughts as I hear Dick asking if I'm ok.
I open the door and see him grin and cross his arms.
"So how does it feel?"
"Like I never left."
He nods and placed a hand on my shoulder, "I'm glad you're back. Now that the costume is on, let's train. I'm sure you haven't done any since you've left, right?"
I nod and wave my hand towards my clothes and briefcase as they disappear to my room.
Dick leads the way to the training course outside and I follow behind him.
The sounds of punches and grunts fill the air and all stop when I step outside.
"Woah."
"Wow."
"You look amazing, friend Raven!"
"This is the best day of my life!"
The younger Titans look excited and thrilled to see my costume and my friends have a pleased look in their eyes.
"So what kind of training am I doing?" I ask as I subconsciously hide my body with my cloak.
"We're going to see how fast your reflexes are and what your limits are. From there, we'll see what needs to be improved." Vic explained.
"Can we train with you? Please? Pretty please?" Wonder Girl and Impulse begged.
Dick chuckled, "If that's what Raven wants."
They turn their begging puppy eyes to me and I nod.
They cheer and soon the training begins.