Inverted Paradox

When the past comes knocking

I woke up, warmth rushing my body.

I looked behind me and saw Raven sleeping, her arms still wrapped firmly around my torso.

I wish I could tell her how I really felt.   

But who would want a freak like me?

Still, I know I have to tell her what's bothering me. She deserves to know.

I looked back out and watched the sun rise up above the clouds. It was beautiful.

Raven stirred. She opened her eyes and quickly moved her hands away.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed.

I turned around and looked into her eyes. It's now or never.

"Raven."

"Yes?"

"I need to tell you something. I've been wrestling with this for a while now. Trying to supress it, but it isn't working anymore."

Raven just stared at me. Listening carefully to each word.

I took a deep breath and continued.

"When I was in my coma y- you died." The painful memories came rushing back. It was so real, like I was reliving all that pain.

Her disfigured body strewn on the floor. The blood still pumping out as she took her last breath.

There was nothing I could do.

I was powerless as I watched her life slip away.

I let out a sob. I couldn't hold it back anymore.

I know she's not dead, but that image still haunts me. The fact that she could die at anytime.

I was shaken out of my nightmarish thoughts by Raven, once again wrapping her arms around me. This time it was a hug.

I leaned into her embrace and let it all out.

I don't know how long we sat on that roof, but I know one thing for sure. This is definetely a special place for me.

It's strange, I've never seen this side of Raven before. The caring and understanding side.

I was grateful to have her with me now. I needed her.

After all my tears were spent I knew it was time to get up. As much as I didn't want to.

Raven and I walked back into the tower. We went into the common room, but no one was there.

"Guess the others aren't up yet." I said. Still something didn't feel right. They never sleep in.

I looked at Raven. She looked uneasy.

We both rushed in opposite directions, frantically checking rooms.

They were nowhere to be found. It was like they had just vanished.

I ran back into the common room.

"Ah Beastboy, so you're finally awake." I stopped cold.

No. No. It can't be.

I turned around. He was on a screen, looking quite spiteful.

"What do you mean awake?"

"What do you think." He was enjoying this.

"My coma? But how did you-"

"Who do you think put you there in the first place."

"But Raven said..."

"Raven said what I wanted her to say. You really think Mad Mod has the kind of power to put you in a coma? I just made them think that's what happend."

"But why?"

"I have my reasons."

"And unless you want the same thing that happend to Raven to happen to your other friends, I suggest you come here alone."

"You're bluffing."

"Am I?" He flipped a switch and the screen changed. My friends appeared, bound and gagged.

I looked back. Raven was still checking the rooms. The images kept flooding my head.

I won't lose her. Not again.

"Where do I meet you?"

"You know where."

The screen shut off after that.

"I'm sorry." I whispered.