Author's Note: here's another chapter :D I've finished my exams so I have oooodles of time now...thanks for being so patient ya'll...

In this chapter, the Team gets ready to leave for Tamaran, but what unpleasant surprises await them there? Read on to find out

DISCLAMER: I just got a billion dollar inheritance so I bought all the right for Teen Titans.

*smacked by DC and Warner Bros. lawyers*

*after muttering much profanities* I don't own 'em

TTTTTTTT

With an exhausted sigh Raven fell on the bed. She was too tired to bother fixing the towel that now draped over her partially wet body. She had barely made it through the day, and her protesting body had finally revolted. A part of Raven couldn't help but wonder if things would have been easier if she had refused Starfire's request. But she banished the thought immediately. Nothing would make her change that.

However, that certainly didn't stop her from moaning under her breath or when Starfire was out of earshot.

To say that Starfire had been an unshakeable drill master for the past 2 months would be an understatement of massive proportions. The Tamaranean had demanded that they be prepared both physically and mentally for this gruelling challenge. Her training regime made Robin's hardest practice mission look like a walk in the park.

In order to be best prepared for this event, Starfire made sure that they were both conditioned to the peak of their physical abilities. In the morning, after finishing her usual morning meditation and yoga routines, she and Starfire would have a healthy breakfast, courtesy on any of the Titan boys that were present that early in the morning, which usually meant Robin, and in a few cases Cyborg. After that both girls worked on increasing their stamina with Beastboy, since his endurance levels exceeded even that of Starfire's.

That was followed by a lunch break before she continued with her weapons practice. Given Starfire's extensive knowledge of weapons training, she was usually the one Raven practiced with. Unfortunately since Raven lacked Starfire's alien strength, she was unable to use the customary spear. Instead, after obtaining permission from the E'yara, she was allowed to use two modified swords. They were about a foot and a half long each, and were made of an alloy that contained some of the same foreign metal as the spear. Sometimes she practiced with Robin in order to further improve her skills. Initially he had been gentle with her, but as the days went by, he became more demanding, forcing her to use not just her skills but her cunning in order to parry with him. Each block, each thrust, and each jab was harder than the next, and she even ended up with a few cuts. That hadn't gone down too well with Beastboy. But Raven, to her quiet satisfaction, observed that as her skills gradually became on par with his, even Robin failed to come out completely unscathed.

After all of that, and warming down, Raven was finally able to call an end to the day. This was a good thing as her body would usually be close to its breaking point. The only thing that gave her strength to drag herself out of bed the next day was right now knocking gently on her door.

Raven lifted her tired head from the plush pillow. A quick glance with her powers confirmed it was Beastboy. She got off her bed and went to her wardrobe, picking out a silk robe. She removed the towel and was tying the robe's knot before waving her hand. A black tendril of energy jumped from her fingertips, opening the door to allow the changeling to enter.

'Hey,' he said with his trademark grin. 'I got some more of that lotion Starfire said you needed for your muscle aches. She mentioned you ran out, and I offered to bring it over.'

The Beast was instantly awake...and Beastboy could smell why.

Raven had taken a shower, and smelt of blueberry and lilacs. But that failed to hide that fact that underneath that silk robe, she was deliciously naked.

Oh God. He needed to get out of there fast.

He managed to keep the hand extending the bottle of lotion from shaking. Raven murmured a thank you. Her fingers brushed lightly against his. Luckily, a question he had been burning to ask, popped into his mind, taking his attention off her current position momentarily.

'Starfire mentioned that you needed heat to make the lotion effective. So how do-' his words were cut short when Raven answered by raising her hand. It has completely enveloped in a black flame. There was no doubt about the magical nature of this flame. It made no crackling sound, and certainly didn't emit any scent whatsoever.

'Cool,' he said. 'I had no idea that you could do that.'

He took a step forward. The Beast's urging was getting stronger.

Raven qwerked an exquisite eyebrow.

'There's much you don't know about me Gar.'

'Hmm,' he murmured. He had taken another bold step towards her. To his surprise even she had taken a tentative step forward as well. 'Care to share?' he breathed.

Somehow, Beastboy found that they were very close. He leaned forward slightly.

Their mouths were inches apart. Her luscious lips were parting gently.

The very scent of her was starting to make him lose any thoughts of leaving. After all what did it matter? The only thing that maintained her dignity was a pathetic garment. Nothing a pair of sharp claws wouldn't make short work of.

Both of her hands now moved to his chest. Beastboy was confident he knew where this was going.

'Soon enough.'

Before Beastboy had a chance to ask what the hell she was talking about, since he had certainly forgotten, he felt her shove him back hard. He tumbled through a portal she had sneakily opened and fell down unceremoniously onto his back.

A sharp cracking sound told him the portal had now disappeared.

Damn it. So close.

TTTTT

The last week of training arrived, and Starfire announced a change in their training schedule.

'Raven,' Starfire called out to emapth.

Raven looked up from her cup of tea. Starfire continued, 'I think that for the next 7 days we shall spar together. I haven't been keeping track of your weapons progress. This is the last opportunity that I will have to ensure that we are both prepared.'

'Okay,' Raven said flatly. She expertly hid her unease. As confident as Raven was in her fighting abilities, this was definitely Starfire's area of expertise. She wondered if she was good enough to fend off the princess' attacks.

'Don't worry Rae, you're gonna do just fine,' Beastboy whispered silently.

They were going to find out soon enough.

TTTTT

Starfire took a deep breath. She gripped the spear firmly, and turned around to face her best friend. She twirled the long weapon expertly, and took a defensive stance.

Raven watched her carefully. As soon as Starfire shifted into her stance Raven answered with an equally impressive technique.

Sharp. Quick. But lacking slightly in strength, Starfire noted mentally. They would have to work on that.

To the side, the boys observed the girls, silently. That in itself, Raven smirked inwardly, was a miracle. However, she snapped to attention when Starfire rushed her unexpectedly.

The clash of metals resounded loudly through the training room.

Raven had instinctively reacted to Starfire's attack to the head, and blocked it with her swords. But Starfire bore down with her strength causing the empath to sink to her knees.

They had just started and Raven could already feel a bead of sweat break on her forehead.

Suck it up girl! roared Brave. You have got to put up some sort of a fight!

Gritting her teeth, Raven pivoted sharply on her knee, and kicked out with the other leg, aiming for Starfire's shin. The alien warrior jumped out of the way quickly, but not before Raven leaped back onto her feet.

Once again they circled each other.

This time Raven attacked, slashing with both swords. Starfire parried easily, and smirked. Raven was using the technique Robin used to gouge out an enemy's strength.

She wasn't going to make this easy for Raven in any way.

She parried the last of Raven's attack and responded instantly with a sharp jab to Raven's abdomen. The attack should have impaled Raven, but she twisted her body out of the way. Nevertheless, a resounding rip could be heard. A quick somersault, and Raven was a safe distance away. She took that time to quickly inspect the damage to her uniform. To her annoyance she saw the Starfire had successfully caused a tear across the abdomen, and the pale skin of her stomach could be seen. She shot her friend a look of annoyance, but Starfire paid no heed.

Fine...if that's how it's going to be, Raven thought resolutely. Two can play this game.

Neither girl was fighting for second place. They could have been sparring for minutes, or maybe hours, both girls had lost track of time. They were concentrating completely in this fight, and minutes into the battle, both of them were sporting a few minor wounds.

There were slashes, jabs, thrusts, blows, and blocks. But in between this all, the one thing that was faring the worst were their costumes. After Raven's initial uniform damage, nothing seeming to be spared. Sleeves were ripped, Starfire's skirt was slit, and Raven had long ago abandoned her shredded cloak. The exposed sections of their toned bodies now shone with sweat.

At one point, they both moved to a distance, circling each other. Starfire observed that now Raven's arms were quivering from the effort of bearing the impact of blows, and manipulating her weapons. This had to end, NOW.

Raven must have been thinking along the same lines because, she burst out with one last attack. Had Starfire not know her friend so well, she would have been caught off guard. Only the sheer mental training could explain where Raven was fuelled with this sudden burst of energy.

One shattering clash, and they were once again locked in a battle of strength. Both girls bore down unyieldingly onto each other.

Their faces were inches apart, their panting breath filling the other's ears.

The silent battle of will was broken only by Beastboy.

'Do that again,' he breathed , his eyes wide.

A resounding thwap from Cyborg made him realize he had made that statement out aloud, and not in his mind.

'Ladies,' Robin's voice had a squeak. 'I think that um...you should probably...you know...change, and stuff,' he finished lamely.

This was followed by another uncomfortable silence. But girls were looking quizzically at the boys. Why were they acting so strangely?

Suddenly Cyborg got up, and grabbing both the other boys by the scruff, said too loudly,' Oh well, will ya'll look at the time? You ladies are probably gonna be famished so we'll head back up and cook up a storm for you both.' Turning to his male friends he barked, 'March.' As an added incentive, he shoved them towards the door.

'Hey!' protested Robin.

'Be gentle! Wahwedo?' cried out Beastboy.

Their voices faded as the two boys grumbled under their breath.

'What was that about?' Raven asked, looking to Starfire. A second later, she blushed furiously, realizing why. Looking at herself, her face flamed even more, if it were possible.

Without knowing, the girls have quite literally ripped their uniform to shreds, exposing their shapely bodies in several places. Not much kept the remaining scraps in place, but in was clear that these particular uniforms would have to be retired permanently. Or thrown in the rubbish.

Starfire threw back her thick mane of hair, and a laugh bubbled out. 'I believe we have done the 'working out' very thoroughly today, do you not agree friend Raven?'

Raven simply smiled tiredly, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

'Beastboy owes me 2 days of house chores now.' Seeing Raven's expression of confusion, she continued, 'he did the betting, to see how long it would take before I was able to rip off your-' her voice trailed to nothing when she saw the tell-tale red hue start creeping into Raven's eyes.

She sweatdropped.

'I am only joking, Raven' she said quickly, holding up her arms. Raven looked at her for a second, before nodding, and moved to pick up her cloak.

'-mostly,' Starfire finished under her breath.

TTTTT

With a mighty groan Cyborg tried lifting the suitcases onto the T-ship. Beside him, Starfire effortlessly carried a larger load, and gracefully deposited it into the cargo hold. Flashing Cyborg a beautiful smile, she quickly moved out of the way, allowing him to continue.

Cyborg muttered under his breath. How he ended up being the one to carry out the loading escaped him. It was unfortunate he never remembered what he ended up agreeing to when he had a few tequila shots in him.

'So tell me again why I can't, for once, fly the T-ship? Why does has always gotta be Cy or Robin huh? asked Beastboy. He carried over his and Raven's suitcase, and placed in before Cyborg.

Robin strode in at that exact moment and answered his question. 'Because you haven't completed enough flying hours, because you never remember what the dials and switches are for, and because I said so. Take your pick.'

Beastboy did the most mature thing that came to mind.

He stuck out his tongue.

'Boys,' Raven said entering the launch pad, 'play nice or none of you will be flying the T-ship.'

'He started it,' Beastboy replied without hesitation.

'Did not!' cried out Robin indignantly.

'Did-' Beastboy's words were cut off as a dark band of black energy slapped across his mouth. Raven shot him an ice cold look. 'I'm not going to repeat myself.'

'Friends, I believe we are ready to go. Shall we enter the ship and begin the launch sequence?' Starfire called out. The Titans quickly moved to alight onto their aircraft. Cyborg turned to a computer to begin an automatic self-check sequence. Turning back to the ship, he jogged over to his side, and with an agile leap climbed onto the T-ship. On the screens in each section of the aircraft, the computer system made an automatic diagnostic, going through system checks, auxiliary thrusters, and fuel capacity.

As they all strapped themselves in, a synthetic voice began the countdown. LAUNCHING IN 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...a thunderous roar filled the ears of the occupants, and each were thrust back into their seats. The shuttle shuddered to life, and slowly liftoff began. As the billowing white smoke filled the launch pad, above them, the roof opened wide, revealing a clear blue sky.

Within seconds, the T-Ship picked up momentum, and they hurtled out into the open expanse of the sky. Moments later, they reached the upper atmosphere, and the 1st set of auxiliary thrusters broke away, allowing the secondary ones to fire up. In the meantime, the Titans braced themselves, waiting for their aircraft to break away from the Earth's gravitational force. The third and final set of thrusters weren't going to fire until they were out of their solar system.

'Better settle in guys,' Cyborg's voice echoed through the communication system. 'This is going to be a long journey.'

'Good thing I uploaded an entertainment component onto the T-Ship,' Beastboy flashed a thumbs-up to an astounded Cyborg.

'What the hell? When did you do that?'

Beastboy ignored the question. 'Hope you're all ready for the ultimate Wicked Scary marathon! I brought one through five.'

The remaining four Titans released a collective groan.

TTTTT

Several long and excruciating hours passed.

Mercifully, Beastboy had fallen asleep halfway through the third film, and Cyborg was able to hack into the system from his own pod, and terminated the movies. The rest of the journey was made in relative peace. Apart from flying through the occasional asteroid belt, their space flight was mainly uneventful.

It was only when Raven could sense excitement building up in Starfire that she realized that they had entered the Vegan system. Tamaran could not be too far off.

An hour or two later, Robin saw their intercom blinking. Knowing this indicated an incoming call, he flipped a switch. A harsh male voice blared into each pods of the T-Ship. Beastboy visibly winced.

'Lahye! Ostem boor afor t'laka!' the voice commanded. Robin looked at Starfire, and raised a quizzical eyebrow.

Starfire simply nodded her head to show she would be answering this message. 'M'fore Lahye. Retera b'tyra grodaco Koriand'r.'

The voice instantly lost all the gruffness. Now it was softer. More respectful. 'Grodaco Koriand'r. Mya u'steem. Tamaran huley zorfac.'

Starfire gave a last command. She spoke over the telecom and informed the other that they had now officially entered the planetary perimeters of Tamaran. 'Welcome back for a second time, my friends,' she said, a happy smile gracing her features.

TTTTT

The first one to greet them was unsurprisingly, Galfore. He was accompanied by his wife Lymia. Behind him, Raven noticed a group of people.

No doubt, the council members of E'yra, she thought.

After the T-Ship landed, Starfire didn't waste any time. She leapt out the aircraft before Robin had completely shut it down. She launched herself towards Galfore with all the grace a young child would have when greeting her father. The rest of the Titans climbed out, and waited for Starfire .

'Welcome back to Tamaran, my bumgorf. And to all of you as well,' Galfore's voice boomed loudly. 'Come inside, I have the best feast prepared for your arrival. Do not worry about your belongings, my guards will tend to them.' He turned to a group of soldiers, and barked out an order.

Looking at Raven, Galfore took a second to stop.

'And you, child, will be the bondho, am I correct?'

'Yes,' Raven said moving her hood off her head. Galfore's face broke into a smile.

'Excellent. The meeting with the E'yra is tomorrow. You must be there with Koriand'r. Am I correct to assume that she has already made you familiar with all the rules?'

Raven nodded. 'I understand that we shall also be negotiating the details of my participation. Starfire mentioned that she asked you to prepare the E'yra for a few minor changes on my behalf?'

'Indeed. But, that is all for tomorrow. Now, we feast, drink, and celebrate!' a big laugh echoed out from Galfore. 'I am very pleased to see my little bumgorf again,' he said, scooping Starfire into what the other Titans knew was a bone-crushing hug.

'Oh thank God we aren't getting one of those,' Cyborg said with relief.

TTTTT

The feast and celebration itself was another long process.

Many people had come to the royal palace, as word that the Queen had returned, spread. The E'yra members present gave speeches, speaking about their happiness that Starfire had returned. They were pleased that she hadn't forgotten the traditions or her linage while she stayed on Earth. They bid her good luck, and toasted to her success at the land'ha.

Beastboy poked at the food suspiciously. 'Dude is this stuff even vegetarian?'

'Grass-stain, you asked me that the last time we were here. I don't know,' Cyborg replied. He picked up a rather larger portion and without hesitation stuffed it into his mouth. 'E astes 'oo to ee,' he said with his mouth full.

Beastboy's turned a paler shade of green. Turning back to his plate, he poked his fork at a purple, tentacle piece. A high-pitched girlish scream escaped his mouth when it moved away from his prodding, leaving behind a wet slime.

'Nau nau friend Beastboy, that's not how you eat an aloefka,' Starfire said patiently. Picking up her knife she stabbed the offending food, and with a small starbolt, burned it to crisp.

'There ,' she said handing the knife with the smoking aloefka. 'Now it's ready to be consumed.'

A trickle of sweat made its way down Beastboy's forehead. Robin failed miserably to hide the mirth of laughter that threatened to bubble out. Seeing the expression on Beastboy's face, Raven leaned towards him.

'Don't worry,' she whispered softly in his ear. 'I remember the cuisine from the last time. I made sure to pack lots of vegetarian food for you along with some essentials for myself.'

Beastboy looked at her with an incredulous expression. 'You actually did that...for me?'

A soft blush rose in Raven's pale cheeks. 'Yeah. I thought, since Robin and I were both making a secret stash, I thought I'd pack some stuff for you as well. It's what any...girlfriend...would do.' The last part was whispered so softly, only Beastboy's exceptional hearing picked it up.

His heart swelled. For her to remember to pick up something essential just for him, especially when she was in the middle of training for the land'ha, made him speechless with gratitude. It was one of the things he really loved about her. She knew just what he needed, and when he needed it.

Without hesitating, and knowing full well everyone was concentrating on energetically attacking the food, he leaned over towards Raven and pulled her in for a blistering kiss on her lips.

Nope one noticed two large food piles explode involuntarily.

'Thanks Rae,' he murmured softly as his thumb gently stroked her cheek.

TTTTT

After the feast, Galfore lead them through the cavernous hallways. After a while he stopped in front a large set of doors.

'Koriand'r, I had the Imperial staff prepare this suite for you and your guests. I trust everything will be in order. My wife and I shall be close by. I bid you all a good night, and shall see you tomorrow,' he said.

As he left, the others walked into the room. A stunned silence filled the suite.

'Starfire...what...how?' Cyborg stuttered.

The only person who wasn't shocked besides her was Robin. He grinned at the expression on the faces of the Titans and said, 'Star knew that you all had a difficulty adjusting the last time. So she sent some images to Galfore. He made arrangements so that the suite, and our bedrooms, including all the furniture mimicked that of Earth. They've even installed bathrooms. I lent a hand for the schematics.' Extending his arms around the plush suite he said, 'Not bad, don't you think?'

Raven strode over towards Starfire, and did something she rarely ever did. She wrapped her arms around the alien princess in a warm hug.

'Thank you,' she said sincerely.

A stunned Starfire recovered immediately to hug back her friend. 'It was nothing.'

'You're the best hun, you know that?' Cyborg said warmly. Beastboy turned into a kitten and leaped into Starfire's arms. He contentedly rubbed his cheeks against hers and purred loudly to indicate his appreciation.

'Right Titans, it's been a long few days, and tomorrow the girls need to be up early. I think we should retire for the night,' Robin said with a yawn.

Immediately, all the hours of travel seemed to suddenly pile back into their bodies. Shoulders sagged, eyes drooped, and tiredness seeped in. Each bid the others good night and headed for their rooms. Robin and Starfire moved to one accommodation, while the rest made their way to separate rooms.

Raven waited until all the others had left before she quickly reached out with her powers to the retreating back of Beastboy. He looked at her, clearly surprised.

'Aren't you hungry?' she asked.

For what? he thought stupidly. As if on cue, a protesting rumble issued from his stomach, and realization struck him.

'You don't mind? It's kind of late, and you have-'

'I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't mean it Gar,' she said. A sassy smirk briefly played across her lips. 'Just don't get any ideas, I'm not asking you to spend the night or something.' She moved towards her door. Beastboy followed her.

He feigned a dramatic sigh. 'Just when I thought thinks were starting to...heat up,' he said, the cheekiness of his tone causing Raven to blush.

'Continue that funny boy, and I'll just teleport your ass back to your own room.' To emphasize her point, Raven turned and leaned at her doorway, blocking his path. One curvy hip remained cocked. Beastboy had an irresistible urge to run his hand over her, but he kept his hands to himself...for now.

'Oh Rae,' he said, making his chin comically quiver, 'why must you be so cruel to me?' He leaned forwards, trying to see if he could coax a kiss from her. Two slender fingers on his chest halted his motion.

'10 minutes Gar. That's all.'

Emerald eyes twinkled mischievously at amethyst ones.

'Rae, babe, you know I'm gonna be needing longer than that.'

Raven's eyes gave her signature roll. The fingers that were on Beastboy's chest changed, and taking a fistful of his uniform in her hand, she repeated, '9 minutes, 53 seconds.'

Then she yanked him into the room.