Author's Note: Hey everybody...really sorry that I've been AWOL for so long. Life called. But I'm back now and still very intent on finishing this story. I have a rough outline planned out and I shall fix it here and there as I go along. Excuse any mistakes on the way.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Literally...


Raven couldn't have blanked out for more than a few seconds, minutes at most. But the sheer energy of the shock had sucked all the energy from her. Her insides burned in protest, as she dug in both swords into the ground to lift herself up. As her senses came to, she gritted her teeth and tried to absorb what was going on around her.

Starfire must have recovered quicker than her, because she was already on her feet. She was snarling in anger as she faced their attackers. Raven swallowed a groan as she too got a good look around her. They were surrounded now by half a dozen Tamaranians. They didn't look like Imperial guards, but with their sharp weapons and covered faces, Raven realized that this was out of the ordinary. She may not have been Tamaranian, but even she knew interrupting a royal heiress completing her land'ha borderlined on treachery if not execution. Somebody, somewhere was pulling the strings, and that was a powerful incentive for worry.

'Starfire, what's going on?' Raven said. Now she too stood and took a defensive stance. She'd be damned if she let herself be caught off guard again. She angled her back slightly to Starfire as she surveyed and assessed their attackers.

Starfire ignored her question as she glared intensely at a monstrously muscled man. He said something in their native language to which Starfire replied curtly. Raven may not have been using her empathic powers, but from their tone and body language, she could clearly tell this particular attacker was enjoying taunting Starfire. Out of the corner of her eye though, Raven detected the slightest change from her friend. Starfire, placed one leg behind her and the long spear she held was angled upwards. Only years of training and fighting beside Stafire told Raven that this was a subtle move into an attack position. Raven carefully shifted her weight from one booted foot to the other.

Any second now...

All she needed was a signal from Starfire.

Without warning, Starfire cast a bolt to the man at her left, before flying out to slash at the largest attacker. Raven immediately somersaulted out of the way of another energy shot. With a quick deft movement she used her swords to cut the weapon into two pieces. The Tamaranian was clearly not expecting such an attack. As he looked up stupidly, he was greeted with Raven's boot encased in black energy. In the meantime, Starfire embraced her warrior princess heritage. With quick and deadly accuracy, she had already disposed of half their attackers. Not to be outdone, Raven stretched her powers to both her arms and legs. By enhancing the strength of the blows she delivered, she was able to match Starfire's power enough to send two of their attackers reeling back. Using precisely aimed energy balls, she hit her targets in all their weak spots, making them crumble to the ground just like she had minutes before.

Breathing heavily, she quickly turned around to help Starfire deal with the largest attacker. But, it was clear her assistance was not required. If anything, she felt pity for the man. He had no idea what was about to hit him, several times...in painful places...with brutal strength. While he seemed to land the odd devastating blow here and there, he was no match for the sheer speed of Starfire's attack. She dodged and weaved around him deftly, all the while landing her own attacks. With one swift and powerful kick to his back she sent him flying face first to the ground. He flipped around quickly only to find his face inches away from two sharp swords and a deadly spear.

'I will ask you once again,' Stafire switched to English. 'Who sent you? And why did they send you after us?'

The man remained silent, staring hatefully at his queen. Lifting a booted foot, Starfire planted it calmly on an open, bleeding gash on his shoulder and pressed down. The man's face contorted in pain but he still remained silent. Sighing as if dealing with a petulant child, Starfire bore down with all her inward strength. Unable to bear the pain anymore, he let out a scream of pain, and Raven could see a clear imprint on her boot bruising around the wound.

Starfire calmly pulled the hair away from her face with her free hand, and repeated her question. With loathing eyes, he must have given the wrong reply, because suddenly, Starfire shot a starbolt inches from his left ear, easily making his hair singe. The arrogance left his features immediately, as his eyes opened wide and nostrils flared in surprise. Not many Tamaranians had witnessed Stafire's fight with Blackfire, only heard the exaggerated rumors. To first hand witness the starbolts, a painful result of her imprisonment by the Citadel, made him realize his mistake. As he stammered his reply, Starfire listened quietly, the expression on her face unreadable. When he was finished, Starfire gestured for Raven to move back and lower her weapons. Raven watched in quiet astonishment as she let the man limp back to his feet. The other attackers recovered and joined their fallen leader. The man lowered his head in the slightest on bows before turning his back. Both girls watched the slow gait of their injured attackers heading back towards the forest. A dark scowl flashed across Starfire's face and she shot a bolt directly behind the leader's legs. The lumbering giant yelped in shock, before throwing a furtive glance behind and continued his escape at a significantly quicker pace.

Starfire turned around to face Raven, and in one quick movement gathered her friend in a hug. 'Are you alright? I am so sorry for what has happened. I assure you none of this was part of the land'ha. I will-'

Raven pulled herself back slightly, but not completely out of the embrace to interrupt her friend. 'What the hell just happened? What did they want?'

Starfire opened her mouth to respond, but her eyes were suddenly drawn downwards to Raven's chest. 'Raven! You are injured!' she cried in concern. Raven quickly looked down to see a deep red colour soak through her uniform. Without thinking she quickly pulled at the garment to inspect the wound. She was surprised she had felt no pain, but was caught completely off guard when she saw that there was no injury that would cause so much blood loss.

'How...' but she already knew the answer. Her eyes flew to Starfire. Her friend was holding one hand through a profusely bleeding wound, and the other looking curiously at the blood on her hands. A small 'oh' sound escaped her now pale lips, as her body suddenly gave in to the pull of gravity.

Raven leaped forward and grabbed Starfire just seconds before she fell once more.

TTTTTTT

Beastboy lay on the bed in his room, absentmindedly throwing a ball around. It was his favourite and he usually played with it in his dog form. Sometimes, it was a great form of release to give in to his animal instincts and let his inhibitions go. Whether it was flying through the clouds as an eagle, or running through the woods as a wolf, he had never felt as alive as when he was one with nature. His senses would be filled with the smell of the surrounding environment as his human behaviour took a momentary back seat. But right now, he was feeling a very human emotion of worry. Starfire and Raven had been travelling for almost a week now and he couldn't help but feel uneasy. Without any form of communication, it was hard not to think of any worst case sceneros. Is this how every couple felt? Why couldn't he be more relaxed? Like Robin? He seemed fine. Keeping himself preoccupied with daily reports from the Titans network, working out, how does he even do that? There's no gym! or talking with Galfore.

He let out a small groan...he knew exactly why.

Ever since that hiccup with Raven a few months back he had been slightly worried. The Beast had started becoming more vocal, and Beastboy found himself hearing more and more of the Beast at the back of his mind. The creature feed on all of Beastboy's pure emotions and subconscious and brought forward feelings and thoughts he normally would never find himself having. It was like being constantly on guard. The only person he had confided in was Cyborg. He remembered how his friend had listened intently to his fears that the Beast would again try taking over like he had those years before.

Beastboy finished explaining to his friend everything that had just occurred including the fight with Raven.

'I can't tell her about this Cy. This would be too much. I mean, we've only been dating for 2 months. Things don't progress that quick. I...I don't want to scare her away by thinking I'm some sort of clingy, needy freak'

'Listen BB,' Cyborg said gently. 'First of all, I highly doubt Raven would think that. Maybe she thought that initially-'

'Cy-' Beastboy warned

'But she wouldn't be with you now if she still felt the same way,' Cyborg continued undeterred. 'Raven is one of the most understanding people I know. Maybe being a half-demon makes her less judgemental that most. She's seen something in you, that she clearly likes, or by now your relationship would be over.'

'I had no idea you had such faith in us. I'm touched,' Beastboy said sarcastically.

'Here's the point I'm trying to make. Raven knows the Beast is an integral part of you. A part that can not, and should not be separated. True, the Beast does have a mind of its own, but only because you are afraid of using him, of controlling him, and most importantly understanding him. He wants what you want, and you want Raven.'

Beastboy looked at his friend. He had never thought of it that way. Had he made a mistake compartmentalizing the Beast?

'Maybe, deep down, you've always cared about her from the start. I mean, she was the first to make the mistake of saying you were funny, God knows why. And you picked up on that. Sure, you both got distracted somewhere along the way, but not anymore. You've known each other for a while now. It's only natural you develop feelings for someone you spend so much time with. For the Beast to desire Raven and think of her as a mate shouldn't come as a surprise. 'Cause honestly, I really don't think you just like her a lot, I think you're really nervous because it could be something much more...'

Beastboy missed the ball and it connected painfully with his head. Wincing slightly he sat up.

A few months, and the prospect of a life-threatening gauntlet had made him come to terms with what Cyborg had said. Maybe he was ready for things to move forward, but was Raven? Since their first kiss, she had slowly opened herself to more intimate contact. But, he'd be a fool to fantasize too far ahead. Thinking back, he was relieved in a way that Raven had stopped him from saying those 3 powerful words. He didn't doubt how she felt, but maybe, she wasn't ready to hear what he had to say yet. It would be asking too much from her. And she had already changed so much for him...

Just the thought of Raven seemed to awaken the Beast from his silence. He sniffed the air for any trace of her scent. Sensing none, he whined softly and retreated back into the depths of Beastboy's mind.

I miss her too. God, I hope she's alright.

TTTTTTTTT

Miraculously, Starfire didn't lose consciousness. Raven supported her weight and lay her down as gently as she could onto the ground. She was furious with herself for not being more on her guard. She instinctively brought her hands to Starfire's chest, about to heal her, but Starfire grabbed onto her wrists.

'Nau...' she whispered weakly. A trail of blood dribbled from the corner of her mouth. She coughed and more blood seeped from the stab wound.

'Starfire, you have to let me. You'll die unless I do something right now! You can start again when you heal. The Council will understand. For Azar's sake, we were attacked! That wasn't part of the land'ha!'

Starfire shook her head, and gestured weakly to her pack. Raven would have argued once more, but something in her eyes conveyed a deep sense of urgency. Raven quickly brought the bag and emptied its contents. Painfully, Starfire rolled to her side, and her blood-soaked hands spread the contents, looking for something in particular. She picked out a rather large vial of dark blue liquid. She motioned Raven to open the vial, and Raven pried the cork out.

'Pour it...' Starfire swallowed painfully, 'directly on the wound.'

Raven did so without hesitation. She almost dropped the entire vial when Starfire let out a bloodcurdling scream. Horrified, Raven was certain, in a cloud of pain, Starfire had chosen the wrong healing serum. She watched helplessly as the alien princess writhed in pain and the wound sizzled and bubbled as if acid had been poured instead. Raven was about to use her magic to heal her, when Starfire suddenly rolled onto her front. She somehow brought herself up to her knees, but her head hung low, and her thick red hair, covered her. Raven moved slowly to place a hand on her shoulder, but even before she placed her palm, she could feel a deep heat radiating off the princess. A burning, green glow seemed to simmer right below Starfire's skin and Raven retracted her hand and watched warily, unsure what to do next.

Starfire lifted her head and with both hands moved her hair out of the way to look directly at Raven. Her eyes were glowing green like the rest of her body, when suddenly she blinked and the glow faded back to her normal orange tan. Wordlessly, she stated to peel away the top of her uniform exposing herself. She looked down at where a deep stab wound once lay, but instead they both saw that the wound had instead closed and new skin was forced to grown. But the top of the surface was still raw and exposed, shining red like a burn.

'Raven, if you do not mind. I require some assistance,' Starfire said, pain clouding her voice. 'I must remove my garment so that we can cover the wound.' Starfire winced and her hands clawed into the dirt.

Raven nodded and helped the injured Starfire shrug off the top of the uniform. Turning her back she quickly took out the bedding to make Starfire more comfortable. Without looking Raven said, 'I don't think we should continue today. You're in no condition to endure a couple of hours of flight or hiking.' She took out some bandages and a new uniform. She felt uncomfortable looking at her best friend topless, but right now, she knew she had spare the embarrassment. Starfire needed immediate medical attention, and that's exactly what Raven was going to give her.

Starfire leaned back onto her elbows, allowing Raven to sanitize the wound and clean off the blood that now left trails down her stomach. Her face contorted, and she bit down on her lip to keep from crying out. Ignoring the shuddering of Starfire's pained body, Raven worked as quickly as she could. Gently, she placed a wad of gauze and set a bandage across Starfire's chest. She was about to hand her a new uniform, when Starfire shook her head.

'I need to absorb sunlight to heal. We are fortunate there is still plenty of daylight. There is enough time for me to let my body being the process of healing itself.'

Raven nodded her head and averted her eyes. She busied herself with packing away the things she had strewn on the ground when looking for the healing serum. Starfire must have sensed her unease. 'Perhaps, you would like to seek out some firewood? I do not think we shall be able to continue until much later tomorrow. Take your communicator so that we may be in contact.'

'Good idea. Call if you need anything. I won't go too far anyway. I'll stay within shouting distance.'

Starfire nodded, before shedding off the remainder of her uniform and stretching out on top on her sleeping bag. Raven took the time to quickly inspect herself. Apart from a small burn mark where the electric shock had burned her shoulder, and a few minor cuts and bruises, she was largely unharmed. Picking up her abandoned swords she made her way into the forest. This would give her the time to compose in her mind all the questions she was burning to ask Starfire, starting with What in Azar is going on?

TTTTTTTTTT

Robin sat reading one of the numerous reports of the Titans. He was so engrossed in his work he didn't hear the soft knock on his door. Only when it turned into a sharp rap, did he snap out of his trance. Frowning, he placed his discarded mask back onto his face, and opened the door.

'Hey dude. I was wondering if you have a moment.' Beastboy asked.

'Is it important? I have a back log of paperwork, and-'

'Yes. I mean, no. Well, no...I mean I'm not sure. It could be nothing, but still.'

Robin frowned. He really didn't have time for any distractions.

Taking a deep breath, Beastboy continued, 'I was just roaming through the palace, 'cause you know, Cy blew up the PlayStation cause he miscalculated the voltage, which I told him would happen, but his judgement is clouded with all the meat he gobbles, and so obviously-'

'Beastboy, get to the point' Robin said tiredly.

'Oh...right, sorry. So anyway, I was wandering through the halls when I see two of the Council members of the Ku'ya that Starfire introduced us to. And, I don't know, but I remember always thinking there was something weird about them. I smelled something funny you know?'

'Beastboy, we're on a different planet, things are bound to seem different.'

'No no. You don't understand. I mean, I literally smelled something different. I've had enough close contact with Starfire to know that Tamaranians have a different scent to us. But, one of these guys, and I'm not sure who, smelled more...alien, more specifically, non-Tamaranian.' This seemed to get Robin's attention and he stood a little straighter paying more attention to what the changeling was saying.

Emboldened by seeing Robin's interest, Beastboy continued, 'So, I was curious, and snuck close to them, like a chameleon, 'cause of their camouflage abilities. And I've been on enough reconnisance missions to know when two guys are talking about something they don't want others to hear. I know they were speaking in Tamaranian, but dude, the way they were being all snoopy and hush hush, I figured something was up. So, I turned on the recording device I had, and got some of their conversation. They didn't talk long, but I think we should translate, and see what's going on.'

Robin considered what the changeling was suggesting. It would not seem strange. It made sense. The Queen was marrying an outsider, surely this wouldn't go down well with aliens as serious about laws and tradition as the Tamaranians. Could they really be plotting something behind the Titans' backs, knowing that their full attention would be on the land'ha?

'Call Cyborg. He knows some Tamaranian. I want to know what we have before I take it to Galfore. It could be nothing, and we'd only make a fool of ourselves. And, if it really is important, then we'll bring it to his attention. Either way, let's play it safe.'

Beastboy nodded and within minutes both boys huddled around the table in their common room as Cyborg listened intently to the recorded conversation. He frowned now and then, scribbling into a notepad, pausing the tape, and scribbling more. After a length, he stopped the tape and leaned back into his chair, releasing a deep breath.

'Well? What are they talking about?' asked Robin impatiently.

'My Tamaranian is pretty rusty, since it's been a while, and I don't really practice. What I'm fairly sure, is that they're using some sort of code to communicate. They're saying...trophy, or prize, quite a few times. Something about, giving a trophy so those who deserve it?' He frowned. He looked at this notepad, 'Yea, and also they're talking about something changing hands, I can't figure out what. One of 'em keeps asking about some package. It must be important, 'cause he seems real concerned about it. Wants to know if it's authentic. And how soon he can get it. That's...um...let me just,' Cyborg glanced again at notes. 'Right, and they discuss waiting for the right time. They keep calling it...um...I'm not sure if I'm pronouncing it right, shamai. That's as far as I can figure out.'

Robin leaned back into his chair, his fingers drumming the table thoughtfully on the table. Beastboy's fang poked out of his mouth whenever he was deep in thought. All the boys eyed the recorder wondering if they had stumbled onto something much bigger than what it seemed. It was Cyborg who was the first to break the silence.

'Should we ask Galfore? If this really is something top secret, then he's the only one I trust besides Starfire to translate it properly.'

'We need more intel,' Robin said. 'If there really is something going on, it may not necessarily be our problem, and Tamaranians don't take kindly to outsiders interfering in their personal affairs.' Beastboy opened his mouth to protest, but Robin raised a hand to stop him before continuing. 'Let's gather some more data, and get a better picture. Then, once we have all the evidence, we give it to Galfore and let him call the shots. As much as I would like to investigate this further, I don't have a lot of time, especially when I promised Starfire I'd be planning and discussing our future nuptials with Galfore.'

At this Beastboy snorted, but quickly composed himself when their leader shot him a glare. Cyborg, however, was able to successfully slip in a coughed 'Whipped' in. Scowling, Robin continued, 'However, since the both of you seem to have so much extra time, you do some of the heavy work. Get close to them, find out their identities, backgrounds, whatever you can get your hands on, and report back to me. Since you've both been complaining about being bored, I imagine this should keep you occupied for a while.'

With a satisfied smirk, Robin got up and left. Turning to Beastboy Cyborg said, 'I swear man, if all of this ends up being nothing, I will personally throw out all that shit tofu you got, and make you wear nothing but 'I love Bugs Bunny' underwear at the next Titan's party.'-

Beastboy fixed a serious gaze at his best friend and said quietly, 'And if I'm right?'

TTTTTTTTTT

Raven helped removed the bandage across Starfire's chest. She closely inspected the wound, and was impressed with how quickly it had healed. All that remained now was an angry red scar that Starfire rubbed some balm on. A sigh of pleasure escaped her lips as the coolness of the balm elevated the heated pain of the burn. They had spent a little over a day camped in the clearing where they had been attacked. They had both been on edge, expecting another ambush anytime, and had a fitful night of sleep, but it seemed they were in no immediate danger.

Hoping to take their mind off the attack, Raven asked Starfire a question that was bothering her for a while. 'Starfire, every night I hear the most unnatural calls from the forest. But, nothing seems to bother us any time. Are all creatures here afraid of fire or something?'

Starfire gave a small smile. 'It was very shrewd of you to notice Raven. You are correct. While this is not the most dangerous section of Tamaran's numerous forests and jungles, there are all manners of creatures both harmless and dangerous. Nevertheless, even here, as you correctly assumed, we should have been attacked by some manner of beast. But, I made something that helps in this mission.' Bringing down the spear in her hand she pointed out a particularly large and striking gem near the top, right before the sharp tip. 'This is a high-pitch emitting diode. Most creatures on Tamaran have a very acute sensory range. This pitch is beyond our hearing range. So, while most creatures may smell us as a potential meal, they can not come anywhere near us without causing severe pain to their auditory senses. 'She pointed to a specific gem on the ornate belt draped across Raven's hips. 'I made one for you as well, so that we may both be safe at all times, at least from any natural predators.'

Raven looked down where Starfire pointed. She was extremely relieved that Starfire had the foresight to take some precautions. 'Thank you. I had no idea you did that.'

Starfire waved off the gratitude. 'It was nothing.'

They continued on their journey for a little while, flying side by side in silence. Finally, Raven asked what had really been bothering her for a while. 'Starfire,' she started carefully, wanting to phrase her words so that the warrior princess wouldn't be hurt. 'I never got the chance to ask you properly, but, why were we attacked like that? I thought the land'ha didn't involve any Tamaranian outside the participating individuals. Did they change the rules? You told me my training wouldn't come into proper use until the second part of the trials.'

Starfire slowed her flight speed, drawing back a little before coming to a complete stop. Puzzled, Raven stopped in mid-air as well, and floated closer to her.

Stafire's sorrowful green eyes looked at Raven's questioning amethyst ones. 'I am sorry Raven. I truly am. I did not expect this. It is unheard of, and I assure you I will inform Galfore of this as soon as we return.'

'That doesn't answer my question.'

Starfire never broke her gaze, but Raven could feel the flash of sadness and guilt that lurked beneath. 'It seems that there is someone...powerful...who wishes for my failure in this land'ha. That way, they can lead a successful coup, and take over the throne of Tamaran.'

Raven controlled the shock and surprise that threatened to lash out and flatten some of the trees below them. 'So, while we're out here in the middle of nowhere, with no means of contacting any outside help, there's somebody trying to assassinate you?' It sounded ludicrous when she said it out loud. She would happily chalk this up to a misunderstanding.

'Nau, not exactly.' Starfire said.

'So what then? You interrogated that man. And then let him go! Without any other questions! They attacked us out of nowhere and you let them go scot free! Are you really trying to tell me that there's no one out there trying actively to kill you?

'Nau.' Starfire paused before continuing.

'There's someone powerful out here trying to kill the both of us.'


Oh shizzle...what's gonna happen next?

R&R folks! I wanna hear what you gotta say