"I haven't seen her son or any pictures of him … no one has. It's like he doesn't really exist."
The changeling leaned forward from his seat.
"You mean you haven't seen her since he was born? I thought you guys were close."
"I know … we were during our undergrad days … except …"
"Except what?"
"Well … she started bragging to me … about a guy she slept with, you know, rubbing it in my face."
"You mean Garfield?"
"Uh …"
"It's OK, Tina, Raven knows everything about Alexa."
The brunette looked uneasy. "Oh … OK … I didn't want to spill any beans … you know … in case it was a secret."
"Gar and I don't keep secrets from each other … no matter how painful they might be. But I am curious, Tina, what exactly was Alexa rubbing in your face."
Tina blushed slightly, looking uncomfortable while she fidgeted with her fingers.
"Well … I do keep secrets." She turned to face her green friend. "Garfield … I had the hugest crush on you when we were in college. I never told you because I knew you were in love with Raven."
"You had a 'crush' on him?" Raven asked uneasily.
"I'm sorry, Raven, talk about awkward … but yes, I was in love with Garfield since freshman year."
"You're joking, right?" The changeling asked.
Tina smiled sheepishly. "No, I'm not … but I'm over that now … I'm dating a really nice guy, we're talking about getting married … but getting back to Alexa, I knew from early on that she was kind of 'loose', she was in to casual sex and she often bragged to Janey and me about her conquests. I kept my crush a secret from everyone until near the end of our last semester and I told her about it. Her response was that I should go for it and bag you."
"By 'bag him', I presume she meant have sex with Gar." Raven growled.
"Yeah … that's right. So I said no way. She said that if I didn't that she would. I thought she was joking … then a few days later she bragged to me that she had done it."
"I dislike her now even more than when I met her." The sorceress grumbled.
"You met Alexa? In person?"
"Yes, I did, at the award ceremony in London a few months ago."
"At London? How did she get invited to that? I tried to get an invite and it was impossible."
"I guess you didn't sleep with the right men."
Tina looked lost in thought. "Why would she go through all that trouble?"
"She wanted to offer me a job."
"She didn't have to go to London to do that." Raven remarked.
"I don't get it … she hasn't talked to me in years." Gar added.
"You mean for the HIV vaccine team? Word on the street is that she's turned down some very qualified people for that that job … why does she want you? No offense Gar … you're brilliant but there are people who are better qualified for that job."
"Yeah … I know … I don't get it."
Raven leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms over her swollen belly and frowned. "Isn't it obvious?"
Tina looked shocked as the realization dawned on her.
"No way … Alexa isn't like that."
Raven sat up straight and looked Tina in the eyes. "I think she is."
"No way, Rave, are you saying that Alexa wants to steal me from you?"
Raven frowned again. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
"I agree with Garfield, that's a bit farfetched, even for Alexa."
"And why would she even want me?" The changeling remarked. "I'm green, I have …"
Raven glared at him. "You are not a freak."
"Ok, so I'm not … but you saw her Raven, she can have any guy she wants … so why me?"
Raven pursed her lips as she frowned. "I don't know … I just know that she does."
Tina smiled sympathetically. "Raven … I've known Alexa for years. Is she slutty? Sure, but she would never try to break up a marriage … no way … she'd never do that."
Raven looked at her husband's old classmate. Her empathy told her that Tina wasn't lying, that she really believed what she was saying.
But what if she was wrong?
-( scene break )-
Later that evening…
Raven emerged from her bathroom, wearing a thin, summery nightgown that did little to conceal her swelling midsection and her engorged breasts. She flicked her wrist and several candles flickered to life. Her spouse was already resting on their bed, read a new graphic novel. He smiled as he plopped it own on his nightstand and switched off the lamp, leaving the room cast in the candle's soothing amber glow. He pulled the sheets down and she slipped into bed next to him, resting her head on his shoulder while he caressed her belly.
"She kicked! She's gonna be a soccer player, Rave. You wait and see."
"She's more likely to be a shape shifting sorceress." She replied.
"We don't know that, for all we know she'll be fair skinned and blond."
"Like you were before that monkey bit you?" She added.
He wrapped his other arm around her. "We never would have met had that monkey not bitten me."
"We almost didn't because it bit you. You almost died from Sakutia. Your parents saved your life."
"And turned me into Beast Boy."
"Don't tell me you wish you were normal."
He drew her closer to him and gave her a chaste kiss.
"Rave, have you ever wished you were 'normal'?"
"Unlike you I never was normal; I can't even imagine what it's like. Maybe the closest I ever came was the night we saw that horror movie and I temporarily lost my powers."
"Oh yeah … I remember that. I never asked you, what was that like?"
"Being normal is overrated, I hated it, I felt naked and not in the fun kind of way."
He chuckled and gave her a more passionate kiss.
"Speaking of which, how about we have some fun?" His eyes twinkled with mischief.
"You still want to have intercourse with me? I look like a beached whale."
"Pregnant women are hot." He wagged his eyebrows at her before resuming his kisses.
"You aren't serious?"
"You don't believe me?"
"Gar, I never told anyone this … but when I was a teen I thought pregnant women were … creepy."
"Creepy?"
"Yes, I know … who am I to call anyone creepy?"
"Hey, I didn't say that. But why do you think they're creepy?"
"Why? There's another person growing inside me. It doesn't get any creepier than that."
He pulled up her nightgown, revealing her gray bulge, which he kissed several times.
"Not creepy at all."
"And you still want to make love with me looking like this?"
"Exactamundo."
"That isn't a real word."
"So?"
The Chromatically Challenged Couple™ began a gentle make out session which quickly got steamier. Raven was about to removed her nightgown when her old Titans communication began to trill.
"Ignore it." He whispered between kisses.
"It could be important."
"It's probably just Grayson wanting our answer."
Raven reached over to her nightstand and grabbed her communicator.
"Then let's give it to him."
"Now?" He asked in clearly disappointed voice.
"Yes, now … and don't pout, Gar … the night is still young."
She flipped her communicator open and Nightwing's masked face appeared.
"I didn't call at a bad time, did I?" He smirked.
"Not at all." She replied in her old school monotone.
"Right … so, do you have an answer for me?"
"We do … it's still negative."
Grayson frowned. "I was afraid you would say that. Is there anything I can do to change your minds?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Damn."
"I'm sorry, Dick … do you have a back up?"
He nodded. "I do … Wally and Jinx."
Raven's face fell. "You're joking, right? They'll be terrible mentors."
"They'll be fine … Raven … if you guys won't be mentors, could you at least help out occasionally?"
She glanced at her mate, who nodded at her; she then looked back at the communicator.
"Define occasionally."
"I don't know … once or twice a week, for a few hours?"
Raven sighed. "I suppose we could do that."
Nightwing grinned.
"Fantastic … I knew I could count on you …"
"Dick … don't abuse our generosity."
"I won't … I swear. The training period will only last for a few months. Once they graduate they'll be independent, like we were."
"As long as no one gets knocked up … we'll have to make sure the infirmary has condoms … it's ridiculous, I'm a demoness and I didn't fool around, why can't they behave?"
"If they're going to be independent we have to trust them to make the right choices." Grayson replied.
Raven shook her head. "I still don't believe that they'll behave themselves after we turn the Tower over to them … but I suppose that really isn't my concern."
-( scene break )-
A few days later …
A small ferry pulled up to the dock and three teens hopped off the boat. They walked up the path from the dock, their eyes glued to the T shaped landmark that stood in the middle of the island. As they walked to the Tower's entrance they were joined by their two airborne teammates, who landed next to them after flying in from the mainland. The group of five greeted each other and that was when they saw the four figures waiting for them in front of the Tower's ground level entrance. They quickly recognized Wallace West, who was now The Flash and his mate, the ex-villain known as Jinx. Both were wearing their superhero costumes. Standing next to them was a smaller couple. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a T-Shirt with the Titans' logo on it. She was wearing a muumuu, which did little to conceal her very pregnant form.
"I never knew they were so small." Superboy remarked.
"They aren't that small." Cassie interjected.
"So that's Beast Boy and Raven. I read about them in the future." Bart commented.
"And what did you learn about them?" Robin asked. "Nightwing seems to think the world of them, and don't call him Beast Boy, his hero name is Changeling."
"They're gonna have five kids and help mentor us until we're ready to become the new Teen Titans.
"Raven looks like she's ready to pop." Mia noted. "Pregnant women have always given me the heebie jeebies … did you say five kids?"
"Gee, she sure looks severe, does she ever smile?" Cassie added.
"Watch it Cassie! We don't want her to hear us." Robin chided her. "Let's make a good impression."
The five teens approached the Wests and the Logans. Raven was wearing her signature blue cape and hood over her muumuu. Her cape was flapping gently in the breeze and her sharp amethyst colored eyes stood out in the darkness of her hood.
"Welcome to Titans Island." Jinx greeted them. "As you probably already know we are the Wests and we are going to be your mentors. The Logans are retired from the superhero business but have graciously offered to assist us on occasion with your training."
"Now if you'll follow us we'll give you a tour of the Tower." Gar added. "This way please."
They entered the main hallway entrance, which now resembled the way it used to look with several couches and chairs lining the walls. The five teens remained silent, feeling awkward around their legendary mentors. The assembled teens were youngsters (except for Superboy who was cloned years later) when the original Titans split up and the truth was that the Logans didn't really stand out in their collective mindset, except perhaps as historical figures. The elevator reached its destination and its doors opened, revealing what used to be the common room, which was no longer recognizable to the Logans.
The crescent shape couch was gone, replaced by 4 couches. The giant TV screen and the ubiquitous game console were also missing. The dining room was a very Amish looking set and the kitchen looked like something out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
"No TV?" Robin finally piped up.
"Not in the common room. We will gather here to interact with each other. There is a recreation room on the fifth floor. It has a big screen TV, an air hockey table and the latest GameStation console. There are also TVs in your rooms, which have been preassigned. Wally and I live on the eighth floor, Robin, Kid Flash and Superboy will be on the ninth, Speedy and Wonder Girl will stay on the sixth floor. While the Logans won't be living in the Tower we have a room reserved for them on the eight floor as well." Jinx remarked.
Connor suppressed a groan, but his displeasure at being separated from his girlfriend by two floors was detected by Raven, who moved onto the next topic.
"Before we continue our tour of the Tower, there are some rules to go over."
This time a collective groan was heard in the crowd. Raven ignored it and continued.
"First of all, there is a curfew. You must be in the Tower by 10 PM. Failure to meet curfew will result in a one week suspension and grounding. Multiple offenses will result in dismissal from the team."
"You will also be given responsibilities regarding the Tower's upkeep. We aren't your parents, so don't expect us to pick up after you. And we expect the Tower to be kept clean. Your bedrooms are your own, so it's up to you to decide how you will keep them. Also, the recreation room upkeep is your own call. We won't go in there, it's your space, but we do expect you to keep it clean." Wally added.
"Then there is the matter of personal behavior. You are of course expected to behave like superheroes. We expect you to treat each other and us with courtesy and respect. Also, and I want to be perfectly clear about this … we won't tolerate sexual behavior … both in and out of the Tower. You're still minors and if you do engage in sexual activity you will be dismissed on the first offense. Have I made myself clear?" Jinx warned them.
"But you can …" Cassie complained.
"I am an adult and Wally is my husband. Once you are ready we will turn the Tower over to you and you will be the Titans." Jinx remarked. "But there will be no hanky panky in the Tower."
"That's what they think." Bart whispered to Mia.
"Mr. Allen, is there something you'd like to share?" Raven glared at him.
"No ma'am, sorry."
"Good, now we'll continue with our tour."
Gar walked over to a very high tech looking console that was hidden away in an alcove off of the common room.
"This is the mission console …"
Robin had already walked up and was examining it.
"It's almost identical to the one back at Happy Harbor."
"Which is not surprising as it was provided by the Justice League." Raven was interrupted by a chime from the console.
"Looks like they're right on time. I'll get it, Rae." Gar interrupted as he vanished into the elevator.
"Thanks Gar."
She then refocused on her new protégés.
"You will start training tomorrow. Flash has already scheduled a session on the new obstacle course at 7 AM sharp. So don't be late."
"Excuse me ma'am" Bart interrupted.
"Yes Mr. Allen? And you may call me Raven."
"Uh … yes … Raven … so uh … when will we have our first mission?"
"That depends and how you perform in training during the next month."
"Month? You mean we're gonna have to wait an entire month?" Superboy protested.
"From what we read about you in your dossiers, it will be at least a month, possibly longer."
As the five teens moaned their disagreement the elevator doors opened and Gar emerged carrying several boxes of pizza that had just been delivered.
"I know you are unhappy with our decision, but we have thought it through carefully. Consider the pizza a peace offering." She added.
"There is a fridge full of pop in the recreation room. It's OK if you want to eat there." Jinx added.
"Thank you. Won't you be joining us?" Mia replied.
Gar raised another hand, displaying a large box with several Chinese takeout containers.
"We're in the mood for something else. Besides, you kids probably want some time on your own. Starting tomorrow you'll eat with the Wests. Do any of you know how to cook? You'll be taking turns. If you don't know how we can teach you. We'll all have breakfast tomorrow after the training session."
Superboy took the pizzas from his green mentor.
"Thanks. C'mon guys, let's go to the rec room."
-( scene break )-
Bart let a loud burp fly after eating his tenth slice of pizza. Mia and Cassie were playing some sort of gladiator game on the GameStation while Robin and Superboy watched. Conner tilted his head back as he finished the contents of a can of cola. Once it was empty he squeezed it in his hand until it was the size of a marble and he flicked it into a small recycling bin in a corner.
"Is it me, or are they all really bossy?" Connor complained.
"They're bossy, but you have to remember that they are our mentors, not our friends." Robin remarked.
"I thought living on the farm in Smallville sucked." Superboy continued whining.
"What are you talking about? Do the Kents feed you pizza? Is there a rec room with a big screen TV and a brand new GameStation?" Bart reminded him.
"I do have my loft …"
"You mean in the barn? … Get real … this is way better. Of course there is no hay for rolling around …"
"Shut up Bart!" Cassie hissed at him.
The speedster grinned.
"Is it my fault you two were dumb enough to get caught? Oh man, I wish I could have seen Mrs. Kent's face when she busted you guys doing it." Kid Flash snickered.
Before Superboy could react Gar poked his head through the door.
"Sorry to interrupt guys, I know we promised to stay out of here … Raven and I are going home now, but we'll be back tomorrow morning for breakfast and we'll help train you on the obstacle course."
"So what do we do? Wait in the Tower until tomorrow?"
"You can go out, just remember the curfew … so behave yourselves!"
Gar disappeared just as quickly as he arrived. The teens resumed their activities.
"Is there any pizza left?" Kid Flash asked no one in particular. No one answered.
The five teens took turns playing the gladiator game. As expected, Robin and Kid Flash were the best and they were getting ready to play the finale when the Tower's klaxons began to blare. They dashed out of the recreation room, the videogame's finale already forgotten and were soon in the mission alcove off of the common room. Robin's fingers began to dance across the keyboard.
"There's a robbery in progress at Jump City bank." He announced.
"Robin … remember … no missions for a month." Mia reminded him.
The boy wonder glanced at a clock.
"It's only 7:30 … who say's we're going on a mission? Curfew isn't until 10 PM, remember?"
The other four teens were grinning at him.
"Let's go then!" Robin shouted.
"That doesn't sound right Robin." Cassie replied.
"You're right, it doesn't."
"If I'm not mistaken, Nightwing used to have a battle cry he used when he was Robin." Bart remarked.
The Boy Wonder grinned.
"Of course, how could I have forgotten?"
He puffed out his chest.
"Titans Go!"
-( scene break )-
It was almost 8 PM and the sun was starting to set. Twilight was claiming the city by the bay in her shadowy embrace. Street lights were coming to life and the bay bridge was would soon be glimmering like a Christmas tree. People were in their cars rushing back and forth, too preoccupied with their evening plans to notice anything beyond the end of the hoods of their cars, and no one noticed a black disk that flew away from Titans Tower carrying two passengers as it zoomed across the bay on its way to the Little Italy district where Azarathia was located. The green and gray couple riding the disk were engaged in an animated conversation.
"They can forget it! We're not helping them!" Raven snarled. "After giving them a big speech on their training what did they do? They tried to sneak out on a forbidden and clandestine mission. Everything we told them went in one ear and out the other!"
"I'm a little disappointed too … boy, you sure chewed them out. Did you see how they all cowered?"
Raven smirked. "I still haven't lost my touch, have I?"
"The Roth Four Eyed Glare? It's a strong as ever."
"I don't know about these kids, Gar. They seem so strange … and their personal morality … it's repugnant."
He took her hand and squeezed it. "It was like that when we were teens, they aren't all that different … we were just old fashioned."
"I suppose so … am I already turning into an old lady?"
"You are going to become a mom." He grinned.
They landed on the roof of their combined home and storefront, entering their apartment via a small circular staircase from above. As the descended they heard voices coming from the kitchen.
"Who's there!?" Raven barked.
A blond teenager with a happy smile on her face emerged from the kitchen.
"Aunt Raven!"
"Melvin!" Raven cheered in reply as she glided over to her "kid" and gave her a hug.
"Wow! Look at you, you're so … pregnant."
"This is what happens when you get too friendly and cozy with a man." Raven announced as she gestured at her swollen belly. "Did you come alone?"
"Yeah, I did. Cyborg gave me the day off to come see you."
"I'll have to remember to thank him … so how did you get here from Steele City? I didn't see the T-Ship outside."
"Oh yeah … I hitched a ride."
"That's nice." Gar interrupted as he also hugged Melvyn. "With who, Bobby?"
"Oh Uncle Gar, you're still telling bad jokes."
"Tell me about it, I have to live with him. But who did you come with?"
"She came with us." Another female voice interrupted.
The smile on Raven's face evaporated when she saw the voice's owner emerge from the kitchen.
"Rita, Steve … what a pleasant surprise." Raven greeted them in a completely unconvincing tone, not unlike the one she used that fateful morning when she cooked inedible pancakes for her friends.
-( scene break )-
I know, I've spoiled you with longer chapters. I've been really busy this past week (sorry for the delay) so this is as good as it's going to be this week. Also, due to the voluminous nature of reviews received (I can't thank you enough) I'm not going to quote your reviews and only reply to them.
Thisguy720 – As you can already see, Raven isn't thrilled with the next generation of Titans
Banana998 – You're just going to have to be patient to find out. It will be soon.
Me – I felt so sorry for Artemis when Wally died (and I felt sorry for Wally too). Hence my current avatar.
TW – I think that Slade is maybe the one villain who really was better on the show than in the comics.
Steel Timberwolf – As you can see, I have changed the format to better please you. And with 32 reviews the old mailbag format was getting big, though not quite as big as you said it was. I checked and about 80% of the text is story.
TrollingGirl - It does seem like a coincidence, right?
Katt In The Boxx – Alexa does seem a bit fishy. I'm glad you love this story.
Afangirlproblem – You need to practice you "indoor scream" ;-) I am touched that you liked so much.
Purplepox63010 – Raven probably would get bent out of shape.
Guest – These are trying moments for Raven.
dablman2020 – I'm thinking that she still does since she's only 14
Glacier – I think that not having Rose in the show was a mistake, she's awesome.
TJSC25 - Sorry about the story bumps. I'll try not to do that.
Chayse-man - Did you know that Madam Rouge has a shape shifting daughter: Gemini
Adventuresstime - Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
EP – All I can say is … that is very plausible.
Apollo Child - I do it because I'm evil!
Kawaiitas – That would be interesting .. a totally nutjob Alexa.
The Cretin – You didn't really think I would reveal who Red X is. Heck, I'm not sure Glen Murakami knows who he is.
JOHNXgambit – The purple shape shifter, that was Dr. Register in Beast Boys and Girls.
Ferlion – Thanks! I do try.
DeeThom - It was two years ago. I can't remember the details in my stories from back then.
Shadico – The kids aren't entirely gone, but they are in more of a supporting role in the story now. As for a make Logan kid, I usually use the name Mark.
krostovikraven1 – Red X left the world as he arrived: a mystery.
gabylokita41 – Connor and Cassie (Superboy and Wonder Girl #2) are a couple in the comics and they did get busted by Mrs. Kent in the barn, though not in the act.
SuperNolon – Alexa is up to something. You are now appointed as a Captain in the Jump City PD!
Anoymous136 - Yup, this is where things really begin to change. I'm surprised so many of you remember the original story.
Bluedog197 - Rose is pretty bad ass, Raven didn't intimidate her.
WishToBeYouSomeday - Patience, soon all will be revealed.
WishToBeYouSomeday - Did you know that in the current comics (The New 52) that BB is RED?
Hairul The Nightrage Beast - That would be interesting. Or how about a partial clone like Superboy? The possibilities are endless!