Hello my dear readers. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see that I still have reviewers. Hearing from you guys/gals fuels my passion to write. With that being said, I'm not doing reviews this time because its kind of a pain in my ass to jump around like that on my phone. But still, I very much appreciate hearing from you all! Especially the ones who ask questions! :3
Now, just as a heads up, this chapter is written in the perspective of Robin and Beast Boy with a smattering of Raven at the end. Its going to leave you with more questions than answers, but I'm fine with that. :3
After all, I have up to chapter 60 of this story planned :P
Plenty of time to answer any and all questions.
Eventually *evil chuckle*
Read and review please!
Robin was tired. So very tired. He couldn't remember the last time he had been this exhausted. Oh wait. Yes he could.
Batman had been training him.
The thought made him chuckle. If Batman were here, he'd probably be praising the Tamaraneans for their grueling training. Of course, Robin wasn't training per say. He was, as Galfore so eloquently put it, proving his worthiness to be at the princess's side. In short, nobody was pleased with the situation with Martin at first.
It had been very carefully explained to the Grand Ruler and his advising council about the peculiarities of Martin's 'birth'. It took several hours to do so, in which the boy wonder had received no less than thirty seven death threats. Such a thing had never happened in the recorded history of Tamaran, after all, so it was mildly understandable that they were upset.
After several more hours of convening, Galfore and the council declared that while they acknowledged Martin as the child of Starfire, his mixed blood omitted him from inheriting the throne. Starfire, while saddened, accepted this. The other proclamation that was made was that Robin was required to perform the Rite of Savvaroksa to be recognized as both Martin's father and the beloved of the princess.
Robin had hastily agreed, of course. Bad blood between himself and the people of Tamaran wasn't something he wanted.
With that being said, the young man had been forced to spend the past thirty six hours undergoing many trials. He had been required to settle a dispute between two families of higher standing, engage in combat with a squad of the finest warriors, find a precious artifact that was 'lost' in poorer sections of the capital (read: stolen and fenced on the black market), negotiate a peace treaty with a mercenary warlord in the system next door, and then defeat the Vizer, the strongest warrior in the whole of Tamaran society.
That had been a fight he would love to never do again.
When all was said and done, a very impressed Galfore had told him that there was just one more part to his task, a ceremony of sorts. Tired as he was, Robin agreed to it. It had been half a day since the ceremony, but Robin was still smiling about it. After all, with this the people of Tamaran had accepted him as one of their own.
"Beloved." Starfire murmured from his side.
Robin turned and gave his love a smile. "I'm alright Star. I can rest when we get home."
The alien princess smiled. "It will be good to see home again. I have many of the gifts to give to our friends."
"That it will be." Robin sighed as he leaned back into the soft chair in their room. Tamaraneans, by principle, didn't believe in such comfort. A warrior had to be strong and tough, able to rest in the harshest of environments. This is why their beds were very hard and why they slept with their head hanging off the bed, feet on a pillow. It was believed that this let them dream clearer and subjected their feet (which they consider the hardest working part of the body) to a well deserved rest.
But since Robin was human, they looked the other way to allow him a respite from his trials.
"Where's Martin?" The caped crusader asked, leaning his head against his beloveds shoulder.
Starfire looked up from some strange Tamaranean contraption she was fiddling with, a smile on her face. "He is with my knorf'ka. They have been quite inseparable."
Robin couldn't help but chuckle at that. The idea that the giant alien had bonded with the tiny halfbreed clone was pretty funny, even with everything that had happened. "I guess I'll go get him, you're almost done packing, right?"
"Yes."
Robin nodded, got up, and headed for the door. "I'll be back in a few minutes them."
"Robin!" Star called out. He paused just as he was turning the handle and glanced back at her. A slight blush adorned her face as she gestured at him. "I do believe you should out on something more appropriate."
Robin looked down with a slight frown. "Good idea."
Ten minutes later the boy wonder found himself wandering the halls of the Grand Ruler's palace. He, Starfire, and Martin had a room in the far west wing, which was apparently a place of honor due to west being the direction that X'hal's constellation was located. It wasn't particularly large, but it could comfortably house a dozen Tamaranean nobles and any servants they had. With long, high ceilinged hallways adorned with murals of long past wars and tales of old, it certainly was a grand sight indeed. There weren't any other guests in this wing at this point, but some sort of festival would be occurring later this triikel (Tamaranean year) where nobles from across the planet would stay in this wing. As curious as he was about this "Feast of Falashaad", he wasn't sure if they'd be able to attend. He did promise Galfore and Starfire that they would try though. It appeased the aliens to no end.
"Anna then whada happen knorf'ka?" Martin's voice rang out in the silence of the palace. Robin smirked, knowing Galfore was sharing watered down war stories. It wasn't that Martin was easy to scare (it was actually damn near impossible to scare the boy), but there were things he just didn't understand yet.
"And then, my little bumgorf, your knorf'ka charged back into battle with the filthy Citadel. Even though I had lost my eye, I knew that my comrades needed me and that I could not leave them there to die. So I took up my axe and charged the front lines once more. With each swing I killed a dozen men, cleaved whole tanks in half, and destroyed a space ship!" Galfore said smugly.
Okay, now he was just making things up.
"Didda you save them?!" Martin asked, his eyes huge.
Galfore smiled. "Of course! Nobody can beat the mighty Galfore!"
"'cept mama." Martin giggled. The Grand Ruler scowled at the boy in his lap and reached up to gingerly touch a large welt on his head. Just yesterday Starfire had brained him for cursing in their native tongue in front of Martin. It had hurt, a lot.
"Yes, except your mother." Galfore said gruffly. Then his visage softened as he smiled at the boy. "It wasn't all that long ago that your mama was the one sitting in my lap listening to my stories."
Martin giggled again and it proved to be infectious. A deep, belly rumbling laugh boomed out from the giant alien, mingling harshly with that of the boys' laughter. Robin couldn't contain his own smile and he just so happened to notice several royal guards were smirking.
They might be rough and tough intergalactic warriors, but the sense of family they have reaches deeper than that of Earthlings. Robin thought to himself, remembering how Martin had introduced himself to each royal guard and had received a warm introduction in return. The guards had even given him a nickname, Friri'nogi. It meant 'Blue Eyes' in their language and was apparently a huge compliment of some sort. Robin had noticed green was the only eye color amongst the aliens, so it could be that Martin was considered special.
"Robin, Lord of the Titans, approaches the throne!" A guard called out as the boy wonder stepped into the throne room proper. Immediately all guards saluted him. Robin himself felt both humbled and haughty. The Tamaraneans had insisted that he be given a title and that was the one they chose. It tickled him pink to no end, not that he would ever tell anyone.
"Za, Grand Ruler." Robin saluted.
Galfore returned the salute. "Za, Robin. I see you have come for Friri'nogi. You are departing soon then?"
Robin nodded. "Yes sir. We have responsibilities on Earth and it is our home. We're eager to return."
"That's a shame." The Grand Ruler rumbled. "You could have a home here as well. A warrior such as yourself would be welcomed."
"Perhaps one day I'll take you up on that offer, my lord." Robin smiled.
Galfore smiled. "That is good to hear. Before you go, I have one more thing to speak to you about."
Robin's eyebrow rose, so the king kept speaking.
"When Friri'nogi becomes of age, I wish for him to take the warrior trials."
"What age is that?"
"Eight triikels."
Robin pondered this. Tamaran years are roughly a year and a half compared to Earth years…so eight times one and a half is…twelve…so that means…
"You want him to take the trials at twelve years old? Isn't that a little young to be taking such a thing?" Robin asked.
Galfore shook his head. "Not really. Its available for anyone seven to ten triikels old. I find eight to be the best time."
"Hmm…how long is the trial?"
"Around a triikel. If he shows exceptional skill, two triikels for extra training."
Robin pondered this a moment before speaking slowly. "I can't give you an answer at this moment, Grand Ruler. This is something I would need to discuss with Princess Koriand'r."
The giant of a man nodded. "Of course."
Robin looked to his son. "Hey there champ! Ready to go home?"
The boy immediately started pouting. "But I wanna stay wif knorf'ka!"
Robin's eyebrow rose. "Really? Your mother and I are going home. Don't you want to go?"
"But but but but-"
"What about Emmy? Are going to leaver her alon-OOF!" Robin nearly fell over as his son quite literally leapt into his arms. Galfore started laughing. Martin looked at his dad face to face, jabbering excitedly.
"Lessa go! I gorra lot to tell Emmy! Like about the doggies an' the moons and the food and and and-"
"Alright, alright!" Robin chuckled. He cast his eyes back at the king. "Are you coming to our departure?"
A frown on his face, Galfore shook his head. "I want to, but the feud between Boggleswik and Frikind'r hasn't been solved and they're both demanding my attention."
Robin smiled and freed a hand. Reaching down into his belt of infinite holding, he pulled out a few pieces of paper. He handed them to the Grand Ruler. "These should help. I had Starfire translate them for me so that you could read them."
Galfore took the papers and began reading. "And this is…?"
"Records of the past few years of their mercantile businesses. Looks like they've been scamming each other…and avoiding the kings taxes." The boy wonder smiled slyly.
A dark smile found its way onto the Grand Ruler's face. He did not like either of the men in question. For Tamaraneans, they were sly and conniving. Much like Blackfire, whom both had been associated with in the past.
"Why thank you, Robin. This is quite the gift you have given me."
Robin saluted once more and Martin mimicked him. "I'm glad it pleases you Grand Ruler."
"What papa said!"
Galfore chuckled and gestured to the door. "You may go. Inform Koriand'r of my regrets to missing your departure."
Robin nodded. "Of course, Grand Ruler."
The caped crusader quietly exited the room, the only noise heard being Martin calling out.
"Goo'bye Grand Drooler Knorf'ka!"
Galfore could barely be heard yelling over the sounds of his guards laughter.
For once, Starfire's joy trumped her sadness. She was so eager to return home that she was able to overlook her knorf'ka being too busy to addend their departure. Robin, on the other hand, was a bit dismayed to see all the luggage they now had. He voiced his protests, but the alien princess never even noticed.
With a sigh, he sent a pickup signal to the Justice League watchtower.
Within moments a boomtube opened before them. Starfire quite cheerfully shoved all the boxes and bags through. Robin, with Martin in his arms, followed through.
It wasn't too long before they made it their own tower. Robin thought a boomtube was a weird way to travel, but his beloved and his son seemed utterly unfazed by it. Starfire immediately began flying around, calling out.
"Friends Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg! We have returned bearing gifts!"
Her calls were met with silence, which puzzled the teens.
"Friends?" Starfire called out once more. Robin frowned. It looked like no one had been there in a while. There were no butt imprints on the couch, the stove wasn't even remotely warm, and a quick check of the computer showed that no one had been through the doors in…four hours.
"Looks like they're out on a mission, Star." He said. "Let's go find Fixit real quick."
They made their way to the elevator in the eastern hallway. Martin was unusually quiet, which was unnerving. It wasn't long before the ding sounded for the bottom floor and the trio made their way forward. There were only three rooms in the basement area: the boiler room (Cyborg called it that, but it held all the AC and heating), a storage room for various odds and ends, and Fixit's area, which was the actual basement area. It actually connected to the large underground cavern Slade had once used to try to bring down Titan Tower. It had been Terra and Raven that had saved the day then.
Arriving at the androids door, Robin knocked. "Fixit, we're back. Where is everyone?"
The door opened, but it wasn't Fixit who answered.
"Uncle Rob, Auntie Star!" Emmy cried out and tackled them. "Mommy and daddy are missing! You gotta-"
Martin was in Starfire's arms and Robin was halfway down the hallway as soon as Emelia said the word 'missing'. He furiously pressed the elevator door button until it opened, then whipped out his staff and knocked the elevator ceiling panel open. A short run forward, a kick off the wall and a bit of climbing found the caped crusader on top of the elevator. He pulled out his grappling hook and set it to max length. Taking careful aim, he fired it at the roof of the shaft and was jerked upwards moments later, his staff forgotten on the floor.
A trip that took minutes turned into seconds as he forced his ascension to cease at the floor with the common room. He popped open a secret emergency panel and hit the open door button. He hit the floor running, his grappling gun forgotten.
Within moments he was in the common room, furiously typing into the computer. He needed to contact-
"Cyborg!" Robin shouted into the open line.
Cyborg's face appeared on screen. "Robin! You're back already?"
The caped crusader nodded. "Yeah, been home about five minutes and Emmy tells me Beast Boy and Raven are missing. Status report, now!"
Cyborg shook his head and Robin could see it was very dark wherever he was. Since it was still daylight outside, Robin punched in the homing indicator and brought up a map that showed that his friend was in…the middle of the ocean?
"Uhhh…Cyborg? What the heck are you doing out there?"
"We got a call from Aqualad that Triton had been spotted in the area. Since we were closer than Fishsticks we decided to check it out. Thing is, BB wanted us to go in all careful-like since any stray shots could mess up the ecosystem down there or something. You should have seen Raven's face when he started talking about the way the ecosystem down there works, it was like she had never met him before." Cyborg chuckled at this last part.
"So what happened?" Robin demanded.
The cybernetic man frowned. "Triton ambushed us again, just like he did the first time. BB had us split up, Raven running damage control, me and Herald skirting the area after the attack, and Red Star turned into his energy form and went into the water to draw Triton out. Only the fishman didn't show. Instead, he hid like a wimp and took pot shots at us and moved around. We chased him for, I dunno, two hours? BB had spent most of the time tracking him, his pod attached to Raven's while he swam. When we found the underwater cave Triton was hiding in, me, Herald, and Red Star all rushed in while BB and Rae hung back to catch him if he escaped."
"Okay, so far so good." Robin nodded. By this time Starfire and the children had joined him. "Then what?"
"Well, this cave was on a cliff in the Mariana Trench, which is like, the grand daddy of the Great Canyon. Its stupid crazy deep. While me and the others were in the cave, Triton snuck out a smaller cave way down in the dark. He came up from below and blasted Raven's pod and destroyed BB's. I'm guessing he hit her thrusters and maybe knocked her out, cause she dropped like a rock right into the trench. And you know how BB is…"
Robin fell back into the computer chair and gripped his head. "He didn't."
Cyborg nodded. "He did. He chased her down into the dark and they got swept away in a current."
"How long ago was this?"
"Eight hours."
Starfire gasped and covered the children's ears as Robin dropped the mother of all F-bombs.
Beast Boy, I can tell how exhausted you are from staying changed for so long. The water is coming in slowly anyways, so let me take over for a while.
You sure, Rae? I mean, you healed the gash on your head, right?
Raven looked at the changeling before her, marveling at his ability to shapeshift. For the past few hours, which she had been unconscious for half of, he had been in the form of amoeba packed so tightly into the hairline crack stretching from one side of the cockpit glass to the other that only a trickle of water could seep through his barricade. It was pitch black wherever they were on the bottom of the ocean floor, so Raven couldn't tell how much water was in the cockpit. She had been forced to turn off all the remaining power and divert it to the oxygen processor just to keep them alive. On top of that, it turns out that the bottom of the sea is about 3°, so it was cold. Once again, the empath had been forced to keep herself warm with a spell while keeping her feet out of the water. With Beast Boy adamant about holding his place, Raven had taken the time to meditate. But now that he had finally reached the end of his rope, it was up to her to keep them alive.
Yes, I healed myself. She telepathically replied. And of course I can hold it. Now come on.
She could sense his reluctance. What about your heat spell thingy?
I won't be able to keep it up while holding so much pressure back, so I'll just have to be cold for a while.
More reluctance on his part, causing Raven to snap at him. Damnit Beast Boy, just do it already!
Within seconds he was sitting in her lap, though she couldn't see the exhaustion on his face. Her dark magic instantly filled the cracks in the glass, shutting the water out completely. Raven dropped her heat spell and instantly began trembling from the cold. The weight of Beast Boy in her lap was more than a little distracting.
Have you gained weight? She asked as she tried to keep her teeth from chattering.
A few kilos from working out, yeah. The changeling replied tiredly. He turned and looked her in the eye, his eyes glowing faintly in the dark. This confused Raven at first until she remembered that he had night vision, which only required a little light to work. Light from the dim switches, for example.
Do you trust me, Rae?
She arched an eyebrow. Of course I do, what kind of question is that?
Do you really trust me? He asked more insistently.
Hesitantly she nodded. Yes…
Without warning he disappeared. Raven didn't have but two heartbeats to ponder where he went when she was suddenly jolted upwards. More surprised than afraid, she wiggled around to look around for him.
It wasn't until she looked over her shoulder did she meet a pair of faintly glowing emerald green eyes.
Am…am I sitting in your lap? She asked tentatively.
Yes. He replied, his nervousness evident.
Why?
So that I can do…this. He said before his arms round her waist and pulled her back against his chest. Raven gasped and stiffened. This was more physical contact than she had ever had before.
W-w-what are you doing?! She mentally cried out.
Sharing body warmth, it's the only way we'll survive the cold. He replied as he propped his feet up on the dashboard, away from the water, and moved her legs onto his. His hands were hot and left tingly trails on her skin wherever he touched.
Raven shivered, but it wasn't from the cold.
When did you get to be so knowledgeable about surviving? She asked as she popped the catch on her cloak and spread it over them like a blanket.
Mento. He chuckled. He made me learn a long time ago how to survive as human or animal in extreme temperatures.
He's kind of a nutjob, isn't he? Raven asked with a slight grin.
Pretty much, yeah.
They were quiet for a time, with Raven noting that Beast Boy's hands had returned to her waist and were draped warmly across her stomach. She lay her head back against his shoulder and stared up into the dark abyss of water. It occurred to her that she wasn't cold anymore and wondered how he had changed his body temperature. Beast Boy, on the other hand, spent his time thinking of anything but the girl in his lap. This position was...dangerous.
Red yellow green red blue blue blue red purple yellow orange red red. Blend them together and what do you get? …crap, I forgot the next lyric. Hm, let's see…
Raven wiggled and he flinched.
I've got a whale of a tale to tell you lads, a whale of a tale or twooo, about the flapping fish and the girls I've loved, on nights like this, with the moon above!
Raven wiggled again.
Come on let's crawl! To the ugly bug ball, to the ball to the ball! And we'll-
Wiggle wiggle.
Raven, please stop wiggling like that. He pleaded telepathically to her.
Sorry, your belt is digging into my bottom.
Beast Boy looked down, praying it was his belt poking her and not something else. Fortunately, it was. He moved her forward and unclipped it, letting it slide back and fall to his sides. She immediately moved back into her spot, wiggling her bottom on his lap to get comfortable in the warmth.
The teen boy whimpered.
Beast Boy, what's wrong?
N-nothing? He replied meekly as he tried to gently push her away.
What are you doing? Aren't we supposed to be sharing body heat? She scowled as she pushed herself back onto him.
That's, um, a bit uncomfortable…
How is that… Raven trailed off as she realized the intimacy of their position. She could feel his abs and pectorals against her back, his forearms and biceps wrapped around her waist, his hot breath on her neck, and the heat from his body pressed against hers.
Beast Boy didn't need to be an empath to know how embarrassed Raven was, but the muffled whump of something blowing up outside the pod was a dead giveaway.
S-sorry. She mentally stuttered as she moved forward a little bit.
Yer back and head is fine…its just that…well…you know… He said lamely. Raven nodded.
So, um, how are you and Rose doing? She asked, quite eager for any kind of distraction.
We're fine, just dandy. Beast Boy replied hastily, equally happy that he would be less likely to embarrass himself.
That's good. Been on any nice dates lately? Raven had no idea why she asked that.
We, uh, went to the arcade the other day. It was fun for a while, but she got bored so we left.
She got bored? Doesn't she like exciting things like games?
He shrugged. Looks like games aren't her cup of tea.
Raven turned her head and raised an eyebrow at him. He chuckled.
Sorry, couldn't help it.
Raven surprised him with a chuckle of her own. That was actually a little funny.
Really? Beast Boy beamed. Sweet lick!
That's not a saying.
Pft, says you. But I think it's fantabulous.
Raven rolled her eyes and shook her head. There wasn't much point in arguing in a life and death situation. It wouldn't kill her to let his flippant grammar be used.
They were quiet for a while, the silence of the ocean depths seeming to stretch on for eternity. Raven could occasionally sense creatures nearby, but they were wary of the pod and thus avoided it.
Beast Boy, who could also somehow sense the creatures, pondered just what exactly was down here. He knew there were microbes and xenophyophores and foraminifera, and now that he thought about it, spoon worms lived a little higher up, but he had no idea what was actually down here. Land dwelling scientists didn't know and he was guessing they hadn't asked any Atlantean scientists.
He made a mental note to talk to Aqualad about oceanic zoology next chance he got.
Beast Boy?
The changeling was jerked from his thoughts by Raven. Yeah?
Do you…love…Rose?
What the heck kind of random question is that? He asked, more than a little confused.
Just curious. She answered nonchalantly.
Beast Boy thought about it. Hmmm…no?
She turned her head slightly and looked at him. Really? Then why are you with her?
You don't have to love someone to be with them, Rae. You can just really like them. Falling in love is optional.
So…you just like her?
He nodded. Yeah.
Why would you be with someone you only like?
The changeling had to ponder this, his eyes roaming the barely visible cockpit as he sought some way to explain. His answer came in the form of five dimly glowing switches, barely in arms reach. He pulled an arm from around Raven's waist and waved his hand in front of them to draw her attention.
See these lights? He asked, to which she nodded. These lights are our team. One is Cy, one is you, one is me, one is Rob, one is Star. He touched each light to show who was who. Raven nodded once more, so he covered three of the lights. This is how I see Robin and Starfire. Separately, they shine bright, but together they're even brighter. Even more importantly, this mutual brightness makes them happy, because they are together, happily in love. He then covered those lights and uncovered his own. This is me. As happy as I make myself by being me, I can't shine as brightly as Rob and Star. I want the same happiness they have. Rose likes me and we click together well enough that I shine a little brighter. It's not to Robin and Starfire's extent, yeah, but it is much, much better than being alone.
Raven looked away, her face thoughtful. So…what would you do if there was another girl who liked you? One that could possibly help you find the brightness you're looking for?
Beast Boy had no answer for this. He didn't think it'd be smart to tell Raven he was in love with her, so he had to think of something to say instead of 'well, love me back and I'll shine with the white hot intensity of a thousand stars'. He thought for some time before he answered slowly. I really don't know, Rae. Not many girls legit like the whole 'green shape shifting hero' thing, ya know?
I…I can think of one. Raven said on an unusually small and timid tone.
Beast Boy stared at her for a long moment before it hit him who she was talking about.
There's NO way I'd go for her. She's hurt me way too much. I refuse to think of her that way. The changeling practically growled. Raven's head whipped around, a shocked and hurt expression on her beautiful face. For some reason, it looked like she was going to cry.
She looked away after a moment and nodded. I understand.
Silence reigned once more as each withdrew into their own thoughts. Beast Boy had no idea why Raven reacted that way. After all, why the heck would he want Terra after all she'd done to the team, let alone him? He could probably accept her as a friend, just not a close one. How could he trust her after…wait, was Raven shaking?
Raven, are you shivering? He asked carefully.
She hesitated, wiped something from her face (hair, probably), and nodded. I'm still a bit cold.
Knowing it was probably a bad idea, Beast Boy pulled her closer to him once again and rewrapped his arms around her. She didn't protest this time, but she did turn her head away from him. He had no idea what he did wrong, but he felt the need to make it right.
I'm sorry, Raven, for whatever I said that upset you.
She shook her head. Its fine, Beast Boy. Some people can't be forgiven for the harsh things they've done to others.
The changeling tilted his own in curiosity. That's not true. Anyone can be forgiven if they apologize and really mean it. I always mean it when I say I'm sorry.
Really? Anyone?
He nodded. Of course! Even I can't hold a grudge Terra if she apologizes and really means it.
Raven shifted and looked at him like he'd gone mad. Terra? Who said anything about her?
Uhhh…you did? Beast Boy said, now even more confused.
I didn't… Raven trailed off as realization filled her eyes. She let out a snort which turned into a giggle which turned into laughter. If this had been the first time he had heard Raven laugh he would have thought she was the one that had gone mad. As it stood, he was both thoroughly confused as to what was so funny and enthralled with the sound of her laugh.
What did I say? He asked when she calmed down.
Nothing, don't worry about it. Raven replied, a small grin on her face. Why don't you rest for a while? I'll be okay with the quiet and you need it anyways.
He was surprised at her change of topic. You sure?
She nodded. Yes. It will give me time to think of a way out of this.
Well…okay. Wake me if you need me.
Drip..drip..drip…drip…
Beast Boy opened his eyes and found himself nearly blind in the dark. He looked around and found that there were far fewer switches with working lights now. Adjusting his eyesight, he found that the whole glass canopy above them was spider webbed with cracks now, a steady trickle of water coming through. The little bit of water in the floorboard was over halfway up to the seat now. Raven lay on him, curled up beneath her cloak and shivering badly.
Raven? He thought telepathically.
She looked up, her teeth chattering. "B-B-Beast Boy, y-you're awake."
There was barely any warmth between them now and the changeling's teeth too started to chatter as the shivering set in. "W-what happened?"
"M-my legs got cramped s-s-s-s-so I t-tried to t-t-teleport the water out so i-i-I could put them d-down. It f-f-failed cause I t-tried to put it where th-th-there was already wa-wa-water and m-more came in. It st-st-st-startled me and my pow-powers slipped." Raven said slowly, trying to keep her chattering to a minimum.
"D-damn. Can y-you teleport us out?"
She shook her head. "N-n-n-n-no. Too far. An-an-an-and I need to to to to know where w-we are t-to know w-w-where we-we're go-going."
It was quite evident that she was far more affected by the cold than him, so Beast Boy wrapped his arms around her tighter and tried to raise his body temperature once more. The problem was that he didn't have the energy to change into a creature with high body temperature.
"B-Beast Boy."
The changeling looked down to find Raven staring at him with yet another strange look in her eyes.
"Yeah?"
She took a deep, calming breath. "W-when m-my powers fail, the p-p-pressure will break the g-glass and the the water will come in. It w-w-will kill me."
Beast Boy's eyes got huge. "Raven! Don't-"
She slapped a hand over his mouth and scowled at him. "S-shut up and l-listen to me. It will kill me, b-but you can turn into w-whatever animals ar-are out there and s-s-s-survive. G-get h-home and t-take care of Em-Em-Em-Em-damnit! Emmy!"
The changeling shook his head. "No!"
Growing agitated, Raven snapped at him. "B-Beast Boy! Think of her! We c-c-c-can't let her grow up parentless! You have to-"
"RAVEN!" Beast Boy shouted in her face as he grabbed it and made her look at him. She gasped at his forcefulness. He looked her dead in the eye and spoke quite clearly.
"You will convince Robin to leave Starfire behind before I leave you behind."
The look of shock on her face was beyond any description a person could give, so Beast Boy gently lowered her head back onto his chest. She didn't say a word, but she did tuck her head up under his chin.
"I'll n-n-never un-un-underst-stand you, will I?" She murmured some time later. Beast Boy tried to laugh but he was too cold. He could feel his heart slowing down and he was getting very sleepy…
Raven, on the other hand, was about open a massive can of worms. If she was going to die here, it was going to be with a clear conscious.
"B-Beast Boy." She said as she listened to his slow heartbeat. "I…I want you to to to know that you m-make me ha-ha-happy. Y-you're the on-on-only person wh-who's ever t-tried s-s-s-so hard for me an-and I ca-ca-can't thank you enough. I kn-know you're in in in a re-relation-tion-ship with R-Rose, but…" Raven steeled herself with a deep breath. "W-when or i-if you and R-Rose break up, I-I'll be there for you."
She felt very silly right now, especially since she had just told herself earlier on top of the tower that she'd tell him after he and Rose broke up. A borderline confession in a life and death situation? How much more cliché can she get? It was like she tore it out of one of the cheesy romance novels she occasionally bought. Yet here she was, in one of those very same situations. She shivered and snuggled into his chest, hoping for both warmth and an answer.
When she found neither, she peered at him with her empathy.
He was very much unconscious.
"This isn't how it went in my books." She murmured into his chest, not noticing that she had stopped shivering. "You were supposed to tell me your feelings too then we would kiss."
She was tired. So very tired. All she wanted to do was sleep. Sleep…sounded wonderful right now…but…there was something out there in the water…something bright.
She only had time to ponder what the strange growing light in the distance was before darkness consumed her.
