Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans, nor do I own any associated intellectual property.
Review Responses:
Snowy: I thought so. Good to hear you enjoyed it.
Jakked-Up: Favorite? Wow. Glad to have that sort of status! Thanks.
The Big Fisch: I've been doing roughly a chapter a day, with one or two days seeing two chapters written. I try hard to keep the characters in character. I often rewatch episodes as I write similar emotions, trying to see how the characters react. It's a little obsessive, but it seems to work. Glad you liked the battle scene as well. As for novels left and right, I can't devote myself to such a long project. It's beyond my ken.
Rynn: Sorry, no Raven/Robin in here. It's possible in another fic, but not at the moment. Glad you are enjoying the story, however.
MoonFireFire: Thanks. Here's another chapter!
Calisto: The dramatic flair keeps it interesting. Glad you like it.
......................................................................
A Woman Scorned
......................................................................
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." - The Mourning Bride, William Congreve.
......................................................................
Starfire hovered gently over Raven's unconscious form. The medical lab had been quite chaotic since the battle with Trigon. The Beastboy had carried Raven out of the Forbidden Door, after Starfire had carried Cyborg, and Terra had assisted Robin. It had taken quite some time to repair Cyborg enough that he could take over his own healing, and although Robin's arm had not quite been broken, it would still require a week in a cast to heal.
Beastboy had simply been knocked unconscious, and though Starfire was badly bruised, she would recover quickly. Raven, however, had been unresponsive for six hours. Starfire had remained floating just above her, waiting tirelessly for her to waken. Starfire looked to the door as she heard it hiss open. She smiled as she saw Robin enter.
"She's still out?" Robin's question was largely rhetorical. It was plain that she hadn't yet awoken.
"She is not in. Robin, do you think she will be allright?" The concern in Starfire's voice was touching. She had only a few hours ago wanted to outright attack the girl for injuring Terra.
Robin nodded, putting his right hand on Starfire's shoulder reassuringly. "We'll all be fine. She just needs to recover."
Starfire nodded, smiling as best she could. "I feel that I must apologize to her. I doubted her, I believed that she was truly evil. I did not know that Beastboy had betrayed her. That is why I wait for her to awaken, I must apologize."
Robin's expression was one of worry. "Star, she knows. She understands that she acted out of line, and she understands why everyone was angry at her. Come on, you need to get some rest, you've been staring at her for hours."
Starfire nodded slowly, hesitant to leave Raven, but feeling the exhaustion that permeated her body. Robin sat down on the chair next to the bed. Starfire floated over to the doorway and looked back at Robin as she reached it.
"I will awake in a short time. Please tell me if she is not out by that time."
Robin nodded solemnly, and Starfire left. The door hissed shut behind her.
He reached down, taking Raven's small, delicate hand in his. "Come on, Raven. Where are you? You have to wake up."
......................................................................
Beastboy and Terra hadn't had any time alone, until now. Both of them had rested and recouperated from the battle, but they both sat in silence. Beastboy, in a vain attempt to calm himself, stared at the painted mountains and stars in Terra's room. He had painted most of the mural himself, he'd always considered himself a bit of an artisan. He frowned as he remembered what he'd realized the other day. He'd always considered himself a good boyfriend as well.
Terra sat on the oppisite side of her bed from Beastboy. She looked at him. He was sitting crosslegged, not even three feet from her, staring at the mural pensively. She looked down at the bedcovers. She still felt strongly for Beastboy, as angry as she was about his betrayal of Raven. It wasn't all anger, either. She felt... disappointed. He had been this ideal guy, this wonderful person that could do no wrong. Now, he was a cheater. He was tarnished, and she didn't really know if she could ever fully trust him again.
Beastboy looked up again, seeing her blue eyes downcast and saddened. He decided to speak up, to end the silence if nothing else. "I'm sorry, Terra. I know it doesn't help, but I'm sorry."
Terra nodded imperceptibly. "Yeah... I'm sorry too. I asked you out, I tempted you. It's my fault."
Beastboy shook his head. "C'mon, Terra. You know that isn't true. You had no idea that I was already with her."
Terra sat silent. She didn't have anything to say. She was too afraid that she was about to be left by Beastboy.
"Terra, I don't know what to do. I feel like such a jerk."
Terra couldn't help it. "You ARE a jerk! You kissed me! My first kiss! My first kiss was with a cheater!"
Beastboy looked up at her again, his mouth slightly agape, and his eyes moist. He didn't say anything, looking down again momentarily.
"You hurt Raven, and you know she already didn't like me! I could have been killed, and it would have been your fault!"
Beastboy didn't look up. His shoulders shook slightly. Terra felt her anger fade. She hadn't meant to jump down his throat like that. She moved towards Beastboy, crawling across her bed to sit beside him.
"Look, I'm sorry, Beastboy. I didn't mean it. I'm just... It's really not something I'm used to. I don't know what to do."
Beastboy tried to control himself, to stop the tears rolling down his face, and the sobs making his whole body shake. He hadn't meant for it to end up like this. He hadn't meant for any of this to happen. Terra's first kiss, losing Raven, causing Raven to fight Trigon again... he didnt' mean for any of this to happen.
He felt Terra's arms around him. She hugged him close to her. He felt himself calm a little, smelling her scent and feeling her small frame against him. He stayed in her grasp for a few moments, savoring the security and the calm. Finally, he pulled away, and looked into her deep, blue eyes.
"So... you don't hate me?"
Terra's face showed a sad, small smile. "No... I can't hate you. But I don't know what is going to happen with us."
Beastboy nodded. He leaned forward, and their lips met again. She didn't pull away, she wanted to be held, to feel loved again. They embarced awkwardly, kissing slowly and lovingly, but still worrying about Raven. They were too involved to notice the door opening.
They jumped when they heard someone coughing pointedly. Terra turned dark red. Robin was standing in the doorway, glaring at Beastboy. "She's awake. She wants to talk to the both of you. I don't have to remind you to tread carefully."
The two teenagers nodded, both were frightened of the conversation that was about to take place.
......................................................................
Beastboy and Terra entered Raven's room cautiously. She was laying on her bed, barely moving. Beastboy led Terra closer, they both sat in two chairs, looking at her. Raven's eyes opened, and she turned her head, weakly looking them over. A faint smile crossed her lips.
"We made it. Thank you both. Especially you, Terra." Raven's voice was halting, she seemed out of breath and unsure of her own body.
Beastboy's expression pained Terra. He seemed so concerned for her. "C'mon, be quiet. You need your rest, we shouldn't be in here."
Raven shook her head slightly, her sweat-drenched hair hardly moving. "Terra, Robin told me that everyone knows about what caused this."
Terra nodded, feeling ashamed, though she couldn't place why.
Raven forced a small smile. "It's ok. You and Beastboy makes more sense and Beastboy and me."
Beastboy frowned, but didn't say anything. Terra looked away from Raven, not sure how to respond.
"Beastboy, I'm sorry for lying to you about Robin. I just... I needed to make you see how it felt to think that someone you loved had betrayed you."
Beastboy nodded. "It's ok. Don't worry about it. I know what I did was unforgivable."
"Terra, I want to apologize for..." Raven coughed, and Beastboy held her hand until she calmed herself. "...for nearly killing you. It was just... I didn't want to hear about your date."
Terra reached out, taking Raven's hand from Beastboy and squeezing it. "It's ok. Look, you are too worn out to be doing this. Focus on getting better."
Raven nodded, closing her eyes. A few silent seconds passed. Raven's voice was weak when she spoke again. "I... I'm tired. You two go, talk about what happens next. Tell Robin that I'm sleeping. I'll come out when I feel better."
The young couple nodded to Raven, then stood, looking back as they walked out the door. She looked strange, laying so still, with her eyes closed. She looked... lifeless. As if she'd given up. Beastboy tried not to think about it.
......................................................................
The mood in Titan's tower was somber for the rest of the day. Everyone had their own thoughts to go through, their own inner demons to face. Raven was still sleeping, recovering in her room. Robin had once again made an unofficial order that no one was to see her.
Starfire, unable to sleep, floated around the tower, trying to occupy her mind without harassing Raven. She was constantly around the other Titans, and with everyone so tense, she was often shouted at. She eventually found herself in her room, alone once more, trying to find a way to assauge her guilt.
Cyborg spent most of the day on repairs. Trigon had compressed his systems, causing massive, nearly irreperable damage. He was keenly aware of his mechanical limitations again, and he despised being reminded of that. Everyone steered clear of him, excepting Starfire. He hadn't meant to lash out at her like he had, but he was not in a good mood. She'd left him alone after that, and he continued working on his body, while also working on his mind.
Robin was feeling useless, with only one working arm, and his failure to protect Raven burning in his mind. Had Terra not shown up when she did, he and the other Titans would have been killed. He had failed at his duty to protect them, and he could never forgive himself. He swore on his life that after a few days of healing, he would be back on the training courses, never resting until he was able to protect the friends he loved.
Beastboy had told Terra that he needed time to think, and had simply gone into his room, locking the door. He was staring at the ceiling, visions of Raven and Terra floating through his mind. At this rate, it would be difficult to even keep Raven as a friend. He still felt obligated, however, to stay with Terra as well. He'd stolen her first kiss, and he still felt strongly for her. His mind buzzed in circles, and he couldn't focus.
Terra sat alone in her room, sitting on her bed and hugging her knees, staring at the door. She had finally felt at home, finally belonged... but it was a lie. Beastboy had decieved her, and Raven hated her. Robin, Starfire, and Cyborg all knew that she had hurt Raven. Terra's eyes filled with tears. She didn't know where to go. She didn't know what to do.
......................................................................
Robin walked quietly down the hallway, carrying some hot chicken soup. Cyborg had made it, trying to keep everyone's spirits up, and it had helped. It was a comfort food, and even Starfire had found it calming. There had been some conversation over dinner, everyone talking about the battle, the mistakes and the successes.
Robin stopped in front of Raven's door. He'd been elected as the person that Raven would probably most like to see. Cyborg was a little too mechanical to be calming, and Beastboy and Terra both caused obvious problems. Starfire... was Starfire. Robin hesitantly reached out and pressed the switch to open the door. He winced at the audible hiss, then stepped into the darkened room, flinching again at the noise from the door.
He walked foward, eerily conscious of her even breaths, a sign that she was sleeping. He knew that she would be annoyed at being awoken, but she had to eat to regain her strength. He sat down on the chair next to her bed, barely able to make out her slim silohuette under the covers. He spoke softly, not wanting to shock her.
"Raven? Raven, you need to eat."
She stirred slightly, waking slowly. He saw the scarce light in the room glimmer off her eyes. She looked towards him.
"Robin? What is it?"
He smiled down at her, though he couldn't imagine she could see it. "It's chicken soup. Cyborg made it for you. You need to eat, to regain your strength."
He felt the air get crisp, as she used a small amount of power to flick the lightswitch. The room's dim lights came on, and he could see her again. She looked a little better than before, but there was something missing from her eyes.
A few moments later, Robin was watching as she carefully ate the hot soup. She either stared blankly forward, or stared down at the soup. She hadn't spoken or looked at him since the lights had come on. There was something strange in her manner, she seemed too lonely, even for Raven. Robin knew better than to bother her at the moment, however.
Eventually, she finished the soup, holding the bowl out to him. He took it, but didn't leave. A few seconds passed, before she spoke, still staring straight ahead.
"You are worried about me." Her voice sounded tired, as if she dreaded speaking.
Robin nodded. "You seem distant. More than usual. What's wrong?"
Raven still didn't look at him. "I feel empty. It's finally sunk in, that Beastboy is gone."
Robin set the empty bowl on the nearby windowsill, and then placed his good hand on Raven's shoulder. "I can't pretend to know how it feels, but I can tell you that you have friends to rely on. We're all here if you need us."
Raven's expression didn't change, but he felt the muscles in her shoulder relax slightly. Her monotone voice was the same as ever. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."
Robin nodded, then stood, taking the bowl as he walked away from the bed. "Sleep, you need the rest. We'll try to stay quiet. I'll be back in the morning with some more food."
Raven closed her eyes, sinking once again under her bedcovers. Robin switched off the light, and left the room. As he walked down the hallway, bowl balanced on his cast, he smiled. Raven would be fine, given time. At least, it seemed as if she would be. Robin couldn't help wondering what would happen between Beastboy, Raven, and Terra. It was none of his concern, but it affected the team, and that made it his business.
He'd keep an eye on them all. It was his duty.
......................................................................
A/N: A much shorter chapter than the four thousand word battle. This chapter simply covers the day of healing required after such a battle. More things to come, though this fic is winding down towards a conclusion. There's no solution that will make everyone happy, however. Review if you like it. See you again later today.
Review Responses:
Snowy: I thought so. Good to hear you enjoyed it.
Jakked-Up: Favorite? Wow. Glad to have that sort of status! Thanks.
The Big Fisch: I've been doing roughly a chapter a day, with one or two days seeing two chapters written. I try hard to keep the characters in character. I often rewatch episodes as I write similar emotions, trying to see how the characters react. It's a little obsessive, but it seems to work. Glad you liked the battle scene as well. As for novels left and right, I can't devote myself to such a long project. It's beyond my ken.
Rynn: Sorry, no Raven/Robin in here. It's possible in another fic, but not at the moment. Glad you are enjoying the story, however.
MoonFireFire: Thanks. Here's another chapter!
Calisto: The dramatic flair keeps it interesting. Glad you like it.
......................................................................
A Woman Scorned
......................................................................
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." - The Mourning Bride, William Congreve.
......................................................................
Starfire hovered gently over Raven's unconscious form. The medical lab had been quite chaotic since the battle with Trigon. The Beastboy had carried Raven out of the Forbidden Door, after Starfire had carried Cyborg, and Terra had assisted Robin. It had taken quite some time to repair Cyborg enough that he could take over his own healing, and although Robin's arm had not quite been broken, it would still require a week in a cast to heal.
Beastboy had simply been knocked unconscious, and though Starfire was badly bruised, she would recover quickly. Raven, however, had been unresponsive for six hours. Starfire had remained floating just above her, waiting tirelessly for her to waken. Starfire looked to the door as she heard it hiss open. She smiled as she saw Robin enter.
"She's still out?" Robin's question was largely rhetorical. It was plain that she hadn't yet awoken.
"She is not in. Robin, do you think she will be allright?" The concern in Starfire's voice was touching. She had only a few hours ago wanted to outright attack the girl for injuring Terra.
Robin nodded, putting his right hand on Starfire's shoulder reassuringly. "We'll all be fine. She just needs to recover."
Starfire nodded, smiling as best she could. "I feel that I must apologize to her. I doubted her, I believed that she was truly evil. I did not know that Beastboy had betrayed her. That is why I wait for her to awaken, I must apologize."
Robin's expression was one of worry. "Star, she knows. She understands that she acted out of line, and she understands why everyone was angry at her. Come on, you need to get some rest, you've been staring at her for hours."
Starfire nodded slowly, hesitant to leave Raven, but feeling the exhaustion that permeated her body. Robin sat down on the chair next to the bed. Starfire floated over to the doorway and looked back at Robin as she reached it.
"I will awake in a short time. Please tell me if she is not out by that time."
Robin nodded solemnly, and Starfire left. The door hissed shut behind her.
He reached down, taking Raven's small, delicate hand in his. "Come on, Raven. Where are you? You have to wake up."
......................................................................
Beastboy and Terra hadn't had any time alone, until now. Both of them had rested and recouperated from the battle, but they both sat in silence. Beastboy, in a vain attempt to calm himself, stared at the painted mountains and stars in Terra's room. He had painted most of the mural himself, he'd always considered himself a bit of an artisan. He frowned as he remembered what he'd realized the other day. He'd always considered himself a good boyfriend as well.
Terra sat on the oppisite side of her bed from Beastboy. She looked at him. He was sitting crosslegged, not even three feet from her, staring at the mural pensively. She looked down at the bedcovers. She still felt strongly for Beastboy, as angry as she was about his betrayal of Raven. It wasn't all anger, either. She felt... disappointed. He had been this ideal guy, this wonderful person that could do no wrong. Now, he was a cheater. He was tarnished, and she didn't really know if she could ever fully trust him again.
Beastboy looked up again, seeing her blue eyes downcast and saddened. He decided to speak up, to end the silence if nothing else. "I'm sorry, Terra. I know it doesn't help, but I'm sorry."
Terra nodded imperceptibly. "Yeah... I'm sorry too. I asked you out, I tempted you. It's my fault."
Beastboy shook his head. "C'mon, Terra. You know that isn't true. You had no idea that I was already with her."
Terra sat silent. She didn't have anything to say. She was too afraid that she was about to be left by Beastboy.
"Terra, I don't know what to do. I feel like such a jerk."
Terra couldn't help it. "You ARE a jerk! You kissed me! My first kiss! My first kiss was with a cheater!"
Beastboy looked up at her again, his mouth slightly agape, and his eyes moist. He didn't say anything, looking down again momentarily.
"You hurt Raven, and you know she already didn't like me! I could have been killed, and it would have been your fault!"
Beastboy didn't look up. His shoulders shook slightly. Terra felt her anger fade. She hadn't meant to jump down his throat like that. She moved towards Beastboy, crawling across her bed to sit beside him.
"Look, I'm sorry, Beastboy. I didn't mean it. I'm just... It's really not something I'm used to. I don't know what to do."
Beastboy tried to control himself, to stop the tears rolling down his face, and the sobs making his whole body shake. He hadn't meant for it to end up like this. He hadn't meant for any of this to happen. Terra's first kiss, losing Raven, causing Raven to fight Trigon again... he didnt' mean for any of this to happen.
He felt Terra's arms around him. She hugged him close to her. He felt himself calm a little, smelling her scent and feeling her small frame against him. He stayed in her grasp for a few moments, savoring the security and the calm. Finally, he pulled away, and looked into her deep, blue eyes.
"So... you don't hate me?"
Terra's face showed a sad, small smile. "No... I can't hate you. But I don't know what is going to happen with us."
Beastboy nodded. He leaned forward, and their lips met again. She didn't pull away, she wanted to be held, to feel loved again. They embarced awkwardly, kissing slowly and lovingly, but still worrying about Raven. They were too involved to notice the door opening.
They jumped when they heard someone coughing pointedly. Terra turned dark red. Robin was standing in the doorway, glaring at Beastboy. "She's awake. She wants to talk to the both of you. I don't have to remind you to tread carefully."
The two teenagers nodded, both were frightened of the conversation that was about to take place.
......................................................................
Beastboy and Terra entered Raven's room cautiously. She was laying on her bed, barely moving. Beastboy led Terra closer, they both sat in two chairs, looking at her. Raven's eyes opened, and she turned her head, weakly looking them over. A faint smile crossed her lips.
"We made it. Thank you both. Especially you, Terra." Raven's voice was halting, she seemed out of breath and unsure of her own body.
Beastboy's expression pained Terra. He seemed so concerned for her. "C'mon, be quiet. You need your rest, we shouldn't be in here."
Raven shook her head slightly, her sweat-drenched hair hardly moving. "Terra, Robin told me that everyone knows about what caused this."
Terra nodded, feeling ashamed, though she couldn't place why.
Raven forced a small smile. "It's ok. You and Beastboy makes more sense and Beastboy and me."
Beastboy frowned, but didn't say anything. Terra looked away from Raven, not sure how to respond.
"Beastboy, I'm sorry for lying to you about Robin. I just... I needed to make you see how it felt to think that someone you loved had betrayed you."
Beastboy nodded. "It's ok. Don't worry about it. I know what I did was unforgivable."
"Terra, I want to apologize for..." Raven coughed, and Beastboy held her hand until she calmed herself. "...for nearly killing you. It was just... I didn't want to hear about your date."
Terra reached out, taking Raven's hand from Beastboy and squeezing it. "It's ok. Look, you are too worn out to be doing this. Focus on getting better."
Raven nodded, closing her eyes. A few silent seconds passed. Raven's voice was weak when she spoke again. "I... I'm tired. You two go, talk about what happens next. Tell Robin that I'm sleeping. I'll come out when I feel better."
The young couple nodded to Raven, then stood, looking back as they walked out the door. She looked strange, laying so still, with her eyes closed. She looked... lifeless. As if she'd given up. Beastboy tried not to think about it.
......................................................................
The mood in Titan's tower was somber for the rest of the day. Everyone had their own thoughts to go through, their own inner demons to face. Raven was still sleeping, recovering in her room. Robin had once again made an unofficial order that no one was to see her.
Starfire, unable to sleep, floated around the tower, trying to occupy her mind without harassing Raven. She was constantly around the other Titans, and with everyone so tense, she was often shouted at. She eventually found herself in her room, alone once more, trying to find a way to assauge her guilt.
Cyborg spent most of the day on repairs. Trigon had compressed his systems, causing massive, nearly irreperable damage. He was keenly aware of his mechanical limitations again, and he despised being reminded of that. Everyone steered clear of him, excepting Starfire. He hadn't meant to lash out at her like he had, but he was not in a good mood. She'd left him alone after that, and he continued working on his body, while also working on his mind.
Robin was feeling useless, with only one working arm, and his failure to protect Raven burning in his mind. Had Terra not shown up when she did, he and the other Titans would have been killed. He had failed at his duty to protect them, and he could never forgive himself. He swore on his life that after a few days of healing, he would be back on the training courses, never resting until he was able to protect the friends he loved.
Beastboy had told Terra that he needed time to think, and had simply gone into his room, locking the door. He was staring at the ceiling, visions of Raven and Terra floating through his mind. At this rate, it would be difficult to even keep Raven as a friend. He still felt obligated, however, to stay with Terra as well. He'd stolen her first kiss, and he still felt strongly for her. His mind buzzed in circles, and he couldn't focus.
Terra sat alone in her room, sitting on her bed and hugging her knees, staring at the door. She had finally felt at home, finally belonged... but it was a lie. Beastboy had decieved her, and Raven hated her. Robin, Starfire, and Cyborg all knew that she had hurt Raven. Terra's eyes filled with tears. She didn't know where to go. She didn't know what to do.
......................................................................
Robin walked quietly down the hallway, carrying some hot chicken soup. Cyborg had made it, trying to keep everyone's spirits up, and it had helped. It was a comfort food, and even Starfire had found it calming. There had been some conversation over dinner, everyone talking about the battle, the mistakes and the successes.
Robin stopped in front of Raven's door. He'd been elected as the person that Raven would probably most like to see. Cyborg was a little too mechanical to be calming, and Beastboy and Terra both caused obvious problems. Starfire... was Starfire. Robin hesitantly reached out and pressed the switch to open the door. He winced at the audible hiss, then stepped into the darkened room, flinching again at the noise from the door.
He walked foward, eerily conscious of her even breaths, a sign that she was sleeping. He knew that she would be annoyed at being awoken, but she had to eat to regain her strength. He sat down on the chair next to her bed, barely able to make out her slim silohuette under the covers. He spoke softly, not wanting to shock her.
"Raven? Raven, you need to eat."
She stirred slightly, waking slowly. He saw the scarce light in the room glimmer off her eyes. She looked towards him.
"Robin? What is it?"
He smiled down at her, though he couldn't imagine she could see it. "It's chicken soup. Cyborg made it for you. You need to eat, to regain your strength."
He felt the air get crisp, as she used a small amount of power to flick the lightswitch. The room's dim lights came on, and he could see her again. She looked a little better than before, but there was something missing from her eyes.
A few moments later, Robin was watching as she carefully ate the hot soup. She either stared blankly forward, or stared down at the soup. She hadn't spoken or looked at him since the lights had come on. There was something strange in her manner, she seemed too lonely, even for Raven. Robin knew better than to bother her at the moment, however.
Eventually, she finished the soup, holding the bowl out to him. He took it, but didn't leave. A few seconds passed, before she spoke, still staring straight ahead.
"You are worried about me." Her voice sounded tired, as if she dreaded speaking.
Robin nodded. "You seem distant. More than usual. What's wrong?"
Raven still didn't look at him. "I feel empty. It's finally sunk in, that Beastboy is gone."
Robin set the empty bowl on the nearby windowsill, and then placed his good hand on Raven's shoulder. "I can't pretend to know how it feels, but I can tell you that you have friends to rely on. We're all here if you need us."
Raven's expression didn't change, but he felt the muscles in her shoulder relax slightly. Her monotone voice was the same as ever. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."
Robin nodded, then stood, taking the bowl as he walked away from the bed. "Sleep, you need the rest. We'll try to stay quiet. I'll be back in the morning with some more food."
Raven closed her eyes, sinking once again under her bedcovers. Robin switched off the light, and left the room. As he walked down the hallway, bowl balanced on his cast, he smiled. Raven would be fine, given time. At least, it seemed as if she would be. Robin couldn't help wondering what would happen between Beastboy, Raven, and Terra. It was none of his concern, but it affected the team, and that made it his business.
He'd keep an eye on them all. It was his duty.
......................................................................
A/N: A much shorter chapter than the four thousand word battle. This chapter simply covers the day of healing required after such a battle. More things to come, though this fic is winding down towards a conclusion. There's no solution that will make everyone happy, however. Review if you like it. See you again later today.