Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans, but I'm not making money from this, so you can't sue me.

Chapter 13. The calm before the storm

Over the next few weeks, Valere trained Raven and Terra to link to the earth's life force. There were times when either Starfire or Beast Boy would watch, but not join in. Terra was getting the hand of it, but if Raven wasn't getting 'side lessons' from him, she would be far behind Terra.

Valere was almost always focused on his plan. The date was zooming up fast and he knew he was pushing it as it was. The plan was still running smoothly. There had been no interference.

It was 2 in the morning and Valere was talking with Malchior, when Raven walked into his room. "I need to speak with you, alone." She gave the book a spiteful look.

"I'll speak with you tomorrow." He said to Malchior. He went to Raven's room. "Why are you still up?" He asked her.

"I couldn't sleep." She moved up against him. "That's why I want you to sleep in my room with me from now on." She looked deep into his eyes.

"I'd love that." He bent forward and kissed her. This was going to make his plan a lot easier. He pulled away. "I'm guessing you would like me here tonight?"

She nodded and pulled him to her bed. They lay down and she wrapped herself in his arms. Soon, they were both asleep.

The next day, the session with Raven and Terra went great and Starfire even joined in. She was quick to pick up how it worked, but she showed great difficulty in succeeding, however, she showed great promise.

Terra was becoming comfortable among the Titans again and even hinting at the idea of picking up her relationship with Beast Boy, where it left off, and it was one of the few hints he seemed to catch.

Raven spent her day with Starfire, who was anxious to know the state of the relationship. Raven seemed to be intent on telling Starfire all about it, whether she wanted to hear it of not.

Valere hung out with Robin in training. Their combat skills were indeed close, but it was clear Robin was superior. He had all physical attributes over Valere, except strength. But, Valere was more intellectually honed.

Valere later spent time with Cyborg and Beast Boy. They played video games for an hour or so before convincing Terra to join them.

Around supper time, Valere took Raven on a date to a fancy restaurant he had seen, when he had first arrived. Their date lead them to spend two hours on the beach. When they returned to the tower, they had a visitor.

"Valere, this is Aqualad." Robin introduced. "Aqualad, this is Valere."

Aqualad held out his hand and Valere accepted it. "Good to meet you."

"Likewise." Valere responded.

Raven stepped forward. "Why are you here?"

"You're wearing a dress." Aqualad was obviously stunned.

She smiled. "I was on a date."

He pulled his eyes from her figure and looked her in the eyes. "Slade has shown up near Titans East."

She paled. "What's he trying to do now?" She asked herself more then the others.

"Bumble Bee has requested backup." Robin stole their attention. "For some reason, their communication to our tower has been blocked, so she sent Aqualad."

"You want us to go, don't you?" Valere asked, but he already knew the answer.

"Can you read minds?" Robin asked back. "You seem to know everything before you can even have the possibility of knowing."

"Not really." Valere started. "A person's life force changes depending on what they're thinking, due to their emotions."

"Well, you're right." Robin finally answered. "The two of you probably have the best chance of beating Slade, once and for all."

Both Valere and Raven nodded. "We'll leave in an hour." Raven said.

"We'll fly." Valere told Aqualad. "We should reach Titans East by dawn."