Disclaimer: I own no part of the Teen Titans or their associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.

(A/N): Getting close to the end now. This will probably be another long chapter.

Chapter 9

Quoth the Raven

Gliding through the silent night two dark forms wove through the air around the mountains going nowhere in particular. Raven and Beast Boy had just made their daring escape from the party right under the nose of the Boy Wonder thanks to a little assistance from Starfire. They were both internally chuckling at that. After several minutes the condor jerked its head to the side and lead the way down to a mountain ledge where it transformed into Beast Boy. Shedding the black energy Raven landed next to him and they both sat on what appeared to be a natural bench in the rock face. Beast Boy had a cockeyed smile on his face.

"I was not expecting that." He reconsidered. "At least, not yet anyway. Doesn't seem like Robin to act like that. Especially at such a public place."

"Agreed. Well, at least we have ammo if he decided to call us on skipping out." A cool night breeze blew through and she hugged her own shoulders. "Wish I had grabbed my cloak before we did though."

"Here." Beast Boy slipped off his coat and lightly set it around her shoulders. She pulled it tight around herself, surprised at just how big it was.

"Thanks." He nodded in response and they sat in silence, watching the night. Eventually their gaze turned to the heavens and Raven's eyes began picking through the stars. The new moon this evening made the stars pop even more against the curtain of night.

"So…what do you want to do now? We never got around to what we were going to do after we skipped out."

"Don't know. I hadn't really thought about it. Any ideas?"

"Well…it is suppose to be a date. We could make out." He spoke with a sense of false bravado.

"If by 'make out' you mean discerning the different layers of rock as you fall past them…then sure." Her face was deadly serious for a moment and he thought he might be taking a trip, but then a small smile pulled up the corners of her mouth.

"As tempting as that sounds…I'm sure we can come up with something enjoyable to both of us." Again he glanced to the sky. "You ever look for constellations?" She followed his gaze up to the heavens.

"Not really. You?"

"Yeah. My dad always wanted me to be able to find my way home. My animal side has an internal compass now…but I still try to find a few of my favorites from time to time. It kind of reminds me that some things will be the same for a long time. It's a sense of…stability I guess."

"That must be nice. We didn't have stars back home."

"Azarath?" She nodded, still staring at nothing in the sky. "Tell me about it." Her head snapped back down sharply. "Please?"

"Why?" Her voice was cautious and just a touch reproachful.

"Because I want to get to know you. Remember?"

"Yeah…" Her head fell toward her feet as if steadying herself. "My home…" She began, and stopped. "My home…" She began and stopped again. He nodded encouragingly and leaned closer, waiting. How to articulate the place was no difficulty compared to actually bringing herself to say it. "My home…was peaceful, quite…serene. I lived with pacifistic group in another dimension. It was empty save our home. Azar, the leader, taught me personally and others at least tolerated me. But I was never accepted. In a place full of peaceful people a half demon could never fit in. I knew it all my life. I hid it, suppressed it…but I still felt it."

A single tear slid down her face at this point and Beast Boy slid closer. "I hadn't even done anything and these people were afraid of me. Hated me. So…I left. My mother understood I think. That's why she let me go. I lived there…but it was never really Home, like I've so often heard people describe it." He tenetivly placed an arm around her. When she didn't pull back he left it. "And now her I am with you. Waiting for my destiny and trying to make some little difference to help the world…before I destroy it." Her eyes were closed now, that one tear still clinging to her face. Pulling her closer he gently brushed it away with his free hand, then wrapped both arms around her, not knowing what else to do. As if finishing had been a release she collapsed against his shoulder. He simply held her, waiting.

After some little time had passed she pushed away from him again and he let her go. "Sorry. I shouldn't have asked. I had no idea…"

"No. It's all right. I did promise to try to be more open. With you at least."

"Thank you." She smiled weakly in response. Several minutes of silence set in again. Neither of them minded. They didn't need to be talking constantly. There was a strange sort of comfort there.

"It actually feels kind of…nice that someone else knows. Like I'm not in it alone." He clasped her hand and held it firmly.

"You were never alone Raven. We'll always be there for you. I'll always be there for you."

"Always is a dangerous word. You have no idea what I have to face…"

"What? You mean your Father?" She nodded as if to say 'duh'. "Pfff…I'm not scared of him. When we get finished, he won't know what hit him." She smiled meekly. "I'm not gonna run away."

"Thanks."

"Wouldn't do less for a friend." She smiled at him again, a genuine smile, one he often had to work for days to get out of her. "So…can we make out now?"

"Sure." She responded happily. He damn near bit off his own tongue.

"Really?" He spluttered.

"No."

"Awww man! That's mean! Get a guy going like that then BAM right between the eyes! What did I ever do to deserve-" he was cut off by her lips closing on his. He was too stunned to respond on more than instinct as he melted into it, enjoying every sensation coursing through his whole body. After what seemed to be an eternity of bliss she pulled back and smiled at him. "-that…" His mouth finished automatically, his mind completely empty. After that he could only stare at her with a stupidly happy grin on his face.

"But you can have that." She smiled serenely, floating backward off the cliff a few feet. "So…what now?"

"Uh…more of that?" The look he got back told him not to push it. He stood instead and looked around. "Well…" A small light caught his eye a good distance away by the shoreline. "Let's go check that out." He pointed toward the light. She nodded and they set off side by side for the light. Just before touching down on the soft sand Raven removed her shoes, a move that was mimicked by Beast Boy. Rolling his socks up into them he tied the laces together and hung them around his neck. Raven tied hers with a black energy cord and held them dangling form her hand. As they approached they made out the light for what it was.

It was a small fire surrounded by a modest campsite. A small pot sat on a grate suspended near the flames. A man was sitting against a drift wood log; a small pile of kindling on one side and a backpack with attacked blanket roll on the other. As they approached they could hear the faint melody of notes he was scrying on the violin held under his chin. He looked to be fifty or so and unkempt. Longish graying hair and a full, if short graying beard framed his well tanned features that they could just pick out in the fire light. He wore a loose white shirt and rolled up khaki pants, a pair of sandals sat just in front of him. As they drew nearer the music stopped for a moment as he tossed another piece of kindling on the fire. Looking up he made them out as they entered the pool of light.

"Well…this is surprise." His voice held the barest hint of gravel, low and smooth. He set the instrument aside and stood. "Don't get many visitors out here. Especially not dressed like that. Graduation some times I suppose, high schoolers looking for a place alone... Oh, forgive my manners. Welcome, welcome, have a seat." Snagging the blanket he layed it across another drift log and motioned them to sit. As they did he returned to his seat. "Name's Jack. Welcome." They nodded bewildered.

"I'm…Raven."

"Gar…Garfield." He nodded, accepting the names with out a second thought.

"Well, now that we've all been introduced…what brings you young folks out here to old Jack's camp? Too early for graduation…you don't really look like high schoolers anyway." Raven was surprised by this. She had always assumed they could pass for high school students.

"We don't?"

"Nope. It's the eyes. Those eyes have seen more than most fifty-year-olds I've met. You're the right age…but the eyes never lie. So…skipping out on a party is the only thing that makes sense."

"Uh…yeah…" Beast Boy nodded sheepishly. Jack leaned forward, tossing another stick on the fire.

"Figured. Never like parties myself. Bunch of people that never met getting all dressed up to spend time in an unfamiliar place faking interest in each other when they'd all rather be at home reading or whatever. Well…far be it for me to judge society. Tea?" It took several seconds for his last question to sink in.

"Did you say tea?" Raven asked surprised.

"Yeah…it's not much…but I like it. It's…calming."

"Please."

"Me too." Raven turned surprised at Beast Boy's request. He just shrugged in response.

"Coming right up." Jack reached into his pack and emerged with three fine white cups and a large steeper. Pouring in the dried leaves and then water from the pan on the fire they watched it steep in silence. Pouring off three cups he handed them each one, threw more wood on the fire, and leaned back inhaling the vapors from his own cup. A small smile crossed his face as his eyes closed and he supped. "Mmmm…ambrosia of the gods."

Taking sips from their own cups each one, especially Raven, was surprised at how good it was. All the universe seemed to hold its breath as the three of them enjoyed their tea by the fire. Releasing breath and seemingly restarting the universe the trio finished at nearly the same time, the two visitors handed the cups back. Swishing them with boiling water he set them aside to dry. Picking up the violin again he set it to his chin but did not play. His bow still rested across his legs. His eyes opened and he looked to them.

"Did you leave before or after The Dance." The capitalization was unmistakable but neither knew what it meant.

"The Dance?" Beast Boy finally asked. "We were there for A dance."

"So before. The Dance is that one special dance that happens at nearly every party and ball, whether intended or not, that no one who dances ever forgets. For that one song all the planets align and everything is perfect. No one misses a step. No one can see or hear beyond their partner and the music. Every motion is flawless, every note perfect. A little piece of heaven touches earth at those moments." They sat motionless, enraptured by his description. "I've danced many of those dances, watched even more. You don't know you've missed it until it's over and then your soul weeps because unless you danced or played you missed it and you can never be part of it. At least, until the next one come around. It's that fleeting moment of perfection that all band musicians search for. It's why I play." He drifted off lost in his own thoughts. After several moments his head came back, his eyes clear again. "Well, since you missed it there…it's only fitting you have it here."

"Wha…" The two titans said together.

"I insist. As payment for the tea." They glanced at each other. Beast Boy shrugged and held out his hand. Shrugging off the coat Raven took it and they rose, walking several feet out onto the sand. "Excellent. Now…the tune…" He played several notes, as if trying to find the right needle in the haystack. His eyes lighted up and he smiled. "Perfect." A few notes drifted up from the instrument, then a tune, then a song. It was slow and wonderful. Jack seemed to melt into the violin as he played.

Slowly taking Raven's hand and waist Beast Boy led them off. The slow, rhythmic movements took them over and they began to glide around the beach, eyes locked, moving with the music. Beast Boy felt his world collapsing. Everything was fading out until all that remained was Raven, the sand under their feet, and, off in a corner, Jack and his violin. As they danced a strange look appeared on Raven's face. It started in her eyes and slowly spread across her whole being. He had only a vague notion what it was but he was pretty sure he had the same look on his face.

After an unknown amount of time, it could have been ten seconds or the entire course of history, the music slowed and faded and they slowed as well. They stopped, but didn't move apart. Slowly, as if to an unknown cue Beast Boy leaned closer, head falling slightly to the side. When she made no move to stop him he continued. His eyes fell closed and his lips gently pressed hers. As first she made no response, then just as he was about to start worrying she pushed into him, pulling him closer, unwilling or unable to stop herself. Another eternity passed them by, locked in each other's embrace, willing to suffocate rather than break apart. Eventually though their survival instincts kicked in and they pulled apart, gasping desperately for air.

Falling against each other their heads turned so they so each could stare into the other's eyes. Sharing a smile they pushed back to standing positions and turned returned to their seats, Beast Boy's arm now draped across Raven's shoulder and hers around his lower back. Slowly bow and violin separated and Jack's eyes opened. A smile crossed his face as he looked at them. "Thank you. It's been far too long since I played for someone's Dance."

"Thank you for playing. That was…"

"Perfect." Beast Boy finished for her.

"My pleasure. Now, you've had a drink and you've had a Dance. Might I suggest you move on? The night is still young after all and I'm sure you have places to go." They stood, retrieving their shoes from the blanket where they had left them. Shuffling a few steps Raven turned back.

"Thanks again… if you're ever in Jump City…look us up."

"Jump City? Don't make it out there much…but if I do, I will."

"We live-"

"Giant tower, shaped like a T. Hard to miss. Got it." They both looked at him surprised. Beast Boy responded first.

"You knew who we were?" Jack looked at him incredulously.

"Gray skin, violet hair, a jewel in the forehead, traveling with a green skinned man? I may be hermit…but I'm not stupid. Now get going. Time waits for no man…though I have heard it slows for women." He chuckled and reset the violin.

They started off down the beach, the notes of his tune fading as they walked. Neither of them spoke. They didn't need to. Beast Boy reset his coat around Raven's shoulders, and draped his arm over them once again. Walking near the shoreline the occasional wave just barely broke around their feet. As if from nowhere, but actually from a long internal argument, Raven spoke. "You want to get to know me better…right?"

"Of course."

"Well…there's only one place to really see me all the time…" His eyebrow cocked up slightly.

"You mean…?" She nodded in response. "You sure?"

"I've been meaning to visit for a while and…I'd like the company."

"Well then…what are we waiting for?" Transforming the pair took to the sky and headed for the Titan's Tower.

Shadows cutting through the night they touched down on the small island that held the Tower. Raven approached the door's keypad and froze. "Uh oh."

"What?"

"I forgot to ask Cyborg for the security code. By any chance did you…?" He shook his head. For having planned on skipping out, they certainly weren't prepared. "Okay…well, come here." Moving toward him she grabbed his arms so they were standing toe to toe. "Ready?" He nodded, unsure of what she was planning. He felt the ground fall away beneath him and involuntarily grabbed on to her for support. For a second they fell through nothingness unlit they emerged in the hall outside Raven's room. Beast Boy made a thud as he landed unsteadily and glanced up to the disappearing portal.

"I…I always wondered what that was like. Cool." Steadying himself he turned and found Raven just inside her door, motioning him to enter. "Uh…Raven?"

"Yeah…?"

"That's your room."

"Yeah…?"

"You threatened be with slow torture and transportation to a, and I quote, 'dimension where the rest of you terrifyingly long life would be lived in excruciating pain and suffering' if I ever went in there again." He looked genuinely scared of the threat she had made. Whether she actually could do it was beside the point.

"I did, didn't I?" He nodded, worried. "Okay…then consider this a one day pass. Behave yourself…and we'll see."

"O…kay…" he took one tentative step across the threshold. Then another. He was now inside Raven's room, she was looking right at him…and he wasn't dead. So far, so good. He let out a breath, relieved. A split second later panic overwhelmed him as he heard the door lock behind him and Raven's hands ignited. Too scared to move he began making peace with the world, convinced his life was over. When he wasn't dead ten seconds later his eye cracked open to see Raven sitting on he bed, silently laughing at him. Relief and anger battled for supremacy until reason miraculously won out. 'Got to behave myself.' Anger flared for a second before he put it down. 'But if that happens again…' She motioned him over and he cautiously sat on the very end of her bed beside her.

"Okay…ready?" He nodded slowly. "Good…one more thing. Tell anyone what you see…"

"Other dimension, pain, death. Got it."

"Good." Grasping his left hand in her right she held the mirror with her left and waited as he carefully grasped part of the handle with his free hand. She took a deep breath, clearing her mind. "Azarath…Metrion…Zinthos. Azarath…Metrion…Zinthos!" A silver light flared from the glass as she spoke and one blinding flash later Beast Boy opened his eyes to find him in a strangely familiar place.

Nevermore, were Ravens lived. He glanced around. Judging by the color scheme…and the flora…they were in Happy's little part of Raven's mind. As if to confirm his suspicion, Happy herself appeared carrying a stack of boxes, filled with what appeared to be black energy books. Something was off though. Her cloak was still the insane shade of pink…but now it was trimmed in a couple inched of blue around the edges. Seeing the new arrivals she dropped the stack of boxes and bolted toward them, grabbing Beast Boy in a crushing hug.

"Beast Boy! I'm so happy to see you again! And Raven!" She slid over and hugged Raven as well.

"Uh…hi Happy." This particular emotion freaked Beast Boy out more then Anger. This was just…unnatural.

"So…" Raven noticed the boxes. "What are you moving?"

"Oh, you know! Thoughts, dreams…Joy! Got to make room for the new girl."

"New girl?" Beat Boy asked, surprised.

"Yeah silly! Only so much room! Someone new shows up you got to make room for them. She's nice though…you'll like her!" She picked up the boxes again. "Well…I'd love to stay and chat, especially with you handsome, but I've got to get moving. Bye!" She skipped off happily.

"Hey…Wait!" Raven called after her in vain. "Damn, I wanted to ask her about her cloak."

"Noticed that too? Well…not to be mean but…I'm kinda glad she's gone…"

"What?"

"Hey, don't get me wrong!" His hands flew up defensively. "It's just…you that happy…really creeps me out."

"Does it now?" A mischievous smile crossed her face so fast he was sure he imagined it. "At any rate…we'd best get moving. I have to find out who this new girl is…" She started off and he followed, scared to be left behind in Raven's mind. Crossing the terrain they crested a hill and instantly knew their next stop. Heavy black clouds covered the area, constantly on the edge of rain but without ever getting there. Descending into the area parts of it bore an eerie resemblance to Jump City, only ruined. Other parts he didn't recognize blended with it. Azarath? Crossing the streets Beast Boy felt the slightest touch of fear as he followed Raven. Stopping at a crossroads she began following the sound of weeping. Around a corner it led to a gray cloaked Raven, again trimmed with blue. At her feet were the slain forms of the titans, Hunter and dozens of others. Tears rained down her face splashing around her fallen form. "Sorrow."

The emotion looked up, tears still flowing. "I…they're dead! Dead! And I couldn't do anything!" She broke down again. Beast Boy couldn't help himself as he walked forward and kneeled over his own broke body and gently brushed the tears out her eyes. She looked up at him in disbelief and the tears continued falling. He pulled out the handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. She took it from him carefully and held it as a treasure, wiping her face with it. It tore him up to step away, but he knew there was nothing he could do even as Raven pulled him along toward the next area.

Crossing another invisible line of demarcation they came to a serene valley that held a number of pagodas. Passing among them Beast Boy had no idea what dwelt here. Raven on the other hand seemed confident about the path she had chosen. Without warning a flash of green swirled around and came to a stop in front of them. A blue trimmed green cloak covered a Raven who was wielding a black energy sword.

"Okay…that's new." Beast Boy stared at the blade in awe.

"Beast Boy? Good to see you." She clapped a hand on his shoulder as if he was a comrade in arms. "Damn brave to come her if you ask me. And nerves of steel to invite him."

"Pleasant change to see you as well Courage." Raven nodded to the part of herself. "So…what's with the sword…and your cloak?" The emotion looked over her wardrobe and blade.

"Not sure. They appeared about the same time. One morning I could just summon this thing and this trim has been widening on all of our cloaks for a while. Even the new girl…though it's less visible. Knowledge could probably tell you for sure…"

"New girl…who is she?"

"You'd best meet her yourself. I know she's just dying to get in touch with you. And you, you handsome green hunk." Beast Boy's eyes popped. This was far more forward than Raven ever was. "Well, beat let you get back to your trip." With another twirl she was gone.

"Okay…now her…I liked."

"Don't let it go to your head." Exiting the meadow they both knew where they were next. "I vote we skip this one for now. And since mine is the only vote that counts…" She snagged him by the arm and they shot across the domain of Gross. Dropping into the next area they realized what the black and red color scheme meant. Heading toward the sounds of rage they found the red cloaked, blue trimmed, four-eyed Anger trapped in a cage on a small dais in the middle of a smashed town. She was lashing out furiously against her black steel prison with a pair of black taloned bracers.

"So…that's what happened to her…"

"Yes…I managed to keep her trapped. It's not easy though." The enraged figure snarled back.

"You can't keep me in here forever! One day I'll escape! Then all HELL will break loose!" Her mad laugh reverberated thruout the town as they made their exit.

Stepping through the archway into the massive library that was the domain of Knowledge they passed several dozen book shelves before finding the yellow cloaked, blue trimmed, glasses wearing emotion sitting quietly at a dusty table, paging through a tattered old book. A black energy notepad and magnifying glass sat next to her. She looked up as they approached, removed her glasses and smiled serenely.

"Welcome Raven. And Beast Boy, an unexpected treat. What can I do for you this fine day." Her demeanor was a welcome relief after the eccentric occupants they had already encountered. Raven nodded as a welcome and Beast Boy waved.

"I want to know about…"

"The blue trim on our cloaks and the other objects?" Raven nodded, wondering why she had even begun asking the question. "Very well. They most likely reason for the trim, especially since it appeared shortly after your training under Hunter began is that it is a physical representation of your increased control. Good thing too. That Sword would have reeked some serious havoc here otherwise. The other things I suspect are also an offshoot of that."

"I see…" Raven pondered this for several moments, Beast Boy's head was whirling.

"And before you ask…I can't tell you about the new girl. That one you have to discover on your own."

"Okay…can you at least tell me how to get there?"

"Sure…just pass Fear and take the bridge to the island in the center. Easy."

"Thanks…"

"Anytime. You should visit more often." As they began walking away she added just loud enough for Raven to hear. "And bring him with you." Passing from the library they encountered a dark forest path through oddly dark woods. Heading down it quickly they made for the island Knowledge alluded to. Near the end of the path they came across a huddled Raven, cloaked in brown, the blue trim again present. She was seated facing away. Rocking back and forth slowly. In a terrified tremor she spoke as they approached.

"Who's there? Trigon? Is that you?" As they circled around she let out a small squeak at seeing Beast Boy. "What are you doing here? You're just an illusion aren't you? You don't really care about me. You just want me to think you do. Then you'll leave…Just like all the rest…" She degenerated into mumbled fears, still rocking.

"Beast Boy…we have to go on…there's…nothing we can do for her." He was torn for several moments before sitting down next to the cowering form and gently embracing her. As the cloak fell apart a little he noticed the body underneath was covered in well fitted black energy armor.

"You go. I'm gonna stay here for a while."

"Beast Boy…Fear will always be afraid. You can't stop it."

"I know. But I'm still gonna stay. Go on," he waved toward the bridge in the distance, "I'll see you when you get back. Slowly she nodded and turned away from him comforting Fear. Resolutely she headed for the large violet bridge. It was a deep, sensuous color that nearly mimicked her hair. Passing over its length she came to what was possibly the last thing she had ever expected to find in her own mind. In the middle of a grassy clearing sat a small country church. She had never seen it before…but there it was. Climbing the simple wooden steps she pulled open the heavy wooden door. Inside the small building stood two rows of pews and a simple altar area with a very simple pulpit in the front center. There was no religious imagery anywhere but it none the less felt somehow…sacred. At both ends of each pew a trio of black energy heart shaped balloons was tied.

Walking slowly up the aisle she at first thought she was alone, until she noticed a violet cloak, with blue faded in edges at the front pew. This Raven's head rose and she turned to Raven, smiling. "About time you showed up. What's a new emotion got to do to get noticed around here anyway?" She stood and turned to Raven with a warm glow around her smiling face. "It's nice to finally meet you Raven."

"And you are?"

"Do you really have to ask? I'm the one you've repressed the hardest, hid the most, and concealed the deepest. But thanks to a certain green changeling, I'm free again. You know who I am…I'm not gonna say it. Come on…you know. I'm…"

"Love."

"Got it in one."

"Because of Beast Boy!"

"Now come on…you said my name…don't start with the denial again. Say it. Come on. Say think if it makes it easier. Or might. I'll help you. Repeat after me. 'I might…'" Raven spoke, every syllable dragged from her.

"I might…"

"Love…"

"Love…"

"Beast Boy."

"No!"

"Say it! I'm not gonna let you go until you do!" Raven contemplated ripping the girl apart, but finally gave in.

"…Beast Boy."

"All together now."

"I…MIGHT…love…Beast Boy."

"Good! Now that we've got that out of the way, and you know I'm here to stay…I'd say it's about time to head back to that green hunk."

"What?"

"Do you really think it's a good idea to leave him all alone in your mind?" Raven realized it wasn't. "Okay then…later. And feel free to let me out now and again." She smiled as Raven tuned and made her way out of the building. Gliding back to Beast Boy and Fear she held out a hand to him. As he rose he took off his coat and set it around Fear's shoulders. She instinctively grabbed it and pulled it tight around her. Sad he could do nothing else he took Raven's hand and watched the huddled form as they flashed back to the real world.

Landing with a thump back in Raven's room he looked up at her compassionately. "If you ever need just to be held…" She nodded cutting him off. "So…what did you find?"

"What I least expected and most wanted." After no further explanation came shrugged and hugged her.

"Good." He glanced over her at the clock on her dresser. "We'd better get to bed. The others are probably already home." She nodded and he felt the ground fall away beneath him. "Good night, Raven."

"Good night Garfield. And thank you." Her small smile was the last thing he saw as he fell through the portal and landed on a pile of clothes in his room. Glancing around he rolled off the pile toward his bed. 'Maybe I should get around to cleaning.'

Both Titans somehow managed to get to sleep, heads spinning.

(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.