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

(A/N): Another chapter, another cliffhanger.

Chapter 4

The Essence of Chance

Robin laid into the bag a final time and sent it swinging on its chain. Jumping back he took several deep breaths and focused. He glanced at the clock, half past six. That should do it for this morning. Grabbing a towel he headed for his room and the shower. Entering the empty room he grimaced slightly. It took a moment to realize why. He had become used to Starfire being there. She hadn't spent every night…but for the first time in weeks she slept in her own room not out of exhaustion, but anger.

Robin had no idea how one innocuous comment could have fucked things up so badly. Shaking his head as clear as he could he began pulling off the uniform and headed for his bathroom. Letting ice cold water course over his body for minute he switched on the hot valve and sighed as the room steamed up. His mind cleared and the aches of training disappeared. If not for his sense of duty, he would have been hard pressed to leave that soothing spot. Eventually though, he stepped out and dried off. Stepping back into his main room he pulled out one of his uniforms and began to dress.

Several minutes later he started through his tradition breakfast of whatever was available. It was quiet, peaceful this early in the morning. The sun had yet to break over the mountains and the ocean was cast in a predawn glow. As he finished the printed began to chatter next to the computer.

Rushing over he grabbed the single piece of paper that emerged and read quickly.

Teen Titans,

In reference to the events which transpired recently, a representative of the Justice League will be arriving late this morning to interview you in person and compile a report of the occurrence.

JLA HQ

It was about time. Superman had mentioned something about this when he had talked to them last week. Robin began to wonder who they would send. Probably some low-level member. Information gathering hardly ranked high with all their other concerns. All thought of that however was blown form his mind as the door slid open and Sarah stepped in, dressed in a white T-shirt and jeans. He mentally slapped himself to stop staring at her. The coat she had worn had hidden her body, now that it was gone… He mentally slapped himself again and spoke to give him something to focus on.

"Good morning."

"Morning. Thank you for the room. It's very nice."

"No problem. We try to take care of our guests." She stood stock still, glancing around nervously. "Uh…something wrong?"

"Oh…uh…when…when I came in last night…I guess it didn't really hit me. This is Titan's Tower…you guys are the Teen Titans. It's sort of been sinking in for the last few minutes."

"Disorientating, huh?"

"A little."

"Yeah, every now and again one of us will step back and go 'Holy shit! We're superheroes!' Fortunately, I know the best way to deal with it."

"What's that?"

"Breakfast!" The paper dropped, forgotten as Robin headed for the kitchen and searched for something for her to eat. "Okay…we've got some frozen waffles, cereal and cold pizza."

"I'll take some pizza. Wait, what kind?"

"Two slices of pepperoni, sausage and half a vegetarian."

"Could I have a couple slices of veg?"

"Sure. I doubt Beast Boy will mind." Robin began to dig out the slices on a plate as a third voice came from the door.

"No way…you're a vegetarian?" Beast Boy looked surprised as he approached, took the rest of the veg pizza form Robin and sat down.

"Not…really. I still eat seafood."

"Oh…well, it's a start." He began ripping through his pizza as she bit into hers, finding it rather tasty. She soon began to relax as they fell into comfortable conversation.

The sharp rap at the door drew Raven from her thoughts as she fastened the clasp on her bra. The damp towel from her shower levitated back to the bathroom and hung it self up as the black energy encasing it dissipated. Another rap drew a sigh.

"Yes?"

"Friend Raven? It is Starfire. I…" The girl fell silent on the far side of the door. Raven had tried to ignore the little bundle of emotion coming ever closer to her door, back and forth for ten minutes, but she knew what was coming. Deciding to extract payment in blood from Robin for making her deal with this she responded, trying to make her voice as level as possible.

"What is it Star?"

"I was hoping…would you be willing…" Raven drew a dark blue terry cloth robe from her closet and wrapped herself while heading for the door. Punching in her code she found the agitated alien red head staring forlorn at her.

"Do you want to come in and talk?" Raven made out a slow nod as she squinted against the light in the hallway. Star took several unsure steps into the room and allowed the door to slide closed, returning peace to Raven's eyes. Raven gently led her to a chair and then sat on her bed. "So…what's on you mind?" Raven tried to sound curious, despite the fact she was sure she knew what, or rather who, the trouble was.

Raven and Star entered the common room together to find the boys sitting around the table with Sarah. Though they both were focused on her, their heads popped up at the girls' entrance. Beast Boy sent a smile to Raven, an overture she returned. Robin tentatively waved at Star. Instead of waving back, an angry look crossed Starfire's face as she turned on her heel and walked back out. Robin was on his feet in an instant as the door closed.

"Starfire! Wait a minute!" He dashed out the door, calling to her. Raven rolled her eyes as he darted past. Making her way to the stove she set some water for tea. Beast Boy unconsciously followed her every movement with his eyes. Sarah turned back from the door, confused.

"What was all that about?" Beast Boy shrugged as Raven spoke, watching her kettle.

"They just have something they need to work out. Now." The whistle of steam cut off any response and Raven went through the well-practiced steps of steeping her tea. As she finished and raised the cup to her lips, she noticed something on the floor near the computer. It floated over a second later encased in black energy. She snatched it out of the air and noticed Sarah staring at her in awe.

"Wow…" Beast Boy noticed her reaction out of the corner of his eye.

"Yeah…you get used to weird stuff around here." He switched to a small kitty cat and hopped up onto the table, staring at her with big eyes. After a moment he hopped down and turned back. "See what I mean?"

"Uh…yeah…" Raven approached and sat near Beast Boy.

"If you two are finished?" She indicated the paper in her hand. They both nodded for her to continue. "Apparently Robin was suppose to pass this on before he was…distracted. The Justice League is sending someone to interview us about what happened with my father." Beast Boy looked surprised.

"What? Today?"

"Yeah." She handed the paper to Beast Boy, who read it quickly. "Too bad Cyborg isn't here. And Terra." Beast Boy looked at her, surprised at the mention of the blond. "Well, she was part of it." Sarah looked back and forth, confused.

"Part of what?" Beast Boy opened his mouth to respond before promptly snapping it shut and turning to Raven. After a moment she spoke.

"My…father is a demon named Trigon. He tried to break into this dimension just over a week ago. We managed to stop him."

"Oh…"

Raven turned as a small light began flashing near the view screen. A moment later, a familiar image appeared from within a black framed cockpit.

"Batwing requesting clearance to the Tower Roof landing pad." Raven quickly approached the screen and activated the video pick up.

"Clearance granted. Welcome to Titan's Tower, sir."

"Where is Robin?"

"Robin is…training."

"I see. Batwing on final approach. Five minutes. Out." The image winked out and Raven turned to Beast Boy, a look of panic, tightly controlled across her face.

"Find Robin and Starfire, get them up here. I'll head to the roof to greet our guest. Now." Beast Boy nodded and hopped to his feet, dashing for the door.

"Uh…what do I do?"

"Sarah…do you want to look around the tower?"

"Uh…are you sure that's okay?"

"Better than hanging around here. You'd just be lost in the conversation anyway. Don't worry about finding anything you shouldn't, the security system will stop you form entering dangerous areas."

"Then…I suppose so…" Raven nodded and led her to the door.

"I'd suggest the evidence room or perhaps the training room. The computer will guide you."

"Thank you."

"No problem." The separated and Sarah headed for the elevator. Raven turned toward the stairs to the roof and head off. Warping up several levels she checked her clothes to make sure they were free any stains, blood or otherwise. Ascending the stairs she crossed the door way to the roof and headed for the rarely used landing pad. Glancing around, her sharp-eyed picked out the sleek black form of the batwing heading toward the tower. It circled once before setting down in front of her. A black shield blocked the windblast being generated by the engines before they shut down.

The cockpit slid open and the caped form of the Dark Knight hopped out, landing lightly on his feet. The cape fell around him and rustled very slightly as he crossed the short distance between them. He nodded very slightly at her.

"Raven. Where are the others?" Raven wondered for a second how Robin had put up with the man acting like this all the time. She was then thankful he had. It must have made dealing with her considerably easier the first year.

"Beast Boy, Robin and Starfire are assembling in the living room. Cyborg is…on assignment in Steel City, as is Terra."

"I see. Very well than. Lead the way." She gestured to the door and led the way to it. He walked with all the noise of a ghost moving across floor and stair. She surreptitiously glanced back several times to make sure he was actually there. Finding the silence strangely comforting Raven led them on, hoping with every step that Beast Boy had found the others and got them back to the living room. She also hoped Robin and Star had made up, or at lest agreed to a truce while Batman was here.

Her fears were settled when they reached the door. It slid open to reveal the three other titans waiting patiently near the back of the couch, Robin at the fore. As they entered Raven joined them, taking a place at Beast Boy's side. Batman nodded to each of them in turn.

"Starfire, Beast Boy…Robin."

"Batman. It's been a while." Raven could feel the unease radiating off of their leader. After a moment she found to her surprise, that the same feeling was emanating from Batman. Though their cool features hid it completely, she could sense it. It occurred to her she had never inquired as to the circumstances Robin had left his former master under. She made a mental note to remedy that as soon as possible. "Would you like to sit down?" Robin motioned to the main table.

With a little help from the computer system Sarah made her way to the evidence room. Within she found the most astounding collection of objects. Each had a small title card and a short description placed near the case or stand that held them. It was almost like a museum to the titan's accomplishments. Some objects held obvious danger, such a trident hung on the back wall. Others were more mundane, such as the remote control that merely looked heavily modified.

For some time she looked over the collected relics and trophies the heroes of Jump City had gathered. A hundred names she had never heard and a thousand battles that would go unremembered by the masses had left behind this assortment.

As she worked her way through the room she came to a podium set apart from the others, alone in the corner. On it were a pair of short swords hung on a rack over a beat up manuscript. She approached, wondering what could merit this special placement on a room of such wonders. Stepping up to the stand and the small pool of light being cast on it, she read the relatively empty title card.

Property of Alex Keystone

KIA

The given date of death was just over a week ago. Why hadn't they mentioned him? She reached out, trying to touch the book. Inches from it her hand was rebuffed by a shield of some kind. A flash of black energy momentarily outlined the bubble of force covering the circular platform. Black energy? That meant that Raven had done this. Confusion crossed her face as she tried to figure out why Raven would see this, and more importantly this Alex, as important enough to erect a shield around it.

Raven stopped in mid-sentence, her thoughts were drawn instantly to the touch on the shield. For a slight second she froze, waiting. She instantly knew what had happened. Sarah must have found Alex's things. She waited several moments for a second attempt. When none came, she relaxed again. It only then she heard Robin's concerned voice.

"Raven? Raven? You okay?" She shook her head clear and forced herself to remember what she had been saying.

"Oh…sorry. As I was saying, I was unable to move while under the influence of the object, I was a passenger in my own body…"

Still puzzling over the relationship between Raven and Alex, Sarah headed once more for the elevator. After some consideration she headed for the training room. That had been the other place of possible interest Raven had mentioned. Reaching the door she stepped in. At first she was a little disappointed. She had expected something grand and different for the titan's training room. Instead she found a mat, weights, some punching bags, in short, exactly what she would expect in a normal training room.

Except for a few benign classes at the local center, she had never done anything resembling training. Walking the perimeter of the room she looked over the equipment they had set up. Reaching the back wall she found a small control panel labeled 'Holographic Trainer'. More out of curiosity than anything she activated the panel. As she turned around, a holographic version of Robin appeared before her. At least, it wore Robin's mask and had the build of him perhaps two years ago. It wore a white martial arts uniform with a black sash. It spoke in slightly metallic version of his voice.

"Training level?"

"Oh…uh…low?"

"Beginner mode engaged. Take the following stance." The figure turned to the side and spread its feet, hands clenched against his sides. Still slightly surprised, she complied. After taking her best approximation of the stance, the hologram spoke again. "Good. Now, try this."

Several hours later the titan's stood on the roof, watching the Batwing disappear into a passing cloud front. They all let out a deep sigh. Beast Boy finally resumed the smile he had been repressing since Batman had arrived. "Well, glad that's over with." The others spoke in unison.

"Agreed." Starfire grabbed Robin's wrist and nearly drug him to the door.

"Hey! What…wait! What are you doing?"

"We need to talk." Without another word they disappeared through the door and headed down stairs leaving Raven and Beast Boy on the roof. After several moments of silence and them standing around, Beast Boy spoke.

"So…want to get out of here?"

"To where?"

"Anywhere. Whatever happens, I'd rather not be around while those two go at it."

"Can't argue with that. But, where do we go?"

"Hmm…how about Fisherman's Village?"

"Fisherman's Village?"

"Yeah, it's down by the marina. Few shops, couple of restaurants and a wonderful view."

"Sounds wonderful."

"Then let's go." Not waiting for an answer he transformed into a falcon and winged his way off the edge of the tower. A moment later Raven rose into the air and followed.

Crossing the water to the city they followed the water line for a mile before descending. Landing on the cobblestone walk that separated the many wooden docks from the row of fish markets, shops, bars and restaurants, they began walking at a leisurely pace down the relatively empty lane. A few others, some locals, some tourists meandered through the shops and checked the menus posted, more often than not, on chalkboards out front. A few people took note of them as they passed. The locals nodded or waved while the tourists stopped and stared for a moment.

Walking along, checking out whatever struck them, the pair took in all that the quaint little area had. As they neared the end Beast Boy spoke out of the blue.

"Hungary?" Surprised, it took Raven a moment to realize how hungry she was.

"Uh…yeah. Any ideas?"

"How about there?" He pointed to a small restaurant near the end of the row that had a number of tables out front, surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The faded paint of the wooden sign swaying slowly on slightly rusted hinged named it as The Evening Catch.

"Um…okay." He led the way to the front podium where the host stood waiting, a half dozen tables filled behind her.

"Good evening sir. Would you like a table?"

"Uh…yeah. One out front if you could."

"Certainly, this way." Grabbing a pair of menus she led them into the restaurant, the walls of which were ornamented with various fishing regalia. Stepping back outside through the wide doors set into the building's front they took seats in the front corner, with an excellent view of the docks. "Would you like a beverage?"

"Uh…I'll have water."

"I don't suppose you have tea?"

"Oddly enough…we do. Our cook is Japanese, he keeps it on the menu, if only for himself."

"Then I'll have that."

"Very well. I'll be right back." Raven glanced through the menu, trying to find something different. After several moments Beast Boy's head popped up, surprised.

"Huh! They actually have tofu."

"Really?"

"Yeah…cool." They ordered and ate, barely a word passing between them. Every now and again one of them would look at the other and stare for just a moment before returning to their meals. Finishing, they paid and left, hand in hand. Stopping a few steps from the water's edge they glanced out over the shimmering bay and at the sun beginning to drop from the sky. Beast Boy turned to say something when a strange sound caught his enhanced ears. Looking around for a source he found a small craft making its way toward the dock in front of them.

After a moment Raven became aware of the sound as well and also located the source. A small, single masted sailboat cut through the water toward them. As it neared they made out the name Freedom on its prow. The sound, which was the hauntingly familiar tune of a violin, slowed to a stop as the man in the boat set the instrument aside and began working the tiller and sails. The boat expertly glided to a stop along the dock as a pair of anchor lines flew out from it and hooked tie off points at the same time. The sails rapidly came down as Raven and Beast Boy approached. A few moments later the man, carrying a violin case and wearing a baggy white shirt and rolled up khaki pants turned and stepped onto the dock, revealing his long gray hair, beard and well-tanned skin. He froze as his feet hit the wooden boards, staring at the pair. They stared back.

"Jack?"

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