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

(A/N): Sorry this took so long. Updates are going to be more sporadic than before for various reasons. The long awaited continuation of the story begins.

Chapter 5

Alternatives

"Jack?" Raven said again. The man started from his frozen position and took a few steps closer to them.

"Raven…Garfield. Didn't expect to see you here. On the dock I mean. I was planning on visiting you later… How have you been?" Beast Boy was surprised at how quickly the man had regained his balance.

"Fine Jack. We've had a few trials, but we're good. You?"

"Oh…keeping on, keeping on." He stopped again and looked closely at Raven's eyes. She blinked under the scrutiny before he turned his gaze to Beast Boy. He stared for another moment before breaking out in a wide smile and a low chuckle. "So…that's how it is." The looked at each other, confused.

"What?"

"Your night must have gone even better after we parted company." Still confused for a moment, they both realized what he was insinuating at the same time. Comprehension and matching blushes crossed their faces. Beast Boy stammered.

"Well…you see…"

"No, no…no explanation needed. Think no more of it. So, what brings you folks down to the docks on such a fine evening?" Raven answered first.

"We needed to get away from the tower for a little while. It's been kind of hectic lately."

"Ah…I know how that can be. Never could get the hang of living with people. Not for long anyway. But such is my life." For several moments they stared at each other, unsure of what to say next. Eventually Jack spoke again. "Well, I have business to attend to further inland. I'll be sure to drop by the tower before I leave. If you don't mind that is."

"Of course not."

"Thank you. Garfield. Raven." He shook Beast Boy's hand and planted a respectful kiss on the back of Raven's. "Until fate brings us together again." With another warm nod he passed between them and headed on up the dock. They nodded in return and watched as he disappeared into a side street up the block. They turned at the same time and stared at each other for a moment before simultaneously letting out low chuckles. Beast Boy stopped first.

"That was unexpected."

"Yes. Odd meeting him here. I honestly didn't think I'd ever see him near the city."

"Sometimes people just surprise you like that."

"Yeah…" Raven glanced at the falling sun. "We should probably get back. Depending on what happened, the tower will either need more people for Sarah to talk to, or someone to start picking up the pieces."

"Agreed." A moment later Beast Boy transformed into an eagle and took flight. Raven followed after and they made the relatively short journey to the middle of the bay.

Setting down on the roof they listened for a moment. Hearing nothing out of the ordinary they headed for the door. Making their way downstairs, the silence continued. Raven glanced suspiciously around a corner.

"Weird. It's never this quiet in the tower…"

"I know… You don't suppose…she killed him?"

"I doubt it. Let's check the common room." She nodded and they headed for the main room. Stalking silently through the passages they reached their goal. Diving through the door they found an empty room, silent and dark. A whip of black energy flicked on the lights. Still seeing nothing they turned and headed back out to the hallway. Beast Boy glanced back and forth.

"Their rooms?"

"Yeah…Star's first." Taking the elevator down they passed through the hall to Starfire's quarters. The door slid open as they approached. Silence greeted them once again. Risking his vision, Beast Boy quickly stuck his head in and quickly glanced around. Popping back out he reported. "Nothing. They're not here."

"Robin's room then." He nodded and reluctantly led the way. As they turned a corner they found what they had been searching for. Raven knelt and picked up the purple top. "Guess they made up." Folding it she held it in mid air with a sheath of energy and moved over to pick up Robin's cape. Folding it as well she placed them both near his door. Turning she silently led them away from the Boy Wonder's quarters.

They walked on for several moments before something tugged at Raven's mind.

"Hey…where's Sarah?"

"Oh yeah, nearly forgot about her." After hesitating a moment he stepped over to a computer panel and pushed a few buttons. With a beep it reported her location as being the training room. "Uh…didn't we recommend that to her like eight hours ago?"

"Yeah. You don't think she'd still at it do you?"

"One way to find out." Continuing down the corridor they headed for the elevator. Arriving at the training room a minute later they entered to find Sarah still hard at work, using the holographic training system Robin had created when he first arrived. She noticed them after a few moments and stopped in mid punch, embarrassed. Composing herself she deactivated the hologram and walked over to them. Raven looked at her, surprise plain on her face.

"You've been training, all this time?"

"Uh…yeah. It was so much fun, I lost track of time." Beast Boy's eyebrow shot up.

"Fun?"

"Uh…yeah. Well…if you don't mind…I think I'll grab a shower," she yawned widely, "and go to bed."

"I guess it's see you tomorrow then."

"Thanks. Good night." With a nod she headed for the door and disappeared into the corridor. The pair glanced at each other and nodded in agreement. Without a word they headed for Raven's room. Reaching her door, Beast Boy took her hand a laid a gentle kiss on it. With a smile, he turned and headed for his quarters. Her heart melting very slightly, Raven backed into her own room and prepared for sleep.

It was relatively early in the morning when Robin first started awake. Carefully disengaging himself from the angel lying next to him he stalked silently to the bathroom. His body worked mechanically through a quick shower while his mind hummed to itself, too pleased to think coherently. For the first time in days, he was contented again. Slipping silently into training gear, he left the room, the gentle swoosh of the doors the only sound.

Making his way through the silent tower he headed for the training room. As he approached, he was surprised to hear someone already awake and training within. The door slid open at his approach to reveal Sarah, wearing a training outfit she must have found somewhere, practicing with the holographic program he had installed shortly after first arriving. He watched her for several moments, surprised at how quickly she was picking things up after watching the hologram.

He stepped closer and she noticed him a moment before he spoke.

"So, I see you found the training program."

"Uh…yeah. I had so much fun learning yesterday that I couldn't wait to come back this morning. I hope that's all right…"

"Of course, you are our guest after all. I notice you're already into the intermediate program. You must be a really fast learner to go so far."

"I guess so. Sometimes I just pick things up quick. This hologram has been really useful." Robin began circling the training mat.

"Yes, holograms can be an excellent training tool. Just one problem with them." He reached the control panel and switched it off. "Holograms don't hit back. So, what do you say to a little sparing? Promise I'll go easy."

"Hmm…okay."

"Excellent." He stretched for a moment and took a place on the mat opposite her. They faced each other and bowed. Stepping back into matching stances, each took several deep breaths. Robin hesitated for only a moment before striking. He reserved his style, using only moves she knew.

With all the dignity and ceremony of an avalanche, Beast Boy rolled out of bed and fell to the floor. Rising with adrenaline powered quickness he slumped back down a bit after realizing he wasn't in fact under attack. Going through his morning stretching routine he decided to make it an easy morning and skip his normal workout. He had a feeling he would need all his energy today.

Taking a shower and changing into his uniform he headed for the main room to find some breakfast. Arriving at his destination he found Raven already at the table, leaning over a cup of tea, eyes closed. She looked up as he entered and smiled in a way he knew was reserved for him and him alone. He smiled back, a smile meant just for her. She turned back to her tea and he headed for the fridge. They didn't need to speak, one quick look said everything they wanted to say.

Reaching the counter, he was surprised to find the frying pan on low heat and tofu already prepped on a plate. Glancing back at Raven's back ha smiled before proceeding to cook his breakfast. Fixing a plate and dealing with dishes he sat down next to her at the table's corner. After several minutes of silence Raven rose and set her cup in the sink. After finishing, Beast Boy did the same with his dishes. For several minutes they continued to sit in silence until Raven finally spoke.

"Well…it's been a week and still no threat to Sarah. I wonder what this 'boss' is waiting for?"

"No idea. You don't think…there is a boss, right?"

"I'm pretty sure she didn't just make it up. All we can do is wait."

"I suppose you're right…" A moment later the door slid open and Robin entered, followed by Starfire. Whatever had been going on between them the last few days had clearly been put in the past. They were once again all smiles. After quickly trading greetings they headed for the kitchen to collect their own breakfasts. As they returned and took seats side by side, the door slid open once again and Sarah emerged.

She also greeted them and headed for the kitchen. Collecting a bowl of cereal she sat as well, apart from both couples. After several moments she decided to break the silence.

"So Robin, how am I doing?" He considered the question for a moment before answering, the others curious as to what she was talking about.

"Extremely well. You're a very quick study." Seeing the confused looks on the others, he elaborated. "She been training with that hologram down in the gym. She's getting quite good."

"Thanks. It might come in useful when the Boss finds me."

"Speaking of which…any idea where she might be?"

"No… But I'm sure she'll waste no time when she figures out I've come here." Robin nodded.

"Well…I guess all we can do is-" He was cut off as the view screen suddenly flared to life. Each of them sprang to their feet and turned, surprised.

A woman wearing a tightly wrapped red overcoat and a wide brimmed red hat that hid all but the ends of her long blond hair, appeared in front of them. With out a moment's hesitation, she spoke.

"Teen Titans, I am aware that there is one staying with you that I with to speak with. I have made several
attempts to procure her services peacefully. Now I run out of time. You will accompany her to the roof of the office tower under construction on 4th and Jameson. If you fail to comply," she raised her right hand to show a detonator, "I will be forced to begin destroying some of this cities more valuable buildings. You have one hour." The image winked out.

All five of them stood in silence for several moments. Sarah's face was twisted in horror at what might happen because of her. Raven turned to face their fearless leader.

"Any ideas?" He shook his head slowly.

"No. We can't just give her up…but there's no way we can search the city in an hour."

"Could we go as a diversion? It might buy the police some time to search."

"No B. She'll have that covered. Maybe we can find a way to block the detonator signal… Cyborg could do it no sweat. Or maybe…"

"I'll turn myself over." They spun around to stare at Sarah, who was looking off into nothing.

"Friend Sarah, we cannot just give up."

"Thanks Star, but it's what I have to do. No matter what she wants me to do, it can't be as bad as what she might do if I don't." For several moments that simply stared at her. Finally Raven slowly nodded.

"Okay. We'll find a way to get you back." Sarah nodded once in response. Robin took a deep breath.

"Okay. Let's get going. Sarah can ride the R-cycle with me. Titans…go…"

The R-Cycle was joined at street level several minutes later by Raven, Starfire and a green hawk. Racing quickly through the light traffic they soon arrived at the construction site. From there Raven transported them to the roof to await the meeting. The boss must have had the roof under survalence for it was far sooner than the deadline when a large helicopter descended from the sky and hovered a few inches above the partially finished floor and protruding girders. At this level of constriction there was hardly anything to walk on other than the steel beams and an occasional piece of plywood.

From the chopper hopped two women they recognized and a pair of well armed guards. One was the boss, her face still hidden, the other…was Jinx. The boss spoke.

"Excellent. Good to see you Titans can follow orders. Now, Sarah, last chance, will you join me?"

"Will...will you leave this city in peace?"

"Of course."

"Then...then I will go with you."

"Excell-"

"NO!" All of their heads whipped to the side to see a tattered man climbing the loose rope ladder to a small section of floor that was finished in the corner. Robin noticed the boss's hat come up just enough to reveal a pale face and bright read lip. From the place he gained in the corner, Jack spoke again. "I'll not allow you're family to corrupt another child!" The Boss's reply was stunned.

"Jack...we were sure you were dead. Well, guess I'll claim two prizes today. Jinx, take them down!" Taking a small step forward, the purple haired girl extended her hands and waves of energy began rushing outward, not at the team, but at the structure beneath them. Creaks and groans sounded all around them as the rivets and weld began to give way.

Sarah raised her arms to defend herself. "NO!" A hailstorm of rivets exploded from the beams then as Jinx's strange abilities took over. They were not without opposition though. Reality was twisting this way and that under Sarah's influence as well. Every rivet that popped out sailed across the structure, often ricocheting off several others, would immediately find a new home in recently vacated hole. As the beams slowly collapsed, they were reattached in a different position, only to be popped loose again moments later as the building slowly collapsed around them. Jinx poured on more power and Sarah countered her. The waves now seemed to be breaking around an invisible shield being projected around her.

The team did their best to keep footing as the building alternately destroyed and reconstructed its walls. It was an odd phenomenon watching the building grow consistently shorter but maintain its structural integrity.

After several moments of battling between the reality warping powers, a sudden flashing rift of energy appeared where the shield and waves met. Robin shouted over the chaos all around them.

"Raven! What is that!"

"I...I'm not sure! It looks like a rip in space time! We have to stop this! If they-" Without warning the rift exploded in massive flash consuming whatever she was going to say.

Robin came to startled and glanced around. The building, Sarah, everyone else...all gone. After a moment he realized he was looking through a mask. Pulling it off he looked at the front. Black...with two crossing slashes of red. After several moments his confused brain realized what it was he was looking at.

"What the hell..."

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