NOTE: I apologize in advance for my poor job in coming up with a name for the world Beast Boy and Raven are going to. I don't do so well with making up names, but I tried, so there. Feel free to come up with your own name and use that instead if it bothers you.
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The True Meaning of Sacrifice
by: IHOP
Chapter 6 – The Exodus
Beast Boy and Raven stepped out of the portal to find themselves at the edge of a small forest overlooking a deep canyon. Everything was the same as it was on Earth, with some differences. The grass was so short that it was barely visible, and the trees were all slim and curved in varying directions. The rocks in the crevice were all shaped differently, almost like sculptures crafted with no clear purpose in mind. While it looked like a relatively fertile landscape, there was no sign of life besides the foliage. Everything seemed to be covered by a transparent blue shadow reflected by the deep indigo sky, which was speckled with pale violet clouds and greenish-gray stars.
"So, where are we, exactly?" Beast Boy finally asked.
"It's called Zagrad," Raven answered. "It's close to where Azarath... used to be. Somewhere in that canyon is an abandoned temple. We can perform the Cleansing Incantation there."
The two began their trek into the canyon, carefully maneuvering down the rocky slope, trying not to slip and fall. As they did this with a substantial degree of difficulty, a cynical—but seemingly logical—thought suddenly occurred to Beast Boy.
"Hey, why aren't we just flying?" he asked in a very matter-of-fact tone.
"I suppose I should have mentioned that the temple is underground," Raven said, a subtle blush revealing slight embarrassment. "The entrance is somewhere on the floor of the canyon, so we're better off on foot."
"Oh," Beast Boy sighed lightly.
They continued walking, searching for some sort of a hole, a rupture in the ground, something that could be an entrance. After some time their presently fruitless search had been especially draining to Beast Boy, who was already weakened. He soon began to feel the start of another attack, this one largely muted by Raven's healing spell and his meditation, but still painful nonetheless. His knees weakened, forcing him to the ground as he clutched his chest and groaned in quasi-agony.
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Back in Jump City, the flame demons reappeared right on schedule, alerting the three vigilant Titans.
"Keep them from spreading!" Robin shouted to his teammates, and he, Starfire, and Cyborg began their assault. Their attacks, once again, had no effect, but they did manage to keep the creatures huddled together in one spot.
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A surprised Raven turned to see the changeling behind her and kneeling on the ground, and rushed to his side. "Beast Boy, are you all right?" she asked worriedly.
After a few seconds, Beast Boy's strength finally began to return, albeit in very small increments, and he looked up at Raven with a feeble smile. "Don't worry. It wasn't that bad this time. I think I'm just a little tired from walking."
Raven felt both pity and admiration for Beast Boy—so burdened by supernatural forces, yet willing to fake a smile just to keep her from worrying. He tried to get up, but stumbled. Raven quickly assisted him and allowed him to lean on her for the duration of their journey. Beast Boy smiled warmly at her kindness.
Eventually, the pair came across a skinny, greenish river. Raven decided that they needed a rest, especially Beast Boy, so she stopped and gently laid him down next to the water. Using her powers, she gathered some water in a cup of dark energy, purified it, and slowly let it pour into Beast Boy's mouth.
"Thanks," the green hero said tenderly after the last of the cool, refreshing liquid traveled down his throat. "I really appreciate everything you're doing for me."
"It's no trouble," Raven insisted with a smile. "I would do anything for you." Her smile faded as she realized what she said, not only because it didn't fit her personality, but also because she knew that her statement would be put to the ultimate test very soon. She sat down next to Beast Boy, who sleepily laid his head on her shoulder. Raven simply stared grimly at the strange sky, overcome with a bittersweet feeling brought about by her slumbering teammate.
Beast Boy awakened from his sleep, feeling relatively well-rested considering his condition. As he yawned and stretched his arms, he quickly realized that he was no longer leaning on Raven, and that she was standing a few feet away along the edge of the river. She was staring down at her wavering reflection in the tamely flowing water.
"Hey, Raven," Beast Boy called with discomfort. "Are you okay?"
Raven looked up quickly, as if roused from a dream. "Yes, I'm fine." She walked toward the changeling. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yep," Beast Boy replied energetically. "I'm ready to keep going." He carefully stood up and smiled triumphantly. Then he held out his hand invitingly. "Come on, let's go." They resumed their hike, with Raven watching carefully in case Beast Boy's strength diluted again.
The two had been traveling for what had seemed like forever and they were prepared to give up searching for the temple altogether. Suddenly, as they took another step, a large sinkhole opened underneath them. Too surprised to react, Beast Boy and Raven shouted as gravity took hold and they plummeted into a dark abyss.
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There you go: chapter 6. A bit shorter than the last few chapters, but I'm running a little short on ideas. Hopefully, I'll come up with something soon.
Review, please.