The only sound in the large room was a faint whirring sound, made by a hydraulic pump system. It was dimly lit which almost make a dark portal that suddenly appeared to be invisible. Once it was fully formed Raven and Changeling emerged from the dark circle, followed by their teammates.
The room smelled stale and Gar noticed a mild acrid aroma that permeated it, its harshness having been diluted earlier. He began to survey the room and saw that it was filled with transparent, glass tubes full of a sickening looking fluid.
"I've been here before." Nightwing whispered as he ran one of his hands along a tube. "These are the tubes they were growing the babies in … until they died."
Raven found the chains that had been used to bind Nightwing and Starfire, still attached to their anchors on the floor. She then closed her eyes and touched her forehead.
"I sense people nearby." She announced.
"So do I, that way. Dozens of people, it looks like the Brotherhood of Evil has assembled their own extended team." Mento added as he pointed at the door.
"Well that explains why everything's been so quiet lately, all the bad guys are here, which is fine with me, it'll make it easier to kick their butts all at once." Cyborg chortled.
Gar stared at the door his former mentor and adoptive father was pointing at. Much like the doors in the proverbial game shows, he wasn't exactly sure what was behind it. There was no room for error in this mission and yet they were operating in the dark, as if blindfolded.
"Here' the plan: The original Titans and the Doom Patrol will go after The Brain, Mallah, Rouge and Immortus. The rest of you will have to improvise and take on the others. Take them down as fast as you can. Mas y Menos, I want you guys to find Cyborg's dad." Gar announced.
The assembled team nodded their understanding and agreement. Changeling then turned back to face the door of destiny and taking Raven's hand he squeezed it. She leaned over and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.
"For good luck." She whispered to him.
He responded by hugging her and after he released her he pointed at the door.
"Titans together, TITANS GO!"
-( scene break )-
The sounds of two pairs of footfalls echoed in the long corridor. Two forlorn figures walked down the hallway, unhappily making their patrol rounds inside the secret Siberian base.
Billy Numerous had a frown plastered on his face and his hands were shoved in his pockets as he walked in an slouch. He still wore the same red spandex suit with the mathematical division symbol on his chest. Unlike the days when he was in his prime he was no longer a thin and muscular man, and his costume highlighted his now pronounced gut, the product of too much fast food, barbecue and beer.
His companion was even paunchier. Control Freak looked about the same as in his prime days, if it could be said that he ever had any, except that his hairline was fully receded. He still wore his red hair long with a pony tail, but there was no hiding his dome.
"This sucks Control Freak!" Billy moaned. "Why are we on patrol? Who's gonna invade our hideout?"
The pudgy nerd pulled his juiced up remote control out of a pocket in his coat, fingering it before putting it back.
"They consider us to be a joke, Billy. This is nothing more than make work for us, something to keep us busy and out of the way."
"Yeah! How come the others get invited to the meetings and we don't? What's the Brain got against us anyway? It's not like the Titans never bamboozled the others."
"The Titans are no more." Control Freak replied sadly. "I never thought I'd say this, but I think I'm gonna miss them."
"Well, that Starfire, she was one purty lady if you ask me. She could butter my corn, if you know what I mean."
"Actually, Raven was more my type." Control Freak replied.
"Raven? You've been watching too much TV buckaroo! Your eyes are all messed up. That Raven is one ugly and scary bitch if you ask me, in fact …"
Billy's diatribe was interrupted when a green gorilla appeared out of nowhere and punched him in the face, knocking him out cold. Control Freak froze, staring incredulously at the assailant before he finally recognized him.
"Beast Boy! You're alive!"
The changeling morphed back into his human form and grabbed Control Freak with his left hand while drawing back his right hand, which was balled into a fist and ready to punch the chubby villain.
"No one insults my fiancée! And the name is Changeling!"
Control Freak raised his hands apologetically.
"Uh, that was Billy who said that. I actually said I liked Raven … wait … did you say she's your fiancée? Way to go Beast Boy! I mean Changeling. Major score dude!" The villain replied as he gave his two thumbs up.
"Where is everybody else? Tell me!"
"They're all on the third level. They're having a meeting to discuss how they're gonna wipe out the remaining Titans. Say … can I switch sides … it isn't a lot of fun working for the Brotherhood …"
With a swift and powerful jab Gar stopped Control Freak's sales pitch and the inept villain slumped onto the floor unconscious.
"Yeah right, like that's gonna happen." Gar replied, now surrounded by his teammates.
-( scene break )-
"Monsieur. Mallah. Your. Report." The Brain's synthetic vocoder voice echoed throughout the huge room which was the size of an airplane hangar.
The extended Brotherhood team was seated around a massive circular table and more than a few appeared curious as to what Mallah would report. The genius gorilla stood up from his massive chair at that table and walked over to a giant TV screen, which came to life and displayed tables of statistical data and analysis.
"According to my calculations the next DNA sample has a 37% chance of reaching maturity."
"That's all, 37%?" Madam Rouge complained. "So in other words, they will die like your previous batch did."
"The previous sample had a projected survival rate of 12%, this is a major improvement." Mallah retorted. "Combining human and Tamaranian DNA is harder than it appears on the surface. Nightwing and Starfire were extremely lucky to successfully conceive their daughter."
"I knew we should have kidnapped the child, we could have used her DNA as a starting point." Rouge grumbled. "At this rate it will be years before we can clone our army."
"Perhaps we should seek some help. If we could removed some of the genetic requirements we might improve their chances of survival. " General Immortus remarked. "Guards, bring the prisoner."
Two robotic soldiers saluted and marched out of the room. They returned a few minutes later escorting Dr. Silas Stone at gunpoint. The man now sported a defiant look on his face and his hands were balled into fists.
"What do you psychotics want? Whatever it is, I won't cooperate!"
"Dr. Stone. You. Do. Have. Experience. With. Cybernetic. Implants. Am. I. Correct?"
"What kind of stupid question is that? You know very well that I am the world's top expert."
"Temper doctor, mind your temper. You wouldn't want to lose your head now, would you?" Immortus chided him.
"Do your worst! You took everything away from me; I have nothing left to lose. And I won't make any Cybernetic implants for your army of clones!"
Madam Rouge picked up a razor sharp scalpel from a table, and walked over to the scientist as she twirled the evil blade in her hand.
"We can be very, very persuasive doctor. The art of inflicting pain is my specialty, and I do so enjoy inflicting it. Did you know that there is very little difference between how the human brain processes pleasure and pain? Of course in my case dispensing pain gives me … great pleasure."
Silas tried to break free but the two robots were far too strong and they immobilized him completely. Madam Rouge approached him and caressed his left ear.
"I will start by cutting off your ear. It's mostly cartilage, so the initial pain won't be too intense, but don't worry doctor, we'll progress to the more … sensitive parts of your body … until you agree to cooperate with us." She grinned evilly as she brandished her vile blade.
Silas Stone summoned whatever courage he had left and spat in the woman's face. She betrayed no surprise as she wiped the spittle off of her face and addressed him in stone cold monotone.
"You will regret that Dr. Stone. You will soon be begging me for mercy, even if I have to eviscerate you."
"Like hell he will!" A familiar voice called out.
Silas was unable to turn around, but he would have recognized that voice anywhere.
"Victor!"
Madam Rouge dropped her scalpel.
"Impossible! You died on Ellesmere Island! We saw you die in the explosion!"
Changeling stepped in front of his combined team and pointed at the 4 leaders of the Brotherhood of Evil.
"Titans Go! Doom Patrol, attack!" He shouted.
The attack was swift. Unlike the first time when he led a smaller team against the Brotherhood this time he was not at a numerical disadvantage. The Brotherhood's henchmen were caught by surprise and there were no platoons of robots present at General Immortus's command. The more cowardly henchmen, recalling the routing they received the last time they faced the extended Titans family, tried to run away but their escape route was cut off by Bushido, Pantha, Hot Spot and Argent, who quickly subdued and captured them.
Madam Rouge and Mallah joined the battle and as always proved to be difficult foes. Gnaark and Kole engaged him at first and were soon assisted by Robotman. Mas y Menos reached Dr. Stone and escorted him to safety at the far end of the cavernous room.
Changeling and Raven advanced towards the Brain, dispatching villains like Mad Mod, Punk Rocket and Warp along the way. They were joined by Mento and Negative Man. Just as they were about to reach the Brotherhood's leader he vanished into a swirl of shimmering light.
"Where'd he go?" Gar yelled. "I almost had my hands on him."
"Looks like the rumors are true; the Brotherhood of Evil has developed teleportation technology." Larry remarked.
"But it's only short distance teleportation." Mento added.
"I can still sense him. He's still here somewhere." Raven interjected.
"Show us the way!" Gar shouted.
Raven led the foursome out of the room via a pair of double doors while the battle continued. It was then that Immortus's robots finally arrived. Mallah, Rouge and Immortus also vanished as they too were teleported away. Nightwing and Starfire followed Raven while Cyborg went to protect his father.
Raven led them down a maze of corridors, stopping several times to verify they were still on the right path. Eventually she led them into a massive room. In the middle there was a rocket ship that was venting liquid oxygen and a large countdown timer showed that it would be lifting off in less than 60 seconds. The evil foursome was preparing to board the ship when Madam Rouge noticed their arrival.
"I must congratulate you. Who would have thought that a Shopkeeper and Veterinarian would cause us so much trouble?" She shouted to them.
"Give it up Brotherhood of Evil, your rocket ship isn't leaving." Nightwing shouted back as Starfire prepared some Starbolts with which to cripple the ship.
"Oh, but we will. This base also has a self destruct, which will detonate in 90 seconds. If you hurry, you and your friends might be able to escape from here in time … decisions, decisions … oh, and the self destruct can't be shut down.
"What if she's bluffing?" Mento asked. "What about their henchmen?"
"I don't think she is." Gar added. "And do you really expect them to care about their henchmen?"
"So what do we do?" Raven asked.
"We evacuate." Gar replied in a bitter voice. "They're gonna get away … again."
"We knew you would be reasonable Changeling, you always are. That's why you always lose!" Mallah laughed.
Gar felt something snap inside him and he lunged towards the rocket platform.
"Like hell I will!" He shouted as he began to transform.
Nightwing pulled out his communicator and ordered the remaining Titans to retreat using one of the Herald's portals.
"Raven, you can get us out of here, right?" Mento asked.
"Yes, but we'll be cutting it close."
"Then we'd better help Garfield. Keep track of the time, when there's 15 seconds left round us up and get us out of here."
As Gar ran towards the towering rocket he began to transform. The Doom Patrol had never seen it before but the Titans immediately recognized it. He was turning into the Beast. Within seconds the transformation was complete and with a mighty jump the green leviathan reached the boarding platform. Mallah and Rouge were wide eyed but knowing they had no other choice they confronted the nightmarish monster.
Meanwhile Starfire pelted the rocket's engines with her starbolts, but the strange alloy they were made of was able to resist her attack. Nightwing, Negative Man and Mento joined the Beast in his attack. Negative Man tried to enter the rocket to sabotage it from the inside, but his shadow self was repelled by a force field.
Immortus and the Brain were already aboard the ship, and Immortus emerged brandishing a laser rifle which he began to fire. Nightwing disarmed him with a bird-a-rang while Mento started a mental attack against both Mallah and Rouge.
Gar was beginning to believe that they might be able to storm the ship and prevent its launch when hundreds of Immortus's robots flooded into launching bay, firing their weapons.
The Beast turned to Raven and roared. She knew exactly what he meant.
"35 seconds left!" She shouted back.
The Beast quickly morphed back into his human form
"RETREAT! WE'RE OUTTA HERE!"
The six heroes regrouped and Raven's black hemisphere appeared as the rocket's engines ignited. They reappeared 50 miles away in the frozen tundra. They collectively turned their gaze back towards the Brotherhood's base and saw a rocket lift off and quickly accelerate into the sky.
"5 seconds." Raven announced.
"Everyone cover your eyes!" Gar ordered.
Starfire did not avert her alien eyes which were impervious to atomic blasts. 5 seconds later she saw a bright flash and the base was destroyed. Once the flash subsided Gar kicked a snow bank and dropped an f-bomb. It was the first time Raven ever heard him utter such a vulgarity.
"They got away … again." Larry remarked. "They always get away. The only time they didn't was 12 years ago, when you kids caught them."
"And they escaped during their trial." Mento added. "I was really hoping we would catch again them this time."
Raven approached Gar and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself. You made the right decision … you always do." She consoled him.
"We were so close, so damn close. If we had gotten there just 10 seconds earlier we could have stormed the ship, there's no way they would have stopped us …" He shook his head. "Some leader I am. Mallah's right, I am a loser."
"That's not true Garfield. You made the right decision. They would have escaped and we would have been caught in the blast. Those robots were targeting Raven. Without her there would have been no escape for us." Mento remarked.
"Mento's right Changeling, you made the right choice. The Brotherhood's been defanged for now; they ran away with their tail between their legs. You won Gar." Nightwing added. "And you're a great leader; I couldn't have done it any better myself."
Gar looked unconvinced but thanked everyone for their support nonetheless. After that one of the Herald's portals appeared and the masked trumpeter stepped out of it. Gar looked up at him hopefully, not even needing to as the question.
"Everyone was evacuated. Once the henchman got wind of the self destruct they surrendered to us, so we got them out too."
Gar brightened upon hearing the news.
"At least something turned out right." The changeling replied. "The Brotherhood escaped."
"Yeah, Cyborg monitored their launch. They broke orbit a few minutes ago and headed out into deep space."
"Good riddance." Raven remarked. "I hope they never come back."
The Herald smiled while he gestured to his portal.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting cold. Shall we head home?"
Gar was the last one to step through the portal and to his surprise he found that a party was already underway in the common room in the Tower East. Raven wrapped an arm around his waist and he gave her a weak smile before he sighed.
"Being a leader is tough." He whispered to her.
"I know, not just anyone can do it. But you did."
"But I failed Rave, they got away."
"We'll get another chance Gar. We're behind you, 100%, and I'm behind you 1000%."
"That's not possible Rae; you can't give more than 100%."
She gave him one of her old school glares.
"Don't go mathematician on me Gar, you know what I mean."
"I'm sorry … I'm still disappointed … that's all."
She took his hand in her own, interlacing their fingers.
"So what do we do now Gar?"
He surprised her with a bright smile.
"If I'm not mistaken, we're supposed to get married."
"That's right, we are." She replied.
"So what do you have in mind Raven, what kind of ceremony? Who do we invite?"
Raven squeezed his hand again.
"Well, you know me, I'd prefer something small. But there's no way we can get away without inviting all the Titans."
"Then I guess we should head back to Jump City to make the preparations. The semester starts in 4 weeks so we're gonna have to hurry so I can be back in time to start my new job."
Nightstar flitted up to them and placed two cup cakes in their hands.
"I made them for you." She announced proudly, waiting for them to try them.
Gar and Raven "toasted" each other using their cupcakes after which gar popped his into his mouth, consuming it in a single gulp. Raven rolled her eyes and he protested with a short "What?" while Raven politely ate hers in small bites.
Cyborg and Bumblebee approached them with sly and conniving smiles on their faces.
"What?" Raven asked.
"Don't even think that you aren't having bachelor and bachelorette parties." Cyborg grinned.
"Don't be absurd … why would we want to even consider such debauchery. And the whole precept behind the parties is ridiculous: the implication is that we are losing something by getting married, which is nonsense."
Bumblebee crossed her arms and glared at the gray Titan. "You know, Raven, you've changed a lot since the teams broke up. You're finally at ease with your femininity and your emotions … but you're still a major buzzkill. When are you going to learn to have some good old fashioned fun with your girl friends?"
"I don't need that kind of 'fun'. I've never got drunk and have never understood the appeal of a steroid enhanced beefcake stripper. I already have a man … the best one in whole damn world, a man I love with my heart, body and soul."
Garfield smiled upon hearing her words.
And exasperated moan escaped from Karen's lips. "Sparky, you and BB need to take a hike … it's girl talk time."
The two men shrugged their shoulders and looked at each other.
"Now!" Bumblebee snarled at them.
"OK, sheesh, we're leaving, don't get your stingers in a knot." Cyborg complained as the two men left under duress. Once they were gone she frowned at Raven."
"This isn't about you, girl."
"Excuse me? I'm the one getting married, in case you forgot."
"I haven't forgotten … but this is about us, your friends. We want to have fun with you, to celebrate with you while you're still single. We're happy that you've bagged such a great guy. But for one night, you belong just to us. After you get married … you belong to him … capische?"
Raven frowned as she considered her words.
"I'm OK with celebrating, but must it be tawdry?"
"Yes, it must. Maybe you don't like beefcake … Has it not occurred to you that your friends might enjoy having handsome, half naked guys strutting around them?"
Raven crossed her arms and shook her head. "I'm beginning to sense that I have no choice in the matter."
"Finally! You get it!"
"No, I don't. But I'll play along with this shallow ritual if it will make you happy."
Bumblebee sighed. "Girl, you need to learn to relax and have some fun."
-( scene break )-
Two days later … back in Jump City.
Raven looked critically at the reflection in the full length mirror, not sure what to make of it. A violet haired girl in a deadly looking blue dress stared back at her. The dress was unbelievably light and sheer, clinging strategically to the voluptuous curves on her body. It was revealing, teasing, tantalizing. It was so light that she felt as if she wasn't wearing anything at all.
"Starfire, why am I dressed like this?"
"You are doing the flaunting of the goods."
"Uh ... why? Gar isn't going to be there."
"He does not require of the dazzling, you have already won him."
"So who am I trying to dazzle, exactly?"
"Is it not obvious?"
"Uh … no?"
Starfire giggled. "You will be doing the reminding to our friends that you do the ruling."
"And … why would I want to do that?"
Starfire paused and scratched her chin as she pondered the question.
"I believe that it is called the 'rubbing it in'."
"And why would I … oh never mind."
The princess giggled. "Raven … our friends … they do care about you, do not misunderstand … but for many years when we discussed who would marry who, the consensus was that no one would ever marry you … except for me, of course. I knew that someday you and Garfield would be wed."
Raven stared out of her bedroom window, upstairs over Azarathia.
"They weren't wrong, Starfire … I just got lucky and hit the jackpot."
"That is not true; the one who is fortunate is Beast Boy."
"Dr. Garfield Logan." She corrected her friend.
"He is still the lucky one … have you not seen yourself in the mirror … you are what Earthlings call a 'babe'. You have the high degree of hotness and you will make our friends jealous."
"You seem to be enjoying this more than I am." Raven replied with smirk.
"Do you not believe that you are the hot?"
"I should … he's told me that I am … you know what? I don't think I've ever complemented him on his looks."
Starfire made a dismissive gesture. "The boys, they care not about such things. All he desires is your attention … and your body. But tonight, you will shine like the sun my friend, as we celebrate you."
Raven noticed a limo pull up in front of Azarathia. A huge sunroof slide open and Bumblebee, who was also wearing an evening gown and had a champagne flute in her hand, popped through the opening.
"C'mon ladies, it's time to go!" She shouted as she waved her free arm like a propeller.
"They're here … Starfire, where exactly are we going? Please tell me that it's not some kind of male stripper joint."
Starfire laughed. "Oh Raven, we would not do that to you."
"Then where are we going?" The sorceress asked with a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"You will see Raven, now do not ask again. You are going to celebrate with your friends."
"I still wish you would tell me where we're going."
The princess smiled sheepishly. "Do not worry, Raven. It will be the fun."
-( scene break )-
Raven stared at the small cruise ship as she got out of the limo.
"Starfire … this ship … it looks familiar."
"That's because it is, girl." A vaguely familiar voice replied. "Remember that prom cruise?"
Raven suddenly recognized the voice and whirled around, balls of dark energy forming around her fists.
"Kitten! What are you doing here?"
"Whoa, chill out Raven … I'm one of the good guys now … take it easy."
"It is true, Raven, Kitten and Fang have moved to Bludhaven and have been helping us fight crime there."
Raven lowered her hands and the eldritch power around her fists sublimated away.
"When did this happen?"
"Six years ago. " Kitten replied before gesturing at the ship. "After all the commotion that night when we fought Starfire and Robin the company that operated the cruise ship was sued and went out of business. The ship now belongs to Platinum Events and Entertainment. They sail twice a week for a one day cruise to nowhere, it's really popular with the bachelorette parties. Out in international waters everything goes … and it's ladies only. Even the crew is all female. What happens on the Destiny stays on the Destiny."
"And since there are no men, nothing, mercifully, happens." Raven added.
"Uh … sure, why not. C'mon Raven, you're our lady of honor tonight. Let's get on board! I have to say, most of us thought you'd never get hitched. You sure proved us wrong!"
-( scene break )-
Jarring Rock music played, while a smiling D.J. waved at the different groups that had assembled in the ship's main ballroom, which had dozens of large circular tables in it. Starfire and Jinx led Raven to their table, which was already occupied by Kole, Pantha, Argent, Bumblebee, Kitten and a few women Raven had met two or three times in her superhero career: Wonder Girl, the three Batgirls, Stargirl and Aquagirl.
"Since when are there three Batgirls?" Raven asked no one in particular. Female heroes with secret identities woremasks over their faces even though they were all dressed to kill and the three Bargirls were distinguished by their hair color. Raven had no idea that the red head was Barbara Gordon, the brunette was Cassandra Cain and the blond was Stephanie Brown. The only thing that gave away their Batclan membership was a bat shaped pendant that each one wore on a gold chain.
As Starfire guided Raven into her chair Jinx waved her arms like a windmill, summoning the wait staff.
"Hey! We're thirsty over here!"
A piece of beefcake appeared out of nowhere. He wore tight black trousers and his well chiseled chest was bare and well oiled. A black bowtie adorned his otherwise exposed neck. His hair was long and blond, flowing down to his shoulders. The word 'whoa' escaped from Raven's lips. There was no doubt his physique was the result of a steady diet of steroids, but it was hard to argue with the end result.
"What can I get you ladies?"
"I … I'll have a cranberry juice." Raven gurgled.
Jinx wrapped an arm around the demoness's shoulder.
"Scratch the juice. The lady here will be having a Sex on the Beach."
"What!?" Raven screeched. "Is there really such a drink?"
Kitten laughed while the waiter took their orders. "You don't get out much, do you Raven?"
"I … uh … I don't know … hey … I thought there were no men on board?" Raven sputtered.
"They're gorgeous … aren't they? It's a shame though." Argent remarked.
"What's a shame?"
"They're all gay … oh well; at least they're easy on the eyes. Why are all the hunky guys gay?" The New Zealand girl remarked as the shirtless waiter returned with their drinks. He placed Raven's cocktail in front of her. The sorceress eyed it carefully, as if it was tainted with an STD.
"Come on Raven, try it, it's good." Karen cajoled her.
Raven picked up her glass and took a careful and measured sip. She smacked her lips and took another sip. Before she knew what had happened, her glass was empty.
One hour later …
The ladies were all laughing boisterously. Some were bragging about their sexual prowess to each other. Raven was shocked to hear that Argent had lost count of how many guys she had slept with. Raven had lost count of the number of Sex on the Beaches she had consumed, though there were at least 7 empty glasses in front of her. She had also done something she seldom did: she laughed. This had not gone unnoticed by Bumblebee, who moved to Jinx's now vacant chair and sat down next to the grey sorceress, draping an arm around her shoulder.
"I knew you could loosen up!" Karen slurred slightly.
"Alcohol will do that." Raven replied.
"So how do you feel girl?"
"Pretty good … actually." Raven replied as she draped her own arm around Bumblebee's shoulder. "Relaxed, really relaxed."
"Told ya … see … you're a sister."
"I … hic guess I am … my glass is empty." Raven remarked with a slight slur of her own.
"You've had enough, girl, we don't want you falling asleep before the fun begins."
"Fun? What kind of fun?"
Kitten was sitting nearby and giggled. "We play truth or dare … screw the dare part, let's just play truth."
Raven shrugged her shoulders. "Sure, why not?"
"That's the spirit Rae-Rae … I'll start … truth: who was your first guy." Jinx chortled.
"First guy? What do you mean …"
"What do you think I mean? The first guy you had sex with!" Jinx laughed.
"Oh." Was Raven's only reply.
The other women gathered around Jinx. "So, it wasn't Wally, was it?" Argent grinned.
"Nope … but he thinks he was. It was a guy I met at a dance club … total one night stand … I don't even remember his name, of course I cast a memory spell on him after we were done, so he doesn't remember me at all."
"Your husband doesn't know?" Raven asked incredulously.
"Of course not, you think I'm stupid enough to tell him that?"
Raven blinked. "Isn't marriage about openness and honesty?"
"Yeah, right … what Wally doesn't know won't hurt him. Let him think he's been my only guy … so what if it isn't true … it makes him happy … and for the record, what's shared here stays here."
Raven winced upon hearing those words. She suddenly realized how naïve she was, thinking that everyone was like Garfield. The other women took turns confessing to each other.
Kitten confessed she had three guys before fang. Bumblebee's first was a long forgotten high school friend. Pantha boasted that her first was a Mexican TV star, Argent's first was a Rugby player, Wonder Girl said that Superboy was her first. Aquagirl's was Aqualad even though they never were a couple. Stargirl also lost her virginity to a high school classmate while Wondergirl confessed that her first was an old boyfriend.
Kole was next, and she stared nervously at the floor. Bumblebee laughed. "It's OK girl, we know your husband was your first."
"Actually … he wasn't. Please don't tell Jericho … he doesn't know."
"Relax Kole, we're all sworn to secrecy … so Joey thinks you were a blushing virgin on your honeymoon?"
"Yes … and I feel awful about lying to him … I promised to tell him someday, I just …"
Raven placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's OK Kole; you'll know when to tell him."
"How about you, Starfire?" Kitten asked.
"Nightwing was my first lover."
Kitten grinned. "Was he still Robin when you did it?"
"That is on a need to know basis."
"You were still Teens, don't deny it."
Starfire blushed. Kitten focused her attention on Barbara Gordon.
"How about you,red?"
Babs pursed her lips. "It might be better if I didn't tell."
"Nightwing has already told me that it was with him."
A chorus of 'ooohs' echoed around the table.
"I'm sorry, Starfire."
"OK … moving on … how about you, blond Batgirl?"
Stephanie frowned. "It was with a jerk I'd rather forget about."
"Sorry … how about you?" Jinx asked the dark haired Batgirl.
"I'm still a virgin."
"With a killer bod like that? You're joking."
"I'm not."
Jinx turned to Raven. "So, the only one left to confess is our lady of honor. So Raven, who was he?
Raven remained silent.
"Well Raven, who was your first? Was it some long forgotten guy during your undergrad days? A mysterious guy you met at a Goth party? Was it a one night stand? But most of all was he better than Beast Boy?"
Raven bit her lip and mumbled her reply.
"Speak up, chica, we can't hear you." Pantha grunted.
Raven pursed her lips. "Garfield was my first."
"No freaking way!" Jinx shrieked. "You're half demon and you've been monogamous all your life. Shit! I was thinking that you'd have gone through a dozen guys by now, maybe more."
Raven glared at the hextress. "I'm not like that."
Jinx and Kitten grinned maliciously. "Jinx, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"What are you thinking?" Raven asked nervously.
Jinx raised her glass and consumed it in a single gulp. "I heard that some of the waiters aren't gay."
"What!?"
"C'mon Raven, on Saturday you're gonna vow to forsake all others, you can still get another guy under your belt before it's too late!"
Raven rose to her feet, her indigo eyes were replaced by four red ones.
"How … dare … you!"
Before she could continue Raven felt a firm yet reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Why don't you come with me, dear?"
Raven turned around and found herself standing before a dark haired woman of imposing stature.
"Wonder Woman? What are you doing here?"
The Amazon smiled at the demoness. "Starfire invited me too. I'm sorry that I'm late. Come, Raven, let's get some fresh air."
-( scene break )-
"Sometimes I think there's something wrong with me, Diana."
"There's nothing wrong with you Raven, you're just different."
"That's why I think there's something wrong with me."
"So let me get this straight: Your first time was with your fiancé at the age of 28."
"Yeah … most high school girls have far more sexual experience than I do."
"And why is that good?"
"I don't know … I guess it just makes me feel … undesirable."
Diana patted Raven on the shoulder. "Do you think I'm undesirable?"
Raven coughed violently. "What? You … undesirable? You're Wonder Woman! Whenever the guys talk about your all I ever hear is how hot you are."
Diana smiled. "Raven, I'm older than you are, quite a bit in fact, and I'm still a virgin. You're more experienced than I am, and so are all those women sitting at your table. There's nothing wrong with being sexually inexperienced."
"I'm not all that experienced, Diana. I mean … I've done it just once, and I really sucked at it, it was a bit of a disaster."
"Raven, you and your husband will figure it out, don't sweat it. What's important is that you're in love with each other. The bedroom gymnastics … that will take care of itself."
"How do you know that? I thought you said you were a …"
"You aren't the only who reads books."
Raven blushed. "Thanks Diana. Even though we've only been acquaintances in the past, I'm glad you came. I guess I've always thought of you as THE female superhero, I've always looked up to you."
"We ladies need to stick together, Raven, I see each one of you younger girls as a surrogate daughter. I think I owe you an apology, I should have been more involved with you, it's just that you've always been so level headed and independent … unlike them, I felt like you didn't need me." She head gestured at the table. "But they are your friends Raven, so go back and have fun with them. And I don't think they were serious about you cheating on Changeling, it was just the alcohol talking, and speaking of that, I'd recommend that you stick to fruit juice for the rest of the evening, it's pretty obvious that you aren't used to drinking."
"Thanks, Diana. And you're right; I'm not used to alcohol."
"Good, but before we join your friends, I have a question."
"Sure … fire away."
Diana smiled. "Would you be interested in joining the Justice League?"
-( scene break )-
And now, it's time for the mail bag! I will cover the reviews I skipped last time, as I have been informed that some of you really hate it when I skip the mail bag.
Chapter 13 mail:
The Cretin - "Rita needs to give it up. For better or worse, the betrothed wins just about every time. I think her misplaced anger is out of line here. Hopefully Raven won't make no mistakes.
Great chap. Off to read the next."
I think a lot of parents have a hard time believing that a child will chose a mate over them,
spirit117 - "Well...that was fun...you have to love it when you meet the in-laws."
I remember when I first met mine. I was alittle tense.
Sweetums14 - "At the edge of my chair! I've never read the comics but, I've noticed that Rita hates Ravenn! And I really love how you convey rr character!"
Rita hating Raven is more of my thing, the overbearing mother in law who finds fault with any girl her son brings home.
Apollo Child - "I was wondering why is it that Raven always has to work for Rita's approval? Is this based on her personality or for plot reasons?"
A bit of both. Raven has always felt like an outsider, so It stands that she won't click with Rita.
gabylokita41 - "Nice i loved it wonder what Rita will do to separate rae rae and bb really good and have fun :)"
As you already know now, she has grudgingly accepted her gray daughter in law
TW - "That scene with Rita was a little intense."
Life can be intense. And for poor Raven it has always been an uphill battle.
Guest - "Rita stands no chance. That is all. Keep up the awesome story :)"
BB is fiercely loyal to his Raven. I could never see him cheating on her.
TheBeezKneez - "Lol, it would be awkward if Garfield choose Britain 'Hint hint' Jk"
Actually, BB and Raven are going to take a trip to London
Toolazy - "Luckkkyy! Rita is such a bitch. I love that you made it awkward with BB and Rae for their first time."
I've always thought that stories where two virgins (or near virgins) make love like pros to be very unrealistic. In real life they don't know what they're doing.
Bluedog197 - "OH REALLY NOW! let the epic cat fight begin! that was low even for her she has terra personality calling raven names i mean yes every mother wants to protect there son but i mean come on that was uncalled for and then judging her background that is sad but raven was awesome when she did not take it lying down she stood up and was fighting to win i wonder who he will choose and don't get me started on robin.. it's not a trap he says where going he says but heck no not in this lifetime. but great story and plot the perfect amount of drama and romance plus fluff it too good to be true cant wait to see what happens next so keep at it."
I like making Rita the harsh mother in law that poor Raven has to win over.
Shadico - "Oh goodness, I think i'm so used to LamontCranston's version of Rita that this portrayal came as a bit of a surprising shock. I've no doubt that Gar will choose Rae, but the drama that is sure to ensue because of Rota confronting Gar...dear Azar is this gonna be juicy. Good on Rae for keeping her cool under that unjust berating. Have fun at Comic Con! Hope you're cosplaying as something! Always more fun if you do. Can't wait for the next chapter!"
No slutty Rita in this story. And Comic Con was a blast.
Hairul The Nightrage Beast - "Yeah man it's like The Good Fight all over again. And well I think Raven is thinking "U MAD RITA?" cos she's going to marry Garfield. But I do have a bad feeling that Nightwing will probably gut the BoE members like how Roy gutted the Electrocutioner for letting Star City go to hell and let his daughter die."
There is some anger going around for sure.
Primu - "Great chapter! I remember how Rita used to be so sweet to Raven in the previous version. Now you make her meaner like the one from Carving in Stone (miss that story, you ought to keep it up). Looking forward to the next chap. P.S. Hopefully this Nightwing will not turn into a jerk as well."
I am planning on rewriting Carved.
Anoymous136 - "Oooohh, snap! Raven can dish out as well as she takes, girlfriend!Btw, me thinks the lady doth protest too much, if you know what I mean. *cough* Rita *cough*"
Raven will fight for what is hers.
JOHNXgambit - "all boarding the S.S DISASTER have your carry on and tickets present please"
No worries, this story won't be a train wreck like carved.
DeeThom - "This whole Rita/Raven thing is always one of my favorite part about your stories. Especially since people can't seem to get past their prejudices. I could understand if it was a personal thing for Rita, like if she was attacked by a demon or something, but it seems mostly unfounded. Like she just doesn't trust her son's judgment."
A lot parents don't trust their adult children's judgement.
krostovikraven1 - "Take that Nightwing! really? after all of they went thru and after knowing Gar was part of the Doom Patrol and knows better the Brotherhood, he still doubts i'm sorry to say but i understand Rita's position. Raven used to treat him bad, there is a grudge that any mother would hold against anyone mistreating her offspring, But she should keep it to herself. Not only she and Mento knew about them dating in the last year before disolving the team, but its been over ten years that apparently, they didnt even had contact. Heck! they didnt even went to his graduation. They dont know how much things have changed for them."
I never got the feeling that Dick ever respected Gar in the show.
titanfan45 - "Good job on Raven and Rita's "chat". Have fun at the comic-con."
Thanks!
discb - "Wow Rita... Have fun at the Con"
Comic Con exceeded my expectations.
And now the Chapter 14 mailbag!
Mortal Guardian - "Like a review I left in your former version of this story, I see you kept the Narnian reference (from The Magician's Nephew) about a royal's duty. Glad you enjoyed yourself at the Comic Con, now get on with the story! (LOL)"
That was such a good line; I would never take it out.
The Cretin - "Me and my wife used to cosplay. I went to a Comic Con as Ash from the Evil Dead...complete with fake shotgun...SHOP SMART...SHOP S-MART. Hmmm...just a word...I don't like Cy/Jinx. Sorry but I feel Sarah is the one for him. It's one of the few times I can recall the man ever being at peace. I find it funny that Immortus thinks the Titans will scatter. Considering that both Speedy and Donna Troy also served as Titan leaders and Cy has leadership skills as well. The part with Nightstar was heartwarming. I also liked the exchange between Gar and his parents. All in all, great chap. Sorry it took so long to catch up. Hope I can keep up from here to the end. See ya around Master Jedi."
I'm not a Cyborg/Jinx shipper, and Khary didn't sound all that thrilled either!
Primu – "Can't wait for the action ;) Wish i could attend Comicon in US once before I die (haha)."
New ones keep popping up. The Denver Comic Con is only 2 years old.
TW – "I always wondered what Steve and Retia's reaction would be if they found out about Gar and Raven. Not every day that you here your adopted green shape shifting son is marrying a half demon."
Now you know my interpretation!
krostovikraven1 - "that sounds like a great weekend. i guess Cyborg is more difficult to be dressed as. if they want to look close to real like the others, loved the chapter by the way. How Gar stood up to his parents and their prejudices. hopefully that will stop them from getting in their way."
A Cyborg cosplay must be really hard to do.
Hairul The Nightrage Beast – "Well then the Titans will definitely give the Brotherhood a beating and routing that they'll never forget. And finally Gar now's got the balls to tell Mento and Rita a big fat "Balls To You!" To em. Heh typical of the BoE to nuke their old bases, so very cliche."
Gar has grown up!
gabylokita41 – "Its nice to hear that u had fun at the comic con :) loved the chap i remember this part still like it anyways i love the way ur doing it this time around too even tho i read the original its great the way u keep us guessing what's ganna happen next either way ."
Comic Con was fun!
Bluedog197 – "NOW THAT is what i call a destraction really great story but how dare mento and rita judge raven i mean yes they want to protect beastboy but not that way but beastboy stood up for his mate that is what i call love any way poor nightstar she want her parents to stay and see i told you she didnt like the apartment and a half breed how dare they and that was her family and now it time for some action. so great story and glad to hear you enjoyed comic con keep up the good work."
BB is fiercely loyal to Raven.
titanfan45 –" I'm glad that Garfield got the air cleared with his parents. He was right in telling them that they had not been a part of his life for so long and then to just appear and second guess his choice to marry Raven was unacceptable. At least they had the good graces to admit they were wrong. Thanks for the description of the comic-con, I definitely am going to have to attend one."
You definitely should go to one!
Death Stroke The Kid - "Rita and Mento can suck it. lol that's just my opinion. Things are warming up now :)"
Evil in laws!