The flying black went almost unnoticed by the local citizens, who for the most part were too busy with their midday rush to raise their heads to sky. The few who did see it noticed that two people were riding it back to the now reactivated Tower on Titans Island.

The city didn't get to see a great deal of the Tower's new occupants, who had only recently begun to venture out of the Tower, led by The Flash and Jinx on training missions where they took on light weight law breakers. There were rumors of new villains popping up; ones to replace the now incarcerated ones from the past. Control Freak and Mumbo were no longer a threat, but new villains, such as the explosives crazy Bombtastic and the pheromone wielding Scent had appeared on the scene. There was even an editorial in the local newspaper which complained that superheroes attracted supervillains, and that both had big egos that demanded the presence of the other, like ying and yang forces, permanently intertwined in a circle.

For the moment Garfield Logan was glad almost no one noticed him, as he did not look or feel, as Starfire would have said in her teen years, glorious. His signature fang that protruded from his mouth was missing and Raven was holding it in her hand. She would help him grow it back later that night, with a combination of magic, her healing blue light and his own regenerative powers. Ravager removed it from his mouth with a well placed spinning heel kick.

The missing fang wasn't the only damage he incurred at her hand. Both of his eyes were black, he had three bruised ribs and he walked with a limp. Rose didn't get away Scott free, though. Even though he was outmatched by her he did manage to inflict some damage as well, though in the end he was the one who lost.

As noon approached Rose dismissed him for the day, telling him to work on his blocking. She then leaped off the edge of the mesa. Raven scurried to the edge and looked down. It was at least a one thousand foot drop and the side of the mesa was completely shear. There was no sign of Rose though and Raven frowned.

They finally reached the Tower and landed on the rooftop, where Cyborg and Nightwing awaited them. Cyborg had a wheelchair waiting, which Beast Boy refused.

"Dude, I know I got my butt kicked, you don't have to rub it in."

"Listen B, you took some damage. You're going straight to the infirmary." Cyborg replied.

"How does she do it?" The changeling complained as he limped to the elevator. "It's like she can read my mind, she could practically predict my every move. I can't be that bad about telegraphing my moves, am I?"

"You aren't." Nightwing interjected as they entered the lift.

"How do you know that?" Raven asked. "Did you watch?"

Nightwing explained to them how he borrowed a spy satellite from Luthor. He also told them how Ravager fired a grappling hook and swung into a cave in the mesa, from which she did not emerge.

"You know that means that Luthor sees everything you do." Raven remarked. "And that cave is not the entrance to Slade's lair. That would be too easy."

"You're right, it would be too easy. Wally and Kid Flash are exploring it right now. Somehow I doubt they will find any sign of her in that cave. As for how Beast Boy got his ass kicked, I think Rose has precognition abilities."

"You mean she can see into the future?" Gar asked in an astonished voice as they entered the infirmary.

"After watching you spar with her, I think she can predict actions by a couple of seconds. I know that doesn't sound like much, but for a skilled martial artist like herself it's an eternity, a huge advantage. There's no way you could beat her without using your powers. Even I would have a hard time with her." Nightwing remarked.

Cyborg took the changeling to a med station and began to examine him. Raven pulled Nightwing aside.

"What are we going to do? Gar can't handle too many more 'sessions' like this … if he can't use his powers she'll kill him. Why is she even doing this? This isn't training; she's just beating up on him for the Trigon of it." Raven complained.

"I think I know what she's up to. And I do have a plan."

"Well, don't keep me waiting … what is it?"

"I have a few things to work out still, I'll tell you and Gar about it later, after dinner. Right now he needs you at his side. Ravager didn't just bruise his body."

"I know, he looked destroyed when she dismissed him … this plan of yours, can't you even give me a hint?"

"It involves you."

"Me?" She replied.

"Yeah, you. We need some magic to level the playing field."

-( - )-

Ravager was grinning when the flying disk approached the mesa the next morning. Again, her cowl was down and the bruise on her left check stood out in its purple glory. As soon as Raven landed she approached them.

"Wow, your healing powers are even better than what dad told me. You even grew his tooth back … I'm impressed. You really are the dedicated wifey, aren't you?"

"I'd do anything for him." Raven replied in her gravelly, old school monotone.

Rose cracked her knuckles. "He'll need it; he had better have practiced yesterday, because today I'm opening a can of whoop ass on him. I hope you brought your magical first aid kit with you, because he's gonna need it."

"What is the point of this? You aren't training him at all."

"Sorry, witch, I'm not telling you."

Raven glared at her. "Suddenly the idea of killing you has become very tempting … and I could do it."

Rose grinned from ear to ear. "You don't have the balls to do it."

"And I supposed you do?"

"Do you know how many men I've killed?"

"Don't confuse pyschopathy with courage, Slade-Girl."

"Better a psychopath than demon spawn … like the little girl you have."

The two women balled their firsts and glared at each other. Beast Boy stepped into the fray.

"I thought I came here for training, not to watch a cat fight ... Raven, as much as I'd like you to kill her, if you lay a hand on her, Mark is as good as dead."

Raven frowned at him and after hesitating she backed away. Ravager smirked. "And here I thought you were the smart one and he was the stupid one. Silly me."

"I'm ready, Rose." The changeling interrupted.

"You are? And how do you know that, puke face?"

"I trained yesterday with Nightwing."

"Well, I'm impressed; maybe today you'll be half a challenge. Oh and when you go home later …" Rose pointed at the sky. "… tell Nightwing I know he's watching and that he's wasting his time trying to trail me. I know the Flashes went into the cave to find me. You aren't going to find the lair, so give it up."

"You can't blame us for trying."

"I can and I want you to stop. If you aren't ready to begin work in 30 days, you can kiss your boy and your girlfriend goodbye. So you'd better focus on your training. And there won't be any second chances. Understood?"

"Understood." He growled back at her.

"Good … now the ass kicking will begin." She grinned.

Rose leaped into the air, aiming a flying side kick at his head. With lightning fast reflexes the changeling dropped to a crouch and she flew over him. He then leaped into the air and performed a one handed somersault, landing in front of her in a fighting stance. Ravager nodded approvingly.

"You weren't lying, that was one of Nightwing's moves, and executed perfectly I might add. There's one problem, though … I've studied bird boy and his moves. He does have more of them now that he's ditched the traffic light suit, but I know them all. I'm afraid that you're gonna hafta do better than that Logan, but don't worry. When I'm done teaching you, you'll be able to kick his butt."

"You don't want to teach me anything, you just want to beat me up!"

She smirked. "Well, yeah. I like to watch your witchy wife's face while I kick your ass. She might not say it, but we both know she wants a real man, one who can actually fight … maybe after I'm done with you she'll wise up and trade you in for something better." She broke out laughing.

The changeling screamed as he lunged at Rose. It had not gone unnoticed when she was distracted that her precognitive ability would momentarily fade away. Taking advantage of the situation he wrapped his arms around her waist and he tackled her. They landed on the ground with a dull thud and rolled while they exchanged blows with each other. He connected a palm strike to her face. She fell on her back and continued to roll, fluidly returning to a standing position. She wiped the blood away from her mouth and smiled.

"Temper, temper, Logan. You can't allow your emotions to rule you; I figured you'd know that being married to the ice queen herself."

"Enough with the put downs, are you going to fight or not?" He replied.

"See, now that's what I'm looking for!" She shouted.

Ravager lashed out at the changeling with a fury that made Raven wince as she watched, though she didn't quite exteriorize the same concern for the well being of her spouse as she did the day before. Rose quickly connected with a roundhouse kick to his side. He grunted but struck back immediately with a pair of lightning fast jabs, which both connected with her face. Dazed she staggered back. He leaped in to the air, aiming to kick her in the head. She dodged out of the way and struck back, also missing. Raven immediately noticed that the smug look on Rose's face was gone and smiled.

The sparring session continued for an hour, and the pace did not relent. Both fighters were drenched in sweat and were finally showing signs of fatigue. The match was fairly even and both combatants had bruises and blood oozing from their noses and mouths. Finally Rose stepped back and raised her hands, indicating that it was enough. The changeling acquiesced and stepped back as well.

"Good job … I'm impressed." She panted. "It's hard to believe that you're the same guy from yesterday."

She turned to Raven. "Did you cheat?"

Raven glared at the platinum blond. "What!?"

"He fights just like Bird Boy … if he was bigger, like Nightwing, he would have beaten me. What did you do? Did you cast a spell on your mate so that he would fight like Nightwing?"

"I did no such thing, there is no such spell."

"Then how did he improve so quickly?"

Beast Boy caught his breath. "Who do you think taught me to fight?"

"I know Robin taught you, but yesterday you were an out of shape loser. Now you're at the top of your form. That doesn't just happen overnight."

"You're forgetting his animal powers … after we went home he trained in his animal forms. He toned up quickly." Raven interjected.

"Is that how his fang grew back so quickly?"

"In part, I did have a hand at that."

"Plus I had a training session with Nightwing. And yeah, it all came back fast … you forget, I really am different."

Rose nodded. "I see … we'll continue tomorrow then with the next phase … I was originally planning on breaking you down before rebuilding you, but now I see that won't be necessary. There will be a new location … you'll be contacted with the details."

Ravager turned and walked to the mesa's cliff. She turned to look back at the changeling.

"You're full of surprises, Logan."

She stepped off the ledge and once again disappeared.

-( - )-

The two Titans flew silently back to the Tower. The training session had lasted little over an hour and she was anxious to get back. As they flew they passed over Little Italy and as she looked down she saw their home, with Azarathia downstairs and the clinic next door. Both were closed as was the apartment upstairs.

"You miss it, don't you?" He asked.

"Yes, I do. That's my home, my true home."

"Do you want to stop there for a bit?"

She shook her head. "No, we should just go back to the Tower, they're waiting for us. They watched the sparring match and they know we're on our way back."

The changeling looked down at the two buildings. "I understand … you haven't been back to the apartment, not since we all came back here, right?"

"I haven't had any time."

"I know, it's been crazy since this business with Slade and Rose began. I wonder what she has planned for tomorrow."

The disk finally reached the Tower. Jinx and Wally were waiting for them. So was Starfire, who had Coraline in her arms. Cyborg was standing next to her, along with Nightwing. Victor bumped fists with the changeling. "Nice job, man, she wasn't expecting that. You had her on the run."

"I wouldn't go that far, Cy. She is pretty damn formidable."

The princess handed Coraline to her mother. "We should go inside. Slade is probably spying on us."

They all stepped into the elevator and Cyborg pressed the 'C' button to take them to the Commons room. As soon as the doors closed Starfire turned to the changeling.

"As always, you were amazing."

The princess drew the changeling into a passionate embrace and gave him a deep kiss. No one batted an eyelash, though Raven did clear her throat loudly. "Do you mind?"

Garfield backed away from the princess. "Sorry, Raven."

Raven shook her head as she raised her hands, placing them on Garfield's and Nightwing's foreheads.

"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!"

The two men's figures began to blur and they began to slowly change size and color, after several seconds they began to coalesce and take more defined forms. The others watched silently, until the transformation was complete and the two men had traded forms.

"That's better … I'm sorry Starfire, seeing you kiss him, even knowing that he wasn't really Gar, was just too disturbing."

Jinx laughed. "Raven! You guys could all swap shapes! Think about it: mate swapping without the adultery! That would be awesome."

"That is disturbing beyond words."

"I agree." Nightwing added.

"Oh, I do not agree. Back on Tamaran it is customary on the feast of intimate friendship for best friends to swap mates for the night, as a way of strengthening their bonds of friendship and sharing."

Raven stared, aghast, at her friend. "Starfire, please tell me you're joking. After spending weeks stuck in Peyton Place Labs I don't want to hear another word about polyamory or spouse swapping … ever."

The princess giggled. "Yes, I was joking. Forgive me, Raven, but as you humans would say, you are too easy a target."

Raven glared at her friend, who continued to giggle. Before she could say a word the elevator doors opened. Robin and Superboy were in the kitchen, having a midmorning snack. As the group exited the elevator the giant TV flashed the words "Incoming Call." Wally zoomed to the console and began to type.

"I can't trace it, it's using anonymous bounces."

"Then we know who's calling." Beast Boy remarked. "I wonder why he's calling so soon."

Wally pressed a button on the console and Slade's image appeared on the screen. Tim and Connor put their snacks down and came out of the kitchen area to have a better view of the legendary nemesis.

"Hello Titans." Slade droned in his signature monotone. "That was quite a show you put on this morning. You fooled Rose but you didn't quite fool me."

Nightwing stepped up to the console and very discretely began to type. Slade continued talking.

"You didn't think I would fail to recognize my old apprentice, did you? Did you know that your technique has some of the same flaws it did years ago? Oh, I tried to drill them out of you, but some of them were just too entrenched to be corrected. I have to congratulate you, and Raven too, I'm sure she had a hand in disguising you, since you actually changed size to match Logan. You see, that's something a holoring can't do."

Slade chuckled smugly. "I have to say, I was flattered. Who would have thought that you wanted to be my apprentice again? I was genuinely touched that you wished to come back to me, that is, until we found this."

Slade opened his hand and showed them one of Nightwing's tracers.

"Rose found this on her back before returning, where you placed it when you tackled her, very clever, Nightwing. It has been deactivated, of course, so don't bother tracing it. I have to say Nightwing, I'm very disappointed that you broke the rules. I'm afraid that some disciplinary action is in order."

"No! Don't touch the boy!" Raven shouted.

"The boy will remain unharmed for now. But now Logan won't be allowed to see him until he completes his training and successfully completes his first mission for me. And speaking of training, you will report to training tomorrow at the mesa at 7AM sharp, and you will come alone, Raven stays home. And give the spy satellite back to Luthor. I will be monitoring it, so don't even think of using it."

"Slade, what is the point of this training? All Ravager does is beat him up, she isn't teaching him anything." Raven complained.

"That isn't true Raven. She was teaching him something very important."

"I get it, Slade, she's better than me, and no matter how hard I train, I'll never be as good as she is at hand to hand combat."

"Good. Since we've passed that first hurdle I will take over your training."

"Slade, is this really necessary?" Nightwing asked.

"It is. See you tomorrow, Logan. And don't be late."

-( - )-

"Come on, Beast Boy! You can do better than that."

The changeling looked up from the sparring mat in the Tower's gym. Every muscle in his body felt as if it was on fire. It was true; he had gone soft during his eight years at school. Nightwing extended a hand to him and pulled him to his feet.

"One more time, you're so close to mastering this technique."

"Listen, I'll admit it, I'm out of shape, big time. If Raven had a spell for that, I'd let her use it, but she doesn't … can't we just take five?"

Grayson looked at the clock on the wall, it was approaching 10 PM. They started after lunch and only took a brief dinner break.

"Go rest, I'm sure Raven's waiting for. You're as ready as you're going to be for Slade tomorrow."

"Yeah, lots of fun with the psychotic Cyclops. It'll be a hoot."

"Gar, we're gonna get them back, it might take some time, but we will. Slade will eventually make a mistake."

Beast Boy picked up his gym towel and threw it over his shoulder. "Thanks Dick, I'll see you tomorrow."

The green Titan trudged out of the gym, looking worse for the wear. Exhaustion permeated every cell in his body and there wasn't a bone that didn't ache. He wished he had a dollar for every time Grayson had slammed onto the mat. Some black belt he was. He was so lost in thought that he almost ran into Robin and Speedy, who were holding hands as they walked down the same hallway.

"Are you OK, Mr. Logan?" Mia asked.

Gar looked up, his expression was blank.

"He's been training and sparring for 10 hours with Nightwing, of course he isn't OK." Tim replied.

"What he said." Gar remarked with a weak smile. "And don't call me Mr. Logan, that was my dad's name … I'm not that old, at least not yet."

He began to walk away, but suddenly stopped and turned around.

"Are you guys dating?"

The younger Titans grinned sheepishly.

"I'll take that as a yes … you're both sixteen, right?"

"That's right." Speedy replied.

Gar nodded his head. "I see … that's nice … well, good night."

The changeling turned and resumed walking.

"Why the hell did I wait so damn long to tell Raven? They sure didn't wait." He grumbled to himself as he boarded the elevator.

A minute later he entered Raven's old room. She was once again nursing Coraline. He looked down upon their daughter who was happily suckling and smiled. "Hi … she's the most beautiful thing in the whole world."

"I know, and we made her … are you OK? You look beat."

"I am … I need a shower … I'll be quick."

"Take your time."

He walked into the bathroom and stripped down, scrunching his nose as he shoved his smelly and sweat soaked clothes into the hamper. He stopped in front of the sink and looked at himself. He thought that he looked like a bus had hit him. He reached into the shower stall and turned on the water and waited for it to heat up. Once it did he stepped and stood motionless under the steady stream of hot droplets, which caressed his aching body with their therapeutic warm. He closed his eyes and sighed. The world around him vanished and he savored the well deserved respite from the long and arduous day.

"Did I ever tell you that you have a cute butt, Beastie-Boo?"

He smiled. She could be as quiet as a mouse. "I didn't hear you come in. And no, I don't think you've ever told me that."

"Well, there's a first time for everything. Soap up your loofah and give it to me."

Raven gently scrubbed his sweaty back until it was clean. He turned around to rinse his back clean and his eyes went straight to her chest.

"Whoa."

"Whoa, what?"

He grinned as he refocused on her face. "Sorry, it's been a few months since I last saw the girls in soapy glory … and …" He paused.

"And what?" She smiled slyly.

"They look GREAT … I mean … they're huge."

"They aren't going to stay that way, once I'm done nursing they'll go back to their normal size … so enjoy them while you got them … Beastie-Boo."

He grinned from ear to ear. "Oh, I know I will."

Raven glanced downward and smiled. "Speaking of huge, your little soldier isn't so little right now, in fact he's standing at attention."

He looked down as well.

"Yeah … he is … hey Rae-Rae."

"Yes?"

"We've never done it in the shower, have we?"

"No … we never have." She replied breathlessly. "But it sounds like a good idea to me."

"Well, like you said, there's a first time for everything."

Neither of them worried about Slade for the rest of the evening.

-( - )-

For those of you who don't already know … it finally happened! If you don't know what I'm talking about go to youtube and search for "Teen Titans Go! - Colors of Raven". On the episode preview clip the event happens around 0:48.

We're approaching 1200 reviews. As Billy Batson (AKA Captain Marvel) would say: Holy Moley!

And now, it's mailbag time!

Fl4mingTurd – Patience, grasshopper, all will be revealed.

Shadico – Someone is going to die, and it will be tragic with repercussions.

Death Stroke The Kid – Matched was indeed awful, though Raven did look cute as a bride. Alas, they didn't kiss. That said … watch the next episode "Colors of Raven". Remember these words: "What's there not to like?"

gabylokita41 – Mark will be on the back burner for a while, but don't worry, he will be back.

chica13 - Slade does have a strange relationship with the Titans.

Bluedog197 – Once a woman smells a baby and gets the bug … you're doomed! I don't have any idea of your gender, though if was forced to guess I would say you're a guy.

BartWLewis – It's true, Mark likes Raven more than he likes Alexa.

Just a Thinker – You should get an account. It's a good story, written by Marv Wolfman, though I question the artwork. Raven's personality seems like cross between TV and comic books.

EP – Who took your phone away?

krostovikraven1 – There was nothing nice about the gesture, it was pure self interest.

The Cretin – Now I have images of Beast Boy serving daiquiris to Slade in my mind.

Katt In The Boxx - If you've seen Rose in the comics, compared to her, everyone has a flabby butt. Incidentally, in this story, Rose still has both of her eyes.

Chayse-man – In the comics BB was a decent fighter in his human form.

DeeThom – You used it very correctly!

grimcameko24 – Welcome, new reviewer and thanks for your kind words.

7SheWolfShaman7 – Be warned, there is a TON of material. From the Wolfman/Perez era there must be at least 3000 pages of comics. And from the Geoff Johns era there are another 1000 pages, plus the Doom Patrol comics and other materials. My advice: If you can afford it, buy "The New Teen Titans Omnibus, Vol 2". It contains the full Terra saga, including the Judas contract, which the Terra arc on the show is loosely based on. It costs $40 on Amazon, but don't wait too long, once it goes out of print the price will skyrocket. Volume 1 has been out of print for about a year, and new copies now fetch $200.

Soulsurfer2112 – That would be a real kick in the teeth to BB, wouldn't it?

JasonVUK – So true, BB never gives up.

JOHNXgambit – We don't know if Mark's a target at this point. That was just BB speculating.

Guest – Thanks!

Dragonkyng – Alexa, a hero? What an intriguing thought.

LSUABW – We'll have to wait to find out, as Slade is taking over BB's training.

KnighteWolfe _ Bring Terra into the mix? That would be too much for Raven. And poor Mr. Terra, how could he compete with BB. We all know that Gar is a babe magnet!

SuperNolon – There is actually a place in South Dakota called the Bad Lands.

Hairul The Nightrage Beast – Well, she was a Titan in the comics, a dysfunctional Titan, but she was one until The New 52 was vomited upon us.

YourBestFriendIsHereDummy – I agree, Rose rocks, especially when she becomes a Titan.

Anoymous136 – Thanks!

Katie TDC - I can't tell you who's going to die! I already told you too much! As for last chapter being sloppy, I didn't proof read it at all, not that I'm very patient or thorough when I do proof a chapter before posting.

mlbv-grimm – Thanks.

titanfan45 – Wally is about to be absorbed into the dad collective.

MakorraKataangfan01 – There is a good chance that she will kick Rose's butt.

ChaosIsBeauty23 – One thing that disappointed me about Rose in the comics is that she didn't mourn Eddie's (Kid Devil) heroic death.

bigC94 – We'll see when they face off. For now Raven will have to be patient and bide her time.