Hey...long time no see...*nervous laughter*.
Okay, but seriously don't hate me! I'm in my early twenties and adulting is hard so please give a girl a break! I mean, yeah, two years is a long time but like...I'm back so...YAY!
P.S, don't think that I've got my life together just cause I'm back. That's probably never gonna happen. *Sigh* I wish I could be reincarnated as Stormi Webster.
Ignorance Is Bliss
WAYNE MANOR: September 20th 16:12 EST
Tuesday afternoon, Raven found herself lounging on the couch in one of the manors unnecessarily large sitting rooms. Her legs folded beneath her, elbow on the armrest and cheek resting in her hand. Beside her sat Tim, legs propped up on the coffee table and hands resting on his stomach. His gaze was fixed on the T.V but the teens eyes were hooded and unfocused. Raven didn't think he was actually paying attention to the documentary playing on the screen.
A small tirade of curses drew her attention to the dark-haired boy on the floor. His legs were crossed indian style, elbows resting on the coffee table. She watched with amusement as Dick ruffled his unkempt hair with exasperation. Absentmindedly, Raven thought it was about time he got a haircut. She didn't mention it though, seeing as how the boy was glaring at the page in front him with frustration. Raven unfolded her legs, leaning forward to pick up the textbook propped open on the table. Dick looked up at her with a hopeful expression on his face.
"Help me! Please!" He batted his long eyelashes.
She rose an eyebrow at his pleading tone before reading over the open page.
"Calculus. Of course it's math." She sighed.
Tim broke out of his trance and glanced at her. A smirk growing on his face as stared at the textbook.
"You can hack into just about any computer on the planet, including the Watchtowers, yet you can't finish your math homework?" Tim snickered.
Dick let out a groan and threw himself on the floor, pouting ridiculously. Both Raven and Tim rolled their eyes at his dramatics. To think this was the same guy who used to obsessively hunt down bad guys night and day. Taking off the Robin suit seemed to have relieved a lot of his pent up stress. Becoming Nightwing has done wonders for Dick Grayson.
"It's not the same! This is so mundane! Boring! Hacking is exhilarating and…"
"Illegal." Raven interrupted him.
"Felicity would disagree." Tim yawned, going back to not watching the T.V.
Raven ignored Dick who was now waving his homework in her face, turning to the boy beside her.
"Who's Fel…"
A sudden beeping in her ear distracted her momentarily. She lifted a finger to the com and answered.
"It's Mal. A message was sent to the cave addressed to you. I suggest you come take a look."
"Will do." She replied.
Raven disconnected and stood from her seat. She glanced down at her deep purple crew sweater and black tights. Her feet were warm in the fluffy gray socks she wore. Thinking about for a moment, she decided not to change. She could summon her hero suit if the need arises.
"What's up?" Dick stared up at her, homework forgotten.
"I have to go to the cave. Some sort of message." Raven shrugged.
"I'll go with." He closed his textbook.
"Same." Tim sat up and stretched.
Yeah, she figured.
"Guys. I'm just going to see what its about. No big deal." She sighed.
Ever since the incident in Belle Reve, the boys have been sticking to her like glue. It had taken nearly the whole day for her to recover and she'd slept through most of it. That didn't stop them from peeking into her room every now and then to check on her though. Strangely, she had found it somewhat endearing at first. When she finally left the room monday morning they had barely let her lift a finger. Raven didn't mind...for like the first hour. Didn't take long for her to get irritated and order them away.
"Still, we haven't seen the others since sunday." Dick said.
"That would be due to our agreement, Master Richard. You were all to take the week off, were you not?"
The three of them turned to Alfred who had just stepped into the room. He carried a hamper under his arm, a stern look on his face. The three of them gave him sheepish looks, even Raven who didn't like upsetting the butler. To be honest, she sometimes found him more intimidating than Batman.
"But Alfred…" She began.
"Lady Raven. Sunday morning, Master Richard had to carry you into this house. You were weak from exhaustion, barely coherent. I don't know how he managed since Talia did quite the number on him just a few hours before..."
"It was the adrenaline." Dick interrupted.
Alfred turned to him with a scathing look.
"Sorry." He mumbled, eyes on the floor.
"As I was saying, it wasn't just you two. Don't think I've forgotten all your injuries, Master Tim or Miss Gordon's for that matter. All five of you just barged in here dripping blood and sweat all over my freshly mopped floors. I asked you, including Master Bruce, to take it easy this week. You all agreed."
"Bruce is still working." Tim muttered.
"That man hasn't taken a single day off in years. I should just be glad his current obsession is keeping him locked up in the cave instead of running all over rooftops." Alfred said, looking resigned to the fact.
Raven instinctively glanced down at the floor, as if she could see through it down into the Batcave. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen Bruce since the day they picked her up from Mount Pleasant. Not even in the library, which is where they two tended to cross paths. Curious, she focused on the man's presence to get a read on him. Like Alfred said, she sensed him down in the cave. Calm, focused and determined. Though there was also a tinge of frustration mixed in with a hint of impatience. Confusion maybe? She was still learning to read the man do it was hard to tell.
"What is it this time?" Raven whispered to Tim.
"He's tracking down Talia. Feels a bit uneasy about the kid she had with him."
"Oh." She mouthed.
"Um...Alfred. We're just going to check on a message. It could be important." Dick said, a bit nervously.
To think a disappointing glare from a butler could scare them enough to not want to provoke him. Raven had learned quickly enough that Bruce didn't really run things around here. He just liked to pretend that he did.
"That one message could end up sending you straight into danger." Alfred sighed, already starting to give in.
"We'll be careful. Plus, you have admit that a whole week was a bit far fetched." Raven told him.
She figured Alfred knew that, having been living in a house full of superheroes all these years. There was hardly ever a day that they weren't needed somewhere. A whole week off? Impossible.
"Yes, well, a man can dream." Alfred sighed.
The butler turned away from them, giving in. Before he left, he glanced back over his shoulder.
"Try to come home on your own two feet, please. And Master Tim, I suggest you stay. Just in case our resident shut in decides to leave the house."
With that, he walked out of the room to finish the laundry. They watched him go for a moment before Tim dropped down on the couch with a pout. He stared at the T.V arms crossed. Dick shrugged his shoulders at him apologetically before taking Ravens hand. She then teleported them to the beam sight.
MOUNT JUSTICE: September 20th 16:47 EST
"Recognized: Nightwing B-0-1, Raven B-0-8."
"There you are." Mal greeted them as they arrived.
Raven walked over to the platform to meet him, Dick on her heels. With his dark sunglasses of course. How they manage to hide his identity, she'll never know.
Glancing around she noticed Wondergirl and Blue Beetle having a go at each other. Beastboy, Tempest and Aquagirl cheering them on from outside the ring. It was as if all they did around here was fight.
"Hey. Who sent it?" Raven glanced at the monitors.
"Well...they looked like toddlers. Thought it was a joke at first but Beastboy recognized them."
"Melvin and the kids." Raven smiled.
Mal only nodded, pulling up the video message. You could tell they were using the Titans communicator. The sound of scuffling and whining coming through the speakers. The three kids fought to be seen, looking down at the tiny screen in frustration. Timmy kept calling Ravens name, his voice rising and in the first stage of throwing a tantrum. Teether kept trying to fit the com in his mouth, his siblings struggling to keep it out of his tiny grip. Finally, Melvin managed to get it away from her brothers with a triumphant shout.
"Raven?! Its us! You told us to always call you if something happened! No matter what, you said so!" Melvin's face was awfully close to the screen.
Behind her, Raven heard Dick chuckle in amusement. She might have too if she wasn't feeling worried for the kids. What could they have called about?
"Earlier, that nasty monkey man came looking for us at the monastery! Don't worry though, Hot Spot and Pantha were nearby and came to help! Anyways, they decided to stay with us just in case cause they said this isn't the first attack. I'll call if it happens again, okay? Bye now!" Melvin grinned with a wave.
More scuffling as her younger brothers tried to take the com again. Timmy yelling that he wanted to talk to Raven. Melvin gave in, handing it over. Timmy's freckled face appearing on the screen.
"Raven!" He shouted.
There was a brief pause as he just stared at the screen. Then, as if he just realized she wasn't there, he pouted with a sniffle and dropped the com. Teether immediately got his hands on it, Raven sighing as he brought it to his mouth, the sight of his front teeth making it obvious what he meant to do. The screen went black, the sound of slobbering echoing through the speakers. Then nothing, the line cutting off.
"Monkey man. Mallah?" Dick looked to her.
"That's what Timmy calls him, yeah. Why go after them again though?" Raven frowned.
She was still worried but was relieved to know that Hot Spot and Pantha were keeping an eye on the kids. The monastery was safe, but Mallah was far too smart to underestimate.
"Not just them. She said it wasn't the first attack." Dick looked pensive.
"Beastboy told me that your friend Cyborg might know more. That all the Honorary Titans refer to him if they come across trouble." Mal said.
"Cyborg took over leadership of them when I came back. He doesn't do much hero work himself anymore but he still keeps an eye on things." Dick nodded.
"We should go. What if it's the Brotherhood again?" Raven says.
Dick just nodded, probably already planning to do just that. Though they weren't technically Titans anymore, they still had a responsibility to them. They were the ones who got all these heroes involved, who brought them all together. If the Brotherhood really was after the Titans again, they had to help stop them.
JUMP CITY: September 23 17:52 PST
Friday afternoon, Raven found herself back at Titans Tower. She stood in front of the large floor to ceiling window of the common room. A small nostalgic smile on her face as she looked over the wide span of ocean.
If she didn't turn around, if she pretended that the room wasn't empty and bare, Raven could almost imagine that nothing had changed. That any second now, Starfire would come flying in begging to have a girls day. Or that Beastboy and Cyborg were shouting and fighting over the remote. Maybe Robin would be sitting nearby, trying to work while his team made a ruckus around him.
Except, none of that was possible anymore. Things had changed. Maybe it was for the better, maybe it was time for them to move on. To leave behind their younger days and go forward with the bigger and new. Still, at times she couldn't help but wish things were the same.
"Still quite the view isn't it?" Nightwing came up behind her.
He climbed up onto the platform, stopping at her side with a sad smile. She glanced at him for a moment before turning back to the windowpane.
"It's like we never left." She answered.
"I'm glad Cyborg is still keeping the place functional. That way it's always here in case we need it."
"He could always let all those wandering Titans move in. I always thought this place was far to spacious or just five people. And now that its empty…" Raven trailed off.
"It makes it look lonely."
The two of them turned to see Cyborg walking in, Beastboy on his heels. The two stopped, taking a moment to look over the vacant common room. The carpet pale in the places their furniture used to be. They had put it all away in storage. No use in keeping it here if no one was going to use it.
"I actually did think of having the Honorary Titans use this big old tower. Have them start a new team instead of just being just Honorary members. With all that's been happening, i'm starting to think they'd be safer this way." He said.
Raven and Nightwing stepped off the platform, going over to the two.
"I'm all for it! This place has so many empty rooms it would fit all of them no problem!" Beastboy grinned.
"I'll talk to them about, see if they like the idea. Anyways, I've gone over all the reports I've gotten the past few weeks." Cyborg got serious.
"Yeah? How's it look?" Nightwing asked.
"Bad. A lot of the Brotherhood members have orchestrated attacks on our friends. Thing is, they don't seem to be trying to take them out. Jericho told me Madame Rouge kept trying to capture him alive. Same goes for the others." Cyborg reported.
"What could they want with them?" Beastboy frowned.
Nightwing's brow furrowed in thought, running his hand through his hair.
"Well, it correlates with all the missing people reports. Still, those are mostly civilians. Not heroes." He said.
"Too much going on. Not a lot of information." Raven sighed.
Cyborg nodded in agreement, going silent as he thought things over. Then his arm started beeping, catching their attention. The three of them watched as he looked over the message. A frown appearing on his face.
"Its Titans East. Their towers silent alarm was set off." He murmured.
"Titans East? Hasn't that tower been shut down for almost a year now?" Beastboy asked.
"Yeah, though Mas y Menos sometimes still stay in it. But if it were them, I would've been notified."
"Lets go. Maybe we'll get some answers." Nightwing turned to Raven.
She nodded, already spreading her magic over them. In a blink, they found themselves in Steel City. Standing on the roof of Titans East tower.
"Come on." Cyborg said, leading them inside.
Silently, they made their way down to the common room. The halls were empty, the place looking dark and unused. This place needed heroes too, Raven thought. By the way Cyborg eyed the place, he thought so too.
"Whoever it is, is still here." Cyborg whispered, glancing down at his arm.
"I wonder…AAHHH!"
They all startled, turning to Beastboy with wide eyes. The kid was now trembling, hiding behind Nightwing as he pointed down the hall. They all looked over, freezing at the swaying figure standing down at the end. Getting closer.
"St...stop right there!" Cyborg looked pale.
Then he was turning on his shoulder light, flashing it at the dark shadow. Raven and Nightwing sighed at the sight of Mas y Menos. The two heroes shielding their eyes and stumbling back. Well, Menos did anyways, Mas having been standing on his shoulders. They watched as he fell, crushing his brother beneath him.
"What the hell?! Has it been you this whole time?!" Cyborg hissed.
"Maybe something is wrong with the alarms." Nightwing offered.
The four of them walked over to them, helping them to their feet. The twins groaned, rubbing at a few sore spots.
"Why were you sneaking around like that! You scared the crap out of me!" Beastboy grumbled to Mas.
"Estábamos tratando de encontrar el intruso!" The kid said.
"Señor Cyborg? Fuiste tú quien activó la alarma?" Menos wiped the dust off his pants.
The fourteen year olds, though two years older than when they first met, looked much the same. They still wore their white and red uniforms and yellow goggles. The only noticeable difference being that they had grown taller and had lost most of their baby fat. Now reaching the same height and build as Beast Boy.
"It wasn't me! You're saying it wasn't you either?" Cyborg asked.
The two shook their heads in sync.
"Let's find out who did then." Nightwing motioned for them to follow.
The group, now six, continued on their way to the common room. Peeking their heads inside as the sliding doors opened. Seeing as how it was late afternoon, the sun was beginning to set. Still, it was bright enough to recognize the figure in the room.
"Roy?" Nightwing blinked, stepping fully into the room.
The rest of them followed, all equally surprised. Roy Harper sat on the floor, back against the window, looking over his supplies. He wore his sleeveless red and black vest, his tights and combat boots. His quiver and bow lay at his side, arrows scattered around him. Roy held one in his hand, attaching a sharp steel tip to the shaft.
Raven frowned at the man's appearance. Taking in his long unkempt red hair and stubble covered face. He looked thinner, his cheeks hollow and jawline sharper than usual. If he were to take off the domino mask, Raven was sure they'd find bloodshot eyes and dark bags underneath. It was obvious that Roys health was deteriorating, the man in dire need of rest.
"Speedy! Has regresado!" Mas exclaimed as the twins sped to his side.
"Un poco sucio, no? Deberías tomar un baño." Menos sniffed at him.
"You'd think that after all this time, you brats would've learned some english by now." Roy scoffed, shoving them away.
Nightwing approached him warily, much like one would a wounded animal. Raven, Cyborg and Beastboy kept their distance, not wanting to scare him off. It had been weeks since Roy had gone off the grid. Nobody, not even the Team on Mount Pleasant, having heard from him since.
"What have you been up to, Roy?" Nightwing asked softly.
Raven didn't miss how Richard eyed the wad of cash sticking out of Red Arrows pocket. Neither did Roy who let out a dark chuckle.
"A man's gotta eat, bird boy." Roy said, not the least bit sorry.
"How...hows the search going?"
The atmosphere soured, everyone's moods dropping at the question. Even Mas y Menos were frowning, walking back over to stand beside Cyborg. They all knew what Roy was, it wasn't a secret. Not among the Titans or the Team.
When Raven and the Titans had first met Speedy, he seemed normal and similar to Robin in personality. He could crack a joke at the worst of times yet act serious when he needed to. But the whole time he worked alongside the Titans, with Bee and the others, he had been living with a guilt so strong he was drowning in it.
Raven had felt it so many times during the few years that she knew him. Could sense when it was at its worst, when the teen could hardly breathe from the pain. Raven had sympathized with him, Speedy's inner turmoil similar to what hers had been. Raven was no stranger to guilt. Still, She never said anything to him, knowing the man had a temper to rival Richards.
Then, after months of trying to live a normal life, Roy finally snapped. He quit Titans East, quit the mantle of Speedy for good and went back to being Red Arrow. He disappeared then, vowing to never return until the real Sleedy was found. He couldn't live another day, pretending to be the boy who had been lost so long ago.
"I'm sure a hot shot detective like yourself could figure that out on their own. Or does the fact that I look like shit not make it obvious enough for you?" Red arrow hissed.
Nightwing sighed, running a hand through his hair. Then he was crouching down, putting himself at eye level with his old friend.
"Roy. It's been nearly five years. I thought...I had hoped, when you went back to being Speedy, when you joined Titans East, that you had finally accepted things. That you were finally ready to move on." Nightwing said.
The arrow in Roy's hand snapped in two, the man's anger radiating off him in waves. Raven frowned at the feeling, stepping closer just in case.
"I should have never taken that name again! It was foolish of Oliver to think that it would help me come to terms with the real Roy's disappearance! He said i'd be honoring him, that in using the name again it would keep him from being forgotten! All it did was make me feel like the imposter that I was created to be!" Red Arrow seethed.
"Roy…"
"STOP CALLING ME THAT! I'M NOT HIM!" The man jumped to his feet.
Nightwing stepped back, wearing a calm expression beneath his mask. Still, he stood firm and ready to defend himself if needed. Cyborg and Beastboy tensed but made no move to approach. Knowing that they had to treat the situation with care. Red Arrow was not himself. He hadn't been for a very long time.
"Alright. I'm sorry." Nightwing said.
Red Arrow glared at him, then eyed the whole group with barely concealed rage. After a tense moment, he scoffed and lowered himself back to the floor, shoving his arrows back into his quiver.
Mas y Menos came up behind Raven, eyeing their old teammate warily. They had taken off their goggles and pulled back their cowls. She was met with dark curly hair, chocolate brown eyes and matching tan complexions. It wasn't often that the two showed their faces. Only if they felt the need called for it. This was one of those times.
The twins knew that this man was a clone. They knew he wasn't the real Roy Harper. But he was the only Speedy they had ever known. This was their friend, clone or not.
"Que tiene nuestro amigo, señora misteriosa?" Mas whispered to her.
Raven looked down at him. She still didn't know spanish but it was never all that hard to understand the twins. All the Titans had been around them long enough to get the gist of what they were saying.
"He's just not in a good place right now." Raven gave the two a sad smile.
She ruffled the two boys hair in an attempt to comfort them. They looked up at her with grateful smiles, though she could still feel their worry for their friend. Raven then turned back to Roy, frowning at the bruising on the inside if his forearm.
Seeing as how Red Arrow was making it a point to ignore Nightwing, Richard looking down at him with a frown, Raven floated over to stand by him. Roy quirked a brow, looking up at her suspiciously. Nobody liked the presence of an empath when they were at their lowest. Raven knew this well, the Titans all having avoided her at least once during their time together. Heroes tended to want to suffer alone, not wanting to share their inner pain with anyone else.
"So. He kept you around. No surprise there." Red Arrow smirked.
Any other time, Raven would have questioned the knowing look the man gave Nightwing. Or the slight flare of embarrassment coming from said man. But she had other things on her mind. Raven knelt at his side, grabbing his wrist for a better look at his arm.
"How exactly do you plan on finding Speedy after you've overdosed behind a dumpster in some dirty ally." She said.
The man instantly tensed at her accusation. Though it was more of a fact than accusation if the obvious needle pricks were enough to go by. Not to mention the mans clammy skin and slight shivers coursing through his body. He was in the first stages of withdrawal. By the way he sagged his shoulders, Richard had noticed as well.
"Fuck off, Raven! Its none of your business!" Roy hissed, yanking his arm away.
Still, he kept his voice low. He may act like he didn't care but it was clear that he didn't want the twins or Beastboy knowing how low he had reached. They weren't close enough to have heard Ravens words and were now looking up at Cyborg questioningly. The half robot ignored them though, deciding it was best that the three youngest didn't know what they spoke of.
"No. Its not. But it will be once I have to explain to the Titans how you died. Not as a hero, saving someone's life. But as an addict looking for one last hit." She said, voice low and face blank.
"Raven…" Nightwing warned.
Roy was shaking now, his anger coursing through him and threatening to burst. He glared at Raven, fists clenched in his lap as he tried to keep himself from swinging. That was good, she thought. He still had some self control at least.
"You want to look for Speedy? Fine. But at least act like that's what your doing instead of proving what we already know." Raven told him.
"What is it that you think you know?" Roy said through gritted teeth.
"That you're just using him as an excuse. What you're really doing is running. You can't stand what you are so you're using this so called search for a chance to poison your body. You're hoping that one day the world goes dark and you never wake up."
Red Arrow flinched at that. Still, he was stubborn enough to lean in close, his nose inches from hers. His hatred towards her in that moment so fierce that it nearly caused her to flinch herself.
"Robin should've left you in Hell." He hissed.
Nightwing growled at that, his well practiced restraint wavering. Raven's gaze flickered to his, their eyes meeting briefly. It was enough to get Richard to calm down, though he did so unwillingly. At Roys dark chuckle, she looked back to him with a raised brow.
"How he thought Star and him would last, I'll never know. Then again, he's always been a tad bit oblivious to the most obvious things." Roy said cryptically.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She told him.
"Of course not." Roy smirked.
Then he was leaning in, so close their cheeks nearly touched and his lips were against her ear. Again, Nightwing growled. But another look from Raven had him turning his back on them in obvious frustration. She felt Roy's breath against her neck as he laughed again. Raven didn't move, waiting to see what he had to say.
"You know, I used to think you weren't that good of an empath seeing as how you had yet to figure it out."
He whispered, for only her to hear.
"But now, I'm beginning to wonder if you know and are just choosing to ignore it."
Raven put a hand to his chest then, pushing him away. He let her, leaning back against the window with a cocky smile. When she didn't move her hand away, his brow twitched in confusion. The smile faded quickly when he realized what she was planning to do. It was too late though, her magic coursing through him and putting him into a deep sleep.
She watched as his eyes flashed with anger one last time before they closed. His body sagged, and she gently lowered him on his side. Mas y Menos sped over once they saw what she had done, handing her a couch pillow. The others crowded behind her as she placed it under the sleeping mans head.
"What will we do? Take him to Green Arrow?" Beastboy asked.
"No. He will just leave again." Nightwing sighed.
"He'll be out for 24 hours at most. That should be enough to keep him from passing out from exhaustion for the next few days. Hopefully he's smart enough to realize that he can't go so long without sleep after this." Raven said, looking down at Roy sadly.
"Se puede quedar aquí hasta que despierte." Menos said.
"Nosotros nos encargaremos de él." Mas assured them.
Nightwing nodded, ruffling their hair much like Raven had. The twins sped off then, coming back in seconds with a blanket to cover the slumbering Roy with.
"We should get back. Jinx is waiting and I'm sure Kaldur and the others will want to know he's okay. Well...somewhat okay." Cyborg said, eyeing Roy warily.
Again, Nightwing nodded. The four of them said their goodbyes to the twins, the speedsters assuring them that Roy would be fine till he wakes. Then Raven covered them in darkness, taking them home.
MOUNT JUSTICE: September 23 20:46 EST
"He's alive at least." Kaldur sighed as he stared at the monitors.
Raven and Nightwing stood on either side of him, staring at the files on the screens. Beastboy had gone off to his room as soon as they arrived, the day having worn the kid out.
"For now." Nightwing replied solemnly.
"His guilt is eating away at him. He won't heal until he finds the real Roy. Dead or alive." Raven told them.
Nightwing glanced over at her, a frown on his lips.
"Why did you push him like that? You know better than to provoke an addict while they're in withdrawal." He said.
"He's not the type you can help by being gentle. He's too stubborn for that. You have to be up front with Roy, tell him what he doesn't want to hear." She said.
A familiar name appeared on one of the screens and she absentmindedly clicked on it. Reading the file while continuing to listen to Richard. Kaldur did the same on another screen.
"Still. What if he gets worse?" Nightwing sighed.
He too reached for a file, scanning it quickly before closing it to pull up another.
"I left a bit of my power in him when I put him to sleep. I can keep an eye on him and warn you before he's too far gone." She assured him.
Nightwing just nodded. Then Raven was frowning, narrowing her eyes as she finished going over the file.
"Queen Bee has been busy. Those are a lot of shipments she's been receiving from LexCorp." Raven noted.
"I've been worried about that. Unfortunately, once they cross over the border and into Bialya they're out of our reach." Kaldur scowled.
"And LexCorp?" Nightwing asked.
"Already sent M'gann and Bumblebee in two days ago. Nothing out of the ordinary. At least nothing we could find."
"Luthor has always been careful with his secrets." Nightwing grumbled.
Raven closed the file, knowing those shipments would take more time to figure out. She pulled up another one which had very little information.
"The League Of Assassins? They've been active too?" She asked.
"More than usual, yes. Something is going on. Nearly every villain we know is on the move and can't seem to figure out why!" Kaldur growled with frustration.
"The few we've managed to interrogate refused to talk. Which makes me think someone big is in charge. Someone they don't want to cross. The problem is finding out who." Nightwing muttered.
"Its seems that the only way we'll find out is if we were villains ourselves." Raven said wryly.
She swiped through the files until she realized the two were staring at her. They had a pensive look in their eyes, regarding her carefully. She looked back at them, brow raised in question.
"What?"
"Nevermind. Foolish thought." Kaldur shook his head with a frown.
Raven just shrugged, turning back to the screen. Missing the way Nightwing watched Kaldur with a thoughtful frown. Aqualad ignored him though, changing topic.
"You will be leaving for Tamaran soon, yes?" He asked them.
"On October 11th, yeah. Stars wedding is on the 12th." Nightwing answered.
"You won't be gone long then?"
"No. We don't think we should with all that's been happening." Raven told him.
"Right. That's probably for the best." Kaldur nodded.
The three of them continued to research in silence. Occasionally showing each other new details they might have noticed. Then she felt a presence join them. Knowing who it was, she didn't bother turning around.
"Hey, Raven?"
At the sound of her name, she turned her back on the monitors. M'gann was approaching hesitantly causing Raven to raise a brow in question. Their relationship was still shaky at best, the two of them preferring to keep their distance. They were hardly ever in the same room together, the tension too thick. But by the look on the martians face, this was important. Raven left Kaldur and Nightwing with the files, choosing to meet the girl in the middle.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
M'gann glanced back over her shoulder in the direction of the rooms, chewing on her lower lip with worry. Then she was looking back at Raven.
"It's Garfield. He got a call just now and...he's really shaken up about it. He's asking for you." The Martian frowned.
Raven could tell the girl was upset by Beastboys request. Normally, the kid told M'gann everything. This must be something he only felt comfortable talking to Raven about. Nodding her head, she flew past the martian in search of the young hero.
She found Garfield in his room, sitting on the edge of his bed staring at his phone screen. He didn't look up even as Raven hovered in front of him. Feeling his overwhelming emotions, she took a seat beside him. Gently, Raven put a hand on his shoulder.
"Garfield. Who was it?" She asked.
Beastboy looked up at her then, lips trembling. She didn't complain when he pressed up against her. Laying his head on her shoulder. Instead, she found herself putting an arm around him. Not something she was used to, but it didn't bother her as much as she thought it would.
"It was Terra." He said, barely above a whisper.
Raven froze, eyes widening at his words. Impossible.
"Gar. She's not Terra anymore. Why would she call you?" She said, trying to be gentle about it.
There was a brief pause, Beastboy thinking over what he would say next. Finally he spoke.
"She said...she said she remembers."
TAMARAN: October 11th 15:27 UTC
Raven rode in her designated cockpit of the T-Ship, eyes closed and feigning sleep. Jinx, sitting on Cyborgs lap, had her headphones in and was playing on her phone. They had been driving through space for the past hour, the boys making idle chit chat around them. Raven, much like Jinx, wasn't in the mood to join in, tuning them out quickly enough.
Her thoughts were focused on Garfield who, though he joked around with Cyborg, was feeling anxious and confused. She could tell that he wasn't fully with them right now. His mind on Terra back home. The girl hadn't tried contacting him since that first night at the cave. He was starting to believe he had imagined it. But no, Raven had Richard check his call history to be sure. The call had come from Jump City, from the home of Tara Markov.
Raven wasn't sure what was going on but it was making her uneasy. It was not that long ago that she had seen Terra. The girl had no idea who they were, not a single sign of recognition in her eyes. How was it that she suddenly remembered everything?
"Raven, wake up. We're here." Cyborg said through the com.
Raven opened her eyes, glancing out the window to take in the bright orange planet up ahead. It seemed to glow, illuminating the deep space around it. She leaned in close, a small smile on her lips knowing that their friend was waiting. Cyborg eased the ship into the planet's atmosphere, slowing as they descended. Soon enough, they were touching ground.
"Is it just me, or does it seem a little brighter around here." Beastboy noted, hopping down from his cockpit.
"Not just you. It's a lot more...homey." Raven replied, floating down to join him.
The last time they were here, back when Star was supposed to get married the first time, the place had seemed more barren. A wide span of gray rock and jagged cliffs. But now it seemed to be flourishing, with growing vegetation and a warm evening sky. The palace was much the same, but the city seemed to have expanded. Structures having been built in all directions, towering above them with pretty spirals and towers.
"Was it not always like this?" Jinx wondered.
The women was holding Cyborgs hand, looking around in awe. Raven had forgotten this was her first time here.
"No. It was a lot emptier, the rocky terrain spread for miles." Raven told her.
Jinx just nodded, her wide eyes staring up the familiar white moon with purple streaks. It hovered above them gorgeously, noticeable even by day.
"Well, that brings back memories." Nightwing motioned towards an empty rocky field.
It seemed to be the only place untouched by the expansion of the Tamaraneans. Lined up in neat rows within it, was a large fleet of ships. All of them seemingly ready for immediate take off.
"Shit. Should we be worried this wedding will end up like the last one?" Cyborg frowned.
"FRIENDS!"
The five of them turned to the familiar voice. All of them sporting fond smiles at the fast approach of Starfire. She was flying towards them in a hurry, her adopted father Galfore barely keeping up. She landed in front of them with a bright grin.
"Oh! It has been far to long! I'm so happy you are here!" She exclaimed.
Then Starfire was pulling all of them into a tight breathtaking hug. They all gasped, chuckling at their alien friends greatly missed enthusiasm. Even Raven couldn't bring herself to feel annoyed.
"Kori. You're stronger than us remember?" Nightwing had to remind her.
"Oh! Right! So sorry, dear friends! I carried myself away." She giggled, setting them down.
Once they were all back on their feet, Raven took in her friends appearance. The tamaranean woman was sporting a new look. Purple thigh high boots, and purple boy shorts with a tight long sleeve crop top. Starfire accessorized with silver gauntlets and a silver belt adorned with a green gem. Her hair was longer and brighter, the color of a warm fire. Starfire looked amazing.
"Wow Kori! It's a whole new you!" Nightwing grinned.
"Thank you, Rob...I mean Nightwing." Star actually blushed.
Raven felt a slight twinge of jealousy at the look the two shared. Turning away to stare at the palace instead. The two of them were just friends now. Star was getting married after all. Yet, her chest constricted at the sight of the two together again. She shouldn't be this bothered by it, she thought. It shouldn't matter to her, their romantic past. Raven remembered Roy's words then, frowning at the memory.
I'm beginning to wonder if you know and are just choosing to ignore it.
Raven closed her eyes, willing the words to disappear. She knew nothing. Those were just crazy ramblings of a broken man.
"Friend Raven?"
Blinking, she looked to Starfire who stared back at her expectantly. Behind her, the others were waiting with Galfore. Richard was watching her with a confused frown. Remembering the bond, she quickly pushed down her thoughts. Her emotions becoming a blank slate. Richards frown deepened at this but she ignored him.
"We shall go inside, yes?" Star said.
"Yeah. Yeah, sorry. Just got lost in thought." Raven nodded.
Silently, she followed the group as they made their way up the winding path. Galfore leading them up the rockface and into the towering castle. Once inside, they walked through the halls, taking in the pretty white decorations. Servants flew past in a hurry, carrying all sort of flowers and plates of odd food. Reminding them that their friend was to be married. For real this time and by choice instead of obligation.
"Say, Star. What's with the ships outside?" Cyborg asked.
"Ah. Do not worry, friends. That is my own fleet, not that of an enemy." She assured them.
"They seem ready to deploy." Nightwing said.
"Yes. For we are on high alert, esteemed guests. A dangerous alien race is on the move and will be passing through our orbit. We are merely being cautious."
Nightwing just nodded, looking pensive all of a sudden. The continued on their way until they found themselves in the familiar throne room. Except now, the throne was empty. Star immediately flew to it, sitting down with a proud grin.
"I always knew you'd look great sitting up there." Beastboy smiled.
It was muted, not like his usual broad grins. Thankfully Star didn't notice.
"I shall admit, it took much getting used to. But being Queen...it fits, don't you think?" Starfire asked them.
"Of course it does! Your highness!" Cyborg bowed with flourish.
Starfire giggled at this, flying back down to join them. Then a light cough caught their attention. Star smiled fondly over their shoulders and the five turned to see who had joined them.
A tall man with cropped burnt orange hair and a rugged close shaven beard stood in the doorway of the throne room. He wore purple tights, silver boots and belt with a green gem matching Starfires. He too wore gauntlets on his forearms which he had crossed across his chest. His complexion matched that of Stars, his bare upper body toned in all the right places. The guy was gorgeous.
"Wow. Who's the hunk?" Jinx blinked.
Cyborg nudged her with a pout. The pink haired girl grinned up at him sheepishly, wrapping her arms around his own. Fluttering her eyelashes at him in apology. Cyborg chuckled, knowing he didn't have to worry.
"Friends, this is Prince Karras. My betrothed." Star flew to the man's side, taking his hand with a blush.
"I've got to say, Star. He is a huge upgrade from your last fiance." Raven found herself saying.
She had yet to take her eyes off the man's arms. It had to be illegal to be that built. Prince Karras grinned at her obvious ogling, Star giggling beside him. It wasn't until she felt a burning gaze on her that Raven looked away. Only to find Nightwing glaring at her openly. His annoyance radiating off of him in waves.
"What? The guys good looking." She said bluntly.
Nightwing scoffed, turning away from her then. Forcing himself to calm down, he was the first to approach Stars betrothed. The two men shook hands amicably, introducing themselves. Cyborg followed after him with Jinx in tow. Then Beastboy and Raven took their turn.
"Pleasure to meet you." The Prince took her hand last.
"Likewise." She gave him a small smile.
Then she was stepping back, already feeling Nightwings glare on her back again. The guy was far to competitive for his own good. Did it really bother him that much that Star was marrying a guy just as handsome as him, maybe more? Maybe Richard still felt something for the Tamaranean Queen. Stamping down her displeasure with the idea, she went to stand beside Beastboy.
The kid seemed to be trying to get into the spirit of things. Trying his best to smile. But he was distracted, his thoughts on the blonde he fell in love with. Raven gave him a small nudge, offering him a comforting smile when he looked up at her.
"Thanks Rae. I'll be fine." Garfield assured her.
She gave him a look. He knew better than to lie to an empath. Still, she didn't push him. Hoping they figure out the Terra situation soon.
"So, what are the plans for tonight?" Cyborg asked the couple.
"Tonight we shall hold a feast in celebration of our coming betrothal." Prince Karras informed them.
He still held a blushing Starfire's hand. Raven remembered that her friend knew the man when she was a child, Karras a couple years older than her. They had reconnected a few months before when Star was called home to decide whether she will stay on earth or take her place as Queen. After a long meeting with Galfore and other sovereigns of the planet, she made the tough call of accepting the throne. Even if it pained her to leave the Titans, she could not abandon her home.
During that meeting, she had agreed to take a husband. Someone to help her rule and support her during her reign. Prince Karras had been her choice. Seeing as how they hadn't seen each other in so long, the women was still a bit timid around the handsome Prince. The last few months being the longest they've spent together. Raven smiled fondly at her friend, glad that she was doing this because she wanted to. Not because she was forced.
"Feast. Fantastic." Cyborg tried to smile, though it came out as more of a grimace.
Flashes of the odd squirming foods Star used to try to force on them probably going through his head. Raven had already prepared herself for the horrors they would face at dinner table. It was a good thing she didn't need to eat much, glad to be half demon for once.
"Come. I shall take you to your rooms. You must get ready for tonight." Galfore motioned for them to follow.
The five of them left the couple to their own devices, hurrying after the large bearded man. They struggled to keep up, the man taking larger steps than they could manage. Finally, he stopped in front of a pair of doors. Opening them to reveal a lavish suite. They stepped inside, staring in awe at the fancy couches and pretty silk draperies.
"There are four separate rooms. Please, make yourselves comfortable." Galfore said.
Then the man left them alone, closing the door behind him. The five of them stood there for a moment, glancing around.
"So. We're not crashing a wedding this time, right?" Cyborg joked.
"I just might. Prince Karras is tempting enough." Raven smirked.
Cyborgs laughter boomed loudly around them as he put an arm around Raven. Jinx was smirking, nodding in agreement with her. Even Beastboy smiled, shaking his head at her with disbelief. She rarely joked around, she knew. It always seemed to surprise her friends when she did.
"I'm going to shower."
Raven's eyes followed Nightwing as he stalked into one of the rooms. His shoulders tense and an annoyed expression on his face. Raven sighed, his bad mood affecting her own.
"What's with him?" Beastboy asked.
Raven rose a brow at him, thinking the kid had no room to talk. Garfield ignored her look, staring after Richard.
"Same old, same old. Here I thought they'd work this shit out by now." Cyborg rolled his eyes.
Raven didn't get the chance to ask him what he meant, the man disappearing into a room. Jinx giving her a wink before following after him. Beastboy took this as a sign to get ready too, leaving Raven alone. After a moment, she went into the last empty room to change out of her uniform.
An hour later, she stepped out in a navy maxi skirt with a modest slit on the side. A simple white tee tucked into the waist. White lace up vans on her feet. Her hair pulled up in a low bun, a few loose strands framing her face. Nice yet casual. Perfect for dinner, she thought.
The others were already in the living space, all showered and dressed. Cyborg had brought along his rings, taking in his Victor Stone appearance. He looked handsome in his jeans and black button up. Jinx stood beside him, her pink hair loose from her regular pointed look. The strands curled and brushing against her shoulders. She wore a black ensemble of a short a-line skirt and matching short sleeve collared crop top. She also wore white vans, grinning when she noticed Ravens.
Beastboy sat on the couch staring at his phone screen. He had on black skinny jeans and a nice white short sleeve button up. Nightwing had also taken off his uniform, though he kept the mask. Raven couldn't help but stare, taking in the man's appearance. Richard wore dark navy skinny jeans folded at the ankle and a tight gray sweater that emphasized his toned physique.
"Look at that. I'll never get tired of seeing you in civvies, Raven. You're like a whole different person." Cyborg grinned at her.
She tore her eyes away from a smirking Nightwing to return Victor's smile.
"I'll admit, wearing the leotard everyday for the past three years was getting old." She chuckled lightly.
A knock at their door caught their attention. It was opened by Galfore who smiled kindly at them.
"I see you are ready. Come. The people are gathering now." He said.
They left the room, following Stars father to the banquet hall. They heard the other guests before they saw them. Their rambunctious laughter and joyful conversations to loud to be contained in one room. Galfore ushered them through the doorway then, letting them take in the sight if so many Tamaraneans in one place. All dresses in different variations of purple and silver.
Starfire, who looked to have been waiting for them, stood from her table of honor. Prince Karras did as well, offering them a welcoming smile. The five of them walked over as she motioned for them to join her. As they drew near, they caught sight of someone they never expected to see. Raven and the others froze, staring at the women.
"Blackfire." Nightwing growled.
"Robin. Don't you look dashing." Star's sister smirked.
She was dressed in a black and silver bodysuit, her handcuffed in front of her. Her dark purple hair falling in waves down her back. Clearly she was still a prisoner but she sat with her back straight. Like the princess that she was.
"What are you doing here?" He asked with a frown.
Raven was tense, her powers reacting to the presence of the women who had tried to hurt Star. She could feel her anger coursing through her, ger dark magic threatening to break free.
"Let me explain."
They turned to Starfire who was watching the exchange warily. Karras was openly glaring at Blackfire, looking just as unhappy as they were with her presence. The guests had quieted down, now speaking in low murmurs and sending curious glances their way.
"Blackfire came to us by her own free will. To warn us of the approaching danger." Kori continued.
"The ships. She told you about the race of aliens coming your way." Cyborg muttered.
"I did. I can't become Queen if there's no throne left to sit on now can I?" Blackfire said.
"Always looking out for your own self interest." Beastboy scowled.
"Of course. If I want something, I"ll do anything to have it." She flashed a predatory grin.
Blackfires gaze fell on Richard, making it clear that her words applied to him as well. He stared back, mouth set in a thin line. Raven was visibly upset now, dark magic bleeding from her fingertips. Blackfire noticed, raising a brow at her smugly. Then Richard was wrapping his fingers around her wrist, keeping her grounded. Raven blinked, surprised with herself. It had been months since her powers had acted up. Nightwing knew this, looking down at her with worry.
"We should sit. Let's not ruin this day with all this tension." Galfore insisted.
They all took a seat at the table, though the five of them made it clear they wanted nothing to do with Blackfire. Kori tried to seem unaffected, but Raven didn't have to be an empath to tell that she was anxious. Starfire sat at the head of the table with Karras on her right, her betrothed pacing a reassuring hand over hers.
Nightwing took a seat on Stars right, pulling Raven down beside him. He kept a hold of her wrist under the table, rubbing circles over her skin with his thumb in an attempt to keep her calm. It was working, the tension slowly leaving her body. Beastboy to the seat in her other side, glowering at Blackfire.
Stars sister sat on Karras' left, watching Raven with a knowing smirk. Cyborg unwilling took a seat on her other side, body tense next to the handcuffed women. Jinx, choosing to keep silent, looked slightly uncomfortable. Raven figured that the ex-villain felt like she shouldn't get involved. Not when she herself had a checkered past.
"Let the feast begin!" Galfore addressed the room.
Raven startled, having forgotten what they were there for. Suddenly, a line of servants entered the room with large plates of Tamaranean meals held above their heads. They watched as they were sat down in front if them, already feeling a little queasy. There was mixtures if different colored blobs. Gooey and jiggling in front of them. Raven was pretty sure the tentacles in one of them were still squirming.
"Please, friends. Let us celebrate this joyful occasion." Kori handed Nightwing a fork.
Raven hid a smile behind her free hand at his horrified expression. On her other side, Garfield looked greener than usual. Cyborg was grimacing as Jinx poked at a questionable green jello. Blackfire and Karras were already digging in, cheeks stuffed with the unpleasant food. They ate ravenously, the whole room filling with the sound of angry chewing.
"Right. Lets ugh...dig in I guess." Nightwing muttered.
Starfire flashed him a cheerful grin before letting out a feral growl. Then she too was tearing into the food with wild abandon. The five guests shared a look, chuckling at their predicament. Then Raven was picking up a spoonful of goo, holding it up to Richards mouth.
"Open up." She smirked.
Nightwing gave her a betrayed look but did as she asked. A green hue flushing his cheeks as soon as he closed his lips around the spoon. She laughed softly alongside the others at their old leaders sickened expression.
TAMARAN: October 12th 18:25 UTC
"I apologize for not warning you beforehand. About my sister."
Raven looked up from the back of Starfires dress, meeting the bride to be's eyes in the body mirror. Her friend did look sorry, her brow furrowed in worry. She offered her a small smile in understanding, glancing back down at the dress.
"Its okay, Kori. I'm sure you were nervous about having her here." Raven finished with the last button.
Starfires gown was a lovely white, the tull flaring around her in delicate waves. The lace bodice was had a high neckline, the back transparent with delicate buttons trailing up her spine.
"Karras wanted her locked away in our deepest dungeon. Which is understandable, considering her past transgressions."
Richard was right, Kori's english had gotten a lot better.
"But you didn't." Raven said, stepping back.
Starfire turned away from the mirror, giving her a sad smile. Still, she looked beautiful with her hair pulled up in a fancy tail. Her silver crown framing her lovely face.
"I'm no fool, though many thought of me as such."
"Nobody thought that Kori. You were far from home on a planet you did not understand." Raven interrupted.
"Still, I could be naive at times. Far too trusting." Star continued.
Raven could not disagree with that. Starfire had always been the most open out of all of them. The woman wore her heart on her sleeve, always bright and cheerful. Never seeing the bad in people, only the good.
"But just because I want to give Blackfire the benefit of the doubt, that doesn't mean I am blind to her betrayal. I know she's not to be trusted, that she may never be again. Still, she's my sister. My only living relative. I can't help but want her here to witness my wedding."
"I get it, Star. Really, I do. If you want her here, thats good enough for us." Raven assured her.
"Thank you, Raven." Starfire smiled warmly.
The door to Star's master bedroom opened slightly, Jinx peeking her head in. The two turned to her in question.
"The boys are done putting the fear of God into Karras. You ready to make this official?" She said, stepping in fully.
She wore a stunning dark purple spaghetti strap dress. The lace fabric tight against her figure, showing off the soft curves if her body. Violet pumps on her feet giving her some extra height. Her pink curled hair loose against her bare shoulder.
"Ready." Kori grinned in response.
Raven walked over to her bag, reaching in to pull out her black suede ankle strap heels. Using a chair for support as she slipped them on. For the occasion, she had bought a short black dress with an A-line skirt. It was spaghetti strapped with a plunging neckline that was a bit daring compared to her usual outfits. She hadn't done much with her hair, just giving it a few soft curls that reached her waist.
"Lets go get you married, Koriand'r." Raven said.
The three of them stepped out if the room, Starfire's excited nerves causing Raven to smile.
The wedding went off without a hitch, the bride and groom exchanging sweet vows and sharing a shy kiss. The guests all clapping and cheering in celebration of them. Raven and her friends had sat in the front, grinning up at their favorite Tamaranean.
After, the reception was held outside under the Tamaran moon. The dark sky aglow with a lovely violet hue. The guests sat at round tables, laughing and talking as they enjoyed their meals. Starfire danced in circles in her new husband's arms. Her face still flushed from the nights event.
Raven sat at a table with the others, her fingers wrapped around a cup if water. The only beverage that seemed safe enough to drink. Beast Boy had taken the form of a Capuchin, his monkey fingers tearing up a napkin forlornly. He had given up on trying to stay cheerful. His thoughts somber as he refused to talk to anyone.
On her right, the chair was empty. Jinx having been pulled out to dance by Victor. Her tall boyfriend looking elegant in his gray suit and purple tie. The two of them were laughing as they tried to mimic the Tamaraneans dancing. Content in each others embrace.
Across from Raven sat Richard, looking very striking in his own rich black ensemble. Having been living in the house of a billionaire, an owner of his own company, she was no stranger to men in suits. Still, the effect never wore off.
Raven was unable to stop herself from stealing glanced at the handsome Richard Grayson. Even with his eyes covered by his mask, he still managed to look effortlessly stunning. His dark unruly hair combed back off his forehead, jawline looking sharper than usual. The suit hugged him in all the right places, his muscles straining against the material. It was distracting really, and annoying she thought.
Stealing another glance, Raven flushed when she found him looking back at her. Embarrassed, she looked back down at her drink, hand tightening around the cup. He had been staring at her a lot too, she had noticed.
Raven thought back to the a few hours before, when Richard had first caught sight of her. He had stood transfixed for a moment, his eyes unreadable beneath the mask. Still, a surge of strong emotion had hit her hard. Raven averting her eyes with embarrassment when she realized they were his. The attraction raidiating from him in that moment shocking her immensely.
After much thought though, and a lot of awkward stares, she figured it was just the heat of the moment. Sure Richard had seen her in regular clothes before, but not like this. Not in a dress this short and revealing. Of course he'd react this way, he was a man after all. Still, her traitorous heart beat against her chest every time she caught him watching her. Raven having to remind herself that it meant nothing.
"Friend, Raven?" Starfire came up beside her.
Raven looked up at her, glad for the distraction.
"I'm feeling, as you say, stuffy? Would you like to take a walk with me?" The Bride asked.
Raven stood with a nod, letting Kori take her hand and lead her away. Ignoring Richards stare on her back as she left the table. The two of them didn't stop until they were quite a few feet away from the party. Starfire stopping on the edge of the cliff overlooking her fleet. Raven stood beside her, the slight evening chill brushing against her legs.
"I will order the ships away tomorrow." Kori stated.
"Really? What about the threat?" Raven looked to her curiously.
"It seems we are not their target. They switched direction a few hours ago."
"Well, that's a relief isn't it?"
Starfire frowned, her thoughtful gaze on the fleet.
"For us, yes. For those who are their true target, it is not."
Raven supposed that was true. A wave of apprehension hit her then, causing her to wrap her arms around herself.
"Who are they? This race of aliens?"
"I do not know what they are called in your language. Only that they are a race of world conquerors. Their activity has lessened with the interference of the Green Lantern Corps."
Raven didn't like the sound of that. She had to remember to ask one of the Lanterns at some point. Just to be safe.
"Raven. You and Nightwing, do you not feel the love for each other?" Star suddenly changed topics.
Raven felt the flush rise on on her face, eyes wide with surprise. This was not a conversation she wanted to have. Preferring the topic of evil aliens over this. Anything but this.
"Star...that...why are you asking?" She managed.
"Well, after we broke up, I thought Nightwing might try with you." Starfire said, without a shred of embarrassment.
Well that was fine because Raven was embarrassed enough for the both of them.
"It's not like that between us, Starfire. Your relationship was different from the one that I have with him." Raven tried to gain back her composure.
"How so?" She looked confused.
"You had romantic feelings for each other. While I...I can't feel that way. Not towards him or anybody." She replied, voice low.
"Why not?"
Raven stamped down her usual annoyance at the aliens questioning. Starfire had always been overly curious. Never running out of question and always eager to hear the answer.
"Star, you've been in my body. You know how dangerous my powers are. Repressing my emotions is the only way to keep them in check. Romance is not an option for me."
Raven had gotten a good amount of control over her powers after the defeat of her father. But it was not enough, not nearly enough. She barely got a hold of her anger. Raven couldn't fathom having to deal with another emotion on top of that. Especially one as strong as...as love.
"Have you tried?" Starfire asked, her face oddly serious.
Raven blinked at her, taken off guard by the question. Had she tried? No. No of course not. Why would she risk it? After finally having the Leagues trust. After finally having people to call friends, and a place she could call home. One wrong move on her part and it could all disappear.
"No, Kori. I can't. Nothing can happen between me and Nightwing." Raven stated, tone final.
She then turned away from her friend, leaving her alone on the cliff. Silently, trying to ease her inner turmoil, Raven made her way back to the party. But as soon as she grew near, the loud music and high voices had her head pounding. She stopped, standing on the edge of the gathering with a furrowed brow. Should she go back to her room? Meditate a while before trying to sleep?
Before she could make up her mind, Raven caught sight of their table. Beastboy was back to his human form, Cyborg talking to him animatedly. Jinx was listening in, a fond smile on her face as she stared at her boyfriend. Noticing that Richard was missing, she glanced around in search of him. Her frown deepening when she found him.
Nightwing stood by the refreshment table, one hand holding a half empty cup and the other in his pocket. Beside him stood Blackfire, looking dangerous in her tight floor length gown that looked to have been painted on. The women had a hand pressed to his chest, the other snaked around his neck. Looking up at him with predatory smirk on her glossy lips. He just stared down at her, slightly confused. He didn't push her away.
The wine glasses on the tables around Raven shattered, the guests shrieking in fright. Followed by the fairy lights hung around the dance floor. At that, the music stopped. Everyone glancing around with startled faces. Raven froze, tearing her eyes away from Nightwing once she realized what had happened. Dark magic still running up her arms like static.
Her friends had immediately looked for her, Cyborg half out of his seat in worry. Beastboy and Jinx looked surprised, watching her carefully. No one else noticed she was there or that she had been the cuase. Then a hand touched her shoulder, causing her to glance back at a worried Starfire.
"Are you…"
"I'm sorry. I think I'll go to bed now." Raven muttered.
She opened a portal, falling through it as fast as she could. Back in her room, Raven fell to her knees as she stared down at her hands. How easily she had lost control, without even realizing it till the damage had been done. She had grown careless these past few months, she realized. Forgetting who she was. What she was. She couldn't let it happen again.
TAMARAN: October 13th 09:45 UTC
Richard walked over to the T-ship, his overnight bag in hand. He had put on black joggers and a light blue t-shirt for the ride back. Though he didn't feel all the comfortable, to be honest. The morning light stinging his red rimmed eyes. His mouth still tasted stale, his throat dry even after brushing his teeth. Not to mention the awful headache he had.
He really should not have accepted that drink from Galfore. Just a few sips had him drunker than a bottle of vodka. Causing him to forget most of what had happened after Raven had walked off with Starfire.
Raven. One thing he could not forget was how ethereal she had looked at the wedding. Her long smooth legs looking gorgeous in those strappy heels. And the short skirt of her dress just barely covering her firm thighs. Then there was the front of the dress, the neckline plunging deep between her breasts. The straps looking delicate on her shoulders. And her violet hair, loose against her back swaying along with her hips. Raven had been a vision. One he couldn't take his eyes off of.
He had been sad to see her go, eyes following her as she left hand in hand with Star. That's when Galfore had come up the table, thrusting the cup if whatever it was in his hand.
He had very vague memories of his drunken haze. Of time spent at their table. A few on the dance floor. Another of hands on his chest and fingers carding through his hair. That one made him uneasy for some reason. Due to the fact that he caught flashes of violet hair. At first he thought it might've been Raven, the thought exciting him. But no. It had felt wrong, the color was off. It had been darker, more black than violet. So not Raven. Making him feel very regretful of ever taking that drink.
The only thing keeping him from freaking out was the fact that he had woken up alone in his room. Still in his suit and shoes still on his feet.
"Yo, Nightwing. You look like shit." Cyborg came up behind him.
The man was back to looking like his normal self, his bag hanging over his shoulder. Jinx, not having bothered to change out of her pink pajama pants and oversized black tee, gripping his hand. The women had an annoyed frown on her face, her eyes still half asleep. Nightwing had learned long ago that she was not a morning person.
"Gee. Thanks." He muttered, tossing his bag in his cockpit.
"You really should've just stuck to water." Beastboy came over.
The kid had his hands in the pockets of his gray sweats. A loose red long sleeve on and his backpack over his shoulders.
"Dont I know it." He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"If you had, you wouldn't have had to spend your whole night dodging Blackfire." Cyborg snickered.
Oh. Oh no. Please no.
"Bl...Blackfire?" He asked, filled with dread.
"Yeah, man. What? You don't remember?"
"No. I don't." He groaned.
"Its fine. Nothing happened. She just managed to corner you and grope you a little. But then the whole thing with Raven happened, distracting her enough to let you get away." Beastboy said, hopping up into his cockpit.
His eyes widened at that, looking up at Beastboy questioningly. The kid didn't bother to elaborate though, already getting comfortable in his seat. So he turned to Cyborg instead.
"She's ok. Just a little mishap with her powers, is all." Victor assured him.
Just when he was about to ask for further details, the women in question came to join them. The hood of her black hoodie pulled over her eyes. She wore purple running shorts underneath, making it look like she wore nothing at all. Raven has never had a problem with showing off her legs. Which made it very difficult for Richard to focus on anything else.
"What?" She asked when she noticed them staring at her.
"Last night…" He began.
"It was nothing. No need to dwell on it." Raven interrupted.
"But…"
"Just leave it alone!" She snapped.
Richard startled, Raven hardly ever getting upset now a days. It had been months since she had spoken to anyone that way. Even Cyborg looked surprised. They thought she was getting better with her anger.
"Sorry...I just…" She immediately looked regretful.
"Its fine. I shouldn't have pushed." He put a hand on her shoulder.
Raven tensed at his touch, stepping back out of reach. It felt like he had been slapped, a hurt expression taking over his face. This wasn't right. This wasn't how it was supposed to be.
"We should get going." She said, floating up into her spot of the ship.
He stood there for a moment, ignoring Cyborgs worried looked. Even Jinx was eyeing him with concern.
"Lets go." He muttered.
The three of them climbed aboard, Jinx in Starfires old cockpit now that she had given it back. They had said their farewells to the Tamaranean Queen back at the palace. Kori having to get ready to go on her honeymoon.
Cyborg started the ship, the five of them preparing themselves for the journey back. Slowly, they rose into the air. Tamaran getting smaller as they ascended. Nightwing glanced down to take one last look, wishing Kori luck on her new life.
It had been nice seeing her again, he thought. Unable to help the feeling of nostalgia at the sight of her. He thought back to their time together with nothing but fondness, having enjoyed her company. But things change and people move on. They weren't meant to be forever. He was okay with that and so was she.
Kori was married now and he was...Richard glanced to his right over at Raven. He watched as she got comfortable in her seat before pulling her hood lower over her face. Then Raven was crossing her arms and leaning her head on the glass as she closed her eyes.
Richard sighed. Turning back to face the front as they made their way home. His thoughts on the beautiful sorceress who was always so near yet felt oh so far away.
Kori was married and he was in love.