When we last parted with our heroes, they were in the clutches of Komand'r.

Fourteen: A Threat, A Love, and A Grudge

The four looked around helplessly as Gordanian soldiers surrounded them. Robin took firm grip of his axe. Komand'r merely smiled.

"Why?" asked Koriand'r. "Why would you do this?"

"Simple, dear sister," said Komand'r. "Power. Absolute power. You see, once I become supreme ruler, no one would dare challenge me!"

"But… you are already ruler of Tamaran!"

She smiled.

"What? You're not jealous, are you, Kori? Don't worry, I've given you the chance at that kind of power, too."

"Wh-what?"

"The experiments the Gordanians did on you?" She held up a hand and a violet orb of energy emanated from her hand. "The exact same thing was done to me."

Koriand'r was shocked at this new power her sister had obtained. She looked down at her own hand.

"However," Komand'r continued, "unless you master you're power within a matter of days, the energy inside of you will kill you… slowly and painfully."

Robin gritted his teeth together and his knuckles turned white.

"But if you join me… I will teach you to survive! And you and I… can rule together as sisters! (A/N told you it was Star Warsish…)"

Koriand'r closed her eyes and turned away.

"One thing I still don't get," said Raven, "how were you able to get inside the Temple? Whenever Azerath is attacked, a shield forms around the temple; you'd have to be on the inside to take it down."

"That would be my contribution," said a sleek, almost British accent.

Raven's eyes went wide.

"Malchior…?"

"You seemed surprised," hissed the silver haired monk. "Come now Raven, is it really that much of a shock to you? Especially after our last meeting?"

"'Last meeting'?" repeated Beastboy. "Raven, what's he talking about?"

"I – I had feelings, but – I didn't want to believe that…"

"Hm… emotions can be such a pain, can't they?"

Emotions…?

Raven's hands turned to fists and she closed her eyes as realization began to set in.

"Tell me," she said, her eyes shut tight, "was there ever a real Malchior, or were you simply disguising yourself from the start –" she opened her eyes " – Roarack?"

He smiled.

"It took you long enough. Honestly, Raven, I thought you were smarter."

Raven attempted to remain emotionless, but Beastboy could see her tremble.

"Do you intend to unleash Trigon?" she said in an unwavering voice.

"Him? No. I now serve a greater power then your old man."

"Well," said Komand'r, "I think we've destroyed their psyches enough for one day. Red X!"

Red X? thought Robin. Who's that?

Xavier stepped out from the shadows, also carrying his axe like Robin.

"X?" Robin said, baffled. "You're in on this, too?"

"Xavier," Koma continued, "please show our guests to their accommodations…"

He smiled as five Gordanians circled around them.

"I need to decide who gets to die first," she finished.

They began to walk toward the dungeons.

When they got there, they were all thrown into a large cell. Raven went to the back, and nearly collapsed if it had not been for Beastboy. He had caught her at the last second and now held her in his arms.

"How could I have – been so blind?"

"Raven," said Beastboy, looking at her intently, "what happened between you and Malchior?"

Raven looked at him, and then nodded…

… "Raven," said Arella, "I would like you to meet the new monk."

"New monk?" said Raven, walking over to her and a boy.

The boy lifted his black hood and smiled. Raven's breath caught in her throat.

The boy had pale skin and deep, dark eyes. He was tall and lean, with long hair that was a shocking silvery white. His thin mouth curved into a sly smile and he took Raven's hand.

"Princess Raven." His voice was silky smooth and it nearly gave Raven goosebumps. "Malchior of Naul, at your service. It is a pleasure to meet such a beauty…" he slowly kissed her hand. Raven could feel herself growing hot. He looked up at her. "Oh, forgive me," he said, releasing her hand. "Have I – offended you?"

"Uh, no…" she looked away. "It was – nice meeting you." she walked on.

…

Raven walked into the Temple courtyard, looking around. Malchior had said he wanted to meet her there that night. She could barely control her excitement.

"Raven"

She jumped at the sound of her own name and looked behind her. Malchior was standing there, smiling.

"I'm glad you came."

"You – said you wanted to talk about something?"

"Forgive me but… no matter how hard I try, I couldn't take my mind off of you. I needed to see you again – in private."

Raven felt her heart bounding all around her chest. Gently, he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. She couldn't breathe or think. All she saw was him. He leaned in and delicately touched his lips to hers. When he pulled back, Raven merely stood there. His shoulders slumped.

"Oh," he said, dejected, "so – you don't feel the same?"

Then, Raven threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. They both smiled through it…

…

"This is where we keep it," said Raven as they approached the room where the Mirror was kept. "Good, it's unlocked."

She opened the door and Malchior looked around.

"I see," he said, walking towards the Mirror. "And this is how you can see him?"

"It's more like making sure he hasn't escaped."

"Has he ever gotten out before?"

"Well, once to sire me, but that's the only time."

Malchior was silent for a moment, then spoke.

"Raven… though you talk about him freely, you have never yourself experienced this fear that he seems to bring."

"Well… no."

"Then how are you so sure that he is as horrible as you say he is?"

Raven blinked.

"Malchior, Trigon is evil incarnate. In the Galion Scrolls –"

"Ha! The Galion Scrolls. Fabricated lies!"

Raven couldn't believe her ears.

"They are historical documents of my people!"

"They are the ramblings of dead drunkards!"

There was a silence between them.

"Raven… if I'm not mistaken, you have the power to bring him to this world, don't you?"

She looked at him.

"I wouldn't bring him out if my life depended on it."

"But Raven, think of it! If Trigon were to once again rule, then he could end this war of insignificant quarreling! He could bring unity to the worlds!"

"Rivers of blood can never bring peace."

"But they can bring obedience!" (A/N Scorpion King)

She looked at him straight in the eye.

"If 'obedience and unity' mean living in fear, then I will take war any day."

In a sudden move, he grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her against the wall. Then he stormed out, leaving Raven shocked and devastated…

…

"And that's what happened," she finished. "I should have known then but… I still didn't want to believe that… I'm such a fool!"

She pressed her head into Beastboy's neck and began to cry. He held her close and stroked her hair.

"Don't worry, Raven," he said, "I'm right here."

"Well, cry me a river," said X, looking amused at the scene. He was told to guard them.

"Tell me, X," said Robin, turning to him, "what's in it for you? You know Komand'r is going to get rid of the rest of Earth."

He laughed.

"You think I care about that place?"

"Don't you?"

"As if! That thing is nothing but bad memories."

"That is your home!"

"'My home'? No. Your 'home' doesn't force you to live on the streets. Your 'home' doesn't make you live out of garbage cans! Your 'home' doesn't make you steal to survive!" He took a breath in. "Trust me, when the rest of that place gets destroyed, I'm going be laughing."

He turned and Koriand'r lowered her head. Under her breath she said:

"X'hal, guide us!"

Will our heroes escape? Is Komand'r's threat a bluff? And would it ruin the moment to ask about the gunther knife? Tune in next chappie to find out!

T.