(hides) Sorry guys!! Reality finally caught up with me… And I'm really sorry for the LONG wait. So in compensation, this chapter is extra long!! (gets pelted with tomatoes...Sorry Fireflyoflight, for copying you...)

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Back to Jump

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Rachel stood in her dark room, hastily changing into her blue striped pajamas. Standing in front of her mirror, she slowly reached down to her left forefinger and turned off her hologram ring. She stared as the hologram quickly ebbed away, revealing her purple hair and eyes. She gave her reflection one of her rare smiles. It was good to be Raven again after a long day of being Rachel, with her blue eyes and black hair. She still started slightly whenever she caught sight of her reflection, probably because her hologram made her look so much like Dick. She was pretty sure she could pass as Dick's long lost sister or something.

Raven turned away from the mirror to the room around her. To her initial surprise, the room was quite to her taste. The room's walls were papered with simple power blue wallpaper with faint brushes of clouds patterned all over it. The bed was of a dark, almost black wood with an elegantly engraved headboard traced with silver filigree. Deliciously soft blankets of a dark blue color were spread out on the springy mattress with matching pillows.

All she wanted to do now was dive under those amazingly comforting covers and drift off to sleep… But first, to check on everyone.

It was one of those habits she had, that she couldn't get rid of, and on the contrary, got stronger as time passed. Closing her eyes and placing her fingers on her temples, she started her nightly sweep.

She could sense (and physically hear too) the laughter of Starfire and Nightwing next door to her. Cyborg was, as always, the hardest to read correctly, so she knew he was plugged into his portable recharging system and in a deep sleep. Bumblebee, Raven was surprised to find, was pacing her room – no, she was getting into bed now, though still contemplating some matter very deeply. What it was, Raven was curious to know, but refrained from reaching out further; she knew that would be deeply invading Bumblebee's privacy –

Knock! Knock!

She sighed and opened her eyes. "Come in!" she called. The door didn't open, but a green cockroach crawled under the small gap between her door and floor. It scurried all the way to the blue and black patterned rug before morphing into a green-furred kitten that jumped onto the bed beside Raven. The kitten mewed and pawed at Raven's knee to get her attention.

"Beastboy," she spoke quietly. Her voice had a hint of something in it; was it amusement, or was it exasperation? Maybe it was both.

The kitten didn't seem to notice and started purring and rubbing its cheek on Raven's side. Raven absentmindedly reached down and petted the little green head. The kitten immediately began to lick her hand with its rough little tongue, purring like a small motorboat all the while.

Raven picked him up, and cradling him in her arms, she climbed onto the bed and pulled the blankets up over them both. The kitten snuggled up to her and Raven, despite herself, had to let out a small smile at the sensation of the warm, furry ball next to her.

But her words conveyed none of those feelings. "You just couldn't wait until tomorrow, could you?" she said scathingly down at the green feline. A round head poked up from the mass of fur and made "the face" at her. Raven stared stonily back. "You know we go back to the Tower first thing tomorrow, but you had to come poking in tonight."

The kitten merely grinned and meowed playfully before licking Raven's hand again.

"Stop that," Raven said stiffly, and laid her head on the pillow. "And don't have an accident on the mattress, either. I'm not cleaning up after you."

The kitten managed to look deeply affronted and presently started cuddling and purring again with only its ears showing. Raven let out a small smile that no one saw. She closed her eyes, letting the steady purring soothe her into a gentle slumber.

Just before the sun rose, Beastboy gave Raven one last lick on the nose and crept out of her room, scurrying back to his own room as an ant.

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There was a slight sense of regret in everyone as they stood outside the mansion doors in the bright May sun. But it was time to leave, as they had been gone almost a month already. Galfore and Ryand'r were to leave today as well.

"Leaving so soon? You still haven't seen much of Earth yet," Bruce said to the two Tamaranians. "Just because the kids are going, doesn't mean that you must. Stay for a few more days, at least."

Ryand'r shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness," he said, "But there is an interplanetary war I must attend to."

"Yes. Tamaran also needs its Grand Ruler to guide them in this troubled time." Galfore added.

Bruce gave an acknowledging nod. "I hope you come and visit sometime in the near future," he told them both. "Please know you are always welcome here."

"We will remember," Ryand'r answered.

Starfire launched a tearful hug at her younger brother. "Oh, Ryand'r," she murmured. Ryand'r gently smiled and wrapped his own strong arms around Starfire. Then, he held her out at arm's length.

"Koriand'r," he said with an unwavering countenance, "We will see each other soon, I promise."

To Starfire, his firmness and assuredness broke her heart even more. He was still so very young to be shouldering such a burden. In her eyes, he had grown to know the cruelty of the world too soon; he had become an adult too soon. The dark of his eyes far exceeded his nineteen years, and it hurt her to see that so profound in the one she had hoped would stay young. More tears wet the soft curve of her cheeks.

"I promise," he repeated, still smiling quietly at her. Starfire steeled herself enough to smile back.

As she embraced him again she whispered, "Be safe, my brother." Then she looked sternly into his face in a big sister-ish way. "And do not take any unnecessary risks, all right?"

"All right," he echoed, sealing his promise.

Starfire briefly hugged Galfore goodbye, and stepped back. Dick held out his hand to Ryand'r and Galfore.

"Well, I guess it's goodbye for now," he said, but Ryand'r looked confusedly down at the outstretched hand.

"You shake it," Dick explained, quickly catching the confusion on Ryand'r's face.

"Ah, I see," he said as he shook Dick's hand rather awkwardly. "An Earth custom, no doubt?"

"Yes."

Galfore shook Dick's hand, and then suddenly faced him and thumped his right fist on his left shoulder, saying "X'hal." "This is a Tamaranian farewell," he rumbled in explanation.

"Ah, I do remember," Dick said and mimed Galfore's actions, once to Galfore and once again to Ryand'r. Both returned the action.

All the rest of the Titans followed Dick's lead and murmured, "X'hal," to the Galfore and Ryand'r, who both looked delighted at their actions.

"X'hal," they said, "And may your road be safe from evil."

And with that final bow, they flew up into the air.

"Farewell!" Starfire cried at the disappearing pair, biting her lip so that she would not tear up again, "Farewell!"

Everyone stood in silence for a long time, gazing at the sky. Starfire thought she saw Ryand'r turn briefly to wave down at them, but she wasn't sure.

"And farewell to you, Titans," Bruce said when they could no longer see Ryand'r and Galfore. "Dick, come visit sometime – there's another charity event next month."

"Sure, I'll come. Goodbye Bruce, Alfred! See you then," he said with a grin, and wrapping his arm around Starfire's waist, got into the car that stood waiting with it's doors open.

"See you, Mr. Wayne!" Garfield shouted out the window as the car started to speed away.

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On the flight back to Jump City, Rachel's face was hidden behind a new paperback she'd bought back in Gotham, and Garfield was fooling on his PSP, letting out hushed 'Yes!'s and 'Ah, no!'s. Karen and Victor were chatting amicably about something or other, but from what Kori could catch, it had something to do with biomechanical enhancements. Dick was gazing absentmindedly out the plane window, a newspaper lying forgotten on his lap.

"Richard," Kori murmured quietly.

Dick started and looked groggily around in alarm. "What's happened? What's wrong?"

Kori giggled softly. "You sleepyhead," she said, "I am sorry if I woke you."

Dick yawned and stretched his arms. "Nah, I wasn't really sleeping," he said good-naturedly. "Why'd you call me?"

Kori's face darkened.

"I…I am worried," she confessed.

Dick looked around the plane before facing Kori again. "About Ryan?" he asked quietly. Kori nodded.

"Don't be," Dick replied immediately. "From what I could feel, he's not one to go down that easily."

Kori bit her lip. "That is exactly why I am so worried."

Dick looked at her, asking mutely to explain.

"He is so young!" she blurted out. She forced her voice back down into a whisper. "He is only nineteen, and he will be killed in this war!" Kori bit her lip again.

Dick reached over and wrapped his arms around her, speaking softly into her ear. "No, I believe he will be fine. And remember, we started to risk our lives long before nineteen. He's not too young to be shouldering such responsibility."

Kori's answer was slightly muffled against his shoulder. "I hope you are right."

"I know I am. Never lose that hope again, okay?"

With those words, he kissed Kori on the forehead. As he drew away, he caught sight of Garfield and Rachel's hands. They were clasped together.

Kori looked up at him, and he met her eyes with a smile. But he didn't say a thing.

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"Cyborg, Beastboy, hit him from behind when I give you the signal."

Behind them, another car blew up with a bang.

They both nodded. "Got it, Nightwing," Cyborg said before he crept away with Beastboy.

Nightwing turned to the girls. "When Cyborg and Beastboy begins their attack, wait until his attention is fully on them before you launch everything you've got on him. I'll jump in while he's confused, so watch for me."

All three nodded in reply and settled down in their positions. Nightwing sighed inwardly. Is it just me, or does Jump City have an attack every single time we come back from something? And where's the Justice League? They were supposed to cover for us until today… Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he refocused himself to the situation at hand. He gave a nod towards Cyborg and Beastboy, who were both now across the street from him.

Just as Cyborg ran out from his barricade and released a shot at Killer Moth, a red and blue streak flew from the sky and smashed into the villain, while a gray-winged individual swung her mace into the surrounding moths.

Nightwing and the rest of the team stood up and watched with something close to awe as Killer Moth hit the wall of a tall building, cracking numerous windows from the impact. A furry heap of giant mutant moths were forming on one side of the street as they were taken down, one by one.

"Whoa," Beastboy breathed as Killer Moth was knocked down and trussed up by Superman. Meanwhile, Hawkgirl knocked down the last protesting moth. Nightwing had to admit, they were impressive. He made a mental note to increase team training sessions in the future. But then again, having several strong aliens on the team might have been the reason for such a quick job.

When the dust cleared and the villain and his cronies were safely on their way back to jail, Nightwing stood up and approached Superman.

"Oh, hi. Sorry we were late; we received an urgent distress call and had to take care of that first." Superman said as he caught sight of Nightwing.

"No problem," Nightwing replied. He gestured around at the five people slowly standing up and gathering towards him. "This is my team, the Titans. Titans, this is Superman and Hawkgirl."

There was a moment of nodding heads and hasty handshakes. Beastboy's eyes were wide and shining admiringly. He seemed too impressed to be able to say anything. Finally, he managed to squeak, "An honor to meet you sir!" to Superman.

This reminded the five original Titans so much of the first time Beastboy had met Robin that they broke into peals of laughter.

Superman smiled too. "No need to call me 'sir', Beastboy. You and I are both heros."

That made Beastboy blush furiously while the Titans laughed some more.

When all of them had managed to stop laughing, Raven asked Hawkgirl nonchalantly, "Heard any news from Thanagar lately?"

Hawkgirl expression suddenly saddened. "No," was all she would say. Raven narrowed her eyes under the cloak. So far, she didn't detect any signs that Hawkgirl was lying, but that didn't mean that she believed Hawkgirl was trustworthy, not yet.

Hawkgirl said, "Your friend Flash was supposed to be on watch today. Any idea where he is?" Raven knew Hawkgirl was intentionally changing the subject, but she didn't say anything.

Bumblebee rolled her eyes. "Knowing Flash, somewhere with lots of girlish attention."

"Or someplace where he can do the stuffing of his face," giggled Starfire.

There was a sudden gust of wind, and a man wearing red spandex appeared. "Aw, guys, gossip isn't nice," Flash said in a mock sorrowful voice.

"It's your fault you're late," Hawkgirl chided.

Flash just grinned. "Sorry! My girl was just too beautiful to let go of," he said jauntily.

Everyone groaned. But Flash just tipped them all a large wink and whisked all of the Titans' luggage to the tower in record speed.

"That Flash," Raven muttered disapprovingly under her breath.

"Least he took care of our stuff for us," Beastboy contemplated cheerfully. All he got as an answer was a noncommittal grunt from Raven.

"Let us hurry to our home, the Tower!" Starfire cut in cheerfully, anticipating a row. "I cannot wait to do the unpacking then hanging out!"

"Yeah, let's do that!" Beastboy agreed eagerly.

"Sure," Nightwing said. Starfire extended a hand, inviting him to a flight session. Nightwing grasped it with a smile.

"Beastboy," Starfire cried, "I shall race you and friend Cyborg to the tower!" Hugging Nightwing securely around the chest, she took off.

"Hey wait!" Beastboy shouted before he morphed into a pterodactyl and grabbed Cyborg by the shoulders. "Race ya, Rae!" he bellowed, and then dashed after Starfire.

Raven's countenance was nothing less than stony, but as Superman and Hawkgirl flew up into the air after the rest, she had no choice but to follow.

"It must be very interesting to live with such lively people," Superman remarked to Raven after a few moments of silent flight.

"Yes," she answered.

Superman tried again. "How was Gotham?"

"It was ok."

Silence. Then more silence. Raven wished Superman and Hawkgirl would talk to each other so she could feel less awkward. She had never been much of a conversation starter, but she felt as if she needed to say something.

Lucky for her, there was a little car crash right under her. She gladly swooped down to sort out the trouble and to help anyone that was hurt saying, "I'll be right behind you, just go," to Superman and Hawkgirl.

Raven healed the sprained ankle of the car's driver, thankful that it was only a minor crash because she felt as if she had wished it on him. Her communicator rang, and she sighed. She didn't have to open it to know who it was.

"What is it, Nightwing."

"I was worried when you didn't turn up," he said. "You okay? Where are you?"

"You're way too obsessed," Raven grumbled. "I'm fine. There just was a little accident in the street that I took care of."

"Oh. Hurry back then."

"Isn't Starfire enough to worry about?" Raven asked him in a slightly exasperated voice.

Nightwing smirked. "Nope. You're my little sister, and it's my duty to worry. Beastboy and Cyborg's fighting over what pizza to get, so get here before they embarrass themselves in front of the Justice League."

"Maybe I should just let them do that," Raven remarked caustically.

"I know you wouldn't do something like that," Nightwing said knowingly. "Nightwing out!"

Raven frowned at the blank communicator, but she enveloped herself in her dark energy and teleported to the tower.

A loud commotion greeted her ears as the black walls of energy fell down around her.

"Dude! Vegetarian pizza is good for everybody!" Beastboy cried.

Cyborg yelled back, "Veggie pizza isn't pizza at all! And anyway, you're the only one who wants it!"

Flash was leaning against the counter looking bored. "Just get something, I'm starving."

"Hello, friend Raven!" Starfire said, waving from the couch where she was sitting with Nightwing. Raven walked over and sat down next to her.

"So, who one the race?" she asked.

"Nightwing and I!" chirruped Starfire enthusiastically. "Friend Cyborg and Beastboy almost overcame us, but I believe Beastboy was more interested in seeing where you had gone then winning the race."

"Speaking of Cy and BB," Nightwing said, "Can you help them make up their mind? I'm hungry too, and we need to order before the rest of the Justice League gets here."

"I'm not playing peacemaker today," Raven said. "It's my day off."

"Raven! I'm glad you're here," Beastboy called out. "C'mere and tell Cy how much veggies are good for him!"

"Guess you don't have any say in being peacemaker," Nightwing grinned. Raven flung a sofa cushion at him before stalking over to the two arguing boys.

"Don't side with green bean, Rae," Cyborg said earnestly. "You like pepperoni, I know you do."

Raven didn't say anything, but picked up the phone and dialed the phone.

"Hello? This is Titans Tower. One vegetable pizza and three supremes please. Thank you."

She hung up. "There. Problem solved. Now I'm going to go unpack."

Beastboy tagged after her as she left, saying, "I forgot to unpack the bag of tofu!"

Cyborg stared at their retreating backs.

"Is it just me, or is there something going on between them?"

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I've been thinking, how about if I update once every two weeks or so instead of once a month? There's a host of stories I've already typed out and seriously want to post up here, but I can't do that until I'm done with this.

But if I'm going to do that, I'm going to need all you readers' help. In short, if y'all review, then I'll be able to get through with the chapter every two weeks scheme. What do you think??