Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to the Teen Titans or any characters in the DC Universe.
Sgt. Sanchez and her goons escorted Terra back into the prison portion of the asylum, once again buzzed through the security doors. The gray drabness of the corridors matched her mood. She felt helpless. Did the Titans even know what had happened to her? Sanchez and her platoon led her down a different hallway than the one the led to her cell; its only distinguishing feature was that it was wider than the other hallways.
"You're being transferred to the habitat section of the asylum." Sanchez informed her as they walked down the double wide concrete hallway.
"What does that mean?" The disabled geomancer asked.
"It means your room will be nicer."
"You mean my cell?"
"Call it whatever you like. Also remember that eating in the mess hall is privilege. Step out of line and you will eat your meals alone in your room."
"Jawohl mein commandant." Terra mocked her captor, who ignored her sassy reply as they approached the entrance to the mess hall where an unseen guard buzzed them in through yet even more steel doors.
The mess hall was a large multilevel room. The lower level was the dining section which consisted of dozens of picnic tables, the kind with the bench seats that were attached to the table. The inmates served themselves buffet style from several large pots that were lined up on the side before the hall opened at meal time. They ate on paper plates and drank from paper cups as well. The only utensils allowed were wax coated cardboard spoons. It was clear that the management did not trust the inmates with anything that could converted into a weapon.
The upper level was a gangway that was full of armed guards who kept a vigilant eye on the inmates. It reminded Terra of a concentration camp. The only thing that was missing was German Shepherd dogs.
"Good afternoon Sergeant." One of the few guards on the dining floor greeted Sanchez as he fondled his truncheon.
"What's on the menu O'Neal?"
"Beanie weenies and shit on a shingle." He replied.
"Nothing but the best for Dr. Strange's patients I see." Terra interrupted sarcastically.
O'Neal sized her up. "You're the renegade Titan, right? Welcome to Arkham Asylum." He said with a cynical grin.
"Have someone show her to her room after lunch O'Neal. See you around Markov. Keep your nose clean and you might actually get to go home someday." Sanchez said as she walked out of the mess hall, once again buzzed through the doors.
"It's self serve here Missy. All you can eat." O'Neal said as he walked away from Terra.
"I can manage." She replied as she surveyed the room. She didn't see the Joker anywhere, but she recognized a few other supervillains: The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Dr. Crane, Rupert Thorne, Bane and a few others. She also noticed that each one had his or her own turf in the dining hall and had a group of lesser known villains and suck ups gathered around them. She felt her stomach rumble and decided that maybe chipped beef and biscuits didn't sound all that bad. She walked up to the serving area and grabbed a paper bowl which she filled up with chipped beef using a cardboard ladle. She plopped a few biscuits on top of the brown slop, and after grabbing a spoon and a cup of lemonade she began to search for a place to sit, preferably away from any of the many psychopaths already seated.
As she wandered around she heard a female voice call out to her in a Brooklyn accent.
"Hey toots, ya can sit with us."
Terra turned in the direction of the welcoming voice. It was a young blonde woman sitting at Poison Ivy's table. She was smiling and even looked friendly. Terra quickly realized that she would need to join a clique if she was going to survive in Arkham and decided to accept the invitation.
As Terra approached the table Pamela Isley acknowledged her presence.
"Well, well, if it isn't Terra Markov, former Teen Titan and Deathstroke's apprentice."
Terra frowned. "You got that backwards plant lady. I'm still a Titan and I'm no longer Slade's apprentice." She replied tersely.
"Relax kid; I'm just yanking your chain. We all know you almost killed Deathstroke, and that makes you a candidate to join our group."
"I did kill Slade. And if it wasn't for Raven's father he'd still be dead."
"Relax Miss Markov, you're among friends here. We all know of your prowess. May I call you Terra?"
Terra regarded the green skinned woman, who reminded her of someone else. Someone she actually missed.
"Sure, why not?"
"Please sit down Terra. I'm sure you have questions about this place." Ivy continued.
Terra sat down in the bench seat and with her cardboard tray in front of her. After eyeing the all female entourage that Poison Ivy had assembled she tried the chipped beef and found it passable.
"What happened to my powers?"
"Hugo Strange has developed some chemical compound that affects the part of the brain that controls superpowers. We've been trying to figure out how it works, but have been unsuccessful so far."
Terra stared at the spoon full of the brown slop she had raised to her mouth.
"And let me guess, this food we're eating is full of it."
"Very good. But don't think that fasting will break you free from its control. We already tried that and it takes too long."
"I see, so what do we do?"
"Well." Ivy replied. "Whatever you do, don't have sex with Strange. He's never made good on his promises to release female patients who service him, so don't bother. And besides that, you might throw up on him."
Harley snickered at Ivy's final remark.
"I figured as much." Terra replied.
"Let me introduce you to the club. You of course already know who Harley is. Then there's Baby Doll, Selina Kyle, Lady Vic and Raven, who used to be one of the Penguin's henchwomen until she wised up."
"Ladies." Terra greeted them as she continued to eat.
"So why are ya locked in here with us? I thought yer were a Teen Titan." Harley asked.
"Strange says that I'm on some sort of villain database because I was once Slade's apprentice."
"So that was his excuse." The female known as Catwoman hissed. "So now you've been added to his collection. Welcome to the club."
Terra looked troubled. "You make it sound like the Titans won't be able to get me out of here."
"They can't." The penguin's former henchwoman replied. "Hugo Strange is practically god within Arkham. If he says you belong here, you belong here. It doesn't matter what Jim Gordon or even the Bat think. The only way out of here is to escape."
Terra regarded the brunette with an inquiring look.
"Your name's Raven?"
The tall brunette nodded.
"You mind if I call you something else? That name, it's got bad vibes for me."
The rest of the women laughed.
"Why don't you just call me Rav?"
"Sure you don't mind?"
"We all know that you lost the green boy to the gray witch Terra." Ivy interrupted. "We understand."
"Thanks" Terra replied as she pushed her unfinished meal away.
"Is the food always this bad?"
"Always." Baby Doll replied.
Terra sighed. "So the whole world knows that I got dumped for a demoness."
"You'll get over him. All men are scum anyway." Rav told her.
Terra shook her head.
"It was my fault. I was married and didn't tell him. Speaking of which, where is John? He's supposed to be here at Arkham."
Harley laughed. "You mean Mr. I'm gonna kill Beast Boy? He's been locked up in solitary since his first day here."
"Harley's right." Selina affirmed. "He started a fight right here in the mess hall. No one's seen him since then."
"Good, cuz I don't wanna see him either."
The T-Ship had landed in the Batcave and the 3 teens had been greeted by Alfred who, thoughtful as always, had prepared dinner for them.
"Master Bruce should be home soon. I just received word that he is almost done with a board meeting at Wayne Enterprises." He informed them as he led them up the stairs back into the mansion. "I'll show you to your rooms first so you may freshen up before dinner. I have laid out some civilian clothes for you Master Richard. I'm afraid that I have nothing to offer Her Highness or Mr. Stone.
"Thanks Alfred. Star and I brought our own civilian duds to wear, plus some holorings to disguise our identities." Cyborg replied.
"That was most thoughtful of you Mr. Stone. It will save me having to explain as to why there are Teen Titans in the house to Master Bruce's frequent guests. Dinner will be served in 5 minutes in the informal dining room."
Alfred then led them to their rooms where they dropped their bags. After freshening up Starfire and Cyborg slipped on their holorings. As the first time he donned such a ring Cyborg appeared in his pre-bionic form of a muscular African-American youth. Starfire's ring converted her into a tanned brunette and she would go by the name of Kori Anders, while Cyborg would simply use his real name: Victor Stone. After getting ready they met in the hallway. It was the first time Cyborg had ever seen Robin without his mask on. Starfire had seen him without it many times though, as she had imposed the condition on him that she would only make love with him if he was completely naked, and that included losing the mask. Cyborg didn't say anything but gave Richard Grayson a long hard look.
Richard led them to the "informal" dining room in the manor which was opulent enough for a state dinner and Alfred fed them a "simple" meal of Caesar salad, lobster bisque, filet mignon, roasted potatoes and sautéed asparagus. Cyborg was having his 4th helping of the main course as he observed the many portraits of Bruce's ancestors that lined the room. He also noticed that Richard looked extremely nervous.
"Yo Rob, you look intense man, even without the mask. What gives?"
Richard Grayson looked up at his friend and then at his beaming common law wife.
"He doesn't know yet. And don't call me Robin when I'm out of uniform. And the same goes for each of you as well. We need to remember to use our civilian names with each other." He replied tersely.
"What does Master Bruce not know yet?" Alfred asked as he brought in the dessert course.
Richard sighed.
"Do you really want to know Alfred?"
The majordomo placed a plate of Bananas Foster in front of Starfire.
"I do hope the dessert is to your liking your Highness. And yes Master Richard, if this is something that affects your well being then I do wish and need to know."
Robin swallowed hard.
"Well Alfred, you see, well … Starfire and I are already married."
Alfred glared at the Boy Wonder.
"What? Why were we not invited to the wedding? Master Bruce is going to be most upset with you!"
"It is OK, Mr. Pennyworth, the Royal Wedding has not taken place yet." Starfire interrupted.
"Well that is a relief! And please your Highness, just call me Alfred. Mr. Pennyworth is my father's name. But if I might be so impertinent your Highness, how is it that you are already married to Master Richard if the Royal Wedding has not taken place yet?"
Starfire giggled. "Oh, it is quite easily explained Alfred. I am with child."
Alfred dropped the terrine he had in his hands, which shattered as it hit the floor, spewing its contents of Bananas Foster all over the expensive Persian rug. He stiffly turned in Richard's direction and glared at him. Richard could see that he was almost apoplectic.
"Master Richard! How could you!? I did not raise you to do something so shameful and disgraceful! Behaving like a randy tom cat indeed! You have defiled the Princess and brought shame to this household!"
Richard stared at the floor, grateful that neither Bruce nor Barb were present.
"Alfred, please don't tell Bruce. I promise that I'll tell him."
Alfred turned to Starfire.
"Your Highness, I am at a loss for words. All I can say is that as an English gentleman and as a retired officer of her Majesty's military that I am appalled that Master Richard cajoled you into …"
Starfire began to giggle. Alfred stared at her dumbfounded.
"Do not be angry with Richard, dear Alfred. After all, it was I who suggested to him that we become the intimate after he proposed to me."
Alfred's face fell as he had experienced the emotional equivalent of an uppercut.
"Your highness, do you mean to tell me that …"
Alfred never finished his sentence and instead focused on the shattered terrine that was still lying on the floor. He knelt down and began to clean up the mess.
"You are quite correct Master Richard. It is YOU who will tell Master Bruce about your common law marriage to the Princess!" He grumbled from the floor. He then vanished into the kitchen without saying another word.
Richard sighed then glanced at Kori and Victor.
"Now do you see why I'm on edge?"
Raven dug her spoon into the ripe avocado half that was stuffed full of shrimp. Two of her favorite foods combined into one dish. It just didn't get any better, she thought. Beast Boy's appetizer was a plate of "rajas": shredded jalapeño peppers, sautéed and consumed with fresh corn tortillas.
They were having dinner at the "Mirador" restaurant that was located in the "La Quebrada" section of Acapulco where the cliff divers performed every night. The ship's purser had been able to reserve them a table with an unobstructed view of the cliff. The restaurant was open aired and the tropical air felt exotic to Raven who unlike her husband had never lived in a tropical climate.
Beast Boy took a bite of his makeshift taco and whooped at its spiciness. It was delicious but that didn't stop him from reaching for his beer to put out the fire.
"I told you that would be too spicy Gar." She chided him.
"Well I didn't have much choice Rae. Mexican cuisine is kind of weak on vegetarian dishes, and they don't have any tofu here."
"Just try the chilaquiles Gar."
"But they have cream Rae."
"Then have a salad."
"But that's what I've had in every restaurant we've been to." He moped.
Raven sighed. "Then order some soda pop to wash down those chili-pepper tacos you're trying to eat."
"They're actually pretty tasty; they're just hot as hell." He whimpered.
Raven flagged down the waiter.
"Unos frijoles y arroz para mi esposo, por favor." She asked the waiter to bring Gar some beans and rice. "Y una ensalda tambien."
"Si señora, y para usted?"
Raven deliberated for a moment before ordering for herself.
"La carne a la tampiqueña, si me hace el favor."
"Muy bien señora." The waiter confirmed before disappearing into the kitchen.
Beast Boy took his wife's hand in his own ungloved hand and stroked it gently with his thumb.
"What's the matter Gar? Something's bothering you, and I know it's not the menu."
"I don't know what it is Rae. I have this feeling that something's wrong back home."
Raven stroked his hand back.
"They would have contacted us Gar. I'm sure everything's fine."
"I still wanna call Robin once we get back to the ship."
Raven didn't tell Beast Boy, but she was also having a strange feeling that something wasn't right.
"Sure, why not?" She replied. Their ship sailed at midnight and would be returning home without any stops. They would be home in two days. She was looking forward to those last two relaxing days where she could sleep in with her beloved, undisturbed and relaxed.
The door slammed shut behind Terra as she entered her new "room". Unlike the room she woke up in this one had a semblance of normalcy. The floor was carpeted and it actually had real furniture, including a brand new television. It had a separate bathroom and no cameras, at least none that she could see. The only giveaways that this wasn't a hotel room were the bars on the window and the gray steel door, which had a small window on it.
Terra sat down on the bed, which was actually soft and lacked lumps. She was still feeling the after effects of the knockout gas and feeling a little drowsy she rested on the bed, lying in her back, facing the ceiling.
Her thoughts drifted off to Beast Boy. After performing a small mental calculation she figured that he was in Acapulco, on the ship's last port of call.
Now how am I ever going to win him back? She thought sadly. Feeling tired and a bit despondent, she rolled over, facing away from the window and shut her eyes. Her room was silent and the only sound she could hear was the faint whisper of the ventilation system. As she began to relax her body jerked and startled her awake. She settled down again and felt her body slowly become limp.
Terra heard birds singing and opened her eyes. She lifted herself off the ground and immediately recognized her surroundings: the forest, the lake and the shack.
This isn't possible. How can I be in BB's mind? The Wild Man said he would be imprisoned!
The blond cautiously approached the primitive structure, not knowing what to expect. There was no sign or sound of life within the hut. She carefully pushed the door open and peered inside.
It was empty.
"Wild Man! I know you're here. Come out!" She shouted at the forest.
Terra scanned the forest perimeter, expecting the green cave man to appear. She was disappointed. Having decided that she was wasting her time she exited the shack, ready to travel into the forest to search for her former lover's alter ego. As she dashed out the door she quickly turned right and bounced off an unexpected barrier, landing on her posterior.
As she looked up she saw that her search was over as the Wild Man towered over her.
"Greetings Terra Markov."
He offered her his hand and helped her stand up. She gave him a suspicious look.
"I thought you would be trapped." She said dryly.
"I was weakened and trapped in Garfield's mind. The witch discovered my weakness and together they banished me into the deepest recesses of his mind."
"And yet here we are. How did you bring me into BB's mind again?"
"I did not. This is your mind Terra."
"What? How can this be?" She asked.
"I escaped to your mind over the telepathic link. I left a ghost of myself behind to fool the witch."
Terra was stunned.
"But how? You're part of BB. How could you possibly leave him and come to me?"
"Garfield is now a part of you Terra. You have now achieved a level of intimacy with him that Raven can only dream of."
Terra now looked disturbed.
"Except that he's completely unaware of this." She snorted. "Some intimacy! He's probably doing the nasty with Raven right now." She concluded bitterly.
"We must be patient Terra. The first order of business is to get Strange to make good on his promise to testify at your annulment hearing."
Terra crossed her arms and frowned.
"And how do I do that?"
"Very simple Terra. Promise him what he wants."
"You mean have sex with him?" She said with a clear tone of disgust.
"Well of course. But make him understand that until you have that decree of nullity in your hands that he gets nothing."
"Ok. So let's say that I get the annulment. Then what? There's no way I'm sleeping with him!"
The Wild Man chuckled.
"Then you escape from Arkham Terra!"
Raven and Beast Boy were flying back to the pier on one of Raven's black disks. Their evening out had been a pleasant one, in spite of the 5 alarm fire that Gar had in his mouth earlier that evening. He had put it out with 3 beers, which left him feeling a little light headed at first but his animal metabolism had quickly neutralized the alcohol and other than now being a little tired he was no worse for the wear.
As they crested the tall hills that separated the cliff saturated La Quebrada section of Acapulco they were able to see the large bay with its crown of lights ringing it in the nighttime darkness. It truly was a magnificent sight, far grander than Jump City's own bay.
The cruise ship was docked by the pier, next to two other cruise liners and all three were lit up like Christmas trees. Garfield savored the tropical nighttime air, which reminded him of his younger days in Africa. They held hands as they landed together near the gangway that served as the entry point to the ship. The crew member on duty, a young merchant marine, greeted them as they came on board. The Logans strolled around the ship for a while before returning to their stateroom, holding hands and exchanging an occasional kiss. At one point they crossed paths with two of the cheerleaders they had encountered previously, and the two girls pretended not to see them as they exited the bar.
"Would you like something Rae?" He asked, motioning to the bar.
"I could go for a piña colada." She admitted. "We won't be able to have any more once we get home. At least not until we turn 21."
They entered the mostly empty bar and Beast Boy ordered Raven's drink plus a coke for himself. The bartender whipped up the pineapple and coconut flavored drink right away and Gar brought his wife her treat and they found a little table to sit at outside.
"I can't believe it's almost over Rae. In just 3 more days its back to the salt mines, fighting insane criminals."
Raven sipped her drink through a straw while Gar took a swig of his cola.
"We need to do this more often Gar. But we still have 2 whole days left. We should enjoy them." She said as she stood up. She then offered him her hand. "I'm ready to call it a night."
He smiled and accepted her offer. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she wrapped her arm around his waist as they headed back to their room.
Raven woke up with a jolt. The ship had already left port as she could feel the gentle motion of the ship plowing through the ocean. Gar was sleeping soundly, seemingly undisturbed by anything. Raven was again having the feeling that something was wrong, and unlike last time it was really gnawing at her. She gently rose from the bed, careful to not wake her beloved and slipped on the nightgown she has discarded a few hours earlier.
Grabbing her communicator she walked out to the balcony and switched it on. The display indicated that it was 3:27 AM Pacific Time. Raven debated for a moment whether she should perhaps wait until later to call home, but the premonition was so strong and dark that decided not to wait. She pressed the call button.
"Raven calling Robin." She whispered into the communicator.
Raven listened as the device beeped, indicating it was attempting to connect with Robin's communicator. After several seconds the display dropped the Titans logo and instead displayed Starfire's sleepy and slightly confused face.
"Raven?" She yawned. "Are you OK? I was not expecting you to call."
"Sorry for waking you up Starfire." Raven apologized. She then saw a blue eyed, dark haired man who had his arms wrapped around the Princess join her on the display. He opened his mouth and Robin's voice came out.
"It's OK Raven." He said. "It's time to get up anyway."
"You're getting up now?"
Richard nodded. "So what's up Raven?"
"Is everything OK at home? Gar and I both had premonitions earlier today, and I just had another one that woke me up. Is anything wrong?"
Raven could see from Robin's expression that something indeed was wrong.
"Raven, don't tell Beast Boy until you get back, but Terra's been committed to Arkham Asylum."
Raven gasped.
"What happened? Did she go off the deep end?"
Robin shook his head. "No. Her name was still on the Homeland Security supervillain database. Dr. Hugo Strange tricked her into coming to Arkham. From what we have learned Strange gassed her and she's trapped there now. We're in Gotham now. Bruce and I are going there this morning to talk with Dr. Strange."
Raven was visibly perturbed by the news. Terra wasn't her favorite Titan, but she knew the geomancer did not belong in Arkham.
"So you guys will get her out by the time we get home, right?"
Robin paused before replying.
"I don't know. Bruce says that Strange had been acting … well, strange lately. We don't know what to expect from him."
"So what happens if he doesn't release Terra?"
"I don't know. Just be ready to come to Gotham when you get home. Batman and I will think of something."
Wow, another quick chapter! And to think that last week I was having a slight case of writer's block!
We're getting close to the 200 review make (a personal best for me). So please review. And if you don't know what to say, go ahead and share your favorite recipe or something. Also well past the 10,000 hit mark.
Also, I hope you enjoyed our side trip to Acapulco. I used to live in Mexico City and got down to Acapulco more than a few times. Lots of fun!
As before, some replies to reviews:
RavenFollower13 – "I'm just glad Beast Boy and Raven are together . . . just glad I don't have to know how down and dirty they're getting. Thanks for leaving THAT out"
I promise I will never write a lemon. In my opinion lemons are a crutch. Have a story with a weak plot? Throw a lemon in! Plus they're usually gross.
BeastBoyfangirl – "I've got to say is WOW your updates have been awesome your story keeps getting better and better"
Thanks. Hopefully I won't let you down with the remaining chapters.
Novus Ordo Seclorum "Before I review, I shall get my knickers in a knot!"
Dang! I knew I should have made the jerks polo players.
GothicRavenRoth – "I don't really like Terra all the much but I felt extremely sorry for her in this chap."
Rosalind2013 – "I actually DO feel bad for Terra"
Titanfan45 – "Never thought I'd say this: Poor Terra."
Thank you! It was the #1 challenge in that chapter. Looks like I pulled it off.
WarriorsFan26 – 'All I can think about in my head is "What is going to happen next?"'
Sometimes I wonder that myself
ChicoMagnifico – "Once again you didn't fail to write a good work of art!"
Thanks, I've never really thought of myself as an artist! Maybe a hack, but not an artist.