Sorry for the major delay guys but i suffered from a terrible writer's block. I have also been working on another story, a one shot called "Why can't i..." I should be able to post it by this weekend along with the next chapter for this story. I'll let you know.

Anyway, hope you guys like this chapter. Let me know.

Chapter 43. What if…

Raven lifted the limp body of her old mentor, still encased in her dark energy and set him on a nearby cot as delicately as possible. She closed her eyes and attempted to find a trace of life within him but found none. Instead, felt his heart and mind empty and his soul already gone. She said her last goodbye with a sad bow.

Garfield came to stand next to her and placed a consoling arm around her shoulders. The other monks bent their heads, clasped their hands together and closed their eyes while saying a single prayer in Latin in a collective murmur around the underground cave like room.

Then, one by one, the monks threw the hood of their tunics over their heads and gathered around the cot. Father Dawa brought from a nearby table a white silken sheet and with the help of one of the elder monks, unfolded the piece of clothing and delicately placed it over the body, all the while repeating the same prayer over and over.

Raven joined the prayer having pulled her own hood over her head and followed the procession up the stairs. Respectfully, the other titans remained silent. Father Dawa placed a hand on Garfield's shoulder and signaled for him to follow as well. He caught up with Raven and without a word offered her his hand which she silently took.

Once outside, the procession continued to the far back of the field behind the monastery where a carved boulder had been arranged with small rocks on its surface forming a circle and its middle, a bed of hay and dry petals awaited for an occupant.

Raven levitated the covered body of her old mentor onto the makeshift bed and with a nod of approval from father Dawa, she waved her hand slowly, almost hesitant, before fire ignited from beneath the silken clothes. Slowly but surely, the fire started to consume the remnants of the deceased monk. The smoke was more prominent due to the white, snowy background and the chilled breeze carried it away, all the while the monks kept chanting their whispered prayer.

Raven watched sadly the dancing flames while her team mates stood behind her in silence. Starfire had her eyes closed and head down. Robin was next to the alien, stealing glances at her every now and then but keeping close watch of his surroundings. Meliah was a few steps behind Garfield while he was still holding Raven's hand.

Father Dawa walked to the middle of the congregation next to the burning pedestal. Lifted his arms in the air and spoke "Brothers, friends… we knew this day would come. Father Chodak knew it and had accepted his fate with full understanding and resignation. He was sure that all of the things we were foretold, would come true in a matter of time. He prepared all this for himself and his sole request was to never be mourned beyond this day, for all was already written and no amount of prayer, or magic, would stop that from happening…" he lowered his arms and looked to the people around him.

"Instead, he asked for us to rejoice in the moments shared and look forward to a future we still have ahead of us. But most of all, to realize what his imminent departure meant… the return of the mighty Rinchen. The one that the prophesies foretold would vanquish the greatest of evils. And the arrival of the mighty Lobsang, as her mate and companion and together, they will bring peace to our worlds… Let us cry and mourn our loss brothers, for tomorrow will be a new day"

Once finished with his speech, Father Dawa turned to Raven and Garfield as did the rest of the monks and in unison, they bowed their heads still under the hoods of their tunics and silently walked back towards the monastery. Father Dawa stayed behind and approached the heroes and looked at their intertwined fingers, smiled and bowed his head once more.

"Your quarters, as well as the ones for your friends, are ready dear Rinchen" said the monk.

"Please, call me Raven. That name brings bad memories" said Raven. The monk nodded once.

"As you wish… Raven" then turned to her companion "And you mighty Lobsang?"

"Just call me Garfield"

"Very well" the monk said "Come dear friends, I'll show you the way"

The monk walked ahead and the heroes looked at each other in silence, that's when Raven could sense Meliah's discomfort. The girl in question tried to avoid eye contact and looked away but followed the others once they started walking.

They were led to a lower level where the rooms were sparse. The first one they came across was for Raven, but after Garfield made the attempt to follow the group, the monk stopped him and said that his place was with Raven as well. This caused the two to blush, for Robin to arch an eyebrow, for Starfire and Meliah to smile at their friends embarrassment.

The next room was for Starfire and Meliah. Father Dawa said the ladies could share a room while Robin had one of his own. The rooms were simple. A bed or two, a nightstand and a trunk.

Before walking away, father Dawa told them that supper would be ready later in the evening but Robin said not to worry, they did not wish to intrude in their routine, specially at a time of mourning. They would take care of their own sustenance. The monk bowed once more but when he was getting ready to leave, Garfield stopped him.

"Dude… I mean , father Dawa, I need to ask you something"

"I'm sure you're curious as to how I knew your father but all in time brother Garfield, tomorrow I will answer all your questions the best I can, today, I just wish to mourn a friend" he said with a sad but apologetic expression then without waiting for a response, he turned around and left.

For a moment there was silence. Garfield was left in the hallway along with his friends and sighed as he watched the monk walk away with his head bent.

"You cant blame him friend Beast Boy. He is sad as well as the others" said Starfire, who had come and placed a hand on his shoulder for comfort.

"I know Star. I'm just curious"

…

…

Neither wanted to enclose themselves in their rooms, so, they walked back out of the monastery. Robin headed back to their aircraft with the intention of calling Cyborg and let him know what they found out so far, as well as the Doom Patrol who were waiting for coordinates as well. Starfire followed him as always.

Meliah walked ahead, lost in thought. The chilled breeze of the afternoon playing with her hair.

Raven and Garfield watched her. Meliah had hardly talked since they arrived or the entire trip there for that matter.

"Gar, something is bothering her"

"How do you know?" he said, then answer himself after seeing her arch an eyebrow "Empath, right…um… what do you think it could be?"

She eased her expression and turned her head in the other girl's direction. "I can only assume is because of Michael. He was saying goodbye"

"About time if you ask me, that guy had been getting on my nerves from the beginning"

"He has good intentions Gar. He's not evil, he's just…"

"A jerk!"

Raven sighed with a bit of frustration. Garfield could be stubborn enough when he wanted to. "Well, that jerk saved my life, Starfire's and Meliah's more than once… besides, he's just lonely. His sole purpose of not being seen, he's fear of being compared to Robin its what drove him away"

"And yet, you girls didn't hesitate in consoling him every chance you got" he said with a playful frown while crossing his arms over his chest, looking down at her.

"I cant believe you're still jealous of him Gar, I thought you were over that. He knew how I felt about you long before you did, even Robin, so any intention he had to get to me was a lost cause and he knows it. You should too"

"I'll never be over that Rae. You say he knew it but that didn't stop him on the roof, or in your room and who knows what else when I was away"

That hit a sore spot. She narrow her eyes and he knew he had gone too far when he saw the hurt in her eyes, but it was too late to take it back.

"I cant believe that after all this time, you still don't trust me Gar" she whispered. And started to turn around ready to leave, but he caught her shoulders and made her face him again.

"Rae, you know that's not true. I trust you with my life… with my heart. But its him I don't trust. The effect he has on you, on Meliah or even Star its what makes me uncomfortable. But most of all you."

"That is not at all reassuring Gar, what do you mean?"

"Rae, think about it. A year ago, or even six months ago, you would have blasted him off just because he's a thief , a criminal. But now, you're defending him. Meliah is disappointed if not heartbroken and Star… she's torn between that jerk and Robin. But even before anyone found out he was Robin's clone, he was gaining your trust. It doesn't help that in essence, he's Robin."

Raven couldn't help but notice the expression of almost disgust when he said their leader's name.

He let go of her once he saw her understanding and stepped back and looked away, embarrassed, even ashamed.

"Gar… since when are you jealous of Robin?" Raven asked quietly.

"That's not what I meant" he said, still looking away while taking two more steps back. But Raven closed the distance and gently grabbed his hand and when he still didn't look at her, she levitated herself to be eye level with him and cupped his face with both hands. He close his eyes at her touch.

"Gar, look at me… Gar, please…" her pleading made Garfield sigh in defeat and finally opened his eyes.

"What?" he whispered. She was so close.

"Since when?" she repeated.

"You ask since when, does that mean you already know the why?" he sounded more accusing that what he had meant. Raven nodded and slowly let go of his face and landed in front of him. She looked away and started to turn away but he grasped her hand to stop her.

"If you knew it bothered me, why did you continue. I know I annoyed you but, that was a low blow even coming from you" this made her angry. Was he accusing her?

"You make it sound as if I've had some kind of affair with him. My relationship with Robin has always been the same Gar. Him being a detective and me being an empath helps our understanding but… I only found out how intimate that seemed to others when Michael told me"

"Told you what?"

"Star confided in him all her fears. In the fight we had with Slade, she even yelled at me to go help my lover while she went back to hers. Once in the cave she confessed. I realized then that my friendship with him has been hurting her and you without us knowing. Even now I doubt Robin has any idea… but you know he wants Star, he just has trouble expressing just that in the right way"

His stoic expression made her frown. "Gar, I have a clear understanding of who my allies are, who my friends are and who I'm in love with, if you cant see that then I don't see how we…" he stopped her from finishing when he crashed his mouth on hers. In a split second he had grabbed her face and pulled her to him.

The intensity of his actions were of happiness and resolve, but gentle enough to be apologetic. Once the shock was gone she gave in and kissed him back, only then he circled her waist with one arm while guiding her hand to his neck with the other.

Once satisfied she was no longer angry, he pulled away and rested his forehead on hers. "I don't want to argue anymore, I don't like to fight with you"

"And I don't like it when you don't trust me"

"I told you… I trust you.. Its them I don't trust. The effect they have on you"

Raven pushed him back gently and looked into his eyes and said "Then, what do you suggest we do about it. I don't like to fight with you anymore than you do. Besides, Michael might be gone for now but Robin is still around"

He was silent. Garfield couldn't really think of a solution to his dilemma and Raven simply gave him a small smile.

"Do you know why you have no answer for me?" she asked. He had let go of her involuntarily but now she was guiding his hands to her waist again.

"Because deep down you know its unnecessary. To me, it doesn't matter who those two want… I want you and not because of some prophecy but for the simple fact that I love you Garfield Mark Logan and if you still want me, I would very much like to spend the rest of my life with you"

He frown for a moment, not sure if he had heard right. Blinked a few times as if the girl in front of him was a vision "Rae?… did you just… said yes to my marriage proposal?"

"If its still standing then…" he lifted a hand to stop her mid sentence and shook his head. Raven frown.

"That proposal doesn't count. I was unprepared and quite honestly, I didn't expect you to say yes" Raven's heart sunk for a moment but her face expressed nothing. Instead, her only response was an "Oh"

"But…" he continued while taking a step back and looking thru one of the compartments of his belt, he produced a small velvet pouch and emptied the contents in the palm of his hand "… this time, I am…" to Raven's astonishment he bent down on one knee and held in his fingers a delicately carved ring and said "Raven, I would be extremely honored if you give me the privilege to call you my wife"

The ring was a ten karat white gold promise ring. With tiny diamonds encrusted on loops that intertwined into themselves in order to cradle a small diamond in the middle. Raven looked at the ring with what seemed a frown when really she was holding back tears. But on seeing her hesitation he added "I know its old, it used to be my mother's. I haven't had a chance to resize it or even polish it and if you want a bigger diamond I'll…"

"Yes" she interrupted.

"Then once we get back home I'll go to the jewelers and…" he started to get up.

"What? No, the ring is perfect, I meant yes, I want to be your wife" she said, finally, a tear running free down her cheek and she was rewarded with the brightest smile and a twinkle in his eyes.

After straighten up, took her left hand and slid the ring, which to their surprise, it fitted perfectly. And his excitement was such, that he lifted her with ease in the air and twirled around until they both fell on a snow bank nearby, laughing. A branch covered in snow above their heads was encased in her energy and it shook violently until all the snow that was on it, fell on them.

They laughed some more and sat down on the snow. Raven wrapped in her cloak sitting on his lap while Garfield wrapped his arms around her shoulders to keep her warm.

"For how long have you been carrying your mother's ring?" she asked, her head leaned on his chest, timidly looking down at the sparkling diamond ring on her hand. He looked down as well and took her hand and softly rubbed the gem with his thumb.

"Right before we left Africa. The chief gave it to me. He said my mom had given it to him for safe keeping the day before we left in the boat. He also keeps an eye on my parents old house" he said quietly.

"You lived in a house? I thought you and your parents lived in the lab facilities"

He chuckled. "We did, specially after my accident, but the locals had been so grateful to my parents for bringing medicine and cure for many deceases that they built them a small house, more like a cabin."

"Did you go in when you went back with Meliah?" Raven looked up and saw his somber expression.

"No. I never set foot there since they've been gone. After I flew away in the storm, I headed straight there and crash landed by the front door. I think I transformed back human before I even knew I was falling…" he said with a humorless chuckle. Then he continued " But even then I couldn't go in. the place held no warmth anymore"

"I'm sorry" she whispered and lifted her face to kiss his chin. He smiled at this and said "Don't be. That's in the past. You are my present and future now" they held each other close for a few more quiet minutes, then Raven broke the silence.

"Gar, you still have to talk to Meliah. Find out what's bothering her"

"Cant you just… you know, use your mojo on her and find out?"

Raven got up, dusted the snow off her cloak and held a hand for him to get up. "I could but, as you already know, we're not the best of friends and me invading her mind without her consent will not help matters… Gar, why are you avoiding talking to her? You never had a problem before, why now?"

He made a grunt noise and slumped his shoulders before answering "Because, if you're right and this is about that… that… thief, then I'll probably end up arguing with her as I did with you because I have nothing nice to say about him… besides, isn't this like stuff girls talk about anyway?"

"Well, like I said, we're not the best of friends and I don't think Star would be in any position to share a "girl talk" with Meliah. You said so yourself, Star is torn between Robin and Michael and I don't think it would turn out good if they talk about the same man with the same interest, don't you think?"

Garfield was about to answer when out of the corner of his eye saw something falling from the sky, fast in their direction. Instinctively, he pushed Raven behind him to protect her with his body from whatever was coming, but as it approached, a muffled scream was heard and Raven used her dark energy to slow down the fall. When it was close enough, Garfield recognized Meliah in the dark bubble who was struggling to break free.

"Let me out Raven… I said let me out!" Meliah's muffled yells were heard. Raven made the bubble disappear when she thought it was low enough for the female changeling to fall on her feet, but to her and Garfield's surprise, Meliah fell on her hands and knees, sinking half way in the snow.

Meliah looked surprised as well. Her eyes wild in astonishment while breathing heavily. Garfield came to her side but she refused his help and held a hand up to stop his attempt. Slowly, she got up on weak legs. She was bent forward, resting her hands on her knees before straighten up completely. A shiver run down her body that the others didn't miss.

"M, what was that?, are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Gar, don t worry. Its nothing"

"That didn't look like nothing M, are you ok?"

"It happened before remember? I'll be fine" Meliah said while dusting the snow off of her body.

"When did it happen?" asked Raven with some concern. Meliah hesitated for a moment to answer then, involuntarily, brought her arms around herself, fighting back a shiver.

"um… when Gar and I were in Africa. We came across the waterfall while flying and… for a moment everything went dark. I felt like there was nothing holding me, as if there was no surface or sky and when I opened my eyes again, I was in the water. I panicked and I couldn't summon the strength to turn into anything to save myself. If it wasn't for Gar, I would be dead now."

Meliah looked away but when she turned back to Raven and saw her eyebrow arched, she said "Its no big deal. I'm fine. Besides, Gar went thru the same thing"

"What?!" said Raven and sharply turned to looked at him.

"I was just overwhelmed. But its not a big deal Rae, I promise" said Garfield. What he didn't say was that he had fallen down the waterfall on purpose, to feel for a moment what his parents had felt. As if to punish himself, he tried to picture their fear of dying, the desperation of not having anyone to come to their aid. He had just let himself go but, Meliah's screams had pulled him back to reality on time before he was too close to the rocks. Otherwise, it would have been too late. But, he was not about to tell any of them that, instead, he offered his fiancé a smile but he knew she was not at all convinced and gave him a "we'll talk about it later" look and said nothing else.

Meliah could only relate but she was also fighting her own demons so, said nothing as well.

"Perhaps you should let Cyborg run some tests on you, just to make sure all the chemicals you've been exposed to are not affecting your metabolism somehow"

"I'm fine… really. I just have a lot in my mind. I probably just lost concentration that's all" she interrupted a bit annoyed. Gar and Raven just exchanged looks while Meliah looked away.

"Hey M, how about we fly for a bit. Maybe some fresh air will clear your mind. What do you say?" Garfield asked with a smile.

Meliah's stressed countenance melted in a mischievous smile of her own and said " How about a race. I bet you I can get to the other side of those cliffs before you. We'll see in how good shape you really are Mr. Super Hero"

"You're on!" said Garfield but Meliah transformed into a wolf and took off. Garfield smiled and looked back at Raven who had an amused expression. He took a step towards her and quickly placed his fingers under her chin and gave her a quick kiss.

"I'll see you later babe" he said and just as quick he turned around and transformed into a wolf himself and took off after Meliah who had gained some distance in the few second he had spared to give Raven a kiss.

"Congratulations friend Raven" came Starfire's quiet voice from behind the sorceress, walking out of her hiding place.

"Star? How long have you been there?" said a startled Raven, quickly hiding the hand that held the ring. Its not because she was ashamed or even embarrassed but, she didn't want for her friend to feel left out.

Starfire had her hands together in front of her and was smiling sadly. "My apologies my friend, I didn't mean to do the spying on, but I could not help myself watch the two of you share such a tender moment. But please, do not hide your happiness for my sake. Be proud to show the world how much you love each other."

"Star…"

"May I see it?" asked the alien and extended her hand. Raven said no more and complied. Star took Raven's hand and gently twirled the ring on the finger that held it, then pulled the sorceress in a hug. "Congratulations again my friend. We should celebrate this day and start the preparations for a luscious wedding. I can take care of the details, you don't have to do a thing"

"Star, we just got engaged"

"I know, but, why wait till the last minute" Starfire's tone held a trace of forced excitement that Raven didn't miss.

"Star, is there something you would like to talk about?'' said Raven gently. Star's lower lip trembled for a split second before she lowered her head and whispered "Yes"

But as soon as Raven opened a portal for her and Starfire to go to her room, Raven's communicator started to beep insistently. When she flipped it open, Garfield's worried face appeared on the screen. There were traces of blood on his face and on his left shoulder.

"Gar? Are you ok? What happened?" Raven asked almost desperate.

"Rae, it happened again. Meliah fainted midair but this time she didn't wake up, crashed on the rocks of the cliff's walls and now is bleeding everywhere."

"I'm coming Gar" Raven said and Starfire was about to take off as well when another incoming call interrupted them.

"Rae, Star I'm on my way. I got BB on radar. Hey grass stain, don't move her. You'll risk major damage, I'm almost there" said Cyborg and then the call was ended. Raven teleported herself and Starfire over where Garfield and an unconscious Meliah were.

There was blood on the girl's face, arms and legs. Her lips were turning blue and her skin was cold and pale. Garfield was worried out of his senses. He was knelt on the snowy ground, holding the girl's head and neck.

Cyborg arrived shortly after and with a medical kit in hand, tended to the girl, placed her on a straight position with her arms over her chest and asked Raven to take her to the monastery.

Once in her room, Cyborg placed an iv on her arm and started to clean the blood and search for the open wounds. He was able to get her stable again and after just a couple of hours, she woke up.

The room was semi dark, there were some candles on top ot the trunk across the bed and the constant beeping of a heart monitor. No one was there except for Cyborg who had fallen sleep on the chair at the bottom of the bed by her feet. Or so she thought.

"We almost lost you. How are you feeling?" asked Cyborg quietly.

"I've been better. What happened?"

"I'm not sure. I run some tests and I'm waiting for the results but, if it is what I think it is then you're in more delicate condition than what I fear." there was a hint of worry in his voice.

Meliah sighed, drummed her fingers on the bed and said quietly " What ever you think it is. What ever you find… don't tell them. Don't tell him"

"You know he will demand to know what's going on with you"

"And I demand of you to keep it to yourself. Its my health, my decision." she said stoically.

"I cant lie to him or any of them"

"I'm not asking you to, just tell him I'm weak. That I need to rest and lay off the shifting for a while. I'll go back to Africa. They wont hear from me again"

"What if B refuses. He just got you back after thinking you were dead Do you think he'll give up on you now"

"No, but you'll just have to convince him I have to leave. And if that fails then tell him I died"

"Why? Why would you put the guy thru that again"

"Because he deserves to be happy and with me around … just, tell him what I said. I need a vacation."

"I don't like it, its as if I'm lying to his face"

"You wont. I will. He just got engaged and is happier that I could ever imagine, I'm not about to ruin that"

Then, the beep of another machine was heard. She got up off the bed with lighting speed ignoring the pull the iv needle made at her arm. The papers had finished printing and grabbed the bunch before Cyborg did. Read thru them and with schooled expressionless face, nodded once, her claws appeared and shred the papers in her hand and with a massive amount of strength, threw the monitor and it crashed on the wall and pieces flew across the room.