Chapter 61. Random surprises.

The next day, mother and daughter were ready to depart to the airport. Every measure was taken so the little girl would not recognize her surroundings. For those who wanted to say goodbye, Cyborg had provided holorings to mask their identities. Everyone else, simply watched from afar.

Garfield's first thought was not to come forward and say goodbye but, at least he wanted to wish her good luck, so he turn into a parakeet and graciously flew in front of the little girl who giggled at the sight of the green bird.

"Birdie!" she exclaimed excitedly as she tried to pet it.

To see her innocent smile and full of life was all Garfield ever wanted for her and now that was accomplished, he had to say goodbye and it was more overwhelming than what he thought it would be, so with a heavy heart, he flew away, much to the little girl's disappointment.

Cyborg was also disguised as he was the one carrying the last of their luggage and load it into the car. Starfire was also present as she wished to say goodbye as well. she looked much like her sister Blackfire with the dark hair, but it was much shorter than her own, her eyes were still green and her smile was kind. She gave little Meliah a doll to play with during the long trip.

Dr Simmons had already said her goodbyes to the ones that were absent. She had given Michael a hug and a kiss to her granddaughter and made him promise to keep in touch and send her pictures as often as he could. Also to let her know his place of residence as soon as he settled. She had offered him to find a place for him but he kindly refused and claimed he was perfectly capable of providing for his own daughter. She had no doubt that Victoria was in good hands.

To Raven's chagrin, the overwhelming torrent of emotion she sensed from the doctor was more than she could tolerate and simply wished her good luck and left.

Garfield had cried along Dr Simmons. He wished he could have hug the little girl for old time's sake, but he was afraid. Deep down, he wanted her to remember him but that also meant, she would remember everything else and that, was not something she deserved. The parakeet had been a spur of the moment. They were green anyway, so there was no risk.

Robin had allowed a handshake as there was no emotional involvement that pertained him but the older woman hugged him anyway.

Leo had stored in a special case the syringe with the cure in case Meliah's condition came back with her memories. Being a woman of science, she considered that hoping for the girl to grow up at a normal rate again without any memories being triggered, was a long shot and preferred for the mother to be prepared.

Now, as they watched the car enter the tunnel and then incorporate into the traffic and disappeared in the distance, everything they had gone thru, the hectic months and life threatening moments, all of it was a blur, like a crazy dream that was almost impossible to believe but sadly, they had the scars and bruises to prove them otherwise.

Later that afternoon there was another meeting. This time, it was to decide what to do with Ravager. She had remained in her cell, oblivious to everything as she was still in shock. Every now and then she had come out of her stupor and exchange a few words with her brother but it was never for long.

It was an opinionated discussion with every Titan agreeing for the young woman to go to a highly secured prison, all except for Jericho who was pleading on behalf of his sister for a second chance. That was until said young woman walked into the common room with a tray and dirty dished in hand.

There was a stunned silence as they watched her walk towards the kitchen, calmly placed the tray on the counter and as she turn around, she wiped her hands on the sides of her suit and faced them.

"How did you escape?" asked Cyborg almost offended. "I updated the alarm system and the cell room since the last time you escaped"

"Well, there are several weak points and at least five more ways for me to escape without being detected…" when she saw the others opt a fighting stance while her brother stared at her in almost disappointment she added quickly "…but I didn't. I'm here, ready to hear my fate… I don't like to know I'm being talked about behind my back." she said as she looked away.

"I know you think I'm heartless just as you used to think about Slade, but in fact, I'm not. That's why anything I did was never good enough for him. He used to tell me that feelings were for the weak, for the simple minded. Feelings makes one an easy target, an easy prey and… he was right. He taught me well in that regard. He became my prey and now I've lost him" she walked towards the sofa and sat on one end while the heroes surrounded her without offering a fight.

"You know why he was so obsessed with you becoming his apprentice, Robin? Because he saw himself in you and I even dare say he consider you a son"

"Slade and I have nothing in common, Rose" Robin sounded almost offended.

"Don't you now? As I recall, your…camaraderie was strong enough to warn him about your concerns of his actions".

"That means nothing"

"And I think that it meant a lot more than what you lead on"

"And according to you, why was exactly the point of that obsession?" asked Raven.

"I told you, a son figure. More than once he told me he wished it was Joey and not me with him, even though he knew, Joey would never agree. And more than once he called me weak and he often wished I was more like you, Robin because, even though you have no powers, your mind and your abilities are strong enough to take on any enemy… or even your own team. Michael might have been his creation but… Red X was yours"

"But that was only once and it was to find Slade"

"I know, but he was impressed regardless." she sighed and leaned forward on her knees and clasped her hands together "So Titans. What's it going to be? What…highly secured prison will I spend the rest of my days?"

They all looked at Robin while he stared into the pleading eyes of Jericho for a moment.

"Jericho has pleaded on your behalf for a second chance so now, is up to you to agree to the terms" said Robin after he made his decision.

"Terms? I hope those…terms… don't include me agreeing to be part of your little hero team"

"No, but you agreeing on stopping your criminal activities is a must. Also a constant report of your whereabouts, constant supervision and counseling are some of the requirements" said Robin calmly.

"Then might as well send me to prison bird boy, because I have nowhere else to go" she said with a mild scoff. Joey sat next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I doubt daddy would let me come back home now, and I doubt any of the safe houses are available to me anymore" she whispered to her brother.

"Then come with me" he signed.

"What?"

"I said come with me. You don't need to be alone Rose, I don't want you to"

"I don't need a babysitter Joey"

"Not a babysitter but your brother. I'll be your companion for as long as you want me to"

Rose's smile showed slowly with a faint tremble until she nodded her approval and he rewarded her with a bigger smile.

…

…

Garfield was looking for Raven and walked by Michael's room, the door was open and saw Robin leaned on his forearms over the railing of the crib looking at the sleeping baby.

"Slade got you thinking, huh?"

"huh?…oh…yes, I guess. I never even consider it. He's so different from me that its never been difficult to think of him as someone completely unrelated to me and yet…"

"But he's not you dude. He's an individual, a person with feelings, not a thing and he loves that little girl"

"Just like he loves your fiancé?" Robin said with a playful tone.

"Dude, don't remind me, but don't change the subject. Just think of him as …"

"Don't say it Beast Boy. He's not my brother"

"And why not? After all, and don't ever tell him I said this but, hasn't he proved himself that he can be trusted?"

"Do you trust him, Beast Boy?" Robin asked with certain seriousness in his tone.

"The issues between him and I are different from yours. I know he wants my girlfriend and she knows that too"

"And that doesn't worry you?"

"It would if she hadn't picked me."

"But that doesn't prove anything"

Garfield sighed "Raven had a… serious moment of weakness not too long ago to which he could have taken advantage of , but he didn't. Instead he called me"

"That was… nice of him"

Garfield chuckled "I think there was some fear in there too"

"Of you?"

"No. Raven. I think he's more afraid of disappointing her than having her angry at him"

"Why do you say that?"

"If she's angry, he knows he can charm his way back in her… tolerant graces, but I don't think he could handle her being disappointed at him"

"And that doesn't bother you?" Robin asked as they walked out of the room.

"It does sometimes, but I cant do anything about it. She's got a soft spot for him. I've seen it long before we were together and the fact that she still chose me, despite having that soft spot for him then, I have nothing to worry about"

"So, is it safe to say there'll be a wedding soon?" Robin asked as soon as they entered the common room.

"I don't know yet dude, we haven't discussed a wedding yet"

"How about we discuss that now" came the commanding voice of Cyborg while he walked with heavy steps towards them. When he reached Garfield, he pushed him down on a chair that Robin had ready for him.

"Dude, what's up with this" the changeling asked confused as he looked from one guy to the other.

"What's up is that we know you've been sleeping in my little sister's room for some time now and… I'm not hearing any wedding bells yet, so you tell us, what's up with that?" Cyborg's voice was more than malicious and menacing, his presence was more imposing than usual and Garfield could have sworn his bionic eye glowed a brighter red while Robin simply crossed his arms over his chest with a frown and his set jaw told him they were not kidding around.

"Hey, we're already engaged, she already wears my ring"

"And she could be wearing a veil and wedding dress but until a priest pronounce you man and wife you're not allowed to fool around with her, even if she's the one who starts"

"But she's the one who…" Garfield stop when he saw Cyborg's glare and the humming of his cannon was more pronounced.

"What did I say…"

…

…

It was getting dark, with the sun going down over the water, with dancing strips of red and pink that reflected from the sky, it was a breathless sight. Raven was there, levitating above the ground, facing the colorful scenario. Next to her, was another dark figure, leaning on his knees with his elbows and holding a baby monitor. Everything was silent now.

She had arrived a few minutes before Michael did and he had asked her if he could stay while she meditated. She had agreed and not two seconds after closing her eyes, they heard voices coming from the small device. It was Robin and Garfield talking and Raven and Michael had heard their conversation before they left the room. When there was no more voices or other noises in the background, he broke the silence first.

"He seems to knows us better than what we think"

"So its true? You're in love with me?" she asked but there was no reply while he looked away. "Michael, you know that I…"

"I know… he's lucky you love him. But if I had been a little faster, you would be wearing my ring and not his. I would have given you a much bigger rock than that too" he said playfully with a wink.

"First of all, I would have to give it back because it would probably be a stolen jewel. Second, I don't care about the size of the rock, I care about what it represents"

"I know, beautiful, I was just kidding. I know you're better than that but at least I'm sure of something now"

"And what is that?"

"You have a soft spot for me in your mysterious and beautiful little heart" he said with a smile.

"I tolerate you, which is different" she said as she closed her eyes again.

"Oh, c'mon Raven, when are you going to admit you like me at least a little"

"When you accept the fact that I don't like you the way you want me to" her words came out a little harsher that what she had intended. He started to walk away but she took his arm and stopped him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"Its ok beautiful, I know what you meant"

"No, you don't. I do love you but its the same way I love Cyborg and Robin. I respect them, care for them and look up to them and you're up in that pedestal with them but Gar is higher up and there is no more room but him. But I am grateful you saved my life so many times…" she pulled the thief into a hug he returned hesitantly.

"And this…" Raven said and shyly leaned in and briefly, placed a chaste kiss on his lips before hugging him tighter "… thank you for not taking advantage of me that night. I really, really appreciate it" she whispered in his ear.

"You're welcome" he whispered back. Before she pulled away, however, he kept her there for a moment longer and asked " Can I ask you something? Can you smell my cologne?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"Just, tell me if you can smell my cologne and if you do, what do you think? I swear I have real serious question about it"

"I cant believe you're still upset because Gar said it wasn't good"

"Its not that…well, not the way you think. There's something that's been bothering me since yesterday, that's why I want your opinion"

Raven crossed her arms over her chest and raised a questioning eyebrow but after a moment, she leaned in, close to his neck. She sniffed softly and there It was, a barely there scent.

"Its… pleasant enough but I can barely smell it. Why?"

"Well, this is just how much I used yesterday when Beast Boy made his comment so I figured it had been his animal senses, correct?"

"Yes, his sense of smell is very acute"

"Well, so I thought, no big deal. The same when Vicky wrinkled her nose, she's the daughter of a changeling after all so such perception would only come natural but… what about Meliah?"

"What about her?"

"Last night she came by herself late at night. She heard Vicky cry. She also asked me to pick her up so she could see the baby and when I did, she wrinkled her nose as well. Raven, that was hours later after I used it and she was still able to smell it. Tell me, is there a possibility that perhaps she already has her animal instincts before her memories return?"

Raven pondered on the question for a moment before answering "Difficult to say. these are isolated, unprecedented cases. Each one has been completely different. There is no telling what or how its going to happen with her. As far as I know, she was much older when she was infected with Gar's DNA. Even if that was the case, transforming alone could trigger her memories but…"

"But what?"

"We must warn Dr Simmons, just in case. She can give her the serum now and hopefully stop her metabolism from accelerating before its too late. it's a great possibility that her condition returns just as fast and as strong as before" she opened her communicator and Robin appeared on the screen.

"Robin, any chance you can get in contact with Dr Simmons in that plain?"

"I can try, why? Something wrong?"

"There might be a possibility that Meliah's animal instincts are back and her condition should not be far behind if we wait longer. She can give her the serum now to prevent it."

"I'm on it Raven, Robin out" less than five minutes later, her communicator was beeping with an incoming call. "Raven, you were right, Dr Simmons also noticed the symptoms and she had already given her the cure before they boarded the plain. She's fine now"

"Thank you, Robin" said the thief next to Raven.

"No problem"

"Hey Robin? Is Gar there with you?"

"Yes, he is. You need him for something?"

"Just wondering. I'm on my way there…"

"Not yet. We're in a meeting right now and… you cant come"

"What do you mean I cant come? Is everything ok?"

"Everything's fine, we're just having a man to man conversation" but Raven raised an eyebrow at this "Nothing serious, he's fine, we'll leave him in one peace if he cooperates"

"What!? Let me talk to him"

"Hey babe, I'm fine. I'll come looking for you in a few minutes, ok? Love you"

Raven closed her communicator with mild annoyance once the call had ended.

"What the hell was that about?" she wondered out loud.

"I wouldn't worry if I were you, the guys are probably… reminding him a wedding is due" Michael said nonchalantly as he walked back to the edge of the building. She followed him and before she questioned him again, he continued "They know you two have been sleeping together and that didn't set right with them"

"What? But that's non of…"

"Oh but it is very much their business but don't get mad at them, they're only looking out for you"

"That doesn't make it any less unsettling"

They had almost forgotten about the baby monitor when they heard someone talking. It was a woman and she didn't seem to be alone. They both teleported to his room and found Rose and Joey, one on each side of the crib, Joey was holding a soft toy and his sister holding a diaper, turning it every which way.

"… It cant be that difficult, I'm sure there are instructions somewhere"

"What are you doing?" came the stern voice of Michael and Raven's hands started to glow with her dark energy.

"Nothing, we were trying to help but didn't know where to start" Rose said as Michael took the diaper from her hands and pulled her away from the crib. Jericho was signing his reply frantically but with little success.

"Jericho, calm down, I have no idea what you're saying" said Raven.

"He's trying to explain why we're here"

"Then, why don't you save us the trouble and tell me yourself why the sudden interest with my daughter when you have threatened me with killing her before"

"We're leaving tomorrow. Robin released me to my brother so, I wanted to say goodbye"

Much to Raven's and Jericho's surprise, Rose threw her arms around the thief's neck and kissed him shamelessly. Michael's shock was only momentary and soon he was taking advantage of the opportunity.

"C'mon Joey, I don't think we have to supervise this" Raven said as she pulled the astonished young man out of the room.

…

…

Later that evening, Garfield entered Raven's room and found her in the bathroom, brushing her teeth.

"Do I dare ask who's in the room with Michael?"

Raven rinsed her mouth and spit into the sink before turning off the light and approached him. She gave him a chaste kiss before answering.

"Only if you really want to know"

"I'm not so sure I want to now" they snickered before walking to the bed.

"How do you know there was someone in there anyway… wait, you weren't looking for me in there, were you?" she said as she crawled to the middle of her bed. He sat at the edge without any attempt to lay down.

"No, no. I wanted to see Vicky but, I regretted it as soon as I got to the door. I heard things no child should hear at that age. Or anyone of any age for that matter."

That made Raven chuckle "Don't worry, Vicky's not there. Leo picked her up for her routine check up earlier"

Raven was sitting in the middle of the bed now, but he just sat there, fidgeting with a pillow.

"Want to talk about it?" she asked after a few minutes of silence.

"I'm worried about Leo" he said as he sat back against the headboard.

"Why? I saw her earlier, she didn't seem depressed anymore"

"Its not that but I think she's planning something… I think she might want to find Slade on her own"

"What makes you think that?"

"I was talking to her earlier this morning. Her eighteenth birthday is in a few months, she mentioned that there were things she couldn't wait to do"

"Like what?"

"For starters, she wants to change her last name. she wants to cut out Natovsky completely"

"That's understandable. If I could cut out the one thing that reminds me who my father is, I would, in a heartbeat. But that hardly means she'll go after Slade"

"Not that part but she did say "Leonore Wilson doesn't sound so bad". she whispered it to herself but I still heard it. Rae, what if she does go after him? She is in love with him after all"

"Gar, you know how difficult he is to find. He never lets us find him unless he wants us to. He left, not only because he didn't want to get caught but because he knew having a romance with a minor is wrong in so many ways, besides, even if he wanted to, he looks his age now. Before it might have been…ok for the most part because he was a teenager himself but not anymore. You heard Rose, he's t least twenty some years her senior"

"Still. I just don't want her to get hurt."

"You cant protect the women in your life all the time, Gar. No matter how much you care, they will make mistakes and you have to let them and not blame yourself for it. By the way, I need to tell you something. I did give Michael a hug and a kiss earlier as a personal thank you for not taking advantage of me the other night"

"You kissed him?" Raven winced, he was disappointed.

"I thought he deserved it, after all, he could have done what he wanted but he didn't and I really appreciate that"

He got up and walked up to the window. He was thoughtful.

"Why did you tell me? We could have moved on without that image engraved in my mind"

"Because I don't want us to have anymore secrets. Because I want you to know it meant nothing other than me being grateful he looked out for me"

"Would it happen again? Kissing I mean" he asked till facing the window. His reflection showed no expression.

"Very unlikely" she saw his reflection smile and he turn around and jumped on the bed with her. He kissed her cheek, her neck and hugged her as if his life depended on it. They laid down and he spooned his fiancé for a while, both enjoying each other's company in silence.

"Hey babe?"

"Yes, Gar"

"I have a little confession to make. I know you were in roof with Michael, I heard your conversation"

"Oh. I thought you were with Robin"

"I was but, while he was calling Dr Simmons, Cyborg was in the computer checking the security system. After Rose told him there were certain discrepancies in the cell room, he spend most of the day running new programs and stuff… anyway, he had the cameras on display when I saw you. I replayed the conversation, up until you kissed him, over and over"

"So you know it was nothing"

"Still hurt but, yes, I know"

"I'm sorry Gar. Now I understand why you didn't want to lay down with me earlier" she said quietly but then frown and turn around to face him. "So, if you already knew, why ask me why I told you about it?" he rolled on his back and stared at the ceiling while Raven propped herself up on her right arm.

"Because I really wanted to erase that image but you reminded me of it"

Raven laid on her back and also stared at the ceiling "Am I to expect you to spy on me from now on?" she said in her emotionless tone.

"No, of course not. It was an accident and I really appreciate you telling me"

"Even though you already knew about it"

"Specially because I already knew about it"

"Oh, so you expect me to give you a report of all the decisions I make before I execute them so you know what I'm doing the rest of the day when I'm not with you? Or would you prefer me to keep my communicator open so you can see and hear what I'm doing"

"What? No, Raven, that's not what I meant" he said and tried to hug her but she pushed him away and got off the bed. "Raven, what's wrong? Why are you pushing me away?" he asked as he sat on the bed and pushed himself to the edge.

"And why not. I rather do it first before you push me away"

"Rae, no, why would I do that?"

"I kissed another guy, remember? I know you were disgusted before, admit it" she hissed, and her eyes started to glow red. She was angry.

"I admit I'm not too crazy about it but that's no reason to push you away…" he tried to get closer but she glided away again and she started to sob uncontrollably. "Rae? What's wrong? Why are you acting like this?"

Raven wiped her eyes with the back of her hand ad when she saw it wet, she seemed confused, even surprised. She blinked a couple of times as if hearing his voice and seeing him for the first time.

"I'm sorry… I don't know what was that about… I felt angry one minute, sad the next. So overwhelming" she started to shake as if she was cold and a couple of figurines on a shelf exploded and a cold breeze started to blow inside the room.

"Raven, what's going on? Are you ok? Tell me how can I help" he almost yelled over the rumbling noise the wind was creating while holding her by the shoulders and without a warning, without a sign, a bubble of dark energy seemed to envelope her and threw herself against the wall and fainted.