Another chapter! Like I said, I plan on finishing uploading by the end of the year. Also - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Mature Content in this chapter after the XXX sign.

Unfortunately for Jason, the coordinates did not have them near the beach as he would have liked, but it did have them near water. Their destination was actually the very tip of the Catatumbo River that overlooked Lake Maracaibo. Raven and Jason had set up a camp by the edge of a cliff that, thanks to Cyborg and Jason's friends, was easier to set up considering Cyborg had managed to develop a tent that could set up with a click of a button, and Jason's friends had created a miniature work station that connected to the satellite, giving them unlimited access to any information they would need from the lab. The pair had traveled all night and arrived around noon to their destination, both wired from the excitement of being so close to the fountain that neither could close their eyes for even a five-minute nap.

The weather was rather warm that Raven had to trade in her Titan's outfit for some khaki shorts that reached her thighs, a white spaghetti strap, and a light brown shirt jacket. Jason also traded in his Red-X suit for some hiking shorts, a muscle shirt, and a black shirt jacket. Neither knew what exactly their journey would hold, but based on the location, some hiking would be necessary, and they needed to be dressed for it.

Checking the soup that was cooking over the fire, Raven glanced over at Jason who was looking at some papers he had brought with him. From what she saw, he had made a whole bunch of notes and diagrams, and even though it seemed he had done much research, she still thought it funny how he thought that he could figure out magic by looking at a sheet of paper. When the soup was ready, Raven poured herself a bowl and one for Jason that she had to go and hand to him.

When he didn't look up from his notes, Raven rolled her eyes. "What are you looking for?"

"I'm trying to figure out what the next step is," he replied without missing a beat. "The coordinates brought us to the peak of the Catatumbo River, but it doesn't say what we have to look for next. I know that the pattern of the diamonds will change, but I'm not sure how. It says something about light rain, but that doesn't make any sense considering the climate."

"I'm surprised," stated Raven as she sat next to him. "After the way you found the coordinates back at Jump City, I would've thought you had it all figured out."

"That was just finding a pattern," said Jason, finally accepting the soup she offered him. "The moon phases, the dates the diamonds were found; they all had to do with numbers. But now –"

"Now it's not as easy," Raven nodded in understanding. Jason frowned as he stared at his soup, and Raven could tell that he was beating himself up for not thinking farther ahead. Unfortunately, now that they were getting closer to the fountain, their journey would not rely on facts and patterns. Instead, it would have to do with magic and the supernatural – both of which Raven was in tune with.

Looking around, feigning interest, Raven said, "At least we'll be having a good view tomorrow." Jason raised a brow, but otherwise made no response so Raven continued. "You know, the Catatumbo River is best known for its supernatural phenomena that happens every three months, usually during the dry season. Have you ever heard of the Catatumbo Lightning?"

"What of it?"

"It's a strange occurrence that only happens here in Venezuela where, for twelve hours straight, there is lightning without the rain or thunder. It happens every year, but there has been no plausible explanation on how or why it happens. I'm sure from here it will look nice."

Jason scoffed and mumbled, "That's nice."

"Yeah," said Raven with a nonchalant shrug, a smile tugging at her lips. "From here it will probably look like white streaks falling from the sky into the lake. I hear some people even call it the Rain of Light." It took him a moment, but when Jason realized the importance of what she was saying, his eyes widened comically that Raven couldn't hold in her laughter.

Putting his bowl down and checking his notes, Jason looked from the paper to Raven with excitement. "It's not 'light rain', it's 'Rain of Light'. God, I can't believe I missed that!"

"It's a common mistake," assured Raven, but smiled when she saw his mood brighten at the new revelation.

"So now I'm guessing it's not a supernatural phenomena at all," said Jason. "It's magic?"

"Yes it is. Alcina's sister, Melissa, was still angry with Alcina for what she did to innocent men and created the lightning to keep people away. However, when Melissa created it, Alcina managed to manipulate some parts of the ritual that created the lightning – after she wanted to make up for what she did. Now the lightning is a chance to help people find the fountain."

"It'll be another kind of pattern," said Jason with a nod. "Based on the research Eli had found, there was a lot of interest on the years the diamonds were found, that's why we were able to determine which was correspondent to the moon phases. Perhaps it will be the same for the lightning."

"Is there another stage after this?" asked Raven.

"Not that I know of. The moon phases helped get the coordinates for this location, and I'm assuming the lightning will give us the location of the fountain. The entry will be more complicated though."

Raven looked thoughtful for a moment. "Must be the lightning. There is hardly a pattern for lightning, but since this is enchanted, we will need to look for the one strike that hits the same place. Not sure of the pattern though."

"The years," said Jason. "Maybe the strike will hit the same place the number of times for the years the diamonds were founded."

"So we'll have to find the strike that hits the same place 20,000 times? Seems rather trifling."

"No," said Jason, bringing up some things on his computer. "Okay, so the Catatumbo Lightning is supposed to last up to twelve hours. What a coincidence that it's the number twelve right?"

Raven nodded. "One hour for each diamond."

"And it might not be the full year," continued Jason. "Maybe it's just the last two digits since those are the ones that vary the most."

"It won't be the same order," pointed out Raven. "Magic is never that predictable."

"I'll set up a camera for tomorrow. I'll record the lightning, and we'll go over it after in case we need to double check. We'll figure it out faster like that."

When that was said and done, Raven finally managed to get Jason to put everything down and actually eat. They ate in silence, and even though Raven didn't mind not making idle conversation, she couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. This was the first time in over a week that they were on their own with no chance of interruption. The last time they had been alone, and the park didn't count based on the circumstances, Eli had caught them in a rather embarrassing position – something the brunette did not let them forget. Now they were miles away from civilization, an entire continent away from their friends, and neither knew what exactly they were supposed to do next. Of course the memory of the last time they were at Jason's place popped into their minds, but the circumstances were different now. 'Are they really?' said a voice in the back of Raven's mind. Scoffing inwardly, she thought in reply, 'Of course they are'.

As if reading her mind, Jason put his empty bowl down and asked, "So traffic light finally knows who I am? I bet it drove him crazy when he thought of how he had me over for lunch."

"Robin doesn't know."

"You didn't tell him?"

"None of us did." When she noticed his questioning gaze, Raven said, "The others know. You gave yourself away at the game with the salute, but luckily Robin had been looking away. He can never watch when his opponent makes the winning shot."

"Ha, loser."

"The rest kept it to themselves because…" When she didn't continue, Jason nudged her to go on, keeping in mind the blush that appeared on her face. "Because they wanted me to stay happy, even if it meant hiding the identity of a most-wanted thief from our leader."

Jason remained silent for a while, allowing her words to fully sink in. He knew they were a tight group, but he didn't think they would be willing to keep his secret. Based on all that Raven had told him, it was easy to tell that all the Titans held Robin on a pedestal. Sure he made a few mistakes throughout the years, but he cared about his team, and his friends would be willing to follow him blindly to the pits of hell if they needed to. But for Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Starfire to keep a secret from him for Raven's sake? "They must really love you."

Blushing and smiling softly, Raven replied, "They're the only family I've got."

"Believe me, I understand," said Jason. After a moment of silence, Jason smirked as he placed an arm around Raven's shoulders pulling her closer. "You know…this is the first time we've been alone since that day." Licking her lips, Raven returned his smirk.

"Yeah, I know. So?" Jason laughed.

"Well," he said, "I'm not going to lie. Some very inappropriate thoughts are running through my mind."

"Well you better put those thoughts on halt," stated Raven. "We've been traveling all day, I haven't slept since Thursday, and all I want to do for tonight is get some much needed sleep."

"Fair enough," agreed Jason. As they watched the sun set across the lake, Jason started to feel a sense of calmness that he hadn't experienced for quite a few days. With the final heist he had to do in getting the last two diamonds, Anthony's funeral, the tension between him and Raven, it was nice to have some time when they could just sit and enjoy each other's company. Even if nothing happened between them tonight, it was still nice to know he could hold her this close. In a way it was kind of ironic how he ended up with Raven. Red-X was known for taking the most prestigious of things, but it hadn't been his intention to take Jump City's Forbidden Fruit – not that he was complaining.

Raven felt Jason's chest shake in silent laughter and could help but ask, "What are you thinking about now?"

"Red-X being the best thief in the world, even when he wasn't stealing," replied Jason. Raven raised a brow questioningly.

"Oh? And what exactly did Red-X steal without stealing?"

"The heart of Jump City's Forbidden Fruit." At that Raven had to roll her eyes. It was no secret that she had gone up status on Jump City's list of suitable bachelorettes. After Starfire and Robin made their relationship exclusive, the boys of Jump City had to forget about the beautiful redhead and settle for her weird, half-demon friend. It wasn't that Raven minded being considered second to her friend, but it still bothered her how the guys wanted her just because they wanted to say they had her, and she refused to be anyone's accomplishment. None of the guys that had gone up to her were genuine in their affections, and Raven decided it wasn't worth the hindrance. That is why whenever she sensed a guy wanting to talk to her, she used her empathy to make them too nervous to even approach her. It was a miracle she didn't do the same to Jason when she first met him, but she wouldn't lie about it being a temptation.

"You should consider yourself lucky," she said. "I don't usually give anyone a second glance. If it weren't for…Anthony…I probably wouldn't have bothered with you."

Jason had stilled at the mention of his brother's name, but otherwise made no indication of being bothered. "He really knew how to pick 'em," he mumbled. "So you're saying there's never been anyone else who's gotten your attention? You've never been interested in anyone?"

"I seem to have a thing for villains with a 'good guy' pretense," muttered Raven. "But other than Malchior a few years back, I've never been interested in anyone."

"So…you've never…been with anyone?"

"I never said that."

Now that was not what he had been expecting. It wasn't that Jason didn't believe that Raven was inexperienced or a prude or anything – their private endeavors have shown that she was quite an active participant – but it did make him wonder. "So…so you've –"

Raven laughed. "Are you seriously asking about my sex life? Don't tell me you're starting to feel insecure."

"No way!" exclaimed Jason. "Believe me, if there is one thing I'm secure about, it's my performance in the sheets."

Blushing furious at the hidden promise within his words, Raven retorted, "Then?"

"I'm just curious," he replied with a shrug. "Who was the lucky bastard?"

"Beast Boy," she answered as though it were obvious.

That…that…well that was not what Jason had been expecting at all. He thought back to when he saw Raven and Beast Boy interact, and yeah okay, they did seem pretty close, but he never would've guessed they had been together in such an intimate way. Sure they seemed to be more comfortable with skin contact than any of the others, and yeah they would steal knowing looks every now and then, but that didn't mean…okay so it did mean that. But Beast Boy? Beast Boy? Why did it have to be Beast Boy? The main reason that this would bother Jason – not that it did bother him because it didn't, it really didn't – would be because of all the male Titans in that tower, Beast Boy would probably be the one to leave girls with an unforgettable experience. He would be a beast in the sack – pun intended. The way Jason saw it, Robin would be too technical, Cyborg – well that speaks for itself, but Beast Boy?

"W-why Beast Boy?" Unfortunately for Jason, there was no possible way for him to hide that stutter.

Looking at him in disbelief, Raven said, "Are you kidding me? You're jealous of Beast Boy?"

"No!"

"I'm an empath remember," laughed Raven.

"Alright fine!" said Jason. "So I'm a little jealous. But what do you expect? You live with the guy!"

"He's my friend," giggled Raven, absolutely loving how uncomfortable he was, especially since he was the one who asked in the first place. "He's my best friend. And it was only once a really long time ago." Jason glared at her, and she knew she wouldn't be let off the hook so easily. "Alright, alright. About a year ago, one of our friends came back from the dead. She and Beast Boy had a thing going before she died, but when she came back, she had absolutely no memory of it, or him, or any of us. He was really bummed out about it. Around that time, I was being gloomy about a break up – if you can call it a break up – that had happened about a year before that. It wasn't that I was missing him, but I was just sort of feeling sorry for myself. I kept thinking of how stupid I was to trust him, and how easy I made it for him to manipulate me.

"But anyway, Beast Boy was having a restless sleep, and being an empath, I felt as though all of his emotions were practically yelling at me. So, I went to his room to comfort him. We stayed up talking for a while, but eventually that talking turned into something else. We did sleep together, but it was more of making each other feel better. The next day, we talked about how it was great and everything, but that it wasn't supposed to happen, and that we shouldn't let that night affect our friendship. We remained close though because of what we were willing to do for each other. And that was it."

He knew it should have made him feel better about it being only a one-time thing, and that it was only because they were both feeling down and needed to pick each other up, but images started flashing in his mind that he let out an annoyed groan. "Those images are going to haunt me in my dreams."

"You asked," pointed out Raven. She got up into their tent and started to inflate the air mattress that Aaron had insisted for them to bring. From there she called out, "It's not like you have anything to worry about. Beast Boy and I never plan on doing it again."

"That is not what's bothering me," said Jason as he followed her into the tent. At Raven's expectant expression, he couldn't help but feel a bit childish as he grumbled, "What's bothering me is that…well…D-did-did you like it? With him?"

Raven smirked mischievously. "Good luck following that performance Jason."

...RX...

The Rain of Light began exactly at 8 o'clock, and it was a good thing that Jason had set up the camera the night before because it made absolutely no noise when it started. In fact, the young couple slept through the first hour before realizing what was going on in the lake a few miles away from them. While Jason made sure the quality of the camera was catching every lightning strike, Raven sat back in a trance. She could feel the magic resonating through the air, enveloping her in a welcoming embrace. It would have been such a nice experience, if only it wasn't draining her of her power. In truth, Raven had been disconnected from her soul-self the second she put a foot on Venezuelan soil. She could feel other's emotions just fine, and she was in tune with the supernatural and being able to take some of its energy, but she couldn't channel it out. She couldn't even levitate. Jason had been worried, but she assured him that she would be fine once they got back to Jump City. For now, they had to take things slowly.

"So once we get the Fountain's location, what's going to happen?" asked Raven from where she was sitting. "Do you even know how the Fountain's water works?"

"I know," said Jason distractedly. "Me too."

Raven raised a brow. He was way too focused on the lightning. If he were watching it for the amazing occurrence that it was, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but the fact that he was watching it through a camera proved that he wasn't really admiring it. When he didn't make a move to continue, Raven snapped. "Jason!"

"Huh?"

"Stop looking at that camera and get your ass over here."

That certainly got his attention. Hesitantly, Jason went over to sit next to her and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. I'm at your disposal from now on sweetheart." Raven rolled her eyes, but snuggled up next to him.

"I'll ask again," she stated, "do you even know how the water works?"

"How it works?" asked Jason. "I guess it's more than just filling a bottle?"

"Yup." Frowning, Jason started to stand up, but Raven kept him in place. "I already checked, and no you don't have the answer in your notes."

"Then how does it work?"

Thinking back to her vision from the aquarium, Raven began to explain. "The fountain only works at the right moment and the right time. You've been keeping track of the moon phases this year, so you should know that we will be having a blue moon this month, as well as a lunar eclipse." Jason nodded in confirmation. He squeezed himself in between Raven's legs, his back against her chest, his fingers gliding over her legs as he continued to listen to her explanation, both of them having an excellent view of the never ending lightning. "This year, the lunar eclipse will be on the same night of the blue moon, which is on Tuesday. I had a vision that night at the aquarium – the water's power will only be activated when the light of the full moon touches it, before the lunar eclipse."

"So we do have a deadline," sighed Jason. "That leaves us tomorrow and Tuesday before the eclipse."

"We'll make it," declared Raven. "If not, it'll be years before the fountain will be able to work again."

"By then it would be too late," said Jason. Watching the lightning that illuminated the sky, he looked thoughtful. He had wanted this job to be finished with soon, and because he wanted to help Anthony, he wanted to find the fountain as soon as he possibly could. Now that Anthony was gone, sure he wanted to help his friends and their family, but he didn't feel that high sense of motivation as before. But hearing that this journey was soon to be over in a matter of three days really brought things into perspective. In three days, he would be going home to people he considered family, and he would be able to save them. But now that his cover was blown, he would have to leave. He would have to leave the city he loved, his job, and his friends, Raven…his brother's grave. Things will be different.

"I said I'm not going anywhere," said Raven as if reading his thoughts. "When we get back home, I'm not sure what Robin's plan will be, but I'm with you Jason."

He knew it wouldn't be as easy as she made it out to be, but Jason smiled nonetheless. He pulled Raven over to sit on his lap and kissed her temple. "You know I love you right?"

"That was your first mistake," joked Raven, her expression soft. "And I love you too."

They sat there for quite some time watching the silent lightning storm, both in their own thoughts, not really considering that they were of the same thing. How would they stay together after this? Raven could leave with Jason, but that would mean leaving the Titans and her role as a hero. Jason could stay in Jump, serve his term for however long, or continue to run from the law. Perhaps he could even buy his way out of jail; he's stolen enough to outbid Bruce Wayne twice over. But then again, it would leave Raven in a tight position with her friends. As much as he wanted to be with her, he didn't want her to resent him later in the years for making her choose between him and her friends. It wouldn't be fair for either of them.

"It's not going to be easy," said Jason, "to keep loving me. You know it won't be so simple." With a sigh, Raven replied.

"Yeah I know. But something will work out. Let's just get this done with, and we'll figure out everything when we get home." She placed her hands on each side of Jason's face and pulled him close. "And don't you get any ideas Jason – you're going back with me to Jump City, and you will not be leaving unless you're taking me with you."

He wasn't sure if she was expecting a reply, but hearing those words come from Raven's lips, Jason completely lost the ability to form a coherent sentence. All he could focus on was the way her amethyst eyes glimmered in a silver hue each time the lightning would strike down, her pupils dilated, and the way her lips were slightly parted, looking ever so inviting. Of course, being the gentleman that he was, Jason couldn't let an invitation like that go unanswered for too long.

XXX

Closing the gap between them, Jason pressed his lips against hers, inhaling her scent as he did so, his hands rummaging to her back to pull her closer against him. She was so responsive as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her chest against him. Their lips danced in a silent rhythm, molding into each other's in such a need that could not seem to be replenished. The lightning in front of them was forgotten, their situation unimportant, their mission but a distant memory; all that mattered was them, there, together, needing each other in a way that left them each breathless.

Not wanting to waste another second, Jason scooped Raven up in his arms, careful not to disrupt their kiss that had become even more heated, carried her over to their tent, and sat her on his lap as he sat on the air mattress. Raven readjusted herself so she could be straddling Jason's lap, pressing her hips against his and earning a satisfied grunt from him. She could feel him harden beneath her and couldn't help but smirk into the kiss. She knew from their last loving encounter that Jason was attracted to her, but it was still nice to be reminded just how responsive he was to her touch.

Jason was trying his absolute best to not lose himself each time Raven would grind on him in such deliberateness that was slowly but surely driving him insane. And his hands wanted to be everywhere at once; they would wander from her legs, her arms, to groping her ass to pull her even closer. The tightness in his pants was near painful as the need to have her became too much to bear. Needing to speed things along, Jason grabbed the back of Raven's shirt and ripped it apart. Hearing the tear of the fabric mixed with Raven's surprised gasp was such a satisfying sound that he couldn't help but grin haughtily at his lover's scowl. When the ripped shirt was completely off and discarded to the side, Jason breathed an excited 'oh hell yes' at seeing that Raven had decided to go without a bra that day. The climate had been a bitch to get adjusted to, but if it meant Raven would go without too much resistance around her chest area, then he was in no place to complain. Her breasts, fully round and firm, were just too tempting that he had to reach out and cup them with his hands, his fingers playing with her already erected nipples, pinching them with enough force to earn a gasping cry.

When Jason took in her breast in his mouth, Raven moaned in contentment, arching herself forward. Pleasure shot through her in a bolt of scorching fire when his mouth – his hot, wet, wonderful mouth – covered her throbbing nipple. Her fingers grasped onto his hair pulling him closer, begging for more, a silent request that he was more than happy to comply with. Feeling Jason suck on her skin, circling her pink tips with his tongue, Raven quivered in pleasure, her head falling back as she gasped fervently.

Somehow, and this time without tearing the material to shreds, Jason managed to pull off Raven's shorts with minimum separation, but as much as he tried to resist, he couldn't find the strength to stop himself from ripping off her satin underwear, leaving her completely and beautifully naked on top of him. Taking only the briefest of moments to look up at her, Jason couldn't help but thank any and every God there was for creating perfection in the form of Raven. The way her skin was flushed, smooth and flawless, the way her eyes darkened in desire, the way her lips, pink and swollen, were slightly parted as she tried to regain her breath. Can anything other than this really be considered paradise? Absolutely.

Raven's emotions were a whirlwind as she allowed herself to be consumed with love and lust. She didn't give herself time to second-guess herself as she reached down to the front of Jason's pants. She pulled the waistline down enough to free Jason's throbbing member. Excitement overcame her at being reminded of the sight of his size. Wrapping a hand around him, Raven began to pleasure him, moving her hand up and down as her lips found their way to his neck. Jason gripped her behind hard, a low rumble escaping his throat at the sensation she was giving him. He groaned when he felt her rub her wetness on him, caressing, teasing him, torturing him. She didn't even wait for him, because her need was just as agonizing as his, when Raven lifted herself, positioning him at her hot and wet entrance.

Jason groaned as Raven lowered herself on him, nearly losing his mind as she sunk deeper and deeper, savoring the pleasure he felt as their bodies were fully joined. He watched in a daze as Raven threw her head back, letting out a moan that was pure music to his ears as she took him all in. It was a miracle that he didn't come right then and there – she was so tight. Slowly and tentatively, she began to ride him, but once she found a good rhythm, her movements were hard and hell-bent as she grinded her hips against his, her breathing becoming raspy. Good God, there was just something of her being completely naked on top of him, with him still clothed that just turned him on even more – if that were even possible. Jason watched her in fascination as she continued her rapid movements, loving the way her eyes closed in ecstasy, the way her breasts bounced in front of him, and instantly knew that if he didn't take control soon, he would lose himself sooner than he would like. Feeling her walls tighten as she was reaching her peak, Jason grasped her hips forcefully in his hands and slid her up and down on top of him, thrusting up into her until she let out a cry, slamming down on him hard. He allowed her one brief moment to enjoy the hard spasms of her release before flipping them over, discarding his clothes in desperate haste.

Raven had not fully recovered from her orgasm when Jason turned them over so she would be beneath him with him between her legs, still inside her. So when he pounded into her, she had no control over her cries of pleasure. He drove into her over and over, going faster and deeper with each thrust, making her moan each and every time their bodies came together and sending a fresh wave of sensation tingling between her legs. He held absolutely nothing back as he hammered himself deep inside her, and with the way his movements were becoming more desperate and erratic, she knew he was near the end of his rope. With a few more thrusts, Raven felt a hot rush of blinding pleasure shoot through her as she reached her climax for a second time, practically screaming Jason's name. Jason came soon after, cursing under his breath as he fell on top of her.

When he pulled out, Raven let out a small gasp. As he lied down next to her, she allowed him to pull her to his chest, his fingers brushing up and down her back. The pair worked on steadying their breathing for a few minutes before either said anything. Once he had regained his breath, Jason smiled and said, his voice still raspy, "How long?"

"You should tell me," replied Raven, but based on the hardness she felt against her thigh, she knew it wouldn't be long. "Don't you want to check on the camera?"

"It's recording," said Jason. Giving her a kiss, he grinned. "You're not getting off that easily Raven. We still have seven hours to go. And for those seven hours, I plan on having you every way I can."

Her heart fluttering at his statement, Raven looked up at him daringly. "Then what the hell are you waiting for?"

Next time on Twelve Lovers of Alcina:

The couple is getting closer to their destination

"The fountain has got to be around here somewhere. I mean, I may not have any magical qualities, but even I can feel the magic in the air tonight."

"What is it with you and Disney movie references?"

But there are still some bumps along the way

"I think I know what we have to do, but I'm not sure if you're going to like it."

"Whatever idea you have is better than standing up here doing nothing."

"We're going to have to jump."

"That is the stupidest idea ever."

Until Next Time!