Fan Fiction ❯ New Horizons ❯ New Horizons chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfic I make no claims to the characters presented herein. I do not own nor make such claims about any DC character so please don't sue me.

Readers note this is a story set in a slightly skewed universe where on the surface things appear as depicted in the animated story but other events not chronicled in it have taken place, alternate universe and all that jazz.

New Horizons: chapter 1

Raven sat cross legged hovering a few inches off the ground watching the melee unfolding before her, it took a supreme effort of will not to smile as the chrome and titanium Cyborg found himself upended by the thin alien girl he had squared off against. `He'll be polishing his bravado for weeks to get it shiny again.' she thought to herself with a smirk. Cyborg had been duped into challenging the stout, if lanky Tamaranian girl by the irrepressible Beastboy who was falling over himself with a gut-busting laugh. Starfire for her part was looking rather smug after the surprisingly easy win over her teammate. She had not bothered to mention wrestling was required combat form on her home world and since Cyborg hadn't asked before the ill advised challenge she saw no reason to warn him in advance. Cyborg was a good person but his ego on occasion would get the better of him especially when it came to the athletic side of his nature.

Robin cast a glance in Raven's direction wondering silently if he had seen the telltale signs of her wry smile or if it was just the shadows on her face. It didn't matter he decided Star had won that round and as referee he had to pay attention to the next round, not the often broody woman. "Beastboy you're up!" He shouted getting the shape shifters attention, 'This should be entertaining' a smirk crossed his features as the green one went goggle eyed at the thought of matching off against Starfire.

"Du-u-u-ude! That's not how this was supposed to go down Robin!" Beastboy made a show of crawling on his hands and knees up to the boy wonder and pleading to be spared. "Ple-e-e-e-ease ohpleaseohpleaseohplease don't make me wrestle her!" Starfire winked at Robin from her position behind Beastboy bringing a full on smile to his face. "Sorry BB but you started this and besides I think it's a good idea. We all could use some training beyond what the obstacle course and gym can offer." Crossing his arms with a loud pout Beastboy snorted and stood to face Starfire. "Go!" Robin shouted not waiting for Beastboy to move to the center of the field; he regretted the decision momentarily as the changeling did just that and shifted into his raptor form. At a distance the sounds made during a shift in form went un-noticed but this close he could hear the stretching of tendon and creaking of bone as it metamorphosed from human configuration to saurian. Robin had heard the sound countless times and every time it sent a shiver down his spine.

Starfire drifted to the ground casually waiting for Beastboy to advance and make his move, she knew from experience it was best to let him act first lest she run into a tangle of tentacles or teeth. It was a tactic he had honed well from the many times their assorted enemies simply charged him not thinking him a significant threat. Beastboy began a slow arc to her left so she countered by stepping to the right keeping an ever-watchful eye on the resourceful goomba. Strictly speaking this was supposed to be a wrestling match like the one she had just finished with Cyborg but when it came to the green tinted member of their team the typical rules had to go out the window, usually followed by the window itself.

Raven allowed herself to drift closer to the action as the pair circled each other waiting for the opportune moment to strike. She found herself concerned for Starfire in this match as Beastboy may act the fool but could fight masterfully when pushed. Also unlike Robin or Cy he wasn't afraid to fight dirty. It was that trait that she found most impressive about him. He knew when fighting clean was effective as well as the right time to go below the belt and as long as no one got killed the rest of the team let him do his thing. The growl emanating from deep within his reptilian form caught her attention as he fainted to the right trying to deceive the girl opposite him.

A quick lunge forward came as expected and Starfire dodged effortlessly only to be clubbed rather soundly by the whip like end of his tail. 'That was a new trick' she thought shaking off the stringing sensation as he circled around again looking for another opening. "This is most exciting friend Beastboy but I think I shall not let you smack me like that again." Without warning she lunged forward making straight for his exposed side knowing that the arm she had drawn back to strike would most likely miss. It did as expected but the follow through kick did not. Letting her momentum carry her around from the punch she rolled into tumbling axe kick dropping the heel of her boot squarely in between his shoulder blades. The move was a bit graceless she admitted but effective.

Beastboy shifted forms again desperately trying to draw air into his lungs after the powerful kick forced it out. A small form suited his need to catch his breath and avoid Starfire's follow through assault so he shifted into another reptilian form and slithered between her legs as she stood up from the kick. Now behind her he saw the best opening he could ask for and Shifted to his great ape form. Arms lifted high as he drew himself to his full height of eight foot he stepped forward and wrapped his massive bulk around the orange hued alien. 'This was a mistake!' He decided as she gripped his forearms and pulled them down slamming her head up against the mass that was his jaw. His grip slack she took the opportunity to grip and twist his right arm and with a deft step back a stout pull forward and a loud yell flipped him on his head, much the same as she had done to Cyborg moments before.

Robin watched the changeling return to his human form with the spangles dancing about above his head telling everyone the match was over. A quick glance at his stopwatch made Robin grin yet again. The match had lasted longer than he expected but was still under two minutes. A quick glance to his left brought Raven to his attention and for a fraction of a second he debated letting her off the hook. She could, on occasion, be temper mental. His internal debate was rendered moot as Raven floated up high enough to uncross her legs and stand. "I guess you're up Rae. Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked as she stepped towards Starfire with a confident swagger to her hips. Her only response was to reach a single hand up to the broach holding her cloak firmly across her shoulders. With a quick flick of its hidden release the cloak went slack dropping off her left shoulder only to be casually slung to the side.

Starfire smiling brightly as the other female member of the team stepped forward to challenge her. It was unusual for Raven to take part in the more physical challenges they often enjoyed but Star wasn't about to complain. The two of them had become quite close over the last year and when the tower was left to the two of them they would spend hours sharing each others company. To her great surprise Star had grown to prefer spending time with the quiet girl over sitting in on the often heated if benign conflicts between the boys.

Raven took a slightly crouched stance in front of the grinning alien and readied herself for the word to begin. She was eager, in spite of herself, to face off against Starfire. They had both spent enough time together to have a strong sense of the others tactics, which meant the match, could go either way. The night spent learning how each other's powers worked included learning more about their respective pasts. Star knew Raven came from a world of unimaginably powerful magics and hostility, and Raven knew the Tamaranians were a race of warriors possessed of both exceptional combat skills and high art. Music was a constant on Tamaran though Raven could scarcely admit to actually call some of what she had heard on their last trip there as such. With a sly grin she started bouncing on the balls of her feet. She remembered the melody Starfire had insisted on playing during a solo fight Gelfor had arranged and it did indeed offer a good sense of timing for fighting.

Star could almost see the energy Raven was letting out as she bobbed from one foot to the other, a rhythm she recognized instantly. This would not be the simple match Cyborg and Beastboy had given her and she reveled in the moment. At last she would be able to really put her skills to task. There would be no formal bow to her opponent, but none was needed the respect they had for each other was evident. Matching Raven's rhythm she balled her fists and edged closer to the shadowy girl before her. Raven made the first move and the fight was on in earnest. A knife-edge chop arced down across her forearm, which she barely managed to position for the block before lashing out with a swift uppercut from her slightly ducked position. It met Raven's open palm block and was deflected with an upsetting ease.

The two traded blows in rapid succession while the boys collected themselves after the initial flurry of quick strikes they witnessed. Robin was taken aback as he noted how much Starfire had improved in her fighting technique. When they had been called back to Tamaran he had been unhappy but acquiesced since Star had already accepted. Her Knorfka, the reigning Tamaran Emperor, had insisted she return and undergo the ritual training their race demanded of those who reached the age of transformation. He spent his time sparring with the Tamaranians who had the time to waste teaching the considerably weaker earthling and managed to earn his own species some much needed respect among the galactics. He wouldn't admit it to anyone but he was a bit jealous that Star had asked Raven to train with her instead of him. He had asked about the customs in advance to ensure he and the rest of the team wouldn't commit an intergalactic blunder and had expected to be her first choice as a training partner. Watching the two of them square off against each other now however, he saw they had spent the time far better than he had expected.

Starfire found herself struggling for breath as she clutched the exceptionally sore spot above her left breast; the bruise courtesy of Raven's well timed heel kick. Raven was laboring for air as well and rubbing her slightly numb shoulder while trying to blink an errant strand of hair from her eye. Starfire chuckled at the sight and immediately regretted it; her lungs rebelled at the added exertion but did not give out entirely. 'I must end this now.' she chided herself mentally, 'Raven will not quit and she lacks my endurance in this area.' Another lungful of air and she launched herself at the weary girl before her, all of her remaining strength channeled into a last strike intended to completely wind the arcane master. She should have guessed it wouldn't be as simple as that. Not with Raven as her opponent.

Raven saw the coming blow and braced herself for the impact. Deftly catching the upward moving punch aimed at her gut she spun with the hit and drug Starfire into a hip toss planting the red-haired beauty face first into the grass and rolling the ensnared arm around the girls back effectively pinning her and giving them both a much needed moment to catch collective breath. Hard breathing and blood rushing madly in their ears drowned the cheers of the boys out. Raven leaned forward applying a bit more pressure to the arm lock and whispered into Star's ear. "This was fun we should do this more often." When Star turned her head to face the girl pinning her to the ground she received a shock most unexpected. Raven kissed her cheek softly and released the arm lock before standing up and extending her hand to the stunned alien.

None of the boys had seen the exchange so the blush on Star's face was attributed to the impressive fight. Robin elected to call that the last match upon seeing the state of both girls and lead the way up the trail to the tower. Raven walked to her cloak and gathered it up while listening to the exuberant shouts and cries of amazement Beastboy and Cyborg traded over the fight between her and Starfire. No false bravado reached her ears and none would be expected considering that both had faired so poorly and Raven had managed to win where they had failed miserably. With a flick of her wrist she sent the loose cloak spinning around her shoulders and was startled by the quiet 'eep' that came from behind her. Looking over her shoulder Raven stifled a laugh as Starfire gripped the edge of the cloak and pulled it from her sweat and mud caked face. "Sorry Star didn't see you there." She said, a small blush tinting her ashen features.

Starfire simply grinned and waved the apology off. "No need for the words of sorrow friend Raven..." Her smile dimmed a bit as confusion came over her mind, she place a hand over the spot on her cheek where Raven had kissed her and watched as Raven turned to face her. "Raven might I ask something?" Raven smirked and debated a smart assed reply but decided against it since she could see the distress on her friends face. "Of course Star but first let's get back to the tower, we both smell like those relnarf slime pets you showed me on Tamaran." Wrinkling her nose for effect she put an arm across Starfire's shoulder and spun her in the right direction. Starfire quickly sniffed herself a few times and imitated the nose wrinkle in agreement. "You are correct there; Raven only I think the relnarfs would be offended at the comparison. They don't smell this bad!" With a companionable laugh the pair made their way to the tower and the hot shower awaiting them.

Robin sat in the center of the semicircle couch flipping through the channels of the remote absently; he was waiting for the girls to come upstairs so he could warn them that they had missed dibs on the shower and that Beastboy was already putting a serious hurt on the hot water. When they passed by he smiled to himself and passed along his message to which both gave evil conspiratorial winks. Watching them inconspicuously he saw them reach for the taps on the sink in the kitchen area, Star had the hot and Rae the cold. With a devious giggle they spun each tap in turn alternating between hot and cold until moments later shouts and screams of surprise and anguish could be heard coming from the shower area on the floor above.

Seconds later Beastboy came charging into the kitchen area draped in a towel and crowned with a silly rubber hair cap only to find Robin laughing himself sick. The second his footfalls could be heard outside the bathroom Raven had shadow moved them up throw the ceiling and into the impound room above. Beastboy marched straight to the taps at the sink and readied to return the favor only to be stopped cold upon seeing a note left by Raven. The pictograph emblazoned on the scrap of paper made it clear he would be wearing the cap on his head for a reason other than to keep his hair dry if he messed with the water. Pale under his normally green skin he fumed in silent anger and stalked off to his room. Echoes of Robin's renewed laughter following close behind and were soon joined by Cyborg's.

Once the pair conspirators emerged from the impound vault they made a mad dash for the now empty bathroom and its luxurious accommodations. Starfire zipped through the door before it opened fully having taken flight the moment she was in the open hall. Raven followed a split second later and as the door hissed shut the laughter she had barely contained burst out filling the room. Starfire couldn't help but join in and was doubled over in fits before her feet touched the tile floor. Few times had she been party to such mirth since arriving on Earth let alone with the normally stoic Raven leading the way. Wiping at the corner of her eye to clear away a laughter induced tear, she snorted a few times and began regaining her composure. When she opened her eyes next she felt a bright blush flash across her cheeks as she caught sight of Raven beginning to undress. The sorceress was still chuckling and had her back to Starfire as she pulled the left shoulder of her uniform down her arm and off it exposing her supple ashen skin. Turning away in a fit of sudden shyness Starfire took a step for the door, "I shall leave you to enjoy your bath Raven!" Her voice squeaked a bit on the last few words; a shrill 'eep' escaped her lips as she felt a firm hand grip her shoulder. "Don't go all modest on me now Star." When she turned back to face her friend she saw an equally bright blush gracing Raven's pale features. "I wouldn't dream of forcing your highness to wait whilst I bathed alone hogging the remaining hot water." With a mischievous grin she added, "Besides its not like we haven't bathed together before."

Starfire nearly choked as she recalled the many times they had shared the bath pools and hot rooms on Tamaran. As part of the ritual training only she and Raven had been allowed into the trainers' dorms. As her chosen partner Raven was to remain at Starfire's side the entire time and much to the Tamaranians surprise the violet haired girl had agreed without question. A bright smile matching the blush on her cheeks came to her lips. As she remembered how shy Raven had been at the start, Starfire would never forget the look on Raven's face when she learned the bathing pools were communal and many pairings and a few of those who chose to undergo the rituals as a group would share them after the days instruction. Star had to admit to herself a moments bout of self consciousness, she had been away from the customs of her people for over three years at that point and had grown accustom to the routines of Earth's North American customs. Once she got past her minor inhibitions and immersed her aching body in the relaxing warmth of the deepest pool she couldn't remember why she should be embarrassed. It took Raven a few hours longer to give in but after she had she would practically race to the pools after training. "If you do not mind Raven I think I would like to join you. Perhaps we could assist one another in the cleaning off."

Raven nodded with a smile and went back to removing her sweat stained and mud caked unitard, it would take a weak to get the smell out, she mused as she slipped it down her torso and over the swell of her hips. As she bent to push it far enough down her thighs to be sure it would fall to the floor she stole a glance at her companion and realized Star was brazenly watching as the outfit came off. Neither panties nor a bra worked with the form-fitting garment so Raven opted to leave them off when she dressed allowing the special material it was made of to help conceal her modesty when she found herself pitched into a compromising position during battle. Starfire's eyes went wide as she took in a full view of Raven's nude form, which brought a chuckle to the shorter girl's voice. "See something you like?" She teased playfully as she stood and turned to face Star who was hastily trying to cover her eyes and hide her blush behind her hand. "I ... I did not mean to..." She stammered as Raven made her way to the right of the roman style bath dominating the room. "Hurry up Star or you'll have to deal with a cold shower to get that mud off." There were four shower heads sprouting from the wall where they could shower and scrub off the majority of the crud ground into their skin before they slipped into the deep pool for a long soak.

Starfire's eyes snapped open behind her palm and she eeped in response quickly tugging off her boots and gauntlets, with them out of her way it was much easier for her to drop her skirt and the bikini style bottom hidden beneath. A press of the round green gemstone on her shoulder plate released the clasps binding it to the top she wore underneath and as she took the last few steps towards the shower area it fell to the wayside with a resounding thunk, Star's armband joining it a moment later. As she stepped around Raven to the next showerhead over Raven latched onto her arm and jammed a body sponge into her hands, then pulled her under the warm spray. "Would please get my back Star? I can't quite reach a couple of spots that itch like crazy!" Starfire looked to the sponge in her hands and then to her friends exposed back before swallowing loudly. "As you wish, Rae." Her voice was whisper quiet as she replied. Holding the sponge in the spray for a moment to wet it again she poured some of Raven's favorite body wash onto it and worked up a thick lather before pressing it against her friends back. With deliberate care she scrubbed small circles across Raven's shoulder blades and slightly up her neck. As she washed away the few remaining bits of ground in mud she noted the number of minor bruises and scratches marring the alabaster skin beneath her palm. The heat of the running water worked to hide the new blush on her face as she listened to Raven make pleased noises from the scrubbing. When she had scrubbed her way to the small of Raven's back the girl arched forward and hissed slightly, startling Star a bit. "I am sorry Rae I did not realize your back was so sore!"

Bending down a bit she took a closer look and noticed the faint beginnings of a boot shaped bruise looking suspiciously similar to the sole on her left boot. "Oh dear I didn't think that kick actually hit you Raven I-I..." Raven spun around quickly and gripped Starfire's shoulders bringing her upright. "Don't sweat it Star, We were training seriously and it doesn't hurt that bad it's just in a tender spot. A few minutes of healing meditation and it'll be nothing more than a sore reminder not to let my guard down for a moment. Now turn around and I'll wash your back." Taking the sponge from Star's slack hand Raven waited for her to present her back for cleaning. Soaping up the sponge again she ran her hand lightly down the alien girls well defined back. The sponge made short work of the grime hiding the numerous nicks and scratches she had been partly responsible for making. Everyone assumed Starfire was nearly invulnerable but she had found out otherwise during the training. It took a lot to really hurt the hide of a Tamaranian but sharp rock or coarse grit would abrade even their skin given enough force. "It looks like we both came out of the matches a little worse for wear Star. I'm sorry if I was a bit too aggressive out there." She let her fingertips trail down the redhead's spine to the end of her now soaked and matted red mane. Looping a finger around the rope like mass she lifted it off her friends back and carefully flipped it over her shoulder and out of the way. "There is nothing to be sorry for Raven. Robin had wanted us to try our hardest and you most certainly did!" the girl chuckled happily only to wince when her laughter pushed her back against Raven's hands which were trying to avoid a particularly deep bruise. "I think next time I have to face Cyborg I will not do the hip toss again. His foot caught me as I threw him and I am ... sore." Almost before the word left her mouth she could feel the strange tingly sensation of Raven's healing magic warming away the bruise. "OOOOOOH!" It felt so good her legs almost gave out.

When she opened her eyes she felt a moment of panic rush through her veins, she couldn't remember leaving the shower or joining Raven in the pool. "How did we get...?" Raven put a finger to her lips stopping the question. "You were so relaxed after I took care of your bruises I finished cleaning you off and helped you into the pool." Starfire looked to the shower area quickly taking note of the sponge and nearly empty bottle of body wash sitting atop the small stool they all shared. "I don't remember moving." She murmured under her breath, "I wish to thank you for helping me bathe Raven but you should have waited for me to recover and so I could make a return of the favor." Raven raised an eyebrow at the phrasing peculiar to Starfire's understanding of English. "That's just 'return the favor' and don't worry about it, maybe another time ok?" She slid her face under the water so as to hide the crimson flush now decorating her face. Star could only nod then leaned back and she slid deeper into the churning water. The water jets and air bubblers kept the water swirling nicely as they basked luxuriating in its buoyant flow. The pair drifted slightly away from the edge of the pool relaxing completely as the water worked at easing the last remnants of stiffness and ache in their bodies.

"Raven?" Starfire kept her eyes closed as she called out to the other girl nearby, "Can you hear me?" Raven opened an eye and looked in Starfire's direction. "Yes, what's up Star?" Taking a deep breath Starfire opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, "This is most enjoyable and very relaxing but I..." She thought for a moment trying to decide on the right wording for her query only to have Raven speak before she could. "Is this about earlier Star?" Star nodded as best she could without going underwater. "You have never shown such ... affection before, to anyone Raven and I was wondering why." Raven took a minute to collect her thoughts; truthfully she had no good answer to give the girl. "I know sometimes Earth girls give such kisses to their friends but it is not a custom I could understand. On Tamaran kissing usually signifies something more than a casual..." Raven rolled her head to look more directly at Starfire and interrupted her before she could finish. "I'm sorry Star I shouldn't have done that but I couldn't help it. To be honest I've wanted to kiss you for a long time now, I just lacked the nerve to be so bold. I don't know what came over me I..." It was Starfire's turn to interrupt and she too rolled to face her friend. She let her legs drift slowly into the deep water orienting herself upright so she could be sure Raven would see the honesty in her response. "It is my turn to re-assure you Rae. I do not object I just wanted to know. As you saw when we were on Tamaran such things are not the taboos they are made to be here." She looked away from Raven, staring into the depths of the bubbling waters it took her some time to decide what to say next. "I have never had such a kiss by a female before; in truth I have never thought much of it. Ever since I came to Earth Robin has been one of the constants in my life and I can not deny I have strong feelings for him." A stolen glance in Raven's direction revealed a moment of dejection showing on her face as what Starfire said registered. She didn't like the look and quickly went on to finish. "Raven," she began as she slipped a hand to the side of Raven's face and turned her so they could look into each other's eyes. "Please do not misunderstand me, I do not yet speak fluently in your language but I want you to know I have no objections to your kiss."

Raven smiled briefly then scowled as a thought crossed her mind, "As you know Starfire I wasn't raised on Earth so I have as different a set of traditions and views as you do and they don't necessarily fit with Earth customs. I should apologize to you Starfire I know you have an interest in Robin and I don't want to hurt you … or him." Starfire looked puzzled for a moment as she pondered what Raven meant when a light suddenly went on in her mind. A second after the realization struck a bout of jealousy flared up only to be squelched with a vengeance. Unlike the last person she had encountered to share her interest in Robin, Raven was a dear friend and someone she could share her most intimate secrets with. Had they all lived on Tamaran she might have even persuaded Raven to share her quarters so they could spend more time together. A silly grin split her lips at the thought; Raven wouldn't easily be persuaded into that arrangement no matter the reasons. She liked her private time for understandable reasons. "Raven, may I ask you a personal question?" She had to know for certain if her suspicion was correct, to hear it from Raven's own lips. "Uh sure?" Raven hesitated in responding since she was already admitting more than she had planned she decided she might as well be totally honest. Star seemed accepting of the new situation with no regrets, after all.

Robin rounded the corner of the hall marching rapidly for the bathroom. He hoped at least one of the girls was finished by now and that he was ahead of the next in line, as he was desperate to use the toilet. A gallon of soda didn't take long to work its way down. Legs crossed and red-faced he made his way to the door of the bathroom, which, of course, displayed the red-lit seal indicating its occupation. Urgently he drummed his fist against the hard metal face. "Could you please hurry up in there?" he exclaimed, the tone in his voice far more telling of his predicament than he liked, but in desperation he didn't care. All thought of his problem left him upon hearing the voices replying. "Give us a sec." was Raven's response while Starfire said, "We'll be out in one moment Robin." In the span of seconds it took his brain to register the fact that both girls were in the bathroom he was struck by a multitude of thoughts, quite a few less pure than he would admit to publicly.

Raven grinned at Starfire who was blushing profusely at their current situation. "Shall we give him something more to puzzle over Star?" Raven whispered as she gathered up her filthy outfit and cloak floating them carefully in the shadow aura she was most proficient with. "What do you mean Raven? How can he be working on a puzzle if he is outside the door needing in here?" Raven chuckled at the misunderstanding opting to show rather than explain. "I mean this." She proceeded to loosely wrap one of their ultra soft terry cloth towels around her still naked form fixing the end so it was folded under the rest of the towel holding the whole thing firmly above her breasts while mostly covering her lower end. With a childish giggle Star realized at that point what Raven was suggesting and hastily began wrapping herself similarly. She had the tuck in place when a sudden thought came to mind. "Raven I do not mean to spoil the sport but what happens should Cyborg or Beastboy see us like this on our way to our rooms?" Raven nearly failed to respond as she watched Starfire bend to retrieve the last of her own uniform. "I can help with those Star," A wave of her hand and the mud caked clothes and boots lifted from Starfire's hands and joined the Raven's in the shadowy sphere, "To answer your question Star, at best they get a teasing peak, at worst they get an eyeful and we get to pummel them mercilessly for the next few days." Before she could speak out against the idea Raven grabbed her hand and pulled her to the door, a quick swipe of her free hand over the sensor and the door unlocked then zipped open revealing a dazed and slightly red-faced Robin still standing with his fist up as if to continue knocking. A shake of his head brought him back to awareness only to have that state relocated once he took in the sight of the two girls standing before him waiting to get past. Stepping aside he watched them bound down the corridor to the bedroom level catching a glimpse or more of exposed tushie under the towels covering them. It was a long minute before he recollected himself and attempted to wipe the dumbstruck grin off his face. He wouldn't notice the nosebleed until he was busy washing his hands after dealing with the reason for his trip to the bathroom in the first place. "That was..." every time he thought about what he saw and tried to put words to it his brain shorted more than a few circuits rendering speech lost.

The hurried pair found themselves in the dividing hall separating the rooms, Raven's to the right Starfire's to the left. "I guess this is where we split up for now." Raven commented as she brought the aura sphere around to return Starfire's outfit. "Yes our rooms are far apart in the tower." Starfire wasn't sure if she still liked the arrangement, she was about to comment further when she heard Cyborg's voice approaching followed by Beastboy's. A look of shear panic crossed both the girls' faces, as they looked at each other, then themselves and the rather revealing state they were currently in. Raven turned and bolted for her room followed by Starfire who was still missing a boot. Raven had the door to her room open when Starfire rounded the corner behind her, motioning for her to hurry Raven bent so she could see the corridor they had just fled down only to stand upright a moment later so the door could be shut.

Cyborg and Beastboy had come to a complete stop mid hall as they took time to let their brains register what they had just seen. Cy was the first to speak up asking, "Was that?" "Yes." "Were they?" "Yes!" "Should we?" "Dude if you're gonna say, 'should we mention this at dinner', I want to go on the record stating you are insane." "But they!" "Cyborg if Raven, Starfire or Robin found out we saw what we just saw how long do you think you or I would have left to live?" "Good point, lets go get dinner started!" "Cy dude, I recommend you delete those pictures before they accidentally get found by the wrong people, namely the two in them!" "Dammit you sure know how to ruin things!" Cyborg enjoyed a last glimpse of the images his optics recorded as they walked, each deleted file registering its demise with a red flashing x in the field of view. Beastboy, lacking such a neat feature, had to content himself with the memory of the sight he was fortunate enough to have witnessed. With a sideways grin he looked back to the spot from which the mostly naked girls took flight from and promptly tripped over himself, so distracting was the recollection.

Starfire fell across Raven's bed hiding her face in handfuls of the silken sheets Raven adorned them with. Her voice muffled somewhat she asked, "Do you think they...?" Raven smirked as she sat beside Star and let out the breath she had been holding. "Maybe but I'm betting neither will mention it if they did. At any rate it's too late to do anything about it and we will know for certain by dinner." Her heart was racing at a pace to match the coloration of her blush but for the time being she was content to let it. She had never given much thought to the boys seeing her in the buff before; they all observed the knock first rule so being seen while changing in the bedroom wasn't likely. When on the occasion they had to be treated medically they were assured some privacy by both the equipment used to tend them and the respect they shared for each other, that only left such brazen acts as their flight from the bathroom and the hall to impinge on the general privacy. Until tonight such things were the exception not the rule, petty squabbles aside they, as a whole didn't behave in a manner typical of teens. None of them could really afford to save for Starfire and then only when she was on her home world where her strength was a common trait.

Not wanting to let her hair dry too much before she ran a brush through it Raven pushed off the bed and dropped her towel, it felt good to be out of her clothes from time to time and she didn't feel like jumping right back into her skin tight suit. A few steps away from the discarded towel she collected her brush and a mirror she kept for the purpose of grooming. Her meditation mirror was locked in a box in her locked footlocker in her locked closet. None of which were opened by actual keys, magic proved far more difficult for some would be intruder to bypass. "I think I have something you can wear to get you to your room Star let me finish with my hair and ill go look." Once her matted hair had been tamed and reshaped to frame her rounded face she tossed the brush and mirror to Starfire. Chanting to herself the words that drew forth her strongest magics Raven made a complex gesture in front of the sealed closet opening it as her hands parted. Inside hung her typical wardrobe consisting of spare cloaks and unitards, in their line of work having a dozen or more of the same items was almost mandatory. Few fights left them undamaged. While she was occupied in her search for the outfit she had thought of, Starfire looked over and decided it was time to ask the other question she had been wondering about since their match. Raven interrupted her with a triumphant 'Ah Ha!' as she produced the garments of her search. "Here you go Star those ought to fit you but remember I want them back!" A pair of denim cut off shorts and a loose fitting button up blouse sailed across the short distance separating them and hit their mark with a quiet thud covering Starfire's startled expression. "I got those for next summer when we hit the beach. The shorts fit me a bit loosely so is can wear them over my swimsuit but you might need to use the rope belt in the loops to keep them on your hips." That said Raven returned to her search through the depths of her closet, she was still reluctant to slip back into uniform so her quest continued.

Starfire recovered her composure after the flying clothes deposited themselves on her head and undid the top edge of her towel. She hadn't expected Raven to own such things but she wasn't about to turn them down in light of her present attire. A sidelong glance at Raven's kneeling form told her the violet haired beauty was lost in the hunt for whatever she was digging up so she stepped into the shorts, it took her a moment to figure out how the belt was used since it had no buckle, a simple knot held it firm. "Raven I thank you for the use of these clothes, they are most ... comfortable." Raven muttered some form of response that was drowned out by the clothes she was nearly buried in. "Raven? There is something else I wish to ask of you, if it is not too much of an imposition." "Uh ok go ahead Star." Raven stopped to answer and hear the question curious as to what would be asked. "When we were sparring earlier I noticed you seemed to have gained a fair amount of control over your powers. I was wondering how you had done so." "Hold on a sec Star." came Raven's response as she found the skirt and matching top she had been looking for. When she stood and turned around to face Starfire she waved her hand towards her dresser, a drawer opened and a small object lifted out floating in an aura sphere to Raven's open palm. "That's a long story Star," She unrolled the neatly folded panties she had just levitated and stepped into them before slipping on the skirt. "I don't think we have time for me to tell you the entire tale but if you want Ill fill you in after dinner. Sound good?" Starfire nodded acceptingly as she flipped the last button of the blouse she was borrowing and pulled down on the bottom to straighten the shirt out. "Yes it is acceptable Raven. I would very much like to hear how you have come to this new level of control." The eagerness evident in her voice brought a smile to Raven's lips.

Raven slipped the simple tank top over her head and stepped in front of her large mirror to see how it looked. The shirt was a bright white with a stylized raven in a crimson circle that stretched over her breasts, the short skirt a matching red that went with the raven. Starfire joined her in front of the mirror to examine her new appearance. She had tried to get nice outfits such as these when she went shopping but her sense of taste almost always lost out to her random interests, her closet was over stuffed with her numerous uniforms and the mismatched mess she had accumulated on those trips. Raven eyed her friend in the simple clothes and chuckled, "Here let me show you how this is supposed to be worn." she offered. Undoing the lower four buttons of the blouse she tied a square knot with the ends cinching it firmly across Starfire's stomach then she undid the top three buttons and pushed the collar apart slightly so it exposed the girls cleavage slightly. "If you had a bra or swimsuit top on I'd let out the fourth button and the look would be perfect but as it is this is probably for the best." No sooner than she said the last word the com system chirped to life and Beastboy could be heard, "Raven! Starfire! Dinner's ready!" Raven looked to Starfire suppressing a laugh, "I can stall them for a minute if you want to fly to your room and change." Starfire looked herself over once more in the mirror before responding. "No Raven I think I shall wear this as it is. It is a bit more revealing than I am used to but it should be entertaining to see how the boys react yes?" "You can say that again!" Raven laughed, "I'll bring the gauze, I have the feeling there will be more than a few nosebleeds when they get a look at us." Linking her arm with Starfire's they marched out of the room and into the unknown.

Robin was fortunate enough to be seated at the table so that he could watch for the girls when they entered the room, Beastboy was over at the music station slipping his new CD into the player and Cyborg had his back turned, it was his night to cook and he kept working the food on the stove until he knew everyone was seated. Starfire walked in first smiling happily as she made her way to the table and took a seat beside Robin who couldn't stop staring at her, that is until he got a look at Raven. His eyes wandered from her face down to her chest which was a distraction enough in her regular uniform, after a quick headshake he let his eyes drift further down to her skirt and his eyes goggled at its brevity. Starfire suppressed a chuckle at his reaction and swatted him upside the back of his head then acted innocent of the action looking towards the ceiling and whistling off key. Raven had to cover her mouth with her hand or she would burst out laughing. Beastboy was the next of the three boys to see them and much to his credit he managed to avoid openly staring as Raven made her way to her seat, of course he was a half floor lower thanks to the floor layout and when she sat down he was afforded an unobstructed view he would likely never forget. 'I guess she really does like pink.' He thought to himself before leaping over the curved sofa and up onto the raised part of the room. "Hurry up Cy lets eat already!" He was eager to see how the tin man would take this new sight.

"Prepare yourselves for the feast to end all feasts ladies and gents for I, the master, have wrought forth the ultimate in mid evening eatering, Behold the triple patty mega cheesy uberburger of the gods!" He got as far as the spin and display before his jaw fell off. Starfire was turned around in her chair and leaning disturbingly far forward over its back presenting him with a nearly unobstructed view down her front side. Robin and Beastboy were in similar states as to get a look over the counter from that position Star had her rear high above the table, the cut offs kept her modesty in tact but just barely so. Raven smacked the back of Beastboy's head much the same way Star had thwapped Robin but he had lost all motor control and his face bounced soundly off the table. It didn't even faze him. Starfire quickly spun to see the cause of the loud thunk and saw Robin clutching his face as if to hide his nose. A tell tale trickle of blood slipped past his gloved fingers betraying the effect she had had on him in that position. "Raven, did you get that gauze?" It would be several minutes before either of them stopped laughing.

After everyone had regained their composure and a heavy application of nasal bandaging the meal resumed. Beastboy and Cyborg could hardly eat as they switched from ogling Star then Raven; Robin was having a different bit of difficulty. Every time he looked at either of them he had to apply more gauze to his nose as memories of the incident at the bathroom crossed with visions of Starfire's cute rear end swinging very close by his face as she turned around in her chair. He opted to close his eyes and try to ignore the spectacle but that proved even worse and thus he was left to sit looking straight ahead and eating rather mechanically. When Starfire leaned across the table to get some of the fries Cy had whipped up to go with the burgers he fought hard against the urge to kick BB in the shins under the table. When Raven caught sight of Robin struggling with his composure and the reason for it she did him a favor and bounced BB's face off his tofu burger. With that as a distraction from the primary distractions the meal went much smoother.

"Ok gang its time to decide for the week who gets dish duty. Y'all know the drill!" Cyborg bellowed after a rather loud belch. He wouldn't participate in this round having been the chef for the evening so he refereed over the multiple rounds of rock paper scissors. Robin the ever observant managed to win the fourth round and was out of the match. Starfire got lucky and won the sixth leaving only the sorceress and the changeling to battle it out. The next five throws had them equally matched when Raven decided to switch tactics and play outside the rules for a change. Leaning forward slightly she raised her fist to begin the next round but rolled her shoulders forward pressing her breast together and stretching the thin top tightly against her. The affect was more than sufficient to derail what ever thought BB had been working and in a flash it was over. It wouldn't occur to him until days later that she cheated but he wouldn't have cared even if he had realized it then. The other three couldn't help but laugh as the dumbfounded changeling sat there lost in whatever sight was running through his mind after Raven stood to put her dishes in the sink. When he finally did snap to, the group had mostly moved to the sofa and were lost in after dinner TV. Loading his hands with his own dishes Beastboy drug his heels to the sink and got ready to wash the pile of dirty plates and cooking utensils that always accompanied a Cyborg special. Much to his great surprise, Raven stepped up beside him and started helping out, "I'll help this time since I had an unfair advantage in that last round." A wink in his direction and she focused on sorting the mess in front of them. "The rest of the week is all yours."

With the dishes done Beastboy bounced, literally, over to his spot on the sofa and asked what the movie was for the night. It was Starfire's movie pick and no one wanted to remind her of the fact. She had decidedly disturbing choices lined out for the next three months and they were hoping for a last minute reprieve. Much to their mutual relief and surprise she stretched and yawned loudly. "I think I would like to take the pass on movie night." While the boys let out a sigh of relief she stood and walked around the sofa passing Raven and catching her eye on her way by. Raven was all too happy to join her and stood as soon as she had the room to do so. "I'm with Star I'm not up for a movie tonight so, have fun guys." With that the pair left the room and the boys looked to one another in silence. Not one for silence BB jumped up to take the lead and quickly began rummaging through the pile of DVDs stuffed into the cabinet under the coffee table. "Uh Robin, is it just me or are the girls acting ... different?" Cyborg ventured as he turned to watch the pair slip out of the room. Robin for his part tried thinking things through for a moment and did not like where his thoughts were leading, it was upsetting in some ways, exciting in others. Either way there was a noticeable difference between the two girls. He shrugged indifferently and turned to the screen. "It's their choice." He wouldn't be happy if his suspicions were born out but if that was how they wanted it he wouldn't interfere, Starfire was old enough to make her own choices and this was apparently one she had made. Beastboy looked from Robin to Cyborg with a skeptical eyebrow raised to which Cyborg shrugged and turned to the movie now beginning.

Once the doors hissed shut behind them sealing the living area from the hall the barely contained laughter the pair had been fighting all evening burst free. For her part Starfire was delighted at the hilarious faces the boys had made over her not so subtle display. She may not be native to this world but she had seen enough to know what would stop her male teammates dead in their tracks. Raven had no idea the plucky alien was so bold, her usual demeanor was that of the shy innocent but tonight she turned on the charm to great effect. She had to have known her position in the chair was, to put it mildly, titillating. "That was priceless Star. We should do that more often!" Before the last word leapt from her mouth her hand was whipping up to stop it to no avail, hand in place after the fact she blushed profusely. "I did not just say that!" she mumbled through the gaps between her fingers. "Quite to the contrary friend Raven, you most certainly did!" Starfire giggled from behind her own hand. "You are correct though it was immensely enjoyable to see them unable to function simply because of us." Raven smirked and put a hand on her taller friends shoulder. "It was mostly you Star. They barely noticed me aside from the initial shock of seeing me out of uniform." Starfire shook her head in disagreement as she made her way to the room she called her own. "That is untrue Rae I know for a fact Beastboy noticed you. His eyes became small plates when you took your seat. I do believe he 'got the eyeful' you mentioned earlier." Raven paled at the thought initially then blushed even more before speaking again. "True as that may be I do believe he got more of that eyeful from you at the table!" It was Starfire's turn to flush bright crimson reducing them both to fits of hilarity once more.

Where Raven's room was dark and somewhat brooding as befit her character Starfire's room was it's polar opposite. Brightly decorated and adorned with numerous small and large portraits of alien landscapes. Her round bed was peppered with a double handful of stuffed animals, most of which Robin had a hand in winning for her on their many 'dates'. Recognizing them for what they were Raven felt a bout of sadness wash over her, which Starfire picked up on instantly. "What is wrong Raven? You were so happy a moment ago but now you seem terribly sad." Raven sat lightly on the edge of Star's bed and twiddled with the hem of her skirt as she thought of how best to answer that particular question. She didn't know how long she had been lost in thought, her internal reverie broken by the gentle hand upon her shoulder. Star had taken a seat next to her and was looking with a mix of worry and concern on her face. "It's hard to say Star. As I told you in the bath I don't want to hurt you or him but when I see the devotion he has for you and all these gifts I ... I just don't know what to do." Her voice cracked slightly as she finished. Her eyes snapped shut as she fought against the broad range of emotion threatening to tear apart her recently forged hope. Starfire hated to see the look of utter despair on Raven's usually serene features, her response was purely without thought as she leaned forward and gently kissed the sorceress for the first time. It was more than enough to break the dark spell warring inside Raven. "Star I..." Star put a finger across Raven's lips to silence her. "Rae we are much closer than I would have ever expected. I asked you to be my partner on Tamaran not Robin and there was a reason for that. I suppose even then I suspected your interest in me, though I must admit your admitted interest in Robin did cause me a moment of jealousy." Raven's shocked and appalled look tore at her heart demanding she finish before the wrong impression was set firm. "It was only for a moment Rae; I am not even sure why I felt it to be honest."

Starfire looked down at her clenched hands as she remembered the first time jealousy had come to her mind, Killer Moths daughter Kitten, had threatened the entire city with destruction if Robin wouldn't give in to her every whim. "When that ... person, Kitten, forced Robin to take her to the dance I was furious. When Robin gave in and accepted I was crushed but I understood he had no choice. The whole time they were together it was all I could do to not utterly destroy the...." She clenched her fists even tighter in her remembered frustration only easing the pressure when Raven placed her hand over top of them. "Kitten didn't care for Robin at all, Raven, she was merely using him for her own selfish reasons. Be-be-beautiful as she was, deep down, I knew Robin would never choose someone such as her over me but still I was jealous that she was so close to him even under false pretenses." Starfire turned to face Raven so she could see the honesty in her coming words. "You are different Raven, if the two of you were together it wouldn't be because you were using him or he you. If he were to choose you over me I would be saddened but I would not object." Raven looked about ready to protest but a hand stopped her. "There are other alternatives available however and one of them is what is happening between us now. I do not know what will develop between us nor can I say how he might react to it but I can say this is something I want and if he can't understand it then he may not be what I believe him capable of. Before you try to object I want you to know I mean what I am saying dear friend. I do not think he will reject us because of this and I don't think he would object if other things happened as well, if you're willing. But if he can not accept this, if he can not be as open minded as I hope him capable of being then I must consider that he is not the person for me. If he isn't that person for me he might be for you but I can not say, I do not wish to speak for him in this matter."

Beastboy slipped past Starfire's room quietly trying to avoid creating a disturbance; there had been more than enough of those this evening. His goal was just around the corner and he would rather not be held up trying to explain why he was in that hallway. Once he was past Starfire's room and around the corner, he let out the breath he hadn't known he was holding. Every time he visited this room his heart sank a bit and his spirit sagged under its heavy weight. Her room had been left untouched save for his weekly visits. It had been a major surprise the room had come out of the collapse in need of only minor repairs. The walls still painted in the strata like layers depicting the base of its one time occupant's soul. She had truly loved the room, he knew she did he could see it in her eyes every time he saw her to sleep at night while she was still with them. Shifting to his hound dog form as he stepped into the room he took a deep breath through his super sensitive nose, her scent was beginning to fade and the fresh paint was still dominating the room but there were scattered pockets where he could imagine she was standing right next to him. One thing his animal forms granted him was a respite from the tears he would be shedding were he in his human form. Dogs don't cry even when they hurt this bad.

Cyborg watched from the shadow as Beastboy slipped into Terra's old room, his heart might well be a turbo pump these days, but it still ached to see his best friend locked in mourning. It didn't help matters any that he too had found a semi kindred spirit. Turning towards his end of the dorm like rooms he stepped as quietly as his seven hundred pound alloy frame would allow, ever thankful for the sound dampeners and thick padded carpet. For a while after the last bout with the Hive academy the rest of the Titans had teased him about the decidedly gorgeous Bumblebee, they figured it a perfect match. He would never tell them the truth however, nor would Bumblebee. It was best they believe they had something going even if it was only a good friendship in truth. When Bee had teased him about Jinx in the bowels of the hives underwater facility he had nearly lost it. In the hours after they had won she confronted him about it again. Fortunately in the privacy of his quarters, which incidentally lead to the suspicion about the two of them. When Jinx had been allowed to be herself at the academy she was charming if a bit precocious. The waifish look she opted for hid an inner strength he almost envied. They shared meals together when the rest of that particular team were otherwise preoccupied, she would always have his back in the training sessions. Even when Blood revealed his secret to the team she remained at his side knowing that they had been bitter enemies for a long time. She put it behind them as they worked together and she accepted him without question. Thus far only Starfire had been so kind amongst the Titans. He didn't blame them for it, as part machine he was a potential vulnerability and though they did their best to re-assure him they didn't consider that a factor but deep down they all knew it to be a truth not to be taken lightly. In the confines of his room safely tucked away in his cybernetic storage media he rummaged around the files that made up his memories. The pattern would appear random to anyone observing from a linked terminal and if they followed him all the way to his destination they still wouldn't see what he was now seeing. Jinx stood in his memories a devilishly seductive minx, her halo a tarnished but not destroyed glow hovering between the piles of her pink hair done up into stylized horns. Behind a closed eye he could feel the tightness in his artificial throat as he let the three-dee image of her dance around his inner vision. Tears could not flow from the silicone and saline ducts now serving to keep his mostly human eye moist.

Robin sat alone in the dark, the movie ended hours ago, the TV off and long cold. His stoic face did not betray his thoughts though the clenching of his fists gave some hint of the turmoil he faced. He hadn't yet admitted how much he cared for Starfire and now he was beginning to think he had missed the chance to do so. The way she and Raven had been behaving since their return from Tamaran was in itself telling but their actions this day drove the point home with ballistic impact. He was certain there was something more than mere friendship developing between the two. It was as obvious to him as the metallic parts of Cyborg. He didn't want to jump to any premature conclusions though; he would wait and see. It was all he could do or the time being. His thoughts turned from the scarlet haired beauty to the shadow figure. In his mind he saw Raven as something dark, dangerous but good at heart. She was every bit as beautiful to his eye as Starfire. If it hadn't been for the instant attraction he felt for Starfire the initial feelings he had for Raven might have taken more of a role in his opinion of her. They hadn't gotten off to the best of starts at first but in the short time they worked together, before the formation of the Titans, something more than idle friendship had started. Once they got past their own egos and started working together he saw she was a force to be reckoned with. As he learned more about her, his respect grew in leaps and bounds. He would always hold a special place in his heart for her, she was the most wounded of them all and he knew how hard she had to fight to keep from going over the edge and losing her control. Cyborg might claim otherwise but the physical injuries he suffered paled in comparison to those Raven bore hidden behind the facade of her perfect features. It was one of the reasons he was as protective of her as he was of Starfire. It was also the reason he knew if there was something between the two girls he would not interfere. They both more than deserved whatever happiness they might find in each other even if it cost him a piece of his heart, a price he was willing to pay for their happiness.

Dawn had long since faded into the brightness of day when the towers alert claxons sounded demanding someone attend them. Robin, as usual, was first at the display followed in short succession by the rest of the team. The display indicated Cinderblock had managed to escape once more and was wreaking havoc in the industrial sector. Turning to face the assembled team he barked quick orders before shouting the standard battle cry. "Titans Go!" He, Cyborg and Beastboy used the drop chute to reach the parking level rapidly while Raven melted into the shadows and began heading towards the scene. Starfire took one of the drop chutes with an external port and was winging her way to the scene long before Robin or Cyborg had their vehicles powered up. Having dealt with the stone like behemoth many times before Starfire and Raven could easily keep him busy until the rest of the team arrived should he be causing too much chaos. Fortunately for the Titans he was in a part of the district where he could be allowed to continue until they were united and ready to face him in force. Raven rose from a swirl of darkness as the t-car and Robin's cycle screeched to a halt outside the factory Cinderblock was apparently trying to level. Starfire circled a few times ascertaining the situation from the air and reporting what she could make out from that vantage. A large section of the roof had already been brought down making the rest of the building decidedly unstable.

Robin gave Starfire the go ahead to move in while he and the rest of the team made their way into the severely damaged structure, checking for people who might be trapped by debris or other impediments. Starfire began raining down starbolts and optic blasts in an explosive storm upon the stonework colossus, the lack of a roof made for easy targeting. Cinderblock somehow withstood the near constant barrage shielding his more vulnerable face behind the mass of his dense forearm. While he could not see it meant she could not land a serious stunning blow without coming down to his level. Enraged at the onslaught he reached with his free hand for anything nearby to use against the flying nuisance, a handy slab of broken concrete with a shard of rebar jutting from its side would suffice. Grunting in the effort he began the upwards arc intent on swatting her from the sky with it only to come to a joint rending halt as a shadow of absolute darkness engulfed the mass and a larger portion of his arm. Raven reached out with her power holding on with every ounce of her strength as Cinderblock fought to free himself while still shielding his face from the persistent impacts being delivered by Starfire. Cyborg and Beastboy joined the fray with a combo attack; Cyborg hurled Beastboy in his armadillo form at the concrete juggernaut with all his mechanical might behind the pitch. Near the end of the rapid flight Beastboy shifted to his largest land walking form with enough spin to whip his massive tail viciously against Cinderblocks defending upraised arm smacking it soundly off the chiseled face of his opponent. The force of the impact sent Cinderblock flipping head over heals backwards right into Robin who was waiting with a double fistful of concussive discs.

A series of thunderous explosions ripped away at Cinderblock from the side presented to Robin in his impact-induced flight. His momentum was halted by the force of the blasts, which had the unneeded side effect of shaking the already collapsing structure near to its breaking point. Before the smoke and dust settled Starfire rocketed in to deliver another stone shattering blow hitting him with all her alien might shaking the building even more and loosing a number of the less solidly attached remnants of the roof. The fight was going well in the Titans favor, Cinderblock was reeling under the combined coordinated assault when the roof declared it had had enough and simply let go dropping massive slabs of steel and concrete on all those below. Robin dodged the falling material with skilled ease while maintaining his attacks on Cinderblock; Beastboy shifted into his humming bird form and zipped around easily avoiding anything plunging down from above. Starfire was still in the air and had no trouble also avoiding the mess raining down from above but she had to watch with horror as Cyborg and Raven went into evasive action. Cyborg wasn't nearly as fast as Raven and took refuge under the crook formed by a broken support column that had landed at an odd angle over some heavy industrial equipment. Raven wasn't so lucky in her position. With nothing to duck under she had to make the attempt to get airborne before being flattened but every time she tried she was interrupted by the necessity of dodging a chunk landing far too close for her comfort. When a particularly massive piece dropped from the roof time seemed to slow down to a crawl for the team. Raven couldn't dodge it and no one was in a position to aide her. "Raven!" Starfire screamed as she saw the piece drop past her, pouring all of her will into her power of flight she gave chase fearing she wouldn't make it.

Robin gaped in horror as Raven threw up a hemisphere shield of her aura and braced for the impact, which happened a fraction of a second later. The shield held up to the initial impact but Raven buckled at the knees under the shear weight. She looked to the nearest of her team members, Beastboy, with utter panic evident in her eyes. The roof was still dropping all around them adding to the chaos; from somewhere above a cluster of fragments piled up upon the weight she bore cracking the aural shell and nearly breaking her in the process. She could see Robin and Cyborg rushing her way and a green flash let her know Starfire was also trying desperately to help but she knew they wouldn't make it in time, she had to think of something and fast. A deafening crack exploded throughout the crater like shell of the building as the entire mass Raven had been supporting on shear willpower alone dropped to the ground. To all those racing to her aide it appeared as if she was crushed flat in that instant. Even Cinderblock was rendered motionless at the scene. Villain though he might be he had some measure of respect for these fighters. He might often have wished for their death but now faced with that distinct possibility he found the taste bittersweet in his stone maw. The girl had been a decent opponent on her own merit.

Starfire screamed aloud as she hit the pile and began ripping at the tangle of concrete and steel, Cyborg, Beastboy and Robin joined in digging scraping and clawing at the mass hoping for some miracle expecting none. Cinderblock stepped in and hefted as large a piece as he could off the pile without a word to anyone. Friend or foe it mattered not to him, no one who fought with such determination should remain buried under that crushing load when there was strength available to move it. A moment later they were all dealt a heart stopping surprise as a pool of blackness darker than empty space swirled up from somewhere deep under the dusty mess and covered a place of roughly human size. Raven rose slowly from its center, wounded and battered she returned to them. When her hands and feet were above the level of the uppermost stone she let her shadow fade and turned to smile at her friends before tipping over on her side and falling unconscious. Cinderblock could have taken the time the group spent in determining her condition to flee the scene, but he knew it would be a futile effort. If he took flight now the chances were good at least three of them would give chase and in spite of his attempts to help they would give no quarter. He could continue fighting and risk a brutal beating and certain defeat or surrender and perhaps leave this fight on his own feet.

Robin was the first of the group to regain his senses quickly turning to scan the scene. Cinderblock was still there sitting not a handful of yards away as if he were waiting. Without hesitation the boy wonder scrambled off the pile of bent steel and broken concrete making a beeline directly for the massive warrior. "Cinderblock," He began as he got within a step of the giant, "I want to be the first to thank you for what you did." He stuck out a hand in a gesture of appreciation and difference to the enemy he was facing. Cinderblock looked for a moment then held out his own paw dwarfing the young man's gloved hand before letting out a laugh that sounded like two boulders knocking together. The giant shrugged at being unable to actually accept the offered hand but appreciated the gesture. Standing before the Titan who jumped back into a combat stance he held up an open palm in surrender, then placed his hands side by side in the classic 'arrested and cuffed pose' speech was a lost skill to him but actions told what he lacked in the ability to put into words. Robin nodded in acceptance and turned to the rest of the team. "You guys get Rae back to the tower I can handle this from here."

The pair sat in the silence of the ruined building waiting for the police to show up with the necessary gear to lock down Cinderblock, who had been surprisingly compliant the entire time. When they finally arrived Cinderblock resisted for a moment, he wanted to make something clear to his adversary before he let himself be led off. Robin waved the officers back as Cinderblock stepped close and watched intently as the felon bent to pick up a sliver of rebar. First Cinderblock waved a hand around the room stopping on the pile that had nearly took the life of a Titan he then pointed to Robin and himself and made the traditional V for victory to which Robin smiled and nodded. He returned the smile but went somber once again and began drawing a simple picture in the dust and dirt that had piled up over the course of the actual fight. Five small stick figures to represent the Titans and a large blocky figure to represent himself, Robin nodded to indicate he was following so far so Cinderblock grunted a bit and drew an X over the figures of the titans and a V over the depiction of himself. The meaning was clear; the next time they faced off he would fight to the end, victory or nothing. "I understand big guy and thanks again." Robin said as the police began moving in on them once more. "Oh and one last thing Cinderblock, When Raven recovers I'll see to it she pays you a visit to offer her personal thanks. That is assuming you haven't escaped again before then." Cinderblocks stone features did their best approximation of a smile as he nodded and turned to follow the police escorting him to the heavy armored transport.