I

California, U.S.A. The state is home to dozens of people, not to mention the most famous landmarks. The stars shine as brightly on land as they do in the sky. The Walk of Fame, Sunshine Boulevard, Beverly Hills… And if one were to head to the very edge of the state, they would enter the reclusive but world-renowned Jump City, home of the Titans.

On this early evening in the midst of June, the grey steel-and-glass-constructed Titans Tower stood in all its glory just a few miles offshore of the city. It is the year 2015. The Tower had been built nearly ten years ago by one of the world's best architects, who was now dead, and the Tower is now home to a band of superheroes, dedicated to protecting their city from the evil that lingered over it. But that comes later.

Boasting over thirty-five bedrooms, state-of-the-art security systems, a headed indoor pool and a fully simulated Pressure Chamber, Titans Tower was the only one of its kind. Over the years, though, it had housed dozens of heroes, all of which have either moved on or died – sacrifice was inevitable in their line of work, unfortunately. The Tower also boasted a garden, one that was free for all viewing pleasure but off touching limits to those not their rightful owner. The garden was unlike others, however, for it was home to at least twelve different species of Tamaranean plants, saved before the majestic planet was obliterated.

Tamaran… Its people were strong, and their way of life was well-respected all throughout the galaxy. The only survivor now, though, is the Princess Koriand'r, or Kory, as she is more affectionately called. She was beautiful, without a doubt, with long, thick auburn hair and eyes that resembled emeralds. But she was equally fierce; she harnessed the power of the sun, and just one of her mesmerizing green starbolts would annihilate anything in its path. She was a warrior not to be messed with.

The plants in the garden were entirely hers, and she cared for them with a passion. They were the only things left of her home planet now. Massive bright, multi-coloured flowers adorned the thick branches of the Tamaranean specimens, and they bloomed fully all year round. The redheaded alien floated – yes, floated – through the garden that evening, casting her gaze over the exotic flowers she had spent most of her time on.

"They're very beautiful."

Kory couldn't help but curve her full lips into a soft smile. "I know."

Kory was not as well acquainted with Garth as her other teammates were, but she nonetheless loved him as a brother. He had been one of the founding members of the Titans, and was now a fully-fledged and prized member of the team's current reincarnation. The fan girls, when not falling for the Titans' leader, were usually marveling over Garth's deep purple eyes. Garth had a head of wavy, dark hair, and his body was perfectly toned from his countless hours spent in the water. In fact, Garth was a descendant from the city of Atlantis. He was one of the few who had survived, and had developed the ability to breathe underwater, among other aquatic and mage-like abilities.

He was dripping wet now as he made his way towards Kory, having just emerged from the sea, his very own playground. He ran a hand down over his face in an effort to dry off. Kory noticed he was only wearing his jeans. She glanced downward, where her gaze lingered for a moment.

"Tamaranean plants are extremely intolerant to saltwater," she said bluntly.

"Oops. My bad. Sorry," Garth muttered his apology and quickly took a few steps backward. He hadn't even noticed he had been dripping water on one of the plants' massive roots. The Atlantean ruffled a hand through his drenched hair, a habit of his. "You do know about--?"

"I do know."

"Man… I'd hate being a mentor. I mean, it's too fast. It's way too fast."

"You do not have a choice, Garth."

"Yeah… I know."

There was a deathly silence for a few moments. By the time Kory turned from her plants, the boy had long gone, exhausted by the day's events. Tomorrow would be much more draining, Kory knew. And to be honest, she did agree with Garth. She would hate becoming a mentor. The idea just wasn't something she could digest easily. Maybe for Victor, it would be fine. He liked kids. But…

"H'tal b'ktr."

Muttering curses in her native tongue, Kory finally turned away from her beloved garden and headed back to the tower.