10 years after the Titans.
My sisters and I opened up a Tattoo Shop, Ember Ink. We were in love with Tattoos. We don't know why or how this love came to be, but we just loved it. Ok so Abbie was the receptionist, I was one of the artists along with Amelia and Amy. Isis and Alanis were the finance manager. We also had a few guys here, like Jason Todd, (A.K.A. Red-X) My brothers Damian and Ryan, Cyborg was working for me too. I was the owner, me, Ms. Raven Roth. It was one of the most famous Tattoo Shops in Jump City. We were the L.A. Ink of Jump and we loved it. We were all single, except Isis, she was married. We were all in our twenties and staying that way forever. I was the oldest, 29. Amelia was the second in command and second oldest, 28. Abbie was only 20, the youngest, but still able to party. I had my hair to my mid back, and put black streaks in it. If you asked me if I wanted to go back to the Titans? 'Hell no! Just another heartbreak waiting at my door.' Is what I would say. Ever since that freaking trip to Japan, I quit the Titans. I got several tattoos and piercings since then. I got my tongue, belly button, and I have a stud in my nose, but then again I've always had my ears pieced. I've wished I hadn't quit the Titans sometimes. I wish I had a second chance with Boy Blunder. But no, he only wanted the alien. I was too dark, abnormal, creepy. So now I'm one of the most famous people in Jump City. The Titans were still in the paper from time to time. I saw that 'Nightwing and Kori'ander' Had a kid or maybe it was two? Anyway I've moved on and am a very successful business owner. Ok maybe We have a band too. You can't blame us, We have nothing else to do. Ok now I'm gonna tell you about the history of this place. I bought it first thing out of the team, I've had my eyes on it for a very long time. It was this old beat down little bar, so I quit the team and my family followed. We fixed her up put a 'Help Wanted' sign up and, BOOM, We get people flooding in from everywhere. Got a picture of my mom up on the wall out front to let her know how successful I am. I'm sure shes looking out for us up there. Now where do we get the money? Bruce Wayne. He decided to let us open shop and try it, see how it worked. We started off slow but then it really started to pick up, and we didn't need Bruce anymore. We were so happy. We all had the shop's name tattooed at least somewhere on our bodies, I had it on my ankle along with Abbie and Alanis. Amelia and Jason had it on the back of their neck. The others had them everywhere else. Oh, shit! We're opening in like ten minutes! I've got to get my needles ready. I had the first appointment of the day. I had Bumble Bee coming in to get a Bee on her neck. I fully indorse people getting tats, especially Titans! I opened the doors and the hot summer air washed over me. I looked at the clock: 12:00. Here comes Bumble Bee.
"Thank you Rae! Thanks for doing this for me. I didn't want to go anywhere else with this." She said, buzzing with excitement.
"It's alright Bee. Now come in and sit down." I said.
"So how's life with the family?" She asked.
"Fine, no arrests lately. A few parties but no arrests." I said, she laughed and sat dow in the chair.
"So how 'bout your neck of the woods?" I asked.
"Well Robin and Star are engaged,but you already knew that. Terra came back from the grave and Beast boy's all over her. Jinx joined the Titans and is dating Flash. And that's pretty much all." She said. I nodded and got to work.
"The team hasn't been the same since you and your family left. Boy Blunder can't stop talking about the times when you were on the team. To tell you the truth we're kinda sick of it." She said, I laughed with her at how idiotic Bird Brain was.
"Well You certainly took wing Raven. Or should I call you Rachel?" She asked, looking around at the shop.
"Either one's fine." I said. I stopped with the outline and switched needles for the color. I dipped the needle into the yellow. I nearly dropped the gun when I heard the most familiar voice.
"Is Rachel Roth in today?" He asked.
"Who may I ask is-. ROBIN!" I heard Abbie scream. I ran out to see Abbie hugging Robin and Amelia standing off to the side.
"Wow! If it isn't the team leader. I must say Bird brain you clean up nice." She said, eyeballing him. I could see he had his hair a little messy, black shades, black Punisher T-shirt, dark green cargo shorts, and a pair of flip flops.
"If you have gone goth I will kill you, Mr. Ready to Wed." I said. I was wearing a white tank top with a pair of black comfy jeans, and a pair of black flip flops with little characters all over them. I smiled as he smiled at me.
" So what are you doing in my shop?" I asked.
"Came to see the famous Raven Roth and the rest of the crew from Ember Ink." He said.
"Bullshit! We all know that's not what you're here for." I spat.
"Well the Titans-"
"HELL NO! If that's all you came to ask us then screw you! You know I would never join your shitty team again! Not when you chose her over me. Miss, Look at me I'm pretty but I HAVE NO BRAIN!" I yelled.
"You said you wouldn't be mad about the choice!" He yelled back. I inhaled and exhaled and tried to control myself.
"I know what I said. And I wasn't mad. No, I wasn't I understood that you chose her. But for your birthday, nine years ago, what did she get you? Oh! Now I remember! Your first Child. Then the birthday after that same thing. And the point is, you knew I loved you. But you never had the balls to hide the fact that you were getting my best friend knocked up over and over again!" I screamed.
"'Cause I thought you'd be happy for us!"
"I WAS! DAMN IT! I was so happy, for Star, not you. She'd always wanted a child. I was so happy. I just couldn't get over the fact that I loved you so much. It hurt when you chose her. Ask anyone in my shop they know I was crying for what seemed like forever. So I hate to say it but I'm- I mean we're not joining any team again!" I said. I hugged my crew and went back to work on Bee's tat.
"Can't you at least think about it?" He asked.
"Already thought about it. Don't want to come back. Just another heartache on the rocks." I said.
"What if you change your mind?" He asked.
"Robin, If I change my mind... I'd join Titans East before I joined any team you lead." I said. Next thing I know I get a slap on the face. My mind was begging me to kill him. I heard Amelia scream at him to leave.
"You know what you are an ass hole! You don't hit my sister! You hit my family we hit back, HARDER!" She yelled. I looked up to see her punch him in his face.
"Now suppose she gets a black eye?" She said. She stomped on his foot.
"Suppose she gets a bloody nose?" Elbow to the back.
"Suppose she dies! YOU'D DIE TO PRETTY BOY!" She yelled she held a knife up to his throat. I heard the bell for the front door ring. Star. She gasped and ran at my sister. Amelia let him go with a tweaked spine, bruised foot, and a tiny slit to the throat. I wish she had cut deeper, I really do. I wish I had to clean up his blood with the mop in the closet. But as cruel fate has spoken, so he will live another day. So, I went back to Bee's tat again. I finally got the damn thing finished, wiped and bandaged all ready for the next day. A few hours later and I got like ten tattoos done, probably the least amount of tats I got ready. My mind was everywhere at once. When we finally called it a day I got on my bike and jet home. I opened the front door and stepped on a letter. Addressed to me so I opened it and a business card fell out. I sat down on my chair and read the letter as my cat rubbed up on my leg. "Not now, Luna." I said. Luna was a short haired black cat with bright green eyes I found in the dumpster behind the shop one night. Now back to the note.
Dear Ms. Roth
We do hope you are in good health. We here would like to make you an offer. If you chose to accept this offer we will grant you anything you desire for as long as you want. If you refuse this offer then we will understand, for this is quiet dangerous. We are in need of a thief of your skills. We have heard of your 'reputation', and we would like nothing more than to have you on our side along with your family. We would offer you your own team to rule and control. We have heard your villain name and are very satisfied with it. Miss Hollow Soul. We would like to offer you the deal of a life time. If you accept this please call us, at the number below.
Sincerely,
Mad Mod and Slade
I looked at the business card and saw the number to call. I picked up the phone, but the machine was blinking. Who now?
Hey Rae, it's me. Robin. Was wondering if you changed you mind. (Sigh) Well I'm really sorry about the way I acted today. I shouldn't have hit you. I shouldn't have asked so much of you in the first place. Anyway, um, how do I ask this? Well I guess just come out and say it. Star's gone with the kids this weekend and I was wondering if maybe you would like to go to dinner? Anyway call me back with the answer. Bye.
Great now what? I was stuck. No I wasn't, I could join Slade and Mad Mod and keep the whole thing a secret. Then I could go out to dinner with Robin.
"God what to do?" I asked myself.
"You got any answers?" I asked Luna. She looked at me like I was crazy. Although I might be a little, I'm getting off the subject.
"I'm Dreaming. Aren't I?" I asked myself. I looked over at the cat and saw it shake it's head. I walked over to the kitchen sink and put the sprayer on. I sprayed myself with the water to try and wake myself up. I looked down at the cat and saw it's eyes go wide.
"I know, I know, I'm an dumbass. But what else am I supposed to do?" I asked. The cat walked over to the phone and pressed the button. I heard Robin pick up the phone and flipped off Luna.
"Hello?"
"Hi Robin. It's me Rachel."
"Rachel?"
"RAVEN!"
"OH! I'm just not used to your real name yet."
"I can seethat"
"So why'd you call?"
"To take you up on your dinner offer."
"Oh. Ok. Well Saturday night at four and wear something nice, please?"
"You got it."
"Bye"
"Bye."
Then the cat picked up the card in her mouth and set it on the table. She brushed up against the phone and it fell. I picked it up and the number was dialed.
"How is it that Things always go your way?" I asked. She tilted her head to the side and back again.
"Hello?"
"Hi? Is this the MM&S?"
"Yes, how may I direct your call?"
"Umm. I'd like to speak to the men I charge."
"Oh! Is this Miss Roth? They've been expecting you."
"Well okay."
"Hello Rachel?"
"Yes."
"We're so happy you could speak to us. So have you accepted the offer yet?"
"Yes, I have and I would love to be part of the company."
"Wonderful! We'll have the suit ready in at least a day or two."
"Thank you."
"You are so very welcome."
I hung up and sighed turned on T.V., and was fast asleep within ten minutes.
Well... Did some rough editing and here it is! The new and improved: Ember Ink!
I will say I was soo not the writer I am now back then! Wow! I look back on all my old stories and I have no choice but to edit them.
Review! Please I beg! I'm running low on Review juice!
Anyway, yeah Review!
Luv ya!
Peace, Love, and Happiness
Supernova Amelia Star