Signs and Wonders: Chapter One
Aboard the Tamaranean transport A'Soto, two prisoners sat awaiting trial as they sped towards their ultimately separate destinations. Behind a sealed electromagnetic reinforced armored door, and guarded by two correction officers, they were confined within a small holding cell. The first, sitting portside, was a young Tamaranean girl named Blackfire. She wore a distinct flexible silver armor-bodysuit under her dark hued but otherwise traditional clothing and seemed preoccupied with other thoughts. Bound hand and foot by way of dual metallic bands that glowed blue, she looked more annoyed than angry with her situation. Across from her sitting opposite was a most enigmatic male figure.
An atmospheric compensation mask concealed his face; its eye-covers tinted black. Though shaved, his hair appeared blond. His skin was gray and all he wore was black. A large trench coat covered his plan shirt and pants. He wore large imposing boots topped by metallic toe-covers and thick gloves. His bonds were thicker than hers were and connected via a large metal bar that glowed brighter, leaving him in a slightly hunched position. Fed up, the young Tamaranean tried to force her bonds loose, as she had done several times before, but all to no avail.
"You are wasting your time," informed the figure in Tamaranean with a hollow voice, "Save your energy."
"I thought talking was forbidden," countered Blackfire, "Like living dangerous, huh?"
"They are using all available secondary power to keep me bound," explained the figure, "All monitoring equipment has been disabled. We are safe."
"Must be one powerful guy," remarked Blackfire, "You would be great for an escape."
"What is the point?" inquired the figure, looking up finally.
"Guess you like the idea of imprisonment?" mocked Blackfire, "Sorry, not for me."
The figure looked down and sighed.
"Ok, not what I meant," relented Blackfire, "So, what are you in for, anyway?"
"Existing," the figure responded harshly.
"Ouch," replied Blackfire, leaning forward, "Well, look; I assume you would rather not be here and I certainly do not. Hear me out; you help me escape and I will help get you to where ever you wanna go; no strings, no double-crosses. So, you in or out?"
The figure continued his silence. Frustrated, Blackfire sighed and sat back.
"Oh, dear sister, how do you deal with those silly earthlings?" she asked, looking up.
The statement seemed to spark the figure's interest. Tensing his body for a moment, he then pulled on his bonds with great force. Within seconds, they broke and fell to the ground as an alarm began to sound. This also triggered a large power flux that disabled Blackfire's bonds long enough for her to break them.
"Nice work, big man!" complimented Blackfire, "Now, how about a little door service?"
Wasting no time, the figure lifted his right leg and kicked the door down. Outside, the two guards had prepared themselves to enter the cell when the door flew straight at them and knocked both out.
Blackfire was impressed, "No wonder they wanted you tied down. I just might have to keep you around. You are much stronger and more tolerable than Lobo…"
"I am my own," interrupted the figure, before turning towards the transport cockpit.
"Wow, just a little touchy," remarked Blackfire under her breath.
By this time, the ship's power was in a wild flux. The transport pilot desperately tried to maintain control. His quick thinking soon had the ship back on course. While he did, a heavy hollow breath grew in intensity behind him. This sent chills up his spin once he noticed. Turning around, he came face to face with a foreboding black mask. The pilot promptly fainted. While the figure picked up the pilot, Blackfire checked the controls. He took the pilot and two guards and stuffed them into a small escape pod. Setting the distress signal to a delay timer, he smashed the consoles before jettisoning the pod.
"So, you finished off the crew?" asked Blackfire when the figure returned.
"The distress signal will go off long after we are gone," informed the figure.
"You idiot!" protested Blackfire, "They are a liability! Just what in the name of X' Hal were you thinking? That sounds like something my sister would do!"
"I will not kill," informed the figure bluntly, "For there is no need. In this way, their leadership will be less likely to pursue us. Nothing will cause us more distress than ending the lives of law enforcement personal."
"Not how I play but okay," huffed Blackfire, "Anyway, I owe you big time; so, where to? It is a big universe out there."
"Earth," replied the figure promptly, "If possible."
"Ah, it all makes sense now," concluded Blackfire, "Any reason or just because?"
"It is my home," answered the figure, "I don't remember much but I know my answers lay there. It is the only part of me I have left; the only part that makes sense…"
"Guess luck is on your side today," Blackfire smiled, "I need to head there myself and we are about an Earth day's flight in hyper-driver. So, you have a name, big guy?"
"I do not recall a name," explained the figure, "In fact, I am unsure I ever had one; but I was given a project designation: Subject: R-1-X."
"A little long and clunky but respectable," shrugged Blackfire, "Still, you need something more streamlined; how about Rex? It goes with your Trench Coat Mafia/Vader look."
"It does not matter to me," relented Subject: R-1-X, "I merely desire to return home. Perhaps that will help me find what I am missing; and what is wrong with my attire?"
"Hey, nothing," backtracked Blackfire, "Just making a joke about Earth culture. You see, I have an old score to settle with my sister there. Once we are on earth, you can do as you please, so long as it does not interfere with my plans… then again; I could always use some extra muscle. Whadda think, Rex?"
"No thank you," R-1-X apologized, "I think I will find my own way for now."
"Okay then," acknowledged Blackfire reliantly, "But a word of advice; the Teen Titans are bad news. With a record like yours, they will be on your ass in a second if they discover you. Best keep a low profile once you are on your own."
"I will remember that," nodded R-1-X while she set the autopilot.
"Well, we got some time to burn," explained Blackfire with a yawn, putting her feet up on the console, "Gonna to crash out for a while. Touch me and you die."
R-1-X crossed his arms and leaned against the cockpit bulkhead, "You give yourself too much credit. I have little use for an under-aged delinquent."
"Boy, I feel loved," Blackfire huffed.
The two settled in for the trip ahead. A great distance and sometime later, five teenaged heroes set about plans for a weekend of fun. Atop Titan's Tower, a flurry of work went on. There, two competitors jockeyed for lunchtime glory.
"Boo-Yah!" yelled Cyborg in triumph, "Behold the fruits of my sandwich-making skills! Doesn't it just bring a tear to your eye?"
Before him stood a colossal sub-sandwich, piled high with almost everything one could place on a sandwich. Its creator beamed with pride.
"Oh, please; nothing can compare to my most awesome work; the Tofu Tower Sub!" countered Beast-Boy as he displayed his own culinary masterpiece.
What this sub lacked in culinary diversity it made up for in sauce variety. Each sandwich was a triumph of skill and a beauty to behold, at least to their creators.
"This still confuses me," interjected Starfire, "You are on the same team, yet still challenge each other? Is not the team that is divided already defeated?"
"Just some friendly competition, Star," explained Cyborg, "If we can make our only competition be ourselves, then we're a sure win!"
Starfire still looked confused, "Like a sparring match between comrades?"
"It goes beyond that," enlightened Beast-Boy, speaking as an eastern master of an ancient marshal art might, "It is a test that defines all those who would take the challenge. It embodies skill, desire, stamina, willpower, commitment, the drive to be supreme, and…"
"…and it just ate our lunch!" interrupted Cyborg with a look of pure horror.
Snapping from his delusion, Beast-Boy returned to a most frightening sight. As both gasped in total disbelief, Silkie, who had been quietly watching the two prepare their marvels, now had consumed Cyborg's sub and was in the process of devouring Beast-Boy's. Within seconds, the deed was done and Silkie let out an otherwise acceptable belch. With its hunger satisfied for the moment, Silkie rolled onto its back and began cooing with delight. By this point, hollow stares of anger and sorrow befell their faces.
"I can't believe that five hours of hard-earned glory has just been swallowed by some over-sized tackle bait!" yelled Cyborg, "I think it's time we went fishin'!"
"Leave Silkie alone!" cried Starfire, grabbing the now frightened Silkie and cradled it lovingly, "He was just hungry and does not deserve to be an aquatic sacrifice!"
"Break's over, you two!" announced Robin as he ascended the rooftop stairwell, "We need to finish setting up the basketball court mods for tomorrow's showdown. Starfire, you have an incoming transmission from Tamaran."
Starfire shrieked with delight and with Silkie in tow, flew down the stairwell as a very hungry and defeated Beast-Boy and Cyborg begrudgingly resumed work with Robin. Once in her room, Starfire sat Silkie beside her and resumed the transmission.
"Dear sweet Koriand'r!" greeted Grand Ruler Galfore in Tamaranean, "It has been far too long. How are you, my child?"
"K'Norfka Galf… I mean, Grand Ruler Galfore, it is good to see you," replied Starfire, most pleased, "I am well. Please, how is our home planet Tamaran?"
"Ha-ha! No need to be so formal around me," assured Galfore, "All is well here, my dear. However, I still bear unpleasant news regarding your sister; Komand'r was recently captured trying to re-enter Tamaranean territory and was being transported to stand trial for her crimes in the Centauri system but she escaped once again. We recently retrieved the crew from her transport and believe she is heading towards Earth."
This drained the joy from Starfire's face, "I understand. Thank you, Galfore; should I encounter her, I will surely deal with her myself."
"Your people are ready should you need us," added Galfore, "I say this for there is one more thing you need to hear; there was another being transported and aided in her escape. He was the Tal'Norean experiment subject we recovered from their last stronghold."
"I see," acknowledged Starfire, "This is most distressful."
"Shall I send help?" offered Galfore, "You know the power the Tal'Nor once possessed."
"No," assured Starfire, "My friends and I shall also deal with him. You need not worry."
"Please be careful," asked Galfore, "You have been and shall always be in my prayers."
"As you are in mine," assured Starfire as the transmission ended.
She sighed and bowed her head. In another part of the tower, a dark room began to fill with an ominous red glow. Raven meditated before her soul reflection mirror. Opening her eyes, she stared at her reflection, trying in vain to lose sight of the Scathe birthmarks covering her body. As she did, a dual pair of evil red eyes appeared, staring back at her. A cold chill ran down her spine as the disembodied voices of Slade and her father, Trigon, began to speak as one in a demonic tongue.
"Why do you run, dear child?" asked the voice, "You know the end is near; and for all your efforts, what has become of them? Each step has still been taken, everyone prophecy still fulfilled; save one. Yet, with all that has come and all that remains, you still resist."
Raven tried to look away but the burning eyes compelled her to keep looking.
"You know I am right," the voice continued, "Your friends can't save you. Everything prophesied will come to pass; all we need is you. It is your destiny."
"Stop it, Stop It!" cried Raven in a burst of pure emotion.
The power of her lament ripped through the tower as a wave of dark energy, destroying it in a violent explosion. Before her now was a ruined Jump City and Titans Tower, lit only by a sea of molten rock under dark skies, with her friends standing silently as stone statues. Raven cried out again before the horrific scene vanished. When she finally opened her blood-shot eyes, she was once more alone in her room. The work above continued until evening. Robin made a final inspection of the court, during which he spied Starfire sitting on the shore facing the setting sun. Sensing something amiss, he decided to join her. Starfire sat hugging her knees; unusual sadness etched on her face.
"Starfire!" called Robin as he approached her, "Everything alright?"
"Robin," Starfire sighed, "You have been searching for me?"
"Yes," replied Robin, sitting down, "You didn't return after talking to Galfore; what's up?"
"I do not know where up is anymore," began Starfire, "Nothing makes sense; we were so close. I do not want to keep fighting my sister but what choice do I have?"
"Now I see," deduced Robin, "Don't worry, Starfire, we'll be ready for her."
"No, I must do this on my own," countered Starfire, now holding back tears, "I do not wish to fight her, but I must end this. Our quarrel must be resolved. I must… I-I…"
With no strength left, Starfire burst into tears while Robin did his best to comfort her.
"You have beaten her before and you can do it again," he reminded her, "I know it's hard but you are stronger than her; better than her; and we will always be there for you."
As Robin put his right arm around her, she buried her head in his chest until the sun went down. Robin looked to the sky and closed his eyes. Meanwhile, down in the garage, Cyborg finished putting his tools away. Unbeknownst to him, Raven had followed him down. Walking to a basketball hoop on the other side, he grabbed the ball from below the hoop and began tossing a few shots, all the while giving his own play-by-play.
Raven stood amused as Cyborg called the action, "Cyborg goes up and over; a beautiful slam-dunk from the rookie! Now here he goes again, faking a three-point and going in under the basket. Back pass to Cyborg who goes left, no right and boom, another nice shot with no rim! This is why he was voted most valuable player back at his alma mater. Going back, the metal monster tries for a three-pointer from downtown! He shots, he… oh, he misses, off the rim right into… Raven!?"
The ball flew straight for Raven before a black aura engulfed it and brought it to a stop.
Raven grabbed the ball and tossed it back, "Thought you were into football."
"I was," corrected Cyborg, catching the ball and setting it down, "Besides, a two-on-two is better this way. Say, haven't seen you all day; you okay?"
"I'm fine," assured Raven, "Just been clearing my mind. Everything set for tomorrow?"
"Yep," confirmed Cyborg, "Amazing what can be done when you're not out on patrol."
"It's all part of being a Titan," shrugged Raven, "Come on, pizza's ready."
"I'm down for that!" smiled Cyborg as he followed Raven up the stairs.
The two joined the others in the dining room for a relaxing evening. Later on that night, high above the Pacific Ocean, the Tamaranean transport A'Soto slowly descended through Earth's atmosphere, crossing the terminator into night. On board, two renegade prisoners prepared to ditch their transport.
"Is the core ready?" inquired Blackfire, resetting the autopilot as the transport shook.
"Everything is set," confirmed R-1-X, "We can proceed with the jump. Just before the transport hits the ocean, the energy core will go critical. This will cause an implosion, masking the impact of the transport while assuring to destroy any identifiable debris."
"Sounds good," nodded Blackfire, who promptly made her way to the rear exit.
R-1-X quickly followed. After checking an auxiliary control panel for altitude and speed, Blackfire pulled the emergency airlock release. The airlock opened, causing a massive vacuum effect and activating audio and visual alarms. R-1-X held Blackfire firmly until she gave a sign to release her. Sucked out, she watched the transport race from her before she gleefully freefell for several seconds then slowed to a hover. After waiting a moment, R-1-X followed her out and spread his arms and legs to slow his descent. As he achieved terminal velocity, Blackfire became increasingly unsure of his landing ability.
The transport hit the ocean, causing a huge eruption of water. At the same time, the core went critical and imploded, sucking the explosion of water and debris back to its center of origin. This created a small whirlpool that quickly filled and vanished. Meanwhile, R-1-X plummeted towards the Pacific. Suddenly from under him, a pillar of earth jetted up from the ocean floor. Performing a back flip, R-1-X landed hard onto the pillar, kneeling with one leg, arms still spread. His impact halted the pillar's advance and shattered it completely. From the cloud of dust and debris, he created a floating slab under him. Standing up, he seemed unscathed from his violent landing.
Blackfire, quite impressed, flew down to check on him, "Wow, I was wondering what trick you would pull. You really had me going there for a while."
"I try," replied Rex with a hint of pride, "I also thank you for all your help; but I see that our deal is complete. Therefore, I must bid you, dear lady, ado."
"A poet, I see," teased Blackfire, "Well, if that is what you wish. You know, my offer is still on the table if you want. Just think about it."
"I think I will strike out on my own," explained Rex, "I have many questions to answer; but let us not become strangers. Should we meet again, it will be a pleasure."
"Fair enough," agreed Blackfire with a smirk, "Guess I will be seeing you then? Just remember what I told you. Oh, one last thing; is it Rex or R-1-X?"
"You may call me Rex," nodded R-1-X.
"Nice to see your people skills improving," smiled Blackfire, "See ya, lover boy!"
With a wink, Blackfire flew westward towards some faint city light on the horizon. Rex soon found himself alone over the vast Pacific Ocean. Folding his hands and bowing his head, he focused his energy until a crimson aura encircled his body.
"Strange," remarked Rex, ending his trance and the aura.
With a dip, he directed his slab west towards the same city lights and raced low over the ocean surface. On the other side of the horizon, most of Jump City slept peacefully. One resident who could not was Beast-Boy, founding himself atop Titans Tower facing the city. Raven, too, found sleep elusive and was compelled topside. Upon arrival, she found her comrade sitting on the ledge, looking rather beside himself.
"You were quiet at dinner tonight," noted Raven, walking over, "You alright?"
"Huh? Oh, hi Raven," replied Beast-Boy, "Yeah, just didn't feel like eating."
"I noticed," agreed Raven, "Anything you want to talk about?"
Beast-Boy sighed, "I don't know, it's like some weird aura comes and goes that effects how I feel; how everyone feels. Even Starfire had it!"
"Well, she did learn that her sister is once more after her," reminded Raven as she sat next to him, "And Robin did say she took it pretty hard."
"See? That's what I'm talkin' about!" explained Beast-Boy, "Starfire's the happiest person I know; she never gets down like that! Just wish I could make things better."
"I feel it, too," admitted Raven, "This whole deal with my father is getting to everyone."
"Not your fault," encouraged Beast-Boy, "We'll get through this like we always do."
"Thought I was here to cheer you up," grinned Raven briefly, "But I know what it is. This is why I tried to keep people away; I don't want to drag others into my problems."
"That doesn't matter," explained Beast-Boy, "We're friends and Titans; no matter what, we'll beat whatever comes our way! Though I know you find me annoying most days, you've still shown me how good a friend you can be. I was unsure what life would bring when I struck out on my own but now I have the Titans to call family; and I'll never give that up; or you up, either… I mean, as friends… that is… platonic… but not like…"
"Just be quiet," advised Raven, "We're having one of those moments again."
Beast-Boy shut up and sat quietly for a moment, watching the city softly glow in the night. Then, shivers ran up his spine as Raven put her hand on his.
"Thank you, for everything," she smiled, "Now try and get some sleep, okay?"
With that, she stood up and walked down the stairwell, leaving a stunned and speechless Beast-Boy. As she descended, a strange approaching presence made itself known. Unsure of whom or what it was, she continued down without hesitation. Outside, Rex arrived over the south end of Jump City Bay and made his way towards the large T-shaped tower on a large barrier island. A most curious site, Rex approached the structure low and slow. Intrigued by the automated defenses, he levitated towards the top, keeping a safe distance from the tower. Reaching the rooftop, he moved closer to take a better look.
Keeping low, he spied a short green figure walking away from him. Beast-Boy made his way to the stairwell, slightly cocky but still flabbergasted. After a quick yawn and stretch, he spied movement behind him and turned to investigate. Rex ducked behind a corner and waited. With nothing in sight, Beast-Boy scratched his head before continuing downstairs. After checking the area for others, Rex continued his observations when he suddenly felt a presence behind him. Snapping around, he found a dark clocked female before him, arms crossed. The two hovered silently, each analyzing the other.
"Who are you? What do you want?" demanded Raven harshly.
"My official designation is Subject: R-1-X," introduced Rex in English, "I was on my way when I spied this odd structure and decided to take a closer look."
"I doubt that," huffed Raven, "Your aura seems… familiar; yet unholy. Who are you?"
Rex chuckled, "My tormentors never cared about the method, just the result. I, too, admit you seem familiar; but I am sure we have never met. My identity you know, but yours?"
"Call me Raven," answered Raven begrudgingly, "Now, what are you really here for?"
"Daughter of Trigon?" blurted Rex unwittingly, "But that is impossible!"
"How do you know my father?" inquired Raven spitefully, "Did Slade send you?"
"Is this the child?" thought Rex aloud, looking at his hands, "But how did I…"
Rex abruptly paused as an electronic beep sounded. His stance became rigid as he removed his left glove, revealing a glowing Scathe mark on his palm, ripped by a scar. Horror replaced the confusion on her face as Raven's birthmarks began to glow.
"You are the gate; I am the keeper," announced Rex in a demonic tongue, "The plans of Scathe will be forged to our will. In you hour of need, I will be there to guide your path. Together, we will secure destiny from damnation. The time is sooner than you think."
Raven hovered speechless as Rex re-gloved his hand and her birthmarks faded. Then, the same audible beep sounded, returning him to his former self.
"Damn those cretins," cursed Rex in English, rubbing the back of his neck, "It seems my tormentors still have their say even in death. I must remedy this quickly."
Confused and scared by the spectacle, Raven became increasingly aggravated as she dried her eyes, "Just who are you? What are you?"
"I am your light in the darkness," replied Rex, "Though I must secure my own peace first. There are those who would use you for their own means to subdue Trigon. I will not allow their plans to succeed; nor will I allow Trigon to enter this realm."
"What do you mean?" demanded Raven desperately, "You're not making any sense!"
"I want the same thing you do," explained Rex, "Redemption… and hope. Forgive my hasty departure but there are things I must address. Take heart, child, you're not alone."
With that, his slab crumbled. As Rex fell, Raven gave chase, unsure of what to expect; but before she could catch up, he hit the ground and disappeared in a cloud of dust. While chunks of rock rained down, Raven circled the area but found no trace of him. She landed and caught one of the falling pieces. Dissatisfied and confused but unable to rectify anything, she crushed the fragment before heading back inside. Unseen atop the tower, Robin watched her with growing concern. Unsure how to explain the events he witnessed and powerless to help, he, too, returned inside. Sometime later on Jump City Bay Bridge, a dark figure emerged from the shadows and made its way towards the sleeping city. Rex paused briefly mid-span to observe the tower before continuing along the sparsely driven roadway. The rest of the night passed without incident.