I hope you guys liked the first part of Hidden! The way this story will flow is by switching between Starfire recalling her early life, and then present day (2018) where the Titans are in Star City helping the Justice League.
This chapter will continue in the past (1996) and a little bit of the future-past(2012).
Onto part two of Hidden!
I do not own Arrow nor Teen Titans (Wish I did tho, pay off those student loans haha).
The next day came sooner than both Felicity and Oliver wanted. The couple was preparing for their daughter's blessing to take place. Felicity adorned traditional league robes for the affair, but opted not to wear the armor for she is not a true warrior of their kind. Plus she was larger than her average petite form given that she gave birth the day before. Regardless, she kept herself together as she dressed their baby girl in a black onesie and swaddled her in the red knitted blanket Nyssa purchased for Star.
Felicity gently traced Star's face as she slept peacefully. Oliver watched them from across the room, holding onto each moment he had left with them.
This would be the last time our family would be together for a long time.
Oliver clenched his fists in anger and took a deep breath, trying to keep it together for them, for his girls. But it's too much for him to handle.
Felicity turned to Oliver, "How much did it hurt?"
Oliver winced. When a child is born to the League, they are branded with the mark of their true name.
"It will be painful."
Felicity sighed, "And there's nothing we can do to prevent this from happening?" she started swaying, holding Star closer to her chest in hopes of keeping her safe. "What if I mention that I'm Jewish? Will that stop it? This is close to a Baptism and if my mother ever found out that this baby is blessed Christian she will personally kill me herself, and then you for letting it happen. And then hunt Ra's down too," she titled her head to the side, "although, that may not be a bad idea, she can finish that job in no time. Hmm…" Oliver smirked at her words.
He walked across the room and wrapped his arms around Felicity's waist, engulfing his two girls close to his chest. He kissed the top of Felicity's head as they gently swayed together.
This would be the last time Oliver could hold them close. There was no definite time where his plan will be put into motion, which gave him little hope for when he'd see them together again. The thought alone made his arms tighten on Felicity's waist, trying to remember the feeling of being whole. These two girls were his last life lines to the outside world, and once the blessing is over, Felicity will be taken back to Starling, and he and Star would be left behind.
Felicity's body trembled, "This isn't fair!" her voice was soft but fierce, "Why do I have to say goodbye?" she questioned.
But she knew why.
Oliver traded her intelligence for her life. It was the only option.
"You know," Oliver started, "I never thought I'd ever be a father. And you," he turned Felicity around so she and Star were facing him, her blue eyes watering with unshed tears, her lips slightly trembling from the words she desperately wants to speak. He cupped her cheek and brushed a soft kiss to her forehead. "you gave me something I thought about in my wildest dreams. You're truly are remarkable."
Felicity snorted, "Thanks for remarking on it." The memory seared into her brain, nothing could compare to the ridiculous excuses this man has created to figure out vigilante information. But not once did she questions it, well not completely, because she was learning the then resurrected playboy was no longer the man he was once was, but somebody she wanted to befriend.
A small coo from the red blanket caught their attention.
Her eyes were nowhere near close to full pigmentation, but within a day they went from a dark indigo blue to a brilliant verdant green. Her deep auburn hair is much more prominent because of her green eyes.
"She's so beautiful" Oliver traced the lines of Star's face. Her tongue poked out of her small mouth and cooed.
"I just can't believe her hair is red, I tried so hard to keep that a secret…"
Oliver quirked an eyebrow at the confession, "What?"
Felicity's nose scrunched and she let out a deep breath.
"You know how I said I 'dye my hair' well, I kinda, sorta, was born/am a redhead. Sorta, not compeltley, more like a strawberry blond, well actually…"
"Felicity"
"Right," she continued, "When I was younger I used to get made fun of for being a redhead, so my mom let me dye it dark brown for a while, mostly because my dad left and he also had a similar red tone to his hair, so my mom understood. So fast forward a few years and now I'm a blond."
Oliver smirked.
"What?" Felicity asked.
"I figured, you know the saying 'does the carpet mat-'"
Her eyes widened and she used her free hand to swat Oliver's arm.
"Ouch!"
"Oh, like that actually hurt." She rolled her eyes.
He lightly chuckled, "Hey, just stating a fact. I was wondering how long you were waiting to tell me the truth."
She narrowed her eyes at him, "You're lucky I'm holding our child right now. If I weren't, I would totally tackle you to the ground."
"Is that promise?"
"Oliver!"
All too soon there was a knock at the door.
"Al Sah-him, we are ready for you and your beloved." Bruce's voice rung through the door.
"Very well. We will be prepared in a short moment." Oliver swiftly leaned down to kiss Felicity's lips one last time and gently kissed the crown of Star's head.
"Oliver, I can't" her eyes filled with tears, "I can't leave her here. I can't leave you here!"
He cupped her face and wiped away a tear that fell, "I promise you, there will be no harm done to our daughter, do you understand me. I will protect her will my last breath." Then it dawned on her.
"You have a plan." Felicity knew Oliver well enough when he was telling her something without saying it.
He nodded his head.
"How long?" He didn't have to ask what she meant.
"I hope no longer than a year."
Felicity couldn't help the sob that escaped her lips. She looked down to her beautiful baby girl and kissed her cheek softly, "You're our little warrior, never forget that."
"Just like her mother."
"And like her father."
Olivier quickly adorned his hood and facial scarf before leading Felicity and Star to the door.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Jump City 2012
The dark skies of Jump City illuminated with lightening. A deep rumble followed, shattering through the steady beat of the pouring rain. It was a slow night for crime, Slade has backed off for a bit and the Titans were all fast asleep in the "T" shaped tower.
Well, all except for two of its residents.
Robin was always up late trying to find the next lead that would bring them closer to finding Slade. He would spend hours locked away in his room cutting newspaper articles and connecting his appearances with specific locations. But to no avail, Robin hasn't made a single connection to the one eyed villain.
His room was too pristine. The bed made to perfection, the wall of newspaper clippings organized by date, time, and criminal. His closet was assorted by his uniforms, boots, masks, and capes. His desk organized with precision and the draws labeled A-Z.
The teen let out a sigh.
Robin sat back in his black chair and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Where are you hiding?"
The window left of his desk was drenched in rain, the soft pitter patter of the drops making a rhythm that was causing Robin to become sleepy.
"I should probably head to bed." And with that the teen cleaned up his table, locked his desk drawer, and turned off his desk lamp. He made his way to his dresser and pulled out a pair of dark blue sweatpants and tossed them onto his bed. He carefully removed his mask, and placed it next to his bed. He often did this just in case there was an emergency and he could quickly put it back on.
Then he untied his cape from around his neck and folded it gently before placing it into a hamper in the back of his closet. He doesn't like to keep clutter out in the open. Next he untucked his red shirt from his green tights and pulled his over his head along with his green undershirt. Leaving him in his green tights that he pried from his legs. Walking over to his bed, he pulled on his sweat pants and settled into the deep gray covers of his bed.
Just as he was about to roll over, he heard the cries of his teammate across the hall. Robin threw back the covers and grabbed his mask, covering his artic blue eyes. He punched the code into the keypad for this door to slide open. When it does, he makes it across the hall to Starfire's room.
He gently knocks on the door, "Star?" but there's no response, just more crying and gasping.
She's having a nightmare
Typing in the override code that opens all of the doors in the tower, he walked into the brightly painted room. He quickly takes in his surroundings before making his way over to the circular bed. Starfire was thrashing around, her red hair fanned around her from her sudden movements. Her bright purple blanket had fallen away, bunching at her waist from her constant thrashing. But through all this, her hands clutched a stuff elephant. Although Starfire was experiencing something terrible, Robin smiled. He had won her that stuffed elephant at the fair a few months ago, when her sister, Blackfire, decided to grace them with her presence. When she tried to get her sister put away for a crime she didn't commit.
Snapping from the memory, Robin tried calling to her again.
"Star? Starfire…" The Tamaranean calmed down hearing his voice, but she still had tears streaming down her face.
"R-robin?" She slowly opened her vibrant green eyes, taking in the young man before her. He was crouched down at eye level and watching her carefully.
"Star, were you having a nightmare?" he gently reached forward and brushed away the tear streaks on her face. Her eyes closed at the contact.
"No, friend. It was not the 'nightmare' as you say. It was" she paused, opening her eyes, "…I am unsure what to call it. It was not bad, but not good. It was sad."
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and caressed the side of her face, "Do you want to talk about it?"
She nodded her head before sitting up, causing Robin's hand to fall away from her face. She sat back against her pillows and crisscrossed her legs. Causing her already short shorts to bunch higher on her thighs and her tank top strap to fall from her left shoulder.
Starfire then patted the space next to her, but Robin hesitated.
"I thought you wanted to talk about my dream, friend Robin?" she cocked her head to the side causing her red hair to cascade over her left shoulder.
He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck, "Uh, yeah."
Smooth Dick
He sat down in front of Starfire and crossed his legs the same way she did.
"What was your dream about?" Robin reached out and placed a comforting hand on her knee.
She looked down at his gloveless hand and took note of the fact that his hands are much softer than she thought they'd be.
She scrunched her nose and furrowed her brows, "Well, I was in a dark place that had no windows, nor any light. But I felt the safe." She played with her hair, twirling it and weaving it around her fingers.
"Then what happened" he asked.
She stopped her movements and brought her eyes to meet his masked ones. "I heard a voice, a male voice speaking to me. He called me Star. Which was quite strange, Robin. You're the only person that calls me Star."
"But the weirder part is that I know the voice."
Robin frowned, "How?"
"I wish I knew, friend Robin. But I was not afraid of it, I felt the feelings of love and caring. He was telling me something very much of the importance."
"Then why were you crying if the voice made you feel that way?" Robin tried his best to keep his voice neutral, but it was jarring hearing that the girl he has a crush on is dreaming about some other guy.
She looked away, her eyes filling with tears again.
"Star, don't do that." he shifted forward, cupping the side of her face. She was really warm, more than a normal body temperature. Her eyes caught his once again. He brushed away a tear that fell down her cheek. She took a deep breath and placed her hand over Robin's before pulling it away from her face, but not letting go completely.
She turned his hand palm up and traced the lines of his hand, "Raven told me that she has the ability to do the reading of palms. I always thought it was nice, learning about someone based on lines on their hands."
Robin watched her closely.
"The voice was paternal, fatherly." She started. "He said: 'My little star. Right now your mother is asleep, but I'm always looking out for her. But I need your help to keep her safe, will you do that for me? Will you help me protect you mother?'"
Starfire paused.
She stilled her hand that held Robin's, choosing to slowly lace her finger through his. His heart leaped into his throat at the action, but he tried to remain cool. Starfire enjoyed the feeling; it caused a small smile to grace her alien face.
"At that point I knew that it was the coincidence that the child's name was my own. My parents did not know English language. Only Tamaranean. Then the voice said something that was terrible. 'One day I will have you back in my life, both of my girls. But for now, we must all go our separate ways'
"Th-the man's voice cracked, like the feelings he had within him are too mighty, that what he was telling the Star in my dream that he would have to let her go. 'In order to keep you safe from this Hell, I'm sending you away to one of the most dangerous cities in this world.'"
"Why would he send her to a dangerous city? Why not put her somewhere safe?" Robin Questioned.
Starfire shrugged, "I'm not sure, friend, but I can explain his reasons. 'I know that doesn't make sense. But it's the right move. This is our plan, my little star. I guess this is our first unofficial mission together. And the last, for however long it takes to make this all right again. The day or the week you're born, your mother will being going home, without us.'" Starfire's voice wavered.
"'There's this guy who's going to take care of you, I know him pretty well. He's your uncle. Well, he doesn't know that yet, but between us, he'll be happy for you to be his niece. You're going to have a happy childhood, away from all this darkness that I brought you into, that I brought your mother into too. But now it's my responsibility to keep you safe—'" More tears came pouring down Starfire's face.
"Star" he squeezed her hand.
She took a deep breath trying to reign in her emotions.
"Xhal," but it was too much. She pulled her hand away from Robin's and drew her legs to her chest; shielding herself from the pain.
"It wasn't real," he moved across the comforter to be seated next to her. "And the dream is over. You don't have to worry about it anymore."
She shook her head, "There's still more to the dream." Her voice was muffled from behind her arms that crossed over her knees. She laid her head upon her arms and looked dreamily at Robin.
" 'And in order to keep you safe, I have to let you go. It's the hardest thing I'll have to do, but I know it'll be worth it when we're all safe and together. Just promise me that you'll always keep fighting, my little star. Keep fighting.'
"That was the entire dream. Robin, how could someone give up their bumgorf? I can not, I do not understand." She silently cried, causing her iridescent green eyes to dim.
"Star, sometimes parents have to make great sacrifices for their children to be happy. Regardless of the pain that it can cause them." He wish he knew what to say to get her to stop crying.
She wiped her tears with the heel of her hand, "My apologies, you probably wish to have pleasant shlorvax."
Robin smiled, "I won't go to bed until I know you're okay, Star."
She smiled lightly, not her normal radiant smile that causes Robin to have breathing problems. "I shall be okay, Friend. Although the dream felt the real, I am aware of its fakeness."
"Are you sure?"
"I am."
Robin got up from her bed and walked over to where she sat. He pulled back the covers and motion her to lay down. After she settled, he pulled the covers over her and grabbed her stuffed elephant and handed it to her. He crouched so they were at eye level.
"If you need anything, just knock on my door. I'm not a heavy sleeper."
Starfire cocked her head slightly, "I did not know humans retain more weight in sleep."
Robin chuckled and shook his head, "No. What I mean is: if you need me, just knock."
"Nighty Night, Robin." Starfire yawned before shutting her eyes.
Robin felt a wave of familiarity wash over him at hearing those words, but he wasn't sure why. He walked out of her room and back to his own. Instead of heading straight for his bed he walked to his closet and pushed aside the clothing hanging there. He then pressed on the wall there and it moved aside, revealing a slick silver brief case. He pulled it from the wall and walked back over to his bed. He glanced at the door to double check he locked it before unlocking the case and opening it. Inside was various photos and journals. The one photo he was looking for was tucked away at the bottom of the case.
2004 Master Grayson and Princess
It was a photo of a young Dick Grayson and his childhood best friend. She had these cute square green glasses that matched her verdant green eyes. Her wild deep curly red hair was blowing in the wind. Robin smiled at the memory, but then he remembered.
You're gone.
He placed the photo back at the bottom of the brief case and then stored it back where he found it. He fell back into bed, but didn't bother to cover himself.
He shut his eyes and started to drift off.
"Nighty Night, Star."
