Casting Shame, Crying Rain
Author: ChristinaRoss
Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans or any of its characters. Nor do I own the song '30 minutes' by t.A.T.u or their lyrics or them. Wish I owned all of these things though.
Author's Notes: Read, Review, Enjoy! Rinse and Repeat!
Chapter 3:
Finally, The Return-Welcome Back
"You!" The fearless leader exclaimed, his long index finger pointing at the pair of shocked girls.
Robin's finger felt like a dagger threatening to stab the petite brunette and she winced momentarily, instinctively clutching her hands to her stomach. Catching herself in the act, Jenny shivered, a coldness running down her spine. She retreated further into her seat. Huddling into herself, she cowered at the sight of this brightly dressed teenager. She could feel her heart sinking and she just prayed that she wouldn't throw up in front of the others. Oh God, just hold it in. I can't believe it! He... He remembers me? Just look at the anger in his eyes. He remembers me and he hates me. I'd hate me too.
The hero grew impatient of the silence that filled the moment, despite the roar of battle radiating from outside the train, the trio seemed to be living in their own pocket of tension, untouched by their surroundings. He pushed further, leaning in ever closer to the girls' faces and gripped the back of Jenny's chair tightly with his gloved hand. "What the hell are YOU doing here?" he spat out, snapping the word 'you' so sharply that it felt like being 'you' was the worst possible thing someone could be.
Her body rigid and tight, Jenny was frozen, unable to move or make a single sound. She closed her eyes tightly, hoping to wake up from this living nightmare. Please just make him disappear, vanish from the train. My life. My mind permanently. Shit! No, think of something else. Gotta think of something else. Fuck. Just answer him. "I… I…" she stammered, working up the courage to first answer him before she could bear to look at him again.
The smooth, soothing voice of the third party boldly interjected, "We were just trying to have a decent conversation amongst friends, if you don't mind."
Jenny melted in relief, a desire to kiss Beck right then and there washing over her. My knight in... Slowly, her left eyelid began to flutter open, a slit of white enveloped a pupil peering out of the corner of her eye. Purple? Really? Ok, purple armour. She reminds me of someone else I knew.
Robin, however, did not find the young woman's answer as pleasing as Jenny did. "Cut the crap," he ordered sternly. "What trouble are you causing this time?"
"I'm not causing any trouble," Miss Rafil chimed back child-like.
Clearly not actually in the conversation, Jenny was baffled but relieved. So he wasn't talking to me? He doesn't remember. Good.
"Oh, so you're telling me," the hero dramatically paused, wagging his finger at his challenger, "that you have NOTHING to do with Overload attacking the city right now?"
Beck's face twisted from shock of betrayal and pain of distrust.
Wait... What?! Overload attack? What is he talking about? Why the hell would he think she has anything to do with... Shit! But how does Robin know her? And why does he think she is capable of something like that? Who is she really? Her curiosity began to cloud the threat of a villain striking their current location as her mind raced with a million questions.
The boy's accusations didn't even warrant a response from the dark beauty. Instead, she stared him down, taking great offence from his question.
Those forty-three seconds felt like an eternity until the half-demon sorceress entered the vehicle, making quick haste towards her missed leader. She placed her hands firmly on her hips in a challenging pose and asked huskily, "Robin, what are you still doing here? Just get the people evacuated already. We could use your help out there. We can't seem to keep him back from the rails and…" As she spoke, she glanced over the two girls which currently held Robin's undivided attention. She blinked hard and fast a few times and lowered her hood in one quick motion. That's her! The girl from before. She is definitely there. I'm not imagining her. "You!" she gasped out. "What are you doing…?"
"I know," Robin cut in, "I'm just as surprised as you are, Raven, but now is not the time. We'll deal with her after we take care of Overload. Come on." The fearless leader grabbed the dumbstruck Raven by her hand and dragged her away as she continued to gawk at Jenny, making some laboured protest.
Jenny released the breath she had been holding during the whole ordeal louder than she would have liked to, catching the attention of her dark haired comrade. "So," Beck's voice teased, "How do you know those two beloved heroes of this fair city?"
Jenny brushed her hair down and gazed blankly at the empty air. "What?" she finally mumbled out so quietly that Beck had to lean in closer to hear her. "The Titans? I don't know them. Robin was talking to you."
"Oh, yes, you're right. Robin was talking to me… but… Raven clearly knew who you were. She didn't even notice me."
Damn it. Just shut the hell up and drop it! "She doesn't know me, okay? Drop it."
Grinning evilly, the tanned beauty was not buying what Jenny was trying to sell her. She slunk in beside her and slid her arm around the smaller girl's shoulder. "So Raven is the heartbreaking fool, huh? Interesting. I never knew she liked girls. Of course, it doesn't surprise me. I mean of any of the Titans, she's the one I would have bet money on being gay."
"What? No, no… She doesn't know me. Nothing ever happened!" Jenny pushed the violator's arm off of her.
Beck leaned back a bit, putting her hands up in mock defeat. "Okay, okay, calm down, okay? It's fine that you like her. I must say myself, she is rather sexy and mysterious looking in that cape. But you better watch out, as soon as their little squabble outside is finished, I bet she'll come racing back for you. Then I'll know exactly what the extent of your relationship is."
Jenny launched up from her spot in a huff, her fists clenched tightly as if prepared for battle. "Just shut up! You don't know anything!" Without thinking, she kicked off, dashing down the skinny aisle towards the nearest exit, leaving her bags and the laughing young woman behind. No, she can't talk to me. She can't see me again. I couldn't bear it… That face… That voice… Those eyes… Those lips… Damn it! Stop thinking. Just gotta keep running. The frightened creature scurried about frantically, tripping every few steps, creating more suspicion to any viewers.
"Run, run," Beck cried out from her seat, smirking maliciously. "Run as fast as you can, little mouse, before Raven swoops down and snatches you up."
The taunts aimed towards Jenny distracted her slightly but she pushed them aside, focusing on trying to escape this increasingly horrible nightmare she was living in. Unfortunately for her, before she could reach the train's doors, a loud crack radiated throughout the car, just as the section two feet in front of her collapsed before her eyes. The shock, and a rather large piece of flying debris, flung her backwards. The ground grew steadily closer as she fell, hitting her head hard on the corner of a seat and then again on the cool floor. Her mind emptied of all thoughts and fears. The brunette lay flat on her back, blood beginning to seep from the open gash on her brow. Her senses faded fast, causing her sight and hearing to blur and distort.
"Jen! Jen! Are you okay?" Beck hovered above the prone person. "You bastard! You're gonna pay for that!" Those faint words and a glow of purple light were all Jenny could witness before the darkness consumed her and she fainted.
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The sunlight poured over the young woman, her closed eyes sensing the disturbance and fluttering open, relieved that the darkness was over. The brunette rolled over lightly in the bed, wincing a bit from the pain of a few bruised body parts. The warmth and softness from the blankets and sheets felt odd to her and she wondered where she was exactly. The girl sat up slowly, holding her head to stop the pounding and noticed a bandage wrapped neatly around her throbbing appendage.
What the? Where am I? What happened?
Brown eyes scanned their surroundings to discover a simple room furnished with a small dresser, desk, chair, lamp, and the bed she was lying upon. This seems all too familiar… Thinking she knew what would come next, she stared at the chair to confirm her suspicions. Her clothes were spread across the chair with great care, everything neatly laid out as if an invisible, flat being was wearing them.
That means… Fuzzy pajamas… She rubbed her sides, feeling the gentle material of a pair of fleece, fuzzy pajamas decorated with tiny, pink rabbits against her skin. What is going on? Everything is the same and yet… it feels different. Was it all a dream before? More like a nightmare. Or is this a dream? Did any of that actually ever happen? I feel like I'm going crazy.
The bewildered girl swung her legs over the bed's edge and lifted her tired body up. The door whooshed open for her and she walked delicately down the long corridor. The same room as before. The same hallway.
After a short stroll, Jenny reached the main hub of the heroes' domain. I'll walk in and see Starfire cooking breakfast. It will be some disturbing-looking alien food and it will make me feel sick from eating it. The brunette stepped inside in time to witness a tall, tanned beauty literally hovering over the stove, a pan in her slender hand. Red hair flipped as the busy cook turned quickly at the sound of the door opening.
With a huge smile beaming from her face, the hostess spoke excitedly, "Oh! Salutations and all other forms of friendly greetings to you. I am glad to see you have awoken. You have had a restful sleep? I do hope so."
"Yes, thank you," replied the guest as she smiled slightly at the familiarity and warmth of the situation.
"Would you care to join me for the…"
"Breaking of the fast?" Jenny interrupted suddenly, trying to keep back the laughter bubbling inside her. A few giggles managed to seep out and she covered her mouth quickly, embarrassed by her rude behaviour. Starfire stared at her like a confused puppy not understanding what is being said or done. "I'm sorry," the petite woman began to explain, "It's just everything… Well, it's like I've seen all this before in a dream or something."
The young alien maintained her puzzled mask, head tilted to one side as floated in the same spot silently.
Jenny took a seat at the table and gestured to the empty chair beside her. "Forget it. Sit down with me."
Obeying, Starfire sat down next to her guest, smiling friendly. "And how are your injuries?" She began, quickly taking stock of the girl's demeanour. "I hope you are feeling well. Overload damaged the train quite severely. We had to dig through the debris to rescue you."
"Train?" Jenny whispered, reaching her hand to her bandaged head, memories solidifying.
"Yes, the train you were travelling on with…"
Before the redhead could finish her explanation, the other girl stood up and headed back to the door she had recently come through, cutting off the other girl's speech. "Excuse me. I should get dressed."
Just as the doors were closing behind her, Starfire responded, "Yes and I shall finish the meal preparations."
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Robin stood in front of the over powered computer's massive screen which covered the entirety of the wall it was installed on. In one corner, he had several programs open displaying medical and police records, old newspaper clippings, and a few gruesome images. Ignoring those, the heroic leader focused on the middle of the screen where a video chat with an older gentleman, professionally attired and well groomed, was open.
"She was a passenger on the train during the attack and unfortunately, she succumbed to some moderate injuries," explained Robin. "Due to who she was conversing with at the time, I figured it would be best to take her into our care so we could question her when she was well. She had no identification on her at the time but after running her fingerprints, this name came up." With a gloved finger, the young lad pressed one of the numerous colourful buttons in front of him, sending off the information to his colleague on the other end.
The grey-haired man began to read aloud, "Craine comma Jennifer. Hmm… Craine… I wonder if she's related to…?"
"What is it?" Robin asked impatiently, cutting the man off of his thought. "You know her?"
Adjusting his glasses, the man's eyes scanned the screen further, reading silently to himself before he answered. "Ah, as I thought," he started. "She is Sergeant Joseph Craine's daughter. The poor dear. I'm surprised she's still around this city."
"She's an officer's daughter?" Robin was a little stunned by the thought, just not what he would have expected of the girl by first appearances.
"Yes, he was one of the best. A good, honest man who had a remarkable rate of success. He would have had my job if things didn't end the way they did."
"Well, where is he now? I would like to get in contact with him to let Jennifer's family know where she is and that she's safe."
The commissioner's face suddenly turned very grave, his voice lowering to match. "I'm afraid that's quite impossible."
Disappointed by his answer, Robin pressed on, "Why not?"
"He was murdered over ten years ago, along with his wife. He was a good friend of mine but the damned fool wouldn't listen and got too deep into a case. I warned him that if he kept digging he would end up in the cross-hairs of a very dangerous man." He paused, sighing heavily from the burdening memories. Removing his reading glasses, he pinched the bridge of his nose while he continued on. "Their daughter, Jennifer Craine, had been missing until recently. She turned up in a hospital one day out of the blue, unconscious and close to death from a stab wound to the stomach. She was found by a young man in an abandoned warehouse North of Jump City."
"And where was she all those years? Why did she only turn up then? Who tried to kill her? And why?" So many questions arising, Robin knew this girl was more than some ordinary traveller caught on the wrong train at the wrong time.
"I'm afraid I can't answer any of those questions."
"What? Why not? I thought we had access to all classified information?"
"It's not that. Simply put, nobody knows the answers to those questions and others like it. Except perhaps her and who ever she was with during that time. But she claims she doesn't remember anything and refuses to talk to anyone about any of it, including myself whom she seemed to recognize a little. If she can remember me, then she must recall something from that big time gap as well." The older man sighed sadly and continued, "Maybe you or one of your Titans can get her talking. If she says anything, please let me know right away. The weight of this old case on my shoulders for so long has been wearing me down. It would be nice to finally solve it and get closure for Jennifer."
Robin nodded in agreement before proclaiming, "We're on it, Commissioner!" and ended his video chat. I'll get her talking about everything. I love a good challenge!
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Sparks flew as Cyborg welded the piece of steel he was holding in his robotic hand to the railroad tracks' support structure. "You're not going to Titans East. You have to help find Slade. You have to help stop Overload. You have to repair the city," he mocked in a nasally manner, imitating Robin's voice. "Lousy leader," he grumbled to himself as he grabbed another girder and held it in position. Well, jokes on him. I have my stuff packed, my shined up T-car all ready to roll, and as soon as I'm done this job, I'm off East. I don't even care if Robin freaks out at me over it. The robot-human hybrid started whistling a jaunty tune as his mood began to improve thinking of his up-in-coming road trip. I'm gonna see Bumblebee.
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Time to figure this shit out. With the whiz of the door opening, the cloaked figure marched into the room. "Ok, so just who the hell are you?" she blurted out before taking stock of her surroundings. A flash of flesh stung her eyes and she felt her face instantly heat as she flushed bright red. "Oh shit! Sorry," she stated, chocking on the words a bit before spinning on her heels quickly and shielding her eyes from the sight. I should have knocked.
Gasping, the nude girl made no motion to cover her vulnerable state. She stood, staring at the back of the heroine's head, taking it in for a moment, that familiar purple hair. "R-Raven. " she stammered finally.
"Aha!" Raven exclaimed, "So you DO know me!" She turned back around to face this mysterious girl, figuring the mention of her name meant she was decently covered now. Little rosy nipples filled her view before she cast her eyes to the floor. "Gah! Cover yourself, girl," she demanded as she unclasped her cloak from around her neck and tossed it in the general direction of the girl.
Catching the cloak close to her face, Jenny silently smelled the sweet aroma of vanilla, incense, and tea leaves wafting from the garment. Damn I've missed the way she smells. The young woman whirled the cloak over her shoulders, clasping it tightly and held the ends of the opening shut. "Everyone in Jump City knows who you are. I'm no one special," she stated, keeping her voice calm and in control so not a single waver of her fear and sadness would show.
Slowly, Raven raised her eye sight until she could confirm the naked girl was now clothed. Once she was satisfied that she wasn't going to be flashed anymore, she pressed on, "True but I think you know me on a more personal level than that. So I'll ask again, who are you?"
"Well, shouldn't you know who I am if we do know each other more intimately?" Nice and calm. Nothing suspicious going on here. Her frail fingers played with the ends of the blue material, feeling the fabric against her sensitive skin. She was unable to meet the intruding girl's gaze.
"Don't try my patience now. You wouldn't like to see me when I'm mad," she threatened. "For the last time, what is your name?"
"Am..." she stopped abruptly before continuing on, "Jennifer. It's Jennifer Craine."
She went to extend her hand to Raven but pulled back shyly. What if I shake her hand and we feel that jolt again? What if she recognizes me? What if I can't let go?
Jennifer. Craine. Jennifer Craine. A colleague? No. Poetry slam? No. Yoga group? Nope. Drum circle? Not that. Smoothie shack? Not there either. Demons Anonymous? Probably not. Cloaks, candles and chamomile? Maybe... No. Damn, how do I know her? "Where do I know you from?" she finally asked after several moments of pondering.
"I don't know how you think you know me but you don't," Jenny replied, stumbling on the words. "I just have one of those faces you see everywhere, you know?"
Bullshit. "Right. One of those faces." And a killer body, damn. "I suppose, an electric personality as well, right?" she scoffed, rubbing the arm the girl had bumped into earlier that day.
Jenny mimicked Raven's movement, rubbing her own arm, remembering that feeling that passed between them. "Must have been some super static charge," she offered.
The half demon was not convinced but shrugged it off for now. "You should get dressed. I think Robin wants to talk to you. And our conversation is far from over." As quickly as she stormed in, she left Jenny all alone once more with one last statement, "You can give my cloak back then."
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Her amethyst eyes squinted as Beck scrunched up her nose, wiggling it around as much as she could. "Would you mind terribly scratching my nose for me?" she asked the green lad who was pacing in front of her. "I'd do it myself but..." She held up her arms, her hands encased in a metal prison.
Beast Boy stopped in his tracks, giving an annoyed stare at the girl. "Scratch your nose? Are you kidding me!?" he exclaimed in disbelief of the question. "So you can trick me somehow? Break free? Nope, not a chance. I'm not getting anywhere near you."
"Come on," the sultry voice pleaded. "I'll behave. Promise." The prisoner gave an assuring smile, her eyes softening with honesty. "Besides, how could I possibly do anything bad like this?" She asked, holding up her arms once more.
The scrawny changeling crept up closer to Beck, slowly extending his left arm and then his bony index finger. His finger stopped, hovering just in front of the girl's nose and he questioned, "No tricks?" Suddenly, pearly teeth snapped, nearly clipping the gloved green finger if it had not retreated so quickly. "Hey! You promised!" he yelped, sheltering his hand against his chest.
"Sorry, couldn't help myself," Beck spat out between chuckles at the teenage boy. "You are just too cute when you're startled."
"Hey! Cut it out," the boy commanded with greenish hue tinting slightly rosy.
"Oh, you're no fun," she accused, pouting. "So what are you Titans planning on doing with me anyways?"
Beast Boy stood still, deep in thought for a moment before replying to the girl's query. "I don't know. But I bet Robin and Starfire will want to talk to you about some things."
The raven-haired beauty let out a disappointing sigh. "Yes, I suppose they would have words for me, wouldn't they?" A long, creepy smile stretched across her face. "I can't wait."
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