Oo... Another update. Yay!

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Flashbulbs from cameras kept emitting light. If it weren't for her inhuman capabilities she was certain she would have been blind a long time ago. Still the model entertained the paparazzi and journalists at the press conference.

It really hadn't been a surprise that she had been bombarded with questions regarding her engagement with Richard Grayson. She answered the reporters as best as she could by announcing that they had no plans to get married since their relationship had ended fairly recently. Thankfully Ms. Monetti had managed to divert their attention toward her and effectively stole the limelight away from the successful model.

"Thank you for that." the red head whispered to the shorter woman as they walked toward the exit of the building.

"I do what I can to keep my models happy." the designer smiled brightly before her face contorted conveying her state of thoughtfulness. "Although you can return the favor." she remarked.

"How can I?" she inquired.

"Your schedule's free today." it was a statement and not a question. "Clarissa made certain of it." Antonia Monetti revealed. "Let's have lunch." she suggested. "I know the perfect place."

Before the model could respond she felt herself being dragged toward the exit by her employer. She found herself smiling at the woman's exuberance. From the looks of the designer one would believe her to be serious and possibly apathetic but clearly looks could be deceiving.

She allowed the older woman to lead her toward her black Lotus. Kori smiled when the shorter woman opened the door and gestured for her to sit. She did as was asked and allowed the obviously custom red leather seats to engulf her bodice.

"Did you design this?" the red head inquired once her captor and employer sat in the driver seat. She received a nod.

"Is it that obvious?" the designer started her car.

"I think it's safe to say your favorite colors are black and red." the guised alien princess remarked wearing her trademark million dollar smile.

"Well…" she paused as she shifted from neutral to first gear. "Black is fantastic because it's classic. It never goes out of fashion." the shorter woman remarked. "But I have always favored red above all." she looked to her red headed passenger before pressing her foot down onto the accelerator. "I happen to like green too." the designer murmured. "What about you?"

"I hope you won't think I'm conceited but I happen to love red." confessed the model.

"I don't blame you. Red is the color which inspires courage and passion." the black and red haired woman looked to the guised alien princess. "And you know," she started. "I don't think you could ever be conceited." the designer confessed before facing the road in front of her.

"Oh? How can you be so sure this isn't just a façade I have?" she inquired.

"I've met and seen many different types of people in this industry." Antonia Monetti confessed as she drove. "I know when one's being sincere and when they're merely trying to promote positive publicity." she remarked. "And I'll have you know I happen to be an excellent judge of character, Kor." she experimented with the name and couldn't help but be fond of it.

"Is that so, Toni?" Kori saw the other female smile at the sound of her new nickname.

"I thought it was quite obvious." the woman with an English accent stated. "I would never surround myself with the company of those I didn't see fit."

"Now who's being conceited?" the red head inquired in a playfully teasing tone.

"I'm an artist." she reminded the model beside her. "So I happen to love surrounding myself with beauty." the designer broke her gaze from the road once more. Her normally stoic mask was broken and replaced with an engaging smile. "I'm sure we can both attest to you being a proof of that fact."

Green eyes stared ahead blushing profusely. Being a model, she was fairly used to hearing compliments about her beauty but for some reason, hearing it from the mouth of her employer made it more profound.

"I've signed the contract, Toni." she reminded the driver with her cheeks still red. "There's no need for any more flattery." the red head assured her employer who was preoccupied with parking the vehicle. The driver said nothing as she opened her door and hurried to the passenger side. She extended her hand toward the red head who took it with a thankful smile.

"You should consider yourself lucky." the designer commented as she continued to hold the red head's hand as she led the way toward the Indian restaurant which seemed to be in a rather deserted part of the city. "I've been told I'm quite the perfectionist." she informed the taller woman. "I rarely bestow compliments." the British woman remarked with a charming smirk. "I'd advise you to savor this moment but I'm certain there will be an abundance of occasions for me to shower you with accolades."

"Do you sweet-talk all your models or is it just me?" the model inquired as she ran her thumb down the back of the shorter woman's hand. Her tone indicated playfulness but green eyes shone with much interest letting Antonia know she was half serious.

"Just you." the designer replied casually though her voice carried the sincerity of her words.

"Ah, Antonia!" the russet skinned elder man greeted the model's employer enthusiastically. The way he greeted the Goth designer signified comfort. This meant that he had known her for a lengthy amount of time. "Clarissa's not here with you today?" he inquired with his bright smile.

"No Rahj." she replied.

"However did you manage to escape her clutches this time?" the Indian man inquired with a teasing tone.

"I happen to be quite adept in finding escape routes." Antonia Monetti replied with a playful smirk placed along her usually pursed lips.

"And I see you've brought someone new with you?" his face and voice conveyed his shock.

"My apologies." she looked to the red head beside her. "Rahj this is…" she found herself cut off by the elder Indian gentleman.

"Ms. Anders." Rahj greeted her with a kind and warm smile. "I'm afraid there isn't anyone among us that doesn't know who you are." he remarked. "My granddaughter is quite a fan of yours." the gentleman looked curiously at the two women before him.

"Please, call me Kori." she suggested to the elder gentleman who smiled and nodded his head.

"If you'll follow me please." he led them toward a secluded table on the corner of the building.

The table was located in the corner of the building behind an elephant statue preventing anyone from seeing the two celebrities in the quaint Indian restaurant. The designer and the model reluctantly released their hold on the other as they sat on the floor with their backsides on the cushions facing one another.

Rahj handed the red head a menu before walking away. The designer didn't need the menu since she'd practically memorized tits contents.

"I hope you like Indian food." Antonia remarked.

"I've never really had Indian food before." she confessed. "But I've always wanted to. There just weren't many Indian restaurants where I'm from." Kori assured the shorter woman after seeing her tense. She hadn't been lying. "Besides, if your taste in food is anything like your taste in clothing I'm sure I'll love it."

"Now who's flattering who?" the designer teased and the red head responded by laughing.

"I'm only following your lead." she responded.

"Splendidly if I may say so." the compliments seemed never ending but the guised alien princess didn't mind. In fact she found she appreciated the flattering remarks.

"So what do you recommend?" green eyes looked away from the menu toward her employer.

"A plethora of things." she replied. "Is there anything on the menu you find appetizing?" she inquired never taking her gaze away from the red head.

"They all seem so delicious." her eyes scanned the menu and she found herself unable to decide what she wanted.

"Rahj." the designer called out to the restaurant owner. "Give us the specials please." the older man nodded his head before venturing into the kitchen. "I hope you brought your appetite."

"Don't worry." the red head smiled in assurance. "I'm one of those models who actually eat." the comment earned her a chuckle.

"I love a woman who defies stereotypes." the designer bit her lower lip suggestively and the taller woman smiled as she blushed profusely.

"I didn't know you were so narcissistic." Kori teased humorously.

"Well you know we must learn to love ourselves before we love others." Antonia poured her million dollar wisdom onto the model who nodded her head in agreement. The alien princess watched as the shorter woman leaned forward and arranged the condiments accordingly.

"You seem very comfortable here." noted the red head as she effortlessly kept the conversation flowing.

"Well I've been feasting here since they first opened." she paused, deep in thought. "I think it's almost twenty year's now." the designer commented. "I fell in love with the food, the ambiance, and of course the service. I've been coming here since." she disclosed to the beauty before her.

"I agree." Kori replied. "There's a certain allure." she looked to her surroundings. The place was decked with eastern decorations yet it didn't feel like a restaurant. "Aside from the heavenly aroma there's a certain serenity this place provides."

"I knew bringing you here wouldn't be a mistake."

The green eyed woman smiled as she looked across the table toward her employer. She knew this place held an importance to the shorter woman and she was moved by this gesture of openness. The designer seemed business oriented but there clearly was more to Antonia Monetti than met the eye.

"Thank you for your trust." the shorter woman waved her off. "No really," she started. This was no small deal. "I know it must have been hard for you to share something personal with me, after all we've only known each other a short while." the red head reminded. "This sort of trust shouldn't be given so lightly." she remarked. "It's very admirable of you to take a chance on me." the model complimented.

"Maybe I'm doing this because I expect something in return." the designer commented, a dark haze clouding over her eyes.

"And what exactly is that?" Kori Anders inquired after swallowing the lump in her throat. The intensity of the gaze certainly left its effects. She could feel her heart beating quickly in anticipation.

"Everything you're willing to offer." was her employer's remark.

She was no longer the simple minded alien she had been once. Kori now knew the ways of the world and if there had been any doubt in her mind of her employer's intentions they had been cleared the moment the other woman made that comment. Antonia Monetti had been flirting with her and she was certain she'd reciprocated her advances.

"I'm not quite sure you'll feel the same after a while." the red head responded. "I'm sure you'll soon find my quirkiness to be quite off putting."

"I rather doubt anything could deter my affection for you." she bit back.

"We'll see about that." Kori Anders challenged the designer.

"Is it too presumptuous of me to presume this challenge means you've taken an interest in me as well?" she inquired and received a nod. "In a manner which pervades friendship?" she received a bite of a lip and another nod. The designer felt as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

"I find myself in a rather difficult position." confessed the red head.

"Is it because I'm a woman?" it was the most obvious reason for the model's hesitation but the green eyed beauty was quick to shake her head.

"It would have bothered me before but not now." she professed.

"Because I'm your employer?" the next obvious choice.

"No." Kori replied honestly. "It's just…" she paused thinking about where to start. "As you know, I've recently just broken up with my boyfriend and well I really should be upset…" the red head wished to display the same amount of honesty the shorter woman had bestowed upon her.

"But?" the designer urged her on.

"I'm not." the model smiled. "I can still eat, sleep, and I certainly haven't been in a crying jag. Not once did I wish to reconcile or even thought about him."

"Isn't that a positive thing?" clarified the shorter woman.

"It just made me realize that I never loved him the way I was supposed to. I never felt that passion with him." she paused. "And I'm pretty sure I'm about to scare you off with what I have to say but…" Kori drew in a deep breath. "I'm certain I will easily find that with you." she confessed.

Though they'd only spent a few moments together she knew. There was something about the designer which placed her at ease. She had no need to impress the woman because for the first time in her life, she had no qualms. That voice in the back of her mind that caused her to doubt her actions was non-existent when she was around the endearing artist. There was no longer anything preventing her from pursuing a perpetual state of contentment.

"You didn't scare me off." the designer commented. "In fact you just made my entire decade." she reached out to the red head and took her hand. "How about we take it slow?" she proposed.

"I'd like that." Kori smiled radiantly at her newest suitor.

In all honesty she had been thinking about the black and red haired female before her since their first encounter. She had known she was attracted to her employer but the attraction grew to fondness rather quickly. She couldn't blame herself though. The designer proved herself to be rather enchanting. She could only hope to do her best to see this through.

"I don't want you to get the wrong impression of me though." Antonia commented. "I didn't hire you because I hoped things would turn out this way." she clarified.

"I know." the model assured the other woman. Her new potential beau didn't strike her as the scheming and conniving type.

"I'd hate for you to think I was taking advantage of you." she smirked. "Though now I know you wouldn't mind." the designer teased the red head before her who blushed. "You do look lovely when you blush." Antonia Monetti looked at their connected hands. She felt like a child who just got everything she wanted for Christmas.

"So do you often kidnap your models off to dates or is this honor yet again bestowed only on me?" Kori Anders inquired as she laced their fingers together.

"Just you." the designer replied and the red head trusted her word. "So this is a date?"

"Well it was supposed to be a friendly outing but you and I both know there's nothing friendly or decent about your intentions." she reminded the other woman who laughed at her candidness.

"I'd deny it but we both know I'd be lying." she let out an easy smile.

Kori Anders couldn't ever remember feeling so relaxed. Though their banter was filled with innuendo she didn't mind. She had rarely been allowed to emit her ingenuous qualities for she had been warned endlessly that the press would devour her if she did so.

Her façade didn't end with her life as a model. It continued on toward her titan life. With Robin she had always been pressed to impress him and with Raven she was always cautious for she hadn't wanted to incur the half demon's wrath. But with Antonia she felt she could be her naïve and bizarre self. For some reason she knew the designer would accept and appreciate her for who she was.

They went on with their small talk. Both took turns asking questions about one another. Their conversation wasn't very personal but rather informative as they asked each other's dislikes and likes.

A few minutes later their food came. The pair continued communicating with one another. The designer even made the first move by spoon feeding her model. Kori Anders smiled at the other woman's lovability. She was proving to be quite the engaging date and the red head didn't have any complaints.

Their moment was interrupted when the designer's phone rang. She excused herself as she took her call. Rahj took this opportunity to pour the women a refill of their drinks.

"You know you are the first person Antonia has brought here." he remarked.

"Oh?" the red head asked with intrigue.

"Usually she likes to call this place her sanctuary." the elder man explained. "Her home away from home."

"But I was under the impression Clarissa's been here with her." Kori Anders replied looking at the shorter woman beside her from the corner of her eye.

"She followed her." Rahj clarified. "That does not count." he finished before stalking away.

"I apologize for the interruption." the designer retook her position on the cushion as she placed her phone on vibrate and placed it in her bag.

"I understand." she assured her date. They were both busy women after all. Such interruptions couldn't be helped but she did appreciate the gesture that was made when the shorter woman placed her bag far from her reach so that she wouldn't be able to hear or feel her phone vibrating. "You don't have to ignore your calls." the other woman shook her head in disagreement.

"You deserve my undivided attention." declared the black and red haired woman.

The guised alien princess blushed profusely. She was unused to this kind of special treatment when she went on dates. Her ex-boyfriend was never the type to dote on her every whim. He certainly wasn't the kind to hold off his business transactions for her sake.

"You certainly know how treat a girl." the red head commented.

"I would certainly hope so." Antonia replied with a small smirk. "Though you know I'm just trying to beguile you." she reminded the taller woman.

"I'm certainly finding it hard to resist you Toni." confessed the alien princess.

"I have a confession to make myself." she leaned in and casually traced her index finger over the back of the model's hand before clasping their hands together. "I found you irresistible the moment I laid eyes on you." she remarked as her face contorted with sincerity.

"I was right." the taller woman remarked. "You really are quite the smooth operator." she explained after noting the confused look on the designer's face.

"I will take that as a compliment."

"You should." confirmed the model.

They went on with their lunch continuing to attain a better knowledge of each other as they sat across from each other. A few jokes were made and more incessant flirting was made but neither woman could deny their delight. They couldn't remember a time when they had ever achieved such happiness effortlessly.

The pair finished their meal and though the red head protested Antonia Monetti paid for the lunch. . After promising that would pay for their next meal together, Rahj bid them a good day and they declared they would return soon. Hand in hand they walked out of the quaint little Indian restaurant. They made their way toward the parking lot as they headed toward the designer's car eager to have desert next. It was obvious they would be quite inseparable.

Back in the model's hometown the blonde stood in the middle of the grounds. She was surrounded with her element in the very familiar island. It was the island where she and her secret love usually sparred.

"Concentrate." the cool voice advised. She could feel her presence calming her nerves. In and out she breathed as she relaxed her muscles. "Allow the energy to course through your body." Raven advised as she stood behind the younger woman steadily guiding her through her relaxation exercise.

To be honest neither of them wanted to there at the moment. They were both happier to be where they were this morning; in bed comfortably embracing one another but they knew this had to be done.

The fact that this session would probably not include any physicality's did not help matters. The two thrived on sparring with one another but they knew these training sessions were meant to improve the teen's nonphysical abilities. So reluctantly they readied themselves to train but not without spending a good hour in bed with one another. If it weren't for Luna's stomach growling the pair was certain they would have remained in each other's embrace for a longer amount of time.

"Now what?" the teen inquired perfectly aware of the close proximity of the half demon behind her.

"Relax." Raven whispered.

Terra nodded her head. She couldn't comment on how impossible that would be seeing as her heart was pounding rapidly. The blonde was thankful for she knew the older woman took the raise in her blood pressure as a sign of her unease about the coming task and was oblivious to the effect she had on the teen.

She took a deep breath. Forcing herself to concentrate on her element instead of the presence of her loved one behind her she began to use her powers and called the earth. A piece of the ground floated from the ground above.

"Easy part's done…" commented the teen.

She extended her hand toward the dirt. The soil followed the beckoning of its master's call and began its approach. As it passed through the air the college student parted her hands and watched as the dirt became fine as sand. It sieved its way between the element manipulator's fingers before taking the shape of a rope and swirling its way around the teen's arm.

The blonde let out the breath she'd forgotten she'd held as she looked at the whip she'd crafted from her element. Other than as a shield she'd never used the element as a weapon.

"Ready?" the half demon asked after she moved in front of Terra. She stood a good hundred feet away from her pupil.

The taller woman received a nod and began her drill. She used her powers to move some of the dirt from the ground and flung them at the blonde. Terra stayed her pose. Her task wasn't to simply evade the projectiles.

She readied her diamond hard whip and began to lash it at the incoming pellets. The exercise was easy but she knew it wouldn't last. This was merely a warm up and she could feel the older woman was about step up her game. She readied herself, expanding her senses.

As she predicted Raven began her onslaught. She was soon finding herself sweating as she kept up with the older woman. Each slug was met with a whip crack. The half demon was going so fast that she had to create another whip on her hand.

Raven didn't relent because she knew the younger woman was more than up to the challenge. She watched with fascination as Terra stood her ground, not moving once from her spot as per her instructions, as she lashed at the dirt. She was even more astounded at how the blonde seemed to be exerting her control over the earth perfectly as she incorporated the beat projectiles into her whip.

The collegiate astounded at how connected she was to her element. The ground seemed subdued as it followed her every whim. She had managed to lash everything Raven had thrown her way.

But the older woman wasn't done with her yet. She felt a great rise in the half demon's power level and began to assume the worst. Suddenly it seemed like it was raining pellets of dirt. The blonde tried her best not accepting any less as she continued to maintain her focus and whip the speedy projectiles.

The whip managed to get three slugs but could not get the fourth behind it. Terra could practically feel the wind coming from the pellet. She extended her hand in attempt to block the slug and the ones behind it.

Raven watched as the teen placed her palm toward the oncoming pieces of dirt. Suddenly there was a cloud of dust that formed around the teen as the slugs came in contact with Terra. The half demon watched waiting for the dust to settle. When it did, it revealed t a huge wall in front of the teen in the shape her hand.

The blonde panted as she held the hand shaped shield erect. She had thought she was done for but she was clearly mistaken. She looked to the wall then down to the trail of dirt on her arm in clear shock. Apparently she had underestimated herself.

"I did not know I could do that." she muttered as she felt Raven appear beside her.

"That was excellent Little Gaia." the older woman complimented with sincerity. She continued to approach Terra who looked at her with a shy but gracious smile plastered on her lips. "I knew you would do well."

"I have a great teacher." the teen replied.

"Can't disagree with you there." remarked the half demon. "I told you that you were worrying yourself for nothing." she reminded the younger woman who just smiled shyly in return.

"At least I'm not as careless as I was before." she countered.

"You're definitely no longer the showboating prepubescent teen I met all those years ago." the half demon observed as her eyes scanned the younger woman's firm slender body noting the improvements in her physique and admiring them wholeheartedly.

"Something wrong?" the blonde inquired after noticing the older woman's intense gaze.

"No…" Raven remarked whilst her cheeks blushed a slight red. She had yet again inspected and admired her younger counterpart's bodice only this time she had been caught. It was at that moment she was thankful because the teen was unaware of the unbridled lust shining through her red depths. "I suppose I'm merely in awe." it was the truth.

She merely didn't establish the fact that she was in a state of awe not only because of the teen's skill but because of her beauty as well.

"It's really not that impressive." Terra scratched the back of her head in timidity.

"Ever so humble my Little Gaia." the older woman looked up at the sky towards the sun and decided they had enough training for one day. "Shall we head back?" she inquired and received a growl which obviously came from the teen's stomach. Terra smiled in embarrassment. "Don't worry, I'm quite famished myself." she remarked before teleporting herself and the teenager back to their abode.

They ended up in Raven's office. The half demon approached the wall where a hidden door. Her costume room was revealed and she motioned for the teen to follow her inside.

"I see you've upgraded the mini Raven's nest." Terra commented as she entered the room.

"This is your side of the room." informed the older woman as she gestured toward the side of the room which contained an array of bare glass cases.

"My side?" the blonde clarified wanting to end her confusion.

"Your costumes shouldn't be confined in your suitcase." the half demon explained.

"But that's okay. As soon as Kor or Kom come back I'm leaving remember?" she reminded the elder woman who shook her head and smiled.

"You know, I've never really wanted company before." she inhaled a deep breath as she stared into those bright blue depths which caused her more delicate aspect to surface. "I've always been alone and that's how I wanted it but like you've managed to break through whatever barriers the human and myself have created." the half demon remarked with a kind smile gracing her reddish lips. "And I wouldn't have it any other way. You're welcome to stay here any time Little Gaia." her hostess extended the open invitation to her. "Because I love having you with me." confessed Raven.

"I guess this means more slumber parties in our future." Terra said through her smile.

"It certainly does my Little Gaia." the half demon commented. She approached the teen slowly closing the gap between them as she reached out to the shorter woman. Her hand rested on the blonde's cheek as her thumb gently brushed away the speckles of dirt away from Terra's face. Distracted by the teen's beauty, she failed to hear the wild beating of Terra's heart.

"Uh…" the blonde stepped away from the older woman's touch effectively bumping the glass case behind her. "I'm going to go shower now." she hurried out of the room.

The half demon followed her lead and headed for her room where she take her own shower and get ready. She was thankful she didn't have work or any pressing matters to attend to. She could devote herself to her friend. They could spend their entire weekend together if the blonde didn't have any plants. She hoped Slade didn't decide to interrupt their peace once again.

"Where would you like to eat?" Raven inquired as she watched the teen step out of her room.

"Surprise me." replied Terra as she smiled trustfully at the older woman. The half demon was more than happy to oblige her request as she led the way out of the penthouse toward the elevator.

As they were about to enter the diner they paused and looked to each other. It was apparent their good moods would be ruined once again. They looked toward the source of their anxiety as they searched for any other being which might cause them distress. Finding none, the guised titans relaxed.

"What are you doing here?" the half demon demanded an answer as she stood between the disturber and her young friend. Her stance was subtly protective as she didn't want to cause a scene if it weren't necessary. "Solstice?"

"I mean you and young Terra no harm half demon." Slade's subordinate remarked. She offered her hands up as a sign of surrender.

"I take it you weren't sent by Slade then." Raven commented as she looked the woman over. The white haired woman was dressed simply in her civilian attire thought the half demon couldn't deny their foe looked elegant nonetheless. Slade was never one for subtlety when it came to facing his enemies. Sure he played games with them but the half demon knew Solstice was there on her accord.

"You are correct." Solstice remarked. "It seems it is time for explanations seeing as the two of you continuing to be uninformed of your duties are proving to be unbeneficial for all of us." she looked to the blonde and the guised half demon. "Would you join me for breakfast?"

Curiosity seemed to get the better of the half demon and the teen beside her as they both began to nod their heads in agreement. Raven looked at the young woman behind her before relaxing. Both wanted Solstice to clarify the oddities of their situation.

"Won't Slade be perturbed when he finds out you've come to talk to us?" was the first questioned that was asked. It was voiced by Terra as they took their seats. The woman seated across from them shook her head. The awkwardness that surrounded did not go unnoticed.

"Like the both of you I'm quite adept at hiding my tracks." Solstice remarked.

"You're not some asshole bent on world domination. There isn't a violent bone in your body." the empathic woman remarked as she glared at Slade's lackey accusingly. "Why would you league yourself with Slade?" she inquired getting straight to the point.

"Becoming one of the undead is an abnormal practice but the transformation of the undead to demon-hood is unheard of." she explained. "The power to manipulate what he touches to the point of destruction is what he inherited through the transformation and this ability will undoubtedly cause irreversible devastation. This abnormality cannot be ignored." the white haired woman remarked. "It is the duty of my people to maintain balance within the Earth." she paused. "I sided with Slade because I needed to see the extent of his powers."

"Something tells me you weren't simply biding your time hoping to grow strong enough to defeat him." Terra stated.

"As I've explained to the half demon it isn't my duty to save this world." Solstice replied. "The status of savior is not my task." she clarified.

"Then what is your duty?" the half demon spoke out.

"It is my task to guide and watch over the one whose obligation is to save the earth." she looked at Raven. "As you were destined to become the key for your father and defeat him it is time for another to fulfill her fate." her gaze turned to teenager. "Young Terra it is your duty to battle Slade once again."

"What?" the teen questioned in utter shock.

"As it was by your hand that the son of man was killed it must be by your hand that the man turned demon be destroyed and placed back into the earth where he belongs." Solstice explained. "It is what the Elders dictate."

"Did you tell Slade about Terra?" this was Raven's first concern.

"He knows nothing of Terra's task." she revealed. "The only reason why he is coming after her is to test his skills." her eyes drifted over to the half demon. "He wishes to defeat her…"

"In order to be strong enough for me." the usually stoic woman finished.

"That and I believe he simply wishes to relieve you of all your allies." this made sense seeing as Slade wasn't the vengeful type. The villain didn't return because he wanted to kill Terra for burying him under that flowing lava. "Seeing as your ties with your friends gave you strength to end your father during your last encounter, he wishes to kill the other titans as well." he was cold and merciless but the villain remained as calculated as ever. "He thinks with his new powers in combination with his hoard of demons will be enough to defeat the slayer of Trigon."

"Why is this task mine?" Terra inquired.

"Since it was your doing that he was killed, it is your duty to finish what you started. It is also a test of your powers and control." the white haired woman informed.

"Why must she be tested?" Raven inquired while her voice strained to contain her frustration.

"Aside from the fact that the elders believe she started this mess because of her lack of control they are concerned of her abilities. They feel she will not be able to control herself because of the disadvantage in her heritage." Solstice admitted.

"My heritage?" the blonde asked.

"Yes." the white haired woman confirmed. "Your father was human and your mother… she was like me." she clarified.

"Was?" she paused, "Was like you?" the young teen caught the use of the past tense verb.

"Young Terra, our people have existed since before the time of man. We aren't mutated humans like you may think. We are Elementals. We feel an unbreakable connection to the planet itself and we draw out power from her and all it's inhabitants." she explained further. "Your connection is what saved your frail human body from that lava." it seemed they had been keeping a close eye on the blonde. "The contact accelerated the manifestation of your elemental blood and it's what kept you in suspended animation." she explained the rocky coma. The process seemed akin to whenever Raven healed herself.

"What do you mean she was like you?" Terra's knuckles turned white as they balled into a fist. She demanded an answer.

"You are the first of you kind; half elemental half human." revealed the white haired woman. "The council of elders was determined to end your life." Solstice paused. "Your mother handed you over to your father in hopes of hiding you. She was fortunate that your powers had not been awakened so this made the task of keeping you concealed easier."

"Did the elders…?" her question was cut off.

"No." she abruptly amended the girl's train of thought. "There are so few of our kind left the elders would never consider ending her life." Solstice looked down at the table. Her eyes clouded more than usual. For a moment she was sullen. "She died from depression." Solstice paused. "The loss of connection…" the older woman murmured. "Losing you took its toll on her."

"If there are so few of you then why kill Terra?" the half demon asked angrily.

"They feared the lack of control in her powers. As you may have noticed we elementals posses much more power than that of any mutated human and the same goes for our degree of control." she explained. "You being half human, they feared the possibility of your lack of containment. You both know it is detrimental to possess control of your powers."

"I didn't have control why didn't your elders see me as a target?" Raven inquired, wanting to know why the burden was worse for her friend.

"You were taken to another dimension and when you returned the elders kept watch in case you lost control." she replied.

"Why didn't you simply tell Terra from the beginning?" the half demon questioned.

"I would have told you all this but when I first saw you I sensed the disarray between you and your elements." the elemental explained. "As I'm sure you've felt our senses are deeply connected to that which surrounds us. We do not rely on auras but the signals of a person's life force. It allows us to be attuned to individuals." Solstice informed the teen and the half demon before her. "Slade found me and offered me a place in his army. I did not accept or refuse his offer. He believes I am amidst making a decision and I did not correct his ideas for I believed it to be an ideal opportunity to observe his capabilities and limits without actually going into battle with him." she paused and looked to the teen. "I also wished to see what you were capable of young Terra."

"So you're playing both sides then?" Raven scoffed in disbelief.

"I'm merely performing my task and observing the two. I have not pledged my loyalty to Slade nor have I done anything to impede young Terra's progress." Solstice reminded the half demon before her.

"He remains Terra's responsibility then?" the empathic woman inquired.

"Understand that if you or I kill Slade it means that young Terra is incapable of not only controlling her powers but of fulfilling her responsibilities. If Terra fails then the council of elders will have no choice but to eliminate the one they consider a loose cannon." she informed the two women before taking her leave.

XXXX

There's the AU explanation on why Terra's so powerful. I apologize if it seems too rushed. I understand that I may have left out key details so please don't be afraid to ask if you're confused so that maybe I can elaborate in the next chapter to lessen the confusion.

For those that thought Solstice was Terra's mom I figured you'd all be sick of me having relatives appear out of nowhere in my fics so I decided against it.

What do you think so far?