So here we are, the final part of the Switched episode on Teen Titans: The Phosphophyllite Chronicles. Must say this is the best works so far next to Nevermore. Though I wished that this episode would've been updated a lot sooner. I've made a lot of progress on the chapter and was about to reach the huge fight scene. But then my computer started to crash and I had to reset it. Trust me, when running an old terminal that runs on Windows XP, it's not so easy to manage the drives that tend to loose themselves. Now I thought I moved this chapter on my backup drive so I can work on it later on. But when I was going to pick up where I left off, it turns out that I didn't move it after all and the work I had was completely lost. So now I have to start it again from scratch. Yeah… This is rather frustrating. Thankfully, it's just one chapter and not the whole thing, I still have my Christmas special that I was working on as well and I did move those into my backup, so at least I don't have to go crazy over it. But still, what happened was upsetting and now I have to redo this chapter again. Oh… I hate it when things don't go my way. Still, that won't force me to give up, as I will continue to give you this content so you can enjoy it. So let's get this thing going.
Let's see how the last chapter handle the reviews and read count. Looking on, I can tell that I got one review and around 150 hits. Quite a response if I do say so myself. Though I believe it has something to do with the girls and the gem that got swapped and trying to understand their powers. That's quite something to remember by. And if you think that was crazy, wait until you see the final chapter.
On the third and final part, the girls and the gem must stop the Puppet King from destroying their friend's essence and using their bodies to control the city. But with their bodies switched, they need to adapt and learn from each other in order to stop him. Will they be able to make it in time, or will the Puppet King triumph? Read and find out for yourself.
Chapter Notes
Now this final part will take place in the theater, and the fight will be similar to the one from the 'Switched' episode with a few slight modifications. See, each of the girls will face each of the boys, with Star taking on Robin, Raven handling Cyborg, and Phos toe to toe with Beast Boy. Course they have to be in each other's bodies so they need to learn quick on their powers, otherwise they would easily be destroyed. But they need to learn and adapt to that situation. Also, this will be the last time I'll be going with the character/character text. I swear, every time I do that a sometimes forget that they are in different bodies from time to time. At least I now don't have to worry about it the rest of the way. Let's get this out of the way so I can get through with the rest of the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or Land of the Lustrous
Episode Eight: Switched (Part 3)
Deep in the outskirts of Jump City, lies an old abandoned theater known as the 'Bijou'. Once was part of the theatrical district, became nothing more then a condemned building ready to be demolished. But then, Starfire, Raven, and Phosphophyllite were at the entranceway behind the cracked and old fountain to scout the area. Looking on the gem started to wonder if they were in the right place.
Phos/Starfire: "You sure that this is where the Puppet King is at? I mean, there are plenty of theaters that thing can hide in. Why this one?"
Raven turned to her friend and told them those two reasons why.
Raven/Phos: "Because this is the only place far away from any civilians and it looks like it hasn't been used for quite a long time. It's the perfect place for a hideout for the Puppet King. Besides…"
She soon took out her communicator and flipped the screen to show three dots in the theater.
Raven/Phos: "Cyborg taken the liberty of setting up these tracking devices into our communicators. Meaning if we loose one, we will have a tracker to find the this one."
Phos heard that and rolled their emerald eyes.
Phos/Starfire: "Of course he did. Can't believe I forgot that. Should've done that when Cy quit instead of going around town looking for him that long ago."
Star soon noticed something coming out and warned the others about it.
Starfire/Raven: "Apparently we do not need acquire the device to track our friend's every move. Get down!"
The two started to duck down as a green Doberman came out and looked around, sniffing the ground for any sign of intruders. That dog is Beast Boy as he was ordered to guard the main entrance incase some nosey Titans would come in and ruin the ceremony. The three slowly peeked and could tell that they can't get in the theater that easily.
Raven/Phos: "Safe to say we're not walking in through the front door."
Looking for an alternate way in, she noticed the roof and pointed at it.
Raven/Phos: "We'll have to try the roof."
Star heard that and knew what it meant.
Starfire/Raven: "Agreed."
She soon grabbed Phos's hand and asked if they prepared.
Starfire/Raven: "Are you ready, friend Phos?"
The gem turned to her and was a little nervous. Looking away, they weren't sure if they can do it or not.
Phos/Starfire: "I… I don't know… Hearing you telling me how your powers work is one thing. Doing it is another. How am I going to pull this off?"
Star could tell that they're concerned about trying it out. So she assured them that it would be all right.
Starfire/Raven: "It will be okay. I have told you all you need to know on my powers and how they operate. I am certain you can achieve what I had back when I was young. After all, Raven told me that you managed to understand my strength through boundless confidence."
Phos heard that and reminded her why they were able to accomplish it.
Phos/Starfire: "Yeah… But that was when I was nearly crushed by a building and we needed a way out of it. Was under pressure."
Star chuckled and knew that it was the case.
Starfire/Raven: "Well, now you do not have to worry about pressure. All you need to do is to listen to me. Now, do just as I instructed. Close your eyes and think of something joyful.
The gem gave a sigh and hope that they can accomplish it.
Phos/Starfire: "Something joyful… Okay… No pressure…"
They close their eyes and start to think of something, anything that could be joyful. Star decided to give them a few examples to help them out.
Starfire/Raven: "You might choose flowers or kittens or the laughter of children or-"
But Phos thought of the one they think will make them joyful and on queue, they were lifting themselves off the ground. Starfire was surprised that they can actually do this on their first try as they floated high in the air. Quickly Star and Rae grabbed hold of each of their hands as they flew up to the roof, passing Beast Boy without a single detection. By the time they got there, they let go and Phos floated gently to the roof feet first. Raven turned to her friend and was amazed by it.
Raven/Phos: "Impressive. You managed to pass your first flying lesson. You must be an ace at this."
The gem turned to the telepath and smirked a little.
Phos/Starfire: "It's no biggie, I just thought of something joyful."
The Tamaranean soon clapped her hands and was happy that they were able to pull it off.
Starfire/Raven: "Very, very good! What was your joyful thought?"
Phos looked away and didn't know how to explain it.
Phos/Starfire: "It's hard to explain."
But Star was insisted and still wants to know about it.
Starfire/Phos: "Oh, but I do. Please tell me. What did you imagine?"
Phos looked back a bit and sighed, knowing that she needed an answer.
Phos/Starfire: "Being united with Cinnabar."
The two heard this and was surprised at the fact that that's the only joyful thing they can think about.
Raven: "Really? That's all you can think about that can give you joy. I must say Phos, you are really determined in finding your friend."
Phos soon turned to her and told her that's all that they care about.
Phos: "It's what keeps me going."
Star too heard about that thought and was a bit confused, but understandable on the gem's choice of joy.
Starfire/Raven: "Oh… Well… I am glad I was able to help."
Phos could see she was successful for that. So they battered her on the shoulder and assured her that she did a good job.
Phos/Starfire: "You did a good job Star. Make no doubt about it."
Raven looked at this moment and told them that they need to hurry.
Raven/Phos: "As much as I appreciate the success of Phos's first flight, we need to get inside and stop the Puppet King from destroying our friend's souls."
Looking down she could see the only way in with a lock pad in between the handles. Phos soon looked at it too and joined her on it.
Phos/Starfire: "Padlock. Of course there has to be a padlock. Want me to teach you to use your finger as a key to unlock it. It's that simple."
Rae thought of that and decided to have someone else get the shot.
Raven/Phos: "As much as I want to learn more on using this alloy of yours, we are a little pressed for time. Starfire, come here."
Star heard her and approached the two, wondering what she wanted. Once she got there, Raven gives her specific instructions on using her powers.
Raven/Phos: "Your turn. Find your center. Focus your energy on the lock."
She pointed to the lock as Star listened in. With a quick nod, she closed her eyes and started to find her center. When her eyes opened, they were glowing white and she lifted her hands up in an incantation position, saying the words Raven always said.
Starfire/Raven: "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!"
With a quick swipe with her arms, the lock glowed black and immediately snapped by an unknown force. The Tamaranean saw what she did and chuckled at the sight of it. Star and Phos noticed it too and with the telepath amazed that she was able to pull through without blowing anything up.
Raven/Phos: "Nice work!"
Star soon got too excited that jumped up and down from her accomplishment.
Starfire/Raven: "Success!"
Unfortunately, she got a little too excited as the door started to get engulfed and the door exploded, folding out on it's hinges and landing on the roof with a loud thud. Star saw what she did and was a little shocked about what happened. Raven soon looked back to her and repeated her statement again in her sarcastic tone.
Raven/Phos: "Nice work…"
Phos soon decided to get in there and save the rest of the team.
Phos/Starfire: "Perhaps we should hurry in here and save the others before that puppet kills them. Like, right now."
Rae gave a sigh and decided to get going.
Raven/Phos: "Sure… You have a point. Let's get in and find our boys."
The three soon went into roof access and headed down the steps. When they entered, they were on the metal catwalk over what appears to be a stage underneath them. All around them they could see spotlights and sandbags around them. No doubt that they were in the right place as they notice a strange blue glow coming from below them.
Phos/Starfire: "Hey! What's that?"
The two noticed the glow as well and decided to investigate it. Approaching the spot, they bent down to see what it was. That's when they saw the Puppet King over the bowl filled with blue flames with the puppets of Robin, Cyborg, and Beast Boy hanging on the small set. He soon turned to the possessed bodies of Rob and Cy and told them their orders.
Puppet King: "Search and destroy. I do not want an audience."
The two soon started to leave as the puppet decided to complete his ritual.
Puppet King: "Well, Titans, time for your grand finale."
He soon was holding a vile in his hand and poured it into the bowl, causing the flames to go higher. The three remaining members looked at this and the telepath gasped and couldn't believe what she is seeing.
Raven/Phos: "No."
Phos heard her and wondered what they were looking at.
Phos/Starfire: "Uh… I don't get it. What is it we're looking at exactly?"
Raven soon explained to them of what they are seeing.
Raven/Phos: "I know this spell. It is meant to destroy the vessel containing the soul. Once that vessel is destroyed, the soul will be whisked away to the ether. If the Puppet King drops our friends in those puppet bodies…"
That's when Starfire finished with what she was saying.
Starfire/Raven: "Then our friends are doomed. We have to do something."
The Puppet King soon picked the three puppets up by the strings and was ready to finish them once and for all.
Puppet King: "It's going to be a real show-stopper."
The three puppets containing the boy's souls knew this was it and pleaded him to stop this.
Robin: "Stop!"
Cyborg: "No!"
Beast Boy: "Please!"
Cyborg: "Aah!"
Beast Boy: "Hey!"
Robin: "No!"
Cyborg: "Stop!"
Beast Boy: "Help!"
The King soon decided to say his farewell in a sick and twisted way.
Puppet King: "Don't worry. I'll take good care of your bodies. After all, they'll be mine forever."
He soon let go as the three started to fall into the blue flames. But before they went in, they there engulfed in a black sphere and were floating above the bowl. The Puppet King saw this and was surprised as the sphere floated upwards. Turning around, she could see the two girls and gem up on the catwalk with the Tamaranean using Raven's body to levitate them upwards to them. The three puppets soon got to the three Titans as Raven wrapped her arms around them. But when she got to them, she said something that caught the boys by surprise.
Starfire/Raven: "My friends! You are unharmed!"
She giggled in delight while Robin was a little confused about the voice in Rae's voice.
Robin: "Star…fire?"
Raven turned to the boys and said that it's complicated.
Raven/Phos: "It's a long story."
Phos soon chimed in and wrapped it up.
Phos/Starfire: "Trust us. We'll laugh about it when this is all over."
The Puppet King saw this and was completely furious. Turning around, he could see the bodies he controlled joining him. Lifting his controls up to the air, he demanded them to start attacking.
Puppet King: "Go, my puppets! Capture them!"
The three heard the order and turned to see the three swapped Titans. Robin and Cyborg soon ran towards them, climbing up scaffolding stands and ladders while Beast Boy turned into a bat and flew up towards them. The three some them heading to their position and realized that they need to get out.
Phos/Starfire: "Um… Guys… I don't think that they're happy to see us."
Raven: "No, they're not. Let's get out of here now before they catch us! Move!"
The two soon started to run away as Raven grabbed Star's hand and pulled her with them. The three hurried to back to where they entered and were about to make an escape. However, the green bat stopped them and blocked their path that caused all three immediately stopped and got startled. They both soon decided to turn around and looked for an alternate exit, but Robin jumped in and blocks their way back. With them trapped, it was Cyborg and climbed up with a cable and went to the side. The three turned to see him arming his cannon and firing right at them. Raven quickly used Phos's alloy to create a shield as the blaster him them and pushed them off the catwalk. That push caused Star to loose the boys and they all fall to the ground. The three puppets soon landed on the floor and tumbled around before piling on each other, with the changeling feeling embarrassed at his position.
Beast Boy: "Dude, get your butt out of my face!"
Robin: "Can't move. Deal with it."
The girls and the gem were soon flailing around, about to fall. They quickly managed to recover as they use flight, levitation, and alloy to stop themselves from landing roughly. They quickly turn around to see the boys looking ready for a fight. Beast Boy jumped on the railing and turned into a gorilla as Robin and Cyborg jumped over it and headed to the three. All three girls looked at each other and knew that they need to fight, one way or another. They soon started to split up in three separate directions as the boys did that same. With Robin, he went after Starfire in Raven's body. With Cyborg, he follows Raven in Phos's body. And with Beast Boy, he's chasing after Phos in Starfire's body. Stafire was flying away from the leader as the controlled body was swinging on ropes to get to her. Star landed on the higher catwalk as Robin joined her with his glowing eyes. Seeing the situation, she tries to reason with him.
Starfire/Raven: "Robin, I do not wish to fight you."
But considering that this is just a shell without a soul, he wouldn't listen. He soon started to punch and kick her, only for her to dodge and avoid the attacks. Almost instantly, he grabbed her cloak and pulled her to the other end. She landed with a thud by the shoulder and she hit the end of the railing. Recovering, she looked up and could see that Rob was slowly walking towards her with a keen interest in hurting her. But looking down, she started to notice that one of his feet was around the rope connected to a sandbag. Seeing this, she decided to pull a fast one on him.
Starfire/Raven: "But I will if I must!"
Tightening her fist, she opened it and started to glow black with her eyes glowing white. Behind the leader, the sandbag soon started to be incased in a black sphere and lifted itself off the metal floor. Tossing it down to the ground, the rope attached to it started to drag and the part of it wrapped around his foot. Robin was caught by surprise and causing him to fly upwards to the ceiling. As he was going for a ride, Raven was on another catwalk and was trying to protect herself with the alloy she possesses. With both arms up, her hands melted and become a shield to deflect the blaster shots from Cyborg. The beams bounced back and went into different directions, hitting anything that's in its path. Rae cringed and was getting annoyed by the constant firing.
Raven/Phos: "C'mon, give up already. You would think that he would've run out of battery power by now."
Just then, she felt no blaster fire on the gold alloy and was confused about it. Blinking, she wondered if what she said came true.
Raven/Phos: "Huh…? He stopped firing. Maybe his batteries are dried out."
Slowly removing the alloy, she checked to see if his body was shut down, even if it's possessed by a demented puppet. But as she looked on, she realized why he stopped firing. Turns out, he opened up his shoulders and exposes the rocket launchers underneath. Blinking, she remembered that Cy was going for the next best thing.
Raven/Phos: "Or… He can use something else to blast me to pieces. Of course he does."
Cy soon fired his mini rockets and they were heading straight to her. Immediately, Raven jumped with her heels melting and extending upwards, going high into the sky. She soon outstretched her arms and maneuvered around the stage as the rockets flew around and exploded all around her. She needed to find a way to get close to him without getting blown to literal pieces. And that's something that Phos won't like. Looking down, she could see a way and immediately dived down to the side of the catwalk Cy was on as the middles followed and blew up after her. By the time the explosions ceased, the hybrid wondered if he got her or not. Approaching the end of the catwalk, he looks down to see if there were any pieces of the telepath around. But as he bends his head down, a wave of alloy came up and wrapped around his head. What happened was that Raven was underneath the hybrid, managing to escape the rocket warpath with slight cracks on her body. Grimacing, she decided to put a stop to this once and for all.
Raven/Phos: "Hate to do this to you Cyborg. But you're leaving me with no choice."
With one quick pull, Cy went over the railing and was falling off the catwalk. Rae looked down to see him falling as he crashed through one catwalk after another before landing on the ground. Seeing this, she decided to check on him and let go completely. Coming down, she used both her heels and arm to create a platform and landed gently on the floor to see if the hybrid wasn't damaged. Approaching the body, she looked down and wondered if she defeated him yet.
Raven/Phos: "Is it over…?"
Seeing the face, the eyes snapped open, as one is red as the other is aqua green. Quickly, he jumped back up and launched himself by the double feet and pushed her. Rae felt that and immediately got pushed to the fall. Quickly, the telepath got her arms to the back and let them melt to plant to the wall without getting completely damaged. She soon bounced off it and got her arms in front and merged them to become a huge fist, letting it hit him and pushed him back.
Back up at the catwalk area, Phos was gliding around trying to get away from Beast Boy, who was still in his gorilla form. BB swung around girders and ropes, getting closer to the gem until grabbing them in the air. The two soon landed on the ground as Beast Boy held on. But Gem managed to get themselves out with their sheer strength and free herself before kicking the changeling on chest. Jumping off him, they landed on the other end and realized they need to pull all the stops, and it's the one that is difficult to manage. They held their fists and close their eyes, learning what Star taught them.
Phos/Starfire: "Okay, Phos…star bolts. You can do it. Just let go of your emotions, feel the righteous fury and-"
They opened their eyes was about ready to unlock their star bolts. But just as they were going to do it, they immediately see a furry fist to their face and immediately have to dive down and avoid the punch as the fist went right into the hole. He soon got the first out of the wall and swung his arm to remove the head completely. They soon duck down and launched themselves off the metal floor and landed on the other end. Beast Boy turned around and used both his fist to pound them. They managed to jump away, but the hit caused the catwalk broke and they were falling down. Quickly, they recovered and flew upwards, delivering an uppercut to the chin. Landing down to the ground, they wondered if it was over. He soon started to recover and rolled back up. Jumping to the side, he grabbed hold of the cable and swung around to return to the gem. Phos turned to see him heading down to them and had to react. Quickly, running to the railing, they jumped off before the gorilla destroys them. Maneuvering their body, they came right down and delivered a swift and devastating kick, taking him down to the head. The gorilla spins around and was heading down to the floor, right to where the puppets containing the boy's souls are present. Thankfully, Starfire was there and saw the changeling going down to the three. Gasping, she let her hand glow black and her eyes white to save them.
Starfire/Raven: "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!"
The gorilla was just about to crush the Titan puppets until his body was incased in black magic and flew away. Star had to move him to someplace safe and away from the wooden puppets. But as she looked up, her eyes bugged out to normal and quickly dodged a falling sandbag. Looking back up, she could see Robin coming down towards her with her gums flailing and a menacing look in his eyes. He soon landed down close to her and was about to do something. But Star still has her hand glowing black and Beast Boy's body was heading straight towards him. The leader had little time to react as they both collided and rolled around with BB returning to normal. In the higher catwalk, Phos came down and looked at the sight, smiling at their work along with the Tamaranean.
Phos/Starfire: "Oh… That's going to leave a mark."
Almost immediately, a golden sphere crash upwards through the catwalk and went back down to the ground. Phos immediately felt that and turned to see what the commotion was about. That's when they saw the golden sphere melting and revealing Raven looked a bit damaged with cracks on her face and legs. Seeing that, they panicked and approached their wounded friend.
Phos/Starfire: "RAVEN!"
Just as they were about to reach her, something jumped up through the newly created hole and went over the gem. Almost immediately Cyborg came down and landed hard, blocking Phos's path. They soon stopped dead in their tracks and could see the hybrid towering over them.
Phos/Starfire: "Oh dear… That can't be good."
They soon wind up and were about to punch him. But Cy grabbed their fist and held it tightly. Phos grimaced in pain and was feeling it badly. Thankfully, they are not a gem anymore; otherwise the fist would simply turn them into dust. Immediately, they went on ahead and jumped up, flipping their body to deliver a kick right to the chin and nearly knocked him out. Flipping over the damaged part of the catwalk, they landed on the other end and decided to try their star bolts again, hoping that it will work this time.
Phos/Starfire: "Righteous fury, righteous fury! Concentrate!"
They could see the hand glowing a bit of green on their fist, but shorted out completely. Blinking, she realized that they were close, but in big trouble right now.
Phos/Starfire: "Damn it…"
Cy soon started to arm up his blasters and shoulder mounted rockets and fired everything at them. Quickly, the gem blasted off and flew all over the place, trying to avoid as many projectiles as they can. With quick swift dives, ducks, and dodges, they managed to survive the wrath of the hybrid, but it won't matter without a proper opening. Course, behind Cy, Raven managed to recover from the last attack and looked up to see him, going on a full out assault against the gem. Looking at this, she started to get angry and decided to lash out on Cy, since she's in a different body.
Raven/Phos: "No one hurts my friend."
She soon stretched her arm golden arm and wrapped it around Cy's foot. With a quick tug, she tripped him and dragged him to her position. When with a quick swing, she tossed him to the wall. Then turning to the other side and swung him there hitting the same wall. Soon enough, the telepath keep on swinging on him wildly, trying in all her strength to take him down. Phos soon stopped flying and saw the telepath going to town with the hybrid. They just hope that she doesn't go too far cause Cy's soul needs his body back badly. Just then, they could hear Star's voice screaming for help.
Starfire/Raven: "Phos! Raven! Help!"
Phos looked down and noticed that Star is having trouble taking on Robin and Beast Boy. She was trying to dodge a kick from Rob and BB became a tiger to pounce on her. She soon swiped her black coated hand and BB was encased in black magic and was pushed back. Phos looked at the situation and realized that she needs some assistance. Looking back, they could see Raven busy with Cyborg as she already planted him on the wall with four golden arms on his hands and feet, preventing him from escaping. Looking back, the telepath told the gem to get to Star.
Raven/Phos: "Go! Get to Starfire! I'll handle this!"
Phos heard this and nodded by that. Looking down, they could see Star surrounded and her hands are black as a way of defense. Quickly, they flipped to get on a scaffolding with spotlights and planted her feet on the metal beams.
Phos/Starfire: "Hang on, Stafire! I'm coming!"
Star looked up to see the gem getting ready for launch. But that distracted her as Robin took the opportunity and was ready to jump and kick. Seeing that, they pushed off the metal beam and flew towards the three like a bullet. Quickly, she was able to spear the leader in the air and stopped to grab him by the cape. They soon looked back to the Tamaranean to see if she's all right. But she told them and she didn't need help and showed them who needed help to begin with.
Starfire/Raven: "Not me, them!"
She soon pointed down to show them the problem. Turning their head to where she was pointing it, they discovered the Puppet King running to the bowl of blue flames; carry all three puppets to the boys. Turns out, all that fighting gave the puppet time to grab the three and take them to the bowl to be destroyed. He managed to reach it and was ready to drop them.
Puppet King: "The Puppet King is in command!"
The moment they saw it, something was unlocked inside them, something completely rageful and righteous. It's the same type of emotion they never had since Antarcticite was taken, something that changed them completely. With eyes glowing green, they got their arm out and a star bolt was produced in their hand.
Phos/Starfire: "NO!"
With a yell, they pointed their hand to the King and fired a powerful star bolt at him. It hit the ground and exploded, causing him and the puppets to fly back. But the control he had flew out of him and reaches the air. Hitting one of the spotlights, it started to fall back down to the ground, right into the bowl with blue flames. It soon started to explode and the flames burst upwards. The Puppet King soon outreached his hand and was shocked to see his remote going in there and getting destroyed.
Puppet King: "My control!"
The flames soon took the shape of the King's head and moved around for a while. The King's body soon started to convulse as he was feeling the agony inside of him.
Puppet King: "Nooooooooooo!"
Soon enough, his eyes and mouth was emanating a bright light, as if his life essence was coming out. At the same time, the puppets of the boys started to shake and immediately, all of their souls came out and flew right into their real bodies. But after their souls were returned, Star's soul came out of Raven's body, Raven's soul came out of Phos's body, and Phos's life essence soon left Starfire's body. All three of their souls soon wrapped around together as if they were united by this moment before returning to their original bodies. Star soon landed with Robin going along for the ride, while Raven levitated next to her and Phos creating a platform with their alloy, feeling relieved that they have all gone back to normal. Star especially as she looked at herself and was in total glee.
Starfire: "I am me! You are Phos! And you are Raven!"
Cy and Beast Boy returned, as they were normal, with the exception of Cy feeling banged up when Raven put on a clinic with him in Phos's body.
Cyborg: "And we're us!"
Robin soon chimed in and thanked them for the rescue.
Robin: "Thanks to you three."
Then Beast Boy finished it off with rooting with his gorilla arm and gave a bit of a slang for his thanks.
Beast Boy: "You go girls!"
Phos crossed their arms and was a little miffed about the choice of words.
Phos: "Really Beast Boy? That's how you want to call me. I'm a genderless gem. I am not much of a girl!."
Starfire soon was still elated and turned to the two friends feeling completely excited.
Starfire: "Raven! Phos! We have done it!"
She soon gets a hold of the two and gave them both a huge group hug. A strong group hug too as Raven was feeling choked and Phos could feel their body cracking under the strength.
Raven: "You're hugging me…"
Phos: "And I can feel my body beginning to break down."
But as they were celebrating, they can hear the Puppet King screaming in agony.
Puppet King: "Noooo! The magic! Without it, I'm just a…"
Before he could even finish, the light coming out of his eyes and mouth faded as he slowly started to get limp. The moment he fell to the floor, he lay there motionless, making him that he was going to finish. Nothing more then a puppet.
It's the early morning already as some of the Titans decided to get some rest after the whole Puppet King fiasco. But there are a certain few that either stayed up or get up early. In Phos's room, they were just finished with their recent research for their encyclopedia and the printer is printing out the many pages they managed to write down. Stretching their golden arm, they brought it to the hole puncher to get three holes in them before placing them into one of their many books. Walking down it with their arm reverting back, they look at their latest work and were accomplished with it.
Phos: "And…done. Man… This was the most difficult article I've done to date."
They look at the title as it reads, 'Puppets, And the Mystery Behind Them' and could tell that it was tough to manage. They smirked and decided to get a break out of it.
Phos: "As complex as puppets are, at least it was all worth it. I think I should get back to the lounge and get some sunshine to re-energize myself. After last night and Raven using my body, I'm going to need to soak up from morning rays."
So they left their room and walked down to the main lounge where the morning sun was peeking through the windows. But as they entered the lounge, they could see someone already there, levitating in the lotus position and chanting those familiar words.
Raven: "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos… Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…"
Turns out, it was Raven as she was doing her early morning levitation. Phos saw her and realized that she does that every morning before the others get up. So they slowly approached the end of the lounge and decided to greet her.
Phos: "Morning, Rae."
Raven heard that voice and broke her meditation, opening on eye up to see them. Knowing it's the gem, she greeted them.
Raven: "Phos…"
Phos: "Can I sit next to you? I need to get some sun to re-plenish my energy."
Rae raised an eyebrow and shrugged it off as a normal thing they do.
Raven: "Go right ahead. Have a seat. Just don't distract me on my meditation."
Phos was relieved that she's allowing them to be with her. So they sat down next to her and thanked her.
Phos: "Thanks."
The gem soon look at the view as the their body soaked the sunrays. The two remain there for sometime, not uttering a single word since. But after a few minutes, the gem decided to start the conversation about what happened last night.
Phos: "Got to say…that was one crazy night we had to go through. Our friends in those bodies while the Puppet King took control of the real ones. Having our bodies swapped and we all have to learn each other's moves on the fly. That was quite an experience."
They turned to Raven and waited for a response. But the telepath was still in her Zen like state and didn't feel like talking. Knowing this, Phos turned away and decided to drop the subject. But then, they could hear her voice responding to it.
Raven: "Indeed…"
Hearing that, they turn back as Rae continued with the conversation.
Raven: "That sure was something. It's one thing to have the boys get taken and their bodies controlled, it's another that each of us were in each other's bodies. Must've been hard getting use to yours, since you don't have much of a heart or lungs to keep you functioning. The moment I was in you, I thought for sure that I died."
Phos chuckled, knowing that people like Raven have far shorter life spans then gems, but told her of the bright sides as well.
Phos: "Well, on the plus side, we're immortal, we can survive the hot and cold weather, we can be underwater for as long as possible (even if we need resin to keep our powder makeup on), and we are very resourceful. I'm quite surprised how quick you controlled the alloy in my body and arms. Took me a month or two to adjust to solidify and keep me on my feet."
Raven smirked and told them that she was taught well.
Raven: "What can I say? I had a great teacher when it comes to keeping the alloy in check. Though I wish I can say the same with you. You were having trouble controlling Starfire's body. Not that easy understanding her powers, huh?"
The gem chuckled and remembered that part.
Phos: "Hey! Breathing in that body was one thing, it's another when you have to deal with powers linked to emotions. I'm sure you would feel the same if you were in her shoes."
Raven: "True… But you managed to use her powers thanks to her teachings. Heck, if it hadn't been for you shooting that star bolt at the Puppet King, we would've lost the boys and we would've been stuck into each other's bodies. You were a lifesaver."
Hearing that, they turned away and explained about how that happened.
Phos: "Thanks… But if I am honest, I didn't know how to use her star bolts. The idea of letting go of my emotions and feeling the righteous fury was hard to tap. It was when the Puppet King was about to dump the boys into that fire that I unlock the rage and anger to fire that star bolt. I never felt that emotion since…"
Rae gets what they were saying and decided to finish that statement.
Raven: "Since you lost your friend?"
Phos turned back and was shocked about that. But then remembered that one of her emotions in her head saw that and must've told her about that. Lowering their head, they responded back.
Phos: "Yeah… Since that… The moment I saw the boys about to get destroyed, I couldn't help but to think back of when Antarc was taken and I was too late to save them. If I didn't listen to the ice floes… If I didn't slip into that cracked opening… Antarcticite wouldn't have been attacked and stolen from me. What was I thinking when I decided to stay up during the winter. Should've hibernated like the others."
Raven could hear every word they said and could see the guilt that's building up in the gem. So with a sigh, she told them that it is what it is.
Raven: "Things happen for a reason. We make mistakes, we put ourselves to blame, and we move on and learn from our mistakes. That's the way of life for all of us."
Phos heard that and dropped their shoulders lower, knowing that is the cold hard truth. But Raven soon decided to go positive and assured them of one thing.
Raven: "But think of it this way. If you didn't do what you said, you wouldn't have been stronger as you mentioned. Not only that, but you wouldn't have been taken here by this Lunarian and I won't have a friend that understands me. So the way I see it, you won't have accomplish so much since you lost your friend. And you did say that you would bring him back when you and Cinnabar returned home, right? So don't feel guilty about the past. Look forward to the future and find the hope in your heart. At least, that's what I think."
Phos turned their head back to her and smiled at the words she mentioned.
Phos: "Hmph… At least I have a friend that gets me and I can trust out of this. Thanks Rae. You really make a Gem smile."
Raven closed her eyes and continued on with her meditation.
Raven: "I do my best, after all."
The two remained silent as they went about their daily morning routine. But then, Phos thought of something and asked the telepath about it.
Phos: "You know…back in the ally, when we were telling each other about ourselves, you didn't mention to Starfire what you told me. You mentioned that you were raised by the monks in Azarath and learn how to control your powers, but you never mentioned the rest of the story. Why is that?"
Raven twitched her closed eyes and sighed, explaining why to them.
Raven: "You know why. She's not ready to know the rest of the story, none of them are. I only told you the whole story is because you're the only friend I can trust with my secret. If anyone else found out… Well… I can only imagine what their reaction will be."
Phos sighed and figured that she was holding back on the others. Only they were the one who Raven told them everything about her life. Peering their eyes down, they looked back and told her to take her time.
Phos: "Give yourself time to think about it. Sooner or later, you will have to tell them, especially, Starfire.
By the time they said it, they heard a voice from behind.
Starfire: "Tell me what?"
The two heard that and turned to see Starfire standing on the other end behind the door that was automatically closing. Seeing her, they had to come up with a good enough excuse and Raven just said a little white lie.
Raven: "We… We were going to tell you how you are feeling after last night, is all."
Star tilts her head and took that lie as the truth, explaining about last night.
Starfire: "Oh, yes. That. Well, I am rather fortunate that that nightmare is finally over. I am glad that I have my body back. Being in Raven's was quite a… What is that earth term in your world? Out of body experience?"
The two heard that term and laughed a little.
Phos: "An out of body experience huh? Yeah. That's putting it mildly. So… What are you doing here, anyways? You don't have a morning routine like the two of us."
Raven: "And before you ask, then no. We haven't seen Robin, Cyborg, or Beast Boy. No doubt they could still be sleeping after getting stuck as puppets for so long."
Slowly walking up to them, she tilts her head and asked for a small favor.
Starfire: "Truthfully, I am wishing to join Raven in meditation. But since Phos is here, I guess I will do something else productive."
She turned and was about to walk away. But then, Rae stopped her and asked if that is true.
Raven: "Wait! You really wish to meditate?"
With a bit of thinking, she decided to let her do it and agreed.
Raven: "All right. Come join me."
The Tamaranean heard that and smiled, leading her to fly to them and floated in a lotus position next to Raven. The telepath soon turned to Phos and asked if they could join.
Raven: "Phos, you want to join in as well?"
The gem heard that and smirked with a chuckle.
Phos: "You kidding? Bort wanted me to join them in fighting techniques. How could I turn something like this down? Besides, got nothing better to do then soaking up the sun."
So they let their heels melt and form a puddle around them, creating a podium to rise up to the girls level with a stand on it. Once they were all together, Rae started the lessons.
Raven: "Find you're center, focus you energies, and repeat after me. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…"
Soon enough, all three of them turned to the view while in their lotus position and repeated the same words over and over.
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…"
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…"
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…"
As they were starting, Raven decided to stop and asked for a favor of her own.
Raven: "Hey, Starfire…?"
Star opened one eye and responded.
Starfire: "Yes?"
Raven: "After this, would you like to go to the mall?"
Hearing that, she smiled wider and nodded with one condition.
Starfire: "Oh, I would love to. That is if friend Phos would with to venture to the Mall of Shopping with us."
They heard that and opened their one eye. With a bit of hesitation, they decided to get on with it.
Phos: "Sure… No problem. Just don't force me to wear those weird fashions you people have. I hate to see the look of Red Beryl's face when they see me in those weird garments.
Star chuckled and takes that with a pinch of salt.
Starfire: "I will not make any promises."
The three soon closed their eyes and return to meditating, bringing forth a bond that will last them a lifetime.
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…"
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos…"
And we are done with the Eighth episode of Teen Titans, Phosphophyllite Chronicles. I must say that this was a fun episode to write about, even if it has to do with me loosing the third part I worked on and I had to restart it again. Regardless, it was nice that I managed to complete this episode and will be moving on to the next, one that will be really festive. I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about, and we are three months away to that said holiday. Stay tune where I post up the next episode about this said holiday, you might be in for a surprise. Please Review #WherearetheGoodCartoons?