Tara struggled to her feet, feeling weak because of the things in her blood that Slade had mentioned. He was glaring at her with his one eye, his face otherwise unreadable through his mask. He pressed a button on the switch, and Tara felt the weakness in her body disappear. There was no point in trying to escape now, as Slade had made clear after he'd kidnapped her. However, this "earth-moving" power that he'd told her about did not ring any bells. How would she be able to demonstrate powers that she couldn't remember?
It was too late for questions, as Slade lifted an enormous boulder and hurled it in her direction. She was just barely able to lunge out of the way, and the boulder landed with a thunderous echo on the floor.
"A pity," Slade said. "I was hoping instinct would kick in, but it seems that coaxing your powers out of you will take a more nuanced approach."
"I have no idea what you want me to do," Tara said.
Without response, Slade grabbed a smaller boulder and threw it towards Tara again. She dodged out of the way again, but it hit her in the shoulder. Pain shot through her entire arm and she fell to the ground.
"You'll have to do better than that, child," Slade said. "Unfortunately for you, it seems that reminding you of your powers is going to take some work. I anticipated that this might be the case and have prepared accordingly." Instead of tossing more boulders at Tara, Slade pressed the button on the switch, and Tara's movement was inhibited once again. He then walked towards the computer at the far end of the room and beckoned Tara to follow him.
"What are we doing now?" she asked.
"During your slumber, I prepared a highlight reel to show you what you are capable of. You do not remember this, but you once worked for me to infiltrate and take down the Teen Titans. Obviously, this effort was unsuccessful, but I was able to record footage with a hidden camera built into the suit I designed for you. I meant for it to be a tool for me to study your powers and to keep an eye on you, but now I think it can serve another purpose: to remind you of what you are capable of doing."
Slade opened a video file on the computer and offered for Tara to sit down. Reluctantly, she took the seat and began to watch.
If she had not been able to hear her own voice in the recording, she wouldn't have believed it was her. Footage of her lifting enormous boulders and rocks and hurling them at the Teen Titans played out before her very eyes. Not only was she able to throw giant amounts of rock and stone, she was also able to ride them high in the air, create swirling sandstorms around her, and drown other people in mud. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped at the things she had been capable of, and by the time the video ended, tears were starting to form in her eyes.
"Do you see now what you are capable of?" Slade asked her. "Do you now understand why I was so intent on finding you? Your powers are something special, child, and I want you to use them to bring down the Teen Titans once and for all."
"Why, though? Why would I ever want to help you?"
"You bring up a good point," Slade replied. "Luckily, those same organisms I implanted in your bloodstream to keep you from escaping serve another purpose. I can easily reconfigure them to kill you outright if you dare to defy my orders. To stay alive, you have no choice but to help me. Besides, you might find that you like relearning your powers. When I first met you, you were so desperate to control your powers that you were willing to do anything, even betray the heroes you once called your friends. I am giving you a second chance to feel that power again. You may not like it now, but soon, you'll know once again what that power feels like. Once that happens, I predict that you'll never want to go back to your mundane life ever again. Now, would you like to start your training again?"
Tara was not at all comfortable with this proposal, but Slade had made it clear to her that she had no choice in the matter. All she could do was nod her head in reply.
"Good choice," Slade said. "We shall get back into position and start again."
After a well-deserved night of sleep, Starfire awoke at the break of dawn. She was sore from her efforts against Cinderblock and Billy Numerous the night before, but happy that she was able to awaken at Robin's side. His snoring indicated to her that he was still sound asleep. She considered waking him up, but then realized that he needed his rest to be able to heal from his rib injuries faster. She looked over at Beast Boy in the other bed. He was obviously asleep as well, usually the one to sleep in the longest. He was still in his salamander form.
Starfire rose to her feet gently so as not to disturb Robin and made her way towards the living room to fix herself some breakfast. When she arrived, she saw that Raven and Cyborg were already awake. Raven was sipping tea from a mug, and Cyborg was cooking himself some bacon. The smell of the bacon reminded Starfire of how hungry she was.
"A glorious morning to you, friends," Starfire said, smiling warmly. "I hope you were able to rest well last night."
"Yep," Raven said bluntly, taking another sip of tea from her mug.
"You in the mood for bacon, Star?" Cyborg asked.
"It is difficult to say no to your cooking," Starfire said, "but first I shall partake in an appetizer." With that, Starfire opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of syrup. She removed the cap and drank from it. Cyborg and Raven had known Starfire for way too long to consider this unusual, and did not react.
"Save some room for bacon, at least," Cyborg said. "I'm making plenty for the four of us. Of course, I also gotta cook this nasty tofu bacon for Beast Boy."
"I do not remember ever partaking in this tofu bacon," Starfire said. "Do you believe Beast Boy would mind if I tried some of his?"
"Trust me, Star, you don't wanna do that," Cyborg said. "I'm by far the best cook of the five of us, and even I can't stand it."
"Alright," Starfire said. "Do you think we will be able to make any progress in our search for Terra?"
"That's the plan," Cyborg replied. "We're going to set things up in the sick bay. Unless there's an immediate threat in the city, we're planning on spending all our free time searching for her. It's going to be our top priority until we find her."
"That should make Beast Boy feel better, at least," Raven said.
"Alright," Cyborg said, "let's bring breakfast over to Beast Boy and Robin. After we eat, we'll jump right in and start searching."
Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire all brought food with them back to the sick bay. Robin and Beast Boy were still sleeping at the moment.
"Rise and shine, guys," Cyborg said. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us."
Robin awoke right away, but Beast Boy still appeared to be sleeping. Raven used her telekinesis to nudge Beast Boy awake. When he woke up, he turned back to his human form briefly.
"Why'd you have to wake me up?" he asked with a groan. "I was in the middle of a sweet dream."
"We're searching for Terra," Raven said. "I figured you'd want to be awake for that."
"What do you think the dream was about?" Beast Boy asked. "But yeah, you're right. Nothing can beat the real thing."
Raven put the plate of tofu bacon in front of Beast Boy. Starfire gave Robin his food. The five heroes ate their breakfast quickly. Once they were finished, Cyborg left with the dishes. A few minutes later, he returned with two laptops, his and Robin's. Cyborg sat down in a chair on Robin's left, while Starfire sat to his right. Raven sat on Cyborg's other side, and Beast Boy in his salamander form rested on Cyborg's shoulder.
"So, Robin," Cyborg said, "where should we start?"
"I was thinking about it before going to sleep last night," Robin said. "We know that Terra either has no memory of her powers, or she doesn't want to remember them. However, with her kidnapped, Slade is going to want to bring those powers back. I realized then that he's going to need ammunition for her to practice with." Robin started to type on his laptop and opened up security feeds across the city. "We need to look to see if there were any large movements of geological materials, especially if they occurred during the ambush of villains you guys were fighting last night."
"How are we going to be able to review all this footage?" Raven asked.
"Luckily," Robin said, "we have a robot on our side. Cyborg?"
"I can start running a scan of all the footage gathered the night before and isolate any large movements of geological materials that are otherwise out of place. There's been a lot of construction around the city, but if I cross-reference my footage with project files in the local government's database, I should be able to isolate only the movements that are out of the norm."
"How long do you think that will take?" Starfire asked.
"Hard to say, but hopefully it will only take a few hours. However, I should go back to my room. I've got more powerful computers in there that should reduce the time I need to run this search."
"Sounds good, Cyborg. Can you take Raven and Beast Boy with you? I was hoping to talk to Starfire about something in private."
Cyborg gave Robin a knowing grin, which Robin returned reluctantly.
"Alright, Casanova. I'll leave you two alone." Cyborg winked and let out a hearty laugh before leaving with Beast Boy still on his shoulder. Raven followed afterward, leaving Robin and Starfire alone in the sick bay.
"Is something the matter?" Starfire asked Robin.
"No, not at all," Robin said. "I ended up having a dream last night that I wanted to discuss. Beast Boy wasn't the only one who woke up from a dream about a girl."
"I...believe I understand," Starfire said. "What occurred in this dream of yours?"
"I don't want to be too blunt," Robin said, "but let's just say in my dream, I had no broken ribs to inhibit my ability to move."
"So, I take it, this dream that you had involved physical activity with me?" Starfire asked.
"Well...yes," Robin said. "It was nice, Starfire, really nice, but at the same time it made me think, and that's what I wanted to talk about. And, I mean...part of me wants to talk, but another part of me is feeling awkward about it."
"Well, as your girlfriend, I believe it is customary to communicate openly, yes?"
"Typically," Robin said.
Starfire flew towards Robin and rested her hand on his shoulder. "Please, then, you do not have to feel any awkwardness around me. I would like you to share your concerns."
"Okay," Robin said, clearing his throat. "You're probably already aware of this, but I never really had any friends until I met you guys. After the death of my parents, I was taken in by my mentor."
"Your mentor as in—"
"Yes, him. And it was good to have that kind of an outlet for all that anger I felt, but at the same time, it kept me isolated. I didn't allow myself to make any friends because I was afraid that I could endanger them if my secret identity was revealed. As a result, I had no experience with dating. You're my first girlfriend, and obviously I'm happy about that, but I also have no idea what I'm doing."
"That is alright with me, Robin," Starfire said. "I have never dated anyone before you either. I believe that puts you and me in the same boat."
"That is true," Robin said, "but there's still a part of me that wishes I was, you know...more prepared for this. I guess it's almost good that I'm physically injured right now, because now I have time to talk about this issue with you without feeling any pressure to...you know, move things along."
"I believe I understand what you are saying," Starfire said. "Of course, there is also the issue of our cultural differences. That has been the biggest concern for me."
"Well, since we're sharing, go ahead," Robin said.
"Our views of courtship in my culture are quite different from what I imagine them to be like on Earth," Starfire said. "Marriages are primarily arranged, and are not built on a foundation of love. You saw that firsthand with the marriage my sister attempted to arrange for me. But since coming to Earth, I have always preferred the customs of courtship here. In all of the shows and movies I have watched, I have seen relationships with people who care about each other, and that has always appealed to me more than what normally occurs on my planet."
"I hate to break it to you," Robin said, "but a lot of those shows and movies you're talking about tend to sugarcoat how difficult relationships can be. Real relationships are a lot messier. Couples argue, have trouble communicating, and sometimes two people stay together not because they love each other, but because they think they have no better alternatives. I don't want that to be us."
"I do not think that will be us," Starfire said, resting her head on top of Robin's. "I believe the best approach is to wait for you to recover from your injuries and then talk more about how we want our relationship to go. Do you agree?"
"Absolutely," Robin said. He gave Starfire a reassuring kiss on the cheek, with Starfire gladly returned. The two of them smiled at each other. Robin then turned his attention back on his laptop.
"I know Cyborg's running his scan in the other room," Robin said, "but maybe I can find something in the meantime."
"What are you looking for?" Starfire asked.
"Slade has used multiple hideouts in the past. I'm looking to see if any of his old haunts have seen any unusual activity lately."
Robin continued to type and browse on his laptop as he inspected places he knew Slade had once used as headquarters. Initial scans of those areas did not reveal anything out of the ordinary.
"I should have realized Slade wouldn't be using any of his old hideouts," Robin said. "However, given the kind of plots he's had in the past, I have another idea."
"What is it?" Starfire asked.
"Some of his plans in the past have required the use of radioactive materials," Robin said. "The problem with that is that they often leave residue. See? Look here." Robin pointed to one of the first hideouts he knew Slade had used, the one where he had trained Robin to be his apprentice. "This was where he had built the nanobot technology he infected you guys with as a means to hold me hostage. The manufacturing process left behind a residue that I can trace. If any place in Jump City is using a similar technology, I should be able to find it."
"Wonderful," Starfire said with a smile. "How long do you think it will take to run a scan of the rest of the city?"
"A few hours. I think Cyborg and I might finish around the same time. We can compare notes later to see if we find any commonalities. If we do, those will be the best places to look for Slade."
"I hope you are right," Starfire said. "We need to rescue Terra as soon as possible."
"I agree," Robin said. "I can only imagine what Slade's doing with her at this very moment."
Tara was hit once again with a boulder and fell to the ground. Her body was covered in bruises and sweat. It was hard to tell how much time passed, because the warehouse where Slade was holding her captive had no windows, but she imagined they had been training for hours. Slade had tried all sorts of techniques to trigger her memory. He'd tried smaller rocks and stones, but she had no control over any of those. Occasionally, he'd throw a larger boulder or rock her way, but those seemed to be just a way for Slade to vent his frustration. Tara was almost starting to feel frustrated with herself as well. Obviously, she didn't want to relearn these powers, but part of her wish she could so the physical attacks would stop.
Slade threw another large boulder at her, and she was too tired to even dodge out of the way like she had been earlier. It hit her square in the chest and knocked the wind out of her. As she struggled for air, Slade strolled over to her and looked down at her pitiably.
"I knew this would not be easy," Slade said, "but I had hoped we would have made some progress by now. It is clear that it is more than just failed recollection that is holding you back."
"What...what do you…?" Tara said, but she was gasping too hard to finish her thought.
"What do I mean?" Slade asked, surmising what she was trying to say. "I mean that you are unwilling to recall your powers. It seems I have failed to persuade you of how important it is for you to remember what you are capable of. An unfortunate setback, but one that I believe can be remedied. I have given the matter some thought as the morning has dragged on, and I believe I have come up with an idea that might speed things along."
"What...is it?" Tara asked.
"The technique is theoretical, but I believe I know someone who would be able to attempt it. We need to tap into your repressed memories and bring them to the surface so that you might better recall your powers. I will be placing a phone call to a colleague of mine who should be able to draw your repressed powers to the surface. He is currently abroad, but should be here in a day or so, if he isn't otherwise occupied."
With that, Slade pulled out a device that flipped open. He noticed Tara looking at it strangely. "It's a communicator, child," he said flippantly. He then turned his attention back to the communicator in his hand.
"Slade," the person on the other side said. "It's been a while."
"Hello, Simon," Slade said. "Do you recall after I freed you in Paris that you said you owed me a favor?"
"I am incapable of forgetfulness," Simon said, "so of course I remember this."
"Good. I am calling in that favor now. I have with me a girl who is having difficulty recalling her powers."
"This isn't that Terra girl, is it? You remember how well that went last time."
"Trust me, Simon. I learn from my mistakes. I need you to come to Jump City. I have the girl with me, and I need you to use your abilities to help her remember how to use hers. Can you do that for me?"
"That can be arranged, but you will need to keep the Teen Titans occupied so that they will not know of my arrival there."
"That will not be an issue," Slade said. "You're not the only one who owes me a favor."
"Fine. I should be able to arrive there in a few hours."
"Good. I shall expect you soon, then."
Simon hung up, and Slade returned the communicator to his belt.
"Who is this Simon guy," Tara asked, "and what is he going to do with me?"
"I didn't want to spoil the surprise," Slade said, "but I'll tell you this at least. His name is 'Psimon' with a silent P at the beginning. He has ways of bringing repressed memories to the surface. I believe he has the ability to make you remember your powers. Unfortunately for you, the process is both deeply intrusive and deeply painful. I was hoping to avoid such invasive measures, but your amnesia is deeper than I anticipated. We need to take drastic action to bring your abilities to the surface."
"I guess that means you're done throwing boulders at me for the rest of the day."
"I'd hoped that would help," Slade said, "but the results have been counterproductive, so you are right. However, there are other ways to train you that do not involve moving rocks with your mind. Step closer, child."
Tara glared at Slade, but knowing that he could hurt her at any moment, she reluctantly rose to her feet and approached him.
"We will practice hand-to-hand combat until Psimon arrives. These techniques will be useful to get you out of trouble should there be no boulders in the immediate area."
"Whatever," Tara said. "Let's just get started."
"Fine," Slade said. Without further warning, he swept his leg and knocked Tara to the ground. She grunted as she hit the floor, then rolled away as Slade leveled a punch that left a dent in the metallic floor. As Tara rose to her feet, she realized that she was going to have a long day ahead of her.