The Captain: Hey fellow fans of all sorts! I'm back with another really long one here. I've been trying to figure a way to end this chapter, and this was the best I could. But it's a good way to do it I think. Another 2 parter for ya's! Perhaps I'll get the second half up by tuesday or wednesday! How was that last episode of Teen Titans? Speedy was great! I might use him later...

Legal Tander: I wish I owned the Titans...I wish I owned the Titans....I wish I owned the Titans...

Damn, it worked for Dorothy...

Shadow Requiem: Friend or Foe, part 1

An ackward silence filled the room. Starfire stood poised against the wall with a finger pointed out at Clive, the person whom which she and her friends had a huge fight with the evening before. Clive just sat there, not moving at all under the pressure of her sudden accusations. But suddenly, the smell of food caught his nose, and a large and loopy smile crossed his face. He ran towards Starfire, who's eyes and hands were glowing, ready to blast him with her energy. However, he stopped just short of her, seeing his plate on the table. He shoveled a few spoon loads into his mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing it all in a single gulp. Starfire's eyes widened, realizing she got so worked up over nothing. She slowly sat back down at the table, on the opposite side of him.

Sherri: " Are you ok? Starfire was about to blast you. You must have scared her."

Clive finished another half a plate of food and looked up with a bit of a dumb look.

Clive: " Hmm? Oh, I'm fine! Just really really hungry. I didn't get a lunch break, so I was just famished!"

Sherri: " Your such a dork."

Clive: " Hey, I've been called worse, so I take that..."

Sherri: " As a compliment. I know I know. I've heard that one from you a million times."

Clive: " Well then, you should know better. May I please have more?"

Sherri: " I made plenty extra. Though, Starfire's still got another plate on you!"

Clive: " WHAT?"

He looked over at Starfire, whom which was chowing down quickly on her food. Clive gave her a challenging look, then piled more food on his plate.

Clive: " You've got nothing on me."

Starfire: " What do you mean? Was I supposed to put something on you."

He continued watching her as he shoveled more food into his mouth, barely chewing before he swallowed it down again. Starfire was very confused about the whole situation. He wasn't being mean, and he didn't act sad. He was acting...strange. Even to her knowlege of human standards. He finished his second plate quickly, piling on more food.

Sherri: " Oh come on! Be nice to her! She is technically your guest!"

Clive: " Yeah...I guess your right. Starfire, eat all you like."

Starfire: " Oh, I'm full."

Clive: " Really?"

Starfire: " Indeed. I had 4 plates."

Clive: " Oh. You must have been eating while I wasn't here then. So be it!"

Clive cranked it into overdrive, gulping down large amounts of food, finishing off his 3rd plate, then shoveling more food onto it. He just ate. He really didn't take the time to savor flavor or anything of the sorts. His food just got shoveled into his mouth, and everything ended up just being blended together. He smiled after polishing off his fourth plate, pushing it back and letting out a heavy sigh. Starfire watched him in some awe, as she had never seen anyone really eat like that since Terra had arrived originally.

Starfire: " You have quite the appitite."

Clive: " Well, I work all day, so I build up a big one."

Starfire: " I see."

Sherri: " Well brother...would you help me clear the table?"

Clive: " Certainly sis. I wash, you dry?"

Starfire: " I wish to help. You have done much for me and I have done nothing but be a burden to you both."

Clive: " Now now miss Starfire, you're our guest. Just make yourself feel welcome."

Sherri: " Yeah."

So Clive and Sherri went right to work, putting away the very few leftovers that the 3 of them had in small tupperware containers. Sherri would put them in the refrigerator while Clive would clean out the pans in the sink. The pair finished the dishes quickly, and then walked back to the living room together, greeting Starfire again.

Clive: " Sorry about that Starfire. We try to stay on top of messes around here. Since I'm not around much, I try to make sure I do my fair share around here."

Starfire: " That is just fine."

Starfire had some questions kicking around in her head. She really wanted to ask them, but felt she should do it on a more personal level.

Starfire: " I would like to talk to you...in private if it is alright."

Clive: " In private? Sure, I guess. Hey sis, you mind making yourself scarce for a little while?"

Sherri: " Sure. I need to work on my homework anyways."

Clive: " You still haven't finished it? Good thing this is a weekend so you can get your sleep."

Sherri: " Well...I'm having some trouble with a part of it. Maybe you could explain it to me."

Clive: " Well, what's it in?"

Sherri: " English."

Clive: " Alright. Let's go see what it is. I'll be right back Starfire, so we can talk."

Starfire: " That is fine. I understand."

Clive walked back into Sherri's room where she showed him the homework she had. Starfire sat quietly and watched a pair of cats walk by. One was short fured orange, with a peach or tangerine stripes going down it's body, with white underbelly fur and legs. The second cat had longer hair that made it look much bigger than it was. It had a mix of blacks, browns, and dark grays in it's fur. Both had green eyes and were very lean. She looked around more and saw a small waste paper basket by her feet. There were envelopes and letters in it with large red lettering reading either Overdue, Pastdue, Failure to Pay, or Insufficient Funds. She leaned in and read them more, seeing that they were bills and over draft notices from the bank.

It was then that Starfire really took a look at the apartment. There was only a single couch, a small TV and a game station in the living room. Sure, there was a small table and even a coffee table, but that was about it. It was all fairly bare. Clive came back a few minutes later, making sure that Sherri's door was closed. It was a small apartment after all.

Clive: " So Starfire, how are you feeling?"

Starfire: " I am sore all over, but I am undamaged."

Clive: " Ah, good to hear. So what did you want to talk with me about?"

Starfire: " Well, I first want to know what your name is?"

Clive: " My name? Oh...I see. Now that I think about it, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name's Clive. Clive Vulcan, at your service!"

Starfire: " I also wanted to know what you're doing in Slade's service."

Clive: " Funny you should mention that one. I woke up back in Slade's headquarters, which must have been where Black took me. Slade...wasn't exactly happy about the outcome. He said I mostly did what he wanted, but I didn't do what he wanted fully. So, he broke our contract, and now I'm just plain old Clive."

Starfire: " I see. So you are no longer our enemy?"

Clive: " Yep. I never wanted to be anyways. But I didn't have a choice."

Starfire: " Why?"

Clive: " Well, I don't mind getting into fights and put a beat down on someone who deserves it...but I'm not big on the whole causing random destruction and hurting people just for the sake of badguyism. Not really my style.

Starfire: " So, can you tell me now why you were with Slade?"

Clive: " Well..."

He looked to the ground and gave a puzzled look. Starfire followed his vision to try and see what he was looking at. On the ground, Clive's shadow was moving, waving it's arms and pointing to her. She began to tense up. Clive looked over at Starfire.

Clive: " Is that true Starfire?"

Starfire: " Is what true?"

Clive: " Black says you were looking in my trash bin and saw some of my bills and such."

Starfire: " I did not mean to originally. But the large red print attracted my eyes. I am sorry, I did not mean to be rude."

Clive sighed and looked down, a little red.

Clive: " Well, that's why I worked with Slade. I barely make enough money to pay the rent and such. That's why I work such long hours. Slade came to me, knowing that I was in both debt and over my head with some of the bills. I could just live on my own, but then Sherri would have to live with some foster family, and we'd rather stay together. So, I really didn't have another choice but to take his offer. That way, I could keep the bills paid and such. But now, he's withdrawn all the money he's paid recently, and these arrived this morning. Looks like I'm just going to have to find something to do to earn some fast money."

Starfire: " I understand now. I have another question...who is Black?"

Clive: " Black? Hah! Black, the other worldy, ethereal, interdimensional,transcending, omnicent, blah blah blah, Lord of the Shadow World, King of all Evil...the Darkness of Men..."

Starfire: " Is that who he is?"

Clive: " Something like that, so he says. His story changes each time. It comes down to that he's my Shadow. But he'll tell you that I'm infact his Shadow...But whatever the case, that's him down there."

Clive pointed to the ground, where she saw the shadow of the monster they fought. It waved to her and she waved back nervously.

Starfire: " What is that?"

Clive: " You met him...that's Black. He's just a shadow really. My Shadow. He says he saw you look through the papers in the trash."

Starfire: " But how? You were in the other room?"

Black walked off, leaving Clive shadowless. He held out his hands as if demonstrating the fact that Black didn't have to be in the same place all the time.

Clive: " See, Black doesn't have to be connected to me all the time. Unless I summon him back, he can just take off and wander the city if he wanted. But if I need him, I just summon him and he'll be back, quick as a whistle."

Starfire: " Wonderous. And can he use your powers?"

Clive: " Technically yes...but he can't use them to the extent I can. Old Black there says that he was wounded many years ago, and can't take a physical form for very long on his own. But, he can use my body as a vessle of sorts, and stay around for a greatly extended period of time. Though I can use the powers we share more extensively, he can do much more. But, he can barely use his powers all on his own."

Starfire: " So....why are you two...how do you know eachother?"

Clive: " Well, I've known Black all my life. Let's just go with that for now, since the full version of the story takes a deal of time."

Starfire: " I see. So, he can talk to you?"

Clive: " Yeah. I didn't think anyone else could hear him. Apparently, I'm right."

Starfire: " What does your sister thing?

Clive: " I don't know. I told Black to keep it quiet around the house. I'd rather not have Sherri know about him and my powers."

Starfire: " Does she know about Slade?"

Clive: " She's talked with him actually. Of course, she thinks he was just an employer that I was temporarily assisting."

Starfire: " So you do not want her to know about everything then."

Clive: " Nope. She'd probably freak out and give me a heck of a yelling at."

Starfire giggled a bit, realizing that it would probably be true.

Clive: " I'm actually pretty happy that I'm not working for him anymore...but money is going to be tight. So that just makes me worry."

Starfire: " Is there anything we can do?"

Clive: " You? Or the Titans?"

Starfire: " Either, I suppose."

Clive: " Not really. I guess I'll just end up moving us to a 1 bedroom place and sleep on the couch. Well, it's getting late. Why don't you sleep in my room tonight. I'll camp out here in the living room. My cats can take care of me."

Starfire: " You have very pretty cats. I saw them earlier."

Clive: " Ah. Well, Tabitha's the darker one, and Lobo is the orange one. They'll keep me company out there."

Starfire: " But this is your home. You should sleep in your bed."

Clive: " Yeah, but what kind of gentlemen makes a lady sleep on the couch. Come on, it's either this, or I'm gonna sleep on the table."

Starfire: " Then I shall take your room. In the morning, I should probably contact my friends."

Clive: " That's fine. I'll get you back there tomorrow if you're feeling well enough."

She got up and started heading for Clive's room. Clive got up and walked her there, then unlocked the door from the outside.

Clive: " I keep my room locked. I have stuff in there I like a lot."

He opened the door and revealed a small room with a bed seated on the ground with no underside. A small dresser, a few posters of bands, and a guitar. He turned to leave her to her privacy.

Clive: " See you in the morning Starfire. Sleep well."

Starfire: " Thank you. And you should sleep well too."

Clive: " I'll keep that in mind."

So, the pair split off and Clive crashed on the couch. Lobo and Tabitha ran to him and jumped up on the couch with him, sleeping on his chest and stomach. Clive took a blanket off the back of the couch to cover up and was fast asleep. As for Starfire, she was comfortable in his bed, but she still felt a bit out of place. This wasn't her home, and she wasn't sure what all was going on, but she knew she was safe. She was very sure of that. She cast away her doubts, and was able to get to sleep after a while.

The next morning, Sherri was the first person up, followed by Starfire by a mere half an hour. Starfire wandered out to the living room in a somewhat groggy state. She hadn't slept that well, nor that long. Mainly just because she felt a bit uncomfortable. She and Sherri sat on the ground and watched some Television while Clive slept. Starfire kept looking back to see if he was awake, not sure if the sound from the television would wake him. Clive just laid there with his mouth wide open and some drool rolling down the side of his mouth, in blissful slumber.

Starfire: " Are you sure we will not wake him?"

Sherri: " More than sure. Go ahead, give him a good shake. He won't wake up."

Starfire: " I just do not want to be rude and wake him."

Sherri: " Don't worry about it. You won't wake him. Just give him a good shove. He'll sleep like a baby through anything."

Starfire: " If you say so."

Feeling a bit adventurous, Starfire dared to give him a light rock. Clive didn't react at all to her. She tried again, seeing no result. She then gave him a much stronger shake, moving the couch slightly. The cat's woke up and jumped off the couch, decided that they didn't want to stick around just incase it got worse. Still yet, Clive slept soundly. Starfire grinned happily, as she wanted to see what else he could sleep through, and almost made a game of it. She then grabbed a hold of him and shook him violently, but with a touch of care to make sure she didn't really hurt him. Clive stirred for a moment, bringing up his arm to rub his nose, then rolled over, turning his back to her while making some kind of sleep like murmer.

Other than, still nothing.

Starfire: " It is wonderous how your brother can sleep like that. How does one go about waking him?"

Sherri: " Well, there are 3 ways. The easiest is to let him sleep. He'll wake up eventually. But that won't be till the late afternoon. The second way is to play some of his favorite music. That'll usually get him up and going. And lastly...well, I'll just show you."

Sherri went scampering into the kitchen, being closely followed by Starfire. Sherri started frying eggs and bacon, and finished quickly with Starfire's help. She loaded up the plates with eggs and the sausage, then buttered some breat and set everything on the table. She then took a piece of bacon and walked over to Clive. Sherri handed it to Starfire.

Sherri: " Wave it under his nose."

Starfire: " I am to do what?"

Sherri: " Wave it under his nose so he can smell it."

Starfire: " What shall that do? "

Sherri: " It'll wake him. It's breakfast time anyways, and he'd get mad if we didn't wake him for breakfast."

Starfire: " I see. Is this some kind of Earthly waking ritual or custom I should know about?"

Sherri: " Not really. Just give it a go. He won't be mad."

Starfire: " Are you certain?"

Sherri: " Don't worry...there's food waiting for him. He'll say, ' Hey...food is a good reason for anything!'"

Starfire: " Then I shall try and wake him."

Starfire took the piece of bacon and waved it under Clives nose so he could smell it. A strange smile crossed over his face. She continued to wave it, until his hand reached up and grabbed hers, guiding the piece of bacon into his mouth. She let go and pulled her hand away, afraid he might bite her too, and watched in a strange amazement. After the bacon disappeared in his mouth, he swallowed it and sat up, opening his eyes. He smiled and got up, standing a little taller than Starfire.

Clive: " Good morning ladies. How are you?"

Starfire was amazed that he woke up so easily and acted as if he had never gone to bed. He seemed to have an amazing amount of energy for someone who had just woken up.

Starfire: " I'm fine. We were doing the morning waking ritual using the bacon to wake you."

Clive: " Huh?"

Sherri: " Means you were asleep and we decided to wake you for breakfast!"

Clive: " Really? Well thanks ladies."

Starfire: " You are not mad that we disturbed your slumber?"

Clive: " Mad? Hey...food is a good reason for anything!"

Sherri: " See?"

Starfire giggled as Clive looked around not sure what to make of their sudden laughter. He figured it was some joke he wasn't let in on. The three walked across the small room and into the kitchen, sitting at the table. The three of them began eating, and like the previous night, Clive began his feeding frenzy of sorts. Starfire was feeling much better and hadn't gone a long time without food, so she ate more normally, much like she would with the other Titans. Clive finished off his plate and had half the second one finished by the time the two girls were finished themselves.

Starfire still watched in amazement at his eating abilities. Finally, after a third plate, he pushed it forwards and was finished. He smiled.

Clive: " Great breakfast ladies. Lovely way to wake up."

Sherri: " Yeah yeah. It could be dog food and you'd still eat it."

Clive: " You gotta point there. But don't try it. Now then, let's get this mess cleaned up!"

The 3 of them cleaned up the table and washed the dishes all together. Afterwards, they spent about a half an hour watching television. Afterwards, Clive got up.

Clive: " Well, I need a shower. I'll be back shortly."

Starfire: " I should bathe as well. I have not since the day before yesterday."

Sherri: " Oh, your clothes are ready. Why don't you go before my brother. That way, you'll get more hot water."

Starfire: " Is that alright?"

Clive: " Yeah, sure, go ahead."

So, Starfire went to the bathroom and was the first to shower up. In the meantime, Clive and Sherri enjoyed some small talk.

Sherri: " She's really nice. Hard to believe she'd associate with someone like you."

Clive: " Yes, she is very nice. And what do you mean, someone like me?"

Sherri: " You know, tall dark, and dopey like."

Clive: " Oh stuff it."

Sherri: " But really though, you both act like you know eachother. Any particular reason?"

She gave him a wink and nudge, followed by a very cheesy grin. Clive shook his head with a laugh.

Clive: " No, I don't know her. I mean, I met her once at a party and we had a good time. Never saw her again till yesterday."

Sherri: " Oh really?"

Clive: " Yeah, really. What's it to ya?"

Sherri: " I think you've got a crush on her..."

Clive turned a slight shade of red as she seemed to his a soft spot on him. He cleared his throat and took a moment to get back the normal color in his face.

Clive: " Psh...whatever..."

Sherri: " Don't you whatever me. I know these things, it's my womens intuition!"

Clive: " Yeah? Well maybe you ought to go get it fixed."

Sherri: " Oh yeah?"

Clive: " Yeah!"

Sherri: " Liar. I know when you're lying."

Clive: " I'm not lying."

Sherri: " Yes you are. There's always a way to tell if you're lying. If it's important like having a crush on someone, then you turn red, just like that."

Clive: " I think you're reading into this too much."

Sherri: " Says you."

Clive: " That's right. Says me, the Pinnicle of Human Evolution."

Sherri: " Oh, don't start on that. Anyways, I think she'd be good for you. Probably keep you in line."

Clive: " Don't go holding your breath."

Sherri: " Whatever..."

Starfire walked back out, dressed in her normal purple clothing. Her hair was still soaking wet though, but she had a smile on her face.

Starfire: " I am finished."

Clive: " Alrighty. Well, you ladies have fun. I'm gonna go next."

Clive hopped off the couch and jumped into the shower. Starfire and Sherri began talking a little bit as well.

Sherri: " So...how do you know my brother?"

Starfire: " Oh...I do not know him really."

Sherri: " Is that so?"

Starfire: " Why do you ask?"

Sherri: " No reason. I just thought it was strange that you two seemed to know each other, yet you've both never met."

Starfire started to sweat a bit. She was not good at telling lies. Infact, she knew she wasn't supposed to. But she also knew that it would be best if Sherri didn't know about Clive's other job and all that. Starfire started to shake, trying to come up with something.

Starfire: " We...we uhhh....we met...once in a...ummm...a ummm..."

Sherri: " A where?"

Starfire: " .....?"

Starfire turned her head into the direction of the hallway. From inside the bathroom, the pair could hear Clive singing.

Starfire: " What is that?"

Sherri: " Oh...Clive's singing. He always sings in the shower."

Starfire: " I see. I was always told that was some kind of joke. It is always on the cartoons."

Sherri: " Well, my brother's a virtual cartoon. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether he's real or not."

Starfire: " You're brother is really so...strange?"

Sherri: " Well...yes and no. I mean, he acts goofy and pretty wacky, but that's just him being playful. He can be really serious and mature as well...but he just hides it. I guess it helps him make friends."

Starfire: " Oh, I see."

The singing stopped, and Clive came back out, dressed up in a pair of shorts and a hawaiian shirt. He smiled to both the girls on the couch.

Clive: " Well ladies, am I lookin' as good as I feel?"

Sherri: " If you are, you should probably get some more sleep then."

Clive: " Cruisin' for a bruisin' on the highway of pain. You're breaking the speed limit and officer Clive's gonna pull you over..."

Sherri shook her head, sighing at his horrible and corny joke. Starfire was somewhat bewildered and confused at the statement, not sure what was meant by it.

Starfire: " How does she drive when she's not in a car? And I did not know you were a police officer."

Sherri: " Oh no Starfire. He's just being himself. It's a figure of speech. One of his mindless and pointless insults that are always pretty dumb."

Starfire looked between the two and sighed, understanding.

Starfire: " You are much like Beastboy with your interesting quotes and funny sayings."

Clive: " Yeah, that Beastboy's a riot."

Starfire looked around and saw a clock. It was fastly approaching noon and she started to worry.

Starfire: " Excuse me, but I must be going. My friends are probably worried."

Sherri: " Oh...do you have to?"

Starfire: " I must."

She started to head out the door when Clive stopped her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Clive: " Hey, I got a much faster way to travel."

Starfire: " You do?"

Sherri: " Oh, are you gonna take her on your bike?"

Clive: " Uhhh, sure."

Clive reached over and grabbed his helmet off the table. He then grabbed his goggles as well.

Starfire: " I'm pretty sure..."

Clive interrupted quickly, pulling Starfire out the door. She poked her head in to hear Sherri.

Clive: " Well, we're heading out Sis. See you in a little while."

Sherri: " Alright. Bye Starfire! It was nice meeting you. Maybe we could hang out some time."

Starfire: " Indeed. That would be very much fun."

Clive shut the door and led Starfire to an elevator. It was then that Starfire realized she was in an apartment complex.

Starfire: " I'm pretty sure that my ability to fly will be faster than your motorcycle..."

Clive: " Yeah, it probably is...but that's not the fastest way."

Starfire: " I also meant to ask...but why do only you and your sister live together?"

Clive: " Oh...well...when I was young, our father left us. It was about the time when I was 6 I guess. So it was just me, Sherri, our brother and our mother. Then, a couple years ago, Mom and my older brother died in a car accident and we've been on our own since."

Starfire: " That is awful. I did not mean to stir up such bad emotions! I apologize."

Clive: " Don't worry about it. Now then, let's get you back to the tower."

The elevator took them to the ground floor, where they made their way to the small garage that Clive had to house his bike. He got on, putting on both his helmet and goggles. He smiled to her.

Clive: " Get on."

Starfire: " Ok..."

Starfire got on the bike after him. Clive didn't turn it on however. Instead, he closed the garage door. Starfire tensed up and held tighter to Clive. Clive smiled and waved his hand about. The shadow he, Starfire, and his motorcycle cast began to expand and ripple. Finally, a few moments later, they sunk down into it.

Clive: " Don't worry Star...we're just taking a short cut. Hold on tight though, I don't wanna lose ya."

Starfire: " That is not a problem!"

She tightened her grip on him, which caused him to lose his breath. He kept his resilience and soon, they traveled through the dark worlds Starfire had been through numerous times. Then, a light appeared as if at the end of a tunnel, and they appeared right in front of the Titan's Tower. Starfire got off the bike and looked around.

Starfire: " Wonderous. You can do this just like that? Why did you never escape before?"

Clive: " Well...it's hard to just travel around like that. Maybe I'll explain it to your more later? Maybe over lunch or just a coffee?"

Starfire: " Oh...I guess that would....but...I do not know. I would have to ask my friends I think."

Clive: " Oh, that's fine. Hey, just give me a call some time. We'll get together and hang out or something, alrighty?"

Starfire: " Alright then..."

She was a little nervous and flattered at the same time. Something she wasn't quite used to. Clive reached into his coat, pulling out a pen and a piece of paper. He wrote his phone number on it, then handed it to Starfire. She took it and smiled.

Clive: " Well, I'd love to stick around and chat, but I think I'd best get going before..."

Robin: " STOP RIGHT THERE!"