Chapter One: Ember
Note: This is Trouble Returns - Retold! I have a series planned after this fiction. If you see any grammar or typos - I'm blaming Slade.
'I just can't stop thinking about her,' Beast Boy thought as he watched Raven meditate in the Main Room. He himself was sitting next to Cyborg playing a video game with him. 'But how can I win her over?' he wondered. 'Would she feel the same way?' he added to his thoughts. He put the remote down for a moment and glanced at Raven who was sitting near them reading a book. He then returned to his game. 'What if she still thinks I'm in love with Terra?' His mind wonder on further.
Beast Boy noticed he was losing in the game though that made him more determined to catch up with Cyborg.
"You seem distracted, B" Cyborg commented. "Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine, Cy it's just that... I fell in love with someone though haven't told her yet" Beast Boy said, being careful not to mention Raven's name. He didn't want Raven to know yet. He wanted the time to be right. The moment Beast Boy mentioned he was in love with someone, Raven left the room with her book, not wanting to hear the rest of it.
"Why not tell her then?" Cyborg asked. "And who is this lucky girl?"
Beast Boy took note that Raven left and looked at Cyborg. "Raven" he whispered quietly after she had left the room. "I'm crazy about her Cy. She's the last person I think of at night and first person I think of during the day. I just don't know how to win her over."
"When did you start having feelings for her, B?" Cyborg asked wishing he could've helped him earlier.
"When we first met, but they grew stronger over time especially after Adonis, Malchior and when we went to Tokyo. She's never left my mind since. I mean sure I was in love with Terra when I her but my love for Raven is stronger" Beast Boy said.
"Aw, that's cute, B! You certainly need to tell her; you sound like you love her a lot."
"I do. But how and what if she doesn't feel that way?" Beast Boy said concerned that Raven may not return his feelings towards him. He didn't want to lose her.
"Tell her when the time's right, B. Though you should be really asking this to Robin since he's got Starfire. I haven't got a girlfriend yet but maybe someday I'll get one" Cyborg said.
"The right time and right setting, I have an idea for the setting but when I'm not entirely sure. I also want to make it unique I can't just say to her I love her; I need to show her too" Beast Boy said - his idea was telling her during a sunset on Titans Tower roof when it was just the two of them.
"What kind of setting do you have in mind? You two would make a cute couple, B"
"I'll let you know when I confess to her, Cy about the setting. For now, it's a secret - because I want to make it special like she is to me" Beast Boy said. "I also want to add more of a romantic feel in the atmosphere too" he added smiling at the idea. "I think I could tell her through a song, I'll figure out how to write one for her."
"A song? That's unique! Have you got one on mind?"
"Yeah! Maybe I can surprise her with it... but my concern is she mightn't like it"
"You don't know unless you try."
"Try what?" Robin's voice floated in the room over hearing what Cyborg had just said. Starfire and Robin had just walked into the room with their hands in each other's - their fingers interlocked.
"Is Raven about?" Beast Boy asked hoping she wasn't around to overhear the conversation.
"Friend Raven is in her room" Starfire answered.
"Whew! Cy and I were talking about how I can confess my feelings towards her" Beast Boy said, earning the support from Robin and Starfire at once.
"This is simply glorious news, friend, Beast Boy! If you two have the feelings for one another like boyfriend Robin and I we can go on the double of the dates" Starfire said excitedly. She knew at once she had to keep this as a secret and not tell Raven - she wanted it to be a surprise for her.
"I'm happy for you, Beast Boy! Is there any way we can help you with it?" Robin asked.
"I'm thinking of singing a song to confess my love to her - I just need to think of the lyrics" Beast Boy answered. "I have most things covered like the settings and time, just need the lyrics."
"Do you need our help with it?" Robin asked in interest - keen to help Beast Boy as much as he can.
"I think so - I need to come up with ideas but I know this song would need to come from my heart!" Beast Boy said smiling to his leader.
"Boyfriend, Robin - why did you not sing me a song when you told me the feelings?" Starfire asked innocently, making Robin, Beast Boy and Cyborg feel awkward.
Robin rubbed the back of his head nervously. "To be honest Star, I'm not the best of writing songs or singing" Robin answered. "But you know I love you!"
"And I too love you, boyfriend Robin. I'd love to hear you singing sometime" Starfire commented looking at her boyfriend.
After chatting to his friends about other things, Beast Boy got up, meaning to find Raven - not to tell her about his feelings but to get an idea on what else he can give her after his confession.
"Azarath, Metreon, Zinthous" Raven said as she meditated in her room, trying to forget that she overheard Beast Boy say he had a crush on someone. She attempted to focus on meditating but couldn't. All she could think about was him and whoever this mysterious girl was. 'Could he be still in love with Terra? We know she's back but she's not the same girl she used to be' she thought. She remembered Beast Boy told them where Terra was and what she had said to them when he had seen her. She wondered if he somehow managed to restore Terra's memories and rekindled their feelings.
Raven pictured Beast Boy and Terra kissing - which caused her powers to burst a lightbulb in her room. She shook her head. 'Ever since he helped me with Malchior and Adonis, I haven't been able to stop thinking about him, though, I try to keep distracted in case he still loved her. I can't just tell him how I feel. He still may love Terra...' she thought repeating the image of him and Terra kissing again.
Raven snapped out of the thoughts and resumed meditating, well attempted to until her mind again thought about him. 'He's the first one on my mind in the morning, and last one I think about at night... It reminds me of the way I felt about Malchior before he betrayed me, only I know Beast Boy wouldn't do that to me' she added to her thoughts as she continued trying to meditate. Raven gave up her attempts to meditate in her room and made her way to Titans Tower roof, she enjoyed going there during sunset, the view over the city was amazing. The Titan let out a sigh as she resumed her meditating on the roof, enjoying the cool breeze.
Moments later, she sensed Beast Boy coming without needing to open her eyes.
"I thought I'd find you up here, Rae" Beast Boy commented, smiling as he sat near her.
"What are the others doing?" Raven asked, trying to ignore her feelings for him.
"Star and Robin are going to get ready to go out on a date and Cy's just preparing to go on patrol this afternoon" Beast Boy answered.
"Aren't you going to see Terra and tell her?" Raven asked figuring that was his plan from what she overheard earlier - that he loved someone.
"Tell Terra what?" Beast Boy looked at her in confusion.
"That you... like her..." Raven said, slowly as she looked away from him, not wanting him to see that she was feeling hurt about his 'crush' on Terra.
"Rae, all that was in the past. When I last saw Terra at the school, she said she's not the girl I used to know and dumped me, so I figured that she stays the life she wants now rather than be a Titan. It's probably better for her that way anyway, I mean sure I used to be crazy about her but not anymore. Besides, there's another girl who I'm eying but want to tell her at the right time" Beast Boy said, hoping that Raven can catch on his hint.
Raven was relieved that Terra no longer interested him, however, she was still feeling jealous of this girl he liked, unaware the girl was her. "Whoever she is, is she single?"
"From my knowledge, yes" Beast Boy said. "Only trouble is, I'm not sure how to tell her."
"You should tell her when you get the chance otherwise, she'll end up getting taken before you know it" Raven said.
'She's got a point, but wait, does that mean Rae likes someone else then? AH! What'll I do if she does?' Beast Boy thought with concern. "Uh how do I know if she already likes someone?"
"Ask her, but because I don't know who this girl is I can't really help you" Raven said. 'It's probably too late for me to tell him now that he loves someone else!'
Beast Boy decided to drop the subject, he didn't want to lose their close connection all together. He smiled and put his arms around her, and started tickling her sides, she simply looked at him. "You know I'm not ticklish, Beast Boy."
"But you look so cute when you laugh, Rae!" Beast Boy gushed, wanting to hear her laugh, that alone made Raven.
"B, what about that girl you like though, she wouldn't be happy to see you do this" Raven said, as she got up.
'That girl is you though, Rae-Rae!' Beast Boy thought. He watched as Raven got up, grinning to himself he too got up and walked behind her, putting his arms around her.
"If we weren't close, I probably would've sent you flying for that" Raven told him, referring to him hugging her.
Beast Boy smiled. "I would've probably just flown back anyway!" he said referring to changing into a bird of some kind to fly back to her side. "I'm going to head in to play games."
"Good idea, I'm going to read a new book I got the other day" Raven said - she hadn't had the chance to read her newest book. The two friends parted and walked side by side, back into the tower.
'It was so tempting to tell her' Beast Boy thought though now he had an idea how to tell her. 'Instead of a song, think I might do something special like laying rose petals on Titans Tower roof - to lure Raven to our favourite spot one afternoon and morph into a tiger, with a bouquet of roses for her, I'm not sure if songs are her style like the other Raven in Teen Titans Go.' The more the teen thought about it, the more excited he got. 'I'll tell her tomorrow!' he thought with determination.
Later that afternoon, Cyborg walked down the streets to ensure that there was no crime going on, he was now on patrol though sometimes it could get boring when nothing happened. For the moment, everything seemed peaceful much to Cyborg's relief. 'Only a few hours left I finish' he thought as he scanned the streets, observing everything. He watched as an old lady put rubbish in her bin and a few neighborhood kids play cricket in an empty lot which made him want to join them - if he wasn't on patrol, he certainly would've jumped to it. The further he walked, the more peaceful the street seemed to be much to his delight. At least it stayed that way for some time, soon the sun started to set, and the streetlights flickered on, some streetlights however, refused to turn on. 'Must be broken' he thought referring to the lights that weren't switching on.
It wasn't long before something caught his attention - the smell of fire and a woman screaming. 'Finally, some action' he thought as he ran to the direction to the fire which wasn't too far from where he was. It appeared to be a two-story wooden white house which caught alight. He noticed some firefighters already attending the scene and a rather plump looking woman who was wearing a yellow dress with red flowers on it and no shoes yelling at her daughter while holding another child in her arms.
"But mum!" the daughter she was yelling at cried out. Cyborg listened in. He watched on to see if everything was okay.
The girl was about sixteen and had long red hair and hazel green eyes. Her hair was up in a ponytail, she was dressed in a pair of black trousers which had flames come from the hems, Cyborg couldn't tell what colour her shirt was, but it appeared to be the same colour too.
"No buts, Ember! I've had it with you and your so-called fire powers, I want you to get out and stay out!" the girl's mother exclaimed.
Cyborg watched on wondering if the mother was joking. 'Surely, she doesn't mean that she's booting her daughter out of her home?' he thought.
"Mum! You told me to take my gloves off and touch the table to see if I was telling the truth and well, that's what happened, whenever I don't wear my gloves, everything I touch, burns" Ember explained to her. "it's a power I have, and I can't control it."
"Fibber. You probably had a lighter with you and that you're going through some weird teenage phase your friends probably taught you at school" the mother snapped. In her arms was a crying child, who she put down for a while. "As I said earlier Ember, because of your actions we are now homeless once again and we have to wait until our house gets rebuilt. I've had enough of your so-called powers and your attitude. I don't want to ever see you again, now get out of my sight and don't come crawling back to me" the mother yelled at her.
Cyborg wondered if he should intervene, but he realized how angry the mother and decided it was best not to incase she threw something at him.
"Surely you're not serious! Are you really kicking me out of home because of my powers? Like I said many times before I can't control them" Ember said with fear in her voice.
"Yes Ember, like I said many times before, you are a danger to this family because of your obsession with lighting powers. Tell me a good reason why I shouldn't get the police to come and arrest you. In fact, get out of my sight right now before I call the cops" the angry mother snapped. "Get out and stay out! I don't care what happens to you, I don't want another home to go up in flames because of you. I'm tired of moving and I'm tired of you" she added.
Ember looked at her mother unsure if she was telling the truth that she wanted her daughter out - after all, it could be a spur of a moment threat. Her answer came to her once her mother grabbed the phone out and threatened to call the police once again, gulping, Ember took one last look at her house. It was a beautiful two story white wooden home with a once beautiful flower garden out the front - all of it had been destroyed and Ember herself was devastated. She tried saying sorry to her mother while they were inside, but that wasn't enough to cover the damage for both the relationship with her family and her home. Ember felt tears coming from her eyes as she tried fighting them back. "But..."
"GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT and LEAVE US ALONE!" Ember's mother yelled out at her once more. Cyborg watched on in dismay as he watched Ember do as her mother say. Without any clothes aside from the ones she was wearing or money, Ember took one last look at her home and ran off, crying unaware that Cyborg had been watching.
'Stupid powers, I wish I didn't have them' Ember thought as she ran hard as she could, away from her mother and former family home. She cried as she ran, devastated after realizing what happened.
'It was because mother told me to take my gloves off, when I insisted I couldn't, not even for a moment' she thought.
Earlier...
Ember sat on a chair at the kitchen table at her home with her mother and younger siblings. In the dining room was a large brown wooden table, six chairs around each end of the table, a vase with roses on the table and a picture of the family on the wall. Her mother wanted to talk to Ember about a report card at school, while her grades were good, she kept getting complaints about wearing gloves which wasn't a part of the uniform.
"Ember, I had a talk to your teacher Mr. Knightwood, and he said that you keep wearing your gloves all the time. He said you'd be a better student if you removed them. He informed me he has asked you to remove them however, you retaliate and tell him you can't because you'd set things on fire... Now Ember, I'm not a fan of lairs and I agree with him. Gloves are dirty and whatever reason you're wearing yours 24/7 for needs to stop. Its ridicules. Understandable in the wintertime but in summer c'mon Ember, you can do better than that. Remove them now, please" her mother said.
"But mum, it's true. I could set things on fire if I remove them - believe me I would remove them in a heartbeat if I didn't have such powers" Ember said.
"You have a big imagination, Ember. You've been watching the Teen Titans on the news way too much. You don't have powers; you just think you do. You're just a normal teen who for some reason has a big obsession with gloves. Can't be good for your hygiene too, Ember."
Ember blushed at the mention of Teen Titans - she loved her local heroes and the things they did for the city. While she never had the chance to meet them, she knew who they were and what they looked like. "You have no idea how hard it is to remove these gloves, mum. I can't do it... I can only remove them while I'm in the bathroom because I'm near water or swimming. If I'm washing my hands, I can temporarily take them off, but they go back on straight away, I don't have to dry them because they dry fast."
"Ember... I don't want your siblings growing up thinking it's okay to wear gloves all the time. It's just wrong. Just take them off, it's all I ask for" her mother pleaded.
Ember bit her bottom lip and hesitated. The last time she did that she set something on fire and got busted for it. She let out a sigh. "It's a bad idea, mum"
"Let me look at your hands then, with them off," Ember's mother asked.
"No, I can't... it's too risky" Ember said.
"You have a count of three to remove them or I'll take everything away from you. I won't let you see the Titans when they are on the news either" her mother threatened - getting angry at her daughter.
Ember looked anxiously at her mother then back at her gloves.
"One..."
Ember looked around and began feeling scared.
"Two..."
Ember hesitated again for a moment as she looked for another excuse to get out from doing just that.
"Two and a half..."
Terrified about not being able to get the things she wanted, Ember removed one glove and held it in her hand that was wearing a glove.
"See, Ember. You don't have powers, nothing happened... WHA?!" Ember's mother exclaimed in fear when she saw her hand turn red and had a ball of flame in it.
"You see, mum? This is why I can't take it off. Otherwise, this happens" Ember explained as she went to put her glove back on, however, her mother grabbed the glove and shoved it in her pocket.
"Stop being silly, Ember. That's just a lighter you have up your sleeve. The other one thanks"
Ember panicked as she took the other glove off, the hand did the same thing as her first one did.
"Very funny, Ember. Now if you please stop wearing these stupid things" Ember's mother said snatching the other glove from her, she shoved it in her own pocket too.
Ember's hands began to burn from the heat with her powers - she at once knew what that meant and began panicking. "Mum, I'm losing control of my powers, get out quick!" she exclaimed. Her mother thought she was fibbing and laughed.
"Funny magic trick, Ember. Its fake"
Moments later, a flame leap on the table and set that alight, Ember's mother at once quickly rushed to get her kids, pets and a few belongings out before things worsened, she herself got out with Ember. Moments later, the house they were once in was on fire.
Enraged by her daughters' actions, the mother constantly yelled at Ember...
Ember reflected back on the events that caused the disaster as she ran without looking. Moments later, she walked into something hard: THUD!
Looking up for a moment the teen saw a familiar face. "Cyborg?" She asked in confusion.
"Hey are you okay? I heard the commotion down there and wanted to see if you needed assistance" he asked.
Ember looked at him in relief and cried some more. "Did you hear any of it?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry that happened... What kind of powers do you have?"
"Earth and fire. My mum got sick of me pretending they were excuses for wearing gloves"
"I'm sorry that happened. Your powers sound cool! What can your fire and earth powers do?"
Ember looked at Cyborg and knew she could trust him - after all, he was a local hero. She told him about her powers and what had happened. "Now I have no-where else to go" she said in the finish with a sigh. "And I have to get a new set of gloves since my mum took them from me."
'Hm, wonder if the team would let her stay with us. She's been through a lot. I'll ask Robin, but first, I'll see if I can help her find new gloves' Cyborg thought. "I think I can help you with that. Can you go without gloves for a bit, or do you urgently need them?" Cyborg asked.
Ember looked at her hands which both had flames coming from them - though they weren't painful to her, they made her worry. "I think I need them - I'm worried about setting more things on fire - my old teacher gave me the gloves my mum took after understanding my powers" Ember said looking concerned. "If I touch something now - it would catch alight, just like that" she explained.
"We'll find that store which sells your gloves in the meantime, have you had anything to eat?" Cyborg asked. Just as he spoke, Ember's stomach rumbled - she blushed lightly from embarrassment.
"No, I didn't have the chance to eat after school today" Ember replied. "And thank you, Cyborg. I just realized I didn't introduce myself yet - I'm Ember, it's nice to meet you - I've always been a big fan of yours, Cyborg" she said.
"Nice to meet you too, Ember. Aw thank you! Would you like to go for a pizza with me after we get you a new pair of gloves to help your hands? I'll give Robin a call and tell him the situation and ask him if you can stay with us" Cyborg said smiling to Ember who looked at him in delight.
"Thank you and yes please, Cyborg! Would he really let me stay? That'd be a dream being a Teen Titan but what about my powers?" Ember asked in concern - she wasn't too sure if she could control them as she had no practice yet.
"We'll help you train your powers and get them under control - as to him letting us stay - I'm sure he'd be fine with it" Cyborg answered smiling to the teen. The two walked down the path to find the store that has the gloves which Ember needs to protect her hands - the sun started setting and the streetlights flickered to turn on - some streetlights failed to light up while others were fine.
It took a while to get to the store - Cyborg and Ember talked most of the time getting to know one another.
'While it's true, I may never get to see my family again because of my mum's words - I'm relieved I get a second chance as a possible Titan' Ember thought as they got closer to the store. 'I will miss them but it's the way things are and something I have to accept.'
"Well, here we are" Cyborg said - opening the door to the store for Ember to walk in - knowing at the moment she wasn't able to touch anything. Ember thanked him and walked inside, with Cyborg following afterwards.
The store was rather big and had mainly clothing racks - full of different types of clothes for super-heroes. Ember was in awe at the place. "Wow, this is so cool!" she exclaimed. "Never knew this place existed" she added in excitement, wanting to touch everything but knew she couldn't as her hands were still on fire.
At one end of a shop was a till and an older male wearing a Superman outfit at the till - he wasn't Superman of course just a fan. He left his spot at the till and walked over to Ember and Cyborg. "Hi - how may I help you both?" he asked.
Cyborg looked at the man who was wearing a name tag that said 'Jason'. "Hi Jason, this is my friend, Ember and she's after a pair of gloves, you see, she's got fire-powers and while she's not wearing them - flames are seen on her hands" Cyborg explained, Ember showed Jason her hands.
"Ouch! That looks painful" Jason commented. "Shouldn't you go to the hospital about that?"
"I can't - since these are a part of my powers! Do you have anything that could help them?" Ember asked in concern and described what her gloves like before.
Jason thought for a moment then clicked his fingers together. "I think I have the pair of gloves that can help you - are you picky over colours?" he asked.
"No - how come?" Ember said.
"The only ones we have left are black, red and pink - they sell out fast" Jason answered taking her and Cyborg to the shelf that sold them.
"May I please have the black pair?" Ember asked in delight. "They certainly are good gloves - they're the only ones I can wear that work for my powers and allow me to touch stuff while I'm wearing them."
Jason smiled and got the pair out for him - he told them the cost which wasn't cheap - Cyborg paid for them as Ember didn't have money on her at the stage. She planned to get work so she could return the money to him.
"Thank you both so much!" Ember exclaimed as she put her gloves on - at once they helped settle the flames which now are un-noticed
"Are you able to touch things now without setting it alight?" Jason asked in concern.
"I think so" Ember said and touched the ground near her foot - nothing happened much to her delight. "Yes, it's perfect! I certainly will find a way to return your kindness, Cyborg!" she said smiling to him.
Cyborg smiled to her. "You're welcome - and no problem glad I could help out. Now how's about a bite to eat? Then I'll give Robin a call and explain the situation" he said.
Ember nodded - the two thanked Jason once more and left the store. "Now to the T-car to get some pizza and finally call Robin" he said. Ember was looking forward to going in the T-Car. She had seen it on news reports and always imagined being inside it. The two began talking about how they'll work on planning to control Ember's powers.
"Where will we go next, boyfriend, Robin?" Starfire asked smiling to Robin as the couple just left the cinemas. She and Robin were holding hands with their fingers interlocked. Robin was dressed in his tuxedo while Starfire wore the dress she had worn when he had to take Kitten to the prom.
"How about we have a bite to eat at the restaurant then head home?" Robin suggested - just then his communicator went off. Concerned, Robin answered it and noticed Cyborg on the other side sitting in his T-Car which was currently turned off.
"Cyborg?"
"Hi guys! How are you enjoying your date?"
"We just finished watching Monkey Combat and it was great - is everything okay?" Robin asked in concern.
Cyborg told Robin about the situation with Ember and looked concern, he then showed Ember on the communicator who at once smiled and waved to them.
"A new friend to welcome on the team!" Starfire exclaimed happily. 'But friend Raven might not be so welcoming though' she thought.
Robin nodded in agreement. "Ember, you can stay with us - but we'll certainly need to help you train your powers" he said. "We'll meet you soon probably about ten tonight."
Ember smiled in delight and thanked him. She longed to be able to prove herself to the team. 'I just hope I don't mess up' she thought in concern.
After saying a quick goodbye to Robin - Cyborg wondered if he should let Raven and Beast Boy know about her - but hesitated since they might be busy. 'On second thoughts, maybe I'd better, I'll talk to B first then Raven. Not sure how Raven would feel about Ember cause of Terra.' he thought.
"I'll give B a call and let him know then finally, Raven." Cyborg said smiling to Ember as he drove to the pizza palace. "I'll call them while we wait for our pizza to come."
Ember smiled - she remembered seeing Beast Boy and Raven on the news too and knew who they were at once. She couldn't wait to meet the rest of the team.
Sitting upside-down on the couch with the game remote in his hands - Beast Boy grinned as he played Monkey Combat while trying to defeat the next opponent, next to him was Raven, reading one of her new books.
"C'mon just a little more!" Beast Boy cried out watching as the enemy's HP slowly fall down from a fall bar. "Take this! And that!" he cried out watching as the hp fell down further until his opponent fainted. "Alright! I finally defeated him!"
Raven just watched on without a word as she meditated.
Moments after defeating his enemy, Beast Boy's communicator went off - confused, the Titan sat himself up the right way and answered.
"Cy?"
That name alone made Raven snap out from meditating thinking something serious happened, she flew over to Beast Boy's side.
Cyborg explained the situation about Ember and told them that he got Robin and Starfire's approval - just wanted to let Raven and Beast Boy know too.
Beast Boy was keen in meeting her, however, Raven had no interest.
"After what Terra did - I think it's a bad idea, Cyborg" Raven warned him.
"But that's Terra, Raven, Ember's different, at least give her a chance" Cyborg pleaded with her.
"No" Raven answered annoyed at the idea of getting another Titan. "I don't want another traitor in our team."
Beast Boy looked at Raven and knew how she felt. Though at the same time, he was excited to meet a new teammate.
"But Raven..." Cyborg pleaded again.
"No" Raven answered yet again feeling frustrated already.
Cyborg then hung up after saying he'll see them soon. He let out a sigh, he knew this would be a difficult task to convince Raven.
"Most of the team are excited to meet you - except for Raven" Cyborg said.
"I take it she has trust issues. I don't blame her" Ember said.
"Yeah - especially what happened when Terra was here."
"I knew of Terra but don't know what happened - I'm sorry she betrayed your trust" Ember said wondering what Terra did. She remembered seeing the blonde on the news once with the Titans.
Cyborg hesitated about telling her about what Terra did then brushed it off. "Thank you, Ember. We don't usually mention her around Titans Tower now days. It's just best not talking about her especially around Raven."
Ember nodded and decided to say no more about Terra. 'In ways it's kinda like how my mum betrayed me and booted me out but what Terra did must've been much worse' she thought wondering what on Earth she did. "What do the others do for fun, Cyborg?"
"You mean when we're not fighting villains? On days off we usually do fun stuff together or training - depending on the situation. Robin's the leader so he makes most of the decisions, I'm second in charge in case Robin's not available." Cyborg explained. The two arrived at pizza palace and finally made an order of their desired pizzas and drinks - while waiting the two sat outside and talked. "What about you, Ember? Before all that happened, what did you normally like doing?" Cyborg asked.
"Aside from going to high-school, I enjoyed hanging out with my siblings. I never had friends to hang out with because of these powers. I used to go bowling with my dad on the weekends" Ember answered, recalling her memories. "Mum and I rarely would hangout because she hated me wearing my gloves... I sometimes will go to the movies if something caught my eyes or play video games," she added smiling as she mentioned the word 'games'.
"We sometimes go bowling too, it's really fun. I'm sorry people judged you by your powers - I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do. Did you still do bowling with your father until now? We go to the movies too and play video games, what games and movies do you enjoy?" Cyborg said wanting to know more about Ember.
Ember smiled. "Yeah, surprisingly, Dad and I were close, and he knew of my powers he encouraged me to wear the gloves. Not sure how he'll react with mum kicking me out of home though. Movies depending on the series and characters, I'm not fussy on genres. Video games mostly action and adventures, they're the best especially if you can solve puzzles with them" she added. Moments later, a waitress delivered their pizza and drinks, Cyborg and Ember thanked her and hungrily ate their pizza and had their drinks. After they finished, Cyborg paid for it and left with Ember and got in the T-Car.
Beast Boy resumed back to playing his game while Raven sighed. She wasn't very impressed with the fact about having a possible new Titan to join the team especially when they barely knew her. She worried that the Titan would do exactly what Terra had done. Sensing that Raven was quieter than usual, Beast Boy paused his game and looked at her only to see her return to reading her book. "Everything okay, Raven?" he asked.
"Not really" Raven answered.
"Why?"
"How can we let a stranger stay with us after what Terra had done? What if she does the same thing as Terra did? We can't let this Ember girl know our secrets and weaknesses like we did with Terra" Raven answered with annoyance.
Beast Boy looked at Raven. She had a point. "We're just going to have to hope that she doesn't do what Terra did," he said. "She could be a completely nice person."
"Or she could be downright evil" Raven responded to that.
"Good point, there's only one way to find out I guess..." after Beast Boy said that awkward silence filled the atmosphere, until they heard the sound of two of their friends' voices.
"That was glorious, boyfriend, Robin!" Starfire's voice sung into the Main Room as the couple returned from their date with smiles on their faces. Starfire had her arms around the leader's waist. Robin nodded in agreement; it wasn't often they'd get to go on dates together without the interruption of bad guys.
"Welcome back, guys!" Beast Boy said smiling to the couple, Raven stayed quiet, thinking about what the new girl would be like.
"Thanks, Cy's called and he's on his way with Ember" Robin announced, making Raven flinch, he noticed her reaction and looked concerned. He knew at once what that meant.
"You okay, Raven?" Robin asked. Starfire let go of Robin and was concerned for Raven too.
Raven told Robin about her feelings with allowing another Titan on the team.
"I promised Cy we'd give her a chance..." Robin said.
Silence filled the atmosphere once more up until Cyborg and Ember arrived in the room. "Hi all" Cyborg exclaimed happily to his friends. Ember waved shyly to the team, smiling as she did.
"Guys, this is Ember" Cyborg introduced the teen to.
"It's nice to meet you all. I've heard so much about you from the news. You're Robin, Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy" Ember said smiling to the Titans.
"It's very nice to meet you too, new friend, Ember! Tell me, what are your powers, where do you come from, what are your favourite colours and will you be my friend?" Starfire said in excitement eager to make friends with Ember already.
"I come from Jump City, my powers are fire and earth, my colours are red and black and yes, I'd love to be your friend" Ember answered delightedly. Raven felt DeJa'Vu with that answer. Starfire excitedly hugged Ember.
"Hello, new friend!" Starfire exclaimed happily.
"Hello, Starfire!" Ember smiled, returning the Titan's hug.
While most of the Titans gushed and began talking excitedly to Ember, only Robin and Raven were silent wondering if they were doing the right thing. Raven hadn't said anything to Ember as of yet, instead, she chose to go to her room without a word.
"We'll call it a night, and tomorrow we'll do some training, Ember, I'll show you what to do in the training courses" Robin said after a while of chatting to her. He yawned and stretched his arms.
"Boyfriend, Robin, where will new friend, Ember sleep?" Starfire asked - Ember was about to ask that but felt that she'd be a bit rude.
"She could sleep in Terra's old room?" Robin suggested. "Since that's not being used anymore. Or in the spare room we have we could turn the spare room into your room, Ember."
"Could I please sleep in the spare room? I wouldn't feel comfortable sleeping in Terra's old room especially if she came back and found me there" Ember asked.
"Of course, I'll show you the way, Ember and tomorrow, I'll give you a grand tour of Titans Tower after breakfast and training" Cyborg answered smiling to the teen.
Robin nodded in agreement, confirming he was fine with her staying in the spare room. "Though, you don't need to worry about Terra coming back" he added. "Night all, see you in the morning!" he said and gave Starfire a kiss before heading to bed.
"Night boyfriend, Robin!" Starfire said smiling to her lover, she followed after him to head to her room.
Beast Boy bid Ember and Cyborg good night and left to go to his room, leaving Cyborg and Ember. Cyborg showed Ember the spare room which was rather plain - it had a bed, wardrobe and a window which had a view over the city and curtains. "Night, Ember, see you in the morning" Cyborg said smiling to her.
"Good night, Cyborg and thank you again for today, sleep well and will do" Ember said smiling to the teen. She watched him leave and closed the door afterwards looking at the room she was staying in. She switched the light on and made her way to the bed, pulling the sheets down then went to turn the lights off, before returning to her bed and getting into it after taking her shoes and socks off. She stared at the ceiling and began thinking of what her family were doing while she lay awake thinking about them - true she missed them, but she knew she couldn't turn back after how her mother treated her.
"You did WHAT?!" an enraged male adult yelled at Ember's mother after he turned home from work.
"I kicked her out because she set our house on fire, I'm so over her so called superpowers, she doesn't have any!" Ember's mother replied. "And before you think it's a bad idea, I think it's better for her. She's NOT welcomed back in our home, Martin."
Martin - Ember's father frowned at his wife. "But Sarah, what if something really bad happens to her? I mean she's a 16-year-old girl now on the streets on her own, spending the night in a dark alley without food or water..." Martin was a tall and thin male with glasses. He was dressed in a police uniform due to his job being a police officer.
"She'll figure it out! This would be our third home she's destroyed, and I've had enough of moving" Sarah - Ember's mother argued back as she held a child in her arms.
"Yeah, but Ember's special - she has superpowers and could be a hero with them if she trains them right. You have always been hard on Ember from the moment she discovered them" Martin snapped. He was clearly angry at his wife.
Sarah simply shrugged. "She claims she has powers but it's just a stupid excuse to wear gloves and she could do magic tricks as far as we know or make special effects. Her powers are fake - just like her. Yes, I'm calling my own daughter a fake" that alone angered Martin even more.
"Keh! Just like our marriage huh, Sarah? The woman I fell in love with is no longer the same as she hates our daughter because of her powers. Which way did Ember go?" Martin said longing to find her.
"Don't bother..."
"WHAT?!"
"She went off with this tall guy I think he was from the Titans. I don't care anyway..."
"KEH! You're unbelievable! If she's with the Titans, then that's good cause they'd be able to help her out, but I can't believe you don't care who she went with. Which Titan was it?"
"The one who looks like a half robot, I could care for less about them"
"You know what, Sarah? Our marriage is over. That one you mentioned is Cyborg - I know the Titans fairly well for good reasons since they help find bad guys"
"You can't be serious about our marriage, Martin! I still love you, I just don't love Ember" Sarah ignored what he said about the Titans.
Martin let out a sigh of frustration and got back into his car. "You're on your own, Sarah. I'll find you and deliver the divorce papers to you - and in the meantime, I'll ask the Titans how Ember's doing when I next see them" he said not wanting to face her.
"Then you might as well take these two with you since they'd probably have powers too" Sarah said in disgust, handing the two children over to him. Martin stared at his former lover in disbelief. The two young children - twins started crying - they were about seven years old and hated when their parents argued.
Martin took the twins and put them in the backseat. "It's okay, kids. I'm sorry you two have to go through this, your mum is just being a selfish woman" he said.
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Just go already" she said.
"With pleasure, don't expect me to come back to you, Sarah" Martin said then put the seatbelt on the twins in the backseat, he then jumped back into the driver's side and put his seatbelt on. Sarah gave him a few rude gestures and watched as he drove off.
The next morning, Ember woke early. For a moment she wasn't too sure where she was as she woke to a room different to the one, she was used to. 'Oh yeah, I'm in Titans Tower!' she thought excitedly. Instead of her old room at home, which was full of Teen Titans merch, she was now in a spare room in Titans Tower that had a nice view of the city. She threw her blankets off her bed and walked over to the curtains to open them. 'Wow, such a nice view, no wonder the Titans love it here' she thought as she admired the scenery ahead of her. She saw a few boats out in the water and some people flying kites. The weather was nice and sunny much to her delight.
'Robin said he'd see what my powers are like, I hope I don't mess up' Ember thought as she looked at her gloves. She then made her bed and made her way to the Main Room, figuring that's where the Titans all meet in the morning. Most of the Titans were there eating breakfast, except for Raven and Beast Boy.
"Morning, Ember!" Cyborg greeted her excitedly as he ate a waffle for breakfast. "Would you like some?" he asked meaning to make her a fresh batch of course. "I could make you some waffles!"
"Yes please, Cyborg! I haven't had waffles for ages, love them. I take it the others are sleeping in?" Ember answered smiling noticing not all Titans were there. She watched Robin and Starfire for a moment before returning her attention to Cyborg.
Robin and Starfire standing near the window watching the scenery together for a moment. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Starfire asked referring to the day itself.
"Yes, but you're more beautiful, Star" Robin gushed, Starfire pressed her lips against his, pulling him into one of their kissing sessions much to Robin's delight.
Cyborg watched his two friends, half wishing he had a moment like that. 'Maybe someday' he thought. "Alright, how many waffles would you like, Ember? As to the others, B went out to buy something and Raven's most likely meditating on the roof" Cyborg said.
"Two please, Cyborg"
"Do you have honey or maple on it?"
"Honey please"
"What drink would you like, coffee, orange juice..." Cyborg made a large list of drinks for her to choose from.
"Coffee please, Cyborg"
Ember watched him in interest as he made her breakfast and coffee, thanking him after he gave it all to her. 'I really hope I don't mess up my training today' she thought. 'To come and think of it, I never really had much of a chance to use my powers yet.'
"What do we do in training, Cyborg?" Ember asked as she ate her breakfast.
Cyborg told her the list of things they did like explore the weaknesses and strengths. "It's rather fun, we train every morning after breakfast!"
"Even when it's raining?"
"Yep, even when it rains. Rain, snow or shine it doesn't matter what the weather is like. It helps us to fight against villains when the weather's bad too" Cyborg told her.
Robin and Starfire overheard Cyborg talk about training and broke their kiss, the couple then walked together up to Ember with their arms around one another. Robin told her more about the training.
"I didn't really get the chance to ask but can you fly, Ember?" Robin wondered.
Ember shook her head. "I wish I could though, it'd be such a cool experience" she said. "Not to mention handy for my fire powers!"
"Flying is such a glorious feeling" Starfire commented smiling. "Friends Raven, Beast Boy and I can fly" she said.
"I can't, nor can Cy" Robin said though wishing he could at times.
"When do we begin training, Robin?" Ember asked eager to try it out.
"We start training when Beast Boy and Raven come back since it's important for all of us to do it together. B said he went out to get something but not sure what Raven's doing" Robin said remembering the two Titans told him that earlier that morning. "We're looking forward to see what you can do with your powers, Ember" he commented smiling to her.
Starfire and Cyborg nodded in agreement. Ember was a bit nervous, but she too was looking forward to finally being able to use her powers, rather than hiding them.
Beast Boy smiled as he put a small box in his pocket and held a bouquet of roses in his hands. 'I only hope Raven likes these... I'm not sure if she's a rose person... This afternoon I'll tell her if we don't get any disruptions that is' the green teen thought as he made his way back to Titans Tower. He managed to make it all the way to his room without being seen much to his relief, when he was in there, he put the roses on his bed and the small box in his draws for safe keeping. He then resumed to the main room noticing that most Titans were there except for him. Raven was eating breakfast and enjoying an herbal tea.
"Welcome back, B" Robin said smiling to him. Beast Boy smiled and thanked him as he joined Raven's side.
Four of the Titans talked to Ember for a bit while Raven stayed quiet, she still didn't trust her. A while later, the six teens went to the training grounds to see what Ember's powers could do - however, Robin wanted a few Titans to show off their skills first so Ember could get the idea of how to do training.
The first Titan on the training course was Cyborg, who showed Ember what to do as he used the sonic boom to defeat the 'villains' that would pop up now and then as he ran the track. Some parts of the training was tricky for him as the villain would be in an awkward spot, Ember watched as Cyborg managed to defeat the villain without trouble. It took him a bit to finish the course as he had to dodge the villains who would shoot laser beams at him. As usual, Cyborg was able to complete the course with no trouble. "Booyah!" he cried out when it was done. "Your turn, Raven" he said looking at her. After Raven had her turn, it was Beast Boy's then finally Ember's.
Ember took note how the others did the training and had a rough idea on how hers would work. She took off her gloves and started training when Robin said 'Go'.
Ember made a run for it as soon as the villains popped up, she rubbed her hands together and pulled them apart a ball of flame appeared between them afterwards, she then threw it at the villain, destroying it one shot. She repeated the movement at other villains that would pop up now and then wishing there was a better way to use her powers. 'I clearly haven't had the chance to unlock my powers properly yet, due to lack of use' she thought as she wondered if she could do a Flamethrower attack through her mouth. 'Probably not!' she thought as she continued attacking the villains. She heard most of the Titans except Raven and Robin cheering her on. It didn't take her too long to finish the training and when she did, she put her gloves back on and smiled.
"Great job, Ember!" Robin congratulated her. "Though you're a bit rough around the edges, but with some work, you'd make a great member of the team!" he commented.
"Really? Thank you, Robin" Ember said excitedly at the thought of becoming a Titan. Beast Boy, Starfire and Cyborg nodded while Raven stayed quiet.
After Starfire and Robin had their turns with training, the Titans and Ember went back to the Main Room.
Raven made another herbal tea, while Beast Boy grinned and grabbed the game controller to play Mega Monkey, Starfire helped herself to one of her favourite beverages and gave one to Ember and Cyborg.
"Ember, did you get to use your powers much before you came here?" Robin asked wanting to learn more about her. Cyborg was curious too.
"No. I wish though. My mum wouldn't allow it" Ember replied sadly. That was true. Whenever Ember used to want to practice using her powers in the backyard, her mother would catch her and tell her off for it, telling her to stop pretending that she had powers and put the 'matches' away. "She used to think I was playing with a lighter or matches" she added.
"Sounds like she didn't take your powers seriously" Raven commented listening to the conversation as she walked over to Ember with her herbal tea.
"Sadly, she didn't. My father did though and encouraged me to use them, however, when I thought I'd have the chance to do that, mum would catch me, and we'd end up having a big argument. I want to explore and see what else I can do with my powers; I don't want to lose control of them. I'd like to see what I'm weak against" Ember said.
"We'll help you with your powers, Ember. We too want to see what you can do. We need to know what you'd be like up against villains like Mad Mod, Slade, The Hive and others" Robin said.
"I'll be looking forward to the training" Ember said smiling to him. She longed to help them fight villains. She's heard of them from the news, so the Titans didn't need to explain who they were.
"Did you get to bring any spare clothes?" Raven asked as she put her now empty cup on the counter in the kitchen.
"No. Everything, I owned got destroyed" Ember answered wishing she had brought some clothes.
Starfire smiled at the answer. "New friend, Ember, we shall go to the shopping of the mall to buy you some more clothes, friend, Raven, might you wish to join us?"
"Do I have to?" Raven said in her monotone voice, not wanting to go. She'd rather read a book then go to the shops.
"Yes! It will be so much fun for the three of us" Starfire insisted, grabbing Raven's arm in delight. Raven let out a groan, indicating she wasn't interested in going.
"Why don't we all go along shopping?" Cyborg suggested figuring that'd lighten things up.
"As tempting as that is, Cyborg, I need yours and Beast Boy's help with something" Robin said, Starfire and Raven had a rough idea on what he wanted help with.
"We'll see you soon, then everyone" Raven said, taking a glance at Beast Boy before the three left the Main Room. 'I'm guessing Robin wants to sort out a room for Ember - who could be a potential Teen Titan if she's not like Terra. I still don't trust her enough though, the others might' she thought.
Starfire gave Robin a quick hug before they left. Ember followed Starfire and Raven excitedly.
"What store are we going to?" Ember asked figuring it would be Walmart.
"It's a hidden store that us Titans know of. It sells all sorts of clothes for those with powers or abilities" Raven explained.
"It has many cute costumes" Starfire said excitedly remembering when she last went there. "It doesn't just sell outfits it sells the night clothes and the day clothes too" she added.
"Have you ever teleported before?" Raven asked figuring teleporting them would be the fastest way there.
"No, I've either walked or caught the bus, or was a passenger in the car" Ember answered, thinking they'd have a teleportation portal somewhere.
"I'll teleport the three of us to the mall, it's a lot quicker, since you can't fly. Star and I usually would fly there" Raven said. "It'd feel a bit weird. Beast Boy sometimes would feel a bit sick afterwards, but he'd recover quickly, you should be fine though."
Ember nodded. Raven then used her powers to teleport themselves to the mall's entrance. "The shop isn't too far from the entrance it's hidden from a normal person's view" she explained which made Ember more curious on what she meant by that. She was about to ask when a familiar voice called out to her in anger.
"EMBER?! What are you doing with them?" Ember heard her mother's voice yell out. Ember turned around and noticed her mother walking up to her, Starfire and Raven in anger.
"Well, what are you doing with these creepy things?" Sarah asked - referring to the Titans being creepy.
"We're not, the creepy. We are her friends" Starfire said in anger.
Sarah scoffed at Starfire's reply. "Ember's is not allowed any friends. I booted her out of home because she burnt it down" she snapped. "She doesn't deserve anything at all"
Ember stared at her mother in disbelief unsure on how to react. "Mu- no, I refuse to call you my mother anymore"
"From my understanding, Ember needs help controlling her powers, that's what we are going to do, help her with her powers. She's in safe hands with us" Raven told Sarah.
"She doesn't have powers though, she's a fake! She's using matches and lighters" Sarah insisted.
"We watched her in training this morning, she wasn't using them. She was clearly born with these powers" Raven said. Starfire got ready to fight just in case Sarah turned on them.
"You think that, but Ember could possibly use magic effects, and I see you got a new pair of gloves which are even uglier than the ones you wore before" Sarah said, taunting her daughter. She longed to get revenge on her.
Raven, Starfire and Ember started to walk away from Sarah, who at once continued following them, calling Ember all sorts of nasty names and same with Raven and Starfire. In the end, Raven decided it was best to teleport the three into the costume shop, which took Sarah by surprise.
"I'm sorry about my mother. Unfortunately, she's always been that way towards me" Ember apologized.
"I've had worse. Try having a demon for a father" Raven said understanding how Ember felt.
"Friend, Ember, you need not to worry about her. We are here now; you may choose your clothes" Starfire said.
Ember nodded and smiled. She attempted to forget her mother while enjoying the day out with Starfire and Raven while browsing the clothes store. Raven looked bored while Starfire chose to help Ember. Raven leaned against the wall while waiting for Starfire and Ember to finish browsing the store, she watched as the male shop clerk walked over to her.
"Hey cutie, are you free after this? I'm on break at ten and would love to have a tea with you" he said giving Raven a dwarf whistle. That made Raven tempted to knock him out.
"No thanks, I'm not interested" Raven said, hoping he'd get the hint.
"You sure? Maybe you'd like to meet my boss" the clerk commented eying Raven.
Raven got annoyed with him and walked away, however, the clerk followed her until Ember intervened.
"Excuse me, sir? Can I buy these, please?" Ember asked as she held a pile of clothes which interested her. She figured Raven needed some help. The clerk muttered something under his breath and gave Ember a fake smile. Raven mouthed a thank you to Ember.
The clerk told her how much it was, Starfire paid for it then the three teleported back to Titans Tower, not wanting to run into any more unwanted attention from Ember's mother.
Robin, Cyborg and Beast Boy were in the spare room, discussing how they could surprise Ember with it as her own room. "What design do you think will suit her room?" Robin asked as he looked at the plain white walls of the spare room. "We choose carefully when doing up Terra's room"
"Hm. Maybe something that fits her powers? I know she loves comics and games too" Cyborg suggested.
"I know! Maybe we could paint flames on the bottom part of the wall and something else above it? Not sure what kind of scenery though" Beast Boy added.
"We'll have to ask her but keep this quiet until we can surprise her with it" Robin said. "We'd need to find out what she's interested in to get an idea for her room"
"I could ask her next time I go on patrol - perhaps the two of us could go on patrol together since she'd need to learn that too?" Cyborg said.
"That's a good idea, Cyborg. I believe it's your turn to go on patrol tonight, Beast Boy, with Raven. Alright, let's finish talking about it for now and go do something else. How about a game of valley ball?" Robin said.
"Count me in!" Beast Boy grinned. He loved that game, as did Cyborg.
"We'll go and see if the girls are back and ask if they want to join" Robin said. The three Titans left the room and closed the door.
Ember, Raven and Starfire looked worried when they returned to the Titans Tower. The boys greeted them when they heard them talking.
"What are we going to do about my mum?" Ember asked anxiously, worried she'd start causing a lot of trouble.
"We'll have to figure that one out. I really doubt she'd cause more trouble" Raven said, hoping she was right.
"Friend, Ember. Your mother seems... difficult. I'll ask boyfriend Robin about this situation. He might know what to do" Starfire said. Both Raven and Starfire left Ember to find Robin, Ember returned to the spare room and put her clothes in the cupboard.
"What are you talking about, Star?" Robin asked. Starfire, Raven and Ember took turns telling him what had just happened while they were at the mall in regard to Ember's mother.
"Hm. She sounds like she might be trouble - we'll have to keep an eye out on things and hope for the best" Robin said realizing there wasn't much they could do about her mother. "Technically, she's not a villain yet!" he said.
Before the Titans could discuss even more about Ember's situation, the alarm went off.
"Titans, Trouble" Robin said rushing to the Main Room with the team behind him.
"Who is it?" Raven asked watching as Robin got the location up on the screen.
"Someone named Megumi and a ghost kid. Megumi's turning customers into ice so be careful around her and the ghost kid appears to be raiding the bank" Robin told them. "Let's go!" he said, signaling all the Titans to leave the Tower after getting the location and telling them where to meetup. Most of the Titans except Ember and Cyborg left - Ember wasn't sure if she was to join them and looked at the screen, whereas Cyborg looked at her and smiled.
"You coming, Ember?" Cyborg asked, earning a smile from her - Ember then ran with him.
To be continued...