Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans. I only own the plot and the original characters.
Time after Eternity
"Where am I?" thought the pink haired woman as she looked at her surroundings. It was dark, very dark. This was a place where light is devoured by the overwhelming shadows. Jinx tried to emit her usual glow from her hand, but it refused to work. "Why…what…" she stammered, when suddenly a cone of light, like a spotlight, broke through the gloominess, revealing a large oval mirror.
Jinx's eyes scrunched up, "A mirror? What is going on?" She started to walk, but not before looking down, noticing her usual black and blue slim jumper on her person. She ran her hand through the fabric, stretching her arm, admiring the sight.
"My own clothes! Finally!" The ash skinned maiden adored the threads, making her way towards the mirror. While Jinx slowly reached nearer to the vanity object, a series of spotlights marked the girl's trail. She ignored the suspicious lighting and continued towards the mirror. Jinx loved fashion and keeping a healthy image was part of her several hobbies.
She giggled at the thought, now standing in front of the mirror. The young sorceress' blood froze at the reflection staring back from the glass. The image scared her down to the bones, mocking her soul and existence. The reflection had the similar fine grey ash skin, slender curves, and fair bone structure, but there was a noticeable difference: It was Raven.
"No. No…" the terrified Jinx shook in denial, staring at the girl's purple hair and eyes mimic her expressions. She covered her face, starting to sob; the quivering figure refused to see it. Without warning, the girl heard a malice voice chucking throughout the colorless dimension.
Jinx turned back at the mirror, only to see her own reflection copying every movement. She gradually moved close to the point where her nose almost touched the delicate crystal surface, studying her own features. "It is just a lapse of sanity." Jinx assured herself, and smiled. Striking one last vain pose, Jinx smirked and turned her heels away.
The girl took one step, and then stopped suddenly. Her eyes were the size of planets, her soul almost jumped out the mouth from the touch. Bullets poured down from her forehead, while the grey feminine hand gently rubbed her neck and collar bone. She couldn't move; the legs shut down and refused to listen to her brain that was shouting out commands to run.
Unfortunately Jinx didn't listen to common sense. She froze as if Medusa just looked at her. The young girl gulped when an eerie, yet familiar, euphoric-filled voice burned into her ears, "How hurtful, you forgot about me already?" Slowly she turned her head to the mirror, and gasped at the violet haired girl's red, burning eyes.
The evil Raven image bore an almost perverted smile, "I will make sure you never forget…" The speed was incredible for a counter reaction, as black tendrils shot out the mirror, constricting Jinx's neck and arms.
The hex princess struggled, clawed, and pleaded for mercy, but nobody was there to listen. In fact nobody was there, nobody cared for her anyway. While Jinx's body was disappearing gradually into the mirror, she whimpered a name that barely escaped her lips, "Mommy…"
And here came the usual scream…
--9999.99—
"Jinx! Jinx! Wake up!" said the worried young woman, desperately shaking her companion to return back to reality.
The girl rolled violently inside the makeshift tent, until she forced open her pink eyes, breathing loudly and haggardly. She felt her night shirt (borrowed from Kris) drenching in sweat, the shredded pink hair stuck in a state of chaos, and it was the look of terror that sent Kris' heart pummeling. Kris kneeled down to eye level, moving the wet pink strands away from Jinx's face.
The girl placed her hands on Jinx's shoulders, voice tinged with sadness, "It's okay, you were having a nightmare."
She didn't know what happened for a second, but when Jinx felt the touch, she withdrew away and stood up abruptly. Jinx ignored the girl's worried look, "Thanks Kris, I am sorry that I scared you… is it time to continue up to the Citadel?"
Kris bit her lip, silently rejecting the subject change, but decided to leave it alone, "Yes, Rachel (the druid girl's name) said it is about 1 more day until we reach the city."
Jinx agreed, smoothing out the wrinkles on the lent black top and purple skirt, "Just give me a few seconds to get ready. I'll meet you outside."
Jinx's partner let out a barely audible, "yeah" and walked out the tent, meeting with a distraught cloaked female.
"Is Lady Jinx alright?"
Kris rubbed her eyes, "Yeah she's cool. It was only a nightmare."
The response satisfied the Rachel's curiosity, and then she proceeded to absently cover her black hair with a red bandanna, "I hope it's only a nightmare; that sounded like she was being killed from the inside. Do me a favor dear and pray for us."
--9999.99—
After enduring several beasts, torturously humid temperatures, and being crammed in a small tent with two other girls, Jinx was finally relieved to see the Citadel gates from a distance. The little escort trip took roughly 4 days, and since it was way off the trail to Galensberg, well the odds of making the festival is pretty slim.
Then again, Kris made a good point stating that the information gathering could be done after the special event is over. Whatever is the case, Jinx could not wait to finish this hike; she, like the other teens from the year 2004, relied on a complex machine called an automobile for transportation. Right now, she would kill for a Hugo, or even a Pinto.
The girls looked in wonder, as they stood in front of the opened stone gateway. Jinx began to walk through, only to be blasted back by a force of unseen energy. The fallen girl rubbed her butt from the hard fall, "What the hell? That is some security system!"
Rachel blushed behind her grey cloaked hood, "I am sorry Miss Jinx; I thought the eye was purified.
Kris turned to the girl, "What is the eye?"
The female disciple pointed upward to the blue orb embedded into the middle of the arch, "The stone is contains powerful psychic energies that is released in waves at a daily basis. It is to keep the regulars out of the premises." The girl pulled out a red jewel necklace and held it out in between the entrance way. With a loud CHING! Sound, the orb twirled in 10 revolutions, changing the color from blue to bright yellow. Rachel smiled to her outsider friends, "I welcome you to the Citadel of the sun."
Jinx and Kris each cautiously walked inside, following the guide closely. The town itself consisted of small square houses made of brick stones. It contained the usual places that made a town operational, such as market places, Inns, and schools. Jinx felt uncomfortable from the strange stares and looks of the common townspeople. Everyone either male or female wore black hooded cloaks as if they belonged to a Raven fan club.
The thought of Raven opened a brief flashback to the nightmare she experienced earlier, which caused the young woman to shiver temporarily. Kris didn't notice this as she heavily focused on the large masses of grey figures, "Everyone here took fashion tips from Teresa."
Rachel giggled, "You mean the elder Teresa? Where do you think she lived after escaping SM?"
"Really, she's one of the blessed? Should have seen the hints, I mean she is the only one on the island who wears those weird cloaks; even when temperatures hit over 90." Kris exclaimed, feeling excited to be meeting one of the famous figures only heard in stories.
Rachel pointed out towards the horizon, revealing a large temple up on a mountain top. The tourists' eyes followed the direction, and awed at the large white structure with a red shining dome. Before the two could comment about the sight, they looked ahead to find a set of three long stairways leading to the destination. Though Rachel had no problem with this, Jinx thought otherwise, "I REALLY miss cars and elevators."
--9999.99—
When they entered the temple, the sight looked absolutely breathtaking: There were white stone pillars on both sides, each inscribed with a language unfamiliar to Jinx and Kris. The clear red dome created a perfect 360 degree circular light covering the exact specifications of the stone-etched sun design on the floor. Factions of subjects scurried about, escorting their children to one of the candle-filled statues for spiritual purposes. Jinx's eyes bathed in the structural design eye candy while following the druid girl to the upper levels.
During their flight up, Rachel gave brief introductions of the various rooms. The Library, a storage room, and a fairly impressive weapon collection, though the ironic thing is that the druids practice pacifistic ideals. The further they went, the more eerie the hallways became, with disintegrating white candles being the only source of light.
Kris shook the arm of her fellow partner, "Is it just me or do you have the feeling a mind-eating zombie will burst out the walls and attack us?"
Jinx couldn't believe what she heard, "Hmmm… no doesn't feel like that movie, House of the Dead. Besides this place is more expensive which means more production value."
Kris giggled, "A movie? I haven't heard that word in a long time. People here call it a motion story. And just to mention, a typical horror movie here involves a bunch of kids wearing bad make up with stop and edit time sequences. Trust me, after what you watch here, you'll be begging to see even the worst movies from your time."
"I didn't know you have television down here? What about GOD?"
"What I heard is that while raiding SM, someone stole large amounts of technological equipment. After that it didn't take long to set up a complex network of visual entertainment. The only problem is that it is only available in the rich areas. Taman is very rural area; Abel and I would travel to the urban cities in the north to watch movies and such."
Jinx was impressed, "Wow, I just learned something new today."
The women's conversation stopped by a shushing gesturing coming from their guide. They faced forward, finding themselves in a medium room where the sun illuminated the entire area that was filled with an assortment of colorful flowers. Rachel motioned the girls to follow, and they walked up, stopping upon noticing a red hooded individual humming an unknown tune.
Showing the utmost respect, Jinx and Kris remained silent, allowing Rachel to speak, "Excuse me honorable one, I wish to speak to you, it is of high importance."
The crimson fabric blurred with the figure's sudden twirl. The face was still hidden but the red dress exposing briefly under revealed it to be a female. Jinx noticed that this person is pretty tall. Taller than herself, she estimated the height to be equal as Slade's.
The figure moved into the sunlight, a wide smile crept within the covering darkness, "You are not bothering me friend. If it is very important, then I have all the time in the universe to listen."
Rachel bowed down shortly before speaking, "Terra, I found out that more than 200 individuals wish to learn under your teachings, and they are willing to pay for a more secure route since there has been conflicts concerning IC. They are enthusiastic to leave 3 days ago, but because of a beast attack, it took longer to get here."
The girl named Terra put a hand gently on Rachel's cheek, "Oh… well that business can wait. The important thing is your health. Are you hurt? Do you need medical assistance?"
Rachel shook her head, "No I am fine, and all thanks to these brave warriors standing before me."
Jinx saw the woman turn towards her compatriot, who in return beamed and blushed from the recognition. When Terra faced her, she could have sworn the figure drew back in fear or some sort. She didn't know this person and already it seemed that Terra couldn't stand her. Jinx heard the woman talk, "And I thank you too Lady Jinx. Just to show you my appreciation, you can stay here if you wish." The mysterious woman's voice came out crackle and forced, as if saying such words were tainted.
Jinx ignored the thought, "We would stay but we have important business in Galensberg."
The red hooded woman nodded, and as if it was fate, a gush of wind decided to make its move, pushing back the person's hood for a moment, revealing the girl's facial features. Before covering herself in secrecy, Jinx saw the girl to have peach-like tan skin, and a set of blue eyes rivaling the color of afternoon ocean waves.
In addition to that, her flowing light blonde hair manipulated under Mother Nature, causing strands to cover the blue orbs. Terra took a moment to push her hair back, which indicated that the woman had long hair. Oddly enough, a feeling of déjà vu emerged in Jinx's stomach, "Why does it seem like I met this woman before? I don't know anyone named Terra, but yet her presence seems very familiar."
"Hey Jinx!" shouted Kris, that snapped the mystic hex princess out of a contemplating trance. Jinx stared at the others in the room and blushed at the inner thought predicament. Quickly, the woman tried to justify her actions, "I am sorry Miss Terra, I mean no…"
The blonde mystic put up a hand, "Its okay… You should be on your way if you want to get to Galensberg before the festival starts. I already told your friend Kris that you can use one of the excavated anciently revived vehicles in the transport station."
The pink haired girl smiled, "Thank you again, maybe we will visit another time."
Terra turned away to tend the flowers, "Just give a call ahead of time, we maintain a strict policy of security. "
"Of course we understand O great holy one!" chimed Kris with her playful tone.
Terra and Rachel tried to suppress a giggle but failed. The two girls were led out by Rachel, leaving the blonde woman alone. Looking back at the entrance to ensure nobody will show up, Terra pulled back the hood, letting her golden threads of hair to play along by with the wind gusts. She bent down to pick up a rose, and accidentally crushed the stem into two.
Her eyes glowed with an eerie bluish green flare, which instantly dimmed out after keeping the emotions in check. She growled loudly, letting the suppressed tears of hatred escape her eyes, "It…It…is your entire fault my friends drifted apart; you caused it all. I don't know how you were able to be here in this time, but I swear to inflict the damage I longed for ever since that day happened."
--9999.99—
A gigantic wooden gate stood before them; it was amazing to Kris that Jinx was able to get to Galensberg quicker than the expected time. Then again, Kris also had to endure Jinx's type of driving which revealed to her that vocal cords can carry a pitch beyond the music note sheet. She figured the inspiration came from the near death experience being Jinx's passenger.
As the two women walked out the now smoking vehicle, Kris finally regained her ability to speak, "I confronted shock troopers, Armodrones, soul-sucking wraiths, and even Abel's parents but riding with you had to be the most terrifying experience in my entire life."
Jinx felt insulted, "Ah shut up! Everyone's a critic."
Kris made sure her crimson dress and bandana fit correctly before solemnly looking at the situation, "Crap, I have to admire your speed, but still we didn't make it. It's closed."
"There has to be a way to get in, just think."
The hazel skinned girl studied Jinx and the gate, and then looked at both again, "I got an idea Jinx, besides I think it's a good time to show you my magic. Listen, here's the plan…"
--9999.99—
A grey skinned beauty swiftly evaded her way out of the guard's eyes. She put all the HIVE espionage tactics in use, even if a long purple skirt made movement very difficult.
"Why can't we just bust in? Oh right, they'll attract too much attention." Jinx sighed, charging up a wave of hex energy from her fists, "Well, here goes nothing, show your stuff Kris!" She fired the pink wave at the side of the gate, hearing it creak for a moment just before the two massive planks of wood crashed down.
Jinx quickly took out a Citadel cloak donated earlier by Rachel, and started to put it on. The guards filed out with swords in hand, investigating for the culprits. She saw a nearby cloaked figure nearby, and calmly walked towards her.
--9999.99—
"Spread out men! Search and capture any suspicious individuals! We will not have another tragedy like last time!" the commander yelled, frantically trying to make sense of the situation. About six other men searched every inch of the forest to try and fish out any known terrorists or criminals. The search almost became futile until one of the men shouted out back to the commander, "Sir, I found two people!"
The guard pushed the two hooded girls to the commander, immediately raising their hands in surrender. The commander roughly took off each of their hoods, revealing their faces, "Are you the ones who did this?"
The long haired tan girl widens her eyes in disbelief, "No sir! We are just followers of the Citadel! Do you not realize our grey uniform?"
"Look girly; I don't care if you are wearing nothing! How do I know you aren't responsible?"
The girl's pink haired companion now spoke, "Because kind sir, my friend and I believe in pacifism. We do not do acts of reckless violence for no reason, or with malice."
The commander raised her brow in suspicion, when one of the soldiers replied, "Sir, they may be right. My sister is part of the Citadel, and I can tell you that this attire is authentic."
The group started to speak among themselves, irritating the leader even more. Gritting his teeth together, the commander yelled, "Okay! But still, you cannot go into Galensberg at this time. You missed the deadline!"
The girls spoke at once, "But sir…"
"No buts! My decision is final!"
The women looked at the man and started chanting some weird words. Everyone gave their own type of "what the hell" expression during this situation.
Suddenly without warning, the girls looked at the commander and laughed hysterically. The laugh not only raised more eyebrows, but for the commander, increased his aggravation level, "Why are you laughing?"
The brown eyed female giggled, "I know why you won't let us in… it is because you are weak in strength, confidence and other personal areas. I see it into your eyes."
The commander's face paled a few shades of white then turned red, "How dare you insult me! I have you know that I am the strongest in the force! I am also known to rock in the personal areas too honey!"
"Really, I don't know, my vision does not lie. I see that you can only produce small, very small, very very small, aftershocks." said Kris in a beaming way.
Now steam pushed out of the ears, "WHY YOU LITTLE WENCH! Let us fight and find out!" He unsheathed his sword and pointed it at her. Jinx had the impulse to try and intervene but refrained.
Kris wagged her finger, "No, No, I am a pacifist remember? I'll tell you what: I'll give you my strongest blow, if you fall down from it, you will give us access inside. If you withstand it, then I'll give you a holy revelation you will never forget. Should be easy right? I mean you are a strong, handsome, and very well gifted man, right?" Kris emphasized the last sentence with a seductive wink and tone.
There were a series of wolf howls from the group. Jinx thought she heard Robin was a girl or something twice as shocking coming out of Kris' mouth. She leaned over to whisper but saw Kris mouth off words, "Don't worry about it."
If there is one thing men can't resist, it had to be the offer of sex, "Okay girly, you got yourself a deal. I got a special collar for our role playing tonight."
When Jinx heard these words, she had to desperately fight back the feeling to hurl.
Kris smiled, "can I at least get a practice slap first?"
The commander arrogantly replied, "Sure why not?"
She walked close to the man and gave him a light slap on the cheek. The man's head only turned mid way; even Jinx saw the weakness behind that blow. The men hollered, laughing and whistling at the possible conquest tonight.
The commander laughed, "Are you sure you don't want to ride on this?"
"Okay, here's the real deal… wait let me fix my dress first."
While Kris was bending down to fix her pant leg, she did a swift hand motion that glowed shortly of orange. Jinx was the only one to notice this, at the same time also catching a glimpse of the girl's irises flashing orange. When Kris stood straight, an orange aura lingered in the air engulfing the commander's shoulder. It was small and light particles that blended in the shining sun rays. The men was too distracted to notice this, but not to the hex mystic girl who watched attentively.
Kris announced loudly, "Here it goes!" She slowly, as before maintained the weak speed, and a small crack echoed in the air when making contact.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! My face! My jaw feels as if it was smashed by a damn sledge hammer!" screamed the commander, who rolled into the earth, shrieking loudly and pouring out a river of tears. The men stood shock, trying to understand the frantic situation.
But they were not the only one who stood dumbfounded. Jinx also dropped her mouth open, amazed at the event unfold. She felt a tapping on her shoulder and turned to see Kris, grinning as if she won a large sum of money, "I guess we won the bet."
One of the soldiers stopped trying to comfort the wailing adult and shouted at the girls, "Freeze! Where are you going?"
Kris continued her way inside, refusing to turn around, "I won the bet! If you want to keep you and your leader's reputation in stake then you better leave us alone! That is unless you want me to spill this information to the public?"
The fallen person pleaded with agony, "You may go, just don't say anything!"
As the leader's cries faded away, Jinx and Kris took off their hooded capes, exposing their regular clothes. It didn't take long for Jinx to ask the million dollar question, "What the hell did you just do?"
Kris' hands began to glow faintly orange, "It's my power. I have the ability to fuck with anyone's nervous system. With one blast, I can either amplify the pain receptors to treat each little touch like bullet wounds, or negate them to make one feel absolutely invincible."
Jinx shook the pink strands of hair out her face and laughed, "Very nice! No wonder that man cried as if he was being castrated!"
The roads began to crowd with many people, and Kris decided to run off on her own to buy items from vendors. But before she left, she hugged the hex princess and whispered into her ear, "Pain is not the only thing I can raise or lower. I can also control the feeling of bliss. Can you imagine that? One touch and… well you know what happens next."
Jinx instantly gasped and looked at the fleeting young girl. Her face started to get hot and red from the words that were just exchanged. But what made her very warm was her brief thought of imagination.
She shook out the perverted thoughts and tried to compose herself quickly, "It's just the sun. It is just the sun. It is just the sun. It is just the sun. No, that won't work! Calm down! Think of a washing machine, water polo, No… No… nothing with water! Come on, think of something not attractive: … … … Control Freak… Control Freak… Hey it's working!" She broke out her strain of thought when she saw Kris waving at her to join one of the many games in Galensberg.
Author Note: Thanks for those who review! Constructive Criticism accepted!