Author's Note; Please Read: Due to QuickEdit hating my guts...
I'm sorry that things are not evenly spaced out and that it must look
like crap. I would've uploaded sooner too.
Alas, I was busy the past two days and I wasn't able to get to it until now. Just to let you know I've already started on the next chapter. To people in the future who read this when it's complete, please disregard my ramblings. Thank you.
Diclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans. Do I wish I did? Yes. Will I ever? No.
Chapter Five: Blast From The Past.
The trio of friends silently walked down the street to the park nearby. The person who had summoned them wouldn't be there for a couple of minutes so they chose the black park bench and sat, waiting.
It was unusual for such a silence to exist between the three. Usually, Beast Boy would be energetically talking to Cyborg or trying to make Raven smile at one of his corny jokes. But now he was silent with a small, thin booklet clutched in his hand. It had a leather cover and a coarse piece of string that seemed to be lock. Not much for secrecy it looked like. This was the reason Keith had wanted to talk to them. The conversation Robin hadn't attended to a few minutes ago; seemed to worry the man. Hastily he closed the speaker link and asked to see them in person down at the park. The booklet must be more important then they thought.
"Hey B.B.," spoke Cyborg. "What made you pick up that thing in the first place?" Ruptured from his current train of thoughts, the small teen looked up at his friend and shrugged. "I dunno, dude. I guess after we knocked out those guards, this was the only thing I could get my hands on." He lifted the book up towards the sun, as if it's light rays would produce some secret hidden message. "It seems familiar though." He dropped his hands and shook his head. "I don't know why, it's all in a forgein language." He flipped open the book on the picnic table to a random page. Squiggles and lines in perfect, neat order lined the pages. It seemed more like Japanese characters, yet with alien symbols mixed in. It was utterly confusing in the least.
"Maybe this will help us end this goose chase Robin put us after." Raven casually said. She was right too. Ever since Robin had taken a glimpse at Starfire at the Jump Fest concert and had seen the mysterious signature on Beast Boy's CD booklet, he was incredibly obsessed with Blackfire and her sister. Luckily he had met Keith who helped him in discovering one of the mysteries. While escaping through the mansion, they had some across Kory who helped them out safely. She seemed nice, smiling and innocent. Their meeting had only lasted a few minutes but already Robin wouldn't stop thinking about her, it showed on his face. Today they were to meet her in person and go out for the day. Alas, it seemed that fate intervened and now it seemed they had a bigger problem to solve.
A couple minutes of idle chat later, Keith jogged up to the table, taking a seat next to Cyborg. "Whew. Hey lads and lass. Everyone okay?" They responded 'Yes' in their own way. "Good. Now, how bout that book?" Beast Boy handed it over and Keith's brow furrowed. He inspected it carefully, as if it was an ancient artifact, and put it down. "Yup, this is it." Raven frowned. "And what is it?" Flipping through the pages, the vendor answered, "It's a chronological journal. In it is a brief recording of a point in time. Sort of like a small biography I guess you could say. I've only seen it a couple of times but it seems well protected for some reason. How did you get your hands on it?" Cyborg and Beast Boy looked at each other.
"Well, we had to take out a couple of guy's first. The rest was all B.B.. He found it." Cyborg waved his hand at the green Titan. Beast Boy gulped and smiled. "I...uh...Well it seemed familiar, like I had seen it somewhere before, ya know?" He rubbed the back of his head. Keith nodded as if he expected to hear the answer. "It seemed so. I only found out why a couple of days ago. Do you still have your CD booklet?"
"Of course he does. He brings it everywhere with him to flaunt it to people who don't have the CD." Raven rolled her eyes and folded her arms. Beast Boy stuck out his tongue at her and handed the booklet off. Keith propped the two up, steadying them with his hands. "Look at the cover. Now look at the writing in the journal. See a similarity?" The smallest teen crouched down and peered over the picnic tabletop. The cover had squiggles and lines for its album title. The journal had squiggles and lines for writing.
Click.
"They're both in the same language." Cyborg rumbled in thought. He crossed his arms though, in frustration. "I don't see how this connects to what Robin was searching for though." He pointed to the cover and to the booklet. Nothing was different. Keith smiled. "Ah! I see know lad. Look here too." He pointed to various spots in the journal. They were the exact same as on the cover of the booklet. It was as if it was conjured to be a word. "You don't live with two Tamaran's and not hear or see some of their language." He started to laugh and suddenly realized his mistake. He looked at the Titans surrounding him and started to sweat.
"I-I mean...uh..."
"They're from Tamaran? Dude, if all the chicks look like Starfire or Blackfire, I'm packing my bags 'cuz I found my paradise." Beast Boy smiled and tried to lighten the mood. Unfortunately Raven and Cyborg were too immersed in the mistake to laugh.
"Tamaran is a secluded country. How did they get over here?" Raven bluntly asked. She knew that very few Tamaranians left their country to live somewhere else let alone become rock legends.
Its rulers had concealed their borders because it was on the brink of civil war.
The southern and northern borders had their differences between themselves but had never escalated to such a drastic state before. At random intervals, houses and farms would come under attack, the pursuers leaving behind messages covered in the victim's blood stating that they wanted a change in the political powers of the opposing side. Of course, not one side was going to change to the other's views and ways, so the violence grew and grew till masses of modern civilians would gather together and attack a small town or part of a city. The fighting never left from the borderline because if a group ventured too far into enemy territory, it was a sign of all out war.
The innocents though, wished to flee the country and seek shelter. It was impossible because of the angered rulers and their ego that wished to have all their people stay inside and fight. 'Watch us celebrate victory!' was their response as to why they couldn't leave. In reality, the monarchies needed every person they had. It was going to be a fierce war.
Keith looked down ashamed that he spilled the beans. "Those two sister's were able to escape thanks to their parents and I. They had them shipped off fast before their parents ordered the country to become isolated. Yeah, don't give me that look, lass. Their mom and dad are royalty. Luckily, back in the past, I had met them while picking up goods to sell. I soon became a family friend was able to take Koriand'r and Komand'r...er...Starfire and Blackfire...in for shelter. And now I guess they can support themselves better than I had for the past couple years." "Wow." Cyborg whistled. "Now that's something. So what does this journal chronicle then?"
"Something happened between when they were going to leave and how they came to stay with you. Am I correct?" Raven stared intensely at the vendor. It was as if she was boring a hole into his soul. He nodded.
"Yes. It was how Blackfire started in her career."
"Oh. Well...that's really not anything." Beast Boy leaned his elbow on the table and put his chin in his palm.
Keith raised his brow. "Not really anything lad? I think you're a little mistaken. This journal does record how Blackfire started to become popular, but there's a secret hidden in the translation. Something transpired between her and Starfire that caused so much hatred at her younger sibling. I've been trying to find out that message for the past two years when they stepped on my doorstep with luggage in hand. Unfortunately, I'm not fluent in Tamaran."
"And there's barely anyone around who is because of the scuffle." Raven pointed out. She folded her arms and shook her head. "So again we've hit another road block in our search for Robin's mysteries. His curiosity is disgustingly contagious."
Keith stood up to leave. "I would appreciate it if you didn't tell Robin or mention that you know anything around Kory. It would just complicate matters further."
"Wait! What about the signature!" Beast Boy was practically ready to jump out of his bench seat and chase after the vendor.
The man simply turned around and walked backwards. "Oh come now. You're a smart lad! Just think...Star...Fire..." He turned around again and started a jog back up to the mansion that sat on a hill overlooking Jump City.
When asked about her style of lyrical writng, she responded, "Of course I write all my own songs...
It's just a part of talent that I use to my advantage..."
The Jump City cityscape was become darker and darker as night's eternal fingers stretched out across the rooftops, hungrily seeking out any sunlight that might try and hide from the ever-encroaching blackness. It only lasted for a few moments as a half moon appeared; shining in the night sky like a beacon for hope that showed darkness cannot win. But in one little alleyway by the city bay...it had.
In horror and mystery movies alike, the alleyways were a symbol for death and stalkers. Citizens would walk by, clutching tightly to their belongings or watching behind their backs, as they passed by such empty darkness. It was cliché to have a victim struggle in the night, run down the street calling for help and turn into a side street only to find it blocked. They were trapped. Nobody likes being trapped without hope. Unfortunately, there was one such alley that gave that feeling and impression. The rusted, old fire escapes that hung off of unused apartment buildings creaked with weariness as old garbage and waste filled one's nose with a horrible smell.
This alley was different then the rest. It didn't have the wall that blocked people from escaping. Instead, it led from the wooden docks of the bay to one of the moderately busy streets in Jump City. Suddenly, a rat skittered from behind one of the trashcans to hide underneath the dumpster just across the way. A shadow, a figure, a person, emerged from the darkness. Its breath was ragged and angry. The steps it took gave a small 'Squish' as the person ambled crookedly out to the street. The moon shown on the dark, drenched figure in a small glow. It gave the person an almost zombie-like look.
"How dare he. How dare he! Taking sides with that...that witch! Argh! Next time I will make him pay. I'll make him watch his darling little Kory struggle in vain as I take control of him. Nobody can resist me!" Kitten cried out to no one in particular as she wrung fluid out form her hair. Her clothing was ruined, the make-up on her face was a mess and now she has to hike two blocks just to get a cab. Once Blackfire gets a hold of this, Kory will be locked up, cemented in and kept on guard for the rest of her life. Then, she will be on the singer's good side again. That was most important.
"Ma'am. A moment if you please."
She whirled around and caught sight of a police officer standing before her. Just great. Now she was going to get reprimanded for 'walking out in unsafe areas after sunset.' Kitten didn't need to hear this right now. She had other...plans.
"Yes? What do you want?" The officer raised a brow at her rudeness. He shifted to the side and brought out a large...well a large something from behind him. It was too dark to see anyway. Kitten huffed and looked at him to continue on. "Is this yours ma'am?" She waved it off as something stupid and gave an answer or 'Yes.' Free stuff can't be that bad could it? It was surprising when the man gripped her upper arm and started to talk into his radio. "W-what is this?" Kitten struggled to break free but his hold tightened. She then took another look at the item.
It was the little brat's bicycle!
The police officer sensed her realization. "Lucky for me he gave an accurate description of you and on my patrol I find the thief here. Lucky for you, I'm his uncle." No! This wasn't supposed to happen! This whole day wasn't supposed to happen! Robin should be repelled at Kory, hating her naiveté and digesting innocence. He was supposed to have left that bitch on the docks and follow her instead. She could've given him everything. "W- wait! I was j-just kidding! Ha ha ha? Funny, right?" The officer frowned and muttered. "Hilarious."
Kitten then spoke without thought. "N-No! I can't go to jail! Not now! I have to follow someone!"
"Oh, a stalker now, are we? That'll put you up for good."
Kitten rambled on and on though. Declaring her innocence in the whole case, but the officer had had enough. He heard stuff like this everyday and it just grew boring. Thankfully he had a speech prepared for people just like her. I think you may know it. It went something like this:
"You have the right to remain silent..."
Alone in solitary bedroom, a phone sat ringing off its hook.
A well built, tall man leaned over and picked up the receiver. "Hello. You have reached Blackfire's residence."
A screeching voice resounded through the line. "Keith! Keith you have to get me out of here! I'm at the local police station accused of theft!"
Without missing a beat, Keith recited the last part: "We're sorry we can't come to the phone right now. Please leave a message and we'll get right back to you. Have a nice day!" A loud, piercing shriek of 'KEEEEIIIIIIITH!!!', echoed and shook in the vendor's hands. He smiled. That was one phone call wasted.
'Click.'
The house sat silent and still. The only indication of occupation was the slight flickering of a TV in the living room.
Cyborg flipped through the channels, bored. He checked his watch and saw that it had just turned to one-thirty in the morning. Robin must've been having a good time or was out punching himself in the face for being an idiot to take a girl out after he had met her for twenty minutes the day before. Deciding to crash at his house and wait for the news, the large teen yawned and checked his watch again. Do dates usually last this long for him?
The screen switched a couple of times until it finally landed on an old classic action movie. The protagonist was punching the antagonist around because he looked at the hero's girl in a desiering manner. Cyborg chuckled and wondered if Robin would do something like that. Probably, that boy has a jealous streak two miles wide. If he had something and someone was to make fun of it, they would get a beating. If not, a good punch in the jaw. He usually settled things pretty quick then. The biggest Titan was just getting comfortable with the cheesy fighting when his buddy stepped through the door.
"Hey, Boy Wonder! How was your date tonight?"
Robin didn't answer or even become startled that Cyborg had stayed at his house uninvited. He shuffled through the room, bumped into the wall and a table before he decided to sit down in a kitchen chair. A deep sigh emitted from him as he placed his elbows on the table and put his face in his palms. The athlete put on a pitying look. Looks like his date didn't go as well as he would think. Ah well, better to have loved and lost, right? Lumbering over to his smaller friend, he took a seat next to him and turned on the light. Cyborg's eyes widened and he took a small breath as he saw one of the very few times Robin had taken his mask off. He never would have thought that this would happen to Robin...
...for he was love-struck.
It wasn't until a week later when Robin arranged another meeting with Starfire on that Saturday.
Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy couldn't be happier. But it wasn't in a 'happy for you' sense. All throughout the past five days, the masked teen of the Titan's was driving his friend's crazy. On Tuesday, with Raven in cooking class, he had asked her for the Kory multiple times in a row. The Goth almost hit him upside the head with the frying pan she was using to skillet before he snapped back to reality and asked for the spice, Coriander. It was different with Cyborg though. In Automotive, while he and Robin worked on their respective vehicles, the teen was in such a good mood that he didn't even pound the class midget, Gizmo, into the wall for spilling motor oil all over his person on purpose. Beast Boy had a bruise to show how out of it Robin was. During gym class, in a game of dodge ball, the local bully, Mammoth, had taken his sights on the 'Boy Wonder' to peg. Throwing the 'nerf' ball as hard as he could, it would've been a sure hit as Robin just stood there, staring of into space, if it hadn't been for the green teen that dove in front of his friend and intercepted the throw in his face.
Who knew those nerf balls hurt so much?
Now the rest of the Titans were exhausted of Robin's love sick state. Maybe it'll wear off in a little while, leading it to become a strong friendship, not an obsession. Today the rest of the group was to meet Starfire for more then five minutes and under more controlled conditions. The meeting was to be at the local pizzeria. Furtive glances passed between the three. What was Starfire actually like that got Robin up in a tizzy? Would she become hateful whenever Cyborg, Raven or Beast Boy tried to talk and divert attention away from her? Was she actually leading him on a leash? Trying to make him her personal pet? Cyborg and Beast Boy had told Raven their story of what Blackfire was really like. So far, during their brief meeting, Starfire wasn't like that. Well, so wasn't Blackfire on stage.
Robin suddenly shot to his feet, giving a mile wide grin. She was here at last. Stepping through the doors out onto the balcony came the red head they had met a few days ago. She flashed them all a warm smile and took a seat next to Robin at the table. "Everyone? I know that you guys had only met for a couple of minutes last time and have never been properly introduced." He nodded to Cyborg. "This is Cyborg, the rough and tumble yet gentle giant of the group." The athlete gave a sly smile. "I'm the one who gives all the noogies." He held out his hand. "Nice to meet ya'." As they shook he squeezed his hand a little tighter. He half expected her the cry out and tell Robin that Cyborg was a big brute. Instead, her smile never faltered as she squeezed back with a nice grip, surprising the big Titan. He grinned at her good naturally. She was all right.
"This is Beast Boy. The jokester." Starfire giggled. "Robin has told me some funny things about you friend Beast Boy. I hear your jokes are quite amusing." Beast Boy hooked his shirt with his thumb. "Aw, that can't all that he's told you about me. What about my dashing smile? My cute face? How about my superior knowledge?" He grinned as he saw Starfire was enjoying his company. She didn't ignore him and turn her attention back to Robin as he expected. She actually paid attention to him and even asked a few questions. She was pretty neat.
"I don't believe you've met Raven yet. She's more serious prone then the rest of us." At first, Raven didn't immediately like Starfire. She was too happy, too carefree it seemed like. More often then not, the Goth felt like the girl was going to be even more annoying than Beast Boy and his lame jokes. It would take some time to trust the taller girl. She had done the same with the other three. Starfire and her said their greetings and left it at that. Soon the waitress came around and asked everyone his or her toppings for the pizza.
"Oh we'll have the Veggie Special like always." If there's a Yin, there's a Yang.
"TO-fu? What other person on this planet eats Tofu other than you B.B.? I'm sorry man, but we're getting the All Meat Experience." If there's a black, there's a white.
"Dude Cyborg! That is so murder! How could you murder helpless little animals like that? They're so cute and cuddly."
And, well, they went on and on. The waitress, a veteran of taking toppings for the Titans, looked over at Robin. "What'll it be this time? I think it was Cyborg who won before." The masked teen thought for a moment before turning his head towards Starfire. "What do you usually have on a pizza?" She blushed and looked down. "I'd rather not say." The waitress laughed. "Oh come on. It can't be that bad! Now what would you like?"
"Mustard...please."
"Say what now?"
Raven came to the girls rescue. "She would like a cheese pizza with mustard on her French fries." The waitress made an 'Oh!' gesture and scribbled down the order. She left to fulfill the request, leaving Beast Boy and Cyborg still arguing.
"Did I...say something wrong?" Starfire asked. She was fidgeting with the tablecloth that was draped over the table. "No, of course not Star." He took a hold of her hand. "It's just mustard isn't a very...common topping on a pizza." He gave her a reassuring smile. She smiled back, satisfied that no one would think of her weird. Then she noticed the staring eyes of the Titans on her. Well, her hand that was intertwined with Robin's. Quickly blushing and lowering their hands underneath the table, he looked at her strangely and then gave an accusing glare at everyone else. He knew they were watching her, sizing her up. The teen could also tell that Starfire knew it too.
The waitress came back with two large pizzas, a basket of French fries and a bottle of ketchup and mustard. She smiled, wished them good eating and gave them the bill. Cyborg immediately stuffed half of a pizza slice in his mouth while Beast Boy gnawed on the crust end. Raven and Robin ate normally of course and Starfire...
'SPLURT'
...had mustard all over her first slice of pizza.
The Titans stopped and looked at her. Small bits and blobs dotted her face, as she looked horrified at the accident. She really didn't mean to make a mess. She tried to put the sensation onto her slice quietly so they didn't think her crazy. It had just come out so fast! Suddenly, it was Raven who broke the tense moment as she reached over and dipped her finger into the topless, yellow bottle. Smoothing it over the edge of her piece, she, hesitantly at first, put the pizza in her mouth and took a bite.
"Mmm...tangy."
The tree leaves swished form side to side as a gentle breeze blew through the forested area.
Jump City was fated to be located next to two beautiful landscapes of water and earth. In the mornings, the sunrise would peak over the crest of the forest hill, causing a glow and a seemingly 'dawn of time' feeling to whomever watched it. At sunset, the bay waters swallowed the golden orb from the sky, causing what looked like to be an eruption of deep red, oranges and violets, painted across the canvas sky. The citizens were lucky to enjoy two such fantastic feats of universal glory. One such group of people took pride in it everyday. They worshipped the sun and praised Mother Earth for its wondrous life. Though they were located outside of the city, but somewhere in the forest, they knew of technology and both embraced it and shunned it from their lives. A lot of the citizens called them hippies.
Two people stepped into the encampment of 'hippies' to see a myriad of tents and makeshift forts littering the grounds. A huge bonfire was roaring in the middle of it all, as it was close to nighttime. Some people sat in, what seemed to be meditation, a neat circle. Other's lit incense or washed clothes in a nearby stream. The biggest shelter was past the fire and surrounded by a multitude of various flowers and plants. Thinking that, that was the headquarters, the two people made their way through the camp to the beaded doorway. They looked at each other and passed through.
"Welcome my brother and sister! Mother Earth blesses you." A tall, skinny man with a white goatee and purple shades welcomed Beast Boy, who nervously sweat, and Raven, who rolled her eyes. If he wasn't a pure blood hippie, then one of his parents was a surfer, because that's what he looked, and sounded, like. "How may this tropical paradise help you in fulfilling your passion about life?"
"Dude, we're in a forest." Beast Boy raised his brow at the overacting man. Definitely a hippie surfer. Raven pulled out a folded piece of paper. "We're looking for a...Terra...is it?" The man gasped. "The child of Mother Nature and Earth?" "Aren't they the same?" Beast Boy asked. "Shush little dude." He continued. "It is an honor to have an outsider know about Terra. For she gives us the purity of the soil to plant our crops and the strength to battle the corrupted government from taking our land!"
"Well you basically are trespassing on private property." The man ignored Raven. "How did you come by our Mother's child? Was it from the call of the earth that you may join us in finding everlasting peace and tranquillity? Or is it from the call of the hawk that tells you to preserve our rights and suppress the evil known as politics?" Raven and Beast Boy stood in silence, watching the man for a few minutes before Beast Boy slapped a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh and Raven who sighed and shook her head. She reached over and held out the paper.
"Can you say...Internet?"
The man blinked behind his shades. "Oh. Yeah she's out back. Sorry to bother you. Have to keep the jig alive and all, ya know? Peace man." He smiled and gave a small wave before he left out a side-beaded doorway. The duo Titans followed the man's directions and left through the back way suddenly blinded by the sun again. "Why didn't we just go around?" muttered Raven. A small, beaten path stretched along for a little ways before it ended at a circle garden. A wooden gate surrounded it and the only opening was between two large and thick trees. In front of either tree was a guardian almost. One was muscular and blue while the other was lean and yellow. They halted the two.
"Halt!" Said the blue one.
"No one may pass though here." The yellow one almost sneered.
"We are the protectors of this sacred grotto!"
"To protect the grotto is our job!"
"I shall crush anyone into dust if they trespass."
"I will bend their bodies into most painful positions if they try to enter!"
"For I am Thunder!"
"And I am Lighting!"
"And together we are-"
"Thunder and Lighting!"
Raven smacked her forehead. How could Cyborg do this to her? She should be the one spying on the lovebirds, not here in a hippie camp. Thunder and Lightning stood with their arms crossed and chests puffed out. Did they actually do this all day long? This time Beast Boy pulled out the paper and pointed to a line. "Hey guys, we have an appointment with Terra here. See?" The two guardians peered at it. Thunder scratched his head while Lightning waved them through. "Okay, go on through. She's by the sunflowers." Raven stayed back and eyed them for a moment while Beast Boy trotted through. "You guys do that to every newcomer?"
"Pretty much. It makes the government think we're a bunch of hippie fools. If we show even a little amount of modernization, they'll kick us off the land." Thunder shrugged. Raven nodded and followed in her friend's footsteps.
The garden was vast with almost every living plant, flower or soil grown food. A few apple, orange and grapefruit trees were located on the farthest left as it then shifted to tomatoes and peppers down to radishes and potatoes. The floras were in the back, blooming quite nicely in the time of year too. Many of the flowers were the same as the headquarters house. Raven eventually caught up the Best Boy, who openly mouthed gazed at all the living plants. "Do you think Terra grows Tofu?" Raven did a double take. A small laugh then brought their attention to the tall sunflower plants ahead of them.
"Nope. Sorry. No Tofu here." A petite blonde stood up and wiped her brow with her gloves. Bits of dirt smudged her face as she clutched a spade in one hand and a bottle of pesticide in the other. "Wow! Did you grow all of this?" Beast Boy waved his arm wide to gesture his thoughts. The girl smiled and nodded. "This and then some. Living out here means you have a lot of free time on your hands." She kneeled over and stabbed the spade into the dirt, setting the bottle next to it. "I'm Terra. You guys have an appointment?" Terra stood up and dusted off her hands, a pair of goggles hung around her neck. "Yes. We're here about the journal?" Raven held out the book.
The earthen girl carefully handled the leather bound book as if it would crumble at the slightest touch. She peered at it closely and then far away, put her goggles on and then off. After a few minutes of page flipping and 'Hmm's' later, she closed the book and looked back up. "You've already told me this is Tamaran. I haven't seen this language in a long time. I'll try to remember but first let's get out of...What's wrong with him?" She pointed at Beast Boy who stared at her, drooling. "Nothing, he's always like that." Raven quickly interjected and nudged the male teen. The green Titan blinked and then sheepishly wiped away the spit. Terra laughed and patted the boy on the cheek with her gloved hands. "You're cute." She said and passed him by to go indoors.
Beast Boy gave the biggest, silliest, grin he could muster. Raven's vein in her forehead pulsed as she grabbed him by the collar and dragged him after Terra. "Wipe that damn grin off of your face."
The hippie surfer wasn't far off when he described Terra as being the child of both Mother Nature and Mother Earth, if there was a difference. She was a miracle in itself as she was discovered one day by a group of wandering hippies. Covered in flowers and sleeping in the roots of a tree, the people saw this as a sign that she had come from the Earth itself to lead their people. They dubbed her after her 'mother' and was raised among the culture that steadily grew into what it was today. She had a natural ability to grow the most amazing of plants and even revive some after they had thought to be dead from the winter chill or the summer heat. Truly this was the child of earth. When the hippies had first made their encampment, the officials of the city wouldn't allow it; sending representatives of the council to meet with the leaders and throw them off the government owned land. The men arrived, sleeves pulled up and ready to throw people out when little Terra had walked right up to them and spoke in five different languages. No one really knows what happened after that or why the officials didn't throw the group off the land.
What they did know was that it was all thanks to Terra.
"So...uh...why don't you dress or act like those other dudes around here?" Beast Boy jutted a finger over his shoulder as they entered the shelter. Terra smiled and giggled. "I've met with the city life for a while and learned what fashion truly was." Beast Boy rubbed the back of his head. "Oh." The trio headed through another room located on the side and sat down at a low-rise table. The man from before cam in and asked for anything they would like to drink. Raven ordered herbal tea and it was Soy Milk for the other two. Terra then turned her attention back to the journal. She read the book, page by page, as they all sipped on their drink. It wasn't until a little after they had finished their drink when Terra closed the book with one hand and looked at her guests.
She frowned.
The carnival celebrated again with fireworks.
People cheered and clapped as one by one, the crackers exploded into the air, causing brilliant lights to flash before ones eyes. All around them were rides, games, and snack stands who eagerly sold their goods to passing children or adults. Small sideshows of clowns or jugglers gave shrieks of laughter or gasps of astonishment that popped up every now and then across the large dock. Multi-colored balloons floated everywhere and flags flapped against the cool breeze that wafted from the sea. It was a grand time to be alive.
Up on the tallest ride, the Ferris Wheel, sat two lone figures watching the fireworks in awe. The male offered his cotton candy to the female as she perked up in surprise from the tasty treat. They both laughed. Suddenly the male leaned forward and whooped at the Grand Finale. The female wasn't paying attention; she was smiling at something else all together. Once the show was over, he leaned back in his seat. A few moments later, the girl laid her head on his shoulder. Unbeknownst to the both of them, a small, red light was coming from the ground, aiming up at them. Cyborg walked backwards a few paces and zoomed the camera out some more. He chuckled at the thought of extreme blackmail.
At the front of the carnival, stomped in a furious girl. She had served a week in a correctional facility before being let out and now she was looking, no...seeking revenge.
Kitten, ladies and gentlemen, had returned.
Yay! Another Chap done. It is a bit short, I know. I hope to post the next up in a couple of days. Thank you all who reviewed. You never know how happy it makes me! Anyway, I'm done. Have a nice day/night/life!
Review if you like and Review if you don't!
--ZodiacFire
Alas, I was busy the past two days and I wasn't able to get to it until now. Just to let you know I've already started on the next chapter. To people in the future who read this when it's complete, please disregard my ramblings. Thank you.
Diclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans. Do I wish I did? Yes. Will I ever? No.
Chapter Five: Blast From The Past.
The trio of friends silently walked down the street to the park nearby. The person who had summoned them wouldn't be there for a couple of minutes so they chose the black park bench and sat, waiting.
It was unusual for such a silence to exist between the three. Usually, Beast Boy would be energetically talking to Cyborg or trying to make Raven smile at one of his corny jokes. But now he was silent with a small, thin booklet clutched in his hand. It had a leather cover and a coarse piece of string that seemed to be lock. Not much for secrecy it looked like. This was the reason Keith had wanted to talk to them. The conversation Robin hadn't attended to a few minutes ago; seemed to worry the man. Hastily he closed the speaker link and asked to see them in person down at the park. The booklet must be more important then they thought.
"Hey B.B.," spoke Cyborg. "What made you pick up that thing in the first place?" Ruptured from his current train of thoughts, the small teen looked up at his friend and shrugged. "I dunno, dude. I guess after we knocked out those guards, this was the only thing I could get my hands on." He lifted the book up towards the sun, as if it's light rays would produce some secret hidden message. "It seems familiar though." He dropped his hands and shook his head. "I don't know why, it's all in a forgein language." He flipped open the book on the picnic table to a random page. Squiggles and lines in perfect, neat order lined the pages. It seemed more like Japanese characters, yet with alien symbols mixed in. It was utterly confusing in the least.
"Maybe this will help us end this goose chase Robin put us after." Raven casually said. She was right too. Ever since Robin had taken a glimpse at Starfire at the Jump Fest concert and had seen the mysterious signature on Beast Boy's CD booklet, he was incredibly obsessed with Blackfire and her sister. Luckily he had met Keith who helped him in discovering one of the mysteries. While escaping through the mansion, they had some across Kory who helped them out safely. She seemed nice, smiling and innocent. Their meeting had only lasted a few minutes but already Robin wouldn't stop thinking about her, it showed on his face. Today they were to meet her in person and go out for the day. Alas, it seemed that fate intervened and now it seemed they had a bigger problem to solve.
A couple minutes of idle chat later, Keith jogged up to the table, taking a seat next to Cyborg. "Whew. Hey lads and lass. Everyone okay?" They responded 'Yes' in their own way. "Good. Now, how bout that book?" Beast Boy handed it over and Keith's brow furrowed. He inspected it carefully, as if it was an ancient artifact, and put it down. "Yup, this is it." Raven frowned. "And what is it?" Flipping through the pages, the vendor answered, "It's a chronological journal. In it is a brief recording of a point in time. Sort of like a small biography I guess you could say. I've only seen it a couple of times but it seems well protected for some reason. How did you get your hands on it?" Cyborg and Beast Boy looked at each other.
"Well, we had to take out a couple of guy's first. The rest was all B.B.. He found it." Cyborg waved his hand at the green Titan. Beast Boy gulped and smiled. "I...uh...Well it seemed familiar, like I had seen it somewhere before, ya know?" He rubbed the back of his head. Keith nodded as if he expected to hear the answer. "It seemed so. I only found out why a couple of days ago. Do you still have your CD booklet?"
"Of course he does. He brings it everywhere with him to flaunt it to people who don't have the CD." Raven rolled her eyes and folded her arms. Beast Boy stuck out his tongue at her and handed the booklet off. Keith propped the two up, steadying them with his hands. "Look at the cover. Now look at the writing in the journal. See a similarity?" The smallest teen crouched down and peered over the picnic tabletop. The cover had squiggles and lines for its album title. The journal had squiggles and lines for writing.
Click.
"They're both in the same language." Cyborg rumbled in thought. He crossed his arms though, in frustration. "I don't see how this connects to what Robin was searching for though." He pointed to the cover and to the booklet. Nothing was different. Keith smiled. "Ah! I see know lad. Look here too." He pointed to various spots in the journal. They were the exact same as on the cover of the booklet. It was as if it was conjured to be a word. "You don't live with two Tamaran's and not hear or see some of their language." He started to laugh and suddenly realized his mistake. He looked at the Titans surrounding him and started to sweat.
"I-I mean...uh..."
"They're from Tamaran? Dude, if all the chicks look like Starfire or Blackfire, I'm packing my bags 'cuz I found my paradise." Beast Boy smiled and tried to lighten the mood. Unfortunately Raven and Cyborg were too immersed in the mistake to laugh.
"Tamaran is a secluded country. How did they get over here?" Raven bluntly asked. She knew that very few Tamaranians left their country to live somewhere else let alone become rock legends.
Its rulers had concealed their borders because it was on the brink of civil war.
The southern and northern borders had their differences between themselves but had never escalated to such a drastic state before. At random intervals, houses and farms would come under attack, the pursuers leaving behind messages covered in the victim's blood stating that they wanted a change in the political powers of the opposing side. Of course, not one side was going to change to the other's views and ways, so the violence grew and grew till masses of modern civilians would gather together and attack a small town or part of a city. The fighting never left from the borderline because if a group ventured too far into enemy territory, it was a sign of all out war.
The innocents though, wished to flee the country and seek shelter. It was impossible because of the angered rulers and their ego that wished to have all their people stay inside and fight. 'Watch us celebrate victory!' was their response as to why they couldn't leave. In reality, the monarchies needed every person they had. It was going to be a fierce war.
Keith looked down ashamed that he spilled the beans. "Those two sister's were able to escape thanks to their parents and I. They had them shipped off fast before their parents ordered the country to become isolated. Yeah, don't give me that look, lass. Their mom and dad are royalty. Luckily, back in the past, I had met them while picking up goods to sell. I soon became a family friend was able to take Koriand'r and Komand'r...er...Starfire and Blackfire...in for shelter. And now I guess they can support themselves better than I had for the past couple years." "Wow." Cyborg whistled. "Now that's something. So what does this journal chronicle then?"
"Something happened between when they were going to leave and how they came to stay with you. Am I correct?" Raven stared intensely at the vendor. It was as if she was boring a hole into his soul. He nodded.
"Yes. It was how Blackfire started in her career."
"Oh. Well...that's really not anything." Beast Boy leaned his elbow on the table and put his chin in his palm.
Keith raised his brow. "Not really anything lad? I think you're a little mistaken. This journal does record how Blackfire started to become popular, but there's a secret hidden in the translation. Something transpired between her and Starfire that caused so much hatred at her younger sibling. I've been trying to find out that message for the past two years when they stepped on my doorstep with luggage in hand. Unfortunately, I'm not fluent in Tamaran."
"And there's barely anyone around who is because of the scuffle." Raven pointed out. She folded her arms and shook her head. "So again we've hit another road block in our search for Robin's mysteries. His curiosity is disgustingly contagious."
Keith stood up to leave. "I would appreciate it if you didn't tell Robin or mention that you know anything around Kory. It would just complicate matters further."
"Wait! What about the signature!" Beast Boy was practically ready to jump out of his bench seat and chase after the vendor.
The man simply turned around and walked backwards. "Oh come now. You're a smart lad! Just think...Star...Fire..." He turned around again and started a jog back up to the mansion that sat on a hill overlooking Jump City.
When asked about her style of lyrical writng, she responded, "Of course I write all my own songs...
It's just a part of talent that I use to my advantage..."
The Jump City cityscape was become darker and darker as night's eternal fingers stretched out across the rooftops, hungrily seeking out any sunlight that might try and hide from the ever-encroaching blackness. It only lasted for a few moments as a half moon appeared; shining in the night sky like a beacon for hope that showed darkness cannot win. But in one little alleyway by the city bay...it had.
In horror and mystery movies alike, the alleyways were a symbol for death and stalkers. Citizens would walk by, clutching tightly to their belongings or watching behind their backs, as they passed by such empty darkness. It was cliché to have a victim struggle in the night, run down the street calling for help and turn into a side street only to find it blocked. They were trapped. Nobody likes being trapped without hope. Unfortunately, there was one such alley that gave that feeling and impression. The rusted, old fire escapes that hung off of unused apartment buildings creaked with weariness as old garbage and waste filled one's nose with a horrible smell.
This alley was different then the rest. It didn't have the wall that blocked people from escaping. Instead, it led from the wooden docks of the bay to one of the moderately busy streets in Jump City. Suddenly, a rat skittered from behind one of the trashcans to hide underneath the dumpster just across the way. A shadow, a figure, a person, emerged from the darkness. Its breath was ragged and angry. The steps it took gave a small 'Squish' as the person ambled crookedly out to the street. The moon shown on the dark, drenched figure in a small glow. It gave the person an almost zombie-like look.
"How dare he. How dare he! Taking sides with that...that witch! Argh! Next time I will make him pay. I'll make him watch his darling little Kory struggle in vain as I take control of him. Nobody can resist me!" Kitten cried out to no one in particular as she wrung fluid out form her hair. Her clothing was ruined, the make-up on her face was a mess and now she has to hike two blocks just to get a cab. Once Blackfire gets a hold of this, Kory will be locked up, cemented in and kept on guard for the rest of her life. Then, she will be on the singer's good side again. That was most important.
"Ma'am. A moment if you please."
She whirled around and caught sight of a police officer standing before her. Just great. Now she was going to get reprimanded for 'walking out in unsafe areas after sunset.' Kitten didn't need to hear this right now. She had other...plans.
"Yes? What do you want?" The officer raised a brow at her rudeness. He shifted to the side and brought out a large...well a large something from behind him. It was too dark to see anyway. Kitten huffed and looked at him to continue on. "Is this yours ma'am?" She waved it off as something stupid and gave an answer or 'Yes.' Free stuff can't be that bad could it? It was surprising when the man gripped her upper arm and started to talk into his radio. "W-what is this?" Kitten struggled to break free but his hold tightened. She then took another look at the item.
It was the little brat's bicycle!
The police officer sensed her realization. "Lucky for me he gave an accurate description of you and on my patrol I find the thief here. Lucky for you, I'm his uncle." No! This wasn't supposed to happen! This whole day wasn't supposed to happen! Robin should be repelled at Kory, hating her naiveté and digesting innocence. He was supposed to have left that bitch on the docks and follow her instead. She could've given him everything. "W- wait! I was j-just kidding! Ha ha ha? Funny, right?" The officer frowned and muttered. "Hilarious."
Kitten then spoke without thought. "N-No! I can't go to jail! Not now! I have to follow someone!"
"Oh, a stalker now, are we? That'll put you up for good."
Kitten rambled on and on though. Declaring her innocence in the whole case, but the officer had had enough. He heard stuff like this everyday and it just grew boring. Thankfully he had a speech prepared for people just like her. I think you may know it. It went something like this:
"You have the right to remain silent..."
Alone in solitary bedroom, a phone sat ringing off its hook.
A well built, tall man leaned over and picked up the receiver. "Hello. You have reached Blackfire's residence."
A screeching voice resounded through the line. "Keith! Keith you have to get me out of here! I'm at the local police station accused of theft!"
Without missing a beat, Keith recited the last part: "We're sorry we can't come to the phone right now. Please leave a message and we'll get right back to you. Have a nice day!" A loud, piercing shriek of 'KEEEEIIIIIIITH!!!', echoed and shook in the vendor's hands. He smiled. That was one phone call wasted.
'Click.'
The house sat silent and still. The only indication of occupation was the slight flickering of a TV in the living room.
Cyborg flipped through the channels, bored. He checked his watch and saw that it had just turned to one-thirty in the morning. Robin must've been having a good time or was out punching himself in the face for being an idiot to take a girl out after he had met her for twenty minutes the day before. Deciding to crash at his house and wait for the news, the large teen yawned and checked his watch again. Do dates usually last this long for him?
The screen switched a couple of times until it finally landed on an old classic action movie. The protagonist was punching the antagonist around because he looked at the hero's girl in a desiering manner. Cyborg chuckled and wondered if Robin would do something like that. Probably, that boy has a jealous streak two miles wide. If he had something and someone was to make fun of it, they would get a beating. If not, a good punch in the jaw. He usually settled things pretty quick then. The biggest Titan was just getting comfortable with the cheesy fighting when his buddy stepped through the door.
"Hey, Boy Wonder! How was your date tonight?"
Robin didn't answer or even become startled that Cyborg had stayed at his house uninvited. He shuffled through the room, bumped into the wall and a table before he decided to sit down in a kitchen chair. A deep sigh emitted from him as he placed his elbows on the table and put his face in his palms. The athlete put on a pitying look. Looks like his date didn't go as well as he would think. Ah well, better to have loved and lost, right? Lumbering over to his smaller friend, he took a seat next to him and turned on the light. Cyborg's eyes widened and he took a small breath as he saw one of the very few times Robin had taken his mask off. He never would have thought that this would happen to Robin...
...for he was love-struck.
It wasn't until a week later when Robin arranged another meeting with Starfire on that Saturday.
Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy couldn't be happier. But it wasn't in a 'happy for you' sense. All throughout the past five days, the masked teen of the Titan's was driving his friend's crazy. On Tuesday, with Raven in cooking class, he had asked her for the Kory multiple times in a row. The Goth almost hit him upside the head with the frying pan she was using to skillet before he snapped back to reality and asked for the spice, Coriander. It was different with Cyborg though. In Automotive, while he and Robin worked on their respective vehicles, the teen was in such a good mood that he didn't even pound the class midget, Gizmo, into the wall for spilling motor oil all over his person on purpose. Beast Boy had a bruise to show how out of it Robin was. During gym class, in a game of dodge ball, the local bully, Mammoth, had taken his sights on the 'Boy Wonder' to peg. Throwing the 'nerf' ball as hard as he could, it would've been a sure hit as Robin just stood there, staring of into space, if it hadn't been for the green teen that dove in front of his friend and intercepted the throw in his face.
Who knew those nerf balls hurt so much?
Now the rest of the Titans were exhausted of Robin's love sick state. Maybe it'll wear off in a little while, leading it to become a strong friendship, not an obsession. Today the rest of the group was to meet Starfire for more then five minutes and under more controlled conditions. The meeting was to be at the local pizzeria. Furtive glances passed between the three. What was Starfire actually like that got Robin up in a tizzy? Would she become hateful whenever Cyborg, Raven or Beast Boy tried to talk and divert attention away from her? Was she actually leading him on a leash? Trying to make him her personal pet? Cyborg and Beast Boy had told Raven their story of what Blackfire was really like. So far, during their brief meeting, Starfire wasn't like that. Well, so wasn't Blackfire on stage.
Robin suddenly shot to his feet, giving a mile wide grin. She was here at last. Stepping through the doors out onto the balcony came the red head they had met a few days ago. She flashed them all a warm smile and took a seat next to Robin at the table. "Everyone? I know that you guys had only met for a couple of minutes last time and have never been properly introduced." He nodded to Cyborg. "This is Cyborg, the rough and tumble yet gentle giant of the group." The athlete gave a sly smile. "I'm the one who gives all the noogies." He held out his hand. "Nice to meet ya'." As they shook he squeezed his hand a little tighter. He half expected her the cry out and tell Robin that Cyborg was a big brute. Instead, her smile never faltered as she squeezed back with a nice grip, surprising the big Titan. He grinned at her good naturally. She was all right.
"This is Beast Boy. The jokester." Starfire giggled. "Robin has told me some funny things about you friend Beast Boy. I hear your jokes are quite amusing." Beast Boy hooked his shirt with his thumb. "Aw, that can't all that he's told you about me. What about my dashing smile? My cute face? How about my superior knowledge?" He grinned as he saw Starfire was enjoying his company. She didn't ignore him and turn her attention back to Robin as he expected. She actually paid attention to him and even asked a few questions. She was pretty neat.
"I don't believe you've met Raven yet. She's more serious prone then the rest of us." At first, Raven didn't immediately like Starfire. She was too happy, too carefree it seemed like. More often then not, the Goth felt like the girl was going to be even more annoying than Beast Boy and his lame jokes. It would take some time to trust the taller girl. She had done the same with the other three. Starfire and her said their greetings and left it at that. Soon the waitress came around and asked everyone his or her toppings for the pizza.
"Oh we'll have the Veggie Special like always." If there's a Yin, there's a Yang.
"TO-fu? What other person on this planet eats Tofu other than you B.B.? I'm sorry man, but we're getting the All Meat Experience." If there's a black, there's a white.
"Dude Cyborg! That is so murder! How could you murder helpless little animals like that? They're so cute and cuddly."
And, well, they went on and on. The waitress, a veteran of taking toppings for the Titans, looked over at Robin. "What'll it be this time? I think it was Cyborg who won before." The masked teen thought for a moment before turning his head towards Starfire. "What do you usually have on a pizza?" She blushed and looked down. "I'd rather not say." The waitress laughed. "Oh come on. It can't be that bad! Now what would you like?"
"Mustard...please."
"Say what now?"
Raven came to the girls rescue. "She would like a cheese pizza with mustard on her French fries." The waitress made an 'Oh!' gesture and scribbled down the order. She left to fulfill the request, leaving Beast Boy and Cyborg still arguing.
"Did I...say something wrong?" Starfire asked. She was fidgeting with the tablecloth that was draped over the table. "No, of course not Star." He took a hold of her hand. "It's just mustard isn't a very...common topping on a pizza." He gave her a reassuring smile. She smiled back, satisfied that no one would think of her weird. Then she noticed the staring eyes of the Titans on her. Well, her hand that was intertwined with Robin's. Quickly blushing and lowering their hands underneath the table, he looked at her strangely and then gave an accusing glare at everyone else. He knew they were watching her, sizing her up. The teen could also tell that Starfire knew it too.
The waitress came back with two large pizzas, a basket of French fries and a bottle of ketchup and mustard. She smiled, wished them good eating and gave them the bill. Cyborg immediately stuffed half of a pizza slice in his mouth while Beast Boy gnawed on the crust end. Raven and Robin ate normally of course and Starfire...
'SPLURT'
...had mustard all over her first slice of pizza.
The Titans stopped and looked at her. Small bits and blobs dotted her face, as she looked horrified at the accident. She really didn't mean to make a mess. She tried to put the sensation onto her slice quietly so they didn't think her crazy. It had just come out so fast! Suddenly, it was Raven who broke the tense moment as she reached over and dipped her finger into the topless, yellow bottle. Smoothing it over the edge of her piece, she, hesitantly at first, put the pizza in her mouth and took a bite.
"Mmm...tangy."
The tree leaves swished form side to side as a gentle breeze blew through the forested area.
Jump City was fated to be located next to two beautiful landscapes of water and earth. In the mornings, the sunrise would peak over the crest of the forest hill, causing a glow and a seemingly 'dawn of time' feeling to whomever watched it. At sunset, the bay waters swallowed the golden orb from the sky, causing what looked like to be an eruption of deep red, oranges and violets, painted across the canvas sky. The citizens were lucky to enjoy two such fantastic feats of universal glory. One such group of people took pride in it everyday. They worshipped the sun and praised Mother Earth for its wondrous life. Though they were located outside of the city, but somewhere in the forest, they knew of technology and both embraced it and shunned it from their lives. A lot of the citizens called them hippies.
Two people stepped into the encampment of 'hippies' to see a myriad of tents and makeshift forts littering the grounds. A huge bonfire was roaring in the middle of it all, as it was close to nighttime. Some people sat in, what seemed to be meditation, a neat circle. Other's lit incense or washed clothes in a nearby stream. The biggest shelter was past the fire and surrounded by a multitude of various flowers and plants. Thinking that, that was the headquarters, the two people made their way through the camp to the beaded doorway. They looked at each other and passed through.
"Welcome my brother and sister! Mother Earth blesses you." A tall, skinny man with a white goatee and purple shades welcomed Beast Boy, who nervously sweat, and Raven, who rolled her eyes. If he wasn't a pure blood hippie, then one of his parents was a surfer, because that's what he looked, and sounded, like. "How may this tropical paradise help you in fulfilling your passion about life?"
"Dude, we're in a forest." Beast Boy raised his brow at the overacting man. Definitely a hippie surfer. Raven pulled out a folded piece of paper. "We're looking for a...Terra...is it?" The man gasped. "The child of Mother Nature and Earth?" "Aren't they the same?" Beast Boy asked. "Shush little dude." He continued. "It is an honor to have an outsider know about Terra. For she gives us the purity of the soil to plant our crops and the strength to battle the corrupted government from taking our land!"
"Well you basically are trespassing on private property." The man ignored Raven. "How did you come by our Mother's child? Was it from the call of the earth that you may join us in finding everlasting peace and tranquillity? Or is it from the call of the hawk that tells you to preserve our rights and suppress the evil known as politics?" Raven and Beast Boy stood in silence, watching the man for a few minutes before Beast Boy slapped a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh and Raven who sighed and shook her head. She reached over and held out the paper.
"Can you say...Internet?"
The man blinked behind his shades. "Oh. Yeah she's out back. Sorry to bother you. Have to keep the jig alive and all, ya know? Peace man." He smiled and gave a small wave before he left out a side-beaded doorway. The duo Titans followed the man's directions and left through the back way suddenly blinded by the sun again. "Why didn't we just go around?" muttered Raven. A small, beaten path stretched along for a little ways before it ended at a circle garden. A wooden gate surrounded it and the only opening was between two large and thick trees. In front of either tree was a guardian almost. One was muscular and blue while the other was lean and yellow. They halted the two.
"Halt!" Said the blue one.
"No one may pass though here." The yellow one almost sneered.
"We are the protectors of this sacred grotto!"
"To protect the grotto is our job!"
"I shall crush anyone into dust if they trespass."
"I will bend their bodies into most painful positions if they try to enter!"
"For I am Thunder!"
"And I am Lighting!"
"And together we are-"
"Thunder and Lighting!"
Raven smacked her forehead. How could Cyborg do this to her? She should be the one spying on the lovebirds, not here in a hippie camp. Thunder and Lightning stood with their arms crossed and chests puffed out. Did they actually do this all day long? This time Beast Boy pulled out the paper and pointed to a line. "Hey guys, we have an appointment with Terra here. See?" The two guardians peered at it. Thunder scratched his head while Lightning waved them through. "Okay, go on through. She's by the sunflowers." Raven stayed back and eyed them for a moment while Beast Boy trotted through. "You guys do that to every newcomer?"
"Pretty much. It makes the government think we're a bunch of hippie fools. If we show even a little amount of modernization, they'll kick us off the land." Thunder shrugged. Raven nodded and followed in her friend's footsteps.
The garden was vast with almost every living plant, flower or soil grown food. A few apple, orange and grapefruit trees were located on the farthest left as it then shifted to tomatoes and peppers down to radishes and potatoes. The floras were in the back, blooming quite nicely in the time of year too. Many of the flowers were the same as the headquarters house. Raven eventually caught up the Best Boy, who openly mouthed gazed at all the living plants. "Do you think Terra grows Tofu?" Raven did a double take. A small laugh then brought their attention to the tall sunflower plants ahead of them.
"Nope. Sorry. No Tofu here." A petite blonde stood up and wiped her brow with her gloves. Bits of dirt smudged her face as she clutched a spade in one hand and a bottle of pesticide in the other. "Wow! Did you grow all of this?" Beast Boy waved his arm wide to gesture his thoughts. The girl smiled and nodded. "This and then some. Living out here means you have a lot of free time on your hands." She kneeled over and stabbed the spade into the dirt, setting the bottle next to it. "I'm Terra. You guys have an appointment?" Terra stood up and dusted off her hands, a pair of goggles hung around her neck. "Yes. We're here about the journal?" Raven held out the book.
The earthen girl carefully handled the leather bound book as if it would crumble at the slightest touch. She peered at it closely and then far away, put her goggles on and then off. After a few minutes of page flipping and 'Hmm's' later, she closed the book and looked back up. "You've already told me this is Tamaran. I haven't seen this language in a long time. I'll try to remember but first let's get out of...What's wrong with him?" She pointed at Beast Boy who stared at her, drooling. "Nothing, he's always like that." Raven quickly interjected and nudged the male teen. The green Titan blinked and then sheepishly wiped away the spit. Terra laughed and patted the boy on the cheek with her gloved hands. "You're cute." She said and passed him by to go indoors.
Beast Boy gave the biggest, silliest, grin he could muster. Raven's vein in her forehead pulsed as she grabbed him by the collar and dragged him after Terra. "Wipe that damn grin off of your face."
The hippie surfer wasn't far off when he described Terra as being the child of both Mother Nature and Mother Earth, if there was a difference. She was a miracle in itself as she was discovered one day by a group of wandering hippies. Covered in flowers and sleeping in the roots of a tree, the people saw this as a sign that she had come from the Earth itself to lead their people. They dubbed her after her 'mother' and was raised among the culture that steadily grew into what it was today. She had a natural ability to grow the most amazing of plants and even revive some after they had thought to be dead from the winter chill or the summer heat. Truly this was the child of earth. When the hippies had first made their encampment, the officials of the city wouldn't allow it; sending representatives of the council to meet with the leaders and throw them off the government owned land. The men arrived, sleeves pulled up and ready to throw people out when little Terra had walked right up to them and spoke in five different languages. No one really knows what happened after that or why the officials didn't throw the group off the land.
What they did know was that it was all thanks to Terra.
"So...uh...why don't you dress or act like those other dudes around here?" Beast Boy jutted a finger over his shoulder as they entered the shelter. Terra smiled and giggled. "I've met with the city life for a while and learned what fashion truly was." Beast Boy rubbed the back of his head. "Oh." The trio headed through another room located on the side and sat down at a low-rise table. The man from before cam in and asked for anything they would like to drink. Raven ordered herbal tea and it was Soy Milk for the other two. Terra then turned her attention back to the journal. She read the book, page by page, as they all sipped on their drink. It wasn't until a little after they had finished their drink when Terra closed the book with one hand and looked at her guests.
She frowned.
The carnival celebrated again with fireworks.
People cheered and clapped as one by one, the crackers exploded into the air, causing brilliant lights to flash before ones eyes. All around them were rides, games, and snack stands who eagerly sold their goods to passing children or adults. Small sideshows of clowns or jugglers gave shrieks of laughter or gasps of astonishment that popped up every now and then across the large dock. Multi-colored balloons floated everywhere and flags flapped against the cool breeze that wafted from the sea. It was a grand time to be alive.
Up on the tallest ride, the Ferris Wheel, sat two lone figures watching the fireworks in awe. The male offered his cotton candy to the female as she perked up in surprise from the tasty treat. They both laughed. Suddenly the male leaned forward and whooped at the Grand Finale. The female wasn't paying attention; she was smiling at something else all together. Once the show was over, he leaned back in his seat. A few moments later, the girl laid her head on his shoulder. Unbeknownst to the both of them, a small, red light was coming from the ground, aiming up at them. Cyborg walked backwards a few paces and zoomed the camera out some more. He chuckled at the thought of extreme blackmail.
At the front of the carnival, stomped in a furious girl. She had served a week in a correctional facility before being let out and now she was looking, no...seeking revenge.
Kitten, ladies and gentlemen, had returned.
Yay! Another Chap done. It is a bit short, I know. I hope to post the next up in a couple of days. Thank you all who reviewed. You never know how happy it makes me! Anyway, I'm done. Have a nice day/night/life!
Review if you like and Review if you don't!
--ZodiacFire