Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans. I just was born 40 years too late.
Well, we're finally over the hurdle. Chaptire 10 is upon us. I shouldn't have to say so; but just so you all know, the time stream is now back to normal. At first, I thought of doing a giant chapter, but then I came to a crossroad with music. I decided just to break the next chapter in two; besides, they're going to be plenty big on their own. I'm up to about 3000 words a chapter now; I never thought I could write so much at once. I have all of you to thank though, because now I'm inspired to get a little bit more done in each session. Well, let's get started...
Chaptire 10: Living Your End
"Letting the Cables Sleep" by Bush
It had been a week since Slade, now known as Morugenji (Demon Gear) unleashed his father's masterpiece upon the world. The Godstar loomed over the inhabitants of Tamaran, like an angel of death waiting to pass judgment. From inside, within a control center, Slade looked over his prey, soaking in the fear and desperation he could feel emanating from the surface.
"A planet," he spoke to himself, "it's only with destruction staring you in the face does one come to realize one's life. Tamaran, I can feel your fear. You speak to yourself, wondering, "and what did we do? Is there anyway we could of foreseen this? Surely we don't deserve this, as we have kept to ourselves." But Tamaran, you do. Your tradition of isolation and fear of progress has foretold you doom. The day you sought to destroy my father's insight and ingenuity was the day when technology would come to haunt you. Perhaps, in another life, you will realize your mistake. However, if mercy is to be shown, it will wait until that said life."
A person entered the chamber, with Slade's gaze locked onto the countryside. "Master Slade, I have news to report," said the figure.
"Yes Malren," said Slade recognizing the voice, "what is it?"
"Sir, we have lost contact with Jorrokor (Snake's Acid). It is apparent he has failed his mission."
"That's ok," said Slade, "I just wanted an excuse to get rid of him. I never expected him to be able to defeat one I trained personally. And even if Terra lives, it won't be long until she is wiped out along with the rest of the populace."
"Yes sir," replied Malren. "May I ask about why you've kept the planet's people alive?"
"Because Malren" said Slade, "I have only begun to enjoy my dominance. My father's creation was powerful before, but with my modifications, it's nothing short of an invincible colossus. 50 years of knowing only spite from my own people, surely Malren, you would say making them suffer a week is showing generosity."
"I would believe so," said Malren, "but, knowing my master, he only wishes to prolong the mental anguish of his victim."
Slade laughed a low, menacing chuckle. "Indeed you know me Malren. Now leave me, I wish to enjoy my state of unbridled power."
You in the dark
You in the pain
You on the run
Living a hell
Living your ghost
Living your end
Never seem to get in the place that I belong
Don't wanna lose the time, lose the time to come
Back on the surface, within Andorkori Monastery; Beast Boy was walking towards the main hall. The attendant stopped him before the door.
"Pardon me," he said, "do you have business with Master Legasnouro?"
"Yes," he replied, "I need to ask his permission for something."
"Very well, please wait while I announce you," said the attendant. She opened the door and, shortly after, came back and motioned Beast Boy inside.
Legasnouro was in his usual place on the floor, and welcomed Beast Boy with a smile.
"Please," he motioned Beast Boy forward, "sit and speak you mind."
Beast Boy obliged, and took a seat on the floor in front of Legasnouro.
"I need to ask a favor," he spoke simply.
"What would that entail?" asked Legasnouro.
"My friend, Terra, and I need a place to meet my friends for a discussion."
"I see, all of them?"
"Yes, this concerns all of them. We have a lot to talk about. And Terra," he looked downward, "she needs a chance to explain herself. All I ask is one day to patch things up."
"You realize that most of them are still attending classes, and I'm training Robin personally. These sorts of things can't be excused so easily," Legasnouro explained to Beast Boy.
"Please, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," pleaded Beast Boy, "I just need a day to get things sorted out."
Legasnouro sat there scratching his chin, and after a minute or two came to a decision.
"Very well, I will make the necessary arrangements. I will let you use the main hall. Remember, I give you only one day. We are running out of time to stop Morugenji."
"Thank you," said Beast Boy, and with that, he exited to go get Terra.
Whatever you say, it's alright
Whatever you do, it's all good
Whatever you say, it's alright
After an hour; Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Robin had been led to the main hall. Beast Boy stood outside the hall, Terra's arm in his. Legasnouro, who was standing behind them, spoke to his attendant.
"They are not to be disturbed, but if things go askew, please come get me. Do you understand Consul?" he said.
"Yes master," said the attendant.
Beast Boy looked at Terra, and began to explain what he was going to do.
"Terra, let me go in first, and then I'll come get you when they're ready," Beast Boy told her.
"Okay," she said. Terra had a look of combined fear and nervousness about her.
Beast Boy put her hand in his, "don't worry," he said. "I promise, I'll be here for you. Just be ready to hear what the gang has to say ok?"
Terra took a big gulp, and simply nodded.
"Okay then," said Beast Boy, and gave her a peck on the forehead, before entering the door.
Silence is not the way
We need to talk about it
If heaven is on the way
If heaven is on the way
When he entered, the gang immediately stood up and ran over to him. Numerous shouts of joy and relief followed.
"My green man! Where you been hiding!" said Cyborg, holding his hand out for his lost friend.
"Glad to see you in one piece," said Raven quietly.
"Yes, I'm delighted to see you unharmed," smiled Starfire.
"Welcome back Beast Boy," said Robin, the others having said everything else.
"Guys, thanks," he said. "Guys, I have someone I want you to meet." He exited the room, and brought Terra for the gang to see.
Everyone stared in surprise; Terra's alive? Terra stood there, looking every Titan in the eye, and turned to Beast Boy, who gave her a look of assurance.
"Hi everyone," she said softly. "I found Beast Boy in the jungles, and yesterday we both found our way here."
The Titans were still at a loss for words. Robin, feeling he should say something to break the silence, began asking questions.
"Terra," he began," how did you survive the Aftershock incident?"
"It's a long story, but for now, I'll say my powers evolved, and I managed to set myself free," she said, careful with her words so as not to offend.
"I see," he said, "what brings you here to Tamaran?"
"I," she looked to Beast Boy for help, but he gave her a look that said 'just tell the truth'.
"I came here with Slade. I wanted to keep close to him for revenge."
"You're working for Slade!" Raven said in alarm, and she stepped back.
"Raven hold up!" said Beast Boy, "let her state her case, she's not an enemy."
Raven looked at Beast Boy, and then calmed down.
Robin spoke after the little outburst, "Ok Beast Boy," he said, "let's hear what she has to say."
You in the sea
On a decline
Breaking the waves
Watching the lights go down
Letting the cables sleep
After the gang sat back, Terra began to tell her tale. She started with her escape from her stone coffin. Terra then explained how she wanted to get revenge on Slade for the wrong he committed. She explained in detail how Slade told her about his plans, and how he let her have another chance. The Titans just sat there, forming their own version of the story, and trying to come to a conclusion.
After she told her tale, the gang sat silent. Robin though, had only one question.
"Terra," he spoke quietly, "there's only one thing I don't get. How did you get Slade to trust you again?"
Terra eyes widened. What was she going to say? Could she really just admit to murdering Star's parents in front of her? Terra started to tear, she was scared, more scared than anytime else in her entire life. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder, and looked into Beast Boy's eyes, which showed understanding.
Whatever you say, it's alright
Whatever you do, it's all good
Whatever you say, it's alright
"Terra," he spoke softly, "it's ok. Remember what I said to you outside that door?"
Terra quivered, and took a deep, shaky breath. "Slade, unbeknownst to me, gave me a diedu. Under its effects I, I killed, I killed the Queen and Prince." Terra started to whimper, like a scolded puppy. "After I regained my control, Slade told me what happened. I thought then, I would never have a chance to redeem myself." Terra held her head down, refusing to show her face to the others.
The Titans, instead of looking at Terra, where staring at Starfire. Star's eyes showed absolute disbelief. She didn't move, she didn't speak; she just let the tears in her eyes flow down her face. Starfire picked herself up, and ran out of the room.
Robin looked at the remaining Titans, "I'll be right back." With that he got up and followed Starfire.
When Robin left the room, Starfire was standing there, her face in her hands. Robin could hear the faint sobbing of Star to herself. Robin could understand a little bit. Though it happened a long time ago, and he never knew the assailant; his family died the same.
Robin slowly walked up to her, put his hand on her shoulder, and put his face to her ear.
"You can cry all you want," he said softly, "and you can come back on when you're ready. Take all the time you need, and let it all out." With that he left to return to the room.
Upon Robin's return, he found the room dead quiet. Robin went back to his spot on the floor and sat back down. Robin shot his eyes toward Terra.
"Terra," he said, "look at me. I want you to look me dead in the eye right now."
Terra, upon hearing his words, shot her head up and stared right back at him. She looked at him, wondering what he was thinking. Thanks to Robin's mask, she couldn't tell if it was a look of curiosity, or complete disgust.
Robin looked at Terra for a good long time. "I need you to leave the room. Go out the other way. The rest of us need to talk."
Terra, simply nodded; she quietly picked herself up off of the floor, and exited the room out the other entrance. After she left, Robin took a deep, cleansing breath, and turned his gaze to Beast Boy.
"I assume she's already told you this?" he asked Beast Boy.
"Yes, it was my decision that she come and speak to us," replied Beast Boy.
"What were you hoping to accomplish with that?" said Raven; she was quite appalled at what she just heard.
"Yeah man," said Cyborg, "I mean; I was ready to forgive her for the Aftershock incident, but now the line's a blur again."
"I wasn't hoping you all to excuse her actions," argued Beast Boy. "Heck, even I told her that even though she was brainwashed, she was still the one who killed Star's mom and brother. Still, can't you see that Slade had a big part in that?"
"I'm sorry Beast Boy," said Raven, "but I'm still not ready to believe everything she tells us. It could be she told you that to regain your trust again."
"She didn't need to! She had after she sacrificed herself to save us, save the city!" shouted Beast Boy.
"Dude, you have to admit: it's going to be hard for us just to accept her again. I mean, even if we let her come back, she'd be under a tight lock and key," said Cyborg.
"I know, and I've said this before; I know her better than all of us. Please, if you can't trust her, can't you trust me? I'm not asking for acquittal, I'm just asking for you guys to forgive her."
Robin was sitting there, hearing all sides of the argument. "That's enough," he said, "it's going to come down to me anyway."
Robin looked at Beast Boy. He was right; Beast Boy was one of his best friends. If he couldn't trust him, whom could he trust?
Silence is not the way
We need to talk about it
If heaven is on the way
We'll wrap the world around it
If heaven is on the way
If heaven is on the way
"Beast Boy, I trust your judgment. One thing though; the rest of us can forgive her former trespasses, but what about Starfire? Terra has affected her the most, more than the rest of us combined. What would Starfire say about all this?" spoke Robin, concern and understanding in his voice.
"I'd say I could forgive."
The team turned towards the entrance, to see Starfire, streaks of tearstains coming from her eyes: the byproduct of all her crying. She walked over to where Terra was sitting, and took that spot.
"Starfire" said Robin, "are you sure about that?"
When Starfire took her seat, she spoke her mind. "When I saw Terra sit here and confess to us," she began, "I could feel the waves of pain emanate from her. They were much like, like the pain I felt when she told me. I heard the part of the diedu, another forbidden technology of our planet. If Beast Boy trusts her, and I trust Beast Boy, then I trust her too. Terra may have killed my mother and brother, but that was not of her will. Besides, I feel horrible for her; Terra must now live out her days, knowing she killed her friend's family. Surely I don't want to add to her suffering."
I'm a stranger in this town
I'm a stranger in this town
I'm a stranger in this town
The gang stood there, and was struck with awe. Beast Boy started to cry, and took the opportunity to hug his friend, to which Starfire accepted. Raven, spoke nothing, but a single tear streamed down her face, unable to stay inside her. Cyborg sat there, nodding his head in complete agreement. Robin looked at her, completely touched, and then bowed his head downward.
"Well then," he said, "I'd be willing to give her another shot. How about the rest of you?"
Terra stood outside the hall. She kept close enough to hear chatter; but she couldn't make out what was being said, she was too afraid to hear. She heard the door open, and Beast Boy came out, a serious look on his face.
"Hey," he said, "want to go for a walk? I wanted to check out that garden by the infirmary anyway."
Terra, stood in confusion, but then nodded and followed Beast Boy to the garden.
Beast Boy found a bench, and motioned Terra to sit with him.
"Well," he began, "we came to a decision."
"I'm not wanted, am I?" said Terra, foreseeing the worst.
"What makes you say that?" he inquired.
Terra sighed, still a little shaky from her confrontation. "I wouldn't want a murderer on my side. Beast Boy, I can understand, that's all. I just wish they could know how truly sorry I am. I would give everything for one last chance, but somehow, I feel I won't get it here."
Beast Boy heard his lover out, pain in his face. Did she really think so lowly of herself?
"Terra," he said, "I'm getting sick of this self –loathing. Please, can't you see it hurts me to hear those words from you?" Beast Boy took her face in his hands. "Listen, I couldn't have fallen in love with an evil person. Terra, you're confused, but not evil. I'm ready to give you the chance you've been looking for this whole time," he smiled, "and apparently, the gang agrees."
Terra's eyes widened with disbelief, "you mean?"
"Yes, welcome back Terra," he smiled brightly.
"B-b-but, Starfire, I killed Starfire's-"she protested, until Beast Boy put a finger to her lips.
"I think you should leave that conversation to her. Terra, even Starfire sees the good in you. What more do you need to know how wonderful you are?"
Terra began to tear up for the second time today, and tackled Beast Boy with absolute delight. Beast Boy was surprised, but then wrapped his arms around her. He then gave her a kiss.
"So," he asked her, "still want to leave it all?"
"No," she replied softly, "I've been given another chance at all the things that made me happy. And this time, I'm not going to let them go."
If heaven is on the way
If heaven is on the way
I'm a stranger in this town
I'm a stranger in this town
Well, that's all for now. What'd you think? Are you all psyched for the next episode: Betroved?
I can't say for sure what my feelings are, but I will reserve judgment until its over.
"Thank You!" To The Following:
mike
My newest reader, welcome! Glad you're enjoying the story so far.
Black Dawn
Thanks for the review.
Penguin
Thanks for your support. Please continue to enjoy!
DIWaRrIa
Your welcome for the review. Like I said, it's the least I could do. Thanks for your kind words!
Archer of the Titan
Glad you liked the fight. I'm surprised by how many people enjoy them, as I just pull them out of my head. I always thought that a fight scene is just more real that way.
ssjEasterBunny
I dedicate this one to you my friend. What do you think? I hope it came out ok. Thanks for your support, and I throughly enjoyed your BB/Terra fic.
Marchwarden's Blue Eyed S
Hi Ruby. The next chapter's for you. I've been thinking about it since I started writting. Please be brutily honest if it comes out totally corney k? Between friends eh?
KPAAF Everyone! We're almost there.
