Chapter 5: A New World
Maximus awoke in the middle of a forest clearing. "Where am I?"
"You are outside Jump City, and it is 10:00 in the morning, in the year 2005 AD if you want to know." A voice behind him said.
Maximus got up with a start and saw an old man, clothed in white garments, carrying a white staff.
"Who are you?"
"Why, Maximus. You don't recognize someone you saw just, to you anyway, 2 minutes ago."
Maximus looked closely at the man's face. "Rorek?"
"Now you remember."
Maximus stood up. "Bu-but, how are you still alive?"
"I am an immortal wizard." Rorek looked at his watch. "I can't stay any longer. You must wait in that cave for someone who will introduce you to modern culture. Trust me. You won't be waiting long." That moment, Rorek rose his staff, hit the ground with it and he disappeared.
Maximus set up his temporary home in the cave and practiced his sword skills to pass the time. He waited for 3 days before he heard something.
"Who's there?" He said as he walked toward the cave exit. He looked outside and saw a young girl, crying nearby. Maximus went to her aid.
"Are you alright?" Maximus asked the girl. She jumped up. "Who are you and why do you look like a Roman soldier?" She was blond, very skinny and her eyes had a shine that made her look very beautiful.
"My name is Maximus Licinius Scipio. The second question is a long story. What's your name?"
"I'm Terra." She suddenly started to cry again.
"Why don't you come into my cave? You should eat something."
Terra looked at Maximus. "I would like that very much."
Terra followed Maximus into the cave where he told her about himself. (I am not repeating the story again.) She also told him her story as they ate. How she came to Jump City, how she met the Teen Titans, and how she lost control of her powers.
"You have powers?"
"Ya. Check it out." She raised her hand and a small stone rose too.
"By the beard of Jupiter! You can manipulate rock and stone."
"Yes, but I lost my friends thanks to my powers." Terra said sadly.
Maximus got up and sat next to her. "What if I could teach you how to control you powers?"
"Could you? She said, surprised.
"Of course, Roman training can teach much more than just the ways of war."
"Ok, I'll stay."
"Great. We will start tomorrow. Oh, and Terra? Don't feel sorry for yourself. No man or woman can be too powerful or too beautiful without disaster befalling them. I know from experience. You are not alone. Good night."
Terra paused for a moment. "That is very reassuring. Thank you and good night."