Blue Lantern: glad ya liked it...hope this chapter doesnt dissapoint you
Ravenfairie: is over 3000 words long enough?(3,123 to be exact) the ending may not satisfy you...but I have started work on another story...so yeah
Amy: I know it was a little out there...but thats what I was going for. I wanted it to be a little confusing...since the end of the chapter sorta clears it up. I should warn you...I do it again this time...
givin-inside: what can i say, im a lazy college kid...I miss the space bar once in a while...glad you liked it anyway lol
RainSprite03: cool...yeah I like the songs too...'specially the one this chapter...it fits oh so perfectly
Steve-Racer: I know cheesy sappy...mushy...whatever...but to be honest...i did like how it worked out...and i almost felt obligated to put a little mush in...trust me, im not usually like that.
CyberWraith9: Glad you liked the first chapter...i hope you've read the others...or ya might get lost...
NOTES: Well, this is the last chapter of my story. There is another story in the making that will start to be posted as soon as i finish the first chapter. It should be good, but I need some ideas for NEWvillains that the Titans would go up against, so feel free to drop some ideas in reviews.
As for characters in this chapter...
Raven, BB/Changeling, Cyborg, Robin/Nightwing, and Starfire...obviously not my creation...
Falcon...is a cross between Starfire and Robin...only half my creation. Same with Beast Boy Jr. (BB's Powers with Raven's attitude...)
Warlock is a Teen Titans version of a Harry Potter style wizard (powers much like Raven) also half my creation
Vortex: All my creation. I'm writing a fantasy book, and Vortex is based of an elf wizard in that book with control over the winds so yeah this character is the only one that's property of ME lol
A few conversations this chapter may be a bit confusing...but they are supposed to be...i know its probly annoying, thats the point. All will be made clear in the end
Chapter Eight: Out of the Ashes
"I used to draw you pictures back in grade school. You never could quite make them out, but you said you thought they were cool. We made a really good team you and I and our acid washed jeans. Looking back it was all so great. Vaurnet, Chip 'n' Pepper, and Vanilla Ice tapes.
It's hard to get over she comes out in October. Iwish some day I could show her things have changed. But now that were so much older, I don't even really know her. Maybe some day she'll come over, and we can hang.
I saw you in Cosmopolitan, and your hair was down and everybody liked you. Remember way back when, way back in grade seven, cause your hair was down and everybody liked you.
You were a smart girl. Favorite day was earth day. Forget what those jerks say, I dug you in the worst way. No doubt, cause you even went out bought me a Boys In The Hood soundtrack for my birthday.
It's hard to get over she comes out in October. I wish some day I could show her things have changed. But now that were so much older, I don't even really know her. Maybe some day she'll come over, and we can hang.
And we could all tell that you would be something. And we could all tell stories to our friends. And we could all tell it was now or nothing. And we could all tell you'd never be back again."
-"October" FM Static
Harsh winds tore through the skies. Winter storms raged overhead as an endless curtain of snow fell to the ground. Christmas trees and festive lights dotted the city streets inside of shop windows. It was a typical December night in Jump City. The air was cold, and everyone had retired to the heated comfort of their homes.
Out in the water, just off the shore, stood the massive T that served as home to the Teen Titans, the heroes of Jump City. The five members of the Titans had served as guardians of the city for years, and the team had made quite a name for themselves since the time of their conception.
Robin, Batman's former sidekick. The Boy Wonder had no superpowers. He relied on his gadgets and his martial arts training. The adopted son of Bruce Wayne, Robin, who was now known as Nightwing, seemed to be the logical replacement for the now dead caped crusader.
Cyborg, half man, half machine. Formerly known as Victor Stone, Cyborg was easily the strongest of the Titans. Equipped with half a robotic brain, and a sonic cannon built into his right arm, Cyborg still packed a punch even after all these years.
Raven, daughter of a human female and an other-worldly demon. In her younger days Raven's powers forbid her to show any emotion, but after admitting her love for Beast Boy, her emotions fell into a stable balance, and she was gifted with even greater power.
Starfire, an alien princess from the planet Tamaran. Starfire never knew the meaning of the word "depressed." Gifted with the ability to fly, incredible strength, and bolts of solar energy, Starfire was quite the fighter.
Beast Boy, a shape shifter, now known as Changeling, with the ability to change into any animal he liked. As a child, he was diagnosed with a rare disease that was declared fatal to humans. In an attempt to save their son Garfield's life, his parents combined him with animal DNA. The procedure cured him completely, but the side effects led to the birth of Beast Boy.
Together, they were the Teen Titans. Great and powerful heroes that had earned their place in history. They would be remembered for generations as the guardians of Jump City.
It had been twenty-five years since Terra had permanently left the Titans. Even after all this time, none of the others had forgotten the sacrifice she had made to save the city. In her memory, Terra's room had been declared off limits to all future residents of Titans Tower. She had left them a hero, and no one could ever take her place.
The five Titans stood in the cavern that had become Terra's final resting place. Deep down they wanted to believe there was still a chance they could bring her back, but after twenty-five years, they began to lose hope. Every year they would return to the cave simply to show their friend they would never forget her.
This year was different. They were joined by four teenagers:
Falcon, the daughter of Robin and Starfire. Gifted with the Tamaranian ability of flight, and trained by her father in martial arts, she was the best of both worlds.
Vortex, an orphan boy born with control of the winds. Born in the streets of England, he was brought back to the US by Nightwing to join the other heroes of Titans Tower.
Warlock, a wizard from another dimension. His powers were similar to Raven's without her former emotional restraints.
And Beast Boy, the son of Raven and Changeling. A cross between his parents, Beast Boy gained his father's abilities, and his mother's attitude.
Vortex looked up at the chunk of rock, "So this ere's Terra eh?" Nightwing nodded, "Yeah, one of the greatest heroes to ever grace the streets of Jump City. And one of the most dangerous criminals we've ever been up against." Warlock turned to Raven, "And you say she's still in there?" Raven nodded, "Yes…somewhere." Vortex continued to stare at Terra's lifeless form, "Haven't you tried to save her?" Raven looked up at the statue, "We did. About twenty-five years ago…It didn't work."
Cyborg shook his head, "Believe me, if there was a way to bring her back…we would have." Changeling nodded, "Yeah…" Beast Boy stood behind the crowd with his arms folded across his chest, "Didn't you say she betrayed you?" Starfire nodded, "Yes, but she was not evil. She was our friend." Beast Boy shook his head, "Some friend…"
Nightwing ignored the comment as he moved toward the entrance, "Ok, it's getting late. Let's go back to the Tower." The nine heroes left the cave and stepped out into the cold night air. The snow had stopped, but the wind continued to roar overhead as they headed home.
Back in the cave, the ground started to vibrate lightly. In a few seconds it had grown to a violent tremble. Chunks of rock fell from the ceiling and shattered on the ground below. A muffled voice rose from beneath the rock as countless tiny cracks began to appear along the statue's surface. Suddenly, a violent shade of yellow appeared inthe eyes of the helpless teen. The muffled voice erupted in an earth shattering scream as tiny shards of stone exploded off of Terra's body, "YAHH!"
Terra stepped off the rock where she stood and looked around the cave, "We did it," She whispered. "We beat Slade!" She closed her eyes and collapsed onto the ground to catch her breath.
The five Titans stood together in the basement of the Tower. Changeling sighed as he spoke to his friends, "I sort of knew this was gonna happen…" Nightwing nodded, "We're definitely ready for this." Cyborg stared at him, "Yeah, but are they ready?" Raven nodded, "Need I remind you, Cyborg…we were no older than they are…" Nightwing was about to speak when the sirens went off. The five Titans raced up the stairs into the living room. Cyborg checked the alarm, then turned to the others, "There's someone outside the Tower. The Titans exchanged glances as a loud thud echoed from behind the front door.
The Titans hurried to the entryway. Starfire gasped when she saw the door, "I do not think our guest is happy…" Whatever had hit the door left a large dent in the metal surface. They waited for a moment, then, a second thud echoed through the hall. Nightwing glanced back at Cyborg who had his sonic cannon ready. Cyborg nodded, "Do it!" Nightwing reached over to the wall and pressed the release button. As the doors slid open a midsized boulder flew inside and landed hard on the floor. "Heh…sorry…"
Cyborg lowered his arm as his jaw hit the floor. Nightwing's eyes shot open as he stared at the figure in the doorway. "I don't believe it," Raven mumbled to herself. Changeling charged through them and skidded to a stop just inside the door, "Terra!" Starfire lunged forward and threw Changeling aside. She reached out and grabbed Terra lifting her off the ground, "Friend Terra, you have returned!"
Nightwing shook his head, "This really makes things interesting…" Raven nodded, "Well, it certainly makes it easier." Nightwing looked at her, "How so?" Raven shrugged, "They need a leader. Who would be better suited than the lost Titan?" Cyborg turned to Nightwing, "Raven's got a point dude. The gang's been under our wing for a while now. They aren't used to doin things on their own, but with Terra around…" Changeling jumped in, "We can finally let go." The others turned and glared at him. Changeling shrunk back, "What? Come on! Don't tell me it hasn't crossed your mind…"
Nightwing shook his head, "That's not the point." He turned back to the others, "So…" Cyborg shrugged, "I'm in." Changeling and Raven nodded in agreement. Nightwing turned to Starfire, "Star?" The alien girl shrugged, "I do not believe I am ready for this…but it must be done." Nightwing nodded, "Alright, somebody go find Terra." Starfire gave a slight nod and went off to find the young hero. After she had left, Cyborg turned to Nightwing, "You know we're gonna have some explaining to do…" Nightwing nodded, "I know."
Terra sat with the Junior Titans in the living room of Titans Tower. She looked over at the green teenager sitting across from her, "So, you're Beast Boy?" Beast Boy nodded. Terra smiled, "Cool! You look just like Changeling." Beast Boy glared at her, "Yeah I know. Green skin, pointy ears…we look soo much alike. You don't have to try to be my friend…" Terra stared at him, "But…" Falcon stepped in and dragged Terra away from the others, "Ignore him. He looks like Changeling, but he acts like Raven." Terra sighed, "Great…"
Falcon sat down and looked up at Terra, "So…is what they say about you true?" Terra shrugged as she sat down, "What do they say?" Falcon smiled slightly, "That you're the greatest hero Jump City's ever seen…and the deadliest criminal." Terra laughed nervously, "Heh, that's only half true. I'm no hero." Falcon stared back at her, "The others seem to think you are." Terra lowered her head, "Did they tell you I betrayed them?" Falcon nodded, "Yeah, but they also said you saved the day in the end…and you took down Slade. That's something my dad could never do." Terra looked up, "Your dad?" Falcon nodded, "Nightwing…er…Robin." Terra's eyes shot open, "What!" Falcon opened her mouth to speak as Starfire floated up to them, "Terra, Nightwing…um…Robin wishes to speak with you."
Terra left Falcon and followed Starfire to the basement. Terra looked up at her friend, "What's goin on Starfire?" Starfire closed her eyes as she led Terra through the Tower, "It is…complicated." Terra sighed as she walked down the stairs into the basement.
Nightwing nodded to Terra as she walked up to the group. The young girl smiled nervously as she spoke, "Can anyone tell me what's goin on here?" Nightwing closed his eyes, "You won't like the answer…" Terra shook her head, "I don't care, I just wanna know…" Nightwing sighed, "Do you remember the fight with Slade?" Terra nodded. "That was twenty-five years ago…" Terra's eyes shot open, "WHAT!"
Changeling looked down at the floor, "You saved the city, but it cost you…big time." Terra stepped back cautiously, "What do you mean?" Raven looked over at her, "You turned to stone." Terra gasped, "No…" Cyborg nodded, "About a month after it happened, Raven found a way to bring you back, but it didn't work." Nightwing nodded, "At least, it didn't appear to."
Terra backed up slowly, "If it's been so long, why am I still a kid?" Starfire looked down at the floor, "Friend Terra, you were…frozen." Cyborg walked over and put his hand on Terra's shoulder, "Twenty-five years trapped in solid rock…you're not growin up." Terra looked around the group, "Isn't there any way we can…" Nightwing shook his head as he jumped in, "No. If there was, we would have done it already."
Terra slumped down onto her knees, "I don't believe it." The other Titans exchanged glances as Nightwing stepped forward and put a hand on Terra's shoulder, "Terra, I know this is hard..." Terra glared at him, "Hard? That all you got? I come out of the fight of my life to find my friends are all grown up. Robin, your kids are my age!" Nightwing stepped back, "I'm not Robin anymore…" Terra looked away, "You could say that again!" She got up quickly and stormed out of the basement. Changeling called after her, "Terra wait!" The young hero ignored him and continued up the stairs. Raven looked over at Nightwing, "That went well…"
Terra paced around her room, "Is this the thanks I get for playin the hero? I save my friends, and the city…and it turns me into a big rock! Why does this always happen?" Terra clenched her fists and growled, "Slade! This is his fault. If it wasn't for him, I would have never been able to control my powers…but thanks to him…I lost my friends forever. I've been gone for so long they probably don't even remember me…" She slumped down on her bed and buried her face in her hands. Tears streamed down her face, "I don't even recognize this world anymore. I lost everything…" Terra lay back on her bed, and her eyes fell on the picture of her and Beast Boy years ago in the carnival. "How did that get here," she thought. "That was the night I…" She couldn't bring herself to say it. She gazed blankly at the picture. The green skinned hero was the best friend she ever had. Terra closed her eyes and continued to cry, "Why me?"
Terra jumped as she heard a gentle knock on her door. Terra looked up and lazily wiped her tears away as Changeling walked into her room, "Beast Boy…" Changeling smiled slightly as he sat down on her bed, "I'm Changeling now…" Terra looked away, "Right…I forgot…" Changeling looked down at the floor, "If there was any way to change this, Terra, we would…but…" Terra cut him off, "You don't need to explain it to me. I get it." She sat up slowly and continued to speak, "I'm out of place…just like when I first showed up at the Tower. Only now, I don't have anything." Changeling put a hand on her shoulder, "We want you to feel welcome here, Terra."
Terra shook her head and stood up, "Well, sorry if I feel a little uncomfortable around your kids Beast Boy…" Changeling sighed and looked up at her, "A long time ago, I made a promise to be your friend no matter what, Terra…remember? I broke that promise…I turned my back on you…and you turned to Slade. This whole thing could have been avoided if I stood by you. I never really forgave myself for that." He sighed and looked down at the floor, "I'm trying to fix that now. We both know things can't go back the way they were…but I can still be a friend." Changeling stood up slowly and moved for the door, "There will always be a place for you at Titans Tower." He stopped just outside the door and looked back, "When you're ready…Nightwing is still waiting to talk to you." Changeling turned and left the room.
Terra slumped down and gazed at the picture next to her bed. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Beast Boy," she thought, "You never broke the promise…" Even after he turned his back, he still gave her one more chance. After she tried to kill them, he still gave her one more chance. Even when she had him trapped, ready to deliver the final blow, he still gave her one last chance. "Three times," she thought. "He never broke the promise…I did. I betrayed him…all of them. I deserved to lose them…I'm no hero, and I don't belong in Titans Tower."
Terra stood up and left her room quietly. She wandered down the halls in a daze. She waited for the sound of an alarm clock to wake her from this nightmare, but every step she took made her see how real the situation really was. She approached the front door and hit the release button. The doors slid open, and Terra stepped outside. As she headed down the front walkway she felt a hand on her shoulder. Terra turned and found herself staring up at Nightwing. "Please don't leave Terra; not again." Terra closed her eyes, "I'm sorry, Nightwing." She pulled away and continued down the path. Nightwing stepped forward and grabbed her shoulder again. He pulled her around and looked her in the eye, "We need you here, Terra." Terra smirked, "You don't need me."
Nightwing continued to stare at her, "Terra, most of the Justice League has retired. Superman asked us to step in and head up the next generation Justice League..." Nightwing paused slightly before continuing, "We accepted. We're going to be leaving the Tower." Terra looked up at him as Nightwing continued to speak, "We've got a lot of responsibilities now, Terra. We can't be everywhere at once, and Jump City's still going to need someone to watch over them." Nightwing stared deep into Terra's eyes, "We want you to lead the New Teen Titans…" Terra blinked, "What?" Nightwing nodded, "The kids are used to following in our footsteps but we can't lead them forever."
Terra stepped back, "But why me? Can't one of your kids do it?" Nightwing shook his head, "They would have, but you showed up. Terra, the team could use you. You've got incredible power, and plenty of experience. You always wanted to be a Titan, Terra…this is your chance." Terra looked down at the ground, "Even after all the horrible things I've done…you trust me with this?" Nightwing smiled slightly, "All that is ancient history now, Terra. You proved yourself that day in the cave. You deserve this more than anyone." Terra looked up at Nightwing and smiled, "Alright. I'll do it" Nightwing gestured toward the Tower, "Time to meet your new team."
THE END...
Hope you liked it through to the end.
Now for final notes. Ever since chapter two when I quoted the last scene of Aftershock (2) where BB and the others go back to Terra's statue...I knew I wanted to bring her back from the "dead." But I wanted to do it differently than everyone else. That's when I heard the song by FM Static..."October." It fit perfectly...Terra comes back when the Titan's are all grown up, and she's totaly out of place. Basically, I had the last chapter written in my head before I finished writing the second one.
At first this was meant only to end with BB and Raven hookin up, but when I decided to bring Terra back, I realized, New Beginning could work on more than just the relationship level with BB and Raven. It could also serve as the new beginning for Terra as leader of the New Teen Titans (Which is my next project).
I'll be continuing along this plot line with my next story, and probly every other story I write here. After I write about the New Teen Titans, I'll go back a lttle bit to the death of Batman, and the retirement of the old Justice League so there can be a little more clarity as to how the Titans got the job as Next Generation JLU(This will probly include some sweet teamwork between the JLU and the Titans)
So yeah, if you liked what you read, keep your eyes open, cause this is far from over...