Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans. I do own Thornage, and his planet, ect.
Only 10 reviews! Oh… well, please all faithful readers, get out there and tell your faithful readers about Lupine-Eyes! Please? It will be appreciated. Thanks!
Oh, and this chapter is just one big long flashback, just so you knows
Most things in italics are Tameranian; trust me, you'll know if it is. And I have provided the translations in the flashback.
Review Replies!
Babie A: I know, but the bet is important towards the end of the story, and it doesn't fit Star as well as it fits Raven…
StArFiRe GrAySoN: Just watch in the next chapter all will be reveled…
Lola-Gurl (from Chapter One): Thanks Lola! (And get the new chapter of Shi Jin No Miko up soon!)
Three Tests To Destiny
By Lupine-Eyes
Chapter 2: Fond Memories.
Starfire sat sidesaddle on the back of the Redbird. She glanced behind the motorcycle, at the T-car where her friends and Thornage rode. She shook her head, pondering why she would be needed at home. She sighed, knowing everything would be reveled in time. She smiled as the evening air swept through her hair. She glanced at Robin who was intent at the road. Her eyes grew wide and she involuntarily shuddered as her mind picked up a memory, and she was mentally swept away…
FlashbackShe was falling towards a large city, near an ocean, having just escaped from the Gordinians. She tried to fly, to stop her self from falling ever faster to the ground, but found it impossible. It seemed the power dampener still held sway over her powers. She braced herself for impact as she fell faster. The street became visible, as was a boy, who was in the path of her fall. He wore strange brightly colored clothing, as well as a mask and a cape, but that didn't matter, she was still going to fall on him. She yelled at him to move away, but he just turned to look at her.
WHAM! She collided with the boy, falling to the ground, on top of him. Quickly she got up and apologized, and then helped him up. The Boy looked at her strangely as if he did not understand her words. They stared at each other in wonder taking the others strange apparel in, then the walked around him and he followed her gaze, but when she reached the other side of him, she bolted.
He yelled after her in some language she didn't understand, so she kept running, never looking back. As she ran she looked around this strange new world she had found herself in. It was amazing, flashing lights, four wheeled animals with people inside, strange and wonderful and frightening new things. And the more she saw of this world, the more that same fear threatened to over take her. She swallowed it, acknowledged its existence, but did not allow it to rule her.
She ran into a dark ally, not wanting to exert herself on her first day of freedom. She sighed, leaning against the wall, sighing and catching her breath. Suddenly three dark reptilian figures appeared before her. They were covered in green scales, and they wore a sickly yellow armor, that matched their lidless eyes. Their lipless mouths sneered at her. "Dochni'chi conterci theonica hunrum Koriand'r." The leader said in her native language, which meant something like "You thought you could escape, foolish Koriand'r"
She glared at him, though she eyed his weapon wearily. "Undersi glipnix hunrum Gordainian dunshik" which meant, " It is you who is foolish Gordainian scum" The lizard glared back, firing up his weapon, a long stick, with a taser spouting electricity at the end. He stepped forward, and she put her hands up to defend herself… then the boy she had 'met' earlier jumped in front of her out of nowhere, protecting her. He then whipped out a metal rod, which grew, and then with a yell, he attacked the Gordainians.
They didn't stand a chance, even with their high-tech weaponry. In fewer than two minuets the lizard-men were lying in the dust, unconscious. When finished, he turned to face her, and he put his weapon away. He looked at her and spoke some strange words, she replied to him "Iun dokinling bun Ju servine copular." ("I'm sorry but I do not understand") the Boy had a strange look on his face, and he muttered something. Although she didn't understand his strange speech she understood his meaning, he wanted to be able to speak with her.
She nodded to herself, wondering why she didn't do this before. She walked towards him, and then out of welcome as much as to learn his language, she kissed him. The Boy's eyes' widened and he made as if to protest, but it died before he could voice it. Then, aware of his embarrassment, backed away. "Well." She said in English "I thank you for saving me."
The Boy stared at her in wonder. "Your- your welcome." He replied. She smiled, and nodded in response. Suddenly her hand grew warm, she looked down at it, and it flickered with green energy. Then as suddenly as it appeared it disappeared. He looked at her hand then back at her. "Who are you?" he asked.
"I am Koriand'r of Tameran." She replied modestly.
"Cori'ender?" he asked, pronouncing it awkwardly.
She nodded. "I believe it means Starfire in your language." She replied "And you are…?"
"Robin. I'm Robin. And this…" He gestured around him. "Is Earth." Then he glanced at the Lizard-Men behind him. "Uh, maybe you should stick close to me, in case those things wake up and attack you again."
She looked at him, frowning slightly; it had been a long time since someone had genuinely wanted to help her. She decided to trust this Robin. "If you think it is best." She agreed, then thought 'At least until I get my powers back.'
He started to walk, and gestured for her to follow. "So, why where those things chasing you anyway?" he asked conversationally.
Starfire thought for a moment. "Let us just say I have something they want." 'Me' she thought silently. Robin nodded, seeming to understand. Then, he stopped, having come to his vehicle, a two-wheeled contraption she had never seen before.
He looked at her, and an amused smile crept across his face. "I'm going to take a wild guess and say they don't have motorcycles where you come from."
Starfire shook her head and gazed at the motorcycle with wonder. "No. I have never seen the likes of something like this. But, my people have no need for such vehicles. We can fly." She said it as though it was the most normal thing in the world. Robin nodded in understanding. "But, now I cannot." She said, looking down in sorrow. "While under the captivity of those creatures, the Gordainians, I was put under a power dampener, so I could not escape. I did nevertheless…" she said with a sheepish smile, then continued "But I will not be able to fly for another hour or so." Robin nodded, and showed her how to get on.
"Now hold on." He said as he revved up the engine and took off. It was a rush, although at first she was frightened, and held on to her savior's back. After she got used to it she let go leaning back. She felt as though she was flying, but she was connected with the ground. She watched in marvel as the buildings and scenery flew past. Finally they reached an oddly shaped tower, and she gasped in wonder.
"It's beautiful." Starfire replied, her voice filled with awe.
Robin grinned at her "Just wait until you see the inside." He wheeled his motorcycle into the garage, and then placed his hand on a non-descript panel. The door instantly opened to reveal a chair-lined hallway. "This is my home." He said as she followed him inside.
Then, a voice rang out of nowhere "Hey! Robin, where have you been?" They looked up, and saw a strange green boy, with pointy ears on the stairs. "We were gonna start the movie with out… you." He looked at the two, having just noticed Starfire. "Robin, who is this?"
"Oh, yeah, this is Starfire." Robin replied. "Star, this is Beast Boy."
Star nodded to him. "It is pleasant to meet you."
"Same." Beast Boy replied reflexively, and then he turned back to Robin, barely noticing his rudeness. "Dude, if you were going out to pick up chicks, you could of at least brought me along." Robin scowled at him, and turned to Starfire to apologize for Beast Boy's rudeness, but found her not paying attention.
Star was concentrating on her hand, frowning slightly. Suddenly something that looked like green sunlight underwater, jumped from her hand, creating a shield around it. "Yes." She whispered to her self, and then she felt the other two looking at her, and she looked up, her cheeks tinged with red.
"What was that?" Beast Boy asked, his eyebrows up in surprise.
"That was an orb of solar energy. It seems as though my powers have returned." She replied with a smile.
"You have… powers?" The green one asked. "Okay, where did you say you were from?"
"I didn't." She replied calmly. "But, I am from Tameran, eighth planet from Vega." Beast Boy nodded trying to take it in.
"Well." Robin said after a few seconds of silence. "I think we've stood her long enough, don't you?" he looked at Star "Come on upstairs, I'll introduce you to the other Titans"
"Titans?" Starfire inquired (that rhymed! ) cocking her head to one side.
"Oh, I didn't explain that did I… Well, me and my three friends we stop criminals and help people… and stuff." He explained awkwardly. "And we call our group the Teen Titans."
"I believe I understand." Starfire replied. Robin smiled and led her upstairs, Beast Boy at their heels.
They reached a large circular (is it?) room, filled with a min-kitchen, a large couch, and some other assorted items, which made life more comfortable. There a pale girl, in a dark blue-purple cape, greeted them. Her purple eyes glittered and matched her hair perfectly, and had a red dot, on her for head, (does anyone know what its called, I seemed to have forgotten.) "Starfire, this is Raven." Robin said, and the two made their greetings. "And Cyborg."
The large half-man half-machine walked into the room. He made as if to say something but was cut off by Raven. "Good you found her, finally." She said wryly as she looked directly at Starfire. "I was beginning to think you'd never show."
"You were waiting… for me?" Starfire asked, uncertain and bewildered.
"Of course. What other alien is going to crash land to earth?" she asked sarcastically. Starfire stared at her strangely, and Raven laughed, it sounded so strange, like she didn't laugh often, and it sounded, a bit harsh, like a crows."Welcome to Earth, Koriand'r."
Cyborg nodded to her. "Pleasant to meet you, Koriand'r was it?" he held out his hand.
"You may call me Starfire." Star replied, placing he hand in his. "It is pleasant to meet you as well." Suddenly an obnoxious and overly loud alarm sounded.
Robin walked over to the computer and turned it on. "Trouble Downtown!"
"Never would have guessed that." Raven mumbled. Robin ignored her.
"Titans GO!" The Titans rushed out of the room, and Starfire made as if to join them when she suddenly stopped. Robin, halfway out the door stopped and turned. "Do- do you want to come?" he asked, unsure.
Starfire looked at the screen, which showed the ugly face of a Gordainian. She wanted to, she did but… "I would like to, but I have imposed myself upon your hospitality long enough. I should…"
Robin looked at her, then at the screen. He smiled. "Come on, I insist. We could use the help."
She smiled back. "Then I will join you." She rose into the air, and followed the Boy Wonder out.
The Gordainians were everywhere, tearing open buildings and terrorizing innocents, presumably looking for her. "Demons" Starfire muttered, looking at the chaos and destruction they caused. She growled and shot a starbolt at the nearest one, it turned to look at her, and charged, and she continued to blast it. Fighting became her solstice, and she was on autopilot, sustained by her rage and need for revenge. She did not even notice the Titans fighting beside her; it was just her and these abominations. They had stolen her from her home, and harmed her and her family. And now they would pay.
The battle raged, and many of the lizard-men lay unconscious or dead in the soil, and the remaining ones retreated, running under the ship over head, being beamed up. She rose into the air as well, throwing every sliver of power she had at them. The bolts bounced of the ship, flying at buildings, people; one even hit Beast Boy in the face. (An accident I assure you)
The Titans stood and watched in awe at the alien's fury. "Uh, should we stop her?" Cyborg asked, holding an unconscious Beast Boy.
Raven sighed, "I'll do it." Her eyes glowed with power as a shadow like energy surrounded Starfire, bringing her back to the ground.
Starfire landed, panting heavily. She glared at them, and then sank to the ground, a look of defeat on her face. Robin ran to her and caught her as she fell. "Are you okay?" he asked.
She shook her head, a tear falling down from an emerald eye. "No. I am not. For they escaped." She said struggling to stand. "After what they did to me, they deserved to be destroyed." The weakness left her voice and was replaced with rage.
The Titans looked at her bewildered. "Okay, could you expand on that idea?" Beast Boy asked, only to be elbowed by Robin.
"So, what did they do to you?" Robin asked.
Starfire looked at the ground, deciding whether to tell them or not. She sighed, and decided to trust them. "They made war with my planet, killing many of my people. Then, years later demanded a sacrifice for my planets peace. And, lucky me, I was chosen. I suffered two years as a slave to them. Two Years!" she said softly the tears burning on her cheeks. Her tone grew softer as she continued. "Two years of humiliation and servitude I endured. Today, they were to sell me in some slave auction on Grantox 5." A cold smile fixed its self on her tear-streaked face. "I escaped, even with my powers dampened." She looked up at them, and her smile became sad. "I am sorry. I did not mean too…"
"No, no. Its okay." Everyone mumbled awkwardly, saying some version of that, trying to make Starfire feel better.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, Beast Boy piped up. "Okay, I got most of that, but why did they want you as a sacrifice?" The others sweat dropped, and Beast Boy continued with a sheepish grin, not noticing, "Not to like, undermine your worth or anything…"
Everyone but Starfire glared at him and/or smacked their foreheads. Raven even muttered, "There is such a thing called tact…"
Star looked down, "Well, if it is alright, I will save that story for another time." Beast Boy looked thoughtful at this, and every one tensed up, and when he shrugged, the other Titans sighed with relief.
"Well, crisis averted, lets go home ya'll." Cyborg said with a sleepy yawn.
Robin nodded. "Yeah lets go home, and you can stay with us at the tower Star, unless you have somewhere else to go?"
Star shook her head. "I cannot return home, so if you do not mind…"
Cyborg laughed sleepily. "Not at all! Come on, we've got so many rooms, it won't make a difference."
"I thank you." Starfire said with a small smile, and the Titans left for home.
The next morning, the titans gathered in the living room, as Starfire walked in. She bowed deeply to them. "I thank you all for your gracious hospitality. But, I feel I can no longer impose upon you all." 'I'm sure I'll find somewhere to go…' she finished in her head. Speechless, the titans watched as Starfire moved to the door, and they all stood up at once.
"You can't leave yet." Robin said gently, catching Star's arm as she turned to leave. She looked back, bewildered, into his err… mask.
"Not till you hear us out." Cyborg added. Starfire looked questioningly at all of them.
"We want you to be a Titan!" Beast Boy yelled punching his arms in the air animatedly. Raven nodded, and favored Star with a rare smile.
Starfire felt tears of joy fill her eyes. "I accept your gracious offer." She said smiling. "Thank you."
End Flashback.
The motorcycle came to a screeching halt, and Starfire's eyes flew open, bringing her out of her memory. "We're Home." Robin whispered to her, and she smiled at him, knowing what he thought of her going away.
Thornage climbed out of the T-car, and marveled at the structure before him. "It is, amazing." He said in awe.
"It's a giant 'T' big deal." Raven said sarcastically, and the group walked into the tower.
"It's still beautiful." Starfire whispered to herself, as they went inside.
Lupi:Finished at last! Hope you liked it, and please review! Chocolates for all who review! (I want atleast 15 this time. Please?)