Hi! Okay some of you had some questions. I believe one was: Why was Starfire in the year 3014? Well that's were she ended up after going through the portal in the year 2004 when she was 16. You'll get to see what I mean in this chap. Oh and I suggest that you watch How Long Is Forever before reading this story; I should've said that in the last chapter. And an other one was: Why is Starfire killing people? You'll just have to wait for the answer to that question in later chapters, like I said her past 10 years will be revealed throughout the story. Well here is Chapter 2. And during this chapter it will be going back and forwards between 3014 and 2014 and the italics in the beginning are her thoughts.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans, and I have accepted that.
Chapter 2: Forms of Torment
What is a slave? A slave can be a person without freedom or personal rights. This form of slavery is often seen throughout history; where people are taken and work under forced labor. This really a physical slavery were a person goes through pain, but there is also a metal pain evolved too. Slaves have little or no control over what happens to them. But some can achieve their freedom.
But there is still yet another slavery. Slavery of the heart and emotions. Little do we know, that by this form of slavery we are in constant chains. When a person endures this slavery they can't control their feelings or control them too much. They soon give into desire or they are stuck in an endless battle with themselves. They are slaves caged in their own bodies, not by wall or fence.
What happens to a person when they enter slavery? What happens to a person when they are taken from the life they knew and are forced into a new life? A life of solitude. What happens to a person when the one they love is abruptly taken from them? No matter the form of slavery we all have it sometime in our history or are, ourselves, enslaved.
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I often wonder what it would've been like if things had been different. If I had not been taken away, what would have become of me? I do not know. And it is because I do not know that I often look back at my life, both before and after I was taken. I examine everything very carefully and think about if something different had happened. But the sad fact is I can't change it. No matter how hard I think, it will not change. I wish that some things didn't happen to me, but that is why wishes are what they are. So I just remember…
" Put her down on the bed." Nightwing said hurriedly opening the bedroom door. Cyborg came through the door carrying a limp Starfire in his arms. He placed her down gently on the bed and Raven and Beastboy followed into the room.
After leaving the museum that they had been in, the former Titans raced off in the old, beat-up t-car that Cyborg had taken to get to the museum. Nightwing lead them to his apartment in an old part of Jump City and they rushed upstairs.
Raven now pushed Cyborg out of the way and looked at Starfire's wound. " She's hurt, bad. By the looks of this wound, she's been injured for a couple of hours now without treatment, which could be fatal."
Beastboy who had been nervously quiet until now, now yelled out in a panicked voice, " Oh my god! Oh my god! Is she going to die! What's going to happen! Can you cure her, huh, huh! We're all going to DIE!"
Beastboy then felt a slap across his face, which brought him back to reality. He put his hand to his now red and green cheek. He looked up at who had slapped him, which happened to be Cyborg.
Cyborg pointed a finger at Beastboy like a mother with her child and said, " I am sorry BB but you needed a slap to calm you down." Beastboy breathed in and clamed down.
" Raven, can you heal her?" Nightwing asked ignoring the situation.
" Yes." Raven said not looking up at him but at Starfire's side. She ripped the leather that was over the wound off.
" You three needed to leave the room." She said pointing to the door.
" Are you sure you don't need us in here?" Nightwing said afraid of leaving Starfire.
" Nightwing I know you're worried about Starfire, we all are. But you must leave now so I can heal her." Raven said in an annoyed tone. Nightwing knew Raven was right. She needed to focus and his worried tone would not help her do so. He nodded and left the room followed by Cyborg and Beastboy.
After they left Raven continued ripping the away the leather around the wound. It was bleeding badly. She circled her finger around it slightly. She noticed that it wasn't that big, but had shot right through, probably an arrow. The wound was just above Starfire's abdomen. Raven put her hands over the wound and closed her eyes.
She had been able to take control of her emotions after all these years. After defeating her father she dawned on a white suit to show that she was cleansed. But had lived a life alone, without her friends so it didn't matter whether or not she was able to control her powers. A white light sprung from her fingertips and surrounded the wound and closed it until it was just a small cut.
Raven then looked at it. It was almost as good as new but still needed some normal treatment. Looking around the room she spotted a bathroom door. She went inside the small bathroom and went to the cabinet above the sink. After opening it she took out a bottle of antiseptic. She then grabbed some toilet paper and left the room. When she got back to Starfire she balled up the toilet paper and dabbed the antiseptic on it. She then rubbed it gently on the small cut so it would not be infected.
After Raven was done she took a close look at Starfire. This wasn't the first time she had been injured. Raven looked at her legs, arm, stomach, and face and at everywhere she looked there was some kind-of scar. It was apparent that Starfire had been in many fights. But why? Where has she been?
Raven went to go lay Starfire in a more comfortable position. She wouldn't be up for a couple of more hours. But as Raven shifted Starfire she felt something on the back of her neck. Raven lifted up Starfire's hair to get a good look. And what she saw was…a scar. But this wasn't just any scar this was a marking.
Meanwhile while Raven healed Starfire the men had gone outside. The apartment was in a run down area of Jump City or the "hood". The apartment building itself was run down and babies' cries echoed through out the hallways. There was no elevator for the 10-story building so you had to take the stairs. The hallway which apartment C-43, Nightwings apartment, had chipped paint on the once red walls they really didn't have any color anymore, just a dead gray. Believe it or not but once this apartment building was one of Jump City's most prominent and beautiful buildings but with the Titans gone the city fell so did the apartment building.
When you came to the door of C-43 you would see an old wooden door that, if you weren't careful, would give you splinters. But as soon as you turned the old handle and stepped inside you would see a totally different place. The walls were painted different shades of white and black modern furniture filled it, making it look very nice. The kitchen had stainless steel appliances and a white tile floor. Just off the kitchen was a small nook where a glass table sat. And just beyond that room was a living room with a black chair and couch and a TV, where Cyborg, Beastboy, and Nightwing sat now.
Cyborg sat silently pushing some buttons on his robotic arm. Beastboy sat also quiet twiddling his thumbs. And Nightwing sat across from them on the chair quiet too, but every now and then glancing at the hallway leading to his room to make sure Raven didn't come out without him knowing.
" Do any of you want anything to eat?" Nightwing asked.
" Naw I'm fine." Cyborg said.
Beastboy rubbed his fat belly and thought better of it. " No thanks I'm trying to cut down on the food eating."
" So what have y'all be up to?" Cyborg asked.
Beastboy spoke up first. " Well after we broke up I tried to do the whole superhero thing but I got my ass kicked…a lot. So then I started the one-man zoo."
" I've just been hanging out at Titans Tower, couldn't really leave it cause I was so out-of-date." Cyborg whispered. They both turned to Nightwing expecting an answer.
" I don't really feel like talking about." Nightwing said. After that the room got silent again. Funny how when you've been gone from someone for so long, how hard it is to talk even though you really want to. It was silent for another five minutes then Raven came out of the room.
She walked in the living room and all three men turned towards her. " I think you guys better come here." Raven said. They all stood and followed her into the bedroom.
They walked in a circled around the bed. Starfire slept peacefully, her chest going up and down as she breathed.
" Were you able to cure her?" Nightwing asked.
" Yes, she should be fine. But there are some other things I found while examine her." Raven said.
" What is it?" Cyborg asked.
" There are other…scars on her. Some indicate serious injury and some just a slight cut. But there's one that is troubling me…." Raven trailed off.
" So what is it?" Beastboy asked.
" On the back of her neck there's a scar from a burn." Raven said.
" Yeah, well you just said she has lots of scars what's so different about this one?" Nightwing asked.
" This just isn't some accidental scar from burring or anything, this is a bran." Raven said.
" A whatie?" Beastboy asked.
" A bran is normally put on a cow by a framer or herder to show that the cow belongs to them. There are many different kinds of symbols depending on which farmer and where they live. Starfire has a bran on the back of her neck." Raven said showing them the back of her neck. They all winced. It was a weird shape like an O and an S put over each other. It was deep and pink some of it was kind-of scabby.
" Ow, that looks like it hurt why would she want to get a bran?" Beastboy asked. The others looked at him with the expression, " are you that retarded?" look across their faces and Raven's temper flared.
" No one just gets a bran, Beastboy, they are given one!" Raven said in an angry.
" How does a bran work?" Beastboy asked.
Raven rubbed her pupils and said. " A framer heats up an iron rod with their symbol on it. Once it gets fiery hot and has and ornage-ish glow they put it on the skin of a animal or in this case person, and leave them with a scar."
" So what your saying is…" Nightwing started but Raven finished.
" At some point Starfire was owned or something like that. Normally you would only see this kind of marking on a human if they were in …slavery." Raven said solemnly.
" No way. She couldn't have been. Are you sure?" Nightwing said in shock.
" I'm not sure of anything. It just seems like that would be the only reason why she has this scar. But really I can't tell you." Raven said.
" She's right. Nightwing, it's been 10 years things have changed. We don't know what happened to her." Cyborg said.
" Raven how old is that scar?" Nightwing asked.
" I would say, judging by the way it is now and the way it's still scabbed, about 10 years old." Raven said.
" So she got this scar only a little while after she disappeared?" Nightwing asked.
" I would guess so, but really, Starfire is the only one who could tell us what happened." Raven said looking at a sleep Starfire. The others looked at her too. Little did they know Starfire wasn't sleeping so peacefully as they thought.
-
: Memory:
Jump City Museum 2004(10 years ago)……………
Warp took his chance and opened the portal. The portal opened and stood by the swirling white light. He looked back on the Teen Titans once more.
" Ta-Ta Titans be seeing you." Warp said before turning to get in.
Starfire looked at Warp with anger he had ruined Brothog! She let out an "AHHHHHH!" and pushed him into the time warp, along with her.
Robin went to go jump in it too but as soon as Starfire had gone in it had closed. He landed on the hard ground, an empty space where Starfire had once been.
" Starfire!"
It was really all one big blur as Warp and Starfire went down what seemed like a huge white tunnel. They fought each other as they went along. Starfire threw many amounts of Star bolts at him but he dodged them all. At one pointed her caught her hand and made it so she couldn't get out of his grasp. He then stuck a device in her arm and she felt her power draining from her. He let her free and they continued to float down the white tunnel.
" What have you done!" she screamed.
" Just changing the future my dear, and taking away your powers!" he yelled back. He was right Starfire no longer felt fight with in her nor her star bolts. They were gone. With great anger she threw herself at Warp. But while doing that she accidentally rammed her elbow into the middle of his suit, right where the time regulator was.
She gave out a cry of pain as her elbow went right through the glass that covered the machinery. It sent out sparks as it was smashed. But what the two didn't notice was that before the regulator had been totally broken the year that it was set to changed.
Warp threw Starfire off him. He looked at his suit, which was now shooting sparks. His eyes got wide as he realized he no longer had any control over the time portal.
" You stupid girl." He whispered. Then there was a flash of light all around them and an intense heat. There was also a feeling of being sucked out of something, like a huge vacuum was sweeping them up. Then everything went black as Starfire felt her eyes close.
The jungles outside of Argenia, a kingdom, 3004 (1000 years into the future)……….
Her head felt like it had just been hit with a 10-pound hammer. What happened? She coughed a couple of times and while doing so spit out what seemed to be mucus and seawater mixed together. She wiped the remains of it from her mouth and opened her eyes.
At first the sunrays hurt her eyes but then she got used to it. She looked around at her surroundings. Jungle was to her right. She was wet and the ocean was only feet from her. Then she remembered—the time portal! She fell out of it along with Warp and remembered hearing a splash in water. It was she. She had hit some kind of water and that's when she passed out. The tide must have washed her ashore. But Warp. Where was Warp?
Starfire stood and looked along the sand of the beach and there 10 feet from her was the body of Warp. She ran over to him. He was face forward in the sand so she had to turn him around. She jumped back at the sight she saw—his eyes were open so was his mouth and a beach spider climbed out of it. Warp was dead. She turned away from his body as she gagged. When she finally clamed herself down she looked back at him.
The time regulator was completely destroyed and must have electrocuted him when they hit the water, killing him. And her powers-the device that held her powers was gone. She frantically searched his body but didn't find it. Reality hit her. She was alone without her powers in a place that she didn't know. And her friends were not there.
She had been so busy looking at Warp's body that she had not noticed two men sneaking up behind her. They wore amour and held out swords towards her. It was only when they were only feet from her that she turned to see them. She jumped back and held out her hand to light a star blot. But nothing came.
The two men advanced and one said, " Look here Erin we found an Argeian in our territory. I thought they had evacuated all Argeian's in this area."
" Me too, Lucas, but then again we found her in what is now Odessian territory and we have our orders." Eric said evilly.
" Take any Aregian citizens that are now here illegally." Said Lucas. He advanced towards her and held up his knife to her.
" Please I do not wish to go anywhere just to find my friends please." Starfire said nervously.
" Too bad you're coming with us." Eric said grabbing her. She flipped him over her shoulder.
" They always have to give us trouble." Lucas said running over to where Starfire was. She threw a couple of punches at him but he dodged them. He then took both her fists and tied them with rope.
" You are now an Odessian slave, if you wished other wise you should've left here with all your other Aregian scum." Lucas whispered into her ear. He then gagged her and he and Eric walked her into the jungle. They walked for hours until they reached a huge clearing. They forcefully took her to a man under burlap shading.
" Burner we have an other slave for you to mark." Lucas said to a big man who had his back turned from them.
At the sound of his name the big man turned to face them. He was quite large and wore a huge apron type thing, which was leather over his burlap pants. He was very ugly and dirty. He looked at the two men and then at Starfire. He smiled mischievously and wiped his nose with the back of his hand.
" I suppose I could do it now, just got done with another one I did. He put up a fight but I got him I always do. Put her in the stall." He said in a deep voice.
To Starfire's horror she was dragged to the other side of the burlap shading and put into a contraption. It was made of wood and her wrists where put through two holes and locked there. Her neck went through another bigger hole and was also locked in place. Finally her ankles where put into two holes on the floor and locked there also. This whole time she wiggled and attempted to kick the two men as they put her into it. She finally was put into it and they stepped back.
Burner came next to her. Next to her was a round black pot type thing with fire glowing in it. Burner picked up an iron rod and put it into it. After a few minutes he took the rod out and it was orange from heat. He held it towards her and she realized what he was going to do. She shook forcefully wanting to break free of her locks but it didn't work.
" You hold still girly and this will be much easier." Burner said coming further towards her. She continued to wiggle as he did. He reached her and pulled her long red hair up to show the back of her bare neck. He then put the rod on it. It burned fiercely on her neck, into her skin. For once she was grateful to be gagged so she had something to bite on. Tears ran down her face and she let out muffled screams as she was branded.
It was over than less than a minute but the pain made it feel like it had been on there for hours. The two men stepped forward after a few minutes and dragged her out of the contraption. She now let them picked her up by her arms, she didn't care anymore.
" Thank-you Burner." Eric said as they walked out of the covering.
" It's what I do." Burner said.
" We need to get this one off to the camps. Do you know when the last wagon leaves for the slave camps?" Lucas asked.
" The last one for today leaves in five minutes. You better get over there. And I was yous twos I'd watch that one, trouble she is. But then again so are all slaves. It's like I say property shouldn't talk." Burner said laughing.
" You're a funny man Burner. See you tomorrow when we bring in more." Eric said walking waving to Burner. Burner waved and went back into his shading.
The two men lead Starfire a few feet across the way. There was a whole line of wooden cages on wheels that were tall enough to stand up in. The were tied together by axles and at the front four horses stood ready to pull the train of cages. They lead her to the very last one. There a man stood at its door.
" Is there room for one more?" Eric asked.
" Yes just throw her in.," the man said opening the cage door.
Lucas pushed her into the cage that already had people in it. " You behave now." He said evilly. She gave him the death glare and he stopped smiling.
" You better be getting out of here. The slave camps are 35 miles away and it will be dark soon." Eric said.
The man nodded and said, " We're leaving right now." He closed the cage and locked it he then went to all the other cages and locked them. He got up to the front and mounted a small bench he wiped the horses. The horses went and they pulled the cages behind them. Starfire used her now free hands and untied her gag. She sat down and put her knees under her chin. She looked back at the clearing where she had just been and saw Eric and Lucas walking off. That was the last time she would ever see them or that place but she didn't forget it. And that was just the beginning.
The ride was bumpy and the cage/cart shook as it went but Starfire paid no attention to it. She was silent as she looked out beyond the bars at the jungle, which seemed so free that she was jealous. She rested her head against the cage and just stared out not talking to anyone for hours.
She was brought out of her silent staring by a tap on the shoulder. She turned and looked up. A teenage girl stood above her. She had brown hazel hair and blue eyes. She was a bit dirty and her hair greasy. She held a burlap bag in one arm and wore a whole brown burlap dress that was just right for her size. Although she looked dirty and maybe a little worn she was still very beautiful and gave a warm trusting smile.
" Excuse me, may I sit next to you? The front of this cart where I was sitting before makes for a bumpy ride back here it is better." The girl asked.
Starfire nodded and the girl sat down.
" My name is Drusilla. What is yours?" the girl who's name was Drusilla asked she had a bit of an accent.
Starfire wasn't sure if she should talk to anymore people but this girl seemed nice. " It is Starfire."
" Starfire is a lovely name." Drusilla said looking at Starfire and shaking her hand.
" I haven't seen you before, are you new?" Drusilla asked.
" I suppose I am." Starfire said quietly turning to Drusilla but winced as soon as she did for the burn still hurt.
" Did you just get branded?" Drusilla asked. Starfire nodded her head.
" Do you still have the gag?" Drusilla asked. Starfire nodded and handed her the cloth that was her gag. Drusilla took the cloth and took a small water jug out of her burlap bag. She poured some water on the cloth and closed the water jug. After that she pulled up Starfire's hair and put the cold cloth over it. Starfire winced as the cloth stung her neck.
" I am sorry, this won't really help the pain of the burn but it will make it cool faster. It's going to be alright I promise." Drusilla said in a motherly way.
" I thank-you friend Drusilla. But may I ask you something?" Starfire said.
" You may." Drusilla said while putting more water on the cloth and then putting it back on the wound.
" Do you know where my friends are? The Teen Titans?" Starfire asked.
" I have never heard that name before." Drusilla said.
" Well might you know the direction to Jump City?" Starfire asked.
" I have never heard that name either, I am sorry." Drusilla said.
" What is the year?" Starfire asked wondering why she didn't know these terms.
" It tis the year 3014 AD. Have you also gotten a bump to your head as well as the burn?" Drusilla asked.
"I am not injured nor is my judgment impaired. I just believe I am not home anymore." Starfire said.
" Everyone that is in this cage is not home. I am not home." Drusilla said.
" Where do you come from?" Starfire asked.
Drusilla's face brightened and she held her head up high and said, " I hail from Aregeian City in the kingdom of Aregeian where we are now. Argeian and Odessian have been at war for years, older than I. One year ago I was in a small village visiting some friends at their summer home when the Odessian's attacked and I was brought into slavery."
" I am sorry." Starfire said knowing how she felt.
" Don't be sorry, I won't be here for much longer. My brother Akilli will come for me." Drusilla said proud fully.
" I have not heard of this Akilli. Who is he?" Starfire asked.
" You don't know Akilli!" a mans voice said coming towards them.
" Joshua, what have I told about interrupting conversations!" Drusilla yelled at him.
" You have told me not to do it, but I will do as I wish." Joshua said back winking at Drusilla.
" You stalk me so." Drusilla moaned.
" Do not tell me you do not like me to. You know you like me." Joshua teased.
" Was not only riding in the back bumpy it was annoying." Drusilla whispered into Starfire's ear. Starfire laughed.
Joshua ignored the laugh and turned back to Starfire. " You don't know Akilli?"
" I do not believe I do, please who is he?" Starfire asked.
" Akilli is the greatest warrior Argeian has ever seen. He fights like no man can. Going up against him is like fighting God himself. They say that one time Akilli was hit by a arrow right through his foot but he kept walking and not only killed the man who shot him with the arrow but killed 25 soldiers and saved a whole village from invasion. He's lead the army to victory in many battles." Joshua said.
" And he is kind and handsome." Drusilla finished.
" And that loon right there clams that Akilli is her brother." Joshua said pointing to Drusilla.
" I am not a loon! He is my brother! And he will come for me. You should not speak of things you do not know of! Do not accuse me of false tongue, you stupid brut!" Drusilla yelled at him.
" And you have been saying that for a year and still he does not come." Joshua said.
" That does not mean that he won't." Drusilla said quietly. Joshua shook his head and kissed her on the cheek.
" I am going back up front I will see you later." He said whispering into her ear. After he went Drusilla went back to caring to Starfire's wound, which had stopped, hurting.
" Are you two betrothed?" Starfire asked nodding in the direction Joshua went off in.
Drusilla shook her head. " Naww I could never marry him. He gets on my damn nerves too much. But it doesn't mean that I don't love him. Starfire, how many summers old are you?"
" I am 16." Starfire answered.
" So am I." Drusilla answered.
" Is it true that Akilli is your brother?" Starfire asked.
" It is. It might seem crazy but it's true. And he will come for me." Drusilla said. " And when he does I will take you back to Argeian with me and we will live there together."
" What is this Argeian like?" Starfire asked.
Drusilla smiled happy to explain. " The City of Aregeian is truly beautiful. It is just a little ways from the beach and is perfect. It has three white walls that are 50 feet high. There is the front one which leads into the city itself. It is the main protector of the city no one can get in or out unless they go through the door. And the door itself is wooden and 50 feet high it is so heavy that five horses are used inside to pull them open. After entering the first one there is a five mile land stretch and is mostly shops and trade posts. People also live there but they are mostly poor. This section is called Amass."
" After that there is an other 50 foot wall but this one is not closed so citizens can travel throughout the city. After crossing this one you'll find many houses and apartments. This is the dwelling part of the city where almost every one lives. It is a 10-mile stretch and is filled with white buildings. It's very pretty."
" You then cross another 50 foot wall. And beyond there is a grand palace it's made of white marble and has many columns and is three stories high. That is where the king lives. And around the palace are big houses that are also white. That is were the nobles live. That is where I live. But I have not been there for so long I miss it so. I miss my family. My parents died when I was young but I do have Marcus, my brother, Akilli, my other brother, and one sister Freya. Last time I saw them Freya was going to be married to the prince and Marcus and Akilli were going on a war tour. I miss them so much." Drusilla said wiping tears from her eyes.
Starfire patted her back softly and said, " I think we should be friends Drusilla. We can help each other, yes?"
Drusilla smiled and nodded, " I could always use a friend." The line of cages stopped and Starfire looked out at a camp. There were many shacks and tents. Starfire and Drusilla were taken out of their cage and were lead down a dirt path that lead to a shack. They entered and found two beds. One on each side. Starfire got the right one and Drusilla the left one.
" There will be a bell tomorrow at the time 5:30 am. Get up fast and go outside to the main tent where breakfast will be severed. You will then go out to the fields or work in some of the buildings. You will do this obediently do this or else you will be wiped. And any attempts of escape will result in death." A soldier said to them and then left the room.
Drusilla looked around at the shack and then patted Starfire on the shoulder, " Welcome to your new home."
Slave Imprisonment Camp 3006 AD (2 years later)………
18 year-old Starfire ran through the dirt paths of the camp. It had been two years since the fight in the museum and since she had been branded as a slave and had been taken to the imprisonment camp. She was now late for her task, which was really her fault since she had stayed up with a sick Drusilla all night and had overslept. Today she was working in the overseer's house where a top general of the Odessian army was staying.
She had grown into herself over these past two years. When she came here she was a teenage girl but now was a woman. She wore a brown burlap halter-top, which gave great appeal to her bosom and a burlap skirt that stopped at her thigh. She wore no shoes since she did not own any and they were hard to come by. Her hair had gotten a little bit longer and was now wavy. Many a men have been interested in seeing her but she told them no and thought nothing of them. The truth was she was in love with an other…Robin. But she was soon realizing that she would someday have to let him go.
She was so concentrated on getting to her destination that she didn't see a man about 50 carrying a large jar. She knocked him down as she ran. He wobbled and tripped over, running into a clothes line as he did knocking all the wet clean clothes down on the dirt ground, once more making them dirty. The people who had the job of cleaning these clothes sighed and the man who had fell barely caught the vase.
" Watch were you're going Starfire!" the man yelled.
" Sorry. I am so very sorry." She yelled as she kept running. She ran into a big house through the kitchen door. The chiefs, who were also slaves, were working the stove and cooking food. Starfire quickly put her hair back in a low ponytail using a burlap tie. She then slipped on an apron and walked over to where a woman of 40 stood chopping carrots.
" Starfire, your late again. But I haven't told the overseer." The woman said.
" Thank-you so much Maria. I didn't hear the bell again." Starfire said.
" Were you up all night with Drusilla again?" Maria asked.
" Yes, I'm afraid her cough is getting worse, she can barley stand." Starfire said worriedly.
" Do not fret Starfire, Drusilla will be fine she always gets coughing spells. You know that." Maria said.
" Yes I know but this time it seems worse. She is in bed longer than she normally is when she gets this way and the last fortnight she had a fever. I want the doctor to come see her but she will not let him. She says that there are people sicker than she and that they need the doctor. She is so stubborn and unselfish." Starfire said.
" She'll be fine. Are you taking over her shifts again?" Maria asked.
" Yes I am." Starfire answered.
" You poor child, you won't be leaving here to 8:00pm and it is now only 6:00am. I have baked Drusilla and you some roast and vegetables. They are in the cupboard above the table. You can take it home and get some meat on your bones!" Maria said pinching Starfire's arm. Starfire rolled her eyes, that was Maria for you. She had been like a mother to Drusilla and Starfire.
" Here get these out to the dinning table." Maria said handing Starfire a huge plate full of food. " That's for the general. Remember that you ask him if there's anything else he would like."
" I remember but I'd rather not. He is such a horse's ass and humility to his whole army. He is being chased by Argeian soldiers and flees here for safety and expects us to care and protect him while he does nothing!" Starfire said angrily.
" You're wrong," said Maria. Starfire gave her a confused look and Maria said, " I like a horse's ass better than him." Starfire laughed and picked up the plate and left the room.
She entered the dinning room, which had a long wooden table and stone floors. One big man with a beard sat at one side, which was the general. And at the other sat another man who wasn't as big and if one looked closely was shaking from the other mans presence. This was Calhoun, the overseer. Starfire walked and put on plate down in front of the general and the other in front of the overseer. Calhoun wasn't a mean or bad man but he was a bit cocky and eager to please anyone who had a higher status than he, or was bigger than him.
She sat the plate of food down in front of Calhoun and he said, " Thank-you Starfire." She nodded.
" Thank-you! You say thank-you to your slaves, why I never heard of such I thing! You're too soft on your slaves Calhoun! You treat them like people, but they are property of the kingdom of Odessian. The way I see it property is property whether it sits on a table and is glass or walks. And property must be controlled; you spoil them by letting them live in those shacks. In other imprisonment camps they let their slaves sleep on the dirt floor and if they complain they are wiped! You'll never get anywhere with your attitude Calhoun!" the general huffed.
Calhoun didn't say anything. He just looked down at his plate and nodded. Starfire's wrist curled into a ball. How much she wanted to hit that general right now!
But she kept control and said, " Is there anything else I can get you?"
Calhoun just shook his head no but then general said, " No. But the next time you speak to me you shall bow. Bow now." He said pointing to the ground. Starfire whether have punched him right in the eye, but she bowed anyways. The general laughed, " You may leave now." Starfire nodded and went towards the door but as she did he pinched her butt. She jumped up in surprise but kept walking anyway.
She didn't have to go back in there after that. She finished out the rest of the day and went back to her shack.
When she got there she opened the door to find Drusilla in bed coughing up a storm. Starfire rushed in and patted her back. Over these past two years Drusilla had become a sister to her and Starfire a sister to Drusilla.
Drusilla smiled, " Thank-you Starfire you are so good to me."
" And you to me." Starfire said back.
As they ate Drusilla spoke up, " Joshua came to see me yesterday but I did not tell you."
" And what did he say? Was it for your hand in marriage? Say what you want Drusilla but I know you both want it." Starfire said playfully.
" He's gone." Drusilla said without emotion.
" What do you mean?" Starfire asked worried.
" He was sent off to the front of the battle. They had just told him and that was all the time he had to say goodbye." Drusilla said sadly.
" He might come back you never kno-" Starfire started to say but Drusilla stopped her.
" Starfire, do not tell me such things you know that those who go to the front do not return. It is the same as suicide. It's not fair that they make slaves fight. They have been captured just to die because they were forced into battle. I had the hope that he would return but he is dead." Drusilla said now sobbing.
" You do not know that." Starfire said comforting her friend.
" Oh but I do! I got the letter just today!" Drusilla said sobbing holding out a letter.
Starfire took it and read it:
Dear to whom ever it may concern:
The slave Joshua Treding was lost in battle today. We are sorry for your loss.
Starfire held tears back as she finished it and Drusilla said, " That's all they said. They said "sorry". They do not know who I am and they are not sorry that a slave died. I am even lucky to get this letter many don't."
" I am sorry Drusilla. I am." Starfire said with tears running down her face.
Drusilla lay down on her bed. She got visibly gotten sicker within the last day. She coughed up some blood and Starfire wiped it from her chin.
" I know you are sorry, but do not be sorry. I will not be gone from him long." Drusilla said weakly.
" What do you mean?" Starfire asked in shock.
" You may be refusing not to see what is happing but I have. I am dying Starfire." Drusilla said sadly.
" No! Do not say such horrible things! You will get better you always do." Starfire said taking Drusilla's hand.
" Not this time. I've been sick for a very long time Starfire; I have even surprised myself by lasting this long. Now with Joshua gone I know my time has come. I cannot live without him. The truth is I love him so much; I would've married him if he had asked. Without the one you love Starfire life is not worth living. I love you like a sister and leaving you is the only thing that I will regret." Drusilla said stroking Starfire's cheek.
" You have been my best friend. What am I to do without you? Please stay Drusilla, please." Starfire begged with tears running down her face.
" This is God's will Starfire, not my own. Just trust that everything will be fine. I need you to do me a favor." Drusilla said.
" Anything."
" Go below my bed and there should be a letter right under there, will you get it for me?" Drusilla asked weakly. Starfire nodded and held up the note. " What I'm going to tell you is very important so you must listen. I know one day my brother will come for me, but I will not be here but you will be. When he does come give him this letter. It explains what happened to me and asks him to take you back to Argeian with him. You must give him this letter. Do you promise?"
" I promise." Starfire said.
" Good. I can rest knowing that you are cared for." Drusilla said. They hugged each other tightly.
" Starfire you have told me many stories about your time. You have mentioned your friends but have never really spoke about them. What were they like?" Drusilla asked.
Starfire turned away from Drusilla and put her head down. " I cannot say."
" You cannot say because you do not wish to?" Drusilla asked confused.
Starfire shook her head and then once more busted out in tears. " I do no say because I cannot remember!" she sobbed. Drusilla let Starfire lay her head on her chest as she cried and she patted her hair to sooth her.
" I have forgotten their faces. In my dreams I only see blurs and the voices that belong to them. And I can't remember his face. Robin's face. So many times I have dreamt of him coming to save me but it was never so when I woke up. I hear his voice sometimes at night and when I am at my loneness have conversations with him just like we used to. But he is not coming. My friends are not coming to save me. They have been dead for hundreds of years they are more than dust. There is no trace of what I used to know it's all gone now. I feel so alone." Starfire said sobbing into her friend's chest.
Drusilla looked at her friend, her sister. She patted her head. She was dying she could feel it but still she would stay until her last breath was drawn with Starfire. For Starfire was the only person she wanted at her side when she left this world.
" I have forgotten their faces also." Drusilla said quietly.
Starfire looked up at Drusilla, " Who's?"
" All of theirs Akilli, Marcus, and Freya. I lost their faces long ago and when that happened I knew that I wouldn't see them again, I wouldn't survive this slavery. Why must we treat people so? Why can't we all just be free and happy? Starfire, you must promise that you live through this. Live through this and be free, for me." Drusilla said barley above a whisper.
" I promise you that I will live through this and I will be free. I will live for you." Starfire promised holding her dying friends hand.
" Will you stay with me until I go?" Drusilla asked.
" Yes." Starfire said.
" Starfire," Drusilla whispered.
" Yes?"
" Will you sing to me?" Drusilla asked.
" Always." Starfire answered.
" Thank-you just for…everything." Drusilla said.
And with that Starfire started to sing:
" Twenty- four reasons oceans, twenty-four skies,
Twenty-failures in twenty-four tries
Twenty-four finds me in twenty-fourth place
Twenty-four dropouts, at the end of the day
Life is not what I thought it was
Twenty-four hours ago
Still I'm singing Sprit take me up in arms with you
And I'm not who I thought I was
Twenty-four hours ago
Still I'm singing Sprit take me up in arms with you
Twenty-four reasons to admit that I'm wrong
With all my excuses still twenty-four strong
But you see I'm not copping out
When you're raising the dead in me…"
Before she knew it Starfire had fallen asleep with her head on Drusilla's chest.
Drusilla looked at a sleeping Starfire whose head was on her cold chest. She ran her fingers through her long red hair and studied her face one last time so that she would never forget.
She bent down and kissed Starfire's head like a mother before her child goes to sleep.
The last thing she said was, " May God be with you Starfire. I will be too." Then Drusilla closed her eyes for the last time.
The next morning when Starfire opened her eyes and awakened Drusilla was gone. Gone to a place were she no longer needed to worry, with Joshua.
Later That Night…
Starfire laid one kiss on Drusilla's forehead. Her friend was to be burned and her ashes spread out amongst the wind. Starfire knew Drusilla would want it to be this way. Her body was mounted on a stack of hay and she was dressed in her normal clothing but she looked nice. Starfire had cleaned her up so that she would look beautiful when she went away in the wind, so that people would remember her beauty, so she could stay internally 18 years old.
" You go wherever you want now. You are free." Starfire said to her friend as she studied Drusilla's face once more. She slowly backed away from the stacked hay and went into Maria's arms and cried.
The blaze of the fire was beautiful, eerie really. The flames danced up and down Drusilla's body and she looked so peaceful. Others who had been at her burring left after a while but Starfire stayed until the fire was out, until there was nothing left of her friend. It was three hours until the last flame went out and there was nothing left. Drusilla was gone, gone forever. And Starfire was alone.
Starfire turned and walked back towards her small shack that they had once shared. The smoke seemed to blow away as she did.
It was the sound that had awoken her. Starfire bolted straight up. She got on her clothes and went outside. She looked around confused. People were running everywhere and lots of things were on fire.
She felt someone grab her shoulder she turned to find Maria standing there with her 7 year-old son in tow.
" Starfire, get whatever you can and go!" Maria yelled.
" Maria! What is going on?" Starfire asked.
" Then Argeian army has finally come! They have set all of us free but we must hurry they are burning this place to the ground!" Maria answered.
" Wait, they have come. Quick Maria tell me who is leading them? Is it Akilli?" Starfire asked in a hurried voice.
" How should I know? Someone tells me to go I go." Maria said quickly.
" Then go! Get your son out of here." Starfire said.
" What about you?" Maria asked.
" I shall be fine! Go!" Starfire yelled.
Maria nodded and picked her son up in her arms. " Come Christopher we shall take our leave. You should too Starfire and be quick about it."
" Goodbye Maria." Starfire said.
" Goodbye Starfire." Maria said and then ran off into the distance with her son in her arms. Starfire dashed back inside and grabbed Drusilla's burlap bag. She packed everything she could. Just some clothes and other belongings. She then took out the letter from under her bed and ran out of the shack.
She ran down the dirt paths looking for the exit but it seemed all confusing from the smoke and fire blurring her vision. She quickly turned and ran towards the house were she worked. She threw herself through the kitchen door. As soon as she got in she breathed non-smoke air. She then heard a crashing sound from the other room.
She pushed the door leading to the dinning room open slightly and peaked in. Soldiers stood in the middle of the room. The table wasn't there anymore. By the looks of them they weren't Odessian so they had to be Argeian! Their leader stood in the middle. He was quite handsome with blonde curly short hair and blue eyes. He wore leather amour and had a dark red cape attached to it.
A soldier walked into the room and went over to the leader.
" General Akilli the Odessian general that was staying here killed himself. We found him upstairs hanging by rope." The soldier said. Starfire's eyes widened. Akilli! Just how Drusilla had said. He had come!
" Have you found my sister, Drusilla?" Akilli asked.
" No sir not yet." The soldier replied.
Without realizing it she let out a gasp and the soldiers looked towards the door. She let it close and backed away from it. As she ran towards the kitchen door that lead outside she was turned around.
Her eyes met the blue ones. She shook with fear and exhaustion. She held out the letter. Akilli took it from her and looked at the front of it.
" This is from my sister." He said to no one in particular. He looked back at Starfire. " Are you alright you do not look well."
Now that he said it she did feel lightheaded and hot. She felt herself start to fall and everything went all black.
-
Jump City 2014 (present time)…
Starfire's eyes flashed open from her memory. Someone was standing over her….
-
Okay that was Chapter 2! I know that probably really sucked butt; still I don't like flames so don't send me any. And reviews do make me write faster!
Okay you'll see more of Nightwing in the next chapter. And remember when she was in the enslavement camp it was only her FIRST TWO YEARS THERE! There is still 7 years left that was only the beginning. Please do not write me and ask questions like (for example) : Why was she a slave? Or something like that because you probably should've paid attention. I really don't know how the phrase that. I tried to tell you what year it was by using the bold letters, I hope you understood.
Well I got to go cause I have a really bad cold! And I don't fell well.
Oh and Birthmark was awesome!
Bye-bye,
Hailey