Thank-you so much for all the great reviews! I got a lot on the last chapter and they made really happy. I'm really glad everyone likes the story. And I'm really sorry for any spelling errors. This chapter will be longer and a bit more violent. Please don't hate me! Well this isn't a religious story but it will have an exert from the Bible in it. Here's chapter 9:
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen titans, but wouldn't it be cool if I did!
Chapter 9: Suppressed Recollections Part 2: Cries in the Night
" The good thing about life is, nothing is final; it keeps going in a continuous circle that will never end."
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Flashback Part 1:
" Vulcan is not in his bed! He's gone!" Starfire said in horror. Akilli looked at her then dashed out to the balcony. All he saw was chaos and Vulcan was somewhere in it.
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" Where do think we went?" Akilli asked urgently.
Starfire sank down on a chair thinking, " I don't know. There have been times before where he would sneak out during the night to go play. That's probably what he did."
Akilli nodded as he put his sword into his belt loop. " Where does he go?"
Starfire thought then said, " The last couple of times he has gone to Amass. That's probably where he is now. But how are we going to find him it's chaos out there? Oh my God, I'm so scared for him, Akilli."
Akilli went over to her and raised her head to look into his eyes, " I'll find him, don't worry. Come we must go." She nodded and took his hand. He led them out of the house and what Starfire saw terrified her.
People ran in all directions and soldiers they kept coming like a river, slaughtering anyone that got in their way. Women screamed out as they lost their loved ones in the crowd. Children cried for their fathers. Soldiers broke windows and set fires to the stone buildings. In chapels and huge churches statues fell. Argeian soldiers rushed to fight Odessian, swords clashing.
" Come. Hold my hand tight we must not get separated." Akilli said to Starfire as they ran through the crowds.
" Look at all of this Akilli, how are we going to find Vulcan?' Starfire cried.
Akilli stopped and said, " Don't worry, love. I'll find him. Now go and this will lead you to the beach."
Starfire looked at where they were at…the secret tunnels. She looked fearfully at Akilli, " What do you mean?"
" I mean go through these tunnels to safety." Akilli nodded.
Starfire shook her head, " No! I will not go without you and my son!"
Akilli realized she was going to stubborn. He took hold of her shoulders and said in a quick voice, " You must listen to me Starfire! I will find our son, but you cannot come with me you must understand this. Vulcan's life is in great jeopardy and it is a risk to stay in the city. I will go look for him and I will bring him to the beach but you must go now. I will not risk your life also."
Starfire let out a sob and nodded, " Promise you'll find me."
Akilli nodded, "I will, I promise."
Starfire kissed him and he smelt her sent. He kissed her on the forehead and said, " Go!" Starfire nodded and ran into the tunnels. She looked back and Akilli looked at her and turned away, disappearing into the mob.
Starfire made her way through the winding passages. It was mostly dark except for a couple of lit torches here and there. She came to one passage and she heard voices. She braced herself for soldiers but instead found Freya and her children. Freya had red teary eyes and carried a torch. She was still in her nightclothes and wore a veil over her hair. Her three children stood closely by her, Gabriella held on to her. Behind them was Mary also wearing nightclothes.
" Starfire, thank- God you are all right." Freya sighed.
" What is going on?" Starfire asked.
" The Odessian army has breached are gates, the city has fallen. We are going to the beach." Freya said.
" And where is Lucan and Marcus?" Starfire asked.
" As prince, Lucan had to stay and fight." Freya said tearful.
" And Marcus too." Mary said panicky.
" Wait—wait where is Vulcan?" Freya asked.
" He wasn't in his room." Starfire said forlornly.
" Not in his room." Jacob whispered. Starfire and the others turned their heads toward him.
Starfire went to him and urgently and said, " Do you know where Vulcan is Jacob?"
Jacob slowly nodded and said in a voice raspy from puberty, " Vulcan, Arthur, and I went out to have a little fun. We went to Amass like we normally do because they have shops and the like that are open late. Well it got later and later, and Arthur and I figured we should be getting home since if mother found us gone she would be furious. We told Vulcan to come with us but he said he'd go home within a few minutes for he wanted to explore some more. We would've stayed but it was getting so late. So we wished him good night and left."
Starfire's eyes widened, " How long was this before the attack started?"
" It was about 25 to 30 minutes Aunt Starfire." Arthur answered.
" And you never saw him leave?" Starfire asked frantically.
" No Aunt Starfire." Jacob answered.
" Then he might still be there?" Starfire asked hopefully.
" I just passed Amass on my way here," Mary started, " and it was almost destroyed."
Starfire's eyes went wide with fear but then she looked at Mary, " But he might still be there?"
Mary nodded, " There was still many people there. But there's also a great amount of soldiers too."
" Thank-you." Starfire said turning away.
" Starfire where are you going?" Freya yelled.
Starfire walked back to her sister-in-law and said with determination, " I am not leaving this city without my family."
Freya disagreed but understood. If one of her children where out in the city she wouldn't waste anytime in going to find them. She nodded and said, " Starfire be careful." Starfire smile a sad smiled and ran off, back into the city.
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Meanwhile with Akilli……………
Akilli ran through the crowds killing Odessian soldiers he faced as he went. He ran past burning buildings into Amass. He reached the huge wall leading to that section and what he saw chilled him to the bone.
Everything was set ablaze. Horses ran free and people ran screaming. Bodies of the dead lay everywhere and some had been trampled. Argeian soldiers fought with Odessian soldiers. Arrows flew in all directions, as they were being shot from outside of the city.
" Vulcan!" Akilli called out. But he could barely he himself.
" Vulcan!" but from the screaming and the sound of swords there was no answer. Then he heard a scream of a woman.
He turned to see a woman being attacked by an Odessian solider. He had pushed her up against a wall and was attempting to take off he clothes. Akilli ran towards the scene.
" Tonight I shall have an Argeian whore!" the soldier yelled.
The woman screamed and kicked him but to no avail. " Let me go!" she screamed.
" What are you going to do, make me?" the soldier said with a wicked smile.
" No, but I'll make you." A voice said from behind.
The Odessian soldier turned to see Akilli. Akilli took his sword and sliced his throat and the man feel down, dead.
:" Thank-you!" the woman cried.
Akilli nodded and pointed to a small wood door on the side of a wall not 10 feet from them, " Go to that door and open it! It shall lead you to safety." The woman nodded and ran off. Akilli went back to searching.
He had been running in all directions when an Odessian soldier appeared before him. The soldier held up his sword to fight and Akilli pulled out his. The solider ran towards him and Akilli jumped out of the way and kicked the man backwards. When he was distracted by the kick Akilli dove his sword into the soldier's chest. The man chocked and fell to the ground.
Akilli once again ran calling out his son's name. He ran past soldiers fighting each other. He ducked behind a bin as a rank of arrows rained down upon him. Then he passed a man fighting an Odessian soldier.
As the man fought his family hid behind him in fear, crying. The man was about 50 years of age and had a dull blade, no match for the Odessian soldier. The Odessian solider was about to strike the man when a sword went though his stomach. Akilli pushed the soldier down and helped the man up.
" Thank-you." Said the man standing.
" Take you and your family to the building just over there. On the side of it there's a wooden door, enter it and it shall lead you to safety."
The man nodded gratefully but then a scream of a woman was heard. What seemed to be a solider Odessian held his wife, a knife held to her neck.
" Karolyn!" the man screamed but Akilli held him back.
" Let the woman go." Akilli ordered.
" And what would you give me if I did so?" the soldier asked.
" You would receive the honor of knowing you spared the life of a defenseless woman." Akilli said sword raised.
" That doesn't seem like a good enough reason not to kill her." The soldier said holding the knife closer to her neck. The woman screamed and struggled to get free. The soldier laughed but stooped as blood ran out the front of his neck as a sword went through it. He let the woman free, who then ran into her husband's arms. The solider fell and behind him stood Marcus.
" Thank-you Marcus." Akilli said and Marcus nodded. Akilli then turned to the man and his family and said, " Go now!" They all nodded and ran off. After they'd gone the two brothers walked towards each other.
" Akilli shouldn't you be on the upper levels fighting? Lucan is." Marcus stated.
" I should be but I am looking for Vulcan, he wasn't in his room and I think he might be here." Akilli said sadly.
" This part of the city is taken, Akilli. Our soldiers are just down here now to save as many civilians as we can and to stop the flow of Odessian soldiers. Vulcan has probably already made his way up to higher levels. I have to stay down here to fight but you can go up to the upper levels where the most help is needed. I'll look for Vulcan also." Marcus said.
Akilli slowly nodded, " If I go I can look for him up there. If you find him lead him to the tunnels."
Marcus nodded but then whispered to Akilli, " If it gets bad I want you to also run brother. There is no point in staying in a dieing city."
" I want you to do the same little brother." Akilli said patting his brother on the shoulder.
" Gods speed." They both said giving each other a hug. Both nodded and Akilli ran off.
He reached the noble part of the city. He saw many citizens everywhere who had fled but now had nowhere to go. He directed some to the tunnels and kept searching.
Odessian soldiers started to appear everywhere and buildings were set aflame. People were screaming and death filled the air. Akilli ran of coal and burnt things not wanting to believe some of the ash might be people. Statue of heroes and kings fell as Odessian soldiers pulled them down. Akilli needed a shield. He saw a dead Argeian soldier lying on the ground he picked up his shield and protected him against arrow fire.
" Vulcan!" he called out but still there were only screams.
" Trying to find your son…Akilli?" a voice said from behind him. Akilli turned to the voices direction recognizing it.
" Hello Prince Actaeon." Akilli said looking at him with fierce eyes.
" Hello Akilli I was wondering when I'd get to fight you. By the way nice city you have here, well had." Actaeon said taunting.
" You will not get away with committing such an act without paying yourself." Akilli said fiercely.
" The war may not end tonight, Akilli, but by the end of this battle one of us will die." Actaeon said.
" Yes and it will be you!" Akilli yelled.
" Not if I kill you first." Actaeon said with a smirk. " And it begins." He then stepped behind a statue that was on fire and it fell in front of him blocking Akilli's path.
" I'll meet you at the palace, Akilli then we shall see who is he better man." Prince Actaeon said heading towards the stairs. Akilli's eyes narrowed, as he too, headed for the palace.
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Meanwhile with Vulcan…………..
" Mother! Father!" he yelled as smoke from fires clouded his vision. He had made his way home, but no one was there.
" Mother! Are you here!" he yelled but there was no answer. They had already left, probably looking for him. How could he be so stupid to want to stay longer! If he hadn't this would've never have happened. His eyes stung from all the gas in the air and he was having a hard time breathing. He had seen men die and heard woman and others scream as they died. Was this what it was like to be a soldier?
He heard a noise down stairs and he rushed to see who it was. " Mother? Father? Is that you?" he called out.
He entered the dinning room and saw an Odessian soldier standing there, weapon in hand.
" Hello little boy." The soldier said advancing towards Vulcan.
Vulcan backed towards the doorway, " I-I suggest you leave my home right now!"
The soldier smiled and said, " I don't think I will."
Vulcan saw a sword stand behind him and he pulled one out and held up. He shakily pointed it towards the Odessian soldier.
" I said leave!" Vulcan said forcefully.
" Lookie here the boy is turning into a man." The soldier said laughing.
The soldier held up some perils and Vulcan recognized them as Starfire's. " Those are not yours! Put them down!"
" I wonder how much these would sell for? I bet they're your mothers, aren't they? They're pretty. Say how much would she give to have you back? I would say anything." The solider said stepping closer.
" You shall not speak of my mother in such a manner!" Vulcan yelled.
" Aw. Boy I will kill you and then your mother and maybe even your father if you have one." The soldier said smiling.
At the threat of his family something inside of Vulcan just snapped. He ran fearless towards the soldier. The solider wore a surprised face as he did so. Vulcan yelled as he dove the sword through the mans chest. The man looked down at Vulcan with the same surprised expression. Blood trickled from his mouth and his eyes went wide as he fell to the marble floor. The man finally died leaving a pool pf blood in his wake.
Vulcan backed away from the dead solider. And ran into some one else. He quickly turned around and saw it was Marcus standing behind him.
" Uncle Marcus," Vulcan whispered looking at the dead mans body; he started to cry. " Uncle Marcus—I –he was threatening mother and father and he had mother's perils and he was going to kill me and—"
" It's all right. You did good." Marcus said hugging the crying child. " You were just protecting yourself."
Vulcan nodded into his uncle's soldier. Marcus broke away from him and said, " Come we must get you to the tunnels. Your mother and father are worried sick."
Marcus lead them outside and held Vulcan's hand as they ran. When soldiers came towards them Marcus killed them as they ran.
" Are my parents okay?" Vulcan asked.
Marcus nodded, " Starfire is waiting for you at the beach. You've been brave tonight, Vulcan. I've never seen such a better man."
Vulcan nodded and said, "Thank-you." They ran quickly trying to avoid all burning buildings and running people.
Vulcan looked down at the necklace he was wearing. The one his father had given to him earlier that night. He looked at it and then it was gone. Vulcan stopped so did Marcus.
" What is wrong?" Marcus asked.
Vulcan felt his neck and said, " Fathers necklace it's gone. It fell off! I have to find it!"
" Vulcan we do not have time!" Marcus yelled.
" I promised father!" Vulcan said determined. " I am sorry but I have to get it!" He broke hands with Marcus and ran towards were he might've dropped it.
" Vulcan come back!" Marcus yelled then he ran after him.
Vulcan ran out to the crowd of people frantically looking for the necklace, but it was nowhere to been seen. He could hardly see the ground for al the dirt was clouded from people running. He was shoved and pushed as he looked. Then he saw it. He saw it's sparking red from the surface of the dust brown road.
He ran to it and dropped to his knees. He dug into the earth until he pulled it out of the dirt and he remembered his father's words. I promise. He said to himself.
He red was hypnotizing and for as second he forgot what was going on. Until he heard, " Vulcan watch out!"
He tuned to see a frantic Marcus amongst the mob of people. He squinted his eyes to see his uncle but then he heard something.
Vulcan turned to see a wild horse coming towards him, and then everything went black.
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Meanwhile with Starfire……………….
She ran through all the people searching for her family. All she saw were blurs she didn't recognize. The smoke was getting to her. Tiredness filled her and thirst consumed her. It seemed like she had been running for hours. Had she?
She couldn't find anymore in Amass and figured Vulcan had probably been able to go to the upper levels. So she made her way to the noble level.
Her ears rang with screams of people dying and others like her looking for their families. Once great stone structures were burning or had fallen down. Bodies were everywhere and some still twitched. She resisted overwhelming urge to vomit as she walked past them and sometimes walked on them, as you couldn't touch the ground.
Her hair now smelled like smoke, as did her clothes. She ran on though, still searching.
She let out a yelp of pain as her skirts caught on a ragged piece of glass. The glass cut half of her dress and robe to her thigh and left huge gash in her leg. Blood seeped though the wounded like a raging river, but she didn't stop. The pain worsened and she knew she need to stop the bleeding. She slowed down and took off he blue robe which was now black from dirt, She tore of a large piece and tied it around her leg. It helped a bit and she was able to go faster.
She ran and ran calling out, " Vulcan! Akilli!" but received no answer but screaming that now started to blend together.
She felt someone grab her from behind and throw her up against the wall. She screamed as saw it was an Odessian soldier.
He leaned up against her his breath smelling of rum. " You're very pretty." He said.
" Get—away from me!" she screamed.
His hand wondered up her leg and he said, " No, I think I'll have some fun first."
She struggled under his grasp. There was nothing she could do. He was going to rape her! Her mind wondered back to her first day in this place and she remembered those two soldiers who took her into slavery. She was not going to let anyone do something like that again!
Then she remembered something from her past. A voice telling her, " When he's distracted, Starfire you have to get him in his weak spot." " Yes, Robin." The memory of what to do filled her and she kicked the soldier's knees. He let out a yelp as she kicked him where the sun don't shine. He rushed at her but she ducked and he ran into a burning building.
She breathed heavily as she recovered form the attack and then carried on. She ran and ran till she reached the palace gardens. She went through the huge green maze calling out. But it was when she heard a loud moan she stopped. Starfire ran to where it had come from.
She turned the corner and gasped. On the floor was the King Odess. He was stabbed in several places ad was barely breathing.
" Your highness!" Starfire cried going down to him. " Who did this to you?"
" Prince-Prince Actaeon!" he said hoarsely.
" Come I'll get you up and—" Starfire started.
" Don't I am as good as dead. I shouldn't have celebrated but protected my city better." The king said sorrowfully.
" This wasn't your fault." Starfire whispered.
King Odess smiled, " You were always kind. Akilli is-"
" Where's Akilli?" Starfire asked.
" Actaeon is fighting—himthey are here now. T-There." He pointed with all his strength. Starfire looked up and gasped at the top of the palace steps leading to the garden were Akilli and Prince Actaeon engaged in battle.
" Go. Tell my son, his father loved him." King Odess said. Starfire nodded and kissed his forehead then she ran off. Kind Odess looked down from where he lay one last time then, like the city, he died.
Starfire rushed towards the palace and saw the fight intense. Both men were fighting strongly, each missing each other's blows. Starfire raced to help her husband. She went threw a torn bush and felt cuts up and down her body, but she was closer.
The next things that happened in slow motion. Starfire ran faster and faster and Akilli fought harder and harder. But for one spilt second Akilli let exhaustion get the better of him and he put his guard down. Actaeon saw this window of time and took it.
Starfire saw Actaeon move his sword towards Akilli and her eyes widened.
" Akilliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, but was too late.
The sword went straight through Akilli's chest. His mouth fell open as he gasped for air, his eyes filled with pain. And Starfire kept running.
Prince Actaeon pulled his sword from Akilli and laughed as he held it to his neck. " It seems as though the better man has won, Akilli."
" You're wrong, my son and nephews are better men than you and I." Akilli said weakly.
Actaeon yelled as he went to kill Akilli but then he stopped. Akilli looked up to see an arrow through Actaeon's neck. Actaeon gasped and blood came poring from his mouth. His head slowly turned to look at who shot him, so did Akilli.
And there only 10 feet away was Starfire with a bow in hand and fierce, tearful eyes.
Actaeon looked down Akilli, " She might've-killed- me but it's too late for you also." Then he fell to the ground, dead.
Starfire ran to Akilli's side and caught him before he hit the ground. She cried as she cradled him in her arms.
" Starfire." He whispered weakly.
" I'm here, Akilli, I'm here." She whispered.
" I'm dying." He whispered.
" No! You're notyou can't! You're going to be fine. I'm going to go and get the doctor and you'll be fine." Starfire said crying and running her finger though his golden hair.
He reached over and held her hand tightly and said, " It's too late, love."
Starfire shook her head and cried harder, " No!"
" Shh! Shh! It's all right it doesn't even hurt anymore. Don't cry." Akilli said patting Starfire's hand. Starfire stopped the tear flow but let out sobs. " Did I ever tell you, you saved my life?"
Starfire let out a small laugh, " What do you mean?"
" Before you came I didn't know what life was without war, for that's all I was. You showed me that there was more in life like love, joy, and many more things. You saw past my faults and loved me for me. You gave me a beautiful son. You made me come to live, Starfire. Without you I would've never actually lived. In a life full of war you showed me love. I am not afraid to die, I'm just afraid of not being with you." Akilli said starting to cry.
Starfire cupped his cheek, " That will never happen."
Akilli nodded and said, " No matter what I will always love you and I'll be looking out for you. I'll be with you always in your heart."
Starfire started to cry again, " You won't forget me?"
" Never. I could never forget you." Akilli said with tears running down his face.
" What am going to do without you?" Starfire cried.
Akilli looked at her and said, " You'll keep on living. Just keep on living."
" I need you to promise me something, Starfire." Akilli whispered.
" Anything." Starfire said still holding him.
" After- after I'm gone. You'll go to the beach where it's safe. You must promise me, I can die knowing that you are safe." Akilli whispered.
" I promise. I'll go." Starfire said.
" I love you Starfire. I always will love you." Akilli said, his voice getting weaker.
" I love you Akilli. I love you!" Starfire said crying looking at him.
He smiled and with the last of his strength pulled himself to her. His lips met hers and he kissed her for the last time. The kiss was tender and soft, lasting for eternity.
Starfire then felt his hand slip from hers and his lips break away. Akilli took in his last breath and then he was gone.
Starfire cried and cried holding her dead husband. She cradled him close. " No! Akilli! No!" she cried. Then she heard footsteps of soldiers coming from inside.
She laid Akilli down on the floor. She ran her fingers though his blond hair and took in his sent and memorized his face. The she kissed his lips once more and stood. She looked back at his lifeless body and ran towards the tunnels.
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All was silent as the waves crashed against the shore of the beach. People stood in the dark and some had torches, others sat around small fires. Many cried and others called out to lost loved ones.
Starfire stumbled out onto the beach from the tunnels. She walked along not going in a certain direction as she did so. Then she heard a voice she recognized.
" Starfire!" Freya yelled.
" Starfire it is you!" Freya called out as she ran up to Starfire with sad eyes. " What has happened?" She said looking at Starfire clothes.
" Akilli he ishe is dead." Starfire whispered.
" What?" Cried Freya. " Oh no! Oh no!" She hugged Starfire close and cried for her brother.
" Starfire?" A voice came from behind her. She turned to see Marcus.
" Marcus?" Starfire asked.
" Vulcan—" Marcus started.
" Did you find him?" Starfire asked.
Marcus nodded and started to cry. His body trembled as he looked down to his arms at a buddle. " We had been go—going to the caves and he dropped his necklace and he went to go pick it up—"
" Where is Vulcan!" Starfire demanded, her voice full of worry.
" He didn't see the horse! He didn't see it and I tried to warn him! But he didn't notice to it was too late and the horse didn't stop! And Vulcan didn't have enough time to move!" Marcus sobbed. " He-He's dead."
" No!" Starfire yelled. " You are mistaken Marcus!"
He cried harder and handed her the bundle that was in his arms. Starfire already knew what it was. She pulled off the top part and it revealed Vulcan's lifeless body.
She started to shake and tears followed from her eyes. She held him in her arms and sank down to the ground, rocking him back and forwards like she did when he was a baby.
Freya started to cry more and more and Marcus held her as she did.
A wave of nausea hit Starfire like a truck as did realization. Both her husband and son were dead.
She heard screaming all around her. It seemed close. Was it from her? She didn't remember starting to scream, but it felt like she was. It was she and she had no control. Her screams filled the night air and soon it was the only thing she heard.
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The Next Afternoon……………………………………..
There were many haystacks all lined up in rows. And each of them had bodies on it. The attack was over and neither side had won. But suffered great suffices and losses.
Starfire stood next to Freya and her children in black robes. Starfire's eyes were red and puffy from crying all night. She didn't remember much of what happened after she found out Vulcan had died. This morning when she had awoken Freya told her that she had an emotional breakdown and for hours she wouldn't stop screaming. Then after that she wouldn't let anyone talk to her. So now she stood silently as the haystacks were set aflame.
Akilli and Vulcan had been dressed in their best clothes. Starfire wanted to laugh at that thought. Why would they care what they were wearing? They weren't in their bodies anymore, nothing was. Starfire couldn't cry anymore, she wanted to but there were no more tears left. She felt empty. It seemed as though during those few hours when she was screaming and couldn't remember, that she had gone away.
Something was gone and Starfire felt it. There was an emptiness of something left behind. She knew she wasn't dead, but was her heart beating? She couldn't fell it anymore. She looked at her fingers, they were hers. But then why did it seem like she was seeing them for the first time?
Memories flashed through her head. Memories of her and Akilli. When they went to the beach and the first time they made love. When they got married and when they had Vulcan. Then Starfire remembered swinging on swing with Vulcan in her lap and her playing chess with him. Him being covered in mud and apologizing for it and reading to him as he went to sleep. And all three of them together, playing soldiers.
She remembered all of this but it didn't seem real. It all seemed like a dream. Her life seemed nothing more than one big blur. There was love, well once there was love within her and she remembered feeling it. But now, there was something else, what was it? Then she knew the answer.
Sadness had filled her, but that had gone and really wasn't noticeable anymore. But what she felt now was only pure…hate and vengeance. That's all. All she felt.
The priest started to speak and it brought her out of her thoughts.
"Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? It is exactly as the Scriptures say, ' for you we face death all day long. We are like sheep on their way to be butchered.' In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's lovenot life or death, not angels or sprits, not the present or future, and not the powers above or powers below." ( Romans 8. 35-39)
Starfire couldn't take it anymore. She couldn't take standing here and watching all these people be burned. She left Freya's side and walked into the large church. The church was one of the things that was left standing.
She walked in and sat down in a pew. She stared blankly at the cross in front of her.
" Why aren't you at the funeral?" someone asked from behind her.
She turned to see Lucan walking towards her and said, " I didn't feel like staying anymore."
" Me too." He said sitting next to her.
" I don't know how I survived last night." Lucan whispered.
" You're lucky." Starfire whispered.
" I know. I guess God was with me." Lucan said looking at the cross.
Starfire let out a cold laugh and Lucan turned his head to her. She shook her head and said, " You'll excuse me, but I am not so fond of God right now."
" I know how hard this must be for you. Losing both husband and son must be very hard. Akilli was a good man and Vulcan was a bright child. I loved them both dearly." Lucan said.
" You think God knows that? Do you think we knew how much they meant to me? What does he know?" Starfire said coldly.
" I lost someone too, you know? I lost my father." Lucan said sadly.
" I saw him die." Starfire whisper.
" You did?" He asked.
Starfire nodded. " He told me to tell you. That he loved you."
Lucan wiped tears from his eyes and said, " Thank-you."
After a few minutes of silence Starfire spoke, " What are you going to do?"
" Do about what?" Lucan asked.
" Odessian just attacked us! But their army was destroyed. Why not hit them when they are also weak, like they hit us when we weren't expecting it? Starfire asked coldly.
" I can't do that." Lucan stated.
" Why not? You are king now." Starfire asked.
" For one it would do greater damage to our armies and for two I am refusing to sink down to their level." He said.
" Then you're a fool." Starfire said coldly.
" How can you be so cold?" Lucan asked angrily.
Starfire looked at him with angered eyes, " How can I not! Both my husband and son are dead! And I am sure that King Mayess of Odessian does not care for out personal losses and mine!"
" I will seek revenge. But not anytime soon. Although I hate him, I understand that King Mayess is grieving also. You killed his son remember?" Lucan asked.
" His son deserved it." Starfire said coldly.
" No one deserves to die." Lucan whispered.
" Yes…they do." Starfire whispered.
" What are you going to do?" Lucan asked looking at her.
" If you are not going to fight Odessian, I will until you do and even then I'll keep fighting." Starfire said.
" Women can not join the army." Lucan stated.
" Who said I'd be joining the army?" Starfire asked raising an eyebrow.
" So you are just going to go rouge! Starfire, you have no training or equipment!" Lucan said trying to talk her out of this.
" You can't stop me, Lucan. I have nothing left here in Argeian anymore." Starfire stated.
" He'll be looking for you! King Mayess will want your head for murdering his son! Aren't you afraid?" Lucan said worried.
Starfire stood and turned her back towards him, " I'm not afraid of death. Not anymore." Then she walked out of the church.
Starfire walked into her home. She went quietly upstairs. She entered her bedroom and walked over to a dresser. She pulled out a burlap bag. She put some normal clothes in it. She then walked over to a old chest at the end of her bed. She looked at the bed. It was still unmade from when she and Akilli were last in it. This made her anger flare.
She opened the chest and inside she saw swords, knives, arrows, and bows. She also saw a brown leather suit. She pulled it out and saw that it was Akilli's old one. She took the knife and cut the top so that it showed her midriff. She used so sewing utensils to make the pants fit her. She then put it on. It fit perfectly and gave away her curves.
She then went back and packed all the weapons into the burlap bag. But then she took the sword and raised it to her neck. With one swipe she cut her waist length hair to her shoulder. She put the sword in her belt loop and stood. She took her wedding ring off and placed it in the bag.
She went to go downstairs when something caught her eye. A little toy soldier. She picked it off the nightstand and read the bottom. It said Vulcan.
Starfire remembered Vulcan's words just the day before on the hill:
"Here mother you can have this soldier so you can practice. But you have to take care of him because he's my favorite. You promise you'll take care of it?"
" I assure you, I will take it everywhere I go."
She slid the figurine into the burlap bag. She would keep her promise. She would take care of the toy and she would take it everywhere she went. She had promised Vulcan that she would.
She walked downstairs and wrote a note. Then walked out of her home.
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Later that night……….
" Starfire why did you leave the service?" Freya asked walking into the house.
" Starfire are you here?" Freya asked but she got no answer. Instead she found a note. Freya opened it and read:
Dear Freya,
You have been a wonderful friend these past 6 years. I want you to know that you will always be very dear to me. But it's time for me to leave this behind now.
This house was once filled with a family, but no longer. I can't stay in a place where I now I used to be happy for that was a different life. I have gone to fight. Tell Gabriella, Jacob, and Arthur that Aunt Starfire loves them and will miss them. Tell Marcus and Mary goodbye too. Tell them I love them. Tell Lucan to be a good king and that he is a better person than I, he'll know what I mean. And most importantly take care of yourself. Akilli loved you very much and so did Vulcan. And I love you very much. I love you all.
I may not be returning, so this house and all its possessions are in your care. This is the hardest and yet easiest thing I will ever do. I will miss you. And to King Mayess I say, " Come and find me. I'll be ready."
Love,
Starfire
Freya sighed and put down the note. She understood. She understood Starfire's wishes.
" May you find happiness Starfire, if not here then someplace else." Freya said aloud to herself.
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Starfire walked down in the burnt ruins of Amass. Some buildings still stood. She walked towards one.
Inside an old blind man was busy putting things into a suitcase and behind him an Odessian soldier who still lived got ready to kill him. The old man did not move as the soldier held his sword to strike. He smiled to himself but then frowned as there was a pain in his neck. He dropped to the ground dead.
The old man turned neither frightened nor worried at all.
" Hello girly." Sinsay said to Starfire who stood in the doorway with a bow in hand.
" Hello Sinsay." Starfire said entering.
" I am sorry to hear about Akilli and Vulcan, I know they were very dear to you." Sinsay said returning to packing.
" They were dear to me. Where are you going?" Starfire asked.
" I'm leaving Argeian City and I suppose your going with me." Sinsay said turning to her.
" You trained Akilli and now I need you to train me." Starfire stated.
" And after I train you will you use your new skills for good or evil?" Sinsay asked.
" Both." Starfire answered.
" Aw. I see. Do you remember that aurora I said you had?" Sinsay asked.
" Yes you said mine was white." Starfire answered.
" Well someone's aurora is either white or black which means good or evil. But yours has changed. Not form white to black but a mix of both. Where do you stand on good and evil Starfire?" Sinsay asked already knowing the answer.
" I stand on the line." Starfire answered without emotion.
" Will you ever cross over?" Sinsay asked.
" Maybe one day. But even then who knows which side I'll end up on." Starfire answered.
Sinsay smiled, " You will come with me Starfire and leave Argeian. And I will train you."
Starfire nodded, " Thank-you."
" Come," Sinsay said walking out the door, " On the way to the next village I'll tell you about the first thing you'll learn. Now you must know your eyes deceive you."
And with that they walked out the broken gates of Argeian City never to return.
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Aftermath( this explains her past 2 years from 30123014 AD up until she came back to 2014AD)
Starfire's husband and son were killed in 3012AD. For the next two years Starfire would be a rouge solider. For a year after the Attack on Argeian City she trained with Sinsay. When her training was complete Sinsay died of old age and Starfire set out on her own. She soon became known as Starfire Saxton or the "Ghost" for she would attack Odessian troops that were in hiding or on the road and no one would live.
Two years after the Attack on Argeian City a portal opened and Starfire retuned to the year 2014 Ad.
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Hi! Okay in the last paragraphs I tired to explain what happened after that. In the beginning of the story Starfire was running through the forests in 3014 Ad. She had been running from assassins King Mayess had sent to kill her for revenge for killing his son, Actaeon and now you know why.
I am really sorry for killing off Akilli and Vulcan, but I had to. The story wouldn't work if they hadn't died. Starfire became the way she is now because of their deaths. But don't worry it will have a happy ending all my stories do.
Please no flames, my little heart can't take it! And reviews do make me write faster!
(HINT) I'm not done using the red jewel yet. It will play a bigger part!
The next chapter will be shorter but it will have Nightwing and Starfire fluff! So stay tuned!
Once again please don't hate me,
Hailey