Chapter Two: The Titans
Quick Sticky: Red X's name will always be hyphened when put with the number 'XIV' and Red-X looks exactly like Robin except he's a sleazy loser.
Eight Years Later…
A cold wind whistled through the bars of his jail cell, but he no longer cared. He sat, sometimes he paced. There wasn't much to do in prison. Markovia, although a very modern country still had horrid prison conditions; Robin sighed, he stared up at his small window, trying to catch a glimpse of the sun and the clouds.
He sighed; there was nothing to look forward to. Just stale meat, vegetables and water every day; they wouldn't let him out anywhere, just to shower every couple days. Not that it mattered; his cell had to be the worst one in the prison. Rats were his sole companions. In fact he had grown so used to seeing them that he began to give them names.
There wasn't anything for him to do, except read. And he only had two books, the Book of Azar and The Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe. So often Robin would sit and read, sometimes aloud, sometimes to himself. He focused his mind on what he did and he hoped one day he would be freed from his prison. But as the years had passed, his hope withered.
"You dead yet?" the jailor asked sarcastically. Robin pressed his face against his cell window.
"No, Keeper," Robin replied.
He stepped back and saw the door of his of his cell door open and his jailor walk in. He looked at him. Robin said nothing to him. He took his tray and began eating. His jailor turned and walked out locking the door behind him.
Robin rose to his feet and pressed his face against the window of his cell. He watched his jailor walk away. In the old man's hand's was a silver coin, a 'red-x' he called it. He saw the man flip the coin in the air; his eyes were riveted on the face on the head of the coin. The face was powerful and dignified, the face of Red-X XIV…
Aqualad gunned the engines of his motorcycle through the streets of Jump City. Angry people screamed curses and insults as he passed. A fight was taking place in the middle of the street.
People dodged him as he passed. Aqualad felt something hit the back of his cloak; he drove on ignoring the chaos behind him.
Outside a great temple a green changeling staggered, making his way up the vast steps with two attractive women on each arm. His clothes were that of a wealthy man, along with a wide girth to go with it. "Ah ha! Here we are!" Beast Boy stopped before a pair of large wooden doors. "Raven!" he called in a drunken voice. He barged through the door.
"Beast Boy is—!" He stopped. The women with him also stopped, sobered by the sight of an older, violet haired woman sitting cross legged on the floor in a simple blue cloak in a quiet, contemplative, meditative state.
"Sorry, my dears; she's quite enjoyable too. She's a hotty, makes for good company." Raven opened her eyes and gave Beast Boy an annoyed look that only he noticed.
"So are you," the woman with him said. "You could make our visit worth while."
"Really? It's been so long I've forgotten about it." He turned back to his companions. "Go on now, heave Her Holiness alone. I'll bring you back tomorrow when she's in a better mood; when she's ready for company." Their protests resembled a moaning, screeching whine. "Go on, ladies," he gently herded them out of the room. "Go on," he shut the doors behind him. He walked over to his friend with a melancholy look on his face.
"Stop meditating and revel with me, Raven! I need my spirits lifted. I'm old, I'm weak; my strength is gone!"
"Beast Boy," Raven said quietly, "I'm meditating."
"I just said you're mediating! Are you deaf too? I know you're blind, because if you had seen the hot chicks that just walked out of here, you'd have tears of joy in your eyes for me."
"Sometimes there are more important things in life than a good pair of hot chicks."
"Really?" Beast Boy pulled up a stool and sat down. "If you can name me one thing, one single thing, that is more sublime than me hooking up with a hot chick, I'll build you a new temple."
Raven sighed, exasperated, she replied to his challenge, "forgiveness."
"Forgiveness?" Beast Boy appeared thoughtful, until a loud fart rippled through the room. "Forgive me. Forgive me." he said absently.
Raven waved a hand in the air, warding off the atrocious smell. She tried to concentrate. "Am I forgiven?" Beast Boy asked; he lightly hit Raven, trying to get her attention. "Am I forgiven?" She suddenly backhanded him.
"I observe your forgiveness isn't sweeter than a hot chick," he muttered.
"Can't you see, Beast Boy?" Raven asked, anger coming into her voice. "I'm trying to meditate!"
"You're always meditating!" Beast Boy shouted angrily jumping at her. She pulled him into the headlock as he was trying to squirm his way out. The door opened and Aqualad let himself into the room.
"Aqualad!" Raven smiled slightly. They stopped their roughhousing and stood up to greet their friend.
"Oh, Aqualad!" Beast Boy bear hugged his friend, pounding him on the back. Beast Boy smiled. "How are you young pup?"
"You interrupted a simple theological discussion!" Raven said, straightening herself up.
"So I see." Aqualad smiled.
"Come. Sit." She gestured to a stool beside her.
"Would that I could, but I'm come on the King's business. Raven–the King wishes to see you."
"Still you serve him loyally—Even though the though people hurl rotten eggs at his royal emblem." She pulled a piece of rotten egg from his cloak.
"Aqualad," Beast Boy placed his hands on his friend's shoulders. "You look so young," he hugged him again. "And I feel so old."
"He says immediately." Aqualad said toRaven, keeping the conversation serious.
"All for one," Aqualad," Beast Boy began, Aqualad turned back to face him.
"And one for all," Aqualad finished. Aqualad shook his friends' hands and left. The two Titans watched him go silently. Finally, Beast Boy spoke.
"We were all Titans once, eh?" Beast Boy smiled quietly. "I wonder how Starfire is doing."
In a simple pleasant house, a nervous young man stared in the mirror, straightening his clothes. His tense demeanor was a mask for his nervous energy. A woman in her late fifties, hair mostly gray with periodic streaks of fiery red, she was still beautiful despite age, with a calming voice filled with simple happiness said in a tranquil tone, "Relax Speedy, you're my son. How could any woman resist you?"
"Do I look all right?" Speedy asked his mother. Starfire stood away from him, fingering a small gold ring from a small box of jewelry.
"You look glorious. None of the ladies will be able to take their eyes off you!" She smiled. "When will you ask her?"
"Perhaps when we first arrive... Or when we're leaving, I could ask her in the limo—but it is more romantic at the palace. Every time I think about it I get so confused..." His voice trailed off.
Starfire's hand closed around the ring. Walking over to her son, she placed it gently in his hand. "Will this help?"
"Mother, this is your ring! I can't—"
"When your father died I was wearing this ring, now I want to die knowing that it is on the finger of the woman my son loves." Starfire gave him a loving smile. "Go, bring back your fiancé." She kissed his cheek, hugging him quietly. He smiled and pulled away. He turned and left the room.
Driving towards the place where he would pick up the limo Speedy smiled. Surely he'd have enough nerve to propose now! His Mother's ring incased in a velvet holder was placed on the passenger's seat beside him. Stopping, he arrived at his destination. Climbing out of his car, he climbed into the back of the limousine. He quickly tucked the ring away so she wouldn't see it.
He had the driver go to her house. Terra was standing outside, gaping at the limo. She was dressed in a beautiful yellow gown that enhanced her beauty, making Speedy smile. Her gape turned to a broad smile when she saw him climb out. "Speedy!"
She ran to him. "I missed you during the war."
Speedy smiled. "Well I've been back for a few months and you still say that!"
"But I did," Terra insisted, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Speedy, I love you more than anything!" He kissed her soundly.
"I know, I know," he laughed quietly.
"What's with the limo?" she asked.
"We have a party to go to remember?" he laughed. "At the King's country estate; I suppose the only way I got invited was because of my Mother's reputation as a former Titan."
"I see," Terra smiled. He ushered her to the limo, climbing in beside her, he ordered the driver to take them to King's country estate.
A young man in his early twenties, 23 perhaps, was staring at himself in a life size mirror made of solid gold. He would have been quite handsome and attractive, had his arrogant eyes and haughty air detracted from his features.
Another man was showing him battle strategies on a holographic map. "No, no, do not underestimate the Russians," he pointed to the map. "Move these troops here and here, and then we outnumber them there. Yes, see that on its way."
One of his tailors was busy dressing him. "Yellow sash," he ordered flippantly. His two advisors, Mammoth and Gizmo stood beside him, trying to speak with him.
"Sire, as your advisors we feel it is our—our—" Mammoth began.
"Our duty," Gizmo finished for him.
"—Our duty to inform you that there are riots in Jump City," Mammoth finished uncomfortably.
"Riots?" Red-X appeared to be shocked. "But Jump City is the most beautiful city in the world. Why should my people feel anything but pride and contentment?"
"Of course, Your Majesty, I'm sure they are content, and proud, but they are also starving," Mammoth said. "If we could distribute some of the food that has been reserved for the army, I'm sure there would be plenty of time…to gather more…" he trailed off as a voice made an announcement.
"The Priestess, Raven." She was dressed in a simple priest's robe and seemed very thoughtful. Red-X nodded to Mammoth who bowed and walked back towards Raven.
"Mother Raven, His Majesty has been experiencing difficulty with the Azarathians."
"The Azarathians?" Raven frowned.
"They say His Majesty's wars are unjust and the source of public hunger."
"Perhaps His Majesty should speak to their leader."
"But who is she? No one can keep secrets like the Azarathians can."
"Ah Raven! I have been expecting you!" Raven bowed respectfully. Red-X placed a hand on her shoulder. The two began to walking together speaking quietly.
"You are now a priestess, but you were once a Titan, I like my father before me, have trusted you with the gravest of missions." He paused for a moment. "I want you to find out who this secret leader of the Azarathians is and when you do, for X'hal and for Markovia, I wish you to kill her."
Raven looked startled. "I know this is a terrible thing I ask, especially from a priestess, but can you accept this mission, and keep it private?"
Thoughtful, Raven looked at him. "Once I discover the identity of this Azarathian rebel. I will kill both her...and the man who told me."
"Once a Titan; always a Titan, eh?" Red-X smiled. Raven bowed and left. Red-X turned his attention back to Gizmo and Mammoth. "Now about these riots, we have food stocks on the wharves right now, no?"
"But Majesty, that food is spoiling, that is why it was not shipped to the army."
"Then you must hurry!" Red-X said as if he hadn't heard the words his advisor had just spoken.
"What…an excellent idea, Your Majesty," he said, bowing quickly.
Meanwhile, Speedy and Terra walked through the vast gardens arm in arm. She was admiring the clothing of various guests and how splendid they looked. Speedy could only see her and did not care for anything else. "Look at the stitching on that one. Doesn't it look glorious?"
"Not nearly as glorious as you," Speedy smiled, keeping his adoring gaze on her. As they continued walking through the crowd, Terra's beauty caught the eyes of someone else. Red-X was mesmerized by her instantly. His eyes and heart began to burn with lust.
"Who is that?" he asked one of his friends.
"Speedy, the son of Starfire," his friend replied.
"Adonis, your taste may run to young soldiers but I was referring to the beauty next to him." His friends laughed.
"Her name is Terra." Red-X continued staring. Standing straight, the King watched as the vast doors of his country estate were opened. He halted and waited for the trumpeters to blow their flourishes.
He began striding regally down the stairs, nobles bowing to him left and right. His entourage began to mingle with some of the guests. Captain Aqualad was speaking with Lt. Cyborg in a hushed voice.
"He didn't tell me about the probe chase. What about security? The Azarathians are starting to grow violent." Aqualad frowned.
"Aqualad, the Azarathians oppose Red-X, but they believe in nonviolence," Cyborg insisted.
"Not all of them do," Aqualad frowned, "and that's why I'm worried. I must speak to the King." Red-X had walked down the stairs and Aqualad walked over to him.
"Your Majesty…" he began.
"What is it now, Aqualad, assassins falling from the sky?"
"The plans for the probe chase were not revealed to me."
"Look at these men, Aqualad; how they admire and fear you. With the great Aqualad watching over me who in all of Jump City would dare to do me harm?"
"A fool's blade or superpower may be sharper or stronger than his brain," Aqualad warned.
Let us play a game, Aqualad. Let's pretend I am King and you are captain of my Titans. Let us behave as if my wish is law. And my wish is to enjoy this party…as should you."
Aqualdad turned and walked away. Catching sight of someone in a window, he looked up. An older woman with dark hair elaborately done up was walking passed the window. It was Blackfire, the Queen Mother. She stopped and their eyes met for a brief moment. A small, barely unnoticeable look of sadness crossed his face. She broke his gaze and walked by. He then composed himself and began to once again mingle with the crowd.
As they walked through the gardens, Speedy had finally gotten up his nerve to propose to his beloved. "Terra, I... Ever since I returned I've been wanting to speak with you about... about—"
"Excuse me, Mr., Ms," a waiter offering some drinks interrupted him.
"No thank you," he said politely. He tried to begin again, but before he could, a voice said his name. It was Aqualad, captain of the King's body guard and leader of the Titans.
"Captain," he said politely. "Allow me to introduce Terra Markov. Terra this is Aqualad, he's my Mother's best friend."
"The pleasure's mine," Aqualad politely kissed her hand.
"I am honored that you have granted me a commission in the Titans so that I may follow my Mother and you." He smiled, "One for all."
"And all for one," Aqualad finished as he departed. Speedy tried once more to say what he desperately wanted to say. They stopped by a beautiful water fountain and he took her hands in his.
"I love you Terra," Speedy said quietly
"And I love you, Speedy," she replied softly.
"I'll never be a rich man, but you'll always have my heart."
"Then I am richer than the King."
Speedy reached for the gold ring within the folds of his coat. "I have something for you, it belonged to my Mother." He was interrupted by shouts and calls from someone, looking up, he saw the King himself calling for attention.
Red-X was dressed in expensive elaborate clothing that made Speedy almost feel sick. His garish outfit flaunted his wealth and position. He kept his reaction neutral and did his best to look polite. "It pleases us to announce an entertainment for our guests! A contest of agility and cunning!" A man held in his hand what looked like a giant probe like object.
"Behold our unicorn! Whichever of our guests captures the unicorn shall win its treasure!" Inside the probe was a large diamond pennant. The guests gasped at the size of it.
"Now, to the chase, I command you all!" The guests scrambled to catch the flying object, which was surprisingly fast.
"The pendant will be yours!" Speedy promised and joined in the fray.
Terra tried to follow but was suddenly cut off from the rest of the group by a stream from a fountain that suddenly erupted, blocking her path. She tried to go a different way, but was continually blocked by walls of water. Giving up, she began to wander around the grounds of the estate. Coming to a small chapel, she spotted a painting within. Curious, she began to step inside when a voice stopped her.
"Terra, isn't it?" She turned. It was the King himself. Red-X was staring at her, and his gaze made her nervous.
"I would have said it was impossible, but I believe the excitement of the chase has made you even more beautiful."
"Sire, I—" She blushed red with embarrassment.
"You blush! You do not wish to be beautiful to your King? She was no dummy and she knew what he was trying to do. He was trying to seduce her.
"No, Sire—I mean, yes, yes Sire—"
"I understand you are unaccustomed to these surroundings, a situation we can happily remedy. A lady such as yourself would make a fine lady-in-waiting."
"Your Majesty is too kind, but I am engaged to Speedy, at least I will be as soon as he manages to ask me."
"You would choose a soldier, a soldier who has not yet proposed, over a king?" Red-X sounded hurt but she knew better.
"I can only be faithful to my heart," she replied.
"But how faithful is that heart to you?" Red-X asked, moving closer to her. Suddenly the probe came out of nowhere spinning by them, breaking the King's attention to her. Terra began backing away.
"Terra, wait," Red-X gently grabbed her arm, he leaned in to kiss her as the man who had offered her and Speedy drinks moved silently with a knife in hand. Red-X spotted him too late. He couldn't move as the man leapt to stab him.
Aqualad turned and using his powers; harnessed the waters from the fountains to send a powerful blast into the man, knocking the air out of him. The blast was so powerful it drew blood; the man was wounded somewhat seriously. Aqualad ran over to him and grabbed him by his collar. He was joined by Lt. Cyborg who transformed his arm into his Sonic Cannon.
"Feed... your... people," the man gasped. Red-X pulled a small dagger from his cloak and walked towards the man.
"Your people starve! Feed—" Red-X stabbed the man in the chest, he died instantly.
"Azarathians," he muttered with distain.
Speedy ran around the corner. Seeing Terra almost alone with Red-X, he immediately deduced what had happened.
"Terra!"
"Speedy!" she quickly took his hand, walking hastily away. Red-X watched them go. He saw Speedy's arm was wrapped around Terra's waist. He knew who Speedy was. He was the son of Starfire, one of the Three Titans, a legendary figure among all Titans. Red-X didn't care though. He wanted Terra, and if he wanted her to be his then he had to get rid of the boy, immediately.
"Get me a general," Red-X ordered Lt. Cyborg.
Deep within the walls of the Tower, amidst the groans of madness and suffering, there was a distinctive clicking noise. Click, click, click, click; it continued every so often.
Robin stood at the barred window in the doorway of his cell, raking his masked head against the bars in frustration. Click, click, click, click, click. Exhausted, he slammed his head against the door in torment. He placed his hands against the wall. Freedom seemed so far away. He wouldn't give up hope though; it was the only thing he had left.