Chapter One Wow, That Was a Long Prologue
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed, illuminating the angry-looking sky outside, and peals of thunder rattled the windows. Rain drummed on the rooftop, providing a steady backdrop to the revving motors and occasional beeps coming from the video game being played in the Titans' Tower common room.
Why you little—! Victor snarled, mashing buttons with renewed furor. You unlocked the SuperMegaUngodlyTurbo mode?Ha ha, chuckled his opponent by way of reply, making a catlike face.
SON OF A—! the half-cybernetic teenager spluttered, a vein throbbing in his temple as Gar finished the level a lap and a half ahead of him. I'M'A KICK YO' CANDY ASS, BOY!
Raven lowered her book and glared at the pair coolly. It's only a game, Victor.Yeah, I mean, come on, Cy— Gar pointed out, tossing his controller onto a cushion and stretching, all the times you've beat me at this game, and you get your underwear in a bundle after I win one stinkin' lap?Underwear in a bundle' Koriand'r repeated, looking slightly bemused. I am correct in assuming that is not literal, yes?It means to get oneself really worked up, especially over something inconsequential, Raven explained.
Where'd you learn English, anyway? Victor wondered, turning to look at the Tamaranean princess who was floating a few feet above the floor behind the couch.
By kissing me, Robin muttered, raising the newspaper higher so nobody would see the blush spreading across his face.
Victor blinked and looked over at him. Did you just say what I think you said?
Koriand'r giggled. When I first came to this world, I could not understand any of its languages. Tim was the first hyu-man who did not ignore me or treat me with hostility, and I knew that if I could come into physical contact with an Earthling for long enough, I would be able to assimilate certain pieces of knowledge. He was wearing gloves, so I could not hold his hand, so I chose to kiss him until I sensed I was able to converse in his tongue.
Gar goggled and then laughed nervously. How long did that take?Like, a minute, Robin mumbled, clearing his throat and holding the newspaper even closer. Gar hooted in a suggestive way, and Vic shoved him over.
Shut it, he growled. Y'know, I just have this odd memory of you, not six months ago, claiming girls had cootiesAre you on the Mary Jane? Gar sputtered, righting himself. But the long tone that indicated someone wanted entry cut him off.
Go get the door, Beast Boy, Vic ordered, rising from the couch and striding over to the console.
You're already up, Gar insisted, curling his legs under him.
Victor glared at him as he switched games. Just because you're sitting won't keep me from shoving my boot up your—Oh, for the love of Azar, Raven huffed. I'll do it. She stuck a bookmark into her book, tossed it onto the floor, and swept out of the room. Halfway down the first flight of stairs, she whipped her cloak back and pulled herself into the ether, teleporting ten floors down rather than wasting time on the steps.
Once in the foyer, she punched the controls on the monitor to wake it from sleep and cleared her throat. This is Titans' Tower. What do you need?
Visible on the screen was a slightly damp young woman, shielding her eyes against the pouring rain and peering up at the small round camera mounted near the door. I have a message for the Teen Titans, she called. Her eyes and hair were both golden, but it wasn't the unusual colour of her eyes that caught Raven's attention—it was the fact that the girl was only a little wet in the midst of a raging downpour. Do you mind letting me in?I'm sorry, but I'll need to know who you are first, Raven explained, just as Victor came thudding down the stairs.
I'm going out for pizza, he said, then we're going to play Dark Legacy. You wanna play, Raven?
The girl outside gasped. Dark Legacy? I love that game! It's been so long since I had access to a PS2 Who else is there? I need to meet him!
Victor stared at the screen, his one eyebrow rising until it nearly met his hairline. Who's that? he whispered to Raven, not quite softly enough to avoid being overheard.
My name is Crystal Momozaki, and if you pleeeaase let me play Dark Legacy with you, I promise to forget any orders I may or may not have been given concerning your destruction!
This time Raven's eyebrows climbed up her forehead, and Victor muttered the hell?
Crystal clasped her hands together and her eyes became large and shiny. Onegai-shimasu? I'll be honest—I was sent here on contract to kill you guys, but to tell the truth, it was from a guy I hardly knew, didn't trust for shit, and I'm getting paid next to nothing for it. Also, I'm not a hitwoman; I don't like killing people! I'd much rather switch sides in a situation like this and at least get to be happy for a while before they come kill me for being a traitor than having to beat the lot of you and have that on my conscience. Doesn't one of your members have the ability to tell if someone's lying? You can have her check me—I'm being completely honest.
Raven generally needed close proximity and no physical barriers to be able to empathically read a person, but she was skilled in judging body language as well, and the way Crystal held herself and had spilled out everything in a rush—almost furtively, as if she was truly afraid of being caught—seemed to point at honesty. Still, it seemed too good to be true. A completely unfamiliar young woman, the measure of her power unknown, offering to switch sides over a video game?
First of all, Raven began, I would like to know why you're almost dry despite being out in that weather.
Crystal blinked, then nodded. Oh, right. I don't even notice anymore It's part of my powers. It takes some explanation, but to be concise, I can choose to be unaffected by weather. She shook her hands vigourously; it was a humid night, and even if she wasn't drenched, she was probably covered in condensation nonetheless.
What is the nature of your powers? Raven inquired. Magic, psionic, or something else?Psionic, I'm pretty sure, Crystal replied, after half a moment's thought. Although it's kind of odd, because my powers seem to manipulate the basic forces of magic rather than the noetic or quantum totalities.That's some unusual terminology she's using Victor remarked.
Raven took a breath. I am going to come outside now, she told Crystal, to use my empathic abilities on you. You understand, I'm sure, that young women with Mutant abilities don't simply arrive at Titans' Tower every day, and your story is even more unusual. Crystal said with a shrug. You're the mind-reading one then, right? What was your name? Robin? she corrected, teleporting to just outside the heavy steel doors. Crystal took a step back, surprised. Robin is someone else. Staring into Crystal's eyes, she let her consciousness flow through and around the young woman, sensing her feelings, tasting her power, brushing the surface of her thoughts. Without being too intrusive, she peered deeper—saw a tall, well-built man—his face masked in steel and copper—something about him was
There was another man before that—old, bald-pated, wheelchair-bound—a telepath, very strong—wood-paneled corridors and classrooms—then classrooms of a different style, dark and gloomy—other teenagers, two of them red-haired, one of a darker complexion, a stunningly handsome boy with curled blonde hair—
It was all true, Raven knew. Everything Crystal had said was so. Great power lay within her, some as-yet-unlocked, some of it bound to and enhanced by the multi-hued shards of gemstone she wore around her neck and from her earlobes.
All right, she said, pulling her hood closer around her face. The rain had not lessened. Take my hand. She reached out, grasped Crystal's fingers, and teleported the two of them back into the foyer.
How bad is it out there, anyway? Victor asked, waving away wisps of the bubbly dark-red smoke that always accompanied Raven's trips into the ether.
Quite wet, Raven commented, standing on the rug while her cloak dripped. I wouldn't recommend actually going out right now, Vic. You might rust.
Crystal's eyes widened. Kick-ass! A cyborg! Your name's Vic? My name's Akiko, but I go by Crystal— She reached out a hand, and he shook it, only a touch confused. you were going to go out for pizza? Do you mind terribly if I come along? I want to get to know you guys better, since Deathstroke didn't really tell me anything accurate about you.Hold up a second, Vic said, raising his hands. Raven, I think you ought to go grab Robin. The young witch gave a nod, vanished, and reappeared five seconds later holding the wrist of the ostensible team leader.
What's up? Robin asked, looking at Crystal. Sorry, we haven't been introduced. What brings you here?A contract, she replied airily, seeming not at all upset that she had betrayed whomever had reason for wanting the Teen Titans out of the picture. But I'm choosing not to honour it. The mercenary who gave it to me said that the Teen Titans are a horrible bunch of meddling, upstart children who secretly want to take over the world, and it's clear now that he was pulling that straight from his ass. I have ways of sensing people's motives.
I checked her, Raven telepathed to Robin, who was surprised—Raven very rarely communicated mentally, as it cost her much more energy than did most of her other abilities. I didn't go very deep, but I sensed unhappiness and discomfort at where she used to be, and the one who sent her on this mission reminded her of what she had tried to leave behind and it took a lot of convincing to get her to even consider it.
What sort of contract? Robin asked, now mildly skeptical.
Crystal sighed. A mercenary, whom I believe is associated with the H.I.V.E. in some way, tracked me down—I was really surprised at that, since I tried my best to be untraceable—and hired me to come to San Francisco to destroy the Teen Titans.
Robin exchanged glances with his teammates. Who was it? Did he say why? Crystal shook her head.
All I know is that he called himself Deathstroke the Terminator, and he must have some issues with the information he gathers, because I'm not an assassin-for-hire and he didn't have anything really good to offer me in exchange for doing this mission. It's not like I have a tragic past or anything and he promised me information about my long-lost family. The best he could do was offer me a few hundred dollars in unmarked bills, and I mean, come on. That'swell, lame.A few hundred dollars in unmarked, untraceable currency to whack a group of teenage superhero sidekicks? Robin repeated. Crystal nodded glumly.
It's not worth it, though. Nothing is worth being paid to kill someone, and he didn't even give me a good reason. If I had found out that you were a Goa'uld sleeper cell, for example, I might have taken it, but he just said Go kill a bunch of kids and I'll give you money'. It's a load of bullshit, if you ask me.I believe her, Raven admitted to Robin, but the fact that somebody sent her after us in the first place concerns me. Robin muttered, shrugging, it's not as if we don't have enemies. We've all had our share of spates in the past.Yes, but someone being contracted to come here and just destroy all of us? the witch-girl wondered. I have only one personal enemy, and sending out a teenage hitwoman is most definitely nothis style. Victor and Gar, I know, have had disagreements with people in the past, but I doubt that anyone wants them dead. And Kory She paused. Her enemies obviously don't even know she's here, or we'd have additional problems.I see what you mean, Robin said quietly. Turning back to Crystal, he inquired, Who did you say the mercenary worked for?H.I.V.E., I think, she said, and a flash of anger crossed her face. It stands for the Hierarchy of International Vengeance and Extermination. They're a bunch of secretive bastards, real James Bond villain-type stuff.How is it you know them? Robin asked. Crystal mumbled something under her breath that sounded like very impolite Japanese.
It's part of my past I'd rather not revisit at the moment, she growled. Let's just leave it at we've had dealings' and now I'd rather they all go fuck themselves. the Boy Wonder mused, wondering what his mentor Batman would do in such a situation. So you want to switch sides. Did you say there was something besides the fact that you just don't want to do it? Were you paid in advance? she said, casting a sparkly-eyed glance at Vic, but I would really, really, really like to play a little bit of Gauntlet: Dark Legacy.
Vic shrugged. It's true. We've got a Multi-Tap—it's not like we can't accommodate multiple players.Even if you don't let me play Gauntlet, Crystal added, it would be nice if I had someplace to staygetting found by that Deathstroke goon means I can't go back to the Xavier Institute, and I imagine—Wait, wait—Xavier Institute? Robin snapped. You went there? Crystal was taken aback, but nodded silently. I think we would all be well served, he continued through gritted teeth, if you didn't mentionthat place or anyone associated with it while under this roof.
The others looked at him askance. Do you have a problem with Mutants, Robin? Raven asked, her voice suddenly steely.
Oh, no, no, not with Mutants, per se. It's, ah—it's—kind of complicated. I'd rather not go into it now
Comprehension flickered across Crystal's face. she breathed. I marvel at your deceit. Victor blinked, then suddenly burst out laughing.
She's gotcha there, doesn't she? Robin sighed and folded his arms.
Well, I think we need to speak to Gar and Kory about this, he said, attempting to regain control.
It's looking like no pizza tonight, then Raven remarked, pulling back her hood and wringing it out.
Why don't you just have it delivered? Crystal asked.
Well, the fact that we're on an island makes it difficult for delivery drivers to get to our door, Raven pointed out.
Ohh, rightI can fly; I don't notice stuff like that She watched Raven twisting and wringing her cloak for a while, then a strand of liquid formed suddenly from one edge and spiralled into the air, collecting into a shimmering globe of water. When all the wetness had been drawn out of the cloth, Victor guessed that Crystal intended to send the mass outside, so he reached over to the wall and punched the code to open the door. Crystal glanced at him appreciatively, and the waterball floated out into the darkness and hit the ground with a splat.
Well, now that that's taken care of, Robin said, noticeably impressed by this display of power, let's go up and introduce you to Gar and Kory, shall we?
Beast Boy leapt up from the couch as the four teenagers entered. It's about time! I'm so hungry I'm wasting aw— He glanced at each of them, looking betrayed. Where's the pizza?Didn't get any, Vic responded. Maybe not tonight. Go look in the fridge—there's bound to be something to eat. Crystal murmured.
Long story, Raven replied just as quietly.
Hey, Gar, where'd Kory get to? Robin called as Gar turned to leave the room, having sprouted a tail that was now swishing angrily.
Control room, he said. Said something about making sure we weren't being attacked or anything.I don't blame her, Raven whispered. I have this sudden feeling thatthat something's not quite right Crystal glanced at her, concerned, and Raven shook her head. Nothing to do with you. I read your motives. There's just something else, something I can't put my
Gar, halfway to the door, let out a yelp and dashed to the doorframe as the ground abruptly began shaking violently. Robin pulled Raven under a table, and Vic shoved Crystal into the doorframe through which they had just come. Crystal closed her eyes and mouthed something, apparently concentrating very hard on something, and her eyes opened in surprise just before the quake ceased.
That—that wasn't natural, she told them, brushing a strand of golden hair from her face. I used my powers to look' at what happened, she explained, glancing around at all of them, and San Francisco is located right on top of a part of the San Andreas fault that's currently locked. There wasn't any stress buildup—something else, something—weird, just caused the ground beneath the entire city to shake.
Gar shot a desperate glance at Robin. he wondered. Robin passed the glance to Raven, apparently nonplussed.
Interesting, Raven. Does this mean you're clairvoyant in addition to your other powers? Robin mused, just as Starfire shot into the room, her hair leaving a red streak behind her.
Something terrible has happened! she panted, her face a light cream colour and covered with sweat. Some great and evil force has just broken loose from beneath the Earth!