The Captain: Alright, well we can see some big changes as of late. First off, you'll notice my name is now the Samurai Baker X. Let's just make a long story short here and we'll accept it as my alter ego. By day, mild manner fan fiction writer, by night, A crime fighting babe magnet with uber groovy side burns and a big frickin sword!
Next up, the story title changed again, I think. The original story title was Shadowfall, but I changed it to Dark Patriot, and now, I went back to Shadow Requiem and gave it a secondary title, that way it'll get some more recognition since the last story (Shadow Requiem) did actually get some reviews and such.
Now then, let us see some reviews. If I do not end up with said reviews that I desire, I shall cheat to win, and that may include lying on my story summary! Mwahahahaa!
The Legal Information: All characters present in the Teen Titans outside of Smoke, Clive, Sherri, and all others that are not seen in the show or comic book belong to me. All other characters, such as Starfire, Raven, and Slade, belong to their respective copyright holders. In other words, I do not own the Teen Titans, so anything that I say or have them do in this fanfiction does not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the creators of the Show/Comic or any of it's affiliates.
I'm working really hard at trying to sound smart, aren't I.
Dark Patriot
Heroes on Probation, part 1
The morning came and only Raven and Robin were at the table. She was having her ritualistic herbal tea while Robin ate some eggs he fried up quickly. The pair were reading different sections of the paper in an eerie silence. Both though were used to not sleeping a whole lot and waking up early, so this was actually quite routine for them. As time would pass, each titan slowly awoke, first being Cyborg, then Beastboy, Terra would be next. Starfire slept in till just past noon, and was woken up by Sherri of all people.
Starfire: " Oh, good morning Sherri. Have you come to wake me for breakfast?"
Sherri: " Well...it's lunchtime now Starfire. You'd be a little late for breakfast."
Starfire: " Oh I see. I am not in any trouble am I? Because if so, I apologize!"
Sherri: " Oh don't worry about it Starfire, you're not in any trouble. We just let you sleep in since we had a late night last night."
Starfire: " Thank you for waking me up then. Perhaps I shall get cleaned up and join you all at the table for lunch."
Sherri: " Alright then. See you downstairs!"
Starfire: " Have you woken Clive yet?"
Sherri: " No...I think I'll just let him sleep this time around."
Starfire: " Oh, I understand."
Sherri left the room while Starfire got up and began her day. Shortly afterwards, she joined the rest of the Titans, sans Clive, downstairs for some sandwiches that Sherri cooked up. It wouldn't be until a quarter till 4 in the afternoon that Clive would start to stir. He shook around briefly, tossing and turning all over the bed, till he finally rolled out. The sudden shock from the fall woke him up fully. Getting up off the floor, Clive noticed that he was still dressed in his clothes from the previous night and wandered about his room. Clive stretched out, then tossed off all his clothes, except his boxers, then wandered out into the hallway. He mumbled to himself about needing coffee, but only he would understand it, as what he said was incoherent.
He wandered down the hall further past the bathroom where the card table was set up. There would be a coffee maker in the corner where he'd get to brew something to wake him up. However, as he entered the small corner, he tiredly looked at a tall, black haired girl who was sitting at the table playing solitaire. She looked up to him and smiled, setting down her hand.
Girl: " Oh, I see you're awake."
Clive: " Mugggghhhhh....pffftmnnn....bmmmmmmeeee...."
Girl: " Oh really? I didn't know that! Well said there champ."
Clive rubbed his eyes and saw that she had already prepared a pot of coffee. He drug his way over to the pot and poured some into a cup, then sat down across the table from her while she continued her game of cards. After a few sips, he perked up a bit and watched her play. She looked puzzled for a moment about what to play, but Clive played her move for her even though he couldn't actually see her cards. The move was perfect though, and set her up into a position to flip over more cards. She smiled to him and gave him her usual daring look.
Girl: " Thanks for the help Clive. It's good to see you again."
Clive: " No problem. So...who are you?"
Girl: " Me? Oh come now...you've forgotten me already?"
She got up and walked over to him, leaning over and getting in his face, almost touching nose to nose. Her smile widened a bit as her teeth began to show slightly. Her grin was somewhat seductive and flirtatious. Clive didn't blink though, remembering the girl from the previous night that he danced with and whom had kissed him.
Clive: " It's been a long time since I've been stalked like this by cute girl. Especially with a security system like the one this tower has."
Girl: " Well, I'm pretty good at a lot of things. Care to find out?"
Clive: " Maybe later babe. In the meantime, I'm just gonna take a shower. Feel free to anything in my fridge. Downstairs, my Sister can get you anything you need. I'll be out in a little while."
Clive gave the girl a nod before turning and leaving. She gave him a wink, then watched him head off to the bathroom for his shower. The rock music kicked on, then 20 minutes later, Clive opened the door to the bathroom letting out a huge billow of steam that poured into the hallway. The girl narrowed her eyes and watched the young man wander out of the bathroom in only a towel once again. He made his way to his room and changed, then once again back out into the hallway. He sat down with his unexpected guest and took a sip from a brand new cup of coffee.
Girl: " You like your coffee black huh."
Clive: " Something like that..."
Girl: " You're a very mysterious individual. I like the tall dark and handsome type."
Clive: " Thanks I guess..."
Girl: " So what are you going to do now?"
Clive: " Finish my coffee and go downstairs to get something to eat. Care to join me?"
Girl: " I don't know..."
Clive: " And now, that brings me to another question...am I the only one who knows that you're here?"
Girl: " And if I said yes?"
Clive: " No big deal. Well, I'm heading down now..."
Girl: " Wait!"
Clive: " Coming?"
Girl: " Uhhh...."
The black haired girl took a moment to think. She knew the Titans would take so well to an intruder like her...but if she were with Clive, she might fare a little better. She got up and made her way to Clive, whom which was wearing a pair of denim shorts and a black Audioslave shirt. She took his arm and pulled him towards the elevator.
Girl: " Well, let's go! Introduce me to all your friends!"
Clive: " Ok..."
The pair clamored into the elevator and pressed the switch for the bottom floor. A few moments later, the elevator arrived at the ground floor. The Titans saw the light turn on, figuring on Clive being the one about to make his enterance. Starfire got up and floated her way to the elevator doors, awaiting her friend in order to greet him. But when the doors opened, Starfire backed up quickly, activating her powers and illuminating the room with a green hue. Clive looked at Starfire with a bit of a worried expression on his face.
Clive: " Starfire? Are you alright?"
Starfire: " WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?"
She pointed accusingly towards the girl accompanying Clive. The other Titans came when they heard the racket, then prepared for a fight when they saw the girl in the elevator. Clive stepped out of the elevator and looked between Starfire and his other companion. It suddenly dawned on his that they looked a lot alike.
Clive: " Wow...you two look a lot alike! Ain't this something else..."
Starfire: " What are you doing here sister?"
Clive: " Sister?"
Girl: " Oh...Starfire, can't you be happy to see me?"
Starfire: " You are supposed to be in prison, Blackfire."
Blackfire: " Yeah...but now I'm free! I served my sentence!"
Clive: " Blackfire? You're name is Blackfire?"
Blackfire: " Well, you never asked it."
Clive: " Well...uhh...ok...what the hell is going on here?"
Starfire: " What are you doing with her Clive? And how did she get in here? How long has she been in here?"
Clive: " Well...she was in my room when I woke up...I don't know how she got in...and I don't know how long she's been here."
Robin: " Well...get out of here Blackfire, before we throw you out!"
Clive: " Now wait a moment...someone wanna fill me on here?"
Starfire: " She is Blackfire, my sister. The last time she visited, she had framed me for her crimes and tried to get me to take her place in prison! But she failed and was taken to the Centaury System for her trial. I have not heard anything since."
Clive: " Huh. Ok then...uhhh..."
Clive started to think of a way to solve the situation. Starfire hadn't let her guard down, as did the rest of the Titans. They began to slowly approach, so Blackfire retreated behind Clive for protection.
Blackfire: " I came back to apologize! I swear I did! I wanted to say that I was wrong and that I'm sorry. That, and I need to do some kind of good deeds to finish my punishments."
Cyborg: " How do we know you're not lying?"
Blackfire: " You need to trust me! I really mean it."
Beastboy: " I don't know..."
Clive: " Well, I say we give her a chance."
Starfire: " WHAT?"
Clive: " Ok...so she did some bad things. I mean, I did too. I paid for them, and maybe she did as well."
Robin: " You can't be serious!"
Clive: " But I am! Look, just give her a chance. She seems like she really wants to give it a try."
Raven: " I don't believe her. Not one bit."
Clive: " Yeah yeah yeah. I expected YOU to say that. Anyways, give my judgement a shot, eh? I mean, I've done a lot on my own, so I think that I've warrented a good trust in my judgement. And hey, if I'm wrong, then I'll take full responsibility for everything, and I'll personally kick her back to wherever she belongs."
Blackfire: " I promise you all that I'll do well! I kinda have to anyways. As a part of my release from prison, I have to stay on good terms with the law and do my best to clean up my act. Well, what better way than to do some crime fighting. Might as well put my skills to some use."
Robin: "...."
Terra: " You know, since I don't know much about his whole mess...I think I'm gonna go with Clive on this...I say we give her a shot."
Cyborg: " Are you kidding?"
Raven: " Well, I don't even care anymore. You can all decide how to do this."
Raven walked back to the couch so she could go back to her readings. The remaining Titans looked among each other for answers.
Robin: " I do believe everyone deserves a second chance...but..."
Terra: " You gave me a second chance. Come on, give her one too."
Cyborg: " I'm still not sure about this."
Starfire: " Clive..."
She looked to the floor and let her hair fall down a bit over her face, hiding her expression from view. This worried Clive, so he approached her quickly.
Clive: " What is it Starfire?"
Starfire: " Do you really trust her?"
Clive: " What do you mean Starfire?"
Starfire: " Do you really trust her, Clive?"
Her tone was that of one just beyond a whisper. Clive could hear her though, and he took a moment to think. Was Blackfire truely trust worthy? Clive thought hard about it, looking at all the facts. She was being friendly to everyone, and had yet to make a snide remark. She's been quite timid actually, which is probably the opposite to how she would normally act. Still, she did some bad things, and even Starfire seemed untrusting of her...and Starfire did her best to find the best in everyone, from what Clive knew. He smiled though, brushing his hand over his short black hair and smiled. He carefully lifted Starfire's chin so he could look her in the eyes.
Clive: " Perhaps I don't fully trust her, atleast not yet. I know because I've just met her...but she hasn't tried anything, and I'm sure she's had plenty of opportunities to do something if she wanted. But it's not trust that I have...it's faith."
Starfire: " Faith? What do you mean?"
Clive: " I have faith that she'll do good for us. Just like I had faith that you guys would save my sister three weeks ago, and when you believed that the other Titans would like me, even after everything I had done, going on only my word that I had left Slade for good. That's faith Starfire."
Starfire: " So...to believe in something...I understand. I trust you Clive, that I do. So I'll have faith in my sister just like you."
Clive: " Your a poet and you didn't even know it."
She gave him a nice wide smile, which reassured Clive and made him blush just slightly, which was a feat by all means. She turned to her sister and gave a slight bow in apology.
Starfire: " I'm very sorry sister. I welcome you here as well."
Blackfire: " Oh...thank you so much Starfire!"
The siblings put aside their pasts and hugged each other, which sparked some still unended debate by the other Titans.
Robin: " Still...we've come to a tie. Me, Beastboy and Cyborg want her gone...Clive, Starfire, and Terra want her to stay. It's a tie."
Clive: " Then we claim Raven's vote."
Cyborg: " How's that? She just said she didn't care."
Clive: " Exactly. Though she doesn't like Blackfire it's seems, you must think about this logically. She didn't say she wanted her to stay...she just said she didn't care whether she was to stay or not. So being, she won't put up a fight about her being here. Since she doesn't care if she goes either, Raven won't care if she isn't allowed in. So, Raven is indirectly inviting Blackfire to stay with us for as long as she needs!"
The other Titans stared at Clive with empty and blank expressions on their faces. Clive could easily tell that they didn't know what the heck he just said.
Clive: " In other words, since Raven doesn't care if Blackfire stays, it doesn't count as a no."
Titans: " Oh...."
Clive: " Well...now that we've got all that settled, I'm hungry...what's for breakfast sis?"
Sherri: " What do I look like? Your personal chef?"
Clive: " Now that you mention it..."
Sherri: " Ugh...either way, it's the middle of the afternoon! Maybe you should think about lunch, or dinner! Or maybe doing that Titan thing you're supposed to do and save people and fight crimes. We've been here 2 whole days and you've done nothing but eat and sleep! What kind of super hero are you? EatnSleep Guy? The Unmasked Do-nothinger? Super-Dummy-Man? Well?"
Clive: " Alright! Look here now! I busted my hump taking a licking from that stupid pink haired bimbo and holding up the pizza place to save a couple dozen people, worked my tail off looking for you and helping save everyone at the old apartment, and even broke a couple hundred uber rifles of some kinds and foiled Slade and Smoke's plans! THAT'S WHAT I'VE DONE!"
Sherri: " DON'T RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ME!"
Clive: " What are you talking about? I'm your guardian! Go to your room! You're grounded!"
The brother and sister bickered on for another few minutes while the rest watched on. Starfire and her sister both shook their heads, then seperated Clive and Sherri into opposite corners. After a few moments, Robin spoke up.
Robin: " Well...let's get some pizza then. Who wants to order out?"
Cyborg: " I'll make the call...who wants to go pick it up?"
Clive: " I'll do it since I'm the fastest."
Blackfire: " Oh? Let me go with him...I'd like to see some of his powers for myself."
Beastboy: " Who cares who goes! Just get that pizza! I'm starving!"
Robin: " Alright alright! Cyborg, put in a call for a few pizzas now that there's 9 of us. Terra, Starfire, get Blackfire a room prepared. Beastboy...uhhh...go help Sherri get the table set. I'm going to go get Raven. Clive, you and Blackfire can go get the pizza's I guess. Keep a sharp eye out for trouble. We'll talk about Blackfire being a Titan later on."
Clive walked out of the tower with Blackfire floating right on his heels. She was partially hanging on him as the pair stepped outside. Clive looked around for his motorcycle that he had parked on the side of the tower. They made there way to it, and Clive sat down in the seat, while she climbed on the back, wrapping her arms around him.
Blackfire: " Whoo! Let's ride!"
Clive: " Well...alright. We'll ride...but don't let go, since we've got to get to the road first."
Blackfire: " What's that supposed to mean?"
Clive: " Don't blink and you'll find out."
The ground below the pair seemed to open up as a large black hole appeared. Really, it was just Clive's shadow, but to Blackfire, it was something completely unheard of. She held on tighter to him, making him wheeze and choke just a little bit. Eventually the pair entered the black portal and floated through the dark world. Blackfire looked around, becoming increasingly worried about her new whereabouts.
Blackfire: " Where the hell are we?"
Clive: " Just my closet really. Don't worry about it, nothing here's gonna hurt ya while you're with me."
Blackfire: " Right...so why are we here?"
Clive: " It's a short cut...now where's the exit...there!"
Clive and Blackfire rode the bike through the estranged plane, exiting into complete darkness. However, they rose up from the ground right in the shadow of the pizza shop which the Titans have dubbed as their own for now. Clive parked the motorcycle and the pair got off, heading into the pizza shop. The older woman at the counter didn't recognize them outright, but saw Blackfire and made a bit of a mistake of identity.
Woman: " Oh my! You're that dear Starfire girl aren't you? Why you look so much different! What happened to your hair? I always thought you had the most lovely red hair I'd ever seen. And now you're wearing colored contacts? Your green eyes were so pretty, I can't believe you'd do that!"
Blackfire: " Uhhhh...I'm not Starfire..."
Woman: " What are ya talkin about? You're her height, weight, hairstyle, skin color...sorry Starfire sweety, but I wasn't born yesterday."
Blackfire: " No...really...I'm her older sister, Blackfire."
Woman: " Older sister ya say? Well isn't that lovely. And who's yer little boyfriend here Blackfire?"
Blackfire smiled and grabbed Clive's arm, pulling his close.
Blackfire: " This is Clive! He's the newest Titan!"
Woman: " Well ain't that sweet. Well then, you guys just sit back and enjoy some drinks, the Pizza's are still in the oven."
Blackfire: " Why thank you very much."
The woman handed them both soda, then Blackfire led Clive to one of the booths. They sat down and had some idle chit chat while waiting.
Clive: " Boyfriend?"
Blackfire: " Oh come on, just humor the old lady. But now that I think about it, sounds pretty nice, know?"
Clive: " Maybe."
Clive sipped his drink some, thinking of a way to change the subject.
Blackfire: " So then Clive...care to tell me about yourself?"
Clive: " Not really much to say. I'm just a grungy rock and roller kind of guy. Nothing real special about me except for my powers."
Blackfire: " So what would those powers be?"
Clive: " Well, I've got only one actual inborn strength, and I'm not sure how to describe it really. When I physically hit something, whether with my fist or with something else, I can build up some kind of energy and release it at the point of contact, kind of like an explosion I guess. It works for anything that might hit my body as well, if I concentrate enough."
Blackfire: " It sounds like a build up in kinetic energy, which you release through physical contact."
Clive: " I guess so."
Blackfire: " So...mind explaining that little disappearing act you pulled on us."
Clive: " Well...my other power is thanks to that lame brain right there."
Clive pointed to the ground where his shadow sat. Blackfire looked at it uninterested and in some disbelief.
Blackfire: " The casting of shadows isn't much of a power."
Clive: " Oh really? Well, doesn't look like you can do it..."
Blackfire: " What do you mean?"
She took a look to the ground where hers would be, and was shocked to find it wasn't there. She began to look around for it, but was unsuccessful. She looked to Clive for an answer.
Clive: " Give up?"
Blackfire: " You realize that defies the laws of physics..."
Clive: " No I don't infact."
Blackfire: " Right...so where is my shadow?"
He pointed to the cieling, where it was just laying there, spread out over their table like it was asleep. Blackfire floated up and out of her booth seat, examining her shadow for a moment.
Blackfire: " As creepy as that is, what good does it do you? You can teleport through them and that's it, or what?"
Clive: " I can bring them into reality so to speak. I won't explain how it works right now, but essentially, I can bring it into this world and make it do things. I can also manipulate them as well."
With a wave of his hands, Blackfire's shadow got bigger, like it had gained a couple hundred pounds. She turned and looked down at Clive with a menacing looks of disapproval. Clive snickered, then made the shadow return to normal and reattached it to Blackfire, making it fall along the ground as it would. She set back down into the booth and laughed.
Blackfire: " I bet you can do all sorts of things then."
Clive: " Something like that. Maybe you'll get to see me do some things some time. I think I'm a pretty cool super hero."
Blackfire: " Seems like it to me."
Woman: " Hey you two! The pizza's are ready!"
Clive: " Alright. Let's grab these suckers and go."
Blackfire: " I'm right behind you."
Clive grabbed the pizza's from the counter and headed out with Blackfire on his heels. She took them as they both got on the motorcycle together. Clive took off, deciding not to just teleport out of there. Particularly since he would have to take the pizza's and didn't want 6 things to take through. So, as the two were speeding through the city and passing the First National Bank, the wall practically exploded and Cinderblock came running through, carring large bags of money. Clive stopped the bike right infront of him, then got off, holding up his hand as a signal for Blackfire to stay put.
Clive: " Here, I'll take care of this. I'm an official Titan now, so I should make this my first beat down."
Blackfire: " Oh, how heroic."
Clive: " Don't patronize me."
Blackfire: " Heh heh heh."
Clive made his way to Cinderblock, who stopped in his presence, not recognizing him in the least. His shadow spread up his body, encasing Clive in it's shell and preparing him to do battle. The pair stared each other down for a moment, before Clive broke the silence.
Clive: " You wanna give up Blockhead?"
Cinderblock: " Raaa!"
Clive: " I'll 'Raaa' you."
Pulling back his fist, Clive gave a slight hop and punched Cinderblock right in the face. This knocked him back a few steps, but Cinderblock didn't fall, and instead, started a charge forwards, sticking his shoulder out. Clive played the matador and dodged to the side of Cinderblock, giving him a slight push away. Cinderblock turned around and readied for another charge. Clive reached down to the ground and pulled his shadow upwards and used it like a sheet to taunt Cinderblock. Again, Cinderblock made a charge at Clive, only to get the black sheet wrapped up in his face and essentially miss him all together.
Clive: " Ole sucker."
As Cinderblocks back was turned, Clive yanked back the black sheet and it transformed into his guitar. Taking a huge leap, he spun around in mid air and used his momentum to smash Cinderblock in the back of the head with his guitar, sending the stone monster flying across the street and planting him into the wall. Clive landed and set his guitar along his shoulder, smirking as he walked his way to Cinderblock. He used the guitar like a crow bar and pried Cinderblock from the wall, revealing the KO'ed criminals distorted face. He shrugged briefly, then awaited the police.
Blackfire: " Impressive. You've got quite a talent, don't you."
Clive: " It's a living now..."
Blackfire: " Maybe me and you ought to go one on one. Perhaps you could show me a couple more things."
Clive: " Another time perhaps."
Blackfire: " Hmmm...yes. Hey, there's the police now."
They came and questioned Clive about what happened, and Blackfire verified everything as his witness. Afterwards, they were allowed to leave and head back to the tower with the pizzas.
Next up, the story title changed again, I think. The original story title was Shadowfall, but I changed it to Dark Patriot, and now, I went back to Shadow Requiem and gave it a secondary title, that way it'll get some more recognition since the last story (Shadow Requiem) did actually get some reviews and such.
Now then, let us see some reviews. If I do not end up with said reviews that I desire, I shall cheat to win, and that may include lying on my story summary! Mwahahahaa!
The Legal Information: All characters present in the Teen Titans outside of Smoke, Clive, Sherri, and all others that are not seen in the show or comic book belong to me. All other characters, such as Starfire, Raven, and Slade, belong to their respective copyright holders. In other words, I do not own the Teen Titans, so anything that I say or have them do in this fanfiction does not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the creators of the Show/Comic or any of it's affiliates.
I'm working really hard at trying to sound smart, aren't I.
Dark Patriot
Heroes on Probation, part 1
The morning came and only Raven and Robin were at the table. She was having her ritualistic herbal tea while Robin ate some eggs he fried up quickly. The pair were reading different sections of the paper in an eerie silence. Both though were used to not sleeping a whole lot and waking up early, so this was actually quite routine for them. As time would pass, each titan slowly awoke, first being Cyborg, then Beastboy, Terra would be next. Starfire slept in till just past noon, and was woken up by Sherri of all people.
Starfire: " Oh, good morning Sherri. Have you come to wake me for breakfast?"
Sherri: " Well...it's lunchtime now Starfire. You'd be a little late for breakfast."
Starfire: " Oh I see. I am not in any trouble am I? Because if so, I apologize!"
Sherri: " Oh don't worry about it Starfire, you're not in any trouble. We just let you sleep in since we had a late night last night."
Starfire: " Thank you for waking me up then. Perhaps I shall get cleaned up and join you all at the table for lunch."
Sherri: " Alright then. See you downstairs!"
Starfire: " Have you woken Clive yet?"
Sherri: " No...I think I'll just let him sleep this time around."
Starfire: " Oh, I understand."
Sherri left the room while Starfire got up and began her day. Shortly afterwards, she joined the rest of the Titans, sans Clive, downstairs for some sandwiches that Sherri cooked up. It wouldn't be until a quarter till 4 in the afternoon that Clive would start to stir. He shook around briefly, tossing and turning all over the bed, till he finally rolled out. The sudden shock from the fall woke him up fully. Getting up off the floor, Clive noticed that he was still dressed in his clothes from the previous night and wandered about his room. Clive stretched out, then tossed off all his clothes, except his boxers, then wandered out into the hallway. He mumbled to himself about needing coffee, but only he would understand it, as what he said was incoherent.
He wandered down the hall further past the bathroom where the card table was set up. There would be a coffee maker in the corner where he'd get to brew something to wake him up. However, as he entered the small corner, he tiredly looked at a tall, black haired girl who was sitting at the table playing solitaire. She looked up to him and smiled, setting down her hand.
Girl: " Oh, I see you're awake."
Clive: " Mugggghhhhh....pffftmnnn....bmmmmmmeeee...."
Girl: " Oh really? I didn't know that! Well said there champ."
Clive rubbed his eyes and saw that she had already prepared a pot of coffee. He drug his way over to the pot and poured some into a cup, then sat down across the table from her while she continued her game of cards. After a few sips, he perked up a bit and watched her play. She looked puzzled for a moment about what to play, but Clive played her move for her even though he couldn't actually see her cards. The move was perfect though, and set her up into a position to flip over more cards. She smiled to him and gave him her usual daring look.
Girl: " Thanks for the help Clive. It's good to see you again."
Clive: " No problem. So...who are you?"
Girl: " Me? Oh come now...you've forgotten me already?"
She got up and walked over to him, leaning over and getting in his face, almost touching nose to nose. Her smile widened a bit as her teeth began to show slightly. Her grin was somewhat seductive and flirtatious. Clive didn't blink though, remembering the girl from the previous night that he danced with and whom had kissed him.
Clive: " It's been a long time since I've been stalked like this by cute girl. Especially with a security system like the one this tower has."
Girl: " Well, I'm pretty good at a lot of things. Care to find out?"
Clive: " Maybe later babe. In the meantime, I'm just gonna take a shower. Feel free to anything in my fridge. Downstairs, my Sister can get you anything you need. I'll be out in a little while."
Clive gave the girl a nod before turning and leaving. She gave him a wink, then watched him head off to the bathroom for his shower. The rock music kicked on, then 20 minutes later, Clive opened the door to the bathroom letting out a huge billow of steam that poured into the hallway. The girl narrowed her eyes and watched the young man wander out of the bathroom in only a towel once again. He made his way to his room and changed, then once again back out into the hallway. He sat down with his unexpected guest and took a sip from a brand new cup of coffee.
Girl: " You like your coffee black huh."
Clive: " Something like that..."
Girl: " You're a very mysterious individual. I like the tall dark and handsome type."
Clive: " Thanks I guess..."
Girl: " So what are you going to do now?"
Clive: " Finish my coffee and go downstairs to get something to eat. Care to join me?"
Girl: " I don't know..."
Clive: " And now, that brings me to another question...am I the only one who knows that you're here?"
Girl: " And if I said yes?"
Clive: " No big deal. Well, I'm heading down now..."
Girl: " Wait!"
Clive: " Coming?"
Girl: " Uhhh...."
The black haired girl took a moment to think. She knew the Titans would take so well to an intruder like her...but if she were with Clive, she might fare a little better. She got up and made her way to Clive, whom which was wearing a pair of denim shorts and a black Audioslave shirt. She took his arm and pulled him towards the elevator.
Girl: " Well, let's go! Introduce me to all your friends!"
Clive: " Ok..."
The pair clamored into the elevator and pressed the switch for the bottom floor. A few moments later, the elevator arrived at the ground floor. The Titans saw the light turn on, figuring on Clive being the one about to make his enterance. Starfire got up and floated her way to the elevator doors, awaiting her friend in order to greet him. But when the doors opened, Starfire backed up quickly, activating her powers and illuminating the room with a green hue. Clive looked at Starfire with a bit of a worried expression on his face.
Clive: " Starfire? Are you alright?"
Starfire: " WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?"
She pointed accusingly towards the girl accompanying Clive. The other Titans came when they heard the racket, then prepared for a fight when they saw the girl in the elevator. Clive stepped out of the elevator and looked between Starfire and his other companion. It suddenly dawned on his that they looked a lot alike.
Clive: " Wow...you two look a lot alike! Ain't this something else..."
Starfire: " What are you doing here sister?"
Clive: " Sister?"
Girl: " Oh...Starfire, can't you be happy to see me?"
Starfire: " You are supposed to be in prison, Blackfire."
Blackfire: " Yeah...but now I'm free! I served my sentence!"
Clive: " Blackfire? You're name is Blackfire?"
Blackfire: " Well, you never asked it."
Clive: " Well...uhh...ok...what the hell is going on here?"
Starfire: " What are you doing with her Clive? And how did she get in here? How long has she been in here?"
Clive: " Well...she was in my room when I woke up...I don't know how she got in...and I don't know how long she's been here."
Robin: " Well...get out of here Blackfire, before we throw you out!"
Clive: " Now wait a moment...someone wanna fill me on here?"
Starfire: " She is Blackfire, my sister. The last time she visited, she had framed me for her crimes and tried to get me to take her place in prison! But she failed and was taken to the Centaury System for her trial. I have not heard anything since."
Clive: " Huh. Ok then...uhhh..."
Clive started to think of a way to solve the situation. Starfire hadn't let her guard down, as did the rest of the Titans. They began to slowly approach, so Blackfire retreated behind Clive for protection.
Blackfire: " I came back to apologize! I swear I did! I wanted to say that I was wrong and that I'm sorry. That, and I need to do some kind of good deeds to finish my punishments."
Cyborg: " How do we know you're not lying?"
Blackfire: " You need to trust me! I really mean it."
Beastboy: " I don't know..."
Clive: " Well, I say we give her a chance."
Starfire: " WHAT?"
Clive: " Ok...so she did some bad things. I mean, I did too. I paid for them, and maybe she did as well."
Robin: " You can't be serious!"
Clive: " But I am! Look, just give her a chance. She seems like she really wants to give it a try."
Raven: " I don't believe her. Not one bit."
Clive: " Yeah yeah yeah. I expected YOU to say that. Anyways, give my judgement a shot, eh? I mean, I've done a lot on my own, so I think that I've warrented a good trust in my judgement. And hey, if I'm wrong, then I'll take full responsibility for everything, and I'll personally kick her back to wherever she belongs."
Blackfire: " I promise you all that I'll do well! I kinda have to anyways. As a part of my release from prison, I have to stay on good terms with the law and do my best to clean up my act. Well, what better way than to do some crime fighting. Might as well put my skills to some use."
Robin: "...."
Terra: " You know, since I don't know much about his whole mess...I think I'm gonna go with Clive on this...I say we give her a shot."
Cyborg: " Are you kidding?"
Raven: " Well, I don't even care anymore. You can all decide how to do this."
Raven walked back to the couch so she could go back to her readings. The remaining Titans looked among each other for answers.
Robin: " I do believe everyone deserves a second chance...but..."
Terra: " You gave me a second chance. Come on, give her one too."
Cyborg: " I'm still not sure about this."
Starfire: " Clive..."
She looked to the floor and let her hair fall down a bit over her face, hiding her expression from view. This worried Clive, so he approached her quickly.
Clive: " What is it Starfire?"
Starfire: " Do you really trust her?"
Clive: " What do you mean Starfire?"
Starfire: " Do you really trust her, Clive?"
Her tone was that of one just beyond a whisper. Clive could hear her though, and he took a moment to think. Was Blackfire truely trust worthy? Clive thought hard about it, looking at all the facts. She was being friendly to everyone, and had yet to make a snide remark. She's been quite timid actually, which is probably the opposite to how she would normally act. Still, she did some bad things, and even Starfire seemed untrusting of her...and Starfire did her best to find the best in everyone, from what Clive knew. He smiled though, brushing his hand over his short black hair and smiled. He carefully lifted Starfire's chin so he could look her in the eyes.
Clive: " Perhaps I don't fully trust her, atleast not yet. I know because I've just met her...but she hasn't tried anything, and I'm sure she's had plenty of opportunities to do something if she wanted. But it's not trust that I have...it's faith."
Starfire: " Faith? What do you mean?"
Clive: " I have faith that she'll do good for us. Just like I had faith that you guys would save my sister three weeks ago, and when you believed that the other Titans would like me, even after everything I had done, going on only my word that I had left Slade for good. That's faith Starfire."
Starfire: " So...to believe in something...I understand. I trust you Clive, that I do. So I'll have faith in my sister just like you."
Clive: " Your a poet and you didn't even know it."
She gave him a nice wide smile, which reassured Clive and made him blush just slightly, which was a feat by all means. She turned to her sister and gave a slight bow in apology.
Starfire: " I'm very sorry sister. I welcome you here as well."
Blackfire: " Oh...thank you so much Starfire!"
The siblings put aside their pasts and hugged each other, which sparked some still unended debate by the other Titans.
Robin: " Still...we've come to a tie. Me, Beastboy and Cyborg want her gone...Clive, Starfire, and Terra want her to stay. It's a tie."
Clive: " Then we claim Raven's vote."
Cyborg: " How's that? She just said she didn't care."
Clive: " Exactly. Though she doesn't like Blackfire it's seems, you must think about this logically. She didn't say she wanted her to stay...she just said she didn't care whether she was to stay or not. So being, she won't put up a fight about her being here. Since she doesn't care if she goes either, Raven won't care if she isn't allowed in. So, Raven is indirectly inviting Blackfire to stay with us for as long as she needs!"
The other Titans stared at Clive with empty and blank expressions on their faces. Clive could easily tell that they didn't know what the heck he just said.
Clive: " In other words, since Raven doesn't care if Blackfire stays, it doesn't count as a no."
Titans: " Oh...."
Clive: " Well...now that we've got all that settled, I'm hungry...what's for breakfast sis?"
Sherri: " What do I look like? Your personal chef?"
Clive: " Now that you mention it..."
Sherri: " Ugh...either way, it's the middle of the afternoon! Maybe you should think about lunch, or dinner! Or maybe doing that Titan thing you're supposed to do and save people and fight crimes. We've been here 2 whole days and you've done nothing but eat and sleep! What kind of super hero are you? EatnSleep Guy? The Unmasked Do-nothinger? Super-Dummy-Man? Well?"
Clive: " Alright! Look here now! I busted my hump taking a licking from that stupid pink haired bimbo and holding up the pizza place to save a couple dozen people, worked my tail off looking for you and helping save everyone at the old apartment, and even broke a couple hundred uber rifles of some kinds and foiled Slade and Smoke's plans! THAT'S WHAT I'VE DONE!"
Sherri: " DON'T RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ME!"
Clive: " What are you talking about? I'm your guardian! Go to your room! You're grounded!"
The brother and sister bickered on for another few minutes while the rest watched on. Starfire and her sister both shook their heads, then seperated Clive and Sherri into opposite corners. After a few moments, Robin spoke up.
Robin: " Well...let's get some pizza then. Who wants to order out?"
Cyborg: " I'll make the call...who wants to go pick it up?"
Clive: " I'll do it since I'm the fastest."
Blackfire: " Oh? Let me go with him...I'd like to see some of his powers for myself."
Beastboy: " Who cares who goes! Just get that pizza! I'm starving!"
Robin: " Alright alright! Cyborg, put in a call for a few pizzas now that there's 9 of us. Terra, Starfire, get Blackfire a room prepared. Beastboy...uhhh...go help Sherri get the table set. I'm going to go get Raven. Clive, you and Blackfire can go get the pizza's I guess. Keep a sharp eye out for trouble. We'll talk about Blackfire being a Titan later on."
Clive walked out of the tower with Blackfire floating right on his heels. She was partially hanging on him as the pair stepped outside. Clive looked around for his motorcycle that he had parked on the side of the tower. They made there way to it, and Clive sat down in the seat, while she climbed on the back, wrapping her arms around him.
Blackfire: " Whoo! Let's ride!"
Clive: " Well...alright. We'll ride...but don't let go, since we've got to get to the road first."
Blackfire: " What's that supposed to mean?"
Clive: " Don't blink and you'll find out."
The ground below the pair seemed to open up as a large black hole appeared. Really, it was just Clive's shadow, but to Blackfire, it was something completely unheard of. She held on tighter to him, making him wheeze and choke just a little bit. Eventually the pair entered the black portal and floated through the dark world. Blackfire looked around, becoming increasingly worried about her new whereabouts.
Blackfire: " Where the hell are we?"
Clive: " Just my closet really. Don't worry about it, nothing here's gonna hurt ya while you're with me."
Blackfire: " Right...so why are we here?"
Clive: " It's a short cut...now where's the exit...there!"
Clive and Blackfire rode the bike through the estranged plane, exiting into complete darkness. However, they rose up from the ground right in the shadow of the pizza shop which the Titans have dubbed as their own for now. Clive parked the motorcycle and the pair got off, heading into the pizza shop. The older woman at the counter didn't recognize them outright, but saw Blackfire and made a bit of a mistake of identity.
Woman: " Oh my! You're that dear Starfire girl aren't you? Why you look so much different! What happened to your hair? I always thought you had the most lovely red hair I'd ever seen. And now you're wearing colored contacts? Your green eyes were so pretty, I can't believe you'd do that!"
Blackfire: " Uhhhh...I'm not Starfire..."
Woman: " What are ya talkin about? You're her height, weight, hairstyle, skin color...sorry Starfire sweety, but I wasn't born yesterday."
Blackfire: " No...really...I'm her older sister, Blackfire."
Woman: " Older sister ya say? Well isn't that lovely. And who's yer little boyfriend here Blackfire?"
Blackfire smiled and grabbed Clive's arm, pulling his close.
Blackfire: " This is Clive! He's the newest Titan!"
Woman: " Well ain't that sweet. Well then, you guys just sit back and enjoy some drinks, the Pizza's are still in the oven."
Blackfire: " Why thank you very much."
The woman handed them both soda, then Blackfire led Clive to one of the booths. They sat down and had some idle chit chat while waiting.
Clive: " Boyfriend?"
Blackfire: " Oh come on, just humor the old lady. But now that I think about it, sounds pretty nice, know?"
Clive: " Maybe."
Clive sipped his drink some, thinking of a way to change the subject.
Blackfire: " So then Clive...care to tell me about yourself?"
Clive: " Not really much to say. I'm just a grungy rock and roller kind of guy. Nothing real special about me except for my powers."
Blackfire: " So what would those powers be?"
Clive: " Well, I've got only one actual inborn strength, and I'm not sure how to describe it really. When I physically hit something, whether with my fist or with something else, I can build up some kind of energy and release it at the point of contact, kind of like an explosion I guess. It works for anything that might hit my body as well, if I concentrate enough."
Blackfire: " It sounds like a build up in kinetic energy, which you release through physical contact."
Clive: " I guess so."
Blackfire: " So...mind explaining that little disappearing act you pulled on us."
Clive: " Well...my other power is thanks to that lame brain right there."
Clive pointed to the ground where his shadow sat. Blackfire looked at it uninterested and in some disbelief.
Blackfire: " The casting of shadows isn't much of a power."
Clive: " Oh really? Well, doesn't look like you can do it..."
Blackfire: " What do you mean?"
She took a look to the ground where hers would be, and was shocked to find it wasn't there. She began to look around for it, but was unsuccessful. She looked to Clive for an answer.
Clive: " Give up?"
Blackfire: " You realize that defies the laws of physics..."
Clive: " No I don't infact."
Blackfire: " Right...so where is my shadow?"
He pointed to the cieling, where it was just laying there, spread out over their table like it was asleep. Blackfire floated up and out of her booth seat, examining her shadow for a moment.
Blackfire: " As creepy as that is, what good does it do you? You can teleport through them and that's it, or what?"
Clive: " I can bring them into reality so to speak. I won't explain how it works right now, but essentially, I can bring it into this world and make it do things. I can also manipulate them as well."
With a wave of his hands, Blackfire's shadow got bigger, like it had gained a couple hundred pounds. She turned and looked down at Clive with a menacing looks of disapproval. Clive snickered, then made the shadow return to normal and reattached it to Blackfire, making it fall along the ground as it would. She set back down into the booth and laughed.
Blackfire: " I bet you can do all sorts of things then."
Clive: " Something like that. Maybe you'll get to see me do some things some time. I think I'm a pretty cool super hero."
Blackfire: " Seems like it to me."
Woman: " Hey you two! The pizza's are ready!"
Clive: " Alright. Let's grab these suckers and go."
Blackfire: " I'm right behind you."
Clive grabbed the pizza's from the counter and headed out with Blackfire on his heels. She took them as they both got on the motorcycle together. Clive took off, deciding not to just teleport out of there. Particularly since he would have to take the pizza's and didn't want 6 things to take through. So, as the two were speeding through the city and passing the First National Bank, the wall practically exploded and Cinderblock came running through, carring large bags of money. Clive stopped the bike right infront of him, then got off, holding up his hand as a signal for Blackfire to stay put.
Clive: " Here, I'll take care of this. I'm an official Titan now, so I should make this my first beat down."
Blackfire: " Oh, how heroic."
Clive: " Don't patronize me."
Blackfire: " Heh heh heh."
Clive made his way to Cinderblock, who stopped in his presence, not recognizing him in the least. His shadow spread up his body, encasing Clive in it's shell and preparing him to do battle. The pair stared each other down for a moment, before Clive broke the silence.
Clive: " You wanna give up Blockhead?"
Cinderblock: " Raaa!"
Clive: " I'll 'Raaa' you."
Pulling back his fist, Clive gave a slight hop and punched Cinderblock right in the face. This knocked him back a few steps, but Cinderblock didn't fall, and instead, started a charge forwards, sticking his shoulder out. Clive played the matador and dodged to the side of Cinderblock, giving him a slight push away. Cinderblock turned around and readied for another charge. Clive reached down to the ground and pulled his shadow upwards and used it like a sheet to taunt Cinderblock. Again, Cinderblock made a charge at Clive, only to get the black sheet wrapped up in his face and essentially miss him all together.
Clive: " Ole sucker."
As Cinderblocks back was turned, Clive yanked back the black sheet and it transformed into his guitar. Taking a huge leap, he spun around in mid air and used his momentum to smash Cinderblock in the back of the head with his guitar, sending the stone monster flying across the street and planting him into the wall. Clive landed and set his guitar along his shoulder, smirking as he walked his way to Cinderblock. He used the guitar like a crow bar and pried Cinderblock from the wall, revealing the KO'ed criminals distorted face. He shrugged briefly, then awaited the police.
Blackfire: " Impressive. You've got quite a talent, don't you."
Clive: " It's a living now..."
Blackfire: " Maybe me and you ought to go one on one. Perhaps you could show me a couple more things."
Clive: " Another time perhaps."
Blackfire: " Hmmm...yes. Hey, there's the police now."
They came and questioned Clive about what happened, and Blackfire verified everything as his witness. Afterwards, they were allowed to leave and head back to the tower with the pizzas.