Chapter Seventeen

Old Friends, Old Memories

It had been a long and tiring week for the four Titans. Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Lee quickly made short work of the final riddle and began making their way to a place that according to history no longer exists. A long passenger train slowly pulled into St. Petersburg station making a screeching sound as it came to a halt. As soon as its doors were pulled open a slew of people came pouring out and began rushing to get to their individual destinations. Cyborg poked his head out and finally stepped out onto the platform.

"Sheesh, everyone's in such a hurry." He took a look around then signaled to his friends that the coast was clear. Raven stepped out followed by Beast Boy and then Lee.

"You know I am really getting sick and tired of trains," said Beast Boy turning a little greener then usual. They walked to the food court and sat down at a table for four. Cyborg cast a nervous look around wondering why people took little notice of a half machine half human, a green shape shifter, a cynical empathic telepath, and a traditionally dressed samurai.

"You ever felt like you really don't fit in?"

"All the time," answered Raven quietly. Beast Boy returned to the table with what appeared to be a hot dog. Lee arched a brow at it and cleared his throat.

"Forgive me BB-San but is that not against your chosen code of dinning?" Beast Boy looked up from his food.

"Huh?"

"Why are you eating meat," asked Raven. Beast Boy sent them disgusted looks.

"ME? Meat? Nooooo?" They all looked at him unconvincingly, he stared down at it for a moment and after taking a huge bite looked up at them. "OKAY! Look we've almost died or been turned into zombies like twenty times. I think now is a great opportunity to kick my feet up for a while."

"That doesn't make much sense," said Cyborg.

"I just wanted to see if I was missing out on anything." He then pushed his plate away. "And I really don't think I have." Raven rolled her eyes and Cyborg popped a map of Russia on his arm screen.

"So what now?"

"Now we look for a good place to hide out for a while, and then find a way to wherever Stalingrad used to be." Without giving it much thought Lee added his own bit.

"And then search through over a hundred and fifty square miles of rubble until we find something that I assume is no bigger then a piece of jewelry." Beast Boy nodded.

"Awesome, that sounds awesome. This is exactly how I wanted to spend my summer. But you know we better find someplace soon because my favorite Russian game show is on in half an hour."

Cyborg asked; "Well can we ask around, see where some low profile spots are?"

"No. We cannot trust anyone," said Lee quickly.

"Ah come on Lee not everyone on the planet is part of the Order," retorted Cyborg.

"Well maybe not to their knowledge," whispered Lee.

"What did you say," asked Raven. Lee came in closer forcing them to huddle together as well.

"Before we were forced to part company once again Robin-San told me of a stealthy network of spies the Order has in place around the world. They are called the 'Sortie'." Raven shook her head.

"Sortie?"

"Roughly translated: 'attacker/spy'. Basically the Order pulls an innocent person off the street or someone close to a target and programs a certain objective or mission into their minds. As soon as the subject lays eyes on 'the target' or a prearranged time has elapsed the programming takes over. What we have here is essentially a walking time bomb."

"Can they be stopped before it happens," asked Beast Boy. Lee shook his head.

"Unfortunately the thing that makes a Sortie so dangerous is the fact that even they don't know it's happened to them, so they act as normally as they would everyday. The commands &/or suggestions are implanted into their subconscious, they have no idea they're a Sortie."

"Well surely they must be suspicious of an amount of time they can't account for," suggested Raven.

"All that needs to be done about that is to implant along with the command a false event to account for the loss the time. It also doesn't take long at all to make someone into one of these things."

"How long," asked Cyborg.

"Five maybe ten minuets tops. As long as they're alone with the subject they can do it quite easily."

Beast Boy's mouth parted. "Oh no."

"What," asked Raven. Beast Boy took a deep breath.

"We we're all in RM 111 for two weeks, that a lot of five minuets right there. What if they made one of us into one of those…whatever they are?" Even Raven became quite nervous at the idea. Cyborg gulped.

"You I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think B may have a point. Who's to say one of us isn't."

"I do not believe so," said Lee.

"How can you be sure?"

"Well, we can't actually. Even for a empath as powerful as Raven it is virtually undetectable. At least it is until the last second before it happens. But let's say for a minuet that one of us is a Sortie, say me for example, would I not have tried to kill you all by now?"

"I guess," said Raven. "But maybe it just hasn't kicked in because we're not all here. Robin and Starfire are still out there somewhere, and I'm pretty sure the Order would want to get us all at once." Lee shrugged.

"Perhaps, but I still maintain my assumption that we are all untouched by it."

"So what happens to them once they've completed their mission," asked Cyborg.

"They kill themselves, its part of the programming. Leave no evidence behind." Cyborg sat back in his chair and let out a short breath.

"Man, this all keeps getting better and better." Raven sighed and looked out the window at the passing crowd of people. 'I hope Robin and Starfire are doing okay. I really hate it when this happens.'

"Lee?" Lee looked up at his friends.

"What?" They all shrugged and shook their heads.

"We didn't say anything," said Beast Boy. With a small frown Lee looked over his shoulder and saw a young Asian girl running up to him.

"Lee!" He rose out of his chair, and just in time for she quickly reached him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She parted with him and looked her in the eyes.

"Kiore…" With a smile she began speed talking in a language that apparently only Lee understood. When she paused Lee looked back at his friends apologetically. Raven eyed her and arched a brow.

"So, who's your friend?"

"I'm sorry." He moved her to stand before them. "Everyone this is Kiore Nobutasta, she's a...'friend' from a few years ago when I still lived in Japan. I apologize she only speaks Japanese."

"So you do know her," asked Raven. He opened his mouth to answer but Kiore turned Lee back to her and promptly planted her lips on his. They all stared wide eyed and opened mouthed at the scene before them. Beast Boy nodded stupidly.

"Yeah, I'd say they know each other very well." Cyborg pretended to cough audibly springing the two apart. After letting him go she spoke again while looking in their direction. Lee answered with a nod. She spoke once again and Lee turned back to them.

"She asked if we needed a place to stay." Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy huddled together. They consulted with one another for a few moments before breaking apart. Raven stood up and approached Kiore. She gave her a nod followed by a small bow of the head.

"Thank you."

JOINING ROBIN AND STARFIRE……………………

Starfire flew a few feet over the tall trees below them. She peered down periodically trying to find some fresh water to rest by. Robin jerked his head and let out a stifled groan alerting Starfire that he was soon to awaken. She quickly looked around down at the ground and finally spotted a small stream. Starfire gently landed next to it and propped Robin against a nearby tree. She took a small container from his belt and after filling it with some water brought to Robin's lips. He took in a few sips and slowly squinted his eyes open. Starfire's blurry form came into view then finally stabilized.

"Starfire?"

"I am here Robin." He tried to sit up but found his legs unresponsive.

"I can't move." Starfire laid a hand on him to keep him from trying any harder.

"It is undoubtedly a side effect of the sedative Meric gave you." He pursed his lips together in frustration.

"Damn." He looked around at their new surroundings. "Well where are we?" He took the glass from Starfire allowing her to sit beside him.

"I am uncertain. But I would estimate we are far from where we must go." Robin nodded.

"Yeah that's a given. We shouldn't stay here long, Meric will be searching for us and if I'm not sure I can take him right now." Starfire closed her eyes and leaned up against him.

"I do not believe we will have to worry about Meric any longer." Robin took another drink.

"Why's that?" She paused not sure if she really wanted to tell him but her honest nature got the better of her.

"I killed him." Robin stopped in mid-drink. He twisted his head to look down at her but found she was avoiding his eyes. He wanted to say something but instantly forgot what it was he was about to say. He had expected many things but this was by far the last answer he had anticipated. Tears flowed down her face as Starfire remembered the last image she ever saw of Meric. She gripped his cape trying to cover herself up in it, as if she would be completely shielded from anything trying to harm her. "I'm so sorry Robin. I swear I would never have done such a thing, I do know what came over me. Pleas don't hate me Robin." Robin sat open mouthed at what he was hearing. Hate her? Robin could no more hate her any more than he could make it rain. He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her close.

"Thank you Star, for saving me." She closed her eyes feeling a blending mixture of feelings; relief, confusion, worry, and love. With a quiet sniffle Starfire let her head rest on his chest and she fell asleep.

BACK WITH THE OTHERS……………

Kiore invited the Titans into her little apartment on the third floor of a boarding house. She currently stood at the stove where at a large burst of flame erupted underneath her skillet. Raven and Beast Boy stared nervously at Kiore's culinary techniques. Beast Boy tapped Lee on the shoulder and jerked his head in her direction.

"Is it supposed to do that?"

"Sure, you have to get the meat to the right temperature. Which is very very hot."

"You're sure she doesn't have some other kind of dish that isn't...having meat in it?" Cyborg gawked at the tossed pieces meat with a drooling mouth.

"Oh Man I am so in love!" Raven dope slapped him with a reproachful look. He rubbed the spot on the human half of his head and smiled back at Kiore. "But it does smell good." Within moments Kiore served the food on the table while throwing together a quick salad for Beast Boy. Raven forked some rice and pork upon eating it blinked several times.

"Kiore this…this is very good."

"Thank you, it took a long time to get right." They all gaped at her.

Beast Boy's jaw dropped. "You can speak English! Lee she can speak English!" Lee sent Kiore a narrowed gaze.

"You may be sure Cyborg-San I am as surprised as you." Kiore smiled and shook her head.

"I'm sorry guys but these really are strange times and I had to be sure I could trust you. Except you Lee I'm sorry I didn't mention it earlier. I traveled a lot so I had to learn a couple of languages." Cyborg stuffed his mouth with another forkful and bobbed the utensil at her.

"If this food wasn't so freakin' awesomely good, I'd have to stay mad at you." Kiore giggled and nodded.

"Thank you Cyborg."

"I'm a little less forgiving," said Raven. "I don't really like being lied to either."

"Well technically I didn't lie I just didn't mention anything." Raven issued several quite grunts and excused herself from the dinner table. Once she left Lee turned to Kiore.

"I apologize; Raven-San does not take those things too well."

"It's alright Lee I'm just glad to have guests, it really can get very boring here sometimes." Beast Boy finished his salad and stood up.

"Well I go see if I can get Raven to forget why she's mad, or I'll just go to bed. Thanks for the salad."

"Yeah dinner was great," added Cyborg. She bowed her head in thanks as the two boys left the room. Lee stood up and walked into the small living room. Kiore put their dishes away and hesitated before entering behind him. Lee removed his sword from his waist deciding it felt extra heavy today. Kiore slid her hand into his and she felt him tense up slightly.

"I've missed you Lee." He nodded with a smile.

"And I you." They both sat down on the couch quietly so as not to disturb their slumbering friends. After a long silence Kiore could barely hold it in for much longer.

"I never believed what they said about Lee. Your sister was in danger; the obligation to your family came first before you're military duty. It was very noble of you, and they sent you away for it," she said sounding ashamed of herself.

"Yes, but I am still alive. And you had nothing to do with my exile; you should not hold any accountability. But it doesn't matter anyway, she's still missing and…well I'm still looking for her. And I'll continue until I have found her." Afraid of his tone Kiore suddenly took his hand again.

"Please don't leave me again Lee."

"I have a new General now, I cannot abandon him. Nor would I if I could." She moved closer.

"I waited for so long for the day that you would return, but you never did." Lee dropped his gaze. "What have you been doing all this time?" He tried to find a way out of this question, the less she knew the safer she would be.

"I am sorry Kiore but I can't get involved with you again, its safer for you." She backed away slightly.

"Safer? Lee what have you done?"

"I have done nothing. As it is a powerful group of people are currently pursuing us. You're taking a large risk just having us for the night."

"But I can help you." Lee glanced at the wall behind her and saw two Sai resting on a shelf.

"And how long has it been since you've been in practice?"

"Since you left." He narrowed his eyes disbelievingly. "Okay not since you've left."

"Tomorrow we will leave and you will forget having ever seen us." Lee stood up.

"Lee wait!" She popped up beside him and grabbed his arm. He stopped and did his best to hide his own remorseful feelings of walking away from her once more. "Can you at least tell me who's after you?" Lee ducked his head down.

"I'm sorry but if would be endangering you if I did." Kiore nodded and released his arm. She gathered up a whicker basket and pecked him on the cheek.

"I'm glad to have seen you again, Master Samurai." Silence filled the room and she headed for the door. She opened and began stepping out.

"You too." She looked back at Lee though he still had his back to her. With a small smile she walked outside and closed the door behind her. Lee remained rooted on the spot taking in his reacquired loneliness. The lone warrior had to admit that for the briefest of moments he felt the temptation to stay with her and have her company again. But his situation made that simply impossible. If Kiore got involved with him she would be running for the rest of her life. 'I won't let hat happen to her,' he thought.

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Kiore walked down the darkened streets from the food market. She had become good friends with the proprietor and he always allowed her to come in after hours for whatever she needed. As she walked she let out a few short sighs. Not far from her boarding house a man stepped out into the street before her. She stopped at the sight of him and couldn't help but feel immense unease. He wore a blood red robe, his face was pale, and his eyes were milk white. Kiore turned but stopped suddenly when she saw another coming toward her, he looked exactly as the first one only his robe was a deep blue. The next second another caught her eye and felt her breath catch. His robe was jet black and he took in slow jagged breaths. Taking swift looks around at the men surrounding her Kiore reached behind her back with her free hand and pulled out a dagger.

"Stay away from me! Don't come any closer." The man wearing the black robe stretched out his hand and his entire arm turned to smoke. The black smog glided over to Kiore and shot up into her nose and mouth. The basket and dagger fell to the ground. Kiore twisted her head about trying to break away from the smoke but could only mentally cry out. 'Lee! Help Me!' The three closed in around her.

From his small cot Lee sat bolt upright, his telepathy ringing in his head he vaguely heard Kiore's voice and stood up. Raven flew into the room looking just as frantic as he did.

"Lee did you-"

"Yes I heard her, we must go at once!" Cyborg and Beast Boy quickly followed behind and they sprinted down stairs outside while meeting up with Raven as she pashed through the solid wall. Lee swiftly looked about the winding streets and upon picking up her weakmental signal bolted down an alley. Upon reaching the end Lee's eyes widened at the sight of the three strange men shoving and pushing Kiore about in thier circle. Lee ripped his sword out of its sheath. "UNHAND HER!" They all stopped imediatley and dropped her to the ground. They then began to slowly advance on the Titans.

Cyborg readied his cannon. "Who are these guys?"

"We areThe Tirad," they answered in unison.Their voices were hushed and coarse as if they had been made to speak nonstop for centuries. "Osiris must not be stopped. You shall perish."

Cyborg let out a battle cry and shot his bright blue sonic beam at the man in black. His form suddenly turned to formless smoke and allowed the blast to pass through himstriking a building off inthe distance.Lee tightenedthe grip on his sword. "We'll see about that." Heand Beast Boy charged forward, Beast Boy morphing into a tiger. The man in blue shot a pwerful stream of water from his hand blasting the changeling in the opposite direction. Lee attmepted to assault the man seemingly made of smoke while Raven defended herself from hte man dressed red.She raised a circular sheildin protection from a large barrage of fireballs. The battle wouldhave continued for much longer butthey began to hear sirens off inthe distnace.The Titans looked about in all directions trying ot find their origin .

"You shall perish in due time," the Triad announced. The one dressed in red turned and went to scoop up Kiore. Lee shot a look back at Raventhough she was way ahead of him. A black hand rose from beneath Koire and pulled her below.Shethen resurfaced behind Lee where he stood ready for anything. "Soon." The onein black spread his arms and he along withthe other two were enveloped in black smoke before disappearing completely. Lee sheathed his sword.

"Cyborg, you andBeast Boy get Kiore away from here. Raven-San andI shall coveryou from behind."

"You got it," replied the high tech teen. He pulled her up and over his shoulder andthe two took off back to her apartment. Lee nad Raven stood back to back making sure none returned to persue Cyborg and Beast Boy fromthe rear. Raven let out a sigh of relief and dropped her hood.

"Its alright,I think we can go now. AHHHHHHhhhhhhhhh!" SHe yelled out as a taser suddenly shot into her back sent her to the floor. She and Lee were instantly surrounded by a host of police cruisers. The officers jumped out of thier cars and upon doing so pointed their weapons at the Titan pair.

"YOU DROP THE SWORD!" The teen samurai shot his eyes at everyone of them. "I SAID DROP IT NOW!" Lee went to ready his wepaon butfelt Raven grab his ankle.

"D-Don't...they'll kill you." Her head hten rolled toone side and she was out. Lee gazedoff into the drection Cyborg and Beast Boy had fled and removed hissword from his waist cord. Three officers stalked up one carried away Ravenwhile the other two escorted Lee to a car for himself. Off in the distance Cyborgand Beast Boy watched the resulting scene take place with rue. Beast Boy hit his fist aginstthe wall and cursed.

"Great. Just great."

Well that was much longer and a little better thanthe last one, but I'll leave that up to you. Until next update, I'll seeya.