Disclaimers.

(1) I do not own the Teen Titans

(2) This story was inspired by Gregory Maguire's Wicked and the works of CalliopeMused.

(3) Names: Starfire is Kori Anders, Robin is Richard Grayson, Beast Boy is Garfield Logan, Raven is Rachel Roth (later on Raven Witch), Cyborg is Victor Stone, Jinx is Julia Parks (later on Julia Stone).

Dreams within Dreams

Begin Part I

—

Prologue

Kori Anders stood alone inside the grand hall, sitting at the head of the empty table, a rare frown gracing her honeyed face. This was where she died, in this very room. Crying for the death of her friend, she knew that only three others shared her grief as the rest of the world celebrated for the same reason.

If she wished, Kori could've pulled back the heavy cloth curtains of the dining room and seen the dancing and festivals being held at the foot of Belladonna Mountain. But she would not… she could not as the sight would just fill her with more of a will to weep.

"Dearest friend, you will never know how much you truly meant to us," she said softly after a few more moments of comforting silence.

Then she left the halls and rooms that would remain ageless long after Kori herself was gone, and she walked down toward the crowd she so wished to deny herself. But as a social icon, she could not.

"Fellow citizens!" she greeted, completely reformed, casting on her signature bright and magnetic smile, waving gracefully to the cheerful faces. Only her beloved Richard could see something was missing from that alluring smile he fell in love with so long ago. At least, it seemed so long ago.

Hooking her arm in his, she let the skirt of her magnificent gown catch the fire's light, letting an old awe spread over the crowd. Kori Anders had a show to perform, and like always, she refused to let her audience down.

"The woman who you knew to be Raven Witch is dead to the living!" she pronounced with no real emotion behind the words. "Let us rejoice in the fact that our last trace of evil is lost to our beautiful land of Fri."

A cheer filled the air and words of adoration were shouted towards the princess and her fiancé. Feeling an assuring squeeze from Richard Grayson, Kori continued.

"Let us be glad that the Witch's magic has been erased from our world, be grateful that she and her sister could be stopped before their prime!" she swallowed, however difficult her tight throat made it. "Rejoice in your freedom! This will be something to tell your children, your children's children, and your children's children's children!"

Through the almost overwhelming cheers, a question near the podium where Kori and Richard stood rang out. "How did she die?"

"She died at the hand of another! A small child it is believed, I only saw the child for a brief second, but yes! She died at the hands of the innocent no longer innocent!"

Another cheer rose into the air, only this time it died to murmurs at the next question. "Is it true you were her friend?"

It was an accusing question; a question that Kori knew had to be answered carefully. "Yes." And whether she was doing it carefully enough would come into question later on. The murmurs grew. "It was long before she had grown evil. I was young. She was young. We were both schoolmates. We were friends under no other option."

"You are so good!" A lone voice rang out, and cheers started up again. Richard was now supporting Kori by the small of her back.

"I shall leave you to your festivities my fellow citizens of Fri, be grateful and rejoice!"

Only two people noticed when Kori's legs collapsed behind her skirt and when Richard caught, supporting her as the fiancés walked toward their friends.

Victor Stone ushered the two women and Richard into the coach and directed the driver towards Richard's house. He was the first to say something. "Is she really gone?"

"First Terra, then Garfield, and now Raven," sobbed Kori, "are we all to die at the hands of others?"

No one answered this question. Julia Stone, Victor's wife, poured Kori a cup of tea, which made the woman weep harder at the site of her belated friend's favorite drink. Thinking it best to turn her into bed, Richard directed his fiancé towards one of the guest rooms while inviting Julia and Victor to stay the night.

Shutting the door behind them, and shutting Kori off from the access noise, she sat on the bed and cried for a time before looking around and smiled sadly. In the corner was a mirror she only remembered to well. A full-length vanity mirror propped up by two legs; it gave the viewer a full image of his or herself. So many memories were kept beyond the mirrors surface, and now it would be a wanted torment for Kori as she stepped to view herself in reflection.

She had worn her favorite dress to the ball: a pink chiffon dress with a bead and jewel encrusted bodice with a matching shawl to go around her shoulders. Kori had left her hair down and for some reason had taken a small tiara and matching necklace, but that was the only decorations. It was beautiful, and now it had to be burned. Sitting once again, she let loose another wave of tears, remembering the beginning…

—

Two years ago…

—

I: Idea of Beauty

Kori Anders sat quietly and graciously upright, her hands folded in a saintly fashion on a copy of the Holy Writings that rested in her lap. Her eyes were closed placidly her head bent in silent prayer, allowing a curtain of crimson hair to shield her face from the prying eyes of anyone who would peer into the booth. The train rapidly passed farmland dotted by cows and the occasional sheep, yet she seemed completely oblivious to her surroundings.

"Metrion, Krimbles, Dawnton, Friel, change at Friel for Low Wind, change at Friel for Grenwood, change at Friel for Jump University, stay aboard for Trinsle, all stops in Fri, and Lenwind," called the conductor, "Next stop Metrion!"

Only when did the door slide open, did the girl break out of her chance to through a brilliantly blinding smile toward whoever was joining. Her visitor seemed taken a back. In the doorway stood a young woman dressed in the traditional gown of a nun, long, simple, and black. Her skin was unnaturally gray, though in Azarath, it was coming out to be considered "normal." Hair so black it had a violet hue was cut short at the chin and framed her face with an unusual straightness. She was beautiful, uniquely so, and yet it seemed to be hidden behind something.

"Come, I should enjoy the company," Kori gestured to the other seat in the booth. Waiting patiently as the other girl threw her luggage in the net above the seats and sat down, equally quiet. And yet Kori never stopped smiling. Unnerving the other girl, who shifted nervously in her seat, Kori held out a hand.

"I welcome you on my journey, may I ask you your name and destination?"

Violet eyes rested on the hand, sizing it up, and passed it away. She could be rude in that sense, but she would at least answer the question. "Rachael Roth, Jump University."

The monotone was quiet and played through the air like a weight. Kori retracted her hand, hesitant for only a few moments before: "Wonderful! We shall be traveling companions!"

Startled at the outburst, Rachael inwardly groaned. "I am called Kori Anders, and I must say I am nervous. This is my first time traveling without my sister. I am thrilled to have such a companion for the first time!"

Kori's enthusiasm seemed to slide over Rachael, or miss her entirely, and as the exuberant girl continued with her perky monolog, Rachael also brought out a book. Unfortunately, it only gave the delighted girl another try at a conversation. "Azarath, is this what you are majoring in? I myself chose Religious Theories."

"Magic."

Rachael's voice cut through the bubbly inquiry, and silence stretched over the train's compartment. "Oh," was the only thing Kori could justify the word with. And the rest of the ride progressed in silence, both noses buried in books of enemy topics.

—

Even though the two women were to go to the same destination, Rachael walked toward the First Class unloading ramp, while Kori ran to catch a carriage. They both left at different times, each with their own set of luggage and thoughts and even (with one) a new companion. And yet, their destinies were tied with invisible strings, so they were fated to meet again.

—

End Part I