Remembersees
Part Nine
ºFlashbacksº
When Raven had been in Starfire's body, she had encountered a deep scar just above the parting curve of the Tameranian's backside. She hadn't thought much of it at the time: it surprised her that a girl as pretty as Star had any flaws, but being a skilled warrior, Raven supposed there was bound to be some mark of her training. However, now Raven assumed that the scar was not the result of any training, but probably the most brutal form of Blackfire's inconsolability.
Raven could not help but think of Starfire: in the guidelines of Tameranian Duel rules, Starfire would be one of the witnesses to the duel and as a witness, like the challengers and Blackfire herself, Star could not leave her room until the dawn of the duel. Raven sighed, she knew that Starfire loved to celebrate her planet's traditions and from the noise spurring beneath her window, Raven knew it was going to be a massive affair.
The other Titans would play the role of observers during the duel and were given Tameranian garb to identify them as such. The boys were given uniforms and the girls were given white dresses. Terra stepped from behind the changing screen, doing her best to adjust the outfit. The blonde looked out and saw that neither Sakura nor Raven had any problems holding up their dresses. Terra frowned.
"How come your dresses fit so well?" Terra asked.
Raven wrapped her cloak over her bare shoulders. The strapless white dresses held the Tameranian silver plating around the bust and the hem. Her blue cloak surprisingly highlighted her femininity. Sakura had taken down her pig tails and let her long hair fall over her left shoulder. Terra looked back and forth between the two; willing her chest and hips to hold up the dress. Raven and Sakura said nothing: they weren't putting their fingerprints on that train wreck.
The three girls had been placed in a single room and similarly so had Robin, Cyborg and Speedy. Blackfire was in her bedroom, Star was in her own. D'ucel and Aqualad were placed in a room together; Raven hoped that something terrible didn't come of that.
As it was, the girls were waiting for the boys to walk together through the festival. The music roared and cheers were flying through the window in a mad pace.
Terra let out an excited gasp when she finally adjusted the dress to fit. Where she had found so many safety pins would remain a mystery to Raven and Sakura. The material bunched and slumped, but apparently it was good enough for Terra. She gave herself a spin and when her skirts finally stopped waving the girls heard the knock on the door. Sakura brushed out the body of her dress before opening the door and nearly falling over laughing. Raven and Terra frowned, unsure of what had excited Sakura so. They stepped into the door way. Terra fell to the floor holding her sides in laughter and Raven did her best to stifle her laughter.
Speedy and Cyborg were standing in front of the door dressed in the garb presented to them for by the Tameranians. Speedy's handsome face was blushed a furious pink. His outfit consisted of a pharaoh style purple, nearly see-through skirt that didn't make it to his knees. His chest was bare except for the bottom curve of his battle plating. His bow was clenched in his arm and his arrow strap did nothing to cover his assets. While he didn't look bad by any means, he looked scandalized having so much of himself on display.
While Speedy's garb was minimal, Cyborg's was embarrassing. He was wearing a dress. It was broad enough in the shoulders, but no where else, the fabric clung to his parts, the clashing colors of his parts showed through the stretched material, for all the world he looked like he had fireflies blinking in his outfit. His legs were wrapped in purple tights that also weren't absolutely big enough. The best part, and by that Raven considered the most embarrassing part, was the purple sheik's cloth he wore over his head. He looked like he was going to conquer great plains… in search of a better outfit.
Cyborg tapped his foot at the laughing girls while Speedy tried to avert his attention elsewhere. Sakura composed herself and Raven stopped laughing all together. Behind them, they could hear Terra pulling herself together. The blonde wiped a tear from her eye.
"Oh man, that was totally worth it." Terra said.
"Terra, should you really be laughing?" Cyborg asked pointing to Terra's ill fitting dress.
Terra narrowed her eyes. "What was that?"
"You heard me!"
The taller Titan leered down at the blond Geomancer while she met him glare for glare. The Titans could see anger radiating from both of them. Sakura whistled nervously, she wanted no part of the incoming fight. Raven didn't seem to notice.
"Where's Robin?" Raven asked.
"I'm right here."
Raven stepped into the hallway, following Robin's voice. Sakura, Terra and Cyborg followed her out. Terra frowned when she took a look at him. Robin was in his regular outfit.
"Where's your outfit?" Terra asked.
Robin presented a purple leotard, gloves and boots. "Yeah, I'm not putting that on."
"Good, you'd look like everyone else… when you were so obviously meant to stand out." Raven replied.
Robin gave the girl a short kiss on the mouth before taking in the sight of her. The white dress clung to her in all the right ways: highlighting where her body was hard in the good places and where it was soft in all the better ones.
"What are you blushing about little brother?" Sakura asked, her hands on her hips.
Robin jumped and turned his back to the group embarrassed. He rubbed his head nervously. There was no way he was going to tell the Titans that he was thinking about Raven that way… the way he had been thinking about her more and more. Seeing her just now, sleeping near her at night, feeling her lips on his, her breath on his neck… had inspired the most vivid of fantasies of giving himself to her; giving every ounce of himself to her.
Robin felt Raven weave her fingers in his hand. A short tug moved him forward and she lead him along for a few seconds before he could keep up on his own. She squeezed his hand tenderly. Robin blushed. I really hope she wasn't reading my mind just now…
Tameran knew how to celebrate. The festival built before the Tameranian Bructhrog was a frenzy of color music and excitement. All of Tameran knew of Blackfire's return and the duel that would take place: perhaps some of that excitement built the mood.
The Bructhorg celebration consisted of more light in more colors than Robin had ever seen. He walked side by side with Raven, every booth and table they passed offered great gifts and what the pair assumed was food. Speedy and Sakura weren't too far behind the pair and immediately behind them Cyborg and Terra were eating… something that Sakura just wasn't brave enough to attempt. Speedy's walk was stiff as if he was afraid that a swift wind would rip away his outfit.
"I don't see why you're so embarrassed! Your uniform is tight enough to show off everything that's uncovered now, so what's the big deal?"
"You're not being ogled by every redheaded alien in the area."
Sakura looked around. "Umm, yes I am." Speedy looked around as well, it was apparent that Sakura's tight dress was drawing as much attention to her as his bare skin was drawing to him.
"Let's face it Speedy. We're an attractive pair. So put your arm around my shoulder and let's enjoy the festival. Look over there! I think that's a game booth, lets win a prize!" Sakura said, grabbing Speedy's hand. Speedy let himself be dragged further into the festival. Please let one of the prizes be a shirt… its cold out here…
…
Aqualad's kicks were sharp and well controlled. His feet kept him agile as his shoulders swayed against his phantom opponent. His evasive back flips were tight, his parries were on point. His style was mixed, playing on his fluid motions and naturally lithe form. Cross punches, short jabs and swift backhands cut through the air. Aqualad breathed evenly, steadily, the sweat barely able to fall from his skin. He had learned long ago that unlike some Atlantians, he could not control very small volumes of water, like that found in sweat or in the atmosphere. He had seen some fighters take the sweat that escaped from their bodies and form tiny condensed spheres of water for both attack and counterattack.
Without that ability, Aqualad was completely dependent on his fighting on dry land. It was a handicap, one of which many Atlantians never encountered. Underwater he was as fierce as any fighter; his fist could turn pillars of earth into ruin, he could generate typhoons and great tsunamis, but against skilled fighters that wouldn't be enough. He had learned in his first round battle with Speedy that his power of the sea could be turned against him, especially if he was sloppy. In his upcoming battle, in a fight of such magnitude, he couldn't afford to be sloppy.
Aqualad's eye turned to the other occupant of the room. Foxfire sat in concentration, his eyes were ablaze with his righteous fury, but the rest of his body was still. His meditation looked fierce, just as Aqualad's training was. Aqualad had seen Foxfire fight, while he did make mistakes; they did not come often and most of the time he was quick to correct. He didn't have any handicaps, something that would set to two apart. If Aqualad took to being the better fighter on the ground, nothing would stop Foxfire from beating him from above: he'd only be able to dodge eye beams and Fox Shots for so long. D'ucel had an infinite arsenal; Aqualad only had so much energy.
Don't think that like. Aqualad told himself. If you fight for her, with all the feelings you have for Blackfire… you can't lose! Aqualad stopped in mid-swing. His retracted his leg from midair and collapsed both legs beneath himself, sitting in a meditation squat. Just because you win… doesn't mean she wants you more than she wants D'ucel… He remembered sharply what Raven had said, that with her memory returned Blackfire should choose for herself… she could have… but she choose to allow the duel: she rested her future on a battle in Tameranian rule… This maybe the will of Tameran… but is it best for Blackfire?
…
Starfire could not help but feel lonely. As a witness to the duel, she could not partake in the festival of Bructhorg, which was one of her many favorites. In the expanse of her balcony, she could see the million points of light that ignited the Tameranian sky. The music shook the very floor beneath her, but she sadly could not find the rhythm.
Tomorrow will be another event of great excitement… a daughter til Tameran will be given away…or perhaps taken would be a more appropriate word… Before joining the Titans on the planet Earth, the last time Star had spoken to her sister was the night the black haired girl had left Tameran. It was a moment that Starfire recalled vividly.
ºStarfire had been startled greatly twice that day. First, before training, Galfor had announced that the potential suitors for her hand had been narrowed down to three: Brodnor of Ugbrot, Virog the Gruptar and Norib of Ugbrot. Starfire had been very excited, she had been introduced to all of them and from what Galfor had spoken they would all make her excellent husbands.
The second time occurred when her sister entered her room without knocking. Though it was not terribly unusual for her sister to not knock, it was very unnerving to have Blackfire in her room, period. Starfire turned around, still holding her newest dress against her body. It was the Dress of Future Promise, the traditional dress worn when a woman was in court. Starfire kept her smile on her face, a happy blush against her cheeks as her sister approached.
"Sister, is it not wonderful? Galfor has said that my engagement is very near!"
Blackfire looked up and down at the younger Starfire. The twelve year old girl had never known their mother, but in Blackfire's eyes she could see what their mother must have looked like when she was preparing for engagement. Blackfire turned her head, a tear steadied in her eye. She would not let her little sister see it; that would force her to acknowledge the pain.
"Koriand'r." Blackfire said simply and Starfire froze in place. Koriand'r was the name only used in matters of great seriousness. Starfire had actually never heard Blackfire use that name. Star laid her dress onto her vanity and stepped forward to her sister.
"Sister… what is wrong?"
"Koriand'r nor vrod brug hog."
"What do you desire to know?"
"Grut heg doog tromf brugd brod?" (Can you truly be pleased to go along with this?)
"Why would I not be?---" Starfire bit her lip as Blackfire's head turned sharply to face her. It was the second time today that Blackfire's blue eyes were cold when they looked at her, just as they were when she had severely beaten Starfire in training; to the point where Galfor and other guards had been forced to stop the battle. Another engagement precession: nearly three years since the last engagement for a daughter til Tameran. As no one spoke of it, as everyone tried to forget it, and in that goal most were successful; it was for Blackfire that the news was most unbearable. While of those who mourned for Starfire's upcoming engagement, most were due to the fact that they were not of the lucky finalists. For Blackfire, the mourning came with the pain of memory, the pain that she kept close to her heart.
"Sister, is my engagement a pain to your memory?"
"It is a pain to all of me… especially for you." Blackfire responded.
"For me? Why should… I believe I can say that my marriage shall be a great joy to me…"
"I wish it to be so… but I cannot agree to give my promise."
Starfire's eyes widened. "Without your promise I can not wed!" It was Tameranian rule that the eldest of living kin must accept the promise to marriage. Usually it was the father who had such responsibility, but in the state of being orphans, that power befell to Blackfire.
"Sister you must reconsider!"
Still Blackfire said nothing. Starfire's eyes lit and for a moment she feared she might strike out at her sister. Blackfire did not seem worried; she seemed ready to match the fight.
"I wish that you do not do this! It is not just!" Star declared.
"What is not just is memory! Who will mourn for you if you lose your intended? Who will mourn him? Do you love him? Do you love Virog the Gruptar or Norib or Brodnor of Ugbrot?"
Star let the anger of injustice fall away from her eyes. Her face worried a frown. She had not thought forth to consider such a loss; though her sister's change in the character of her person should have prepared her for such a fight. Star had hoped that Blackfire would be glad for her, that there was no war that her suitor would have to battle in and that simply a gauntlet would be necessary to prove his worth. But instead, there was pain, true pain that Blackfire hid: what the black haired girl truly felt was locked away in her heart, while she let anger and discontent rampage the country. Galfor had hoped that a calm would return to Blackfire's heart, that the responsibilities of being future Grand Ruler would curve her new nature… he was wrong.
Blackfire stared down at her sister and watched her green eyes shake hesitantly as the red head carefully considered her next words.
"Wog brughon hyok pbupm toug loat wromp noq ingtof." (I follow the will of our father, to marry before Tameran as he did and all before him did.)
Blackfire's eyes took their purple glow and raised a hand encircled by her blackbolt. Starfire could see terrible rage in her eyes, but that hand remained steady and did not attack. Starfire did not step down. After a few seconds, Blackfire dropped her hand. Her words were slow and threatening, they would be burned forever into Starfire's heart.
"If you desire to marry, truly desire to do this… I will not stand in your way… but know this little sister: As long as you are bound to this thoughtless custom, I can not see you with fond eyes… You will always be my sister, but only in the eyes of the universe."
That was the last thing Blackfire said before she fled from Tameran… out of Starfire's life… if only for the moment.º
Starfire never told Galfor the true reason why she left Tameran. She could not come to break the great man's heart. Galfor had made the final decision on who would be Starfire's groom. He had been very proud of his decision and Starfire would rather eat Tordizian Flecnards than hurt Galfor's feelings. She told Galfor that she wished to become a great warrior for Tameran by training in conditions most challenging and Galfor accepted under the terms that she returned when she was summoned. When she first touched down on Earth, she was informed that Norib of Ugbrot was given a funeral precession not days after she had encountered what the beginnings of the Teen Titans. Blackfire's words of warning had not occurred to her at that moment, all she could think about was that if for a while, Tameran would not be prepared to offer her a new suitor… which had saddened and elated her: she had seen tragedy on Tameran and seen wonderful potential on Earth with Robin…
Starfire dropped her chin to her folded arms, her eyes no longer taking in the landscape of her beloved Tameran. Perhaps beneath her balcony, her friends were enjoying the pleasure of each other's company as the great celebration of Tameran lit up before them. I hope Friend Speedy and Friend Sakura enjoy the great games of challenge and Friend Cyborg must observe the Clorgmugs or he will miss the Zibbrahiens and that will be a great loss… Friend Robin and Friend Raven must…… …
What had never occurred to Starfire was that she had the potential for loss. All her life, things had worked out well because she was a good person and cared very much for her friends and family. Many times her good nature was rewarded with great friendships and other times her good nature was punished by the manipulation of her sister and the crushing of her most personal relationship.
I am in love… but that love is not returned… I am not what Robin holds most dear to his heart any longer… that is a place that Raven knows and I do not… Starfire did not blame Raven or Robin, Blackfire or even herself for the change that had occurred in her relationship with Robin. She aware of the Earth saying that time was in the condition of change. Life stepped forward whether she was ready or not and like most people she was forced to become ready ahead of her desired schedule. When Starfire watched Robin and Raven together, she knew in her mind that she should be happy for them.
The pain in her heart made those thoughts difficult to accept. When she had first seen Robin and Raven hold hands, she had to leave the room. When they hugged, Starfire could not regain her appetite and when she first saw them kiss, she had lost her ability to fly for three days. She knew that her friends were not being cruel, that they were aware of her feelings, but discretion was not their strong suit. Robin hung on Raven's every word and Raven always lingered in Robin's touch. The happiness Starfire saw in their moments together reminded Starfire of how D'ucel and her sister had been very long ago. As a little girl, she had not appreciated the sensitivity and devotion, but now after suffering the loss of someone she loved, she understood why D'ucel had made his challenge for Blackfire.
Starfire briefly wondered if D'ucel could feel her sadness radiating from her at that moment. She hoped he did not, for such a powerful sadness would influence his abilities and she believed with no hesitation that D'ucel should be able to battle to his best means without the hindrance of her woe.
…
"It's beautiful." Raven whispered. Robin was too far away to hear her and in truth she was talking more to herself than to Robin. In front of the mystic's eyes was a glimmering music box. The music it played was surprisingly gentle, as to not take away from the display of lights it produced. The colors rebounded off her purple irises painting soft blues and reds across her skin.
"You should buy it." Raven jumped nearly a foot when Robin's hand touched her shoulder. The empath's eyes widened then narrowed at the Boy Wonder, who seemed to be pleased with his ability to startle her.
"It's nice, but not practical." Raven replied.
"Since when do gifts need to be practical?" Robin asked. "I bought something with no purpose behind it, just because I wanted to give it to someone."
"Someone?" Raven asked. Robin nodded and began to walk away, knowing very well that she would follow him. "And who is this someone and what is this something?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Robin teased, turning his back to the clairvoyant, something hidden behind his back. Raven tried to look over the Titans' leader's shoulder, but Robin kept his treasure well out of her sight. Raven tried to walk around him and catch a glimpse but Robin's nimble movements allowed him to evade her grasp.
"It had better be for me or your sister; I won't have by boyfriend buying gifts for other girls."
Robin stopped and Raven's arms wrapped around his shoulders. Her chest pressed against his while her fingers traveled down his arms, upset to find that they were too short to reach whatever was in his hands. She pouted then realized that Robin's heartbeat was rapidly increasing. She pulled back and looked him into his masked eyes.
"Robin, what's the matter?" Raven asked.
"That's the first time you've said that."
"Said what?"
"You've never called me your boyfriend before."
"I have so."
"Not from where I've been able to hear." Robin replied, placing a hand on her hip. Raven smirked and stepped just out of his reach.
"I suppose you'll just have to stand closer to me from now on, neh Boy Blunder?"
Robin watched Raven walk away smoothly. Robin laughed to himself and took to follow her. Raven's path was interrupted by a pair of incredibly beefy Tameranian hands. Robin's eyes widened as the purple haired mystic was picked up and placed between the bodies of two massive Tameranian fighters.
"I saw her first she is mine!" The taller of the two fighters yelled.
"No! I saw her! She is mine!"
They're fighting over me? Raven tried to back away from the arguing pair. She had slinked away all of two feet when the taller fighter grabbed her by the waist and threw her over his shoulder.
"Put me down!" Raven yelled. Raven's fists beat against his back while her feet kicked pathetically.
The arguing aliens seemed to have the ability to ignore her. The shorter fighter stepped closer to the taller fighter, just out of range of Raven's kicking feet.
"I challenge you for her!"
"I accept your challenge!"
Raven blushed bright red. "Well I don't! Put me down!"
A freezing disk struck Raven's captor just under her head, icing him in place. The locked grip allowed Raven to shimmy from his grasp. Robin stood in his infinite coolness, another round of disks ready for action. Raven ran to him, taking cover behind the boy wonder. The shorter fighter sneered until the taller fighter freed himself from the disk's icicles. The pair looked down at Robin; there was a good three feet difference in their height and Robin's.
"Why do you interfere in our challenge?"
"If you want her, you'll have to beat me." Robin said.
"And who are you?" The shorter Tameranian asked.
"I'm her champion." Robin took a martial arts stance.
"Robin, don't do this! They don't have a claim on me. There's no reason to fight them. Let's just go."
Robin turned Raven, a cool smile on his face. "Why shouldn't I fight for my girlfriend? It's what all the other boys are doing." Raven blushed. Her momentary giddy allowed Robin to capture her by the waist and hoist her to sit on a shop booth. Her position would give her perfect position to see the fight. Robin handed her what appeared to be meat on a stick.
"Here, eat this and when I'm through here we'll return to the palace."
"Robin, I don't think this is food… I think its decoration." Raven replied eyeing the skewered brown meat.
"It can't be any worse than tofu eggs and bacon." Robin replied. Robin gave her a quick peck on the lips. "For luck." He said, before turning to his challengers. Raven grinned sheepishly before taking a bite of the surprisingly delicious meat. She devoured the first one; the pleasant taste took her attention from Robin's fight. She could hear the grunts and groans of Robin's victims, but she didn't focus on it. Raven chewed merrily on the meat stick, natural reaction was the only thing that protected Raven when a red headed body was thrown at the meat stand where she was sitting. The black barrier went up as Raven chewed, the tall Tameranian fighter bounced off of it, crashing into another stand without Raven even noticing.
Robin dusted his hands off as the fight was called in his favor. He walked up to Raven and noticed the discarded skewers thrown haphazardly at her feet. "So, did your champion's victory satisfy you?" Robin asked, leaning against the booth. Raven said nothing; instead, she munched on her skewer, pushing another one under his nose.
"Are they that good?" Raven nodded and finished her skewer, licking her fingers contentedly. Robin eyed it for a moment before taking a bite. The flavor was better than anything he had ever tasted before. Starfire had often prepared her Tameranian cuisine for the Titans, but never anything this good. After Raven ate her sixth and Robin finished his second, the Boy Wonder turned to the shop keeper.
"That was really good. What do you call it?"
"It's Tameranian Warkbrags. The meat of summer."
"The meat of summer?" Robin asked; his eyes opened painfully wide. Raven dropped her last finished skewer. Her stomach clenched and a great blush ran up her entire body.
"You don't mean…" Robin began, his eyes slowly moving to met Raven's gaze.
"Yes," The shopkeeper said. "It's our aphrodisiac. It is not unusual for champions to present their women with Warkbrags in their court… Congratulations and many pleasures."
Robin laughed nervously, one hand rubbing the back of his head. He finally dared to turn to look at Raven and was more than a little nervous at the feral lust he saw in her eyes. "Uh, Raven?"
Raven pounced. Her lips on his were like fire, her kiss was explosive and the Boy Wonder focused all his energy in not melting right there. Her hands tangled in his hair, her chest pressed against his and her toes clenched and flexed as they pushed to give her the height she needed to maintain contact with his lips. Robin held Raven's waist, tremors running down his entire body. His soft moan mingled with hers. His could barely feel his lips when Raven finally pulled back. That looked hadn't vanished from her eyes, but apparently the meat of summer wasn't an infinite hold.
"Robin, take me back to the palace." Raven whispered.
"Raven? Are you sure?"
"Yes, it will be dawn soon… and I would like to return to the palace with you."
Robin nodded. Nervously, he took Raven's hand and let her lead him through the throng of Tameranians back to the palace.
…
Dawn came and Aqualad was allowed to leave his temporary prison. The whole day he had spent with D'ucel and neither of them spoke. At least not to each other… Aqualad didn't turn back to look at Foxfire because he knew he'd remain locked in his training until the very few minutes just before the fight. Foxfire would clear his mind in solitude, Aqualad needed to find his friends.
Cyborg was charging in the room he shared with Speedy when the knock came. Speedy climbed out of his bed, careful not to disturb Sakura's sleep and answered the door. Aqualad caught just a peek of Sakura's form before Speedy closed the door behind him.
"Maybe this was a mistake…" Aqualad said, turning to return to the challengers' room.
"Hey, whoa, what are you talking about? What's going on Aqualad?"
"I needed to talk to someone, but I don't think you're the best guy to give me advice on this." Aqualad replied.
"Wait a minute! We're best friends aren't we?" Speedy asked. Aqualad nodded. "Then you can talk to me about anything regardless if it's my expertise or not. Just talking it out might make you feel better."
"I suppose." Aqualad replied.
"Hey! What's with that attitude? You know you can talk to me, when have I ever led you wrong?" Speedy asked. When Aqualad opened his mouth to rattle off instances, Speedy interrupted, "Hey! That's a rhetorical question; you're not supposed to answer that! Focus Aqualad… are you worried about the fight?"
"Yes… I'm worried about the outcome more specifically."
"Don't get yourself down like that! You can definitely beat Foxfire!"
"I know that. That's not what I'm concerned with…"
"I don't understand." Speedy stated honestly.
"I knew you wouldn't, that's why this was a mistake." Aqualad turned to walk away. He got all of ten feet when a net erupt from a well trained arrow. Aqualad tripped to the floor, struggling against his trap. Speedy stepped forward, spinning his bow expertly as he crotched beside his catch.
"If you're going to storm off like a wounded guppy, I'm going to treat you like a wounded guppy." Speedy's handsome smile would have made Aqualad furious if the tone in his voice already hadn't.
"Let me out!"
"Tell me what's wrong with you! This fight's got you worked up and I want to know why."
"You wouldn't understand!"
"Then make me understand!" Speedy sat down on the floor, his arms crossed over his chest as he regarded Aqualad. "If this isn't about losing, then what is this about?"
"It is about losing!" Speedy reeled back, his right eye narrowed. A quick swing of his bow cut opened the net and Aqualad squirmed free. Aqualad sighed and pushed the remaining cord from his lithe body. "It is about losing, but not the fight..." Aqualad continued as he pulled his legs in a fashion similar to Speedy's. "If I win, how do I know that's what Blackfire wants?"
"What?"
"If I win and Blackfire doesn't want me… I'll have to live the rest of my life with the regret of keeping two people who were meant to be together apart."
"Don't think that way Aqualad! You and Blackfire are crazy about each other. Everyone can see that."
"She doesn't love me."
"She said that?"
"No, of course not." Aqualad replied.
"Then what makes you say that?"
"Because she loves D'ucel. She said so, everyone said so. This whole planet knows about it."
"What does that matter?"
"Who am I to challenge something as epic as that?" Aqualad sighed.
"You're the one who loves Blackfire! Don't you?"
"Don't ask stupid questions."
"I'll ask them as long as you're acting like an idiot! You care about Blackfire. You probably care for her more than Foxfire does. Just because Foxfire loved Blackfire first, doesn't mean he loves her best. You can't walk away from the best thing that ever happened to you! I won't let you."
Aqualad turned his head. "I don't want to let her go Speedy. That's the last thing I want. But if she wants to let me go, I can't force her to keep me."
"Why are you so sure that she wants to let you go?"
Aqualad reeled as if hit. It occurred to Speedy that it never occurred to Aqualad that Blackfire favored him best.
"Aqualad no baka! You're a great catch! Just because Blackfire got her memory back, doesn't mean she'll forget about you. And you know that, why else did you accept D'ucel's challenge."
"I don't ever want to give her up."
"When the fight comes… make sure she knows that. Telling me is only going to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside… and that doesn't help the situation one bit."
Aqualad reached out with both hands; one palming Speedy's face, the other braced on Speedy's shoulder. With his hands secured, he pushed with all his might, tossing the agile archer across the corridor. Speedy landed with his knees in his ears, dancing stars whirling above his head. Aqualad laughed.
"Thanks Speedy." Aqualad stood up and walked away.
The archer fell over; he looked over his head watching Aqualad walk away upside down. You're welcome buddy…
…
Nearly at the same moment when Aqualad found Speedy, Blackfire found Raven intimately embracing Robin. The two were having the make out session against a pillar of the corridor and it looked like Raven was winning. Blackfire blushed and turned her head, a cough let the pair know she was present. Robin blushed furiously. Raven pulled away from the Boy Wonder. The pink shade faded away from Raven before she leaned in for one gentle kiss.
"I'll see you later, okay?" Raven whispered.
Robin nodded, giving Blackfire a quick glance before retreating down the hall. Raven and Blackfire walked towards each other, Raven's steps were less worried and more frequent so she covered much more ground than Blackfire did. The black haired girl stopped in front of Raven, her blue eyes traveling across Raven's face.
"You consumed Warkbrags did you not?" Blackfire asked.
"How did you know?"
"I have seen before the effects of Warkbrags on women. How many have you consumed?"
"Six." Raven replied.
Blackfire reeled. Raven raised her right eyebrow. Blackfire's face cleared. "Perhaps you should stay in my company for the duration of the morning… The effects shall wear off by the beginning of the duel…"
"And that's what you want to talk to me about?" Raven asked.
Blackfire nodded. "My sister told me that she has confided in you in confidence concerning her worries. I wonder if I may do the same."
"Sure Blackfire, but I don't know how much I can help."
"Please Raven, follow me."
Raven followed Blackfire through the sharp corridors of Tameran's palace. Eventually the black haired girl led Raven outside to the most beautiful of Tameran's scenery. There were still no plants, Raven to that moment wondered how anyone could breath in the flora absent atmosphere.
"This is the Brugtogdorn: the sacred waters of Tameran. It is where Aqualad and D'ucel shall battle."
I see…
Blackfire knelt where she stood looking blankly over the surface. There was no wind to move the water, so the lake body remained absolutely still. Raven knelt down at the water's edge, past her reflection she could see straight to the bottom. Raven's fingers had almost touched the water when a ripple swam through the water. Raven frowned and looked to the side, seeing the remainder of a tear running down Blackfire's cheek.
"Blackfire, why are you crying?"
"I do not wish for Aqualad and D'ucel to fight."
"Then don't make them."
"I wish it were that simple." Blackfire replied.
"It is. Before the fight begins, you need to make a choice. Do you want Foxfire or Aqualad?"
"You say that so easily… you have never been in my situation."
Raven paused. "You're right, I haven't. But that doesn't mean I can't feel that this is wrong. I know tradition is strong on Tameran but---"
"It is not tradition." Blackfire cut Raven off mid-sentence and the mystic remained silent. "I do not care for the will of Tameran. It has betrayed me before and I fear it do so again today. I let this duel take place, because I fear the consequences of my own choice. I cannot decide whether my choice or the will of Tameran will provide a worse future."
"You can't decide can you?"
"I cannot. I care very deeply for Aqualad and D'ucel, more than I knew I was capable of."
"Which one do you care for more?" Raven asked.
"It is not magnitude, it is circumstance."
"I don't understand."
"I remember when I had my memory erased, how kind and patient Aqualad was with me. Even now, with all my memories back, I know that no one had ever treated me so wonderfully. He made me feel treasured."
"He made you feel treasured? As in past tense? Has your memory changed what he means to you?"
"No, no, no! I did not wish to imply that I do not care for Aqualad! My return of memory has not influence how I feel for him!"
"But your memory reminded you of what Foxfire means to you."
Blackfire nodded, running her fingers against the water. Raven reached out and pushed the shorter locks of Blackfire's hair behind her ear. "I care for D'ucel in a way that would make most poets weep. The loss of him, those years I spent mourning him… I don't ever want to hurt that way again."
"But you were just children then… how do you know it will keep feeling that way?"
"How do I know anything will feel the same way? That is the uncertainty of life is it not?"
Raven evaluated her next words very carefully. "I know what you want me to say, but I cannot do that. I can't help you choose Blackfire. We all have one true love in the universe. For me, I feel that it is Robin… For you it could be Aqualad, it could be Foxfire, it could be neither of them… you're the only one who knows… and even if I did know, I'd be out of line to say anything. I'm more than a little biased; I don't want to see Aqualad get hurt. But you can't let my opinion matter to you, because you're going to have to live with your decision for the rest of your life, not me."
Blackfire began to cry. Her tears fell like raindrops into the otherwise calm waters of Brugtogdorn. Her fists clenched in her purple skirt. Within hours she would have to change her clothing to the gown of Great Promises.
"Friend Raven, please understand that I do not cry for myself. I am fortunate to have two great men fight for me… I cry for both of them and this horrible thing my choices have led them to do."
"Blackfire… please tell me… if today before the fight ever took place, you had to choose one of them, could you choose one?"
Blackfire wiped her eyes and sighed. Her reflection calmed, highlighting the deep blue of her eyes. She could choose.
"Then that is who you should stand beside."
"I can not disrespect the passion of D'ucel and Aqualad… I have to let them fight or the choice will be made for me."
"Then Blackfire… no matter what the outcome of that fight, you have to stand beside the one you choose, that way only one of them will be hurt. It's the loneliness of the circumstances Blackfire. I know that you'd never choose for Aqualad and D'ucel to go through with this, because one will be the loser…"
"Is it such a terrible thing that I wish that my Grugdindorf was legitimate?"
"It would not spare Foxfire's feelings anymore than wishing you never had the Grugdindorf would spare Aqualad's."
"I am not very good at making good decisions."
"Life is doing things we aren't talented at, but no matter what you choose Blackfire, your friends will stand by your decision… we'll take care of you." Raven said gently.
"That is wonderful news… I really need… to be taken care of." Blackfire's head dropped gently to Raven's shoulder. Raven patted the small of the older girl's back. They sat there together for an hour before Blackfire stood up and the two traveled to Blackfire's bedroom. Raven remained silent as her nimble fingers helped Blackfire change into her dress of Great Promise…
Blackfire's eyes wavered at the sight of herself. In the grand mirror she saw that Raven was making an effort to avoid eye contact with Blackfire's reflection. The black haired princess steadied her breathing and began the journey back to the Brugtogdorn: intent to hold the promise she made to Raven… and to herself.
…
Galfor opened the court and the two fighters entered the Brugtogdorn. The Titans fell in afterwards, taking their seats as spectators before Star and Blackfire filed in and took their places at Galfor's feet. Blackfire's dress was a spectacle of color and decoration. Her long purple dress flowed in waves of silk and silver. Swirls of pinks and blues blushed against the fabric, highlighting every inch of her feminitiy. Her crown was speckled with beads and jewels, the dark colors lighting all the hues of her dark eyes…Dark eyes that could not help but look sad beneath the glow and circumstance of her presence. Galfor's powerful voice echoed magnificently along the great columns that enclosed the Brugtogdorn.
"Witnesses and spectators both, we are gathered to observe the challenge for the hand of Komand'r til Tameran Sixth. The worthy fighters, D'ucel the Foxfire of Tameran and Aqualad of the Earth realm are hereby engaged as is the will of Tameran and the approval of Komand'r herself."
Blackfire bit her lip. Starfire watched and the Titans waited. Aqualad and D'ucel stood with a distance of forty feet between them. Foxfire's face was calm, Aqualad's was determined. Sakura watched Speedy watch Aqualad; the archer's face was tight with uncertainty. It was a complicated riot of emotions flowing through the Brugtogdorn. Twinges of nervousness, regret, sorrow and uncertainty bombarded D'ucel, the war king suppressed the influx of emotions and waited.
"Let the challenge begin!"
D'ucel sprung forward, his speed adding power to his fist. Aqualad raised his arms in a protective shield. Foxfire's fist connected with his guard, the brute force knocked Aqualad ten feet away. He recovered before an eye beam could slam into his body. Aqualad landed a roundhouse kick, staggering Foxfire's footwork. Aqualad's grapple was reversed, D'ucel locking his arms at the Atlantian's neck. Aqualad struggled before finding enough pivot room to slip free from the hold. D'ucel dodged the mule kick and the successive punches that Aqualad threw. Foxfire's uppercut connected and Aqualad's reflexes allowed him to recover in a loose back flip. He landed just as Foxfire hurled a Fox Shot. Aqualad threw himself to the floor to avoid the blow.
The fight moved at a frenzied pace. Aqualad's attacks, Foxfire's counters, the parries and reversals were fluid and for most of the fight the spectators could not discern who was leading. Aqualad countered a tackle, hurling D'ucel away in a back sacrifice throw. Each move demanded Blackfire's attention, though nothing in the world could make her look away. She hiccupped when a fist connected with Aqualad's face and every time a kick caused damage to Foxfire's side. Starfire was the only person able to watch more than the fight. She watched her sister gasp and fret as the two fighters pummeled each other, war cries echoed against the water.
The round house kick catapulted D'ucel into the air. The warrior shook his head, taking the moment to clear the cobwebs from his head. D'ucel had never fought such an emotional battle before. The sentiments radiating from Aqualad and the other Titans were nearly unbearable, the pulses hammering at him from the princesses clouded his mind and both fed and crippled his abilities.
Foxfire's eye blazed blue. He could see Komand'r watching. The emotions erupting from his love confused him; that was his main motivation for ending this fight as soon as possible. He didn't understand the complexity of her feelings. They were unlike anything he had ever encountered, it was not a turmoil he had ever associated with his beloved and wanted to erase all traces of it from Komand'r as soon as possible.
D'ucel threw his Fox Shots in a blind fury, whipping the powerful blows from both hands. Aqualad dodged and danced between the aerial attacks until he was pushed against the edge of the water. Aqualad steadied his feet; he wobbled, flaying his arms to keep his balance. His imbalance gave Foxfire perfect aim. The blue eyebeams slammed into Aqualad's chest, knocking the Titan into the holy water.
Aqualad felt the water rush around him, an energy like no other dove into him. His body moved with the water, swimming about to dodge the frenzy of Fox Shots that D'ucel chased him with. Aqualad closed his eyes and let the water move him, lifting him up to the surface.
Foxfire ceased his attacks when Aqualad emerged from the water. The water condensed thickly as a platform for the Titan. The Atlantian's body dripped with the clear element, bathing him in his strength. Aqualad looked up at Foxfire, his dark eyes focused on the righteous blue glow that hid the Tameranian's eyes. Foxfire dove forward and with a powerful grunt Aqualad raised the water of the Brugtogdorn to slam into Foxfire's body. The warrior recovered and continued to charge, dodging and weaving the torrents of water at Aqualad's command. Feet away from his target, Ducel drew his fist back, his Fox Shot charged. The second his fist shot forward, Aqualad raised the water in a short powerful tide.
The clashing energy hurled light and the witnesses could not take their eyes away as the force of the attacks erupted the water beneath Aqualad's feet, taking nearly all of it from the great body of water. The water spun freely, spiraling free into the air. In slow motion the water sprayed back, D'ucel and Aqualad's eyes met in the torrent of water.
Blackfire gasped and rose to her feet. The water of the Brugtogdorn dispersed against the land, the great water body spread against the earth, a mere shell of its depth remained in the lake bottom.
Aqualad dropped his shoulder just in time to avoid Foxfire's diving foot. He pivoted quickly, but not quickly enough to avoid the eyebeams that crashed into his chest. The Atlantian Titan was thrown across the arena. He groaned as he tried to sit up. His eyes widened in panic as Fox Shots darted at him.
The Titans watched in horror as the shots connected, forcing yells of pain from Aqualad's lips. When the clouds of dirt settled, Aqualad laid bruised against the soil. His breathing was labored. His fingers clenched the loose dirt, dragging furrows with each flinch and flex.
"No." Speedy whispered.
"No." Raven whispered.
"Get up, Aqualad." Robin whispered.
"Please get up…"
Blackfire's head turned towards Galfor. The Grand Ruler made no move to call the end of the challenge. It would be D'ucel who determined the victory.
Foxfire soared higher into the air, his fist clenched in righteous fury. He regarded Aqualad, the pain that echoed from the Titan's body had nothing to do with the physical.
"You were a very worthy opponent, Lad of Aqua. I wish you great happiness in the future… but I call this fight in---"
"I won't forget her!"
The arena turned quiet as his voice ricocheted along all the columns and what was left of the Brugtogdorn. Foxfire's eyes lost their glow for a moment to allow himself unhindered witness to Aqualad pulling himself to his feet. Aqualad didn't have much power to stand on; one more attack would throw away his life and surely the battle. He rose to one knee, holding his right shoulder with a wounded left hand. He was breathing hard; he was sweating with the excursion. Weakly he rose to his feet, before dropping to his knee again.
"As long as I can… I will fight. I care for Blackfire and will fight until I can't. Come at me, with everything you have… until you destroy me, I am not out of this fight."
Blackfire's lips could not produce her desired cry, a single tear spilled from her cheek as Foxfire's eyes took their glow again and a Fox Shot was prepared.
She could not let this happen. Without regard for the consequences, she took to the sky and stopped Foxfire's attack.
His blue eyes widened as she stood before him, arms spread wide to block his attack from his intended target. D'ucel took in the sight of her; her fists were balled, generating her bolt. Her eyes sparkled with her righteous fury.
"My princess… what are you doing?" D'ucel asked.
From the ground, Aqualad felt her hands wrap tenderly against his body, easing all his weight to the ground. Even with the sweat in his eyes and the burning ache running through his body, he could see her in the sky, stopping the attack meant for him.
And Blackfire saw it too, her fingers clenched Aqualad's shoulders protectively but her eyes never left Starfire's form.
"Koriand'r, why are you…" The frenzy faded from Foxfire's eyes, but it did not leave Star's. The Titans watched confused. At the same moment, when D'ucel readied his strike, the Tameranian princesses had moved. Blackfire dove to Aqualad, wrapping her smaller body around his and Starfire had flown to the sky and interrupted Foxfire's attack.
The Titans' eyes widened at the display. Starfire had thrown herself into the path of Foxfire's attack. Had he unleashed it, she would have taken the full brunt of the blow. Starfire kept her arms outstretched and her eyes ablaze as Galfor rose from his seat. His hand rose, drawing Aqualad, D'ucel and Blackfire's attention.
"Starfire interfered… doesn't that make Fox the winner?" Cyborg asked.
Raven shushed him and took a step forward. The Titans followed her lead, though Speedy took off ahead of the rest of them immediately as he went to the aid of his friend. All of their paths took them towards Galfor.
Only when D'ucel moved at Galfor's beckoning did Starfire release her position. Starfire turned in the sky and watched D'ucel sink to the ground in a respecting kneel before Galfor. Speedy helped Blackfire bring Aqualad forward as well. Raven, Cyborg, Sakura and Terra stepped forward cautiously. Robin moved to Starfire, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"Star…" Robin's fingers were delicate as they rested on her bare skin. Keeping Robin's touch in her heart, she slowly dropped to the ground. Before Galfor, Koriand'r kneeled, her place cemented between Komand'r and D'ucel. Her eyes did not leave Galfor's as he spoke his will.
"The challenge for the hand of Komand'r has been broken. The duel is null and to D'ucel goes the victory."
"No!" "You can't!" "That's not fair!"
"Starfire! How could you?"
Raven waved her hand, silencing the other Titans. It wasn't their own voices or even Starfire's that they needed to hear. It was Blackfire's.
Aqualad's eyes clenched together tightly, the pain of lose thieved the beginnings of tears from his eyes. Though his body was weak from the fight, powerful tremors wracked his lungs as Galfor's words crashed into his ears.
"It is the will of Tameran and the laws of the duel. Let is be known that the champion of Komand'r til Tameran Sixth is D'ucel."
"No." Blackfire said, her fingers flexing in the muscle of Aqualad's arms. The black haired girl shook her head. "Galfor, I can not commit to this decision. I will not."
"Komand'r?" D'ucel's eyes trembled as her eyes bore at Galfor. D'ucel stood, his steps taking him to her side. "My Komand'r, are you not pleased that I have won?"
"D'ucel… please understand. While in my heart there is always a place for you… I do not give my heart to you… I give it to Aqualad."
Speedy caught Aqualad when the Titan finally collapsed from his injuries. Speedy shook his head. Buddy, you've got the best and worst timing.
"But my princess…"
Blackfire held her hand up. "I apologize deeply D'ucel for the injustice I have done to you… but in this battle, I hoped for one victor… and you were not him."
Starfire's eyes flickered at the slight movement behind her head. Sakura scurried to Speedy's side and began healing Aqualad with her powers: he should be awake for as much of this as possible.
D'ucel swallowed hard. Galfor stepped forward. "But D'ucel is the victor and you have made a commitment to this outcome."
"I know." Blackfire replied. Behind her, Aqualad groaned as he came around. Speedy and Sakura helped him sit up. The black haired hero rubbed his head, barely able to take in the rest of Blackfire's words. "It was very cruel of me to let Foxfire and Aqualad engage in battle… but I did because I believed that Aqualad would be victorious. In all my memory, I know that if I were to lose him, it would be a pain I would not be able to bear."
"Blackfire?" The blue eyed girl turned to Aqualad, throwing herself to his level and wrapping her arms firmly around his neck. "I am sorry for giving you uncertainty Aqualad. I want to be your girlfriend."
"I told you nothing between us had to change. I still want you as my girlfriend."
Blackfire grabbed Aqualad's face and kissed him on the mouth. It was their first kiss, a long awaited and precious one according to the Titans that witnessed. Starfire and D'ucel did not watch, instead they watched Galfor.
"Komand'r, you do understand the consequences of your action?"
Blackfire pulled away just enough to deliver a somber nod.
"What consequences, Blackfire?" Aqualad asked.
"The price of rejecting a sworn promise is to be banished from Tameran… and I accept… I have been banished once… I can survive." The blue eyed girl replied. Her eyes were bright though her smile was sad. Her fingers pushed Aqualad's hair behind his ears.
"You are incorrect Galfor." Starfire said, standing up. The Titans turned and watched Starfire approach the Grand Ruler.
"Explain yourself Koriand'r."
"There can be no punishment for my sister's actions for she committed no crime." Starfire replied.
"Koriand'r, Komand'r has broken the promise before the duel. It is in the will of Tameran that she be banished."
"No, she did not break the promise because the promise was incomplete. Before the Great Promise can be given, the eldest of living kin must consent… as I am the only kin to my sister, I do not give my consent and therefore this challenge is void."
The Titans gasped, both from surprise and joy. Galfor looked down at his beautiful Koriand'r and nodded his acceptance of her declaration. The Titans, for the most part, rejoiced.
…
Aqualad healed with Blackfire by his side. The raven haired pair spent every moment together, watching the end of the festival from Aqualad's hospital room.
Robin found Starfire at her balcony watching the last of the festival light up the dark sky.
"Starfire, why don't you go down and enjoy the last of the Bructhrog? We aren't leaving until tomorrow."
"No thank you. I do not wish to celebrate."
"Star, you did a wonderful thing for your sister."
"I did not… Galfor did."
"I don't understand."
"Though my declaration was correct, Galfor had two possible decisions. He could have accepted my declaration without fault… or he could have banished both my sister and I for our crimes against the Great Promise."
"But Galfor wouldn't do that… and you knew that."
"Galfor's kindness was not what I relied on… It was only after I moved to stop the attack that I realized my justification."
"So why did you stop the fight?"
"I wanted my sister to choose… without D'ucel and Aqualad choosing for her."
"I understand. If she wanted D'ucel to win, she would have accepted your interference… and if she wanted Aqualad…"
"She would have objected. If either won without my interference, I fear she would have went along with whom ever was victorious, regardless of her true feelings."
"You were protecting her heart." Robin said.
"Just as she protected mine a long time ago."
Robin swallowed hard. Tiny sparks of emotions jetted from Starfire. In her green eyes, Robin could see memories of himself, as Star remembered him, in great fondness.
"You're a great sister, Starfire, and a wonderful friend." Robin said definitively.
"My actions make me no better a person than I was before."
"But they make you Starfire and that is a wonderful person on all circumstances."
Starfire said nothing and Robin exited her room.
…
Galfor called Tameran's Foxfire to his chambers an hour before the Titans were scheduled to return to Earth. D'ucel made his approach with his great pride prorated, the wound in his heart sagging his shoulders slightly.
"You have summoned me, Grand Ruler?"
"D'ucel, you are a great warrior to Tameran and your love for our people is nearly unprecedented. Your love for Komand'r has been…"
"Please Galfor; tell me what has called me to you. I fear the pain is still too near to be reminded of my defeat."
"Your fight was brilliant."
"And the consequences of my pride and blindness are well exposed."
"You are aware then of my other option?"
"Yes, but I am glad that you made your decision. I believe for Komand'r it was the best one. In my fight with Aqualad, through the confusion of battle, I felt his caring spirit… with every moment his righteous fury was building. Though it saddens my heart… he is good for her. I cannot continue to ask her to love me, when she so obviously loves another."
"I call you before me to ask of you a favor."
"Anything within my power."
"I wish for you return to Earth and watch over the daughters til Tameran."
"Galfor?"
"I worry for them and the conditions of their hearts. They are likened to my own children, I worry about them… I would feel much better if there was a guardian for them, closer to them than I am capable of being."
"Do you believe that is what is best for Koriand'r and Komand'r?"
Galfor nodded. "I will ask Robin to accept you into his team. I believe your feelings for Komand'r and your good nature will allow you to behave appropriately. You are a good man D'ucel, I believe all of the Teen Titans agree to this opinion."
"If it is your will, I take great honor in fulfilling your request."
…
They returned to Earth as a group of ten: Robin, Raven, Cyborg, Blackfire, Speedy, Terra, Sakura, Aqualad, D'ucel and Star. Beast Boy and Celine were waiting for them and the reunion was a joyous event. The dozen heroes of Titans' tower gathered and mingled in the common room.
"Oh man!" Beast Boy shouted. "I missed a duel? The one time I'm not there!"
Blackfire giggled behind her hand. "It seems every time we go there, someone is dueling."
Beast Boy pouted. After a moment, the green changeling recognized Blackfire's humor and cemented for Beast Boy that her memory was really back.
"It doesn't matter… we're all here… Wait! Where's Star?" Beast Boy looked around and the rest of the Titans did as well. D'ucel found her sitting alone of the roof, gazing at the stars.
"Kori--- Starfire, do you not wish to attend the festivities? The Titans are preparing to play a strange game about challenges and the telling of truths."
"Oh, they are going to play Truth or Dare?"
D'ucel nodded. "Is something troubling you?"
"No."
"Truth." D'ucel responded. It took Starfire a moment to realize he was daring her in the telling of truths.
"I am happy to be amongst my friends… however; with this happiness is also uncertainty."
"I do not understand."
"Are you upset with me, for my actions during your duel?" Starfire asked.
"No… though it hurts my heart to see Blackfire with Aqualad… I am happy that she is content."
Perhaps you are a better person than I am…
"If I am not too bold to ask… Starfire… it seems the Titans, Earth born or not, have found happiness here… Galfor told me that you came to Earth for such particular reasons… have you found your heart on Earth?"
Before Starfire could answer, the alarm sounded. The Tameranian pair flew down to the common room where the other Titans waited. Celine's fingers dashed over her control panel, information outputs streamed along her monitors.
"We've got an old fashion smash job along main street in Uptown Jump… the system has identified the criminal as Johnny Rancid and it looks like he brought some toys."
The Titans turned to each other, each one grinning with excitement of getting to work. They threw their hands into a circle, one beside the other in nearly a perfect circle.
"You guys ready to get back to the home life?" Beast Boy asked.
"Let's do it." Cyborg answered.
The team raised their hands in unison. All of them waited for Robin's word.
Robin raised his eye brow coolly. "Titans! Go!"
And it was back into the fray for the twelve young heroes. In full effect, the Titans were back in town.
End of Chapter Nine