Chapter 4
Author's note: this chapter takes place shortly before 'aftershock part 1'
The King was dying.
All the years of pain and guilt had finally taken thier toll on on Viktor Markov. about a few weeks before, the King had collasped during a royal feast, and had been horribly ill ever since. Now, the Royal doctors said it was only a matter of time.
Word had spread among the people that thier ruler's time upon the earth was growing short. Shops were closed, and an aura of sadness seemed to prevail everywhere in the kingdom.
This weighed heavily upon the mind of Prince Bryon. He was flying back to the palace, having used his powers to stop an avalache in a small mountianside village a few miles away. The prince landed on one of the castle's terraces, and headed downstairs to check on his father's condition.
"How is he?" Geo-force asked his tutor Dimitri, who was standing near the door to the King's chamber.
"Not good, my prince." Dimitri replied, shaking his head sadly. "They say he only has a few hours to live. I...I would suggest you stay nearby, he will be calling for you soon..." The tutor choked out, overcome with grief.
Bryon laid a hand on his teacher's shoulder. "It's okay, my friend. You have served the house of Markov well. Go and get some rest."
About twenty minutes after Dimtri had left, one of the Nurses emerged from the Room and curtsied. "My prince, his majesty wishes to see you."
Bryon nodded, and entered through the doorway. The room was dark, the curtians drawn to keep the light out. The king's heavy breathing was the only sound breaking the room's heavy silence.
The prince approaced the bed. "My son?" King Viktor asked weakily.
"I am here father." The Prince replied.
The king opened his eyes "Bryon, before the sun rises on another day, you will be lord of Markovia. I know you will rule wisely, and keep the the pride of our bloodline strong. But before I pass into the next world, I wish to apologize to you."
The prince looked confused. "Apologize, for what?"
"For tearing your life apart, my son. For all the pain I've caused to you, your sister, and your mother. For letting my arrogance and pride allow my family to suffer."
The king coughed, struggling for breath .
"I hope all of you can forgive my horrible mistakes. Please Bryon, bring your little sister home...and tell her...I'm sorry."
Later that night, King Viktor Markov XIV, ruler of makovia, died .
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A few weeks later, Geo-force stood in the throne Room. His eyes passed over the two empty thrones, his father's crown and scepter resting on one, his mother's Tiara resting on the other.
For he first time in ages, Markovia had no King or Queen. The future of the entire kingdom was now in his young hands. But before he could take the throne, he had something he had to do.
"How can you be leaving?" Dimitri asked Geo-force in shock "Markovia needs you now more than ever!"
Bryon waved his hand dissmissively. "My cousin, Prince Gregor, will rule the kingdom as Prince-regent until I return." The prince replied. "I'm going to find my sister."
The letters Terra had sent him indicated that she was in a place called 'jump city' She had become a 'super-hero' and was a member of the 'Teen Titans'.
Geo-force took he few goods he had packed, and headed for the open window. "Farewell Dimitri, I will return, I swear it."
With that the Prince dove out the window, and into the Markovian sky.
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Deep in Slade's underground lair, Terra Markov sat in her new room, thinking about what had happened over the past few days.
Slade's plan had worked perfectly, the Titans had been dealt a serious blow by her betrayal. Terra smirked as she thought of the pained expression on Beast boy's face when she left him at the Amusment park.
"Little green twerp, he got what he deserved." But even as she thought that, doubts slipped into her mind. "He must have been really hurt...No! Stop thinking like that Terra! He betrayed you! They all did! They've got to pay for hurting you."
She thought to herself. "Your father, the Titans...They all have to suffer!"
Terra forced herself to calm down as Slade's voice came over the intercom. "Apprentice, come to the control room immediately, I have something to show you."
The princess went out to the control room, where Slade was looking at a monitor screen. "Terra, I've got something here you might be interested in seeing."
As Terra looked at the monitor, she noticed Slade had been watching a news broadcast. As the princess listened to the report, her eyes went wide in shock.
"In other news today, King Viktor Markov, soverign ruler of the European nation of Markovia, died last night in his sleep after a long illness."
"NOOOOOO!" Terra screamed in anger, driving her first through the monitor. How could this have happened? She had planned to make her father pay for what he did to her mother. Now, she had been robbed of her chance for revenge forever.
As Terra stood thier fuming, Slade placed a hand on her Shoulder. "You are upset that you were robbed of your chance for vengance, apprentice, but I believe I have some information that you will find valuable."
He handed her a file. "This was taken from the Computer files of S.T.A.R. labs here in Jump city. Among the scientists listed, I believe you will find a name most...familiar to you."
As the Princess looked over the document, she scanned the names of lab employees and personnel, until her eyes hit upon one in particular;
Dr Jayce, Helga
Mere moments after seeing the hated name from her past, Terra was out the door.
Benath his mask, Slade smiled. All he had to do was feed his apprentice's anger and hate just a little more, and she would be ready. Yes, everything was going according to plan.
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It was late night at the Jump city labs, and Dr. Jayce was working late. As she put her equipment away and got ready to go home, the old scientist was completely caught off guard when a voice spoke.
"Hello, doctor, it's been awhile."
Startled, Helga Jayce spun around, and found herself looking at a young teenage girl.
"What? how did you get in here? Listen, young lady, you'd better leave before..." The scientist's voice trailed off as she recognized the girl's face. "T-Terra? What are you doing here?"
Terra smiled coldly "I see you remember me, Helga. A little bird told me you had gotten work here in Jump City, and I decided to drop in. What a coincedence that we both end up in the same area."
All the color drained out of Dr. Jayce's face. "What do you want from me?"
The princess responded with a laugh that sent chills down the doctor's spine. "Why, I'm here to reward you for the kindness you showed me as a little girl. For teaching me how to hate, for showing me cruelty and rage. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be the person I am today."
Fearing for her life, Dr Jayce fell to her knees, pleading. "I am so sorry, Terra. I beg of you, show me mercy."
Terra exploded at her. "WHERE WAS MY MOTHER'S MERCY, YOU OLD WITCH! Where was Bryon and I's mercy when you were experimenting on us like rodents? You destroyed my life, you old hag, and now I'm going to return the favor."
Terra's
eyes began to glow a furious shade of yellow."You don't need
toworry aboutthe future, Dr. Jayce. You won't be around to experience
it..."
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The next day, Doctor Helga Jayce was found lying on the floor, mumbling to herself in shock.
"Well done, my young apprentice. Soon, you will be ready to face the Titans." Terra silently looked on, the hate burning in her eyes stronger than ever before.
