Jedi Knight 366: Well I appreciate that. Though incidentally I think you'll want to stick around till the end anyway. But that's just my opinion.
Valda: I know I'd be pretty freaking scared myself. But remember he's not really Satan per say, that's just a persona Anubis once assumed along with the other names he had over the centuries. Anyways, when are you going to update your story? Hmm? I'm not a patient person and when a good author keeps me waiting for an update I tend to start throwing things. Yeah, I am very much insane. But! I have fun writing so I guess that's all that matters. Hope you update your story soon. Laters.
TTHPFan: That's…a shame, I'm sorry your concert didn't go so well. Though if yall really put your minds to it, you can only get better. My criminal justice teacher arranged for our class to tour a prison (what are the odds). It sounds like it'll be pretty interesting, he says we'll talk to some of the inmates and see how they ended up behind bars. Though we already know the answer to that, they crimed against Uncle Sam is what happened. But anyway, I'm so glad you liked this chapter. And to be honest I'm somewhat relieved you and my other readers didn't think too badly of Anubis. See he's actually supposed to be that nameless Psion from the 'Titan Identity' and now he's somehow come back in this one, and I thought I'd call him…that. Along with his Psion name, that is. Some of the things that happen in this story almost happened in 'Titan Supremacy' but I put those aside for a while until this one came out. Anyway I'm just glad you like it so far and I can't wait to hear what you have to say about this chapter.
Princess Angelfire of NZ: I've tried that before too. I actually had that a lot when I was in training for track/cross country. I think I owe a lot of races to the simple combination. I think it's also pretty good for snacking. That and sloppy joes, LOL. Hope you like the chapter.
April4rmH-Town: Hell ya go Astros! And GO SPURS! Every team from Texas kicks ass. Except for the Cowboys, I'm not entirely pleased with them right now…but oh well. And thanks I try to do what I can to make the story enjoyable. And I really like reviews but in the long run I'm just glad people take that time to read my stuff. Thanks again. And ONE MORE TIME FOR THE SPURS!
Aveplateada: No I don't think I have ever heard of that. I'll try to check it out though. You want the craziest thing is….I still haven't read Half Blood Prince. I know! I know, just what is wrong with me. Normally I pre-order them off the web but lately I've been busy with college and I missed out and now I'm just too lazy to go buy a copy at the store. But that's me, lazy man. Well, hope you like the chapter. Laters!
Itxprincessxlala: Yeah I hated it too, but I got pretty good money for it so I guess it all balanced out in the end. So it annoys you when people come to you for advice eh? I've kinda got hat problem right now, though not in that sense. This is the first year I've ever gotten a high A in algebra and suddenly everyone keeps asking me for help. I just might start tutoring for twenty bucks an hour. Anyway, I would very much like to know what you found clichéd about Anubis. I'm just curious because I only want to improve on it. Looking forward to your next review.
Realfanficts: Yes, it does seem pretty bad right now doesn't it?
LoVeAbLe AnGeL: You are most certainly not forgotten, just missed. I'm glad you got around to reading the story. I'll be sure to keep going for ya. Laters!
Samanthe2121: I would have never known the difference, LOL. Glad you liked it.
Jigglypuff: Very well, more is what you get. For now anyway….du na na na.
Jadedea: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I think I sat for ten whole minuets before I thought of just calling him Sam, might have been a little time wasted. But not so much if liked it. Thanks. Enjoy!
Well thanks a lot for everyone who reviewed and I hope yall like this chapter just as much. So go read it….stop reading this…..this isn't the chapter….never mind just scroll down and read it. :Sigh:
Chapter Six
That's the past
Raven opened her mouth to offer a rebuttal when the lights flickered before going out entirely. They all stood up and cast bewildered looks around the room.
"Cyborg you did remember to change or otherwise charge the power cells didn't you," solicited Raven.
"Yeah I charged em' up yesterday. I suppose it could be a problem with the gel packs, or maybe the power output matri-" At once a large and ominous figure appeared before them. Starfire and Taka let out surprised shrieks, Raven and Beast Boy staggered backward, and Robin and Cyborg followed closely behind. The figure stood tall above them in a black and red shroud, his form moved in a holographic-type wave. He spread his arms out and a resounding voice that made their blood run cold filled the room.
"Teen Titans. I am Oni-Kal. You may call me, Anubis." They all gaped dumfounded and thoroughly startled at the towering figure before them. Robin stared straight ahead with eyes wide as dinner plates. Starfire shielded herself with Robin's shoulder and he gulped.
"Well, I'm convinced." Being the only one still able to move Cyborg stepped out from behind their couch barricade and walked up to the tall menacing figure.
"Uhhh, what's up?"
"You have taken what is mine. For this, you shall all be annihilated-"
"Wait second time out," interrupted Cyborg forming a T with his hands. "Now before you start dooming everybodymaybe you should be a little more specific." Anubis folded his hands together.
"The sacred triangle." Taka pressed her hand against the area where she had hidden the item. "And the two Tamaranian sisters. Return them all to me at once." Cyborg looked back at the crowd behind him and Beast Boy lightly shrugged his shoulders.
"What's a Tamaranian," he asked trying to sound innocent. "You know because we've met a ton of aliens and they all kinda look the same-"
"ENOUGH!" They all jumped. "Return them all to me or face your demise."
"Well you've come to the wrong T shaped tower because there aren't any Tamaranians for sale here," said Robin stepping up beside Cyborg.
"The one cowering behind you is a Tamaranian." Starfire let her eyes fall to the ground trying to be unnoticed. "Isn't she?" Robin paused for a moment.
"No, but she plays one on TV." Anubis' image now shrank to match their size.
"Your insolence will not deter me. I am superior to you in every way." Beast Boy rolled his eyes and leaned close to Raven.
"Ohhh please…" Robin glared back at Anubis and shook his head.
"You're not getting any of them. We're not letting Blackfire go, you're not getting the triangle, and I'm never giving up Starfire."
"You may think differently in the future."
"Never going to happen," said Robin with a grin.
"You bring destruction upon yourselves." With that his image rippled then faded utterly. Robin stayed stationary for a good ten seconds followed by a prolonged and edgy atmosphere. Cyborg bit his lip.
"So that Anubis, huh?" He asked Starfire. She merely remained in a silent stupor.
"Indeed," she said grimly.
"How," whispered Robin. He turned back around to his teammates. "How did he survive?"
"There's no way," said Cyborg. "He engineered that bomb to cause more damage than three regular nukes put together."
"Yet he survived none the less," said Taka. Starfire sat herself down on the couch and let her face rest in her hands. "The universe is vast; who knows was force could have saved him."
"Oni-Kal is not only my former task master; he is also an infamous character in an ancient Tamaranian legend or 'ghost story'," interjected the alien princess. Robin sat down beside Starfire on the couch.
"Lets here it," he said with a nod. They all gathered around while Starfire collected the major details.
"There is a story of a wicked entity that lived in a bodiless form and would sneak into the dwellings of sleeping children." Robin, Cyborg, and Beast Boy all frowned slightly hearing familiar details of Starfire's story. "Once inside their quarters of sleep he would…would….he would steal their souls." Taka backed slightly in horror. Raven however rubbed her chin.
"This all sounds oddly familiar."
"Yeah," agreed Cyborg. He mentally went over each of the corresponding details of the ghost story. "Hold up, are you saying that what we're dealing with here is the Tamaranian boogeyman?" Though as absurd as it sounded, they all looked curiously at Starfire who merely nodded her head again.
"Yes, that would be a fair analogy." Raven finished reviewing something on the tower computer and sighed in confusion.
"That's strange; the tower mainframe has no record of any recent incoming or outgoing transmissions."
"Well then how did he just appear right in front of us," asked Robin. Raven shrugged her shoulders.
"We know the Psions were all formidable telepaths. It's possible that Anubis is so powerful that he's able to reach over thousands of light years and basically make us see just about anything." Robin then concluded with dread;
"So what you're saying is…"
"If he can tap into our minds that easily from so far away, then there's no telling what he can fully do."
Beast Boy raised a shaking glass of water to his lips. "We're in trouble." They all silently extended their agreement. "Aren't we?" Raven switched off the computer terminal and began leaving the room.
"Well I'm not sure about you guys, but I just thought of a few more questions for Blackfire's 'roommate'."
"I will accompany you," said Taka following her. "A change of atmosphere would be nice." Cyborg patted her shoulder as she passed him.
"You don't need to be afraid, we're all safe here." Taka looked back at him with slight bile.
"I am not afraid, why do you say so?" Cyborg put up his hands defensively.
"I didn't mean anything by, I was just saying…" She let the tension leave her face and the two girls exited the room. Starfire rose and took no more than two steps when she stopped unsurely and turned back to Robin.
"Robin…"
"Yes Star, what is it?" She hesitated for a moment before letting it spill out.
"I feel the need for the sweet and sour chicken." Robin blinked a few times.
"Wha-wha-what? You want what?" Starfire breathed a little more heavily and shifted her eyes about.
"Sweet and sour chicken, please I feel I must have some." Robin's mouth hung open disbelievingly. He looked over at Cyborg and Beast Boy. They shrugged irresolutely.
"You want Chinese food? Now?"
"I am sorry I cannot explain it, I suddenly feel the desire to eat some." Robin continued to cast dubious looks about the room. "Please…" he looked back down at her and met two wide and pleading eyes. Unable to say no to them he caved and nodded incoherently.
"Okay okay, I guess I'll be right back." She smiled wide and hugged him tightly.
"Thank-you Robin. I eagerly await your return." With a timid smile he grabbed the keys to his R-cycle off the counter and left the common room. After he left she smiled sweetly at Cyborg and Beast Boy.
"When Robin returns will you please inform him that I am resting in my room?"
"Uhh sure," replied Cyborg with a shy look. She nodded in thanks and glided with a hum off to her room. After another awkward silence they both looked at each other. Beast Boy pointed in the direction Starfire had just taken.
"Is it just me, or have the food cravings started?"
"I'd say they're being served with a side order of mood swings," added Cyborg.
"Ummm, how long did Star say Tamaranian pregnancy lasts?"
DOWN THE HALLS……………
Starfire merrily hummed her way to her room, not really knowing why she was humming, and stopped before her door. She paused and read her name across the door. It had been almost five years since she set foot in her old Titan quarters. With a hesitant swallow Starfire stepped forward and tapped the small panel beside her door. It swiftly parted allowing Starfire to move inside. As she looked about her room she noticed that there was not a trace of dust anywhere. Cyborg had obviously kept up their rooms since they had been gone. What else is someone who lives in a giant tower alone supposed to do? Starfire walked by her bed and let her hand run along the pink comforter. It felt as if she left this room of hers yesterday. Remembering that she accidentally left something behind on the day they moved out Starfire walked over to her nightstand and opened it. Inside there lay a framed photo of her and Robin. It had been taken only a short while after she had come to earth. Anyone could tell for Starfire could be seen gazing at the photographer curiously while Robin smiled warmly at her side. She smiled and propped the photo up on her nightstand. Unbeknownst to her the lights in her room dimmed slightly. Deciding she might put some things away in her closet she lightly turned on her heel and came face to face with Anubis.
"NO!" She screamed and jumped backward. She ran straight through Anubis' form and pounded on the wall comm. "CYBORG! BEAST BOY! RAVEN ANYONE PLEASE HELP ME!"
"They cannot hear you Koriand'r." She cautiously twisted her head around to look at him. "No one can hear you now. You might as well listen to what I have to say." Starfire slowly lowered her hand from the comm. link and stared at him with wide frightened eyes.
"W-What do you want with me?"
"You appear to be the most sensible of you companions. Therefore you must see the logic in returning to my service." Starfire mildly abandoned her fear and adopted a more defensive attitude.
"I will never revert to living as your attack zornik. I am free, and though she has pained us very much Blackfire is free as well. You can command us no longer."
"Only a cynical individual would call the life you have now freedom. You were once feared and revered throughout the whole galaxy as my hand of swift justice. Now you are but a lowly and wickless housewife. Tell me…" He steadily approached her making her back up even further. "Do you truly find solace in the fact that such a reputation you once held is all but a dim memory?"
"Yes," she answered defiantly. "Robin and my friends all helped to guide me through my transformation from your slave to a free individual. I am no long under your control!"
"Are you quite sure about that Koriand'r? I have become something you cannot even begin to imagine."
"I understand better than you think," spat Starfire. "Your trickery, manipulation, and evil will not work here. Robin will-"
"Will what," interjected Anubis. Starfire found herself unable to speak, almost as if she were commanded not to do so. "Your has-been hero of a mate will only be able to protect you for so long. You know this better than most. Your time, your friend's time….Earth's time is running out."
"I trust Robin with my life and more, they will always be there to defend both myself and Earth from you." Anubis folded his hands.
"There was a time, when you would die for me Koriand'r." Starfire narrowed her eyes and now walked up to him.
"That time is no more. Leave me, and do not ever show yourself to me again!" Anubis said no more but remained staring at her still. Starfire gazed directly into the dark vacancy of his shroud and felt weak at the knees. Then just as she said so he backed away and faded into nothingness. The lights in her room returned to normal. She stood in place not daring to believe the conversation that just took place. Starfire had just spoken to someone whom they believed, nay, who should have been dead long ago. With all the questions, mixed feelings, and thoughts flowing around in her mind Starfire's knees finally gave out and she collapsed on her bed. Her head landed a few inches from her pillow though she made no move to reach it. Somehow she felt utterly drained and her eye lids began to droop. All too soon they closed and she surrendered to sleep's grasp.
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Starfire dreamed a dream, one of days past. Her mind took her back to one of the first few days she lived among the Titans. Her English was still a little shaky and she was still very unfamiliar with earthen ways and customs.
She and Robin walked down the sidewalk that ran along the many buildings in down town Jump City. They drove from the tower that afternoon and left the R-Cycle parked near City Hall. The fact that Robin had ended their lessons early and taken her to this strange place induced an enormous amount of curiosity within Starfire. Warily staying close to him and away from the passing cars she allowed her eyes to travel along the many signs, shops, and places of business. They passed a man in an alley and she saw him sitting at a fold up desk with three cups turned upside down. Forgetting Robin was still walking she strode up to him and he greeted her with a toothy grin.
"Well step right up young lady and try your luck, though I'll tell you right now luck has nothing to do with it." She tilted her head curiously.
"It-It does not?"
"Nope. All you have to do is guess which cup the marble is under and you win."
"I will be victorious?"
"That's right, only costs five dollars per play." Starfire gulped. Robin and Cyborg had only just begun to teach her the procedures of earthen currency. Before they left the tower Robin gave her a few bills and instructed her to hold onto them until the right moment. Starfire scanned the three cups and thought that out of such a low number to choose from surely her chances for success would be great. So thinking she handed him a twenty uncertainly.
"This is enough...yes?" He eyed the money with an almost drooling mouth and took the money from her with a lewd smile.
"Yup, that's just right." He revealed the marble under the middle cup and then proceeded to shuffle them about in a quick and confusing pattern. Her eyes tried to follow the designated cup around but she soon lost track of it in the blur-like movement. He finally slowed down to a stop and clapped his hands together. "Alright missy, give it your best shot." She held her hand out to pick up the first cup but stopped and pulled it back unsurely. She did the same with her second choice, then a third time, and a forth, and a fifth, and… "Oh for God's sake! Just pick ONE!" She jumped slightly and finally made her choice. She picked the middle cup and found nothing under it. "Ohhh, so sorry dear." Starfire's face fell in apparent misery. "You can try again for another 'five bucks'," He said temptingly. Starfire bit her lip and was about to reach into her pocket when she heard her name being called.
"Starfire?" She turned and saw Robin swiftly walking up to her. "What are you doing?" She mouthed wordlessly as though she were trying to explain a shameful act. Robin moved his gaze from her to the swindler saw him furtively stuffing the twenty away. Quick as lightening Robin grabbed the man's wrist and forced his hand open. While wincing considerably he dropped the money on the table and skulked off down the alley. After sending a glare his way Robin returned Starfire's money with a smile.
"Have I…done something wrong?"
"No Star, you just want to avoid guys like him. They're con artists, and all they want to do is take your money. Now I think you've been held up long enough." He took her hand and guided out back onto the sidewalk.
"Where are we going," she asked looking about the various sights again.
"Well you've been doing so well with your training and you've been an extra good girl today," he added playfully. Starfire smiled and a giggle escaped her. "I just thought we'd go into town and get a little lunch. Most intrigued Starfire nodded and allowed Robin to guide her into a restaurant dubbed 'Emperor Wok's'. They sat down at the first table they found and a middle-aged Asian women walked up to them and held a notepad at the ready.
"Are you ready to order?" Robin read down his menu.
"Yeah, I'll have your pork fried rice with some spicy dumplings." The waitress nodded and looked down at Starfire.
"And you?" Starfire read up and down the list carefully as though the choice she made today would affect her entire future. The waitress glanced back over at Robin and he pointed to a selection on Star's menu.
"Can I suggest that one, Star?" She read it and looked up at the woman.
"I will have the sweet and sour chicken," she said happily.
"Anything to drink?"
"Just some sodas will be fine," said Robin. The waitress walked off and Starfire whispered timidly.
"I thank-you Robin."
"Oh no problem Star, anytime." He patted her hand and she tried in vain to hide her reddening cheeks from him. Robin found a newspaper off to the side and began reading the comics. Starfire was currently studying the decorative Chinese suits of armor when Robin let out a sputter of laughter. She turned her head to him.
"What is humorous?"
"What? Oh, it was just this comic. It's called 'The Family Circus'. I don't usually read it but this one's pretty funny." He showed her the circular panel of a small boy explaining something to his angry mother. She then read in the small caption below…'I wasn't lying mom; I was just using my imagination.' She thought about it for a moment then broke out into a shaking laughter. Her laughter was indeed by nature infectious because Robin soon followed and did not stop until Starfire quieted.
"Yes, it is very humorous." The waitress then returned with their food and drinks and after asking if they need anything else left them to eat. Starfire looked around for her fork and knife only to find that she had none. "Robin, they neglected my fork and the knife." Robin smiled and shook his head.
"No they didn't, it's just done a little differently in this culture. Here, try these." He handed her a pair of chop sticks and demonstrated with his own. "You hold one at the bottom between your thumb and forefinger and the other like you would hold a pencil." She tried and tried but to no avail. Soon Robin observed her attempting to pick up her food with a semi-frustrated but cute look on her face. Deciding he should have known better than to think she could grasp so many things so quickly he asked for a fork and knife. Soon they had devoured their meal and Starfire set her fork down with a satisfied smile.
"So, you like it?" She nodded dreamily.
"Oh yes. This chicken that is sour and…sweet is most enjoyable." The woman returned.
"Would you like any dessert?" Robin looked at Starfire and she nodded imploringly. He grinned.
"Sure, why not? Two sundaes please." The woman nodded once more and disappeared into the kitchen.
"But Robin," asked Starfire with a thoughtful brow. "Is not today the day of Tuesday?" It took him a moment to figure out what she meant then shook his head.
"Yes today is Tuesday, but 'sundae' is just what they call the desert."
"I see," she said nodding. "And what is it?" At that moment the waitress returned with two sundaes toped with whipped cream, chocolate fudge, and a single cherry.
"That's a sundae," said Robin elatedly. He took his spoon and dabbed it a little. "Ever had ice cream before?"
"No."
"Well give it a try, you might like it." He gestured to her sundae and she scooped off a small bit with her long spoon. She cautiously put the sweet tasting confection in her mouth and she almost gasped in shock." Robin jumped a little with a small smile.
"What? What is it?"
"It is the most delicious 'dessert' I have ever sampled," she declared happily. Robin waved his hand.
"Ahhh I knew you'd like it, only you wanna be care-" He drifted off apprehensively when he noticed Starfire taking in the sundae in larger amounts. She seemed more than content when she stopped abruptly and looked a little frightened. "Ful," he finished grimly. She swallowed what she hand in her mouth and began touching the sides of her head.
"OH, why am I now feeling pain?"
"Well Star I tried to warn you, but it looks like you've got a brain freeze."
"Brain…freeze," she repeated fearfully. "This is…ow…a deadly alignment?" He chuckled while shaking his head.
"No, its just hurts for a while."
"I do not see what is humorous about my painful brain freeze," she said no feeling embarrassed. He stopped chuckling and took her hand.
"I'm sorry Star I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or anything, but is nothing to be embarrassed about. Just take a break for a moment and then go back to eating it. Remember just eat it in moderation and no one will get hurt." She rubbed her temples once more and then began giggling. He joined her and they sat finishing off their desserts.
Starfire's eyes fluttered open and she let out a small gasp. She twisted her head to the side and saw Robin napping next to her. On the desk against the wall he had set a take-out bag from the restaurant he recently returned from. Careful not to disturb him Starfire climbed off the bed and sat down before her food. She opened and the smell of the particular dish filled her mind with the memory all over again. She then began to wonder if she would have been better off being completely ignorant of her past. Perhaps it would have been better if the Titans had simply given her a home and left it at that. Of course had that happened she would not have become a Titan herself and possibly the wife of the one she so adored. There are some things in life we can't change. And even so, why would you want to?
Well that dream sequence turned out a lot longer than I pictured it. I'm sorry if it seems a little uneventful right now, but trust me; things will start to pick up soon. I promise. Hope you liked it. Laters!