Notes: it's all comin' together

Disclaimer: still don't own Teen Titans or Star Wars

Titan Wars: Machine Wars

Ch. 8: Escape and Trust

A troop of Jump City robots was heading for the abandoned building were the battle with Brother Blood was taking place. They set up bombs to destroy the silent H.I.V.E. army.

As they approached in their ship they picked up the unconscious Titans and saw Red Star still having at it with Blood. Red Star was holding his own when Blood turned to see the robots that had just showed up. He retreated into the shadows as the group fired upon him. He adeptly dodged every laser as he swerved through the debris.

"We must go after him," said Red Star.

"Sir, if we don't leave now the others might not make it," said a robot.

So they took off and detonated the mines they set. Red Star looked at Pantha and held her hand. He saw the others as well.

"How are they?" asked Red Star.

"They are stabilized and they will make it, sir," replied the machine.

Back on the ground, Brother Blood watched as the ship took off.

"Run while you can Titans," he cackled, "You are only prolonging the inevitable. Once we've accomplished our mission, my master will allow me to kill you all."

Jump City

The Titans were having a meeting at Titans Tower. All, aside from the six recovering, Aqualad, and Terra, were present for the gathering.

"I cannot believe he stood up to five Titans at once," said Red Star, "We were exhausted, but that is no excuse. Something must be done."

"We've gotta take this Blood guy down," agreed Cyborg.

Raven stood to talk.

"I think we should give Terra more important missions," she said.

"Are you sure, Raven?" questioned Robin, "You've never thought she could handle a important assignment before."

"I think she's proven herself," Raven continued, "She defeated Blackfire, fought Malchior, and has been a great asset in the war. I've learned to trust her more."

"Even though she can be reckless," Bumblebee said.

"And not follow orders," added Herald.

"She's no different from the rest of us," said Beast Boy, "Any of you would have done the same thing."

"Let's call her now and tell her about this," said Robin.

Elsewhere

Terra and Aqualad were sitting together and holding hands. It had been too long since they had seen each other.

"I'm sorry I've been calling you a lot lately."

"It's a bit understandable, Terra, we are in the middle of a war. Who wouldn't worry a bit?"

"Well I have a another reason. It's because I lost my brother."

"You had a brother? What happened to him?"

"That's just it...I don't know," she sounded like she wanted to cry, "A long time ago, when I was really young, my brother and I had to leave home due to a war. Before we did, though, the higher ups gave us our superpowers in a bid to turn the tide. My brother knew it was a lost cause since our country was outnumbered. We managed to escape and came to America. For years we did what we could just to scrape by a living. Along the way, we practiced honing our abilities. My brother was so much better than I was. We traveled the country, just enjoying life. Then one day, he said he was going into the city to look for work and food...he never came back. I waited...eventually I decided to go look for him. That's when I ran into you guys."

"That's what you were doing in the desert by yourself?"

"Yeah...you can't begin to imagine how amazed I was to see all of you. We had heard about the Titans, and we even thought about asking to join, but I told Brion I wasn't ready. I didn't want to risk anything because of my lack of control with my powers. So yeah, now you know. You're the only person I've told."

"Not even Beast Boy?"

"Not even him. That's why I tend to worry so much...I don't want to lose you, too," she couldn't hold back the tears anymore.

Aqualad placed his hand on her cheek, wiping a tear away.

"You won't...and after this conflict is over, I'll help you find her brother."

Terra smiled and gave him a hug. Then they started to kiss...and no sooner did they start, there was a call on the communicator. It was Robin of course.

"Terra, we need you to come to the tower right away. You probably should too Aqualad."

"We'll be right there," replied Aqualad.

He lifted Terra's chin up to look her in the eyes.

"Don't worry," he said, "There'll be another time."

With that said, they headed for the tower.

A few minutes later

"You took long enough," said Raven.

"Come on Raven," Terra said, "Lay off would ya?"

Raven shook her head and put her hand on Terra's shoulder.

"Sorry, but I and the rest of the Titans want to tell you how we feel we've been taking you for granted. We, especially me, should learn to trust you more."

"Really?" asked an awestruck Terra.

"Really, really," chimed in Beast Boy.

The other Titans nodded in approval.

"Don't take my attitude to hard Terra," added Raven, "It took me a year to stop hating Beast Boy and look what happened."

BB put his arm around Raven.

"Now that we're all one big, happy family let's go kick some villain butt."

Robin stood up and shouted, "Titans, go!"