Sitting at the computer in the library, I had at least five search engine tabs up. I searched everything under the sun that had something to do with the freakish experience I had last night: hallucinations, anxiety, stress, hormones, anything. Of course, I should've expected to receive nothing pertaining to my situation whatsoever. I doubt anyone would've found themselves inside the world of a cartoon show for eight-and-a-half hours. I sighed and sat back in my chair, staring at the blank computer screen.

Was it all just a dream? I thought. The bell rang, and I gathered my backpack and headed out the door into the hallway. A part of me... hopes it wasn't.


That night, I stared intently at the clock as the seconds ticked by. 9:55 PM. The unusual event took place at exactly 10:00. If it happened again, it should happen in only a few minutes.

I shook my head. What am I thinking? Of course this thing didn't really happen! I must be delusional from all this stress.

There was a knock at the door. "Ciela, are you still awake?" mom said.

"Yeah." I said, opening the door.

"I just got a call from the principal." mom said. "Jane was suspended from school."

I stared at her in shock. "Really?"

Mom nodded. "She was punished for the incident that took place yesterday. She'll be out of school for two weeks."

"Wow..." I said, unable to think of something more intelligent to say. "Well... I guess it makes life a little easier... for now."

"Why do there have to be such mean people in the world?" Mom squeezed my shoulders. "I'm sorry you have to suffer this... but I promise you'll become stronger from it."

"All right... Thanks, Mom." I said, trying to sneak a peek at the clock. "Well, I'm gonna hit the hay. Good night."

"Good night." Mom said, closing the door.

I felt a weight flutter off my shoulders; Jane suspended? I'll be Jane-less for two weeks. I guess what goes around comes around, but this came around and smacked her in the face. Maybe things really are looking up for me. Maybe...

And just like that, my vision filled with a blinding light. I gasped as I tried to turn around and look at the clock, but everything was overcome with white.


It was nighttime, and a sudden chain of explosions snapped me back to my senses. I looked around in a panic, then looked up at a sky filled with fireworks. I was at a carnival; countless game and food booths lined the docks. The colors in the sky danced in the eyes of the carnival attendees as they excitedly rushed to the next activity.

"Cotton candy?" A big, mustached vendor wearing a white t-shirt and apron held out a paper cone wrapped up in a thick layer of the pure sugar concoction.

Don't take that, idiot. Typical for Fattela. Go ahead, if you want, and prove to everyone just how disgusting you are.

"Uh... no, thanks." I said. I glanced down at my body, surprised once again to see the small silhouette I encountered the first time. I even wore the same outfit that I did yesterday: coral t-shirt, jean capris, and white tennis shoes.

The explosions in the sky increased tenfold as they unleashed the finale. I looked up at the sky, mesmerized by the view. But, as I watched, I saw something purple zoom through the sky that didn't look anything like a firework. It looked like it was carrying something. I gasped.

"Starfire!" I cried as she used a starbolt to free herself from the jellyfish-like alien's grasp. She flew around, trying desperately to shake it away from her trail.

"Titans! Trouble!" I yelped and hid behind a booth as Robin ran towards the other Teen Titans.

"Where's Starfire?" Cyborg said.

"That's the trouble." Robin said, and the four Titans ran towards the dock to aid Starfire.

I wish I could help... but what good am I? I'm no one special... I'd just be in the way.

I clenched my fists and crept as closely as I could to the docks where the Titans were. The closest I could get was a ring toss booth one hundred feet away. I watched Robin lunge at the alien and slam his rod into its head. It flew over the side and into the water. Beast Boy ran towards that end and looked into the water. While their backs were turned, I emerged from behind the booth and walked towards the group. However, a few moments later, the alien burst through the dock right in front of me. I cried out as the force caused me to fly back. I hit the dock, feeling at least ten splinters dig into my arms.

"Ow..." I mumbled, propping myself up onto my elbows.

"Ciela?" I looked up and saw the Teen Titans standing over me. I gulped quietly. Behind them, the alien exploded in the sky, its colorful death mixing in with the fireworks.

"H-hi..." I said. "Nice to see you guys again."

Robin held out his hand, and I accepted it and stood up. I plucked the pieces of wood out from my shirt, able to see the small holes they left behind.

"Where did you go? We came back to the Tower, but you were nowhere to be found." Beast Boy said.

"Oh... um... Can we talk about this in a little more... private place?" I said, glancing around at the crowds of people shoving their way past us.

"Of course. Let's head back to the Tower." Robin said.

The group held strong to the topic of the mysterious alien that attacked Starfire just minutes before.

"I do not understand what could have caused such aggression." Starfire said. "I have not done anything to offend it, have I?"

"Of course not." Robin said. "Whatever the case, it's gone and it won't be able to hurt you anymore."

I couldn't help but listen with an awed expression. Being in the midst of my childhood heroes as they casually conversed; I still wondered if this was all a dream. I pinched my arm again.

We arrived at the Tower and walked down the hallway.

"I must thank you, my friends, for coming to my rescue!" Starfire said, stopping in front of the doors to Ops. "On my planet, we have what is called the Poem of Gratitude. I'm sure all 6,000 verses will touch your hearts!"

The other four stared at her with blank expressions; as nice as it was, doing said offer would probably take the rest of this series.

"As nice as that sounds, Starfire..." Robin said. He turned to me. "We still need an explanation from you."

"Right..." I said. "Well-"

The doors opened wide. "Come on, don't leave me hanging in here!" a voice said. We turned and saw a girl who looked very similar to Starfire. She was a little older, with black hair styled the same way and similar clothes, but hers had silver plating that covered the parts of her skin that were exposed with Starfire. Her eyes were almond-shaped and purple. It was Blackfire, Starfire's sister. "I was so looking forward to surprising you."

Starfire's eyes lit up, and she enveloped Blackfire in a hug. "Sister! It is so good to see you!"

"I hope you don't mind, but I brought you a present." Blackfire held up a gold chain holding a green jewel.

Starfire gasped. "A Centauri moon diamond?!"

"I got it for you while I was passing by." Blackfire clipped the necklace around Starfire's necklace. "Oh, look, it matches your eyes!"

Starfire beamed with happiness and turned to us. "Friends, I wish to introduce my big sister!"

"Blackfire." Blackfire said, stepping in front of Starfire. "Starfire's told me all about you guys in her transmissions, so allow me." She stepped up to Cyborg. "Cyborg."

"Pleased to meet you, little lady." Cyborg said, holding out his hand. Blackfire gripped it, and I heard the loud crunch of his hand caving from her strong grip. "Little lady, big handshake. Remind me never to arm wrestle you."

"Raven." Blackfire said, approaching the next Titan in line. "I like that gemstone on your ajna chakra."

"You... know about chakras?" Raven said, a small smile spreading on her lips.

"On Altara Prime, I got way into meditation. Maybe I could take you there sometime so you can teach them a thing or two." Blackfire moved on to Beast Boy. "What's up, Beast Boy?"

"Nothing but the ceiling." Beast Boy said.

Blackfire laughed. "Good one!"

"See? She thinks I'm funny." Beast Boy whispered to Raven.

"I guess someone has to at some point." Raven said, earning a glare from Beast Boy.

Blackfire paused when she stood in front of me. "I've never heard of you before." she said.

"Oh... I'm no one." I mumbled, shrinking back behind the Titans. Blackfire shrugged it off.

"And finally, the leader of the Teen Titans: Robin." Blackfire said. "Starfire's told me a lot about you."

Starfire cleared her throat. "Sister, what brings you to Earth?"

"I was in the quadrant. I wanted to find out if Earthlings like to party." Blackfire walked back into Ops, the Titans following her inside. She hopped over the couch and sat down. "Besides, I could use a break. I nearly got sucked into a black hole on my way here."

Cyborg, Robin, and Beast Boy swarmed over her.

"A black hole?" Beast Boy said.

"Okay, so I'm cruising through the Juconus Nebula, and-"

"Sister, the Juconus Nebula is full of black holes. Travel through that nebula is forbidden specifically for that reason! You should know better than to go through such a dangerous area." Starfire said.

Blackfire rolled her eyes. "Everyone could use a little more danger; it's what makes life all the more interesting. Now, be a dear and bring me one of those 'sodas' I've heard so much about." Blackfire waved Starfire away and continued on with her story.

Starfire sulked over to the fridge and opened it, mumbling to herself as she searched for a soda.

Poor Starfire.


The Titans offered the sofa for me to sleep. I accepted, knowing this episode wasn't over yet and I wouldn't have to return back to the real world for at least another day (in the Titan's world, that is).

I still had difficulty falling asleep. I stared up at the ceiling as my mind raced.

How in the world did I find myself in such unusual predicaments? Able to travel into the world of a cartoon? Impossible... until I did it myself. Yesterday, I was within the first episode, "Divide and Conquer", and now I'm in the second episode, "Sisters". I guess that means I'm going from the beginning to the end of this series. Dread filled my heart. But, after the series is over, does that mean I'll never be able to come back here?

It's not like they would care if you disappeared. Who would?

My head throbbed. I was jumping to conclusions while I was fresh in the beginning.

I should just take this one day at a time... or, in this case, one episode at a time.

I managed to put my thoughts to bed and fall asleep for a couple of hours. I awoke abruptly to shouts, cheers, and television explosions. I opened my eyes and sat up, seeing Cyborg and Beast Boy playing video games.

"Hello?" I said, rubbing my eyes. "Can't I get some sleep?"

"Oh, sorry, Ciela." Beast Boy said. "Kinda forgot you were here."

His words hit me with great, painful vigor. Starfire entered the room.

"Friends, have either of you seen Blackfire?" she said.

"She was just here a moment ago." Beast Boy said. "Did you know she's a gaming goddess? She totally smoked us!"

"I... did not."

"Uh, I think Blackfire might be training with Robin. Go check out his room." I said.

"Very well. Thank you."

Starfire left the room, and I noticed the explosive racing noises had ceased. Cyborg and Beast Boy both stared at me instead of the gigantic T.V. screen, which had been paused.

"How do you know where Blackfire is? You just woke up." Cyborg said.

"Uh..." I said, sweatdropping. "I only said that I thought she was there. It was just a suggestion. Who's to say I'm right?"

I stood up from the couch and quickly headed to the bathroom. My clothes were unbearably large; I feared my capris would fall down any second. I hoisted them up my hips and grabbed the belt of a bathrobe hanging on the towel rack. I looped the thin fabric through the belt loops and tied it as tight as I could; I had a lot of extra room to close in these gargantuan pants. I exited the bathroom, just in time to see Starfire pass by me, looking very drained and sad.

"Hey, Starfire, we could hang out together if you want. We could go to the mall or something." I said.

Starfire turned to me. "I very much appreciate your offer, but it is not necessary. Please, return back with Cyborg and Beast Boy and enjoy the playing of video games. I am... fine." she said.

She walked past me, and it hurt my heart to see her like this. How could her sister shut her out like this, and take her friends with her?

"Starfire?" I said.

Starfire stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

"Your sister may be interesting, but she could never take your place." I said. "No one could ever take your place."

Starfire stared at me, surprised as she contemplated my words; perhaps she wondered how I knew her thoughts. However, it still didn't seem to improve her attitude, and she turned around and walked away. I sighed.

At least this get patched up by the end of the episode...


Later in the evening, the other Titans and I were seated on the couch. The doors opened, and I turned and saw Starfire enter the room. Her arms were filled with popcorn buckets, movies, and candy. She stopped behind us and opened her mouth, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, kiddos!" Blackfire said at the doors. She held her arms out to the sides, showing off Starfire's clothes. "How about we ditch this place and go out?"

Starfire's smile disappeared. "But we were... Are those my clothes?"

"I raided your closet. I hope you don't mind."

"Of... course not."

"Great. I heard there's a raging party downtown in a creepy, rundown warehouse." Blackfire said to the other Titans. "What are we waiting for? Let's get going!"

The Titans jumped to their feet and hurried out of the room, leaving me and Starfire behind. There was a loud crash as Starfire dropped her arms, releasing all the content in them and letting them fall to the ground. I placed my hand on her shoulder, and she flinched from my touch. Our eyes met, and she watched me for a few seconds before she shook me off and headed for the door.


The area around the warehouse vibrated as we drew closer to it. I heard cheers, pounding music, and I saw flashing lights that made my eyes hurt. I remained by Starfire's side while the others disappeared into the dancing crowd. We struggled to keep up with them, but we found ourselves lost in the mix. Starfire stood close to me, and I felt her discomfort for being in this environment. I watched two boys divert their eyes to Starfire and make their way over to us.

"Forgive me, but I am needing the fresh air." Starfire mumbled, and she slipped away from my side.

"Hey, wait!" I called to Starfire, but she melted into the crowd. The bass of the music pulsed deeply. My heart thumped to the beat, as if it were controlled by it. The cramped space was making me start to sweat. I forced my way through the crowd in the same direction Starfire went. I reached the door, having to awkwardly wriggle through a mini mosh pit, and shut it behind me. The wall muffled the noise drastically, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

I climbed up to the roof of the warehouse and found Starfire sitting against the ledge, slumped over with her head in her hands. She sighed.

Before I could go to comfort her, I pressed closer to the wall when I saw Robin approach her.

"Is everything okay? You've been kind of quiet lately." Robin said, taking a seat next to Starfire.

Starfire plastered on a fake smile. "Nothing is wrong. Why would you assume something like that?" she said, but she faltered under Robin's knowing gaze. She sighed. "I am happy to see her, but I feel as if I pale in comparison to Blackfire. Since she has been here, I have felt... not good."

"You're nothing like Blackfire, but in no way is that a bad thing."

One of the window panels opened, and Blackfire floated out.

"How do I look?" Blackfire said, tossing pink hair over her shoulder from the wig she wore.

Robin and Starfire looked up at her. "Um... Why are you wearing that?" Robin said.

"I thought I'd try something new." The music changed. Blackfire gasped. "I love this song! Come and dance with me!"

Blackfire flew over, grabbed Robin, and pulled him back into the warehouse. I stepped out and heard crackling noises. I looked up at the warehouse's neon "SOTO" sign and watched an alien retriever emerge through the first O. It flew towards Starfire.

"Starfire, look out!" I cried, running over and shoving her away. The retriever wrapped its tentacles around me and yanked me off the ground.

"Ciela!" Starfire cried. Her eyes glowed green, and she flew after me. "Unhand my friend!"

"It's okay! They don't want me, they want-!" I called, but the alien realized I was not its target and it threw me into the window. I crashed through the glass and landed on a stack of large crates, shattering them. I groaned and sat up, plucking a piece of wood from my hair and feeling relieved to be in this world- otherwise, I would be very dead right now.

"Ciela? Are you okay?" Beast Boy said as he, Cyborg, and Raven gathered around me.

"I'm fine, but Starfire needs help. Those alien things are back, and they're after her. Tell her to aim for their undersides." I said. The Titans glanced between each other. "Go!"

They nodded and took off. I groaned as I laid back on the ground, succumbing to unconsciousness.


"Come on, wake up, now." a voice said. "Ciela, wake up."

I opened my eyes and saw the Titans hanging over me- that is, everyone except Starfire and Robin.

"You okay?" Beast Boy said.

"Yeah..." I said, sitting up and rubbing my head. "Man, that was one crazy party."

"Although, it did end with an unusual twist." Blackfire said. "I can't believe those weird things came after Starfire. But I suppose she'll get over it."

"She will." I said, shooting Blackfire a glare. "Nothing's taking her away."

Blackfire caught onto my words and tensed, returning the menacing look.

"Whatever you wanted Starfire to do, it worked." Cyborg said. "Those aliens went 'kaboom' when she attacked their weak points."

"Good..." I said. I gasped and looked out the window. It was still nighttime, and the moon rose higher in the sky. "Starfire."

"What is it?" Beast Boy said.

"We need to go, now! She's in trouble!" I cried. I jumped off the couch right as the Titans' communicators went off.

"Starfire's been taken! We gotta move!" Robin said through the communicator.

"Come on, let's go!"

The Titans nodded and filed out of the room. I looked back and at Blackfire, who continued to glare at me.

"You're not getting away with this." I said. Blackfire's glare hardened. I left the room before she could shoot me with one of her blackbolts.


When we left Titans Tower, we saw a faint smoke trail in the distance. We followed it to the source and found Robin and Starfire standing before a crashed spaceship.

"Are you guys okay? What happened?" Cyborg said.

Two Centauri aliens emerged from the smoke and approached us. One of them lifted his hand and brandished a badge.

"In the name of the Grand Centauri Empire, you are all under arrest." he said.

"What? Why? In case you may have not noticed, we're the good guys." Beast Boy said.

"You've been deceived. This Tamaranean girl is a liar and a thief. She has committed high crimes throughout the entire Centauri system." the second Centauri officer said, pointing a finger at Starfire.

Starfire shook her head with a puzzle expression. "You have been mistaken. I have never been to the Centauri moons..." she said. Her eyes widened as she touched the jewel around her neck. She took it off and handed it to the officers. "It appears you were chasing the wrong person. The one at fault is not me, but my sister, Blackfire."

"Hey, there she is!" Beast Boy said, pointing at Blackfire's silhouette as it zoomed through the sky.

Starfire's eyes glowed. "She will not get away with this!" she said, and she took off into the air.

We watched a battle take place between them, and their purple and green bolts exploded through the sky. Blackfire launched a barrage of her purple blackbolts at Starfire, but she flew through with ease. She shot a single starbolt at Blackfire, which ceased the barrage. The Centauri police flew back up in their spaceship and captured Blackfire, pulling her onto the spaceship and taking off into the sky.


~TPPOV~

Starfire sat on the roof of Titans Tower and watched the sun begin to rise.

"Hey," Robin said as he sat down beside her, "how are you doing?"

"I am... sad for my sister. I wish these things did not have to transpire." Starfire said, holding her legs to her chest. "But at least you all knew the truth before she could replace me."

"Replace you? What are you talking about?"

Starfire sighed and twiddled her fingers against her knees. "Everyone thoroughly enjoyed her presence, and then I overheard Cyborg say he believed it would be a grand idea to invite Blackfire to be a part of the Teen Titans... I was afraid you would all forget about me."

"Look, your sister was interesting, but she could never take your place. No one could take your place." Robin said. He smiled, but as he watched Starfire's face fill with confusion, his smile faded. "What's wrong?"

"Ciela... She spoke the exact same words to me." Starfire said, her eyes widening.

Robin raised his eyebrow. "She did?"

"Yes... but it was when my sister first arrived here. She spoke them as if she was aware of the troubles I was going through... perhaps before some of them even occurred."

Robin crossed his arms. "Something's going on with her. First, she appeared in our Tower, only to disappear before the day was over. Then, we saw her again at the carnival." Robin rubbed his chin. "She seemed like she knows what's going to happen long before it does..."

"Perhaps she possesses the ability to foresee the future?"

"I don't know..."

"Hey, Robin." Cyborg called from the staircase.

"Good, you're here." Robin said, he and Starfire standing up. "Could you go get Ciela?"

"That's what I came to tell you. She's gone again, man. We looked everywhere, but she disappeared."

Starfire and Robin glanced at each other in surprise.

"Who is this girl?" Robin said.