AUTHOR'S NOTE:

The theme for Trouble in Tokyo is "I May Fall" by Jeff and Casey Williams, from the show RWBY.


Pain exploded from my wrist as a powerful force shoved my hand away. A slap pierced the air, like a gunshot. My eyes opened, and I gasped as my pistol flew out of my hand, clattered to the ground, and spiraled away.

Starfire fell to her knees and pulled me into her arms, nearly crushing the air out of my body. I stared through her hair at the lights of the city, which were still blurred. My mouth hung open slightly. Silhouettes emerged from the lights, taking their own shapes and colors as they ran towards us.

Why did you...?

A steady, salty trickle splashed the top of my ear, distinguishable from the fresh rain. I could feel Starfire trembling. My vision sharpened and cleared. My stomach churned and my eyes shook as I registered my surroundings. Everything hit me like a speeding truck.

"I will not let harm come to you."

Thick, hot tears fell down my face as I began to sob. I grabbed onto Starfire, my fingers tangling into her hair, as I wept into her shoulder. My throat ached from my violent cries.

"Stay with them, Raven." I heard Robin said, his voice dark. He, Beast Boy, and Cyborg turned to Jane, who watched from afar. "Take her down."

Starfire pulled away from the embrace, covered in tiny slivers from the glass and drops of my blood. She reached up and wiped my cheeks as I continued to cry. Raven knelt next to me and placed it on my shoulder. I opened my eyes and looked at her as she examined my battered body. Raven rested both hands on my shoulders. Her hands glowed white, and the white traveled to my body, consuming it. The glass vanished, and my wounds closed. Some of my energy came back to me. I kept my eyes on the boys as they fought Jane.

"...I'm sorry." I whispered. "I thought I could take care of this by myself."

Raven roughly grabbed my chin and forced me to look at her. "Don't ever do that again." Raven hissed. I gaped at her. "How many times are we going to pound it into that stubborn head of yours? You matter in this world. You matter in your world, too. How do you think we would have felt if we came just a second too late? If you die, I will never forgive you."

I could see the tears pooling in Raven's eyes. She pulled me into a hug. Starfire stood up and disappeared from my side. I still had a clear view of the boys fighting Jane. Cyborg threw a punch at Jane, but she flipped over him, using her scythe as a pole vault. She snagged Cyborg's torso with the blade of her scythe and threw him at Beast Boy. Robin leaped over the two and thrust his bo-staff into Jane's stomach, followed by a strike to her cheek. Jane brought up her scythe and redirected the bo-staff as Robin swung again and slammed her fist into his cheek. She shoved her foot into his chest and knocked him to the ground.

"She's too strong. She knows too much about you." I said.

Raven pulled away and gripped my shoulders. "Not everything. We have a secret weapon."

Starfire returned to my side and held my energy pistols out to me. I looked up at Starfire, who smiled warmly through teary eyes. With trembling hands, I reached up and took the pistols. They lit up from my touch. I stared at my weapons, my grip slowly tightening. I pushed up to my feet. Jane looked over and grinned.

"Well, well. Did you finally decide to put your extra-large big girl pants on?" she said. "Before you trapped my partner, he left me with a special gift."

Jane lifted her left arm out from under her cloak, revealing a black gauntlet with purple lining. The tips of her fingers glowed purple, and she pounded her fist into the ground. Her shadow peeled off the ground and divided, creating five Shadow Cielas. Each Shadow Ciela wielded one of my five gun transformations.

Robin used his bo-staff to lift himself back to his feet. "Titans, go!"

My friends separated, each engaging battling against one of the Shadow Cielas. A laser arrow flew past me, and I turned to Bow Ciela, her arms up from post-shot. I stepped forward and changed my pistols into a bow to match. Bow Ciela nocked another arrow, but Beast Boy, as a ram, tackled her to the ground. He transformed back to his human self and smiled at me. I nodded with a smile and nocked an arrow. Beast Boy transformed into a cockroach and clung to the arrow. I fired. Bow Ciela twisted her body and dodged the arrow, but Beast Boy jumped off, transformed into a kangaroo, and kicked her in the torso, knocking her to the ground. Beast Boy bounced behind me and transformed into a gorilla. He grabbed my waist and threw me into the air. As Bow Ciela climbed to her feet, I shot three consecutive arrows. One arrow hit each of Bow Ciela's shoulders, and the third impaled her stomach. I fell back down and into Beast Boy's arms. Bow Ciela ripped the arrows out of her body. Beast Boy set me down. He grunted with the tilt of his chin before he charged towards Bow Ciela and threw a punch at her.

A thick laser zoomed towards me. A shield of astral magic covered me and deflected the laser. Sniper Ciela aimed and fired at Raven, but she blocked it. Raven cast a platform before me, and I climbed onto it. Raven lifted the platform into the air and guided me through the sky. I shot at Sniper Ciela while Raven helped me dodge the opposing lasers. Raven uprooted the fountain from the ground and threw it at Sniper Ciela, knocking her to the ground.

"Go!" Raven called as she set me on the ground. The fountain exploded, and Sniper Ciela climbed to her feet.

I looked around me, setting my eyes on Cyborg. Gauntlet Ciela threw punches, shooting a barrage of lasers at Cyborg while he shot with his sonic cannon. Cyborg charged at Gauntlet Ciela and threw some punches, but she dodged them. She planted her hand on Cyborg's chest and shot a laser, knocking him back. I ran past Cyborg and transformed my bazooka into gauntlets. Gauntlet Ciela cracked her knuckles and ran towards me. She reeled her fist back and launched it at me. I swung my arm, throwing it to the side, and slammed my fist into Gauntlet Ciela's stomach. I swung my leg up, swiping the tip of my shoe into her cheek. I jumped back next to Cyborg, my palm stretched out, and we fired at Gauntlet Ciela. She fired back, but our combined attack proved stronger and threw her to the ground. Cyborg flashed a smile and a thumbs-up before charging towards Gauntlet Ciela.

When her moved out of the way, I saw Pistol Ciela with a gun aimed at me. I reverted my gauntlets back to pistols, holstered one, and raised my free hand into the air. Starfire flew down and grabbed my hand. Pistol Ciela fired as fast as she physically could, showering the sky with lasers. Starfire flew around, dodging the lasers. I fired back. Some lasers hit Pistol Ciela and made her stagger. Starfire swooped down and released me, and I tackled Pistol Ciela to the ground. Straddling her waist, I reeled a fist back and punched Pistol Ciela twice. On the third time, she grabbed my wrists and reversed the position. Pistol Ciela grabbed her pistols and reeled back to hit me, but Starfire lunged and tackled her, throwing her off me.

I sat up. The tip of a black blade hovered an inch from my nose, and I looked up to see Sword Ciela standing over me. She brought the sword back, but Robin jump kicked her away. Robin stood up straight and turned to me, offering me a hand. I accepted it, stood, and we faced Sword Ciela. We glanced at each other with smiles before pulling out our weapons. Simultaneously, we brought our weapons together, creating our energy sword and birdarang sword. Robin lunged at Sword Ciela, blade first. Sword Ciela twisted away and reeled her sword back. I leaped in and blocked the blade. Sparks ignited from the grinding connection and fell to the ground. I shoved Sword Ciela back and leg swept her. Sword Ciela caught herself with a kip-up. She backflipped off a nearby chunk of rock, landing in a crouch. She pushed off her feet and slashed. Robin and I blocked the attack.

"Go, Ciela. I'll take care of her." Robin said. "Show her what it means to mess with the Teen Titans."

I nodded. Robin shoved Sword Ciela back, followed by another counter of her swing. I turned on my heel and sprinted towards Jane, who stood with her scythe laying over her shoulders and a grin. I climbed up a chunk of rock and leaped towards Jane, my arm reeled back. I swung, but Jane countered it with her scythe.

"I knew Malchior wouldn't take care of the job." Jane panted while she spoke. Up close, I noticed sweat on her forehead. Using that gauntlet must have taken a lot out of her. "What a useless partner."

"I'm taking you back to our world, Jane. I came here to save you, and I won't fail." I said. We pushed away. "I can't return home knowing you'll be trapped here forever."

"Save your heroic speech. I'm not interested."

"I am going to speak my mind, and you are going to listen!" I snapped. "You made my life a living nightmare. For the past ten years, I woke up so terrified to step outside my door and into the world because I knew that if I did, you were waiting for me. I always believed that it was my punishment for being alive. But... if it weren't for you, I never would have found a way into this world. I never would have met the Teen Titans. I never would have realized all the people out there who loved me. So... thank you, Jane."

Jane rolled her eyes. "Are you done yet? One more word, and you'll put me to sleep."

"Yes, I'm done. And so are you." I said. I whirled around and sprinted to the others, transforming my sword into my bazooka. "Now!"

My friends surrounded the Shadow Cielas. I jumped in, and we unleashed one huge attack: Cyborg's sonic cannon, Starfire's starbolts, Raven's astral magic, Robin's explosive discs, and my bazooka. A huge explosion erupted as the Shadow Cielas were destroyed. The shadows melted and zoomed through the air and back over the Jane, cutting through her as her shadow returned to her side on the cement. Jane cried in agony before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

I walked over to Jane, removed my necklace, and knelt at her side. I placed the charm in Jane's hands and closed her fingers around it. I gripped the chain of my necklace. I squeezed my eyes shut.

Please work... Take Jane home.

I repeated these words in my mind for several moments. Finally, I opened my eyes and watched Jane fade away. My charm slipped from her grip and dangled in the air. A wave of relief washed over me, and I sighed deeply. I clipped my necklace back on and climbed to my feet, panting quietly as exhaustion weighed down on me. Whatever energy Raven gave me was long gone. My vision grew bleary as I stumbled back and fell.

Five pairs of hands caught me. My head lolled back, and I fell asleep.


Consciousness returned to me. I opened my eyes and absorbed my surroundings. I was in a hotel room. I hugged my arms. I was dressed in light pink pajamas and my hair was down. I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. The first thing I noticed was a head poking up from the end of the bed. I blinked a few times to adjust to the darkness. A window on the wall let the lights of the city in, helping me see.

"Robin?" I whispered.

Robin leaped to his feet and turned to face me. "You're awake."

"What are you doing in here?"

"I decided to be... um... on watch. I thought you would sleep through the night after all that happened." Robin turned away and walked to the window. He hid his face from me. "I couldn't imagine living in a place so bright. The lights would keep me awake. Good thing Titans Tower is far from Jump City."

I stared at the back of his head. I climbed out of bed and approached him, standing behind him.

"...Robin?" I said.

Robin bowed his head. I reached out to touch his arm. Robin turned around and pulled me into a tight embrace, catching me off guard.

"I'm sorry. I knew what Jane wanted to do. I knew her intentions... but I failed to protect you." Robin said. "I thought I lost you. I'm afraid... that if I let you out of my sight, or if I let you go, I'll never see you again."

Tears pricked my eyes. I shook my head, reached up, and hugged Robin. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry. It's not your fault. I'm here because of you and the others." I said. "Thank you for saving me."

We pulled away and smiled at each other.

"I should... let you get back to sleep." Robin said, running a finger under his nose. He stepped around me and headed to the door.

"Robin." I said. Robin stopped at the door and turned. "Good night."

Robin smiled and opened the door. "Good night." He closed the door behind him, leaving me in the dark.

I turned and walked to the window. I opened the window and leaned on the sill, focusing on the bright city lights before me. I reached up and gripped my necklace with a smile.


The six of us stood on a large stage that was set up in the city's center a few hours prior. I glanced up at the giant electronic billboard that displayed our faces for those who were farther away from the front. Thousands of citizens crowded the area, and I couldn't see the ground. Their cheers filled my ears and drowned out any other noises that tried to puncture through.

The mayor of Tokyo stepped on stage. The cheering had simmered down slightly. His assistant stood with him, carrying a green pillow with six gold medals laid neatly on top. Simultaneously, we bowed. One by one, the mayor placed a medal around our necks. When the weight hung around my neck, I opened my eyes and cupped the gold medal in my hand. The sunlight reflected off the sheen surface.

"For diligently striving to protect our city, uncovering the truth, and revealing the true masterminds of evil and bringing them to justice, I present these medals to Tokyo's newest heroes: the Teen Titans!" the mayor said.

Once we all received medals, we stood up straight. The multitudes burst into cheers, the volume smacking us with huge force. Posters with sayings in both English and Japanese were tossed into the air. I looked up and watched multi-colored confetti flutter from the sky in waves. A tiny piece of the colorful paper landed on my cheek, but the tears streaming from my eyes kept it glued on. I reached up, peeled it off, and turned to my friends, who were already staring at me.

"So... this is...?" Cyborg said.

I ran my hands over my cheeks, but more tears replaced them. I nodded. "It's time for me to go." I said.

"But... But we don't want you to leave." Beast Boy said. "Can't you stay?"

I reached up and gripped my necklace. "I wish I could do that. I want more than anything to stay with you guys... But I'm needed back home. That's where my life is."

My heart pounded heavily in my chest. My lip quivered, and I chuckled as I wiped my face.

There's so much I want to say... So much I want to tell them. These feelings in my heart... I can't comprehend them. With every passing day, they wove together, becoming thicker and stronger... almost tangible.

I... I want to convey these feelings to them. I want them to feel these things, too.

I opened my eyes and looked at my friends, who all watched me with smiles.

Maybe... they already have.

"I love you guys. Thank you for everything you've done. I'll never forget you." I said.

Starfire rushed to me and threw her arms around me, followed shortly by Beast Boy and Cyborg. Raven snaked her hand through the tangled bodies and rested a hand on my shoulder. Their tears fell on my clothes. I looked up and at Robin, who stood a few feet away from us. With heavy shoulders, he smiled. I smiled through my tears as my vision faded to black.

Please... Don't forget me.


My eyes opened. I lifted a hand up and examined my true flesh. I sat up and looked around my room.

I was home. And this time, I was here to stay.

I pulled off my covers and swung my legs over the side, ready to stand. I placed my hands on the bed, and something lightly scratched my pinky. I looked and saw something poking out from underneath my pillow. As I slowly pulled it out, my eyes widened. I turned the Polaroid picture around, my hands trembling as I stared at the photo of me and Beast Boy. My necklace dangled in my bottom peripheral. I cupped it in my hand and stared at the charm.

The bottom left quarter of the circle was orange, representing Starfire.

My door burst open, and I snapped my head up. My mother stood at my door, panting with wide eyes. I stood up and opened my mouth. Sobs came out instead of words. My mother rushed over and collected me in her arms. I wrapped an arm around her, the other tightly clutching the picture to my chest.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I wept repeatedly.

My mother stroked my hair. "No, no. Don't apologize." she said. She pulled away and gripped my shoulders. "I am so proud of you." My mother noticed the picture in my hand. She gently took it and looked at it with a smile. "I know they are, too."

I took the photo back. A smile spread across my lips, and I looked up at my mother as more tears fell down my face. She reached up, wiped them away, and pulled me into another hug.