~THREE MONTHS LATER~
"Let's go out and get ice cream tomorrow!" chimed one of my guy friends as we exited the halls of our school. He nudged my elbow. "After all, tomorrow's a special day."
"Guys, you really don't have to." I said, gripping my backpack straps with a smile.
"I'm sorry, let me check something..." The second of them glanced at his wristwatch. He tapped the glass. "September 8th! You want us to just forget that it's your birthday?"
"Well, of course not. I just don't think..."
My three friends stopped and created a wall in front of me. I stepped back to create space.
"You're getting ice cream. Discussion over." the third said. "If you need another reason, we can use the break from the school year."
"...You mean the one that just started?" the second one said.
"Exactly. I'm exhausted already."
I chuckled. "Okay, fine. If that's what will make you happy." I fished my car keys out of my backpack. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"We better!"
I turned on my heel and rolled my eyes with a smile. I clicked the unlock button on the key fob. The headlights of my car- an orange, 2005 Ford Focus- flashed a few times to remind me where it was in the parking lot. My mom agreed to help me pay for the car, but that meant a very, very work-filled summer. I climbed inside, turned the car on, and crept out of the parking lot. I waved to my friends as I passed them.
I turned into the driveway, parking alongside my mother's minivan, and turned the car off. I paused a moment to lean my head against the headrest. That's right, tomorrow's my birthday. I always thought seventeen to be one of the boring ages. Sixteen is when you can drive, and eighteen is when you're considered an adult. With seventeen, nothing exciting awaited you when you turned that age.
Unless I counted the ice cream date with my friends.
I climbed out, locked my car, and headed inside. When I opened the door, commotion coming from upstairs suddenly ceased. I closed the door.
"I'm home." I called. "Mom?"
"I'm up here!" Mom called... from my room? I raised an eyebrow and climbed up the stairs. I tried to turn the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge. "Don't come in!"
"I can't. You locked the door." I said with a light chuckle.
"Just one more second..." Mom drawled. I heard paper rustling from the other side of the door. "Okay!"
I heard her footsteps, and the door opened. Mom wore a wide smile.
"What are you doing in here?" I said.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't wait for tomorrow!" Mom ushered me in. My eyes traveled to my bed, which had a large, white, rectangular box laying on it. "I've been waiting weeks for this to come in, and it finally did this morning while you were in school."
"I should wait until tomorrow, when it's my actual birthday."
"You have other presents. I really think you should open this one now."
I glanced at Mom. She bounced on her toes like a child. I smiled. "Well, okay."
I dropped my backpack at my desk and stood before the box. I could feel Mom's buzzing excitement. I lifted the top off the box and removed the tissue paper.
I stood, frozen from what I saw. Mom placed her hands on my shoulders.
"I don't think there should be any reason to make you forget." she said.
I reached down and pulled a brown leather jacket from the box. The rest of my Teen Titans outfit lay in a neat pile inside the box.
"Mom..." I said. "I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything until you've tried it on. I want to see how it looks!" Mom said. She stepped out of my room, closing the door behind her.
I stared at the clothing, a lump forming in my throat. I swallowed it down, pulled the rest of the clothes out of the box, and laid them in a line. I turned away from the mirror and changed into the clothes. The never-been-worn outfit felt a bit stiff, but use would help shape it to my body. I grabbed a ponytail off my bedside table, collected my hair over my right shoulder, and braided it. I walked backwards until I felt the heel of my shoes bump my mirror. Taking a deep breath, I turned around.
My eyes widened at my appearance. As they danced across my reflection, taking in every crease of the clothes, memories flooded my mind. I covered my hand over my mouth as tears spilled out of my eyes and absorbed into my glove. I placed the other hand on the glass; my reflection copied me.
The movement caused my necklace to sway as it hung from the top right corner of my mirror. It swung on a tack, which also kept in place the picture of me and Beast Boy. More tears fell. I removed my necklace from the tack. I reached behind me and tried to clip on the necklace, but my fingers fumbled. My necklace slipped out of my hands, hit the ground, and tumbled underneath my desk. I crawled under and grabbed it. I hit my head as I came back up, resulting in a wince. I rubbed the top of my head as I stood back up on my feet.
As I moved to put my necklace on, something caught my eye. I pinched the charm between my fingers and held it close to my face. Something poked out of the bottom.
Is this... a USB?
I dried my eyes and sat at my desk. I plugged my necklace into my computer (a rather strange thing to think about) and wiggled my mouse to pull the screen from sleep.
A gasp escaped me as I stared at the list of videos before me. I skimmed my eyes over the titles and thumbnails, my mouth dropping the further down the list I got.
It was my series.
I came to the end of the list, with Trouble in Tokyo. Below it, there was another video- The Lost Episode.
I never experienced that during my time in the Teen Titans world... I always thought I'd skip over it since it's not a part of any season.
I clicked on the video. No title sequence played. The camera remained fixated on a dark gray wall. There was shuffling, and the camera wobbled a bit. Beast Boy stepped into the shot and sat down in front of the camera.
"Um... Hi, Ciela." he said, awkwardly waving at the camera. My eyes widened, and I leaned forward. "We thought it would be nice to make this little video on the off-chance that you find it in your world. I really hope you do, because this is kind of weird." Beast Boy glanced around the room and twiddled his thumbs. "Uh... I've never done this before, so I don't really know what to do... I guess start talking. Of course, I've already taken care of that."
I chuckled and leaned back.
"It's been pretty quiet since you left. We spent our entire ride home from Tokyo in complete silence- something I never thought I'd ever experience as a Teen Titan. After we got home, we all went to our rooms and stayed there for the rest of the day. It was weird, not talking to the others. The next morning, Robin called us all into Ops and pitched this video idea. Everyone was in total agreement, but we had to put it off for a few days because Dr. Light was causing trouble. Cyborg just got everything set up, and now we're taking turns talking to you. I'm the first one... the guinea pig. We also agreed that no one else would be able to see this, not even each other. Only you. So... here goes.
"I want to thank you for always being there for me. There were a lot of times when I felt like everyone was against me, like when those chemicals turned me into a big monster... and a huge jerk. No matter what anyone else thought of me, you were the one who believed in me regardless. It always felt so good to have you around, because you understood where we were coming from. It's nice to have someone who understands.
"I also... want to thank you for Terra. It's hard, but... I can feel myself getting better. Slowly, I'm starting to let her go and let myself heal. It's all thanks to you. I've still got some ways to go, but I know I'll have the strength to get through this... because I've seen you do the same. You used to think you were weak, but to me, you're one of the strongest people I know. I'm glad we could meet and become friends. I'm glad you laughed at my jokes. Thanks for everything."
He lifted up a small remote and pressed a button. The screen went black for a quick second before showing the dark gray wall again. This time, Raven sat down in front of the camera.
"You should know what I saw- the vision I had of your future. After the first fiasco with Starfire's sister, Blackfire, Robin came to me that night and asked me if I could find out anything about you. I spent hours meditating, trying to scrounge up any inkling of information about you. Right when I was about to give up, I had a vision of your future... of your fate.
"I saw you in Tokyo, fighting against Jane. I saw you struggling. I saw you... kill yourself. We all arrived and found you laying in a pool of your own blood. We were just a few seconds too late. I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night, and the next day, I told Robin I came to a dead end... Call it a lie or a misinterpretation- you be the one to decide.
"Then you told me about my father and how the Teen Titans would save the world from its terrible destiny. I thought that maybe we would also have the power to change yours and save you. I'm glad we did." Raven smiled. "I clung to that bit of hope I had inside. It was small and weak, but it didn't disappear because I wasn't alone. After everything we've been through, there's no way any of us would have let something like that happen. Thank goodness it didn't. I don't know what I would do without that hopelessly optimistic attitude of yours... I say that, but in reality, it's something that I've needed to counter my dark thoughts. Thank you, Ciela."
Raven pressed the button on the remote. The next shot was of Cyborg rubbing the back of his neck.
"Man, I've got a few things to say... Mostly... I'm sorry." Cyborg said. "I was really skeptical of you when we first met, and I didn't treat you as nicely as the others. I guess I didn't want to believe all the things you told us. In my head, you were a complete weirdo who knew nothing about fighting but a heck of a lot about us. It was kind of hard to accept you as readily as everyone else did."
I smiled. You weren't the only one.
"I turned out to be the fool. I meant it when I said you being in our world was awesome. You proved yourself every day that you belonged with us. Your skills were wobbly at first, but that never stopped you from trying to improve and be better. The weapons I made were perfect for you- the pistols were capable of new things and open to change, and they did when guided by the right person. But no matter what form they took on, its original self was still there, though when it did go back, it wasn't quite the same... It was better- much, much better.
"I couldn't have asked for a better partner in helping me to stop Brother Blood. You make a good Airis and a great fake sister. Seeing you in action, you helped to give me the strength I needed to accept myself for who I am. You're not the only one who struggled with being happy in their own body. It happens to all of us, but the best are those who rise from it and become better than they were before. I hope you continue to do just that in your world. Ciela... Thanks."
Cyborg pressed the button on the remote, switching over to an extreme close-up of a green eye. I leaned back and laughed as Starfire examined the camera lens. She stepped back and sat down.
"Hello, my dear and beloved friend!" Starfire cried with a wave. "How I miss you so! It has been very lonesome without your presence. I hope your world has given you kindness and happiness. I would hate for it to still treat you unfairly. You do not deserve it- you never did- and if you are, I will do everything in my power to come into your world and right those wrongs!"
I exhaled quietly with a small smile.
"Ever since you found yourself within our world, it became a great blessing for all of us. Whenever you were around, it was like I could feel the warmth of Tamaran's suns on me. You are the greatest and best friend I could ever have. Thank you for coming here so that we could meet you." Tears pricked Starfire's eyes, but she smiled through them. "Your friendship is something I will always cherish within my heart. I pray to X'hal that one day we may be together again. Thank you, Ciela."
Starfire pressed the button on the remote. I breathed a chuckle, but it stopped immediately when Robin stepped into the shot and sat down.
"I know I was the one to suggest this, and I definitely don't regret it... but I think I'm the most nervous about it." Robin sighed deeply. "Where to begin? Well, I guess from the beginning. I've fought psychotic villains, robot commandos, and giant oozing monsters... but I wasn't prepared to have a girl suddenly appear on my living room floor. None of us were. I wasn't prepared to hear that she came from a different world, where ours was just a TV show. That boggled my brain for a good month. It makes me even more nervous that this might not reach you. Even if it doesn't... I still want to say what I have to say.
"You didn't know the first thing about combat. I wish I kept tally for how many times you ended up on your butt. But I had a good reason for tossing you around like a discus. It helped you to learn. It was amazing to see how far you had come. Seeing you cut down bad guys, I almost forgot your beginnings. I doubt anyone would have believed me if I told them it was not too long ago you knew next to nothing.
"You've grown up a lot since we first met. I still remember the timid, starstruck girl who did nothing but kick herself. That was something we weren't going to let stick around. Watching you as you learned, fought, and lived... it was something to behold. I got to see and know the real Ciela: the one who's not afraid to pick fights to defend what she believes in, who, when she feels, she feels with every part of herself, and who is always willing to try something, anything, to make things right. The real Ciela was a force to be reckoned with... and making her a member of our team was one of the best decisions I ever made.
"Thank you for coming here. Thank you for being a part of our team. Thank you for touching each of our hearts. I hope one day you truly understand just how important you are to us... to me." Robin sighed. "There's still so much more I want to tell you... but I decided it would be better to wait until the day we meet again, so I can tell you face-to-face. So I know for sure my words are reaching you. Until then... Thank you."
Slowly and hesitantly, Robin lifted the remote up and pressed the button. The screen went black, followed by complete silence. I stared at the blank screen. It took a few moments before I realized I was crying. I unplugged my necklace from my computer. I pulled the USB head out of the necklace and gingerly placed it to the side. I clipped my necklace on and turned to face my reflection.
No... I clenched my fists and leaped out of my chair.
"No!" I cried aloud. I marched over and shook my mirror. "I don't want this to be it! I don't want this to be the end! I want to go back! I want to laugh with my friends again! I want them to be a part of my life again!" I pressed my forehead against the glass and closed my eyes. "Please... let me back in."
As the Lost Episode replayed in my head, so many more memories of the show filled my mind. Behind my eyelids, a bright light began to shine. I opened my eyes, blinking a few times, and stared at my necklace as its colors began to glow. I gasped and gripped my necklace. The colors leaked through the creases of my fingers. I looked up at my reflection as my vision filled with white.
My eyes involuntarily fluttered as consciousness gripped me. I was on the floor. I peeled my eyes open.
Immediately, I shot up, my jaw unhinged as I looked around the room. I rested my hand on the ground, feeling the familiar red carpet beneath me that led to a large, crescent-shape couch that faced the wall-length window overlooking...
Jump City.
I leaped to my feet. My heart pattered in my chest. I sprinted down the halls, forcing each door that I came across open. No one was home. I gulped and hurried to one door. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door.
My room! My room was here! All the knickknacks and orange bedspreads where still here! I ran to the window, pressing my nose to the glass, and stared at the beautiful view of the ocean and the city. The sun was inching towards the west side of the sky. I pulled out my communicator and turned it on. I checked the time, and my eyes widened. It was the same time as back in my world. Does that mean time flows at the same rate now, since the series is over? I peeled myself away, ran out of my room, and down to the entrance.
I turned my head, and my heart skipped a beat. I came to a stop and stared at the picture hanging on the wall. There I was, surrounded by my friends, as the six of us smiled at the camera to create this new portrait. Even if I had blinked, it still would have been the greatest picture ever! I faced forward and sprinted to the doors. I palmed the scanner on the wall, and the doors opened. I hurried outside and inhaled the salty ocean air.
Jump City... I thought, a wide smile on my face. I'm home!
My feet pounded against the pavement. I navigated past the pedestrians, shouting my breathless apologies as I passed. With each street block, I ran a little bit faster.
I turned the corner, and I could see the familiar, giant pizza sign several hundred feet away. Adrenaline pumped through my blood, and I started to run again. A pair of construction workers lugged a stack of wooden planks out of a building. I leaped over the planks, not even once slowing my stride.
My sprint slowed to a jog, then to a walk, until finally I stopped. My shoulders heaved from my heavy panting. A light sweat had formed on my brow. My head felt a little dizzy from the vigorous exercise.
But none of that mattered, because in front of me were five faces. Five people. Five friends.
They didn't notice me. The waiter had just set their pizza down, and they started gobbling it up. After a few moments of anxious anticipation, a pair of eyes finally found me. Starfire was preparing to take a bite of her pizza. Her fingers went limp, and the slice slipped out of her hands and slapped against her plate. She sat there, frozen. The others noticed her unusual behavior and followed her line of sight to me. Soon, each Teen Titan sat with dumbstruck expressions. The smile on my face grew even wider.
"Ciela!"
Starfire was the first to her feet. She leaped over the table and covered the distance between us in less than a second. Her body collided with mine, rocketing us back a few feet, and her arms wrapped around me like a boa constrictor. Her fingers dug into my back as she clung to me. Beast Boy leaped into the air and transformed into a squirrel monkey. He wrapped his legs, arms, and tail around my neck and shoulders. Cyborg wrapped his arms around the three of us and lifted us all into the air; I cried out in surprise, but also laughed with glee.
"I missed you all, too." I choked through my crushed lungs.
We untangled ourselves. Beast Boy transformed back to his human self and shook my shoulders. "How are you here?! We thought you were gone for good!"
"I thought so, too." I smiled. "But I guess I'm not done laughing at your jokes yet. Or proving my fighting skills to Cyborg."
Beast Boy and Cyborg gaped in shock for a few moments before it melted into smiles.
"She got our message! She got it!" Beast Boy said, throwing his arms around my shoulders.
"So... what happens now?" Raven said.
I pried Beast Boy off me. "I don't know. The series is over. From now on, I haven't the slightest clue of what may come."
"Well, then..." Robin folded his arms with a smile. "I guess we'll just have to create a new story."
I smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Another one with all of us in it!" I scratched the back of my head. "Unfortunately, I won't know what's going to happen."
Robin's smile grew. "Not knowing is the best part. We'll find out what happens together."
I nodded again. Starfire threw her arms around me. I laughed and hugged her back.
