Author's Notes: Alright people I'm going to try and make this a really long chapter for you guys! Oh and thank you so much At the writer's block for reviewing my story! It answered all my questions, was very informative, and…it really made me feel good! I hope this next chapter is worth it!
When Terra woke up, she found herself lying in an unfamiliar bed. Well, for her any bed would be unfamiliar and unusual. Besides her recently abandoned space on the Titan's couch of course. Her wide eyes were filled with confusion as she observed her surroundings. At the moment, she was in a rather small room with white walls which nearly blinded her with their brightness. The room consisted of nothing, but the twin sized bed which occupied her lithe form and a fancy dresser which appeared to have been carved from mahogany. Much like her, the adorned accommodation seemed to be lost and out of place. To her right she observed another room which turned out to be a bathroom, complete with a shower, sink, and toilet. There was even a red toothbrush and toothpaste perched near the gleaming faucet. All of a sudden, Terra became aware of the throbbing pain that emitted from her head. She reached up to touch her head only to feel… cloth? She jumped out of bed, throwing the bed sheets around in a tangled manner. She entered in the bathroom and observed her reflection in the oval mirror above the sink. Sure enough there was a medical cloth wrapped around her head, concealing an unknown injury. Terra reached up and began unwrapping the soft strip from her head. What was revealed to her shocked her more than anything, for a deep purple and yellow bruise glared angrily at her from her once clear skin. With a shaky hand, she raised her hand to lightly brush across the horrid detriment.
"How did this happen?" she whispered to herself, her reflection's eyes filled with concern. All of a sudden memories came back to her, like a bobber in the water that had just escaped a fish's mouth.
You know what I long for Terra. I wish to help you my dear. Now Terra, what ever made you think they were your friends? I can help you control your powers. I can help you shine. You don't belong with the Titans. Because I'm here.
Picturing his haunting artificial face and chillingly alluring voice made Terra shake her head in realization. "Slade." She simply stated this single word dripped with determination and wonder. With one last glance at her florid abrasion, she ran from the bathroom, out of the bedroom and into a hallway of shadows. Unknown to Terra, her body would soon be decorated with agonies and adorned with painful memories and regret.
"Good, she's awake." Stated Slade as he observed Terra wandering the dim lighted halls, searching for answers. Searching for him. He tightened his fists, cracking his knuckles, an action that appeared most menacing to those that didn't know him. Fortunately, his loyal butler and long time friend, Wintergreen, whom was standing just to the left of Slade, was all too familiar with all of his tactics and mannerisms. He didn't even bat an eye when Slade suddenly turned on him. "When will the rest of the accommodations arrive?" Slade asked in a serious and business like tone. Wintergreen nodded briefly, showing respect for his old friend and master before replying," Jerauld explained that the rest of the shipment will arrive no later than tomorrow." With his white hair, blemished face and wise gray eyes, the butler seemed to be much older than he actually was. Slade and he shared a particular bond created from anguish and loss. Many horrible memories clouded their friendship and respect from one another, yet at the same time seemed to make it all the more stronger. Slade turned back towards the oversized screens which still displayed Terra observing the structured halls, close to her destination.
"Good." He simply stated, scrutinizing the young form. "Is there anything more I can do for you sir?" Wintergreen asked courteously. Without looking at him, the powerful man replied," No. You are dismissed." Wintergreen bowed and exited out of the vast chamber. On the opposite side, Terra just burst through the end of the hallway, almost relieved to be in another room rather than the endless hallways. This endless chamber was much different that the room she had found her self in with enormous gears and other metal structures churning and spinning. And it seemed that so far, her room was the brightest of all, for this place was also adorned with darkness. Towards the front, she observed many large monitors which now displayed the empty hallways, she was just stumbling down. Standing in front of them, not acknowledging her was the intimidating figure of Slade.
"Slade, what happened? How did I get here? What is this place? How did I get hurt?" Terra asked while running towards the unmoving form. Slade chuckled," My my, we are curious aren't we?" Terra rolled her eyes as she stopped a few feet away from him. Still gazing at the monitors Slade replies," I came to you with a generous offer and you attempted to run away again. When I pursued you, you turned your impressive powers on me. Unfortunately being powerful is nothing without having control which is something you…lack. You caused an unwilling avalanche which sent large rocks hurtling upon us. I was able to dodge, but you weren't so successful. I carried you to my lair and tended your wound. The injury should be gone in a couple of days."
Terra placed her hand on the colorful bruise, a confused expression etched onto her face. "Then how come I don't remember any of that? All I remember is the Hall of Mirrors and you…" she trailed off, lost in her own disorientation. Within her, there was a distant feeling of dread.
"That bump did quite a number on you. I depict that it must have also affected your short term memory. You need not to dwell on that."
Terra thought hard in silence, striving to remember anything, but to no success. She didn't remember any avalanche. She didn't even remember leaving the Hall of Mirrors. She shrugged her shoulders, for she had no other possible explanation on what actually occurred. She grabbed her head; the pounding agony was beginning to disintegrate, thankfully. "Wow it feels like I was hit by a truck." She said with a small laugh, looking still, at Slade's back.
Beneath his masked, Slade sneered, knowing that although Terra still had doubts, she had accepted his lie. There was no point in revealing to her the whereabouts of his lair. Especially if she has a change of heart and returns to the Titans; like he would ever allow that to happen. At least until she was more...sculpted to his liking. He was pretty sure that she would greatly dislike the fact that it was he who had harmed her. But there was no fear of her finding out. She was clay in his persuasive hands. He chuckled darkly at his hidden joke," Believe me Terra, it possessed the force of a truck" With that, he finally turned around to face her, his eye narrowed in hidden deceit. "You look tired Terra. Go take a shower and then go immediately to bed. Wintergreen has put the necessities in your bathroom and a small dinner in your room." He said in a slightly commanding voice. Terra blinked, her wide eyes open in shock. She had not expected this from…Slade. The Titans had told her he was a really bad man. Perhaps Slade was right. The Titans had done nothing, but lie to her and feed her false hope. She looked up at Slade's powerful form. "Alright." She stated softly. And with that she ran out of the room, a small smile forming on her lips. Maybe this is where I belong after all, she thought, no longer uncomfortable with the never ending desolate hallways. Maybe this is what it felt like to have a home.
Back in her room she ate a brief dinner which consisted of an apple, two pieces of toasted bread, a glass of orange juice, and a bottle of water.
Slade could teach me how to control my powers. And I could finally be normal. Have friends and a happy life. And I would never harm anyone again.
Jubilant thoughts enveloped through Terra's mind as she swallowed her food gratefully. At first, she was unsure of what to expect, but everything that happened was completely opposite of what she had predicted. Everything could work out. After she was done, she ran to the bathroom and undressed. She gazed at her body in disappointment. It was the body of a young, almost anorexic girl. She never found herself to be attractive. She always felt childish and small next to other girls her age. She especially felt inferior to the beautiful beings, Starfire and Raven. With their silky hair, doll like faces and voluptuous bodies, those girls could achieve anything they ever wanted. And she would always be stuck in the dark, hidden from judging eyes. Terra shook her head, snatched from her daze and stepped into the shower. The hot water cascaded down her back like a waterfall of ecstasy. She smiled, as she lathered herself with rich strawberry scented soaps, enjoying the serene moment.
A few minutes later, Terra emerged from the steam enveloped bathroom, her fragile form wrapped in a white towel. Surprisingly she found clothes laid out on the bed for her. She rushed to them, relieved for she had no extra clothing other than the attire she always wore. Apparently the clothing was for nightwear for it only consisted of a black aerobics top and small gray shorts. But…no underwear…? Her blue eyes looked about the bed; perhaps they had fallen off. But unfortunately no undergarments were found. She shrugged her shoulders. She would ask Slade later. She quickly slipped out of the towel and into her new attire, the aerobics top flattening her perky breasts to nothing and the shorts ended at her upper thigh. She felt over exposed and for some reason, completely vulnerable. All of a sudden, she was filled with an unsettling feeling of dread. She turned around quickly, only to face a single gray eye filled with malice adorned by a familiar orange and black mask. Overwhelming shock was all that kept her from screaming.
More Notes: Alright people! whew I kept my promise! I tried to write you a nice long chapter and let me tell ya, this one wa really hard! Don't know why, but all I know is I'm glad its over. well I hope this will occupy you guys for a while because until I get more reviews, I won't post anymore! Mwhahahahahahahahaha! alright alright I'm just kidding, i'll probably still update for my own sick amusement, but I'm begging ya people REVIEW! catcha later!