A/N: What is gucci walla walla readers? It's the writer JC. This story idea is owned by LillySweetheart who has been notified of this revamp. TT does not belong to either of us and neither does the kickass heroes of Gotham. Lexi aka MisAppear does belong to Lilly however, (and if she does not, I am so sorry. I googled Lexi and her superhero name and only got pornstars...I don't think that that's where she got the idea from...or maybe she did ;) ) Anyway this is Chapter two and I hope ya love it!
Four years have passed since I was taken under Batman and Catwoman's wing. I have grown in so many ways. I no longer have my odd way of speaking and have become quite aware of many Earthly customs. I dyed my hair mostly black but kept streaks of my natural hair color. I don't like the fact that I had to dye it, but then my natural fiery hair is so damn obvious that people would be able to find me easily. I have filled out even more, and almost beat out Selina when it comes to looks. green eyes rest comfortably below stunningly arched eyebrows and pouty curvebow lips that have won over many clients. By day I model, sing, dance and dj under a subsection of Bruce's company- Starry Looks. It does pretty well and Selina is my manager. At night, I am one of his-Batman's- many dark vigilantes- the Black Angel. With black combat boots, fingerless gloves that could withstand my starbolts, leather pants and a corset top I blend into the night. My eyes covered with a mask quite like Zorro's, most Gotham crooks fear the green lights in the shadows of the night. I made friends with Barbara, who taught me a bit about computers and helps me train occasionally. When Catwoman, Batgirl, and I get together, we are a force to be reckoned with. However, more often than not I fly solo- something about groups makes me uneasy. I still feel the Joy of Flight as I have made a new family here in Gotham. Alfred feels so much like Galfore, in his unwavering kindness and wisdom. Speaking of Galfore, I took Silkie there a couple of years ago. He was quite surprised at my changes but knew deep down that I was still his daughter. He openly expressed his distaste at the Titans after I told him what happened but seemed to be placated by the fact that I had happily moved on. My K'norfka took Silkie, and promised that I could visit him whenever I wished. It saddened me a bit to let Silkie go- but I was neglecting him with all of my training and late night crime fighting. Every morning is the same though- early rising at six, (although it never really bugs me, I rise at the crack of dawn regardless) to train with Bruce and Barbara then whatever gig or shoot I have to go to. Afterwards I come home, change and then patrol. It's a tedium that I appreciate. Today however- something felt off. The training went off without a hitch. I showered and reapplied the dye in my hair. I sighed, knowing it was one of the many necessary evils of living here. As I came down to eat breakfast I noticed that everyone seemed tense. Alfred wasn't his usual charming self and Bruce kept grinding his teeth subconsciously. I began to get annoyed and after I sipped down the last of my tea I decided to broach the subject myself.
"So, what's going on Bruce? You seem more pensive than usual." He sighed and shook his head. "Well Dick is coming." I stalled for a moment, then continued collecting up my plate. "That does not concern me. He can come here if he wishes." I walked into a kitchen, quickly placing my dishes on the counter before I broke them. Alfred came up behind me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It's all right Kori. A lot has changed in the past four years. You are no longer who they knew." I took a deep breath and smiled. Alfred is right. I hugged and placed a kiss on his warm cheek. With a skip I raced to my room to change...yet again for the first of many performances I am doing tonight. I decided on a white beanie with my company's logo- a star shining in the empty sky. With that, a shredded t-shirt over top a tank top, some light colored skinny jeans and some black hi-tops completed my retro hippie dj ensemble for the evening. I smiled into the mirror and was about to leave my room when I heard Bruce call my name.
"Coming!"
While Kori was getting prepared for her day, Alfred had informed Bruce and Selina that the Teen Titans had arrived. Led by Nightwing, the group had become fractured over the years. Raven rarely if ever kept conversation with the other, decidedly sequestering herself in her room to get away from the fact that she chased away one of the kindest people she knew. Cyborg and Beast Boy stayed as close as ever, promptly ignoring what Raven did, chalking it up to Raven being a 'moody bitch as usual'. They spent their days as if nothing had ever and Lexi continually had ups and downs as Nightwing felt increasingly guilty over Starfire's leaving and the idea that he was the catalyst that started it all. Lexi, however was annoyed that the 'Troq', as she still called Starfire, had such a sway over her boyfriend. They spent their time in either a peaceful moment or raging arguments that shook the Tower.
"I just don't see why we have to go visit Batman, is all! Gotham is so spooky!" Lexi whined. She had been pouting the entire ride. Raven ignored it by immersing herself in a book. Beast Boy rolled his eyes as he snacked on some tofu and Cyborg turned up the radio in hopes to drown out the impending argument.
"I need to go see my father, and you just have to deal with it." Nightwing snapped in response. He glared out the window as he looked at this old home town. Being back in Gotham always made him feel like less of a hero. He grimaced as the car drove up the seemingly never ending driveway of the Wayne Manor. Everyone was so busy gawking at the manor, no one noticed Raven's head snap up and stare at one room in particular.
Alfred opened the door to the five, smiling his trademark smile.
"Master Dick.." This was met to giggles by Beast Boy and Cyborg, "...and guests. Please come in. I believe Master Bruce and Mistress Selina are in the foyer." He motioned in the direction that the room was located and started to lead the way. Bruce stood to meet his guests.
"Hi son, how are you doing?"
Nightwing shrugged his shoulders. "Had better days. Came to relax for a few days. Got some of the other Titans to watch Jump City while we are gone. What is going on with you?" He paused and then addressed his adoptive father's girlfriend.
"Hi Selina." She grinned a wide smile before waving languidly. She checked her watch and then excused herself. Bruce smiled slightly after her before answering Nightwing's question. "Well we all have been doing good. Just recently stopped Mr. Freeze, who was trying to steal a rare blood diamond that was on exhibit here. Barbara sends her love, but she is busy! And I have a long term guest staying here. I've all but adopted her. She works as a dj and is doing a set of shows tonight- if you would like to get to know her."
"That sounds nice. Would you all like to go?" Nightwing asked to a chorus of yeahs and the usual silence from Raven. Speaking of Raven she seemed to keep her eyes trained on the ceiling almost as she expected something to fall from the sky. Bruce turned and stepped out into the main hall. "Kori!" They heard a faint voice shout "Coming" and thumps on the stairs.
I clumped down the stairs, wondering what Bruce was shouting for. "What's up Bruce...oh" I stopped short as the Teen Titans stepped into the main hall from the foyer. My heart gave a sudden pang at the people I once called friend and an even stronger one at the man I used to love...and still have some feelings for. He still wore a mask, and his new suit clung to every part of his body, leaving no chance for me to ignore how he grew into his attitude. I stubbornly pushed down my urge to run over and decided to play it cool.
"Who are these people Bruce? Friends of yours?" Bruce stared me down for a second and I shrugged.
"Yea, my adopted son Dick and his teammates." I walked over to each and shook their hands. When I got to Raven I fixed her with a stare that told her to be quiet. She nodded, so slightly that I barely caught it. I knew she was an empath, and probably sensed me the second she came anywhere near the house. I was glad she hadn't said anything yet. I smiled softly at her and pulled her into a hug. I did it without even thinking and before I could disentangle myself she hugged me back fiercely. I could tell she had begun to cry and I just held onto her. I finally let go, to the stares from Nightwing and the others.
"What the hell Rae? Why are you all chummy with her?" Beast Boy stepped closer to me as if trying to figure out what made me so special. Now that I had time away from them to think, I knew Beast Boy liked Raven, and just didn't know how to go about it. I decided not to say anything.
"She looked like she needed a hug. Jealous cause she likes me so much?" I plucked the tip of his nose and laughed as he jumped back.
"Well what's up Bruce?" "They are going with you on your trip today. Let them get to know Gotham nightlife." I shrugged. I could deal with them for a while. I turned to them.
"Try to find some decent street clothes. This is a club ya know?" I started to walk up the steps when I halted.
"Yo, Raven...you can some with me. I got some old clothes your size." She lit up, if the sparkle in her eyes was any indication. I walked up with her floating behind me. When the door shut, she started firing questions at me.
"Jesus Starfire! How the hell did you get here? When? Does Batman know who you are? Do you still hate the titans?" She sunk onto my bed. "Do you still hate me?" She said the last question so softly that my heart broke a bit. She really did feel bad about the whole situation, and has been dealing with this for the past four years. I may have moved on some but she obviously hadn't. I walked over to my closet and began pulling out clothes. I had few from some model's hand me downs that didn't fit but I just kept. Barbara occasionally came with me clubbing and often needed clothes.
"To answer your questions: I got here the same day that I left the Tower. Bruce and Selina took me in and I have been here since. Of course Batman knows, and..." I paused contemplating the question. "I no longer hate them, but I feel nowhere near how I used to feel toward them." I sat down next to her. "Raven, you should know: I never hated you. I understood that as an empath you were utterly overwhelmed with all of the emotions leaking out of the others and me. I was just glad that you never turned cruel toward me. You will always be one of my closest friends." I tossed her some skintight black jeans and a purple tube top.
"We are going to give BB something to gawk at!" We shared a laugh at the sudden change in conversation and finished getting her dressed as she blushed a charming pink. She would try to deny this later, but for her happiness, I will get them together. We stepped out of my room and headed to the main hall. I was pleased to find that everyone changed appropriately into some less obvious superhero clothes. I yelled to Alfred that I was going, and he replied with his standard: "Have a good day! Stay safe." I smiled and shouted "Always!" I walked to my car- a purple Suburban, that was modded to blast my covers and dj mixes. I constantly had to promote myself. "Come on, let's go!" Cyborg and Beast Boy started arguing about who got shotgun. I smiled as thought came up.
"Cyborg can sit next to me. BB- you don't mind me calling you that, right? Sit by Raven." Ignoring his grumbling and Raven's glare I got into my car. "This will be an interesting night." I thought as I chuckled.
MKAY! That is Chapter Two. Obviously I am an obvi BBRae fan...obviously lol. They will get together as a minor arc during this story. I am thinking on whether or not I will involve Karen in this one. As much as I love her and Cyborg together it seems like a pretty far stretch to introduce her. Onward to Chapter 3- where Kori gets real shady with her music choices. Hope you review follow and fav.