Teen Titans copyright DC Comics/Warner Brothers
Transformers copyright Hasbro
"You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins/Disney
"Love Is a Song"
and, "Looking For Romance (I Bring You a Song)" by Disney
All Hail Trigon
Chapter 06: Blossoming Love
[Jump City, Titans Tower]
Raven stared out the large window of Titans Tower.
she had her arms crossed (and, fingers tapping) as she watched the sun set.
Raven growled in her throat.
"where is that boy?" growled Raven
"Raven?"
Raven looked and saw Jinx approaching.
she huffed as she looked back out the window.
Jinx took this as a "hint" that she wasn't wanted...and, ignored it.
"Raven, PLEASE..." Began Jinx as she approached her
"I know you don't trust me (and, frankly i don't blame you)
but, I'm not with the HIVE anymore...i'm on YOUR Side, no-"
"you may be a Titan...but, yout not on MY side."
Jinx exhaled sharply, frowning.
Raven then looked back at Jinx...and, actually felt "sympathy" for her old enemy.
Raven finally exhaled sharply, then spoke.
"it's been HOURS...and, Azari still hasn't come back, yet."
"he hasn't?"
Raven shook her head.
"no, and he's been gone ALL DAY."
"yeah, Nightwing said the same thing about Mar'i."
this made Raven growl a little more, her muscles tensing up.
"when was the last time you say them?"
Raven narrowed her eyes.
"earlier today...during one of Nightwing's meetings, Founding Members ONLY.
Azari said we had to track down the Brothhood of Evil's base...Nightwing ignored him."
"why?"
"he said that counter-acting the Brotherhood's attacks was More Important.
of course, Azari said that fighting them all was a waste of time."
Jinx pondered this.
"that DOES make sense."
"yeah, well...Azari left in a huff, an-"
Suddenly, Raven widene dher eyes in shock.
"oh, god...he's gone after the Brotherhood."
"what?"
Raven yelled out in aggravation.
"GAAHH!. How could he do something so STUPID!"
Raven turned and marched off.
"Raven?...where are you going!"
"I'm going to bring my boy home...then, he is in SO MUCH TROUBLE!"
Jinx grimaced as Raven slammed a door HARD behind her.
everyone who knew Raven learned to fear her rage (especially, JINX)
and, if Raven felt THIS angry towards Azari...who knew how angry Nightwing was towards Mar'i
"poor kids." said Jinx, finally
"i would hate to be in Their Shoes."
[Meanwhile, at the Amazon]
heavy rains fell HARD against the lush and green jungles of the Amazon...
due to the harsh weather, Azari and Mar'i were forced to continued their long journey on the ground, rather than in the sky.
despite the dense jungle canopy, the teens were NOT untouched bu the rains.
Mar'i's long hair and clothes were soaked and wet, the Half-Tamaranian held her arms, shivering.
Azari, However...ignored his damp hair and clothes.
he effortlessly advanced thru the jungle like an "ape-man"...while Mar'i dragged behind.
"azari...we've been walking for HOURS.
can't we stop and take a rest?"
"sure."
Azari stopped moving and stood there.
Mar'i aproached Azari, walking as if "weights" were tied to her feet.
once she was near Azari, she collasped onto a large tree root.
the yellow skinned girl exhaled deeply, panting rapidly.
she then wiped from sweat from her brow, feeling hot.
"man...i'm bushed."
Mar'i looked up at Azari.
"how can you NOT be tired?"
Azari shrugged his arms.
"dunno...i'm just NOT." said Azari
"Jungles like this seem more like HOME.
unlike the Cities...places like those seem "alien" to me."
Azari suddnely paused, realising what he said.
"OOP!, did i say "Alien!"
wa-what i meant to say was-"
"forget it...words like that don't bother me."
Azari eyed Mar'i.
despite the smile on her face, Azari's "empathic" ability told him that Mar'i was "hiding" something...something very Painful.
but, he decided not to pry and just let-her-be.
"whatever..."
Mar'i exhaled, then looked around.
"you...sure you know where your going?"
"uh-huh...i got a REEEEAL Good Look at that Map on the Doom Patrol's Supercomputer before the whole base went "kaboom."
and, seeing as how i am better at getting around jungles than ANYONE we should get to the Brotherhood's Old Castle Base before long."
Mar'i exhaled again.
"GOOD...because, i'd rather not get lost in the jung-
KA-CRASH!
Mar'i widened her eyes as lightning flashed.
it sounded awfully close by the sound it made.
almost like a Bomb going off a few blocks away.
Mar'i immediatly screamed out loud.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
Azari chuckled at this.
"chillax, Mar...it's only-"
Azari then gasped once he saw Mar'i.
his friend was huddle up like a ball, shaking like a leaf.
he immediatly "felt" the Fear emiting from her.
the Empath then KNEW, that Mar'i was terrified.
"oh, my gosh...MAR'I."
Azari knelt down to the panic striken Half-Tamaranian.
"mar'i...what's wrong?"
Mar'i looked at Azari.
with tears in her eyes, she tried to speak.
"L-L-Lightning...T-T-Thunder-s-s-storms.
(((rapid panting)) I-I-I'm...A-A-A-"
"afraid?"
Mar'i began to cry.
"YES!, i...am."
Azari looked at Mar'i with sympathy, he had NEVER seen Mar'i so scared.
he finally sat down beside her, his back against a massive tree trunk.
Azari then opened up is arm.
"come here."
Mar'i wasted no time and crawled into Azari's arms.
Azari held the wet and shivering girl tightly.
Mar'i's body continued to shake, her breath rapid.
Azari then began to stroke her long hair with affecting, making soothing noises.
"shhhh...it's okay.
i'm here, mar'i...i won't let anything hurt you."
Mar'i's shaking and rapid breathing slowly decreased, feeling relaxed.
though she gasped everytime lightning flashed and thunder crashed...she felt SAFE in Azari's arms.
just as she felt safe in her mother's arms when she was a child.
as the storm became quieter, Azari finally spoke.
"you okay, now?"
Mar'i nodded with a whimper.
"you, uhhh...want to talk about it?"
Mar'i shut her eyes tight, her body shaking more.
"easy, EASY...if you don't feel like it, you don't have to-"
"thunderstorms...frighten me." said Mar'i, finally
Azari listened.
"go on."
Mar'i gulped hard, wiping crystal tears from her eyes.
"when...i was a little girl, living in the Tower.
a powerful thunderstorm came to Jump City...Titans Tower was at the h-heart of it.
when it came, it felt like dozens of bombs were being dropped on us.
i..r-remember waking up screaming, i thought for SURE i was going to die!"
Mar'i scooted herself within Azari's embrace.
the green skinned boy just looked at the alien girl, his expression Kind and Compassionate.
Mar'i continued.
"my...my mother came to me...that night.
s-she held me in her arms...and, sang a song to me in Tamaranian."
"a lullaby?"
"yes."
Azari looked at Mar'i.
their she was calming down, she was NOWHERE near relaxed.
the Fear within her was still strong, eating away at her.
swallowing all his "male pride", Azari finally spoke to Mar'i.
"i...don't know any Tamaranian Folksongs.
but, i do remember ONE song that my mother used to sing to me...when "I" was afraid."
Mar'i continued to shake.
Azari then stroked her hair some more.
"you...want me to sing it to you?"
Mar'i nodded silently.
Azari then cleared his throat, and tried to sing "sweetly" to his friend.
~"Come stop your crying, it will be all right.
Just take my hand, Hold it tight...
I will protect you from all around you...I will be here, Don't you cry."~
Mar'i's breathing began to steady, indicating she was relaxing.
Azari then held the shivering girl CLOSE to him, and continued to sing.
~"For one so young...you seem so strong.
My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm
This bond between us: Can't be broken I will be here, Don't you cry...
'Cause you'll be in my heart.
Yes, you'll be in my heart.
From this day on, Now and forever more."~
Mar'i snuggled up in Azari's arms.
she rest her head against his chest and smiled.
"keep singing, "zari."
Azari smiled, he then continued.
~"You'll be in my heart, No matter what they say.
You'll be here in my heart...ALWAYS."~
Azari stroked Mar'i hair gently.
for some reason, he was feeling whole new feelings for her.
he couldn't explain it...but, he had this "need" to Protect her.
like Mar'i's feelings and wellbeing was More Important than his own needs.
Oddly enough...Mar'i was ALSO developing "strange feelings" for him.
she felt SAFE in his arms and liked feeling him hold her.
the Half-Tamaranian couldn't explain it...but, she NEVER wanted to part from him.
Azari contined to sing to her.
~"Why can't they understand the way we feel?
they just don't trust...what they can't explain.
I know we're different but, Deep Inside Us: We're not that different at all."~
Mar'i felt tears well up in her eyes.
though she'd "never" admit it outloud: she DID feel like an "outcast"
most everyone knew she was "Half Alien"
and, as such...kids used to tease and make fun of her.
did Azari go through the same thing?
looking the way he did, and having his "strange" powers.
though, she hoped he didn't have a hard life.
Mar'i couldn't help but wonder if HE had been mocked and ridiculed for what he was.
a green skinned "Animorph" with unnatural powers.
~"Don't listen to them, 'Cause what do they know?
We need each other: to have, to hold
They'll see in time...I know."~
Mar'i held onto Azari tightly.
for some reason, she DID feel a "kindred spirit" with him.
almost as if she had been waiting for him to come into her life.
almost...as if they were meant to be.
then, another thought ocourred to her: was she...falling in love with him.
~"When destiny calls you, You must be strong
I may not be with you: But, you've got to hold on.
They'll see in time...I know."~
Mar'i held Azari tighter.
if what she felt was INDEED love...then, she Never wanted to let it go.
she never...wanted to let HIM go.
~"We'll show them Together 'cuz, You'll be in my heart.
Believe me, You'll be in my heart.
I'll be there from this day on, now and forever more."~
Mar'i looked at Azari...and, soon smiled she now KNEW the truth: she DID love him.
in fact, she loved everything about him.
his Olive Green Skin.
his long, pointy ears.
his fangs when he smiled at her.
his short, purple hair with those green streaks his multi-colored eyes.
his Ruby Red chakra stone.
and, she especially loved his VOICE, his TOUCH...his Everything.
Mar'i LOVED Azari (and, she hoped to X'Hal that he did, too.)
~"you'll be in my heart oh, you'll be here in my heart.
No matter what they say, I'll be with you.
You'll be here in my heart...and, I'll be there: Always."~
Mar'i smiled softly as she rest her head on Azari's chest.
at the moment, she didn't care if his feelings were mutual or not.
right now...she was just focused on this moment: being in the arms of the boy she LOVED.
as she began to drift off to sleep...Azari felt himself shiver.
he stared at the sleeping Mar'i...and, was overcome with a strange emotion.
an Emotion...that he had NEVER felt before.
was...was it LOVE?, did he actually Love this girl in his arms?
Azari took another look at Mar'i.
he gazed at her long, wavey jet black hair.
her golden skin (and, even now...he remembered her Bright Green Eyes.)
Azari finally smiled to himself, blushing bright red.
he wasn't quite sure WHAT he felt for Mar'i...but, he knew that he liked it.
for reasons unknwon to even HIM...he finished his song.
~"Always...I'll be with you.
I'll be there for you always...Always and always.
Just look over your shoulder...
Just look over your shoulder...
Just look over your shoulder...
and, I'll be there...ALWAYS."~
As Mar'i slept soundly, Azari carfully laid her down on the soft ground.
he looked and saw that the storm had passed, but the rains continued...and, night had fallen.
feeling tired himself, he laid down beside Mar'i.
the boy kept his eyes trained on all directions.
he KNEW that the jungle (though beautiful) was dangerous.
and, he wasn't about to let some Predator try and make a meal out of the girl he lo-, errr...LIKED.
Azari looked at Mar'i.
he smiled as he leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek.
"i'll be there for you, mar'i...ALWAYS."
Mar'i made some soft noises in her sleep.
Azari then yawned loudly, he soon closed his eyes and went to sleep.
a little while later...Mar'i turned over in her sleep and, cuddled up to Azari, resting her head against his chest.
both teens then drifted off into their own "Dreamlands"
-[Flashback]-
"HEY, LADYYYYY!"
a Three Year Old Azari ran over to a Teenaged Girl.
a girl with orange skin, long dark red hair and eyes with two shades of green.
"i talked to me daddy, he says i can play."
the girl smiled.
"that's good.
and, call me "Starfire."
"Okay, Miss Starryfire!" said Azari with a smile
Starfire sighed.
she then looked over at a tree.
"Mar'i...come here a minute."
Azari looked and saw a young girl peek from the tree.
she quickly ducked away, obviously embarassed.
"mar'i...come here." repeated Starfire
the girl finally emerged from her hiding place.
as she steppe dinto the open, Azari got a better look at her.
she looked to be about Two-Years Old.
like her mother, she had bright green eyes (but, they were "normal" looking.)
her skin was also yellow, rather than orange.
and, her short hair was jet black, instead of dark red.
she was wearing a dark blue shirt/dress.
Starfire looked back at Azari.
"Azari...this is the girl i told you about.
she's my little Nightstar: Mar'i."
Starfire looked back at her daughter.
"Mar'i...say hello."
Mar'i blushed, then waved.
"hi..."
Azari smiled, then approached the girl.
"hello...would you like to play?"
"uh-huh."
"GREAT!"
Azari looked up at the tree that Mar'i was hiding behind earlier.
"can you climb trees?"
"no."
Mar'i then levitates upwards and hovers in the air.
"i fly up trees."
Azari smiled.
"so can i...but, climbing is "funner."
Mar'i lowered down and landed on the ground.
"really?"
"sure!" said Azari, as he approached Mar'i
"have you ever tried it?" asked Azari
"no."
"then, how do you know it isn't fun until you've tried it?"
Mar'i thinks a bit...then, speaks again.
"i guess not."
"GREAT!"
Azari approached the tree, Mar'i followed him.
"now, just grab these smaller limbs...it's easier that way."
Azari gripped the small limbs and began to climb up.
Mar'i gulped, she then did as Azari did and climbed up after him.
after awhile...Mar'i smiled.
"hey!, your right...this IS fun!"
Azari stopped for a moment and looked down at her.
"see?, i toooold ya."
-((FLASH FORWARD))-
"mar'i...sweetie, it is time for us to go."
Mar'i looked disappointed.
"ALREADY!"
"yes...i am sorry.
but, we must go, now."
Mar'i sighed sharply.
she then looked at Azari (who also looked disappointed.)
"sorry, Azari...i have to go back home."
"can I come visit you, some time?" asked Azari, hopeful
"i dunno...i live in a Big City that's pretty far away."
Azari looked a little sad (as did Mar'i)
"but, maybe we'll see each other again...Someday."
Azari then smiled again.
"that sounds great!"
Mar'i then hugged Azari tightly.
she then parted from him and ran to her mother.
Starfire picked her up, then looked down at Azari.
"goodbye." said Starfire, a tear in her eye
Starfire hovered up into the air.
she then flew off into teh air with Mar't, soon disappearing into the horizion.
Azari stared up at the sky with wide eyes.
Beast Boy and Raven approached their son, who remained still.
"Mommy." said Azari, finally
"yes, honey?"
"i really like Mar'i."
Beast Boy smiled.
"yeah, she does seem like a Chip off her Mommy's Block."
"do you think i'll ever see her, again?" asked Azari, innocently
Raven sighed sharply.
she then bent down and picked her son up.
she held Azari close and looked at him.
"i don't know..." said Raven, softly
"all we can do is...Hope."
-[End of Flashback]-
[Next Morning]
Azari slowly opened his eyes, quintling as mornings light shined thru the trees.
the green skinned teen rose up and arched his back, stretching out his arms as he did.
he soon looked around...and, saw that Mar'i was nowhere to be seen.
"Mar'i?
CLONK!
"OW!"
Azari rubbed his head as he looked at a large fruit on the ground.
"heh, heh, heh!..."
Azari looked up and saw Mar'i looking down at him from a high-up tree.
"Mar'I?"
Mar'i smiled at him.
"how's the Weather, down there!" joked Mar'i
Azari stood up and continued to stare up at her.
"what are you doing up THERE!"
"'cuz, i like to Climb Trees."
Azari raised an eyebrow.
"CLIMB?...but, you can FLY!"
Mar'i chuckled, then began to blush.
"True...but, climber is "funner."
Azari's widened his eyes at this remark.
"wa-what did you sa-"
"COME JOIN ME!"
Azari eyed the Half-Tamaranian.
he finally exhaled, and chuckled.
"okay...Ready or not, HERE I COME!"
Azari gripped some branches and, began to climb up the tree.
he was almost to the top...when he lost his grip and began to fall.
"WA-WHOOOOOOOOA!"
"GOTCHA!"
Mar'i quickly grabbed Azari's wrist, saving him from his fall.
the Tamaranian smiled as she pulled the changling up onto the high branch.
they all sat on it, dangling their legs in the air.
Azari exhaled sharply, then looked at Mar'i.
"thanks."
"don't mention it."
Mar'i then blushed bright red.
"What?"
"nothing."
she then widened her eyes at something, dropping her jaw in awe.
Azari looked in the direction that Mar'i was looking at.
he too widened his eyes as he gazed at the Wonderful Sight.
he and Mar'i were so High Up, that they could see the whole Rainforest.
the jungles seeme dto go on for MILES and MILES (and, possably DID.)
the entire horizion looked like "green hills", shrouded in MIST.
they could see colorful birds flying off, and heard monkeys and apes calling in a distance.
"wow..." said Mar'i, finally
"it's...it's BEAUTIFUL."
Azari smiled.
"yeah...i know."
Mar'i looked at Azari.
"is...THIS what your home looked like?"
"India?...yeah, pretty much."
Mar'i looked at the Amazon Rainforest/Jungle again.
"amazing."
Azari grinned.
"yeah, well...i don't mean to BRAG.
but, i do have a pretty awesome "backyard."
Azari then nudged at Mar'i.
"in fact, your could say it's the ULTIMATE Backyard."
Mar'i smiled at Azari.
she then looked back at the scenery before her, unable to look away.
"incredible...there's nothing like THIS back home at Jump City."
"well, DUH...Jump City is an "Urban Jungle." began Azari
"but, this...THIS is the Real Deal.
Nature in all it's Wonder and Glory, untouched by Man and Civilisation."
Mar'i leaned against Azari, smiling warmly.
"it's Glorious."
Azari blushed bright red.
for the first time...he felt "uneasy" with Mar'i being this close.
THEN, a sly grin creeped on Mar'i face.
she quickly pulled away and LEAPT off the branch.
"MAR'I!"
Mar'i landed on another Branch, on Anothet Tree.
she looked back at Azari...then, laughed out loud.
"TRY AND CATCH ME, ZARI!"
Mar'i began to leap from branch-to-branch, tree-to-tree.
Azari's stunned expressed soon became a smile, followed by a chuckle.
"oh, i don't think so, MAR...i "rule" at This Game."
Azari then leapt from his branch and chased after Mar'i.
teh Half Tamaranian paused every once in awhile, allowing Azari to catch up.
as he did, she giggled as she gave chase again.
Azari himself began to laugh, enjoying this little "romp"
Mar'i soon reached some "slick-and-snakey" looking branches grinning, she stepped on it and SLID down the branch like a slide.
she looked back and saw Azari slidding after her.
Mar'i laughed out loud...but, didn't watch where she was going.
the Human/Tamaranian Girl was suddenly flung thru the air and, got tangled up in a mess if vines hanging from the jungle canopy.
"GAAH, HEY!"
Azari leapt from the "vine slide" and gripped the hanging vines.
he smirked as he carefully made his way towards Mar'i.
he then hung down to her and grinned.
"got yourself CAUGHT, it seems."
Mar'i was soon dangling upside-down.
she huffed as she stared at Azari.
"yeah...looks like.
now, how about cutting me loose."
"SURE...if you like falling several feet."
Mar'i looked down, and gasped upon seeing how "far down" the ground was.
"hold on...i'll get you untangled.
jut, remember to hand on to at least ONE vine."
Mar'i did as she was told and gripped a vine.
Azari then went to work and cut away the other vines that ensnared her.
soon, Mar'i was upright again.
both teens hung from their vines, facing each other.
the two laughed at the situation...but, this soon died down.
before long...their faces were INCHES apart, their vines becoming "entwined"
as they began to rotate in place, they gazed into each other's eyes.
time soon to slow to a hault, seconds feeling like HOURS to them.
after what felt like FOREVER, the two slowly leaned closer.
they both closed their eyes, puckered their lips...
then, at last...their lips finally touched.
using their free hands, they touched each other's faces.
as they deepened their kiss (their FIRST KISS), all their sensations went WILD.
This...was LOVE.
Love is a song that Never Ends, Life may be swift and fleeting...
Hope may die, yet love's beautiful music, Comes each day like the dawn
Love is a song that never ends, One simple theme repeating.
Like the voice of a heavenly choir, Love's sweet music flows on.
the two finally parted and looked into each other's eyes.
"wow." said Mar'i
Azari smiled sheepishly.
"yeah...WOW."
Mar'i leaned closer to Azari, again.
"azari..."
"yeah?"
Mar'i touched the changling's face, gently.
"i...i think i love you."
Azari touched Mar'i face.
"good...'cuz, i think i love you, too."
the two then leaned forward and kissed again.
this time, the kiss was DEEPER...more passionate.
colorful birds seemed to fly away as they did (though, they didn't notice.)
I bring you a sooooong...And I sing as I gooooo.
For I want you to know, that I'm looking for romance.
I bring you a soooong...in the hope that you'll seeeeee.
when you're looking at me, that I'm looking for love
I'm seeking that glow, Only found when you're young.
and it's May, Only found on that wonderful day.
When all longing is through, I'm seeking that glow
Only found when a thrill is complete, only found when two hearts gently beat
to the strains of a waltz, that's both tender and new.
I bring you a song, For I'm seeking romance
You're by my side, There's a sun up above It shines with a light...
That's so warm and bright It's easy to see, that today We shall fall in love
I bring you a song, For I'm seeking romance...And you.
[Later]
Azari and Mar'i were soon sitting near a lagoon, overlooking a majestic waterfall.
Mar'i leaned against Azari as he kept his arm around her, holding her close.
both teens smiled forlornly.
"it's strange..." began Mar'i, finally
Azari looked at her.
"what is?"
"that even though i forgot about the day we first met...i never really "forgot" about YOU."
Mar'i rested her head against Azari.
"i always saw you...in my dreams.
my best friend, who i never got to see again...until NOW."
Azari looked at Mar'i...then, smiled.
"yeah...i have to admit.
all those years growing up in India...i always felt like "something" was missing."
Mar'i snugged CLOSER to Azari.
"i really missed you."
"i missed you, too."
after some time passed...Mar'i finally spoke again.
"Azari..."
"yeah?"
"now that we're "together"...their are some things i need to say."
"what things?"
Mar'i finally pulled away.
she sighed sharply, frowning sadly.
"you...know how i said that being called "an alien" never bothered me?"
"yeah..."
Mar'i exhaled.
"well...that was only HALF true."
Mar'i finally looked at Azari, her bright green eyes getting moist.
"truth is...it USED to bother me."
Azari stared at Mar'i, listening intently.
Mar'i continued.
"see...while my father's True Identity was a secret.
the one thing EVERYONE knew was that he was human...and, my mother was NOT."
a tear soon appeared in Mar'i's eye...which she quickly wiped away.
"it was...HARD, for me.
growing up as a Human/Tamaranian Hybrid.
kids used to tease me, make fun of me.
and, even today...i am still mocked for who i am."
Mar'i looked down, holding her knees.
"they...even call me: "T-Troq."
"Troq?", what's that?"
Mar'i closed her eyes, feeling fresh tears return.
"it's...a Bad Word that people call Tamaranians.
it means: "Nothing"...when people call me that, they are saying i am "Worthless."
Azari widened his eyes in shock, stunned at this.
in that moment, he felt a mixture of emotions flooding into him.
First, he felt SHAME...that he even said that Terrible Word (even if it WAS in Question)
then, ANGER...that anyone would even call Mar'i that.
but, mostly...she felt SADNESS and SYMPATHY.
because he knew what it felt like to be different, to be "hated" for being what you are.
"I...know how you feel, MORE than you know."
Mar'i looked at him.
"yeah, i know...we both look differe-"
"no, i mean...((deep sigh))"
Azari held his head, feeling stressed out.
Mar'i then placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Azari...what is it?"
Azari looked at Mar'i...then, exhaled.
"mar'i...you love me, right?"
"of course i do...i love you more than ANYTHING!"
Azari exhaled.
"well...my family have a "secret"
and, if i tell you what it is...i fear you may like like me, anymore."
Mar'i looked at Azari, sternly.
"Azari...NOTHING could ever make me stop loving you."
Azari was silent, Mar'i's words not getting thru to him.
the Half-Tamaranian then scooted closer to him.
"azari..."
Azari looked at Mar'i...who looked at him with kind, compassionate eyes.
"what's wrong?, what are you so afraid to tell me?"
Azari exhaled, then looked at Mar'i again.
"do you...know where my mom got her powers?"
"kind of..." began Mar'i
"i once looked at my dad's "Titan Files."
it said that she gets it from that pretty stone on her head."
Azari looked up at his own Chakra Stone.
he then exhaled sharply and looked at Mar'i.
"no."
"no?"
"that was only a "cover story" that my mother told people.
the stone doesn't ENABLE her powers...it just "restrains" them, so they're easier to control."
NOW, Mar'i was confused.
"i...i don't understand.
w-why make up something like that?"
Azari looked nervous, as if unsure to answer.
Mar'i then touched his hand, holding it tightly, yet gently.
"Azari, PLEASE...tell me the truth."
Azari looked at Mar'i.
he exhaled deeply...then, spoke.
"my...mother is "kinda" like you.
her mother (my grandmother) was a Normal, Average Full-Blooded Human."
Mar'i eyed Azari.
"and...your GRANDFATHER?"
Azari cringed at this.
"he...was NOT."
"what was he?"
Azari narrowed his eyes, almost "glaring."
"not a "person"...he was a Monster."
Mar;i chuckled.
"come on, Azari...it can't be THAT bad.
i mean, I have an Aunt whose a wanted criminal in over Fifty Galaxies!"
"she's NOTHING compared to him."
Mar'i eyed Azari, getting annoyed at the "lack-of-information."
"Azari Roth Logan, you'd better give me some answers RIGHT NOW."
Azari sighed sharply...then, continued."
"my...grandfather was a Warlord.
whose responsible for the Enslavement of Countless Worlds.
his name...is "Scath"
but, everyone knows him...as TRIGON."
Mar'i widened her eyes in shock.
"T-Trigon?"
"he's a Demon, Mar'i...a powerful and evil Demon Lord.
Azari grabbed his face, rubbing his skin stressfully.
unable to make eye contact with Mar'i, he continued his story.
"Trigon was trapped in his own dimension, a world of Fire and Brimstone.
while he was able to leave it...he wasn't able to STAY GONE for Longer than several hours.
so, he used a woman named "Arella" to cross over into THIS Dimension.
he hid his true self from her (making her believe was awas this "handsome man")
he romanced her, Decieved her, tricked her into believing he was a SAINT.
it wa sonly AFTER their "honeymoon" that he revealed himself...and, his Wicked Plan."
"what plan?" asked Mar'i, finally speaking
"that, in order to cross over into Our Dimension he needed a child with HIS blood, sired from a native of that dimension."
Mar'i widened her eyes.
"you mother..."
Azari nodded sadly.
"my mother is Half Demon...just like ME."
Mar'i froze in shock, stunned at this.
Azari exhaled, then finished his story.
"Trigon's plan eventually worked...mom said that on her Sixteeth birthday her powers forced her to become Trigon's Portal, and he conquered the Earth.
my parents eventually defeated him (with some "help")
but, even though Trigon is gone...his "curse" still remains."
Azari finally looked into the water, gazing at his reflection.
"like my mother, I have the Blood of a Demon flowing within me.
and, mixed with the primal nature of my "other" powers..."
Azari then shuddered.
"well...let's just say, there's a Monster within me.
whenever i feel anger...it tries to claw it's way out."
Azari lowered his head in shame.
"once...when I was TEN, i had a "temper tantrum."
i lost control...and, transformed into a Demonic Man-Beast against my will.
when i reverted back, i found a large portion of my jungle either burned to a crisp, or shattered and broken apart."
Azari soon fell silent.
a single tear formed from his eye...then, fell down his cheek.
"so, now you the truth..." began Azari
"if you don't like me anymore...i understa-"
Azari was suddenly cut off by Mar'i hugging him tightly.
the boy looked at her with WIDE EYES, stunned at this sudden affection.
"wa-what?"
"i don't care what you are, Azari.
you could be a Full Demon, and i'd STILL love you."
"why?"
Mar'i looked at Azari.
"because just because you have darkness in your soul...it doesn't mean your EVIL."
Mar'i then touched Azari's face, gently.
"and, you are NOT a Monster."
Azari stared at Mar'i, still stunned at her "acceptance" of him.
she then leaned over and kissed him deeply on his lips.
Azari soon held her close and returned her kiss.
unknown to BOTH of them...a metallic orb hovered near the lagoon.
it's lens trained on the teenagers, zooming in with a whirling sound.
[Unknown Location]
a HIVE Soldier looked at a monitor, which showed Azari and Mar'i kissing at a Lagoon.
the goldened armored man then looked over to a red skinned man standing by.
"Mister Galtry...we've found him."
Galtry grinned evily.
"EXELLENT."
he then approached and looked at the screen.
he smirked as he watched the male changling kissing the alien girl.
"dispatch the Beastbuster Mechs..." began Galtry
"capture Azari and bring him in ALIVE."
"and, the girl?"
Galtry scoffed.
"the Tamaranian means NOTHING to me...KILL HER."
"yes, sir."
the HIVE soldier then pressed a red button, which began to flash.
Author Note: I decided to REALLY go all-out with the Romance in this chapter.
mainly, because i wanted Azari and Mar'i get get together
because, what happens NEXT in the story will require that sort of bond.
I learned from the story that proceeded this one ("The Lonely Beast") that including Songs that fit the mood tends to do well.
here, i achieved the oppertunity to include THREE songs (all of them from Disney)
I also threw in a "flashback" from the final chapter of The Lonely Beast ("Chapter 30: What The Future Holds") to remind people of how this relationship started.
that, and to hopfully get fans of THIS story
who have never read Lonely Beast to check it out.
What I am trying to capture here is a "Parallel"
the last story was pretty much about Raven standing by Beast Boy/Changling despite his Werebeast Form.
HERE, Mar'i is standing by Azari...despitehim being "Half Demon" (which is a little more serious than being a "hulking beast")
enjoy the peace and tranquility while it LASTS.
for, come next chapter...it gets pretty Serious.