Robin was in his room sitting on a chair. He had his elbows on his knees and his head was bent over, making his long ebony locks fall over his face. Breathing easily, he was still sweating profusely trying to get that horrible nightmare out of his head. Sweat trickled from his temple, then dropped on his skinny, yet toned leg. His bare feet were tapping on the cold floor below him and his fingers kept still, tired and weak. He could hear the clock going tick…tock...Tick... But other, than that it was dead silent. Papers were strewn everywhere, mostly on the desk with a dusty lamp, and piles on piles of documents. The communicator also on the desk, inanimate and dark.
He was slightly worried about his friends and why they hadn't gotten out of their rooms yet…. But neither had he. Only to work out and tire his muscles, quicken his breathing, exhaust himself to no end, and to clear himself from that disastrous nightmare.
He didn't want to think about it.
Talk about it.
Feel that pain ever again.
He had thought, at that moment, a few years ago, that joining and making the Teen Titans was an outlet. Somewhere to escape Batman, his horrific past, and start a new life. By making friends and defeating crime for the sake of the city.
But he soon figured out, he was dead wrong.
He cared for all his friends deeply, but that wasn't sufficient enough at this moment in time.
Cyborg handled all the technical works and machinery that Robin bet Einstein could never figure out. And, he made the best food that pleased everyone and most importantly, himself. Or how Beastboy tried, and sometimes did succeed, to lift their spirits once in a while. Or even at the most dire of times, that seemed like there was no hope for them. Raven was wise and practical, making you either trust her at first, or be intimidated for the rest of your life. She had a charm she never knew she had, that pulled people to her, and inspired them for an answer that never let you down. But Starfire, she was different. She was his best friend, the never ending ray of sunshine, his…
But he couldn't do that to her.
He couldn't risk her safety if he acted on the foolish emotions he held for her. It would risk her sanity, maybe even life…tremendously and painfully.
He learned that lesson from Terra.
When he brought her with him to fight Cinderblock…he lost complete focus when she fell off that cliff, her eyes closed, body stiff, hair whipping around her like a flame; it scared him to death. He didn't even want to think about what worse things Slade could do to her, if that man ever found out.
Clenching his fists and grinding his teeth, he ran a hand through his greasy locks and closed his eyes painfully. Happy at the moment, to be free from the mask that kept the bridge between him, and his best friends. Just thinking about his friends, brought that nightmare back.
It felt so real, so realitzed, that he was invisible and watching it without the power to press the delete button, or hit pause.
That question that he asked Star last night, seemed to spur what was running in his head.
If you could go back in time…what would you change?
Robin could almost laugh out loud from the innocence yet severity of that question, and how much it means to him. He had his answer on the tip of his tongue, ready to tell anyone who knew his past, or more so the future.
Then a groan escaped his throat angrily. He had to tell his teammamates, it was inevitable. Inevitable for them even.
But now?
When he seemed so vulnerable?
Weak.
Something he definitely didn't want to make a show of. Nahh, he'd tell them later and take a shower now.
It was after all, inevitable.
Cyborg checked his arm once more to see if he was finally charged. But once again, it read that he was. He couldn't stand it anymore; to not feel more energy running throughout him as if second nature. He wanted to get up.
Eat.
Work out.
Play Video Games.
Hang out with his friends.
But at this moment, it seemed as if something or maybe someone was holding him back. He had no idea what it was either. Maybe it was his raw will or slight laziness. Maybe even another bad day; one that seemed that it lasted too long. For some odd reason he wanted to stay in the security of his room and darkness. But he could tell that something was off.
The bright aura of the T- Tower has darkened.
Raven was levitating a few feet above her circular bed chanting,
"Azerath...Metrion…Xinthos…Azerath…"
But her concentration was blurred and not as clear as it should be. She has been meditating for hours and that cloudy, murky sky still hasn't brightened. Her eyes were firmly shut, legs crossed, and she had pure peace and tranquility. The two main essentials she needed for perfect meditation. Maybe it was that odd sensation she felt last night? Whatever the cause, she hated it for not letting her mind fully freshen up, and her powers to be in control.
Maybe some tea will help, she thought.
As she lowered herself gently she picked up a book, rubbed her temples, and headed towards the kitchen.
"Man, what time is it?" Beastboy asked himself, raising up and yawning; then glancing over at his digital clock.
It read:
1:47 p.m
Huh, Beastboy thought.
He scratched his head, thoroughly confused. He's never woken up this late. The last time he did was when he was recovering from Terra's loss, and that was a long time ago. Then he remembered a few tid-bits of his late conversation with Cyborg and Raven. Their uneasy and hesitant laughs when he joked around, or said something really stupid. Or the embarrassment of Cyborg teasing him in front of Raven. He always tried to impress the empath, but it always backfired. He was jealous of Robin for that reason. How Batman's protégée transfixed people so easily. He wished he could do that with Raven but right now it deemed impossible.
Starfire paced in her room full of frustration, anger and sadness. Emotions that were not a good sign for Tameraneans. Crossing her arms she tried to recall that rare thought she had earlier. Biting her tongue, she hated how it just slipped her mind.
How could something so vital be lost in a split second?
Is this how Robin felt when he couldn't figure out a peculiar case or victim?
Starfire stopped pacing, feeling heavy and insecure without joy within her. Deciding on quitting to get that dire thought back, she started to think of something that made her joyful. She couldn't count a list off immediately.
Her friends.
Family.
Robin.
Anyway, it was already afternoon and she still hadn't done anything productive. Then she got an idea. She'd try to make a late breakfast for everyone.
Robin had to admit that the hot water drenching him felt really good. And the warm, muggy air kept his thoughts happy and alight. Opening his mouth and gurgling the tasteless water, his dry raspy throat felt deeply replenished. As he spit the water out he turned the shower valve off and stepped out the shower wrapping a towel around his slim waist. Whistling a catchy tune he stepped out of the bathroom and got hit with a cold slap as the air temperature shifted. When he made it to his room he quickly got dressed and made sure his mask was secure. Then he began to walk to the main room, seeing his friends already there.
Beastboy and Cyborg were on the couch, playing video games and eating greasy tortilla chips. They were really into the game too; leaning in, knuckles popping from pressing to hard on the buttons, biting their lips and narrowing their eyes in concentration. They got all points, for acting like a total dork.
Then Robin turned his attention to the girls. Raven was sipping her tea, steam rising in the air then dissipating quickly. Her book was closed and she was looking at Starfire with a serious look. Starfire's face looked pretty serious as well, her persona changed for the moment. Her lips were moving quickly, her body language clear. None of them seemed to notice Robin's presence until…
The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," he said, as if anyone were listening.
As he walked to the door he felt a need for a cup of coffee. Sweet, dangerous, fulfilling caffeine. When he got to the door he opened it and came face-to-face with a man and woman. This man had salt and pepper hair, with tight angular features. He was wearing a crisp gray suit and his lips were in a grim line. The woman beside him was Caucasian as well with blonde hair in a tight bun, her blue eyes rimmed by thick black eyeliner. She had rectangular glasses on, and wore a long-sleeved blazer accompanied with a tight fitting knee-length skirt. They looked quite professional and put together.
"May I help you?" Robin asked, one side of his mask lifting up.
The two people exchanged glances and the man answered, "Yes, you may. We need to speak with you and your comrades as soon as possible."
Robin's mask turned to slits but he nodded and let them in com in to the Teen Titans Tower.
As they came further in Robin asked, "Would you like anything?"
The woman pursed her black-lipsticked lips, and a look of annoyance flashed upon her appearance.
"No thanks," she answered calmly, her eyes looking around the place with slight distaste.
Suddenly Starfire popped up next to them with a kind smile upon her beautiful face. But when she saw the women, she gasped.
"What's wrong Star?" robin asked, glancing over at the woman.
Soon enough the team joined Robin and Starfire, looking at the visitors. Cyborg looked curious, Beastboy interested. Raven just studied them, her violet eyes blank as her face.
"She's…" Starfire voice cracked and fearful. "She is part of the Intergalactic Council."
The woman smiled at the girl. "I'm glad to be at least semi-known."
"Intergalactic Council?" Raven questioned.
The man chuckled although his eyes were serious.
"We may need to sit down, so you can comprehend this easier," he said, his dark grey eyes twinkling.
In few minutes they were all comfortable on the couch, ready to listen to what these people were going to say. Robin was in front of them though, his arms crossed and staring at them impassively. Beastboy was on the man's left; his legs crossed and ready to sift information. Starfire was sitting next to him, on the corner of the couch while Cyborg was standing behind the couch.
"So…what's this intergalactic council?" Beastboy asked, looking at the man intently although his face looked amused.
The woman cleared her throat, and her eyes landed on the boy. "It is made up of all the worlds, in this galaxy of course. With one realm as an exception. These include earth, Azerath, Tameran. Renzi and Luczra."
"Luczra and Renzi?" Cyborg asked, causing her blue eyes to flicker to his. "When did these planets come into the picture?"
Starfire's kind green eyes met his and she said softly, "Cyborg, they have been here as long as Earth. You just have not heard about them, since a few are a long way away. It is like when you did not know that there was a planet Tameran."
Cyborg nodded his understanding, and nodded for the woman to continue.
The woman continued. "But anyway two delegates- one male, the other female- are chosen every ten years to be part of the council, from each planet and realm. You ca only serve one term. During these ten years we make alliances, discuss issues with our nation, matters concerning welfare and poverty. Issues that concern the most powerful people."
Robin said, "So, you're basically the main government overlooking us. How come no one really knows about this?"
"Because," she answered, leaning forward and raising her eyebrows. "This information, if it leaked out; it could cause riots. World wars, galaxy wars. Another issue no one could get hold of."
Robin nodded, but continued to study them.
Raven asked, "Who gets to elect these delegates? Or how do they get picked? And how…how can you trust the voters not to pass the voters anything along?"
The woman narrowed her eyed. "Sorry that information is confidential."
Cyborg laughed dryly and said, "Lady, this is all confidential. So does it matter if you say it or not at this point?"
The woman clicked her tongue appreciatively. "True. The people who elect the delegates is a very long process. You have to take the five most powerful people in each country, state, continent, etc. and bring them to the voting center. They don't vote yet because they have to be interviewed one by one. After a while it slims down to twenty people. Then the previous delegates vote for a male and female from every world and it's decided. The way to ensure they don't leak any information is by erasing their memory of that whole sequence of events."
"Man," Beastboy said, rubbing his head painfully. "This is way too much information."
"What if that doesn't work?" Starfire asked. "Some people regain their memory over time."
The woman nodded. "Yes," she laughed nervously. "That is the flaw of the plan. That's why the only option after that is to threaten them."
Robin asked, "Threaten them?"
"Yes, we say or do something that frightens the individual. Trust me, when I say that is mainly the only other option we have."
Suddenly it became quiet. And all they could hear was the heavy raindrops on the window, and rooftop.
"Then why did you guys come here?" Cyborg asked, breaking the silence.
The man replied, "To inform you, and plan to bring you to the council's campgrounds."
"What? Why?" Beastboy demanded, his face turning angry and menacing.
The man continued, "Because we chose you from planet earth to represent your country. But not for the reasons you think. We need to inform you of something."
Raven and Starfire exchanged glances. Since Raven was from Azerath, and Starfire from Tameran, what did that mean for them?
Would they represent Earth?
"How do we know we can trust you?" Robin asked.
The woman sighed and looked at him dangerously. "You don't know," she admitted. "But if you don't come, we'll take you by force."
"What time would we have to leave?" Starfire asked, hinting to everyone that they needed to listen.
The woman smiled at Starfire gratefully, although the alien didn't return the favor.
"By next week," she said. "During that interval we expect you to prepare for this trip with great caution. A map will be sent a day before so you can review where to go. We expect you there, so if you don't go. We'll take matters into our hands."
Raven nodded, and fixed them both with a small smile. "We'll definitely look, and talk this over."
Then the woman and man nodded noticing that this was their queue to go. While they got up and Starfire ushered them out, they all knew the time to talk was now.
Or soon.
Very soon.