...
Chapter One.
...
Mar'i had spent her entire life feeling overshadowed by her mother's remarkable legacy. The amazing Starfire. But despite what everyone thought, Mar'i didn't believe she was like her mother. Koriand'r was a warrior, a superhero, an ambassador of peace between worlds. She embodied light, positivity, and heroism. Struggling with self-doubt and the pressure to live up to such high expectations, Mar'i felt the weight of immense expectations placed upon her. She yearned to carve out her own identity separate from her mother's larger-than-life image.
Mar'i stood before the mirror, her eyes fixated on the reflection staring back at her. Her standard audience insecurities made her question her appearance. Growing up as the daughter of the stunning Starfire, it was only natural for Mar'i to harbor doubts about her own beauty. Despite receiving compliments about her resemblance to her mother, Mar'i couldn't help but wonder if people were merely being kind, masking the truth.
Mar'i possessed many of her mother's striking features—the elongated legs, the sun-kissed, orange-toned skin, the captivating emerald-green eyes, and the graceful curves that exuded femininity. Even her hair, voluminous and lustrous, mirrored Kori's in texture and thickness. Yet, the vibrant red hue that defined her mother's locks eluded Mar'i, replaced instead by her father's deep, jet-black shade.
It was the one thing Mar'i knew she had gotten from him. Her father remained a mystery, shrouded in the unspoken silence of her mother's avoidance. Kori rarely spoke about him, and whenever the subject arose, a palpable discomfort settled over their conversations. Nevertheless, Mar'i couldn't help but wonder about the man whose blood coursed through her veins. She yearned to know the untold stories, the hidden truths, and the connection she shared with the enigmatic figure who had played a significant role in her existence.
"Mar'i, breakfast is ready." Kori called out from the kitchen, interrupting Mar'i's fussing with her appearance. It was her cue to put aside her insecurities and accept herself just as she was. With a sigh, she relinquished her struggle and made her way downstairs, the unpleasant aroma of her mother's culinary creations hitting her senses like a brick wall.
"Good morning, Sweetheart!" Kori greeted cheerfully as Mar'i entered the kitchen. "Are you hungry?"
Mar'i's eyes couldn't help but dart to her mother's choice of attire—an ensemble consisting of daisy duke shorts and a lacy crop top. Suppressing a sigh, Mar'i chose to ignore yet another revealing outfit her mother had chosen. She walked up to the stove, her gaze fixed on the pungent concoction simmering in the frying pan before responding to her mother's question.
"Not for that." She stated plainly.
Moments like these made Mar'i long for a more conventional mother, one who prepared normal meals and dressed in a way that aligned with her role as a parent. While she understood the practical purpose behind her mother's revealing outfits—to absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun—she couldn't help but yearn for a moment when her mother would simply dress like a mom.
Mar'i had not only inherited her mother's striking looks but also her extraterrestrial powers. However, as a teenager who wasn't a superhero or a warrior, she found little use for starbolts. Flying, on the other hand, was a part of her nature, a trait inherited from her Tamaranian heritage.
"I don't know why you insist on cooking breakfast every morning when I never touch what you make." Mar'i spoke, her tone laced with a hint of frustration as she walked over to the cupboard and pulled out a box of cereal.
"Because I love experimenting with food, and I hope to someday make something that you might actually want to try." Kori responded, her voice filled with a mix of determination and affection as she served herself a plate.
"Good luck with that." Mar'i drawled, her skepticism evident, before taking a bite of her Fruit Loops, seeking solace in the familiarity of a simple and ordinary breakfast choice.
"Do you want me to take you to school?" Kori asked, sustaining the offer despite her daughter rejecting it every time.
With a small shake of her head, she politely declined the offer. "I'd rather just take the bus."
Despite her desire to respect her daughter's decisions and foster her growing sense of independence, Kori couldn't suppress her instinctual urge to provide any possible parental assistance. Her hand instinctively reached into her purse. "Wait, let me give you some lunch money." She spoke with a sense of urgency, her voice infused with an underlying devotion to Mar'i's well-being, even in the smallest of matters.
Mar'i's objection came swiftly, a gentle protest against her mother's persistent concern. "Mom, it's fine," she reassured, aware of the impatient honking of the school bus growing louder in the background. "I have to go." She said, placing her empty bowl in the sink before dashing toward the door.
Mar'i's swift exit propelled her out of the house. She quickened her pace, her steps displaying a sense of urgency as she sought to reach the bus before her mother had the chance to catch up to her. However, her hopes of escaping her mother's characteristic farewell were diminished as she heard a voice call out to her.
"Goodbye, Mar'i! I love you!" Kori's spoke with genuine affection as she excessively waved farewell.
As the bus doors closed behind her, Mar'i couldn't bring herself to acknowledge the excessive farewell, succumbing to a defeated sigh. Embarrassment washed over her as the other students on the bus erupted in giggles and teasing comments. Seeking solace, Mar'i made her way to the back of the bus and slumped down in her seat, her posture reflecting a mixture of frustration and weariness. Deep down, she recognized her mother's genuine intentions, but she couldn't help but wish for a more subtle expression of love, one that wouldn't draw unwanted attention and add to her feelings of self-consciousness.
"Your mom's so hot."
Mar'i's brows furrowed deeply as she cast an intense scowl at the boy who leaned over the seat in front of her. His audacity to invade her personal space, coupled with his crude comment further ignited her already simmering temper.
"Do you think you can get me her number?"
In that moment, her emerald-green eyes pierced through him with a potent mix of irritation and defiance. "Shut up, Tyler!"
Receiving comments like those had unfortunately become a recurring experience for Mar'i. But just because she got them all the time didn't mean they didn't bother her, because they did, a lot. One would expect school to be a sanctuary, a place where Mar'i could distance herself from her mother's shadow and establish her own identity. Yet, the reality proved different. As she walked through the bustling halls, she was met with a barrage of reminders that she couldn't escape her mother's extraordinary presence. Peers eagerly shared videos of Starfire's latest heroic triumphs, their faces animated with excitement and admiration. Fans proudly sported t-shirts adorned with Starfire's unmistakable face, a symbol of their loyalty and admiration. Supermodel magazines featuring the tall and resplendent redhead adorned the hands of many, drawing attention to the captivating allure her mother possessed. But what was worse than all of that, was the boys that had sexy pictures printed of the alien bombshell in their lockers.
The school's walls became a constant backdrop to the presence of the superhero. The relentless reminders of her mother's extraordinary persona created an intricate web that ensnared Mar'i, making it hard for her to forge her own path and discover her true identity. Though Mar'i recognized the undeniable magnificence of her mother's achievements, she longed for others to perceive her beyond the prism of her mother's fame and beauty. She yearned to be acknowledged for her own unique aspirations, and character, unburdened by the weight of her mother's reputation.
"Did you see the way she took down that supervillain?"
"Starfire is so cool!"
"Check out this picture of Starfire! She has the biggest boobs."
"I wish I had Starfire's legs."
"Starfire is the prettiest superhero."
"I wonder what kind of underwear Starfire wears?"
"Definitely thongs."
"I can't believe Starfire was on the cover of Vogue!"
"Starfire is so hot!"
"Dude, did you see that picture of Starfire in a bikini?"
"Now class, settle down." The teacher's voice commanded as she distributed papers to each student. "Today, we will be working on the Naviance Student Survey career assessment. Essentially, it's a quiz designed to help measure your job and career preferences based on various aspects such as personal assessments, personality traits, habits, thoughts, education, skills, and accomplishments."
Mar'i glanced down at her empty desk, realizing she hadn't received a test like her classmates.
"Yes, Mar'i?" The teacher asked, acknowledging Mar'i's raised hand.
"I didn't get a test."
The teacher chuckled softly, attempting to ease Mar'i's worries. "Don't worry, Mar'i. I'm not going to make you take the test. We already know what kind of career path you're destined for."
Frustration simmered within Mar'i, her sense of fairness challenged by the teacher's assumption. How was it that everyone seemed to have her future figured out when she herself was still searching for answers?
Suppressing her urge to lash out, Mar'i let out a heavy sigh, determined to advocate for herself in a polite manner. "Please, can I still take the test?" She requested, her words carefully measured.
The teacher hesitated for a moment, pondering Mar'i's request. "I suppose if you really want to." She conceded, placing the test on Mar'i's desk. "But just so you know, it isn't designed to provide 'superhero' as an option."
"Thank you." Mar'i replied graciously, though she couldn't help but feel frustrated that she had to insist on having the same opportunities as her peers.
As she focused on the test before her, Mar'i couldn't help but overhear whispered comments from the boys seated behind her.
"I would love to see her in some spandex."
"Do you think she will turn out as hot as her mom?"
Their remarks, veiled in immaturity, elicited an eye roll and a shake of her head. Determined to maintain her composure, she refocused her attention on the paper, which presented a series of basic questions with response options ranging from very interested, interested, slightly interested, or not interested.
Question 1: Solve math problems.
Mar'I didn't mind math. She liked to think she was average when it came to the subject. But just because she wasn't bad at it, didn't mean she wanted to pursue a career that heavily involved it.
Not interested.
Question 2: Start or run a business.
A question she never really considered. Could she run a business? What would that business even be? The idea of being her own boss seemed nice. But to be completely in charge of her career?
Not interested.
Question 3: Learn computer software programs.
Mar'i wasn't exactly tech savvy. She was a genius when compared to her mother. But learning how to use Instagram or to send an email wasn't exactly a computer genius.
Not interested.
Question 4: Use computer software to design art.
Art? A career in creativity? Mar'i was about as creative as she was good at math, so average. But unlike math, art wasn't as boring.
Slightly interested.
Question 5: Learn the legal system.
Hard pass.
Not interested.
Question 6: Serve the community and keep it safe.
No.
Not interested.
Question 7: Critique art, music, or performances.
This one didn't seem so bad. It leaned back into the creative subject but instead of making art, you would be judging it.
Slightly interested.
Question 8: Bake or design cakes.
Despite being a better cook than her mother, Mar'i didn't have the desire to bake or cook.
Not interested.
Question 9: Teach people new skills.
Maybe? It was a possibility. She did teach her mother a lot of new things. And considering Kori's lack of understanding in regards to earth customs, it took a lot of patience when it came to teaching her something.
Interested.
Question 10: Write a blog, magazine article, or novel.
Another thing she never considered before, but wasn't solidly against.
Interested.
Question 11: Observe human behavior.
Well, she already did that a lot, so she didn't see any harm in making it a career.
Interested.
Question 12: Discover why chemicals react to one another.
Science? Pass.
Not interested.
Question 13: Use math, science, and technology.
Pass.
Not interested.
Question 14: Fix, build, or assemble various items.
Another pass.
Not interested.
Question 15: Take care of people, even strangers.
She wasn't opposed to it, even though it leaned towards the category of Starfire. But she guessed you didn't have to be a hero to take care of people.
Slightly interested.
Question 16: Learn statistics and accounting.
Nope.
Not interested.
Question 17: Supervise, hire, and mentor others.
Another one she wasn't sure about.
Slightly interested.
Question 18: Code an app or website.
Another computer question.
Not interested.
Question 19: Design the look and feel of a website.
Not interested.
Question 20: Study courses in law.
Not interested.
Question 21: Help people during an emergency.
Not interested.
Question 22: Act, sing, dance, or work behind the scenes of a play.
Mar'i didn't mind participating in the school play, but she didn't think she wanted to pursue it career wise.
Not interested.
Question 23: Cook unique dishes for other people.
Another thing her mother enjoyed doing.
Not interested.
Question 24: Motivate others to meet their goals.
Mar'i didn't think she was a motivator.
Not interested.
Question 25: Prepare a press release or write a commercial.
Not interested.
Question 26: Study ethics or philosophy.
Boring.
Not interested.
Question 27: Conduct experiments and make observations.
No mad scientist here.
Not interested.
Question 28: Evaluate products and redesign them to be better.
Not interested.
Question 29: Learn a trade.
Maybe?
Slightly interested.
Question 30: Learn how the body functions.
Not interested.
Question 31: Work with numbers often.
Already passed on math.
Not interested.
Question 32: Help with business operations.
Not interested.
Question 33: Troubleshoot technology issues.
Not interested.
Question 34: Create a logo or advertisement for a business.
Not interested.
Question 35: Help people resolve issues in a fair and just way.
Not interested.
Question 36: Enforce federal, state, and local laws.
Not interested.
Question 37: Paint, draw, or make sculptures.
Slightly interested.
Question 38:
Work in a kitchen or bakery.
Didn't they pretty much ask this question?
Not interested.
Question 39: Develop lesson plans for classes.
Not interested.
Question 40: Learn another language.
Well, considering Mar'i was half Tamerainan this was very easy to obtain. It might even be a little fun.
Interested.
Question 41: Research other cultures or religions.
While the previous question had its perks, she didn't have much interest in this.
Not interested.
Question 42: Solve world issues using science.
Not interested.
Question 43: Create and build machines or structures.
Not interested.
Question 44: Work that is physical and keeps me moving.
Considering she was strong and naturally enjoyed being physical, this might work for her. But then she wondered what this question implied? Athlete? Dancer? Both things she wasn't against but never really thought of pursuing.
Interested.
Question 45: Help those who are dying, sick, or depressed.
She did not want to be a doctor or therapist.
Not interested.
Question 46: Learn how to invest money.
Not interested.
Question 47: Write a business plan.
Not interested.
Question 48: Keep up with cutting edge technology.
Not interested.
Question 49: Advise others on their legal rights.
Not interested.
Question 50: Help your community during a crisis.
Not interested.
Question 51: Design works of art for others to enjoy.
Slightly interested.
She realized her results would probably lead her to an artist path. But just because she didn't mind doing art and other creative outputs, didn't mean she saw herself as an artist.
Question 52: Teach a large group how to do something.
Slightly interested.
Teacher - another thing she felt her answers were leaning towards. Being a teacher or art teacher was not what she wanted to do with her life. But considering her answers she would not be surprised if this was what her results came to.
Question 53: Promote or market a brand-new product.
Not interested.
Question 54: Understand world events or politics.
Not interested.
Question 55: Conduct science experiments.
Another question she was sure had already been asked.
Not interested.
Question 56: Innovate and design better products.
Not interested.
Question 57: A career requiring less than 2 years of education.
Slightly interested.
Question 58: Advise people about healthy lifestyle habits.
Not interested.
Question 59: Learn how to cook with various ingredients.
Not interested.
After turning in her test, Mar'i headed to her next class. As she settled into the quiet classroom, with only the repetitiveness of the teacher's lecture as background noise, her thoughts drifted back to her future. It dawned on her that she had spent so much time focusing on what she didn't want to become as an adult that she had neglected to consider what she truly wanted to be. Perhaps it was time to shift her attention towards envisioning her own path and purpose in life, just like her classmates who were busy planning their college journeys and idealizing their future careers. It seemed like the normalcy she longed for, to have a clear direction and purpose.
With the sound of the final bell, signaling the end of the school day, Mar'i made her way to her locker and gathered her belongings. As she closed the locker door, she found herself approached by a group of girls, their faces brimming with excitement.
"Hey, Mar'i! We're heading to the beach. Do you want to join us?" One of the girls eagerly invited.
Mar'i mustered a smile, her heart yearning to accept the invitation and immerse herself in carefree moments with friends. "Maybe another time." She replied, politely declining the offer.
With a simple shrug of their shoulders, the girls left, leaving Mar'i alone with her decision.
It wasn't that she didn't want to go. In fact, she idolized the idea of going to the beach, hanging out with peers, making friends, and having a good time. However, the reality of her mother's public persona compelled her to decline such invitations.
Mar'i had been invited out countless times by her classmates and peers, but after several disappointing experiences, she learned that it was often better for her to decline. It became painfully clear that people weren't truly interested in Mar'i, but actually Starfire.
In the past, Mar'i had been invited to the beach, but just like any other time, her mother had dropped her off, everyone wanted her to stay. While Kori would have been more than happy to stay, she could clearly see in her daughter's eyes that her presence wasn't wanted and politely declined the invitation. This decision triggered a wave of disappointment and discontent among the group.
Throughout the day, Mar'i found herself bombarded with audible expressions of disappointment as people tried to convince her to bring her mother back. The constant questions and conversations revolving around Starfire became an exhausting backdrop to her day. While Mar'i initially believed that the incessant inquiries about her mother were the worst part of the day, that notion swiftly changed when it was time to swim.
Much like her mother, Mar'i had developed early, her body maturing ahead of many of her peers. It was something she had never paid much attention to until that particular day when she realized her swimsuit hugged her figure more noticeably than the other girls. Between the teasing comments from the girls and the flirtatious remarks from the boys, Mar'i found herself overwhelmed with a sense of self-consciousness and wished she had never shown up.
The experience left her feeling exposed and vulnerable as though her body had become another reason for people to compare her to her mother. It was a painful reminder of the challenges she faced, caught between the desire to be seen as an individual and the inescapable association with her mother's image. In moments like these, Mar'i yearned for a sense of normalcy and acceptance, where she could be appreciated for who she was, rather than constantly being subjected to comparison and objectification.
...