I have the prologue and chapters 1-7 finished and undergoing revision (a beta is a wonderful, wonderful person). But I wanted some extra critique focusing more on terms of plot and characters. So here's chapter 1.
Summary: Things are changing for the Titans. Most of the criminals are still frozen. Jump City is finally peaceful. However, a woman has come from the future hunting an escaped murderer, a vigilante known as Robin.
Chapter 1
Silence reigned over Jump City. Or, at least, as much silence as the city allowed. Laughter drifted in the cool evening air. Honks and revs flooded the streets. From several doors, a deafening bass pounded. The city wasnÆt silent at all, but there were key sounds missing. No sirens. No wails. No alarms. It was a silent, peaceful night in Jump City.
Robin propped a foot against the edge of Titan TowerÆs roof. A ghost of a smile flitted across his face. Three months since the defeat of the Brotherhood of Evil. Three months since that final battle. He could hardly believe he was home after traveling the globe for such a long time. He was even more disbelieving of the lack of crime. There was still common theft. They still brushed shoulders with the few other criminals left unfrozen. And, every once in a while, a new creature like the Thing appeared. But, all in all, nights had never been quieter.
His smile grew. They couldnÆt relax, not really. He and his team needed to be ready to face anything at any time. But it was nice to be able to take a breather and enjoy life as a teenaged superhero without the responsibility every once in a while.
The door behind him opened.
ôHey Star,ö he acknowledged the presence without turning around. The door clicked shut as she floated toward him. Her hand was warm as it settled on his arm.
ôWhat are you thinking about?ö Her other arm slid around his waist, hugging him lightly from behind. His hand clasped hers.
ôNot much. The cityÆs been quiet lately.ö
ôYes. Our success with the Brotherhood of Evil has had some wondrous consequences. Most of the villains are still frozen. Our home is now much safer.ö
ôYeah.ö Robin smiled. Starfire rested her crimson head on his shoulder. He shifted slightly to accommodate her, his head on hers. His thumb rubbed slow circles on her hand. Before, he could only have stolen moments with Starfire, unknowing when the alarm would blare. Now, things were different. Slower. Calmer. Quieter.
And so, the sudden activation of his communicator caught him off-guard.
He flipped it open to reveal RavenÆs pale face. ôWhat is it?ö he asked.
RavenÆs eyes were wide. Shock? Fear? ôYou need to come down here. Now.ö
ôWhat is it?ö he repeated, already running for the door leading downstairs, one hand still holding StarfireÆs.
ôYou wouldnÆt believe me if I said,ö Raven finished cryptically and closed the line. By that time, Robin and Starfire were already in the elevator and had pushed the button leading to the Main Room. When the elevator dinged open, they ran through, the doors of the Main Room sliding open as they approached. The other Titans were staring at a figure at the far end. His jaw dropped open as Starfire gasped.
Terra smiled hesitantly at them, dressed again in her black shirt and brown shorts, her goggles adorning her head.
ôHi,ö she said. She smiled hesitantly, ducking her head. Her pose changed to mirror a small child, afraid of refusal. ôDo you think I could, maybe, come back?ö
-T-T-
Grey eyes surveyed the opening of the cave. Her steps made no noise on the dirt, her cape whispering behind her. One white-gloved hand rose, a soft light radiating around her palm and pushing the cobwebbed shadows away. She followed the tunnel as it wound its way further into the earth from which it had been born. Soon, she was able to discern something ahead.
It was a base, like ones on which statues were set. Two imprints still marred the rocky surface in the shape of boots. A plaque had been set against its side.
<div align=center>TERRA
A TEEN TITAN
A TRUE FRIEND</div>
A hand poised gracefully on the air just above the baseÆs surface. The fine blonde hairs rose on end.
A shadow of a power not of this time still lingered. It was faint, but just perceptible.
Behind the base, a small dark stain remained. Blood. Someone hurt had fallen here. Moving forward, she found one of the caveÆs smaller tunnels blocked by a rock fall. Inspecting the cracks on the ceiling, she found none to follow the natural fault line. The collapse had been created. Holding her hand above the rock, she sensed decaying organic matter within, too deep and too far to make digging it out feasible.
Robin had been here. Along with a heavily wounded Batman. Batman hadnÆt survived and had been buried here. But there was only a presence of power near the base, not near the body. Why would Robin use that power on rock instead of saving Batman?
Unless, she looked back, there had been something on that base when Robin came through.
<div align=center>TERRA
A TEEN TITAN
A TRUE FRIEND </div>
It seemed like her search continued with the Teen Titans. She shook her head slightly. Robin hiding behind Robin. Ironic.
-T-T-
A dark haired figure raised her head. The fine hairs on her arms and behind her neck stood on end.
An oddly familiar shadow of power lingered in the still air.
ôPhantasma,ö she swore under her breath.
SheÆd come so far, so far away from her. SheÆd left their time altogether! Why was she still on the hunt?
Her hand clenched shut over the jewel on her breast.
She had so little time left. She would have to watch and hope they never engaged. She wouldnÆt be able to resist Phantasma in her current state.
The girl punched a brick wall, her fist smashing through it. When she removed it, the skin was not broken. Her hand, however, burned.
It wasnÆt fair. It wasnÆt fairà
-T-T-
ôH-how?ö Beast Boy gasped. He knew Terra was alive. He knew that girl heÆd met was Terra. But he had never imagined Terra, his Terra, would return.
TerraÆs gaze dropped to the floor. ôIt wasàslow,ö she said. ôFrom the moment I met youùfor the second timeùI started having these horrible dreams. Usually five shadowy characters all screaming for me to save them. But I couldnÆt save them all at once. If I ran in one direction, four other screams grew louder. If I turned around, the one IÆd been running to would start yelling again. I was so afraid. I didnÆt understand.ö Terra shook her head, her hair forming a curtain across her face. ôI guess I didnÆt want to. I didnÆt want to faceàwhat IÆd done,ö she whispered the last three words, her head bowing further. She nervously clasped and unclasped her hands. When she raised her head again, her eyes were unnaturally shiny. ôI am so sorry,ö she whispered, voice breaking. ôYou canÆt imagine how much. If I could take it back, I would. A million times and more. I know youÆll probably never trust me again and I donÆt blame you, butàI wanted a chance. This Tower is the closest thing to home IÆve got.ö She fell silent, her head dropping. A curtain of brilliant yellow hair hid her face.
Beast Boy wanted nothing more than to hug her and tell her everything would be all right, that of course he trusted her, how couldnÆt he? But Starfire beat him to it.
ôOh, friend Terra!ö The alien girl swooped down and hugged Terra to her fiercely, though not as hard as she was wont to in the past. She had finally recognized her superhuman strength.
The others looked on, unsurprised by StarfireÆs show of affection, but waiting for RobinÆs decision before doing so themselves. The boy in question was the next to step forward.
ôTerra,ö he said seriously, placing one gloved hand on the blondeÆs shoulder, ôas far as IÆm concerned, youÆre a Titan and a member of the team. This is your home.ö
The tears that had been threatening to spill over finally did. Terra threw her arms around the Titan leader, hugging him as fiercely as Starfire had her. Robin looked surprised, but finally relaxed, patting her back.
A sudden possessive anger seized Beast Boy as he saw her in his leaderÆs arms.
The other Titans, however, took their leaderÆs acceptance as their cue and approached, each hugging or patting her back and shoulder. Even Raven clasped TerraÆs hand warmly, smiling wordlessly. Beast Boy held back slightly. He wanted nothing more than to grab Terra and not let her go. Seeing her, surrounded by their friends, he still couldnÆt believe she was there. But then she turned to face him and she threw herself into his arms with more force than she had Robin. And she was warm in his hands and her hair felt like sunshine and her breath was hot as she whispered in his ear, ôThank you for not giving up on me, Beast Boy,ö and Beast Boy grabbed her tightly and nothing else mattered anymore.
-T-T-
ôJohn, did you check the meat before you signed for it?ö Rachel called into the kitchen.
ôDouble checked,ö he answered. Rachel dimly heard the large stoves flaring to life.
ôOkay,ö she muttered to herself. ôMeat, check. Vegetables, check. The new tablecloths came in this morning. Where are those? John, where are the new linen tablecloths?ö
ôUh, Marie was ironing them. She should be in the back.ö
ôPerfect. Has Nick come in yet?ö
ôCalled and said heÆd be a little late since he has to go to a Parent-Teacher Meeting. Steve, help me take these things to the fridge.ö
As Rachel heard John and Steve grunt their way to the fridge, the double doors at the end of the small restaurant opened, admitting Lee-Ann and Marie carrying a load of freshly ironed tablecloths.
ôLet me help you with that.ö Rachel vacated her seat and walked toward the young women.
ôWeÆre fine,ö Lee-Ann smiled. ôThey donÆt weigh anything.ö
ôæWell, let me help you set them, at least. Without Tara, you have more work.ö
ôWeÆre fine,ö said Marie, but she shifted and handed half of the pile she carried to Rachel.
ôOof,ö Rachel laughed. ôYou must be stronger than you look!ö
Marie smiled shyly.
The three women quickly covered the tables and Rachel set a simple, but pretty vase crowned with white flowers on each. By then, the men had begun cooking and the rich aroma of food permeated the atmosphere. With a proud swish, Rachel slid the sign on the door to ôOpenö.
ôReady for the customers?ö Rachel grinned.
ôAlways,ö said Lee-Ann. She fished out a black hat, covering her hair. Marie drew out her order pad.
ôThe Titans have been excellent for business,ö Rachel chatted. ôI donÆt know what they did, but there hasnÆt been a big bad guy around for a long time. People are coming out more. The city feels so safe now.ö
Marie glanced out the window. ôYeah,ö she said in her typical quiet manner. ôItÆs only peaceful nights in Jump City now.ö
Summary: Things are changing for the Titans. Most of the criminals are still frozen. Jump City is finally peaceful. However, a woman has come from the future hunting an escaped murderer, a vigilante known as Robin.
Chapter 1
Silence reigned over Jump City. Or, at least, as much silence as the city allowed. Laughter drifted in the cool evening air. Honks and revs flooded the streets. From several doors, a deafening bass pounded. The city wasnÆt silent at all, but there were key sounds missing. No sirens. No wails. No alarms. It was a silent, peaceful night in Jump City.
Robin propped a foot against the edge of Titan TowerÆs roof. A ghost of a smile flitted across his face. Three months since the defeat of the Brotherhood of Evil. Three months since that final battle. He could hardly believe he was home after traveling the globe for such a long time. He was even more disbelieving of the lack of crime. There was still common theft. They still brushed shoulders with the few other criminals left unfrozen. And, every once in a while, a new creature like the Thing appeared. But, all in all, nights had never been quieter.
His smile grew. They couldnÆt relax, not really. He and his team needed to be ready to face anything at any time. But it was nice to be able to take a breather and enjoy life as a teenaged superhero without the responsibility every once in a while.
The door behind him opened.
ôHey Star,ö he acknowledged the presence without turning around. The door clicked shut as she floated toward him. Her hand was warm as it settled on his arm.
ôWhat are you thinking about?ö Her other arm slid around his waist, hugging him lightly from behind. His hand clasped hers.
ôNot much. The cityÆs been quiet lately.ö
ôYes. Our success with the Brotherhood of Evil has had some wondrous consequences. Most of the villains are still frozen. Our home is now much safer.ö
ôYeah.ö Robin smiled. Starfire rested her crimson head on his shoulder. He shifted slightly to accommodate her, his head on hers. His thumb rubbed slow circles on her hand. Before, he could only have stolen moments with Starfire, unknowing when the alarm would blare. Now, things were different. Slower. Calmer. Quieter.
And so, the sudden activation of his communicator caught him off-guard.
He flipped it open to reveal RavenÆs pale face. ôWhat is it?ö he asked.
RavenÆs eyes were wide. Shock? Fear? ôYou need to come down here. Now.ö
ôWhat is it?ö he repeated, already running for the door leading downstairs, one hand still holding StarfireÆs.
ôYou wouldnÆt believe me if I said,ö Raven finished cryptically and closed the line. By that time, Robin and Starfire were already in the elevator and had pushed the button leading to the Main Room. When the elevator dinged open, they ran through, the doors of the Main Room sliding open as they approached. The other Titans were staring at a figure at the far end. His jaw dropped open as Starfire gasped.
Terra smiled hesitantly at them, dressed again in her black shirt and brown shorts, her goggles adorning her head.
ôHi,ö she said. She smiled hesitantly, ducking her head. Her pose changed to mirror a small child, afraid of refusal. ôDo you think I could, maybe, come back?ö
-T-T-
Grey eyes surveyed the opening of the cave. Her steps made no noise on the dirt, her cape whispering behind her. One white-gloved hand rose, a soft light radiating around her palm and pushing the cobwebbed shadows away. She followed the tunnel as it wound its way further into the earth from which it had been born. Soon, she was able to discern something ahead.
It was a base, like ones on which statues were set. Two imprints still marred the rocky surface in the shape of boots. A plaque had been set against its side.
<div align=center>TERRA
A TEEN TITAN
A TRUE FRIEND</div>
A hand poised gracefully on the air just above the baseÆs surface. The fine blonde hairs rose on end.
A shadow of a power not of this time still lingered. It was faint, but just perceptible.
Behind the base, a small dark stain remained. Blood. Someone hurt had fallen here. Moving forward, she found one of the caveÆs smaller tunnels blocked by a rock fall. Inspecting the cracks on the ceiling, she found none to follow the natural fault line. The collapse had been created. Holding her hand above the rock, she sensed decaying organic matter within, too deep and too far to make digging it out feasible.
Robin had been here. Along with a heavily wounded Batman. Batman hadnÆt survived and had been buried here. But there was only a presence of power near the base, not near the body. Why would Robin use that power on rock instead of saving Batman?
Unless, she looked back, there had been something on that base when Robin came through.
<div align=center>TERRA
A TEEN TITAN
A TRUE FRIEND </div>
It seemed like her search continued with the Teen Titans. She shook her head slightly. Robin hiding behind Robin. Ironic.
-T-T-
A dark haired figure raised her head. The fine hairs on her arms and behind her neck stood on end.
An oddly familiar shadow of power lingered in the still air.
ôPhantasma,ö she swore under her breath.
SheÆd come so far, so far away from her. SheÆd left their time altogether! Why was she still on the hunt?
Her hand clenched shut over the jewel on her breast.
She had so little time left. She would have to watch and hope they never engaged. She wouldnÆt be able to resist Phantasma in her current state.
The girl punched a brick wall, her fist smashing through it. When she removed it, the skin was not broken. Her hand, however, burned.
It wasnÆt fair. It wasnÆt fairà
-T-T-
ôH-how?ö Beast Boy gasped. He knew Terra was alive. He knew that girl heÆd met was Terra. But he had never imagined Terra, his Terra, would return.
TerraÆs gaze dropped to the floor. ôIt wasàslow,ö she said. ôFrom the moment I met youùfor the second timeùI started having these horrible dreams. Usually five shadowy characters all screaming for me to save them. But I couldnÆt save them all at once. If I ran in one direction, four other screams grew louder. If I turned around, the one IÆd been running to would start yelling again. I was so afraid. I didnÆt understand.ö Terra shook her head, her hair forming a curtain across her face. ôI guess I didnÆt want to. I didnÆt want to faceàwhat IÆd done,ö she whispered the last three words, her head bowing further. She nervously clasped and unclasped her hands. When she raised her head again, her eyes were unnaturally shiny. ôI am so sorry,ö she whispered, voice breaking. ôYou canÆt imagine how much. If I could take it back, I would. A million times and more. I know youÆll probably never trust me again and I donÆt blame you, butàI wanted a chance. This Tower is the closest thing to home IÆve got.ö She fell silent, her head dropping. A curtain of brilliant yellow hair hid her face.
Beast Boy wanted nothing more than to hug her and tell her everything would be all right, that of course he trusted her, how couldnÆt he? But Starfire beat him to it.
ôOh, friend Terra!ö The alien girl swooped down and hugged Terra to her fiercely, though not as hard as she was wont to in the past. She had finally recognized her superhuman strength.
The others looked on, unsurprised by StarfireÆs show of affection, but waiting for RobinÆs decision before doing so themselves. The boy in question was the next to step forward.
ôTerra,ö he said seriously, placing one gloved hand on the blondeÆs shoulder, ôas far as IÆm concerned, youÆre a Titan and a member of the team. This is your home.ö
The tears that had been threatening to spill over finally did. Terra threw her arms around the Titan leader, hugging him as fiercely as Starfire had her. Robin looked surprised, but finally relaxed, patting her back.
A sudden possessive anger seized Beast Boy as he saw her in his leaderÆs arms.
The other Titans, however, took their leaderÆs acceptance as their cue and approached, each hugging or patting her back and shoulder. Even Raven clasped TerraÆs hand warmly, smiling wordlessly. Beast Boy held back slightly. He wanted nothing more than to grab Terra and not let her go. Seeing her, surrounded by their friends, he still couldnÆt believe she was there. But then she turned to face him and she threw herself into his arms with more force than she had Robin. And she was warm in his hands and her hair felt like sunshine and her breath was hot as she whispered in his ear, ôThank you for not giving up on me, Beast Boy,ö and Beast Boy grabbed her tightly and nothing else mattered anymore.
-T-T-
ôJohn, did you check the meat before you signed for it?ö Rachel called into the kitchen.
ôDouble checked,ö he answered. Rachel dimly heard the large stoves flaring to life.
ôOkay,ö she muttered to herself. ôMeat, check. Vegetables, check. The new tablecloths came in this morning. Where are those? John, where are the new linen tablecloths?ö
ôUh, Marie was ironing them. She should be in the back.ö
ôPerfect. Has Nick come in yet?ö
ôCalled and said heÆd be a little late since he has to go to a Parent-Teacher Meeting. Steve, help me take these things to the fridge.ö
As Rachel heard John and Steve grunt their way to the fridge, the double doors at the end of the small restaurant opened, admitting Lee-Ann and Marie carrying a load of freshly ironed tablecloths.
ôLet me help you with that.ö Rachel vacated her seat and walked toward the young women.
ôWeÆre fine,ö Lee-Ann smiled. ôThey donÆt weigh anything.ö
ôæWell, let me help you set them, at least. Without Tara, you have more work.ö
ôWeÆre fine,ö said Marie, but she shifted and handed half of the pile she carried to Rachel.
ôOof,ö Rachel laughed. ôYou must be stronger than you look!ö
Marie smiled shyly.
The three women quickly covered the tables and Rachel set a simple, but pretty vase crowned with white flowers on each. By then, the men had begun cooking and the rich aroma of food permeated the atmosphere. With a proud swish, Rachel slid the sign on the door to ôOpenö.
ôReady for the customers?ö Rachel grinned.
ôAlways,ö said Lee-Ann. She fished out a black hat, covering her hair. Marie drew out her order pad.
ôThe Titans have been excellent for business,ö Rachel chatted. ôI donÆt know what they did, but there hasnÆt been a big bad guy around for a long time. People are coming out more. The city feels so safe now.ö
Marie glanced out the window. ôYeah,ö she said in her typical quiet manner. ôItÆs only peaceful nights in Jump City now.ö