The titans were enjoying a night off at the Carnival. At one of the game stalls were Naruto and Starfire. He was showing and explaining to her the mechanics of Baseball and how to play this carnival game. Being that he wasn't too much of an expert on the subject he had put his spin on a detail or two. That and his wallet took a bit of the dive after Starfire destroyed two stalls, one with a ball hit too hard and the other a flying bat.
Though it was a bit amusing and cute when she held up the bat upside down.
''No here...'' He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her, his hands on her hands positioning them on the bat. Naruto out of curiosity and a purpose was curious about Tameran and Starfire vice versa about Earth so the two spent a good deal time around eachother. He showed her the arm motions. ''Like that...'' He marveling at how soft her skin felt. Normally he would have hinted a bit of an interest, but more or less he couldn't help the guilt that would accompany using her lack of experience and knowledge of earth as part of the reason of winning her over.
''Thank you friend Naruto...your example was informative.'' She said as Naruto stepped back. Because of the incident and how she was treated Starfire had these random bouts of uneasiness when it came to contact.
Starfire readied to swing and several people dived for the ground.
The machine shot the ball and Starfire swung the back sending it right into the whole. ''I did it!'' She cheered as she floated a bit. Everyone let out a breath of relief as Naruto shook his head.
''Star that was...'' All of a sudden a pink Octopus like craft swoops down and Yank Starfire from her spot. She screamed as she was carried away.''
''Starfire!"'
''Get your hands off me you besaxhrd!'' The Tameran warrior cursed in her language as she tried to break free. It was suppose to be a simple night to the carnival. Just taking a break and enjoying being a teenager for a few hours. She was going to enjoy spending some time with her new friends, especially Naruto who was curious about her and her culture. None of the others displayed as much as keen interest as him. In fact every time Naruto left or got a package it always included some Tome about a civilization, practices, or arts.
''Head's up,'' Naruto yelled as he sliced the upper portion of the Octopus robot off. He caught Starfire around the waist and dropped down to the ground. ''You okay Starfire?'' He asked the dazzled girl.
''Yes…I am unharmed…thank you,'' She replied as she looked away blushing. Their closeness was a bit more in the intimate nature. Tamereneans being part feline in their ancestry naturally were aware and dealt with animal magnetism. This wasn't too much a problem with her unless Naruto got close, especially during battle. While Beastboy was a good example because of his condition his was more loose and spontaneous and tended to fluctuate. Naruto's on the other hand was focused, powerful, raw when he got worked up.
''That was an interesting ride huh?'' He attempted to joke as she gave him a confused look. Naruto only shook his head and sighed.
It wasn't to say the girl was naive no it was a fact that Naruto easily picked up on. He knew how hard it was when he came to America and had to learn English for the first time. It wasn't easy considering he didn't look like a traditional Asian of Descent with blue eyes and blonde hair. The Language was practically identical, but in a good deal of worlds their were less Asian with weird hair colors like blonde, green, or hell even pink in comparison to other worlds.
''Glad you're okay,'' He said as he then backed up knowing their closeness. He got a good look at her and turned away as her outfit was something one would come up with for a role-play situation. Also for some strange reason he felt his urges rise to the surface when he was around her and as much as he didn't want to admit it. He liked her. Then their was also Raven on the other hand to consider.''
''Naruto maybe we should go back with the others,''
''Yeah yo…'' Naruto didn't get to finish as he was tackled by another Octopus robot like the last. Another one then showed up and got ready to attack Starfire when the other Titans showed up. Naruto fired out a condensed gust of wind and started blasted holes in the one he was fighting.
The other one's tentacles started to flail. Robin whips out his staff, extends it, and goes on the offensive; a mighty swing reverberates against the nose and drives the craft back. It tumbles over the guardrails as he lands and puts the weapon away. Beast Boy, back in human form, looks down after it; a loud splash is heard.
''So, did we just win?'' He asked bewildered.
The thing crashes up through the planks at the Titans' feet.
An explosion goes off and Naruto jumps into the Air and slam his hand into the creature and blast it apart. "I think this time we got them all." He said as he walked over to the others.
At the Titans Tower.
''Come, friends. '' The background changes to flowers and bathes her in light. ''I shall thank you for my rescue by reciting the Poem of Gratitude-all six thousand verses.''
The group began to blanche at that. Six thousand verses? These verses were short right?
''I uny eokdedf dgs glnsg fsrw tffd.'' a slightly sensual voice stated.
The mere sight of the woman put the others on guard before Starfire happily squealed and dove towards the woman and wrapped her in a tight hug. The woman looked similar to Starfire in terms orange skin and outfit theme. That was when the different features were noticed. Instead of the long flaming hair of Starfire this one had long dark purple hair that was pretty close to black, her eyes were missing Star's green as they looked the normal white with dark purple irises like her hair. Her outfit was a small black sleeveless top that accented her large chest and a black short skirt, her skin covered with a sleek silver long sleeved shirt and silver spats under her skirt. Her outfit shared the collar, bracelets, and long thigh high boots as Starfire while her boots were black like the rest of her outfit. What stood out the most was the green gem around her neck.
"Sister! It is so nice to see you again!" Starfire squealed as they hugged before the woman gently pushed Star away, holding up a finger as if to say 'one moment' and walked over towards Naruto. Naruto rose an eyebrow at her, unsure of why she was heading his way before the woman pulled him in by the collar of his shirt and trapped him in a deep kiss.
After a moment she pulled away. "Now that takes care of that." she turned to Starfire. "Now come give your big sister a before I forget I got you a little present."
"Is that a Centauri moon diamond?" Starfire's eyes lit up. " Where did you get it?"
''On the Centauri moons, of course.''She fastens it around Starfire's neck. ''Oh, look, it matches your eyes.
The recipient beams for a moment, then opens her eyes wide.
''You must meet my friends!'' Starfire said yanking Blackfire across the room. ''I wish to introduce my big sister.'' Blackfire steps forward and introduces her self.
''Blackfire.'' Both Naruto and Raven see Starfire caught out by her sister's boldness. '' And since Star told me all about the Titans in her transmissions, let me guess.'' She points to. ''Cyborg.''
He holds out his hand to shake and greets her. '' Pleased to meet you, little lady.'
The sound of grinding metal could be heard when she took his hand and when she let go his fingers appear to be squeezed temporarily out of alignment.'' Little lady, big handshake. Well, all right.''
''Raven. I like that gemstone on your Ajna chakra.''
''You...know about chakras?'' She asked clearly impressed.
''I got way into meditation on Altara Prime.''She moves on to. ''Beast Boy! What's up?
''Nothing but the ceiling, baby.''
She laughs,''Good one!''
'' See? She thinks I'm funny.'' He told Raven.
'' Statistically, I suppose someone has to.'' She replied.
'' And you must be Robin,''She zips behind him and fingers his cape. ''Oh, I am loving this cape. It's positively luscious!''
'Thanks. It's a high-density polymerized titanium, ten times stronger than steel.''
'Fascinating.''
She finally made her way to. ''Aah here we go…Naruto Uzumaki, Can't wait to see how much of a force of nature you are."
"Someone did their research. Pleased to meet you." ' He said giving her some dap.
''...And not to mention those whiskers of yours. Are they really natural?''
''Had them since the day I was born. ''
''Can I…touch them?'' She asked in a manner that could almost be classified as Fan Girl.
Before Naruto could answer Starfire inserts herself between them.
''So, beloved sister, what brings you to Earth? '' She asked as Blackfire crosses to the couch.
''I was in the quadrant. Thought I'd see if Earthlings like to party.''She hops over the back and sits. ''Besides, I needed a rest. Nearly got sucked into a black hole on the way here.''
''Black hole?'' Robin asked.
''No way!'' Said in disbelief Cyborg.
''Cool! ''Beast Boy exclaimed in awe.
''Okay. I'm cruising through the Draconis Nebula, and-''
''Sister! That nebula is full of black holes! It was a miracle you weren't killed!''
''Hey I'm here now no need to worry. Now be a sweetie and bring me one of those sodas I've heard so much about.'' She said turning to the others. '' So anyway, I'm zooming over an event horizon, approaching light speed, when all of a sudden-''
Starfire walks toward the kitchen on the end of this. ''I see you have not changed either.'' Starfire said to her self disgruntle.
In the orbit of Earth a large spaceship was tracking the feedback of one of its devices until it disappeared off radar.
'' Our target was not located. The drones have failed.'' One of the crewmen spoke.
'' Have they?'' another one asked as he looked down at a control panel that shows outlines of the four craft, or drones. Three glow green, while the last one is red, matching the status lights on the docking tubes. One clawed hand presses the red outline, and a view of Earth pops onto the screen.
'' The one that probed Earth did not return. That is where we will find the girl.''
'' Sister?'' Starfire asked as she walked around the tower. '' Sister? '' She looks around a bit.''Sister, I seek your companionship. '' She called out as she walks into the living room.
On the couch sat Cyborg and Beast Boy playing the GameStation on the brand new 60-inch screen Naruto bought. By their respective expressions one could tell right away who is winning.
'' You want to pass me, but you can't pass me. You can't pa-'' Surprised shown on his face as Beast Boy grins.
''You passed me!''
'' Tighten the turn...jets...and nitro!' 'He jumps up and does a laughing victory dance as Cyborg slumps over; a moment later, he is back on the couch. Starfire walks up behind them.
'' Tell me, have either of you seen Blackfire?''
''Blazin' B? She was here just a second ago.'' Beast Boy Answered.
Naruto walked by holding a newspaper. ''Sparring with Robin,'' He answered as he stop. ''Cyborg…I'm surprised man…how do you let Beast Boy of all people beat you!''
''Hey!'' The changeling cried indignant.
''Anyway man I got the stuff set up…had to pay for another person but it's all set.'' He informed. Seeing as he was the only one with a job; working as a waiter, running a bookstore, etc, etc., he pretty much paid for everything. It wasn't like superhero-ship was a regular paid job so part of the city's taxes were placed in a separate fund and the Titans were paid on a job to job basis, minus property damage they cause during fights and stuff like that. Currently the mayor and Robin were trying to negotiate an alternate payment plan seeing as it wasn't like a major villain attack would occur on a weekly basis or anything.
Throughout the day Starfire's confidence in her place among her friends withered. It seemed that Blackfire was a better friend to every one in a way she couldn't be. She was great at video games or knew any special martial arts to Teach Robin. She had the idea to bond with them over movies, but Starfire was now especially crest fallen to find out that they were going to a party since the thing Naruto orchestrated hit a set back meaning they didn't have to wait around.
Some time later they had all finally made it to the club and relaxed. Beast Boy and Cyborg was dancing and Raven was monotonously chatting with some Goth guy. The others were off doing their own thing.
Naruto noticed something was wrong with Starfire and decided to check up on her. Eventually he asked the important question…'What's wrong?''
'' Everything is…my sister's visit was nothing like I pictured. I am happy to see her, but Blackfire rules the video games, and she is able to share very depressing poems, and she knows the cool moves- -and she always knows when people are not talking about shovels.'' She sighs. ''And I am nothing like her.'' She exclaimed all in one breath.
Naruto knew something was off about her so he was glad he pulled her off to the side. ''Of course not…your you Starfire. Our friend and your sister can't replace you. Who else would cook me those Tamaranean dishes the way you do,'' He comforted. "Its just the hype of meeting someone new and interesting. Trust me Star your sister could never replace you for us and she's only visiting right?"
"That is what she said."
The moment Starfire was given access to a device capable of off world transmissions she began searching for and trying to contact her sister. To her relief she found Blackfire had also escaped capture and was avoiding the Gordonians. As such they had spent the last few weeks sending each other transmissions and making plans on contacting their people's allies and forming a plan to protect their home world from being conquered.
"At the very least this gives you time to connect with her right? Your duties at home always kept you apart. Now you can finally have that quality sister to sister time you wanted." His kind words and sentiments made Starfire feel somewhat better. A grateful smile began to form on Starfire's lips.
The moment was soon interrupted, "There you are, I was looking all over for you." Blackfire exclaimed as she forcefully moved in between them. "We are not leaving til I at least get one dance out of you." She said as she pulled on his arm.
"Star?" He turned his attention back to the redhead who shook her head.
"She won't stop until she get what she wants. Shall we talk more later?"
"With popcorn and a movie." he answered, a delighted smile soon formed on Starfire's face as at least someone had remembered their original plans for a movie night.
With that solved Naruto allowed the older Tamaranean to drag him out to the dance floor. "Have you been avoiding me? I haven't seen you much at all the past two days." she said as she swayed to the music.
"I have a job. Maintaining our bills aren't exactly cheap and it isn't like the city has an infinite fund for heroes."
"Ooh how responsible. There's just something sexy about a man that not only fight, but handles his money well as well." she said as she floated around him, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. "It just does things to a girl you know."
As his senses reached out he could sense the mixture of both positive and negative emotions swirling around. Deception. Betrayal. Lust. Exhaustion. Peace. Desire. Comfort.
Suddenly he grabbed her wrist. "Come on, lets go get comfortable somewhere else." He didn't even need to look back to take in the mischief and desire on her face. When they reached the roof Blackfire was the first to make a move. She tried to kiss the blond but he placed up a hand to stop her.
"What in the world is with you? You got a gorgeous woman practically throwing herself at you and you won't even give me the time of day." Her eyes began to burn with the same sort of anger all too familiar. "Its her isn't it? Just like everyone else you like my sister more than me?" That was when the undercurrent of bitter anger and jealousy began to poor out.
"To be fair Blackfire I don't know you, but I sense there is more to the story besides what you show on the surface so if you're willing to speak I'm willing to listen." He offered her a hand.
Blackfire couldn't help but be stunned at this. For so long she was used to people automatically agreeing with or siding to her sister that she hadn't even once thought about expressing her side of the feud.
"Do you know how hard it is to be looked at with distaste and mistrust? To be looked at as an omen or monster by your people?" She bitterly remarked only for Naruto to reach out and gently stroke her hand.
"More than you know." He gently answered. The look in his eyes had the alien warrior struck by the amount of understanding in them. "But what does this have to do with your issues with Starfire?"
"When I was born on Tamaran…there was an attack on a western city. An empire called the Citadel Empire attacked and killed thousands of Tamaraneans and claimed it in my name as I was the first princess born in over a hundred years. It did not help that unlike the rest of my people I was born with darker features not seen in our people for Millennia that signified not only bad luck, but treachery as the dark featured members of our race were liken to the more chaotic white martians of today's time until a previous ruler centuries ago had them wiped out. There were those who thought I would grow up with that same madness and I was attacked as a child leaving me crippled to the point that I cannot fly under my own power and need enhancing tech or stones to help me fly in space since…I had to be experimented on to allow me to fly at all" she said, cringing a bit at the undoubtedly horrible memory.
From the moment I was born I was nothing but a bad omen to my people and when…she… was born they gave her everything that I was denied as my rightful birthright. It makes me so angry and sick to my stomach because as long as I can remember she has looked up to me. Supporting and cheering me and treating me like I'm this older perfect sister and yet…that deep down that there's this part of me that hates her. That hates her with every fiber of my being because her existence is every bit of proof that deep down, I really am a monster and unless I get rid of her, I have no choice, but to forever be in her shadow."
It took the blond gently wiping her cheek for her to realize she had been crying. She was further shocked when he draped his arm over her and pulled her close. "No one is perfect Blackfire. We all have our dark sides. The most important thing is to not be overcome by them. If you keep trying to bury these feelings, they are going to drive you to madness, and you really will become the monster you fear. Starfire loves you and will never stop loving you. If you want her to understand you need to bear your heart out like you did to me." A part of him felt bad that the only reason she felt at ease or compelled to spill such heavy topics to him was the fact he had used a genjutsu to get her to open to him. It was only thanks to his emotion sensing and years of testing that it worked since illusions by far were still his worst jutsu.
"I can see why my sister talks about you so fondly in her transmissions. So caring and righteous. You must be quite the ladies man." She teased him as she wiped the tears from her cheeks that trickled down. "And since you're the reason why I am boo hooing you owe me big time." She jabbed his finger into his chest. "And I expect to collect for every ounce of emotional turmoil."
"I guess I don't have much of a choice."
"I think you won't be complaining too much on how I plan to collect it."
Blackfire said as she looked him in the eyes, slowly moving her lips closer to his. This time Naruto felt no deceit behind her intent and let it happen. She proved to be as every bit of passionate as her sister, but more adventurous as the addition of her tongue prove. They were both left panting when she pulled back.
"We will definitely be continuing later." She added as she reluctantly left his side. It was time to see if the blond was right and she could burry the hatchet and her hatred for her sister. As she left, she gave an extra shake to her movements, pleased that she had his complete attention. While it was initially true, she only wanted his attention as another means to harm her sister she realized that she was probably starting to have a thing for him.
She wondered if Starfire would be up to sharing? Hell after losing out on her birthright and their's people love this was the very least she could offer up to make things even.
For without a doubt this conversation was proving to be the most important in Blackfire's life. Without a doubt if not for this conversation the Tamaran would have gone down a dark path as her life slowly filled with anger and hatred.
This conversation allowed both sisters to bear their hearts and come to an understanding. The heart-warming scene was soon interrupted by an attack of more of those tentacle boots.
The sisters screams had reached Naruto's ears alerting him to the danger. Having already fought the machines before he was able to make quick work of them using wind nature chakra to slice them apart. With this latest attack it was deemed dangerous to be out in the open, so everyone returned to the tower.
In the technology breakdown room, Naruto, Robin, Cyborg, and Starfire had gathered, going over the latest incident that happened.
"Not only have these things attacked once, but twice now, targeting Starfire and now Blackfire. The question is how are these things able to track them?" Robin questioned.
"Well one possibility is that it can track by DNA or maybe energy signatures? Would that be possible?" Naruto directed the second question to Starfire.
"I do not recognize those machines. They look nothing like Gordanian technology who would be the only ones to have any of our DNA signatures."
"Well one thing for sure, these things are drones," Cyborg pointed out as he held up some chips from the machines. "From what I can analyze they lack the sufficient tech or an AI to be autonomous so we're looking at someone having to have commanded them."
"For the time being I think we can all agree that until we can find out who is behind this then Starfire nor Blackfire should leave the tower." Robin said as everyone nodded.
"Actually, I might have an idea on who might be after us." Blackfire interjected as she had been escorted down by Raven and Beast Boy. "I didn't get the best look at them, but they might be Centauri drones and they may be after me because of these." From her bag she pulled out several green crystals.
"Centauri crystals, sister you didn't…" Starfire replied with a hint of disapproval.
"It was the only way I could escape." Blackfire stated as she began to float much to her sister's surprise.
"Sister…you can…"
"…fly?" she finished, "Yeah, well not under my own power, only because of my armor." She began to address the group. "I'm sure you all by now heard from Starfire the experiments that she went under that gave her the ability to utilize her bolts." She couldn't help but let out a pained, resigned breath. "I am more or less a genetic abnormality among Tamareneans. I lack the vibrant redness associated with our grind and my body constitution isn't as strong. So even despite undergoing the same experimentation I need the use of tech to be able to fly and that means I need sources of power to fuel them."
"Well I'm sure we can reason with them as long as we return the crystals." Naruto suggested.
"I can work on trying track their frequency and see if they're willing to come to a peaceful discussion." Cyborg suggested.
For so long she had felt isolated. She had felt like an outsider. Never being able to find a place where she belonged or felt wanted. Thank you all, this really means a lot" Blackfire said as Naruto smiled at her. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're our friend Blackfire. If we can't count on those close to us, then who can we?"
When the signal of a ship was detected, everyone had gathered outside.
A large, dark vessel with silver metal patterns, and flashing orange and red lights landed near the island. As everyone prepared for the possibility of a fight Naruto placed a comforting on Blackfire's shoulder to assure her.
The trailing visitor speaks in a "We are Centauri police, we are from the Grand Centauri Empire." His voice came out with that of a s synthetic voice that has an undertone of organic mixed with it, he seems to hold a badge to the group that bares a unique symbol. "We've come here for the Tamaranean girl, she's committed high crimes throughout the entire Centauri system."
"Officer I would like to offer up a bargain in regards to freedom of my friend. I assure what I have to offer is worth more than some Centauri crystals." Biting his thumb and running his blood along the seal out popped out a simple white box with crystalline patterns along the sides and tops. "I have heard rumors from some former coworkers that the Daemonites were encroaching upon Centauri territority.
This environmental destablizer is keyed into the Daemonite signature. It won't last more than a day ,but I'm sure with enough resources and research your people should be able to reproduce something similar to it."
The team looked at Naruto with mixed expressions, but mostly shock. Robin though was suspicious on how and why had something like that on him.
"For now we will accept the offer, but bear in mind we will be back if its determined by our ruler that what you're offering was a hoax."
The officers collected the box before leaving for their ship. Moments later, the ship took off, and returned to the dark night of the heavens.
"I know you're going to wonder so I'll just come out and say it. I'm the former Justice League member that has essentially gone into retirement. Sage." If he was anything like Bruce he was sure he had install the dark knight's intrusive and inquisitive nature meaning he was going to attempt to investigate anything he saw as criminal or a threat.
"Sage. You're Sage!?" Robin had exclaimed in surprise. Besides Batman himself, Sage was probably one of the most mysterious members of the league. Not much went into any elaboration of why Sage suddenly disappeared from the active roster besides of personal matters.
If he hadn't been so distracted, he might have seen Raven's uncomfortable shuffling.
"The league has always been more reactive and that's never been something I agreed to my more active approaches. I was looking into forming alliances and making talk with other races and empires before I parted way with the leagues. When I heard the word Centauri it reminded me of that old project I was working on." Thankfully it seemed to be enough to where Robin wasn't going to question things anymore.
The following morning arrived and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The sun was rising to a beautiful morning.
Starfire, Blackfire, and Naruto are stood on the roof of the tower. "Sister are you sure you want to do this? Is leaving the only way you can find yourself?" She couldn't help but find herself sad. Why did her sister have to leave? Now that they were free from the Citadel and no one was after them they could enjoy a new life on Earth. Hell, she was even invited to join the team by Robin who figured another strong fighter on the team couldn't' hurt.
"As much as I want to stay here, I feel I need to find out who I am. All my life it was filled by ideas of revenge, jealousy, and hatred. I never cared for others and all I ever done has been to hurt others. Once I found out who I am I will be back." For the first time Blackfire could look at her sister without any jealousy or hatefulness in her eyes.
The dark Tamaranean looked over at Naruto, who nodded and smiled at her. She could see that despite the fact he would enjoy her staying here as well she could take note of his acceptance and understanding.
Starfire hugged her sister and cried. The poor red head only just got her sister back, she didn't want to lose her again.
"Don't cry Koriand'r… I will come back. I promise you when I come back, we will finally be able to come together as true sisters, not just in name only."
Starfire pulled away from her hug and looked at her sister. While there was still the looking of confidence and determination that it always held there was now a hint of gentleness and no longer held the need to dominate. There was hope there, hope that wasn't there before.
Blackfire smiled at her younger sister, before turning her attention to the blond, who raised a brow in response. "You've given me so much. I don't like owing others so expect me to pay you back when I get back, got it."
"It's not really necessary, I did what I did because it was the right thing to do." He assured her.
"Still," she lingered on it as she closed the distance between them. "You two take care of each other, ok? I look forward to showing you two the new me when I get back." She declares as she takes off. "Don't take too long to make your move sister. Don't want some other girl to take your spot as head wife." She waves at them as she bolts across the sea and into the horizon.
With a raised eyebrow Naruto turned to the slightly flustered Tamaranean. "Polygamist race I'm suspecting? I can't say I was ever involved of myself, but I do know of the practice." After all it was common practices among smaller blood line clans back in his original life and was far more common in the old clan days to help strengthen Kekki Genkai and grow numbers.
"Since I am still learning many Earth customs and have learned so far that humans are a bit more…prudish, in comparison to my own people I did not wish to press into matters that could be embarrassing or invasive."
Naruto couldn't help but gently smile. He would have been lying to say he wasn't attracted to Starfire and he did enjoy her company. Still, it was far from saying they knew each other enough to say they were romantically compatible. Well, there was only one way to find out and worst case scenario there was nothing wrong with staying friends if things didn't play out in that direction. "Hey Starfire, want to join me for a day out?"