Director D.Z.
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Titan Academy - Starfire (A Teen Titans TF fic)
🕑 Added 2019-12-25 08:00:02 +0000 UTC (Contains reality alteration)
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This game utilises an automatic saving system. Please do not turn off or restart the device when you see the symbol flashing in the corner.
Begin?
-Yes
No
The screen lit up as charming music began to play. An image faded into view of a path paved by red and white bricks that led through a grove of cherry trees, all set beneath a bright blue sky.
"Welcome, young Master Beast Boy." A woman - she must have been in her mid-twenties at least, probably older - was walking up the path with pleasantly rendered graphics. As she approached, she offered her hand, and BB almost found himself trying to shake it out of habit. "I'm glad to see you made it safely - if a little late. I'd heard the trains were a little behind today."
"Uh. Sure, I guess..." The hero in green shrugged. It was as good an intro as any.
"Well, all that matters is that you're here now." She smiled and nodded. "Oh, but where are my manners? My name is Helen Major, but please, call me Helen. I've been assigned as your guide and assistant while you get settled in here at your new home. I know it might seem a little excessive..." she laughed, "but Mr Wyn takes his obligation to you very seriously, and wants to make sure this transition goes as smoothly as possible."
"Uh. Mr who-now?" A question mark bobbled over BB's head.
"Oh!" The woman put a hand to her mouth. "Do you not remember? Mr Wyn was the business magnate whose life you saved in that shocking accident!"
She shifted, looking a little uncomfortable. "I knew you were injured during your heroism, but no one told me your memory might be affected. I do apologise."
"Oh, uh." Suddenly he felt awkward. Well at least the game had him being heroic right! "Yeah, no, I remember now! Right, I'm great, it's fine. Thanks for the reminder."
"Oh, it's quite alright." Helen smiled, and the hero felt his heart warm at her sincerity. Not bad for a game! "That's why I'm here after all. Anyway, as you no doubt recall," she said as her smile became a touch conspiratorial, "Mr Wyn was so grateful for your heroic actions that day that he insisted on making sure you were rewarded with admittance into the most prestigious school in the country, Titan Academy - along with providing you new lodging and taking care of every expense during your recovery and education."
"Huh. Titan Academy?" BB rubbed his chin. What a weird coincidence. "I like the sound of that!"
"Yes, Titan Academy! Graduates from our school are well known for their success and wealth across the world. If you can make it at Titan, they say, you've made it everywhere. Being invited to attend is a truly great offer."
"Wow." The hero grinned. "Sounds great! Where do we start?"
Helen nodded again, turning to lead the player onwards. "Well, if you're all ready to go, why don't you follow me? I'll give you a tour of the school, maybe introduce you to a few of your new classmates, and get you settled in."
Well this should be interesting! Beast Boy leaned in, thumbs on the controls. "Lead on, Helen, lead on."
The walk didn't take long, the guide leading her charge on down the path through the cherry tree grove. Beyond it, visible one you walked through the trees and passed through a wall of well trimmed hedges, was a grand building that towered over its surroundings and glittered in the sunlight. You could literally hear it sparkle.
Beast Boy whistled. "Cool looking place! Is that the Academy?"
Helen smiled over her shoulder. "That's the one! Impressive, isn't it?" She turned back, walking on into a small garden-like courtyard that surrounded the Academy's entrance. A fountain burbled in the centre, surrounded by a ring of white and red paving stones which then spread out like spokes of a wheel off between tress and flowerbeds - and, in one case, off towards a set of red brick stairs that led up to the shining glass doors that marked the entrance to the building proper. "Everything is impressive here at Titan Academy. The surroundings, the lessons - and most of all, the students like you." She winked.
Beast Boy's grin was wider than his face. "Awh, shucks, you're gunna make me blush!"
The woman just giggled playfully, ascending the steps at a steady clip. "Oh, but it's true. I can already tell you'll make a big impression here. Trust me. I've even had students asking after you already."
"Really?" He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Oh, you'll meet them in time." She nodded to herself. "In fact, I think you used to know one of them, a very long time ago..."
And then they were inside, the glass doors closing behind them - behind Helen and BB's character, that was. Wow, the graphics on this thing were even better in here. It was easy to forget it was just a game!
The entrance hall was fittingly large for such an ostentatious - hey, he'd finally gotten a use out of that word a day calendar Raven had thrown at him! - facility. There were multiple desks that dotted the walls, each attended by smiling secretaries or busy bureaucrats. Large digital signs hung over head, listing classes and advertising programs or clubs. And multiple doors led off into dusting hallways, each one decorated in different colours to emphasise which departments lay behind them. Science, Drama, Languages... BB stopped reading the lists before they made his eyes spin, but they were definitely detailed.
"Now," said Helen, turning to face him in the middle of the floor. "Allow me to extend to you a proper, official welcome, Master Beast Boy, to Titan Academy. Here, the future is yours for the taking."
"Please, please," he said, waving a hand at the screen in embarrassment, "just Beast Boy is fine. BB if you're in a rush."
"Your wish is my command... Beast Boy." The pair shared a chuckle, before she straightened up again. "So, where would you like to begin your official tour, Beast Boy? From here, we can travel to any part of the facility. Perhaps you'd like to see our works famous library? Or maybe a strapping young man like yourself would want to check out our gold medal winner producing gym? Or would you like to see the rooms where you'll be taking most of your classes? ... Ah, and before I forget, before we're done for the day we have to finish filing your paperwork at the office - it's nothing big, just a few forms for you to sign. I understand that Mr. Wyn's daughter has taken care of most of the work - she was quite keen to thank you for saving her father's life. Anyway, we can handle that at some point as well."
"So where shall we start?"
Choices popped up on the screen.
[Visit the Library]
[Check out the Gym]
[Tour the Classrooms]
[Sort out your Paperwork]
"Hmmm." BB studied the options carefully. Ordinarily, school and anything related to it was a subject he stayed the heck away from, but right now all this glitzy glamour had made it sound kind of... fun? And it was a game, too, so it wasn't like there'd be actual learning here. So he was safe. Probably.
Still, he had no idea which option he should choose first. Would it matter? How did this game work, exactly? He didn't want to screw up at the first choice...!
"Relax, Beast Boy," Helen's soothing voice cut though his unaired concern. "There's no wrong choice. Just pick whichever you like."
"Oh." He blinked. "Okay then!"
Fears put at ease, he selected the first option. If it didn't matter, why not go in order? "To the Library!"
"The library it is." Helen nodded. "Wonderful. Follow me, I'll show you right to it."
-
The library was something else. Beast Boy thought he’d seen libraries. He’d seen Raven’s room – and he’d seen the inside of her head, and wow there were some books in there – but even those failed to compare to the library of Titan Academy. The room that housed their books stretched on as far as the eye could see, with stacks of shelves arranged in spiralling patterns centred around seating area hubs. There might have been more books in here than there were people in Jump City. It was amazing.
And also not really the kind of place BB saw himself ever going willingly, but since it was a computer game, he’d make an exception just this once.
“We have copies of practically every text in existence,” Helene explained as she led him through the maze-like stacks. “Available both digitally and physically, of course, though we do ask that borrowers be careful with the rarer tomes.”
“Riiight…” He looked around. Yeah, there was exactly no chance of him doing that. “Am I gunna be spending a lot of time in here, do you think?”
Helen gave him that same gentle smile that she always wore. “That depends entirely on the subjects you choose to specialise in. If you’re worried, though, I can introduce you to someone who can help you get the feel of the place. I think one of our student guides is around here somewhere… Ah! Over there!”
Turning to look, BB saw-
[Loading]
“Oh!” The hero blinked. Huh, he’d gotten pretty wrapped up in that. Suddenly he felt like he’d been thrown back into his own body from somewhere else. The sign of a gripping game!
… but now it seemed to be stuck on a loading screen. And it was taking forever. ”C’mon,” he muttered, poking at the screen. “Hurry up already.”
“Sorry!” Helen’s voice came through the speakers, even though the screen remained the same. “I’m getting an update. This might take a few minutes – why don’t you go get a drink or something and then come back?”
“…Eh.” He shrugged. “Sure, why not.”
It had been a while since he'd eaten - how long had he been playing for now? - so BB didn't really think twice about the suggestion, hopping to his feet and heading for the door, his new game carried under his arm. He wandered through the halls of Titan Tower towards the kitchen at a casual pace, his progress slowed by him checking to see if the console was done loading every few seconds. This, unfortunately, did mean that inevitably he was distracted from where he was walking, until...
<Bonk!>
"Oh! Apologies, Beast Boy! I did not expect to run into you there."
BB looked up from the floor, his eyes spinning. "N-no problem S-Star." Crashing into Starfire always left you dazed and on the floor. The girl could bench press a truck. He shook his head to clear it and sprang back to his feet. "Sorry, that was my bad."
"Nonsense." The perky heroine from the stars would hear none of it, helping him to his feet. "When two friends collide by accident during their afternoon wanderings, it is a time for celebration, not sadness!" She bobbed in the air happily, then looked thoughtful. "Unless... Oh! Did I interrupt you in some fashion?"
He shook his head again, this time in denial. "What? Who, me? No no, I was just playing my... Hey, where'd it go?" He looked around, gradually growing more alarmed. His new game had disappeared!
"Ah, pardon me." Starfire bent down, grabbing a familiar tablet from the floor. "Is this what you were after?"
"That's it!" BB locked on. "Thanks, Star, you're a lifesaver."
"Yes, saving lives is what I do on a daily basis!" She blinked. "Is it not the same for you?"
"Uh." He rubbed the back of his head, a sweat drop developing. "Just a turn of phrase, Star."
"Ah, I see." The Alien giggled, mostly at herself, and offered him the tablet. "Apologies again, I have been trying to- ow!"
Her hand shot back as if she'd been burned as BB took his game back, and she stared at her empty fingers with a frown.
"Uh." Another blink. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," she sighed, giving her hand a shake. "I am fine. I just got a shock of the static from your mysterious device. What is that, anyway?"
"This?" He pointed at the tablet. "Oh, just some game I found. I'm trying it out. It's single player, I think, but I can let you try it out after I'm fine?"
"Hmmm." Star leaned in, examining the tablet closely, before raising an eyebrow and giving her teammate a pointed look. "Beast Boy, were you not supposed to be tidying your room today? We were very clear about the cleaning that must occur. I hope you are not getting distracted by this new game of yours..."
"W-what? Nah, nah, no way!" BB put on his best poker face. "I'm still on tidy duty, don't worry. I was just, uh... I was just going to get some snacks from the fridge! Hey, did you want anything?"
The girl pondered that for a moment, studying the hero carefully, before shaking her head. "Very well! No thank you, Beast Boy, I have plenty of mustard in my room. Besides, if I delay any longer, Friend Raven will be must upset. I already said I would practice my meditation with her, and I should hate to be late."
"Ohhh, no one wants a mad Raven around." He grinned and waved. "Okay, Star. I'll catch you around!"
"I shall make sure to catch you also! Good luck with the cleaning!" She zipped away, speeding off around a corner, and he turned back to his path towards the fridge. And as he went, he noticed that the accursed loading symbol had vanished.
"Oh hey," he said, going back to the controls, "look who's back."
"Sorry about that!" Helen sounded embarrassed. "I think that's all taken care of. Now, where were we? Oh yes - I was just about to introduce you to a student volunteer library guide - who also happens to be this year's academic ace, top scoring student, and student council president."
"Wow." BB had to admit it, that sounded impressive. "That's a lot of stuff. How does she even have time to help people out in the Library on top of all that?"
"Oh, she has her ways, when she likes someone. And I think she's going to like you a lot." Helen's smile glittered. "Why don't you take a look? She's just over there."
The camera turned, and BB found himself looking at a girl – one who seemed very familiar for reasons he couldn't quite put his finger on...
-
The door slid open, and a hooded face covered in shadows peered out. "You're late."
"I am most sorry Friend Raven." Star was bowing apologetically before she even knocked. "I went to check on how Beast Boy is doing with his chores, and I was delayed."
"... It's fine," Raven muttered, stepping back and allowing the alien into her room. "I figured it'd be something like that. How's he doing?"
"He is goofing off," Star said with cheerful frankness as she accepted the implied invitation, and the door closed behind her. "I think he found a new game while cleaning and has gotten distracted. But! He told me he was still on the 'tidy duty', so I trust he will eventually make good on his promise!"
"Uh huh." Raven swept her hood back as she moved further into her room, letting her purple locks hang free. "Well he's not leaving until he does it, and the fridge only has enough food to last another day or two. Hopefully he'll get to work before he starves."
“That would be most preferable, but I admit I am a little concerned… You do not think he will try to eat the lint under his bed again, do you?”
“Heh.” The gothic heroine sat down cross legged on the floor, taking a slow breath. “Nah, I’m pretty sure he learned his lesson last time. Besides, he’s going to have you and the others fussing over him, right? He’ll clean up eventually.”
Starfire settled down beside her, trying to fold her legs in the same way. Despite having done this before she still found it quite difficult, and it took a few moments of shuffling to do – shuffling which Raven calmly ignored, closing her eyes and starting to centre herself. “I hope you are right. His room really is getting very-“
“Star, I really don’t want to spend all day talking about Beast Boy.”
“Ah, yes, of course. Apologies! What else would you prefer to talk about? Did you see the latest Tee-vee?”
Raven cracked one eye open to give her friend a flat look. “How about silent meditation?”
“Oh.” Starfire blinked, then nodded with a smile, drawing her fingers over her mouth mimicking a zipper. Silence returned, washing over the two girls as they both practiced their meditation...
... For thirty seconds.
"Okay, I wasn't expecting you to actually stop talking," Raven admitted, glancing at her friend. "Is everything okay?"
The Alien looked a little surprised herself. "Everything is fine, Raven," she answered, tilting her head slightly. "I just assumed silent meditation meant..."
"Yeah, forget that." The hooded heroine snorted. "I can mediate on my own if I want silence. Sorry, it's just usually you..."
"... Usually I what?"
Raven was frowning, her lips pursed in unexpectedly deep thought. "I don't know," she finally answered, sounding quite confused. "I guess I just thought you'd talk anyway."
Starfire raised a fiery eyebrow. "That'd be incredibly rude of me though."
"Uh. Yeah, I guess it- wait." Raven's confusion grew. "Starfire, repeat what you just said?"
"Huh?" Wobbling slightly as her distraction nearly unbalanced her, Star gave her friend an odd look. "What, that it'd be rude of me?"
"Y- No. Wait." By now the goth's frown had grown deep enough to give her forehead gem a boarder. "That. You said that weird... didn't you?"
"Iiiii don't think so? How do you mean?"
Raven paused, clearly uncertain. How did she mean it? She couldn't put her finger on what was boring her, but something strange had happened... Hadn't it? But Star was looking at her strangely now, with just a hint of concern, so she dropped it. "Never mind. It was nothing."
"As you wish..." Her friend blinked at her, then shrugged and settled back into her meditation. "Still, if you'd like me to talk anyway, despite practicing... I've been meaning to ask; did you enjoy those poetry books I lent you?"
"Poetry...?" Raven's brow crinkled again, but it wasn't long before she relaxed, remembering what her friend was talking about. "Oh right. Those." Starfire had given her a few books to check out, hadn't she?
But now the alien princess had a worrying smirk on her face - The kind that could only indicate incoming teasing. "Yes, those. All that dark poetry, all that writhing of the soul and suffering in the dark. Did you like it~?"
The purple haired heroine find herself starting to blush. Damnit, the meditation wasn’t helping! "U-uh, sure, it was... um..." She coughed. "Pleasantly dark."
Starfire laughed - a friendly, teasing giggle, not cruel mockery. "Oh Rae, you are such an emo."
"Hey!" Raven's eyes snapped open to glare at her friend. Some things were over the line!
But Star just giggled and raised her hands in supplication. "Sorry, sorry. I know, I know, you're a goth, not an emo."
Raven stewed for a moment, before nodding and returning to her position. "That's right."
Starfire seemed to settle as well. She folded her legs beneath her expertly, and silence returned to the room.
... For five seconds. "Did you ever consider doing a poetry reading, Rae?"
That got a curious look from Raven. "Poetry reading?"
Star nodded. "Yeah. You know, read poetry out for an audience. Get your stuff out there - I know you write plenty."
And there was that self-conscious feeling, rushing right back in as the heroine realised west her friend was saying. "Uh. Uh." Holy crap, how was Starfire catching her off guard like this so much today? "I mean..."
"It doesn't have to be a large audience," the alien continued, and her teasing smirk was back in full force. It could just be the give of us. Or maybe you'd prefer just one. A certain handsome green-"
"Absolutely not."
"Oh, now why do you have to be so stubborn?" Starfire was in full go mode now, and no gothic protests were going to stop her! "You liiiiike him, just admit it."
"I- I do not." Raven's blush was giving her a competing complexion with her friend now, though she was drawing closer to hastily re-evaluating said friendship the line this line of questioning went on.
"Nonsense, everyone can see it! You're cute together, you know?" And Star wasn't about to give up any time soon. "And why wouldn't you like him? He's brave, and handsome, and smart, and handsome, and so creative..." She sighed pleasantly. "I mean let's be honest here Rae, he's pretty one in a million."
Raven stared at her as though she'd grown a second head. "You said handsome twice," she muttered, eyeing the other girl with suspicion. "Are you sure you're not the one who wants to date him?"
The sudden blush that spread over the alien's face was as telling as it was unexpected. "O-of course not," Starfire said, shaking her head. "That would... he'd never... We're just friends."
"... Sure." Huh. Well Raven hadn't planned on getting an answer like that. She weighed up pressing further but decided against it. If she pushed too hard her friend might turn the tables back on her again. If Starfire liked Beast Boy that way, who was she to complain? No one, she decided, ignoring the jealous calls of a very possessive part of her soul. She'd kick that thing's ass in a trip through the mirror later.
It was weird though. "... Funny," she said, settling back into her meditation. "I always thought it was Robin you had a crush on."
"Oh." Starfire blinked, trying to calm diem in the same way. "Robin. Yeah, he is pretty cool, isn't he?"
Yet, for some reason, she sounded like she'd only just remembered he existed.
Things got quiet for a while after that. Neither woman wanted to chance another round of teasing, and the silence was a companiable one anyway, both heroines privately smiling to themselves. Talking was all well and good, but good friends could shut up around one another as well.
Before either really realised it, time had flown, and a beeping from Star's wrist was alerting them to the fact.
"You wear a watch?" Raven asked, floating up to her feet.
"Of course," Star said, rising up with a little more effort. The idea of using flight to do the same as her friend never popped into her head. "I do have a rather busy schedule, Miss Raven. I don't wish to fall behind."
The gothic heroine raised an eyebrow. "Miss? Star, you really don't need to be so formal with me."
The redhead giggled. "Ah, I am sorry - It's just force of habit. I'll try to do better. Oh, but speaking of the time, I really must run. I said I'd be in the training hall in five minutes - how unlike me, I'll need to space my schedule out a little tomorrow. It's not efficient to be late to everything."
"Uh. Right." Raven shook her head. Typical Star, fretting about precision. "Well I guess I'll see you next time?"
Starfire was already hurrying out the door. "Yes! It was lovely to be able to spend time with you Miss Raven - oops, sorry! We must do it again soon!"
Raven shook her head as the door closed behind her. That girl really did try to fit too much into-
"Oh! One last thing!" The door slid open again a touch as Star poked her head around the frame. "Could I possibly ask you to check my homework tonight?"
"..." The hood came up sharply. "I don't do homework."
But the other woman would not be deterred. "Please? I want someone else's eyes on it before I turn it in, and you know how frightful the boys in this dorm are. I'd be ever so grateful."
Ah damnit. Curse her soft heart. "... Fine. I can take a look." The tone was grousy, but she nodded all the same.
"Ah, thank you so much!" Starfire gave her a brilliant smile. "Very much appreciated! I'll see you later then~"
And with that, she vanished, the door sliding shut once more. Raven let out an exasperated sigh. Well now she had something to do later. Hopefully Star wouldn't have written a while book to hand in this time. Her school was so demanding...
Oh well. If a hero wanted to try to balance saving the day with waking up and going to school, who was she to complain? So long as no one asked the same of her, it was really none of her business. Proofreading homework aside. So long as Star wasn't pushing herself too hard, it'd be fine.
-
The Titan Tower Dojo was a pretty impressive place, if one were to view it unprepared. It was a bold room, empty of clutter, with plenty of space for exercise and combat. The walls were lined with relics from around the world, souvenirs of the team's many trips abroad fighting criminals, or just visiting, and it gave the place an exotic feel not really felt anywhere else in the building.
Its minder kept it steadfastly neat, precise, and tended it well. This place was more than just a training room. It was, in many ways, a home.
And right now, said minder was waiting in the middle of it, already clad in a traditional white gi, for their guest to arrive.
Which she did, with a typical show off apologetic bluster. "Sorry!" Starfire called, bursting into the room as fast as her legs would carry her. She skidded to a stop in front of an amused Robin, already doubled over and panting for breath. "I'm late. I'm late! So sorry. Don't know. Why I was going so slowly. Usually much faster."
"Breathe, Star." The Boy Wonder raised his palms, nervous smile on his face. "Did you... run the entire way here from Raven's room?"
"Yes." Starfire took a deep breath, straightening back up and trying to regain her dignity. "I didn't want to keep you waiting..."
He rubbed the back of his head, still smiling a little. "Uh. Thanks. But I mean... Why didn't you fly? Wouldn't that have been quicker?"
She paused. Slowly, an expression of confusion passed over her face, complete with question marks dancing over her head, before they vanished suddenly, replaced by enlightenment. "Oh, yes. I suppose I could have flown, couldn't I? But- but that would be rude, and I'm sure it's against the rules. Yes, no flying in the halls. I'll just have to make sure I'm more careful with my planning in the future."
Robin laughed, a light hearted sound that still made the alien blush with embarrassment. "Don't worry so much, Star, there's no way you could do as much damage flying around as Beast Boy and Cyborg do whenever they have one of their prank wars. You'll be fine."
And she smiled slightly, her cheeks still glowing, a warm feeling in her chest from his reassurance. "W-well, maybe. But rules are rules..."
He grinned. "I guess I never knew you were such a stickler. Alright." He raised his hands in theatrical surrender. "If it bothers you, that's fine. Stick to the ground. It'll make training easier for me! And speaking of training, you should go get changed." He pointed over to a changing room area, obscured by a folding screen, where a gi much like his own waited for her.
Starfire giggled, and found herself blushing all the harder at the mild teasing of her secret crush. "Thank you, Robin. I'll not be long."
She practically - but not literally - flew over to the changing room, pulling it closed behind her, and began to switch uniforms. It was a bit of a silly tradition to her mind, but it seemed to mean something to Robin, and if he liked seeing her in a gi then she wasn't going to complain! Besides, rules were rules...
She pushed the door back open not long after, walking back over to the Boy Wonder clad in the white robes of a martial artist, though today they felt oddly uncomfortable. They didn't fit as well as they usually dud. Perhaps they had shrunk in the wash - no matter. The princess stepped back in front of her crush, arms folded coyly behind her back, and bowed. "Alright Robin - I am ready."
Training together was a recent development. There were martial arts on Tamaran, but none that matched the human styles very closely, being more vested in flight and blasting, of which humans did very little. But Starfire had been curious, being from a warrior culture, and more than a little interested in spending time together with Robin, so she'd asked if he'd be interested in giving her some pointers. He'd been all too happy to agree, and one thing led to another, resulting in both regular dojo sessions, and knowing smirks from the rest of their teammates.
B-but who cared what they thought?! This was honest training, thank you very much, and Robin was an excellent teacher, sparring with her frequently - which was doubly impressive since one strong punch from her could knock over a tank. And now they were both properly dressed, it was time to do so again.
They bowed to each other formally, and then fell into traditional stances, strong leg forward, back foot rotated for support, arms loose, fists firm and ready.
"Alright." Robin bounced on his feet. "You should be warmed up after your jog earlier, so let's just get right to it, shall we? We're doing basics today, so let's see how you're doing with your punch. Remember, the force should come from the hip."
"Very well. Do try not to get hit though, Robin. I don't want to take your head off." This part always concerned her. She wasn't really keen on doing harm to her crush, and humans could be so fragile sometimes...
But Robin smirked, in the way that only a leader of a team of super heroes who saved the world on a regular basis could ."Don't worry about me, Star - just focus on getting your technique down."
And Starfire smirked in return, her fists rising. "Very well."
This wasn't a difficult exercise. She knew how to throw a punch, even if she was holding back on making it as devastating as she could. It flowed through her naturally, her movements automatic and crisp, not hobbled by her having to think through each attack. It was always good to practice the basics, of course, but this was a technique she was fully familiar with.
But something strange was happening as they began to cross the mat, Robin falling back and blocking with each standing punch in his direction. Her punches felt... off. Wrong somehow. It was becoming a familiar sensation, a strange tingle down her spine. She frowned. What was she doing wrong? Her fist started in the right place, her hips swivelled around in the right way... Or she thought it was the right way... Maybe if she tried it like this... ?
It didn't seem to help, and Starfire's frown grew deeper. Everything she tried now felt wrong, clunky and slow. Frustrated, she tried putting even more effort into the movement, tried to drive each punch better, analysing each thrust as best she could in an attempt to work out what was going on.
"Woah woah." But Robin interrupted before she could put her finger on it. "Star, you're thinking too much. You need to relax."
He was right, to her chagrin. "Sorry, Robin. This is... more difficult than it looks..."
It was a weak excuse, but he didn't seem to be bothered by it. "That's fine. Let's try something else. Have you been practicing your kicks?"
"Ah, um. Yes!" She nodded, trying not to look too embarrassed. Jeeze, okay Star, maybe this would be less humiliating. Kicking wasn't exactly a speciality of hers, but she could do it just fine, thank you. "I'll show you just how powerful these legs of mine can be!"
It didn't go well. Actually, no, that didn't cover it. It was a disaster. Again, she found herself having to dictate every movement, her body no longer remembering her practiced routines. Which was strange, she thought for a moment, but unfortunately it was at that moment that everything got worse, and her attempt at a clean kick became over extended, and she found herself sweeping her own feet out from under her, falling to the floor with a thump.
"Sophia! Are you okay?" Of course Robin was by her side in an instant, helping her back up. But something was wrong again - that unsettling feeling she'd been having all day...
"I'm fine..." She groaned, accepting his help to get back to her feet. "I... wait. What did you just call me?"
He blinked at her, his concerned expression tightening. "Uh. I said Sophia? Are you really okay? I didn't think you hit your head..."
A question mark danced over her head for a moment. There it was again, that wrong feeling, like something was off, something starting her in the face...
Sophia shrugged it off. It was nothing. "No, sorry, I'm fine. I was just a little dizzy. Sorry for worrying you." And she fell back into her fighting stance, a little less crisply than before. "Let's keep going."
Robin, for his part, still looked worried, but her could see that the girl was determined, and he settled for taking the easier path. Which, in this case, was going to involve a fight. "Alright," he said finally, once he was sure Sophia wasn't going to back down. "How about we try a few blocks? That should be easy enough."
Hm. Well she wasn't having much luck pushing on the attack. This might go better. "Sure," she nodded. "Just... go slowly. I'm still pretty new at this."
There was that wrong feeling again. But it was true, wasn't it? She didn't really fight very much, even in her role as a superhero. To be honest she much preferred studying to going off and fighting crime...
There wasn't any time to think about it. She was in the middle of a spar. Robin was gentle enough about throwing out some easily telegraphed attacks, but she was still finding herself hard pressed to actually keep up with him. It was... annoying. Rgh. Embarrassing, even. Why was she even trying this? She had eye beams and super strength, what need did she have for martial arts? It wasn't like she wanted to impress anyone.
'Well' she though privately as she blocked another shot. ‘Don't get me wrong, the Boy Wonder was a nice guy and everything, but... It's not like he's Beast Boy or anything...’
Robin, ever perceptive, could tell she was having trouble. He slowed down the attacks, eventually stopping all together. "This... isn't really working for you, is it?"
She sighed, lowering her guard. "No, not really. Sorry. I thought I'd try all this punching stuff out, but I'm really not feeling it." She didn't even feel wrong this time as memories of months of training simply vanished from her head, leaving this as her first time in the dojo. "I mean, you're really good, but this stuff isn't really for me."
"No, I guess not..." Robin looked a little disappointed, but understanding. "Still, if you're ever feeling like another lesson, I'd be happy to have you."
"I know." Sophia smiled. "You're a good friend, Robin." She turned, and started walking back to the changing room, talking over her shoulder. "I should probably just stick to the books though. I do have a lot of homework to get done tonight..."
"Oh?" Robin called after her, resuming one of his own training lessons - one that looked much more complicated than the basics she'd just been failing at, to the girl's embarrassment. "More than usual?"
"Ah, no," she said, closing the door and starting to get changed. "But I'm doing some extra reading, just in case someone needs help doing theirs before hand in."
Then she heard Robin laugh again. "Someone? Maybe someone with green hair and who's supposed to be tidying his room today?"
Sophia blushed, buttoning up her blouse. "A-ah, well... M-maybe... Do you think he'd appreciate that?"
"Of course he would!" Robin's call sounded very certain. "He'd probably worship you like a goddess for it." He was laughing again, clearly enjoying ribbing his friend even if he wasn't around to hear it. "Just don't go too easy on him, alright? If he has homework, he should be learning how to do it on his own."
The changing room door opened, and Sophia Fair stepped out, smiling, with still a light blush on her cheeks. Her uniform - a formal brown jacket over a white blouse and red tie, complete with a black skirt and white stockings that stretched up from sensible brown shoes - was all neat and correct, despite her having just gotten dressed ."I'll do my best," she said demurely, adjusting her thin glasses, and brushing her long red hair back out of her face, sweeping it under a dark blue hair band. "But don't worry. He's a smart boy when he tries."
And the Boy Wonder just smirked - the same knowing smirk everyone else gave her when she spoke about how dashing Beast Boy actually was. Was her crush so obvious? "True enough. Let me know if you need a hand, alright? I'll see you around, Prez."
She nodded, still smiling, and turned for the door. "See you around, Robin. Thank you for the training."
And then she left him to it, walking back out into the halls of Titan Tower. Hm, now that she thought about it, maybe she should check on Beast Boy again? See how he was doing with his cleaning? Oh, ah, no, it was too soon. She didn't want him to think she was stalking him...
Maybe there was something else she could do to burn some time...
-
The door hissed, and Sophia stepped into the gym with a purpose. Yes, this would while away the hours nicely. A little exercise to keep her in shape - she wasn't just known for her brains, after all! Plus if you had super strength why wouldn't you flaunt it? Aside from reading and studying, working out was one of her only hobbies, and it was the only one she had that really tied in with her moonlighting habit of fighting crime so she tried to keep up with it, if only to feel like she was doing her part. If she wanted to be a superhero she had to train at least a little bit, that was her responsible position.
Of course, there was no reason why she should do so alone, and in fact she knew before she entered that she'd have a partner waiting for her. At this hour of the day, with no Beast Boy to distract him with games or pranks, it was certain before she stepped through the door that-
"Hey Sophie. How's it goin'?"
- Cyborg would be there, in the middle of his own training routine.
"Well, thank you," she answered with a polite smile. "I hope you don't mind some company."
He laughed. "No problem at all. If our little Class Prez wants to keep herself in shape, who am I to argue?"
Her relationship with Cyborg was a relaxingly calm one. While Raven was undoubtedly her best friend (even if the girl needed to be encouraged to focus on studying her classes instead of her magical texts sometimes), Robin her best study partner (when he wasn't off galivanting around the city fighting crime or something), and Beast Boy was her- her-... W-well it didn't matter what Beast Boy was to her! ... Yes, meanwhile, Cyborg was a casual acquaintance. A man who took his studies seriously enough, but was always there with a friendly smile and a helping hand. Sophia appreciated that, even if they weren't the closest of friends.
"Thank you." She looked around the room, considering all the weights and machines. "I thought I'd start with some running..."
Yes, running was important for physical fitness. She quickly got changed, folding her uniform up neatly and slipping into a purple tank top and shorts. The skimpiness of the costume made her uncomfortable - you could even see her bellybutton! - but unfortunately they didn't have anything more concealing. Maybe she'd have a word with the school office about that...
(Or maybe she could talk BB into 'helping' her at the gym and- ah, don't think that!)
"Everything okay?" Cyborg asked, noticing Sophia's blush as she left the changing room, much to her embarrassment.
"Fine!" She said quickly, shaking herself. "Just, ah, ready to get started!"
"Fair enough." He nodded over to one of the running machines, a sturdy looking treadmill with metal handrests and a digital blue interface. "I've set you up over there with your usual speed - spend an hour on that bad boy and it'll be like doing ten city blocks! Go easy on her, okay?"
"Of course." She stepped on and quickly fell into an easy rhythm. Sophia might not have had super speed or anything, but she was definitely faster than most, if she wanted to be. Of course she usually flew if she wanted to go quickly... didn't she?
The studious student frowned a little even as she tried to keep her breathing even. Flying... flying... Could she fly? She felt like she could, but her memories of doing so were all hazy. Maybe-
The treadmill jostled and Sophia staggered for a moment, wiggly rebalancing herself before she tripped. What had she been thinking about again? Oh well - it couldn't have been important.
She focused on jogging instead, chest puffing as she continued to exercise. Phew, this felt harder than it usually did...
But despite her focus, she didn't notice as the speed of the treadmill gradually began to drop, slowing down steadily yet always seeking to test the limits of her endurance. Nor did she notice as her gait began to change, her jogging steps becoming more of a strut. Each time she put a foot forward, she'd naturally sway her hips, without putting a single thought into it. And with each sway, her behind began to grow...
By the time Sophia's session on the treadmill ended she was panting as though she'd just run a marathon, and behind was a plump heart shape.
"Nice work, Prez!" Cyborg congratulated her as he checked how far she'd run. "You almost made it a full city block! Not bad for a first timer."
"Thank." Gasp! "You." She managed, still working on getting her breath back. "I think... I think I'll leave the running... to the speedsters..."
"Ah, now don't be like that!" He patted her shoulder, and she just barely managed to stop herself from being knocked over. "But maybe the weights are more your thing today."
"Yes... perhaps..." Sophia took another deep breath before straightening up. Weight lifting wasn't the most feminine of sports, but with her super strength it was the perfect workout for her! "Let's give that a try."
She walked over to the weight lifting bench and picked the heaviest of the available selection, testing it in her hands a moment before nodding and confirming her pick. Then she sat down, lay back, and reached up, grabbing the metal bar. Feet planned, back set, one two three - lift!
And then pull the bar down, push the bar up. Down. Up. Down. Up. With each pull she tested her control and breathed in. With each push she gathered the power of her muscles and exhaled. Down and in. Up and out. Down and in. Up and out. The heavy weights bobbling through the air.
Yes, this was more like it. For someone of her strength, it was easy. Certainly, it was easier than the treadmill! But it was rather repetitive, and Sophia’s mind couldn’t help but wander. Pride tinged thoughts filled her head. Even if she was only a part-time hero, she was still the strongest person on the team. Raven and Robin couldn’t hold a candle to her, and even Cyborg couldn’t take the highest level of weight on the bench! And as for Beast Boy…
Her cheeks turned red again. Well, Beast Boy was… Who knew how strong he really was? He could take so many forms, do so many things. Maybe he might be a bit stronger than her, in the right form. If he wanted to… He was such a strong, dashing hero… Oh, she could just imagine him sweeping in to save the day if she ever got into trouble…
So wrapped up in her sudden fantasy was she, that Sophia didn’t notice as, once more, the world began to change around her. Steadily, the number on the weights she was lifting began to fall. With each drop down, they shifted another weight class, lighter and lighter. But there was no reduction in strain – each lift took just as much effort as the one before, as her muscles began to weaken. Second by second, lift by lift, the weight would fall, and her strength would fade, dwindling down until she was no stronger than an ordinary human.
Sophia didn’t notice. Nor did she notice that, just as each time she brought the weight down she lost strength, each time she lifted it again she gained something else. Her chest, wrapped up in her purple tank top, rose with every push up – and refused to fall with every drop. Every time the weight rose up, her breast pressed out, swelling into larger, softer, curvier orbs that her top struggled to contain. Indeed, before long, they were making it rather difficult to lower the weight at all.
And still she remained oblivious. Pull the bar down, muscles shrink away. Push the bar up, chest grows out. Down, shrink, up, grow. By the time she was done, her bosom had grown from a respectable but trim figure to a fully developed pair of curves that would make an adult film star jealous – balancing out her expanded rear and then some.
It wasn’t a heavy weight that slid back home when she was done, either. No, at some point during her daydream the heaviest weight the Titans had in the tower was replaced with a pair of light pink dumbbells, one held awkwardly in each hand. She slid them away with ginger care, trying not to crush her fingers.
“Well that was… invigorating,” she said, a little worn but far from out of breath. “But I don’t think it’s really for me. I’m sorry Cyborg, you’ve been a great help, showing me around like this...” She gave him a professional smile. “I just… don’t think I can really keep up with you heroes. You understand?”
The cybernetic man just laughed. “Oh, now, Sophie – it’s not about keeping up, it’s just about… staying fit, you know? Taking care of your engine, just like I take care of mine. But no worries – the real impressive thing is that you gave it a shot.”
Sophia snickered. “I think gym class will be enough for ‘taking care of my engine’, as you say… But thank you for the tour. It was a novel experience.”
He just nodded, and returned to his own exercises – a dazzlingly impressive feat to Sophia, who watched the staggeringly heavy looking weights go up and down for a moment, before she stepped back over to the changing room. Soon, she was back in her uniform, and sighing in relief for it. She felt much more comfortable dressed like this than she had in that… far too revealing purple number.
“I will see you around, Cyborg,” she said as she walked back into the gym, adjusting her glasses carefully. “Please, feel welcome to speak to me if you ever have a problem you believe I might be able to help with.”
“Same to you, Prez!” He managed, freeing one hand to wave at her before quickly grabbing his weight again before it fell down on him. “Don’t be a stranger!”
She stifled a giggle, nodded, and left.
Sophia Fair stepped out into the corridor, and left any thought of heroics, superpower, alien princesses, or ‘Starfire’s behind her.
‘I wonder how Beast Boy is doing…’ Is what she thought instead, and she smiled as the thought made her heart race.
-
“Well she seemed nice,” Beast Boy told Helen, flopping back down on his bed in the real world as his character in the game left the library. “You think I’ll be seeing a lot of her around this school then?”
“Oh, no doubt. The Class President is always looking out for new students.” The virtual woman nodded, and then leaned forward towards the screen, cupping her mouth as if to whisper a secret. “And between you and me, I think she took quite a liking to you.”
BB grinned at that. “Cool! I could always do with a hand with my homework, or whatever.”
There was a knock at the door.
“Oh, hold on a sec.” BB set the tablet down and went to answer the door. On the other side was-
- A strange feeling of Deja vu. “Oh hey, Class Prez! Nice to see you!” The green hero waved, then blinked, wondering why his visitor was blushing suddenly.
“Please, Beast Boy, call me Sophia.” She looked happy all the same, though! “I was just visiting to see if you’d managed to finish tidying your room yet…?”
Oh right. That was what he was supposed to be doing, wasn’t it? “Uh. I’m, ah… I’m working on it!” He said, a confident, and entirely fake, smile on his face.
Sophia adjusted her glasses and looked over his shoulder at the clearly visible mess. “… If you say so…” She didn’t sound convinced. “Well, at any rate – once you’re done, maybe you will have some time for studying? I thought I might help you with your homework… Ah, I mean, if you needed any help…” Hm, she was blushing again.
“Uhh… Suuuure,” BB said, eyes shifting nervously. Homework and Beast Boy did not go together well – but then again, maybe if he was lucky Sophia would do it all for him! “I’ll let you know!”
That seemed to mollify the prudent girl, and she smiled happily. “Very well. When you need me, just give me a call! And, ah… G-good luck!”
Beast Boy blinked as the girl rushed off down the hall, her cheeks once again red with embarrassment for some reason. Strange. Ah well, Sophie was a nice girl, if a bit weird. No reason to dwell on it. He waved after her, then retreated back into his room – which was just as messy as it was when he started cleaning, if not worse.
“Right, where was I…” He muttered, more to himself than anything.
“I believe you were about to continue exploring Titan Academy~” Helen’s cheerful response nearly made the hero jump – he’d half forgotten she was there. “You still have a few more people to meet, you know!”
“Hm.” He glanced around at his room once more. He really should clean up eventually… “Okay, I guess I can play a bit longer.” But eventually wasn’t right now! “It won’t take long, will it?”
“It’ll be over before you know it.” Helen smiled. “Now, where would you like to go next?”
