Teen Titans Fan Fiction ❯ Dreams And Destinies ❯ Making Friends and Enemies ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4

Making Friends and Enemies

 

When the others returned from their investigation not even an hour later, they wore looks of disappointment. They had found nothing out of the ordinary in the area where the storm had first appeared. Nothing on the ground, nothing in the air, nothing anywhere. Beast Boy shrugged apologetically at Robin then declared, “I'm starving! It is so time for dinner! Yo Cy, break out the tofu cubes I'll cook.” As Cyborg started yelling at Beast Boy that no one wanted his nasty tofu crap, Starfire went for a glass of water and Robin went with her.

“I don't understand it Star. There should have been something. A huge storm took place in a small area but aside from a few blown roof shingles there wasn't any indication that the storm even happened.”

“Lyllandra is the indication.” Starfire replied.

“And she doesn't remember what happened to her.”

“It is still early Robin.” Starfire tried to sound comforting. “Given some time she may remember something that will help. In the meantime she is frightened and unsure. We must do our best to make her feel safe and comfortable. We had a grand time shopping.” Starfire beamed trying to change the subject. “She now has clothes that fit properly and are very appealing. She said that I was a tremendous help in her choice of shirts.”

Robin couldn't help but smile. “I'm glad you had a good time Star.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “You seem to have become attached to her rather quickly huh?”

Starfire looked mildly confused. “Yes I suppose we have become friends quickly but I saw in her the same lost and lonely girl that I was before I met you. You helped me adjust to earth and make friends. I am simply trying to do the same for her.”

“So you trust her?”

“Yes.” Starfire replied simply. She took her glass of water and went to the couch to watch TV.

Robin felt better. He knew Starfire's intuition with people was usually very good. So if she trusted Lyllandra then there was no reason for him not to. “Raven is suspicious of everyone.” He thought to himself. “And the circumstances of Lyllandra's arrival are of course strange. I can't really blame her for being cautious.” He decided he needed to apologize to Raven for what he said earlier. He walked down the hallway towards her bedroom and knocked on the door. “Raven you there? It's Robin. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute.” There was no answer. He knocked one more time but when there was no response, “She must be meditating. I shouldn't disturb her.” He walked further down the hallway and found himself in front of Lyllandra's room. Telling himself he was just checking in to see if she remembered anything more, he knocked on her door. There was no answer but the door was unlocked and opened easily with a quiet `hiss' before him.

He stepped into the room and the first thing he noticed were some clothes strewn across the floor. His instinct for danger started to go off before he looked over at the bed and saw Lyllandra there sleeping. He audibly sighed and relaxed. Starfire had told him that Lyllandra had been unable to sleep that afternoon and that she had been quite tired when they had returned from shopping. His first thought was that she was of course tired and he should leave her to sleep but his feet obviously had another idea. Before he knew it, he was kneeling beside the bed. She was sleeping on her side, her knees drawn up almost to her chest. He barely had time to register how flattering her new clothes were on her when he noticed something strange on her right hand, which was tucked neatly beside her head on her pillow. Her right middle finger had what appeared to be a rash, angry and red encircling the bottom almost like a ring. Looking at that he also noticed that her pillow was wet. Had she cried herself to sleep? Robin at once felt the uncharacteristic sympathy again and he also felt…hurt. He thought once again about how close she had been to crying when he had spoken to her earlier that afternoon. Those tears told him that she didn't want to be here. That she wanted to be away from him and this world. Why he should expect anything different or care as much as he did he couldn't explain. Perhaps Raven was right. He wasn't acting normally. He knew it had to do with this strange girl but he didn't know why. Before he got himself into any more trouble he quickly stood up and left the room. When the door was closed he leaned against it and sighed. “What is wrong with me?” He asked no one in particular. “I've known her only a few hours and yet every time I look at her I'm reminded of that damn dream. And I can't stop thinking about her.” Robin took a deep breath and, feeling angry with himself again for his lack of control, he practically stormed out into the common room. He told the others not to disturb Lyllandra and declared he was not hungry. He went into his room and locked his door.

When Lyllandra woke up later that night with a yell, she realized two things. One; that since she had been sleeping and had woken up still in Titan Tower, it obviously meant that what was happening was not a dream. Two; that the weird dream that had haunted her for weeks in her own world had not only followed her here but had become even more potent. Now she could not just see the mystery man's eyes and feel his lips against hers, but she could also smell him too. It was a faint but sweet smell. Something she couldn't readily identify. Sitting up she also realized it was quite dark. Looking at the clock on her dresser she saw that it read after midnight. She had slept straight through the afternoon and evening! She stood up and immediately her stomach made itself heard. She looked at her stomach at first not registering what the sound meant. It had been such a long time since she'd been really hungry that she wasn't used to the grumbling and hunger pains. Hoping she wouldn't be making a bother of herself, she left her room and made her way to the common area where the kitchen was. When she reached the kitchen she realized she wasn't the only one up. The TV was on and Beast Boy was sitting in front of it watching some late night talk show. He looked up when he heard her coming and leapt off the couch.

“Finally awake huh? We wanted to wake you for dinner but Robin wouldn't hear of it. He said that you needed your rest.” He explained as he joined her in the kitchen.

“That was probably best. Turns out I was more tired than I thought I was.” Lyllandra wasn't intending on telling anyone about what happened between her and Raven or the effect it had on her.

“Well now that you're awake I'm sure you're really hungry.” Beast Boy headed straight for the fridge. “What can I get you? We've got five very different tastes in food here so I'm sure we'll find something you like. Do you like tofu?” He looked up expectantly.

“Um…not really no.” Lyllandra and tofu? May as well ask oil to marry water. “I take it you're a vegetarian?”

“Yeah. That happens when you can become any animal. Kinda makes you not wanna eat them.”

“I can understand that.” Lyllandra replied. “But unfortunately I'm a born and raised carnivore. Although if there's any bread in there I'd love some toast.”

“Toast for dinner?” Beast Boys eyes lit up. “How about breakfast for dinner?”

“Huh?”

“You know. Eggs, bacon (although unless you want tofu bacon you're cooking that) and toast. Everything you would want for breakfast….for dinner!”

“Okay I get the picture….I think.” Lyllandra smiled. “But since it's after midnight wouldn't it be just a really early breakfast?”

“Are you trying to spoil my fun?” Beast Boy looked totally put out but Lyllandra could see the humour in his eyes.

“Well the thought had crossed my mind.” She replied slyly. “But perhaps some other time. Right now I'm far too hungry to worry about spoiling anybody's fun. Where's the bacon?”

Beast Boys smile almost lit up the room. He dove into the fridge and within a half hour they had a breakfast spread of champions. They dug in and Lyllandra couldn't help but make the observation that Beast Boy resembled a hoover vacuum cleaner when he was eating. She couldn't help but say as much either.

Beast Boy just looked at her. “You know I think you'd get along well with Robin.” At Lyllandra's surprised look. “You both have the same screwed up sense of humour. He made that same remark at me yesterday morning.”

Lyllandra tried to control the blush she could feel forming. Feeling grateful for the subdued lighting, she took another mouthful of her eggs. Why was it that whenever she thought of Robin's face she automatically thought of her dream? The two were completely separate issues. She couldn't even see his eyes; that mask always covered them. But even as she applied the logic she found herself wondering once again what colour his eyes were.

“Hello! Earth calling Lyllandra!” Beast Boy called waving a hand in front of her face. “What, did you fall asleep again over there?”

“Huh? Sorry BB I guess I spaced out.” Lyllandra said not thinking.

“Did you just call me BB?” Beast Boy asked incredulously.

“Did I?” Lyllandra searched her memory. “I guess I did. I'm sorry. Guess it's just my mouth being lazy.”

“No…that's okay.” Beast Boy looked pleased. “You can call me BB if you want to. Most of my friends do.”

“By most you mean Cyborg right?” Lyllandra raised an eyebrow.

“Well yeah but he's my friend and…” Beast Boy hesitated, a slight blush forming on his face. “So are you.”

Lyllandra looked shocked at first but it very quickly melted into a smile. “Thanks BB. I appreciate that.” A slightly awkward silence followed so Lyllandra spoke up. “So when did you first realize your powers? Were you born green and if so how on earth did your parents deal with that?” She would soon discover that giving Beast Boy the avenue of talking about himself made for a long night. Luckily she obviously wasn't tired and they talked and laughed until the first signs of sunlight could be seen coming up over the horizon. They only stopped when Robin came out. He looked like he had a rough night but his face broke into a smile when he saw Lyllandra at the table.

“Good morning.” He said with raised eyebrows. “Beast Boy, I don't think I've seen you up this early except in an emergency.”

“Actually he hasn't been to bed yet.” Lyllandra said sheepishly. “I'm sorry BB I didn't mean to keep you up all night.”

“Ah no worries. I'll just go have a cat nap.” With that he turned himself into a green feline and slinked off. Which left Lyllandra and Robin.

“When did you wake up Lyllandra?” Robin asked as he walked into the kitchen, turning on more lights.

“Not long after midnight. Thank you for not letting the others disturb me earlier. I really needed the sleep.”

“That's what I figured.” Robin began to blush furiously. He hadn't told the others that he'd gone into her room while she was asleep and he wasn't about to tell her either. “How are you feeling today?”

“A little more sane thanks.” At his questioning look; “I really thought at some points yesterday that I was losing my mind. All I could think about was getting back home.”

“And now?” He had started pouring a glass of milk but stopped and looked at Lyllandra.

“Now? I'd be lying if I said I'd wrapped my head around absolutely everything but I've accepted and am dealing with what happened. And while I'm not positive that I'm `not' losing my mind, especially after hearing the story of BB's life for the last four hours, (this provoked a smile from Robin, he understood completely) I'm feeling a lot better about what's happening and I'm enjoying getting to know everyone. They're all really cool.”

“I'm glad it's getting easier for you.” Robin was genuinely glad she didn't seem so averse to being here as the tears on her face made it seem last night. “Have you remembered anything more about what happened to you?” At the look on her face he kicked himself for bringing it up. “Why can't I just have a normal conversation with her?” He thought to himself furiously. “Why do I always have to be working?” It occurred to him that he was just behaving like normal again but that just made him angrier. He didn't want to be normal with Lyllandra. He wanted to talk easily with her like Starfire and now Beast Boy seemed able to do. If it wasn't for that stupid dream that interrupted every time he looked at her….

“Robin?” Lyllandra asked quietly, not looking at him. He cursed his inattention and sat down at the table with her.

“Lyllandra?”

“Um…" She tried to get out what she wanted to say but at the same time her mind battled her mouth. "What are you trying to do huh?" It yelled at her. "If you tell him everything he'll just think you're crazy! If you're here and your not sick, then maybe you should just stay here. One thing is for sure. You need to stop acting like some damsel in distress. You're stronger than this so get a freaking grip and deal with it!" All of this happened in the space of a second but Lyllandra once again listened to her head. "Never mind. It's not important."

"What is it Lyllandra?" Robin had the feeling he'd missed something.

"Um..." Lyllandra thought furiously, trying to cover her slip. "I just wanted to say that you don't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

"Oh?" Robin asked, wondering where this attitude was coming from. "I never really doubted that Lyllandra. I mean, the last twenty four hours have been an upheaval to say the least. If you're worried that I thought you were some weak little girl in trouble then don't worry. I never thought that."

"Good. Cuz I'm not that girl anymore." Lyllandra tried to stop herself but this time even her head couldn't stop her mouth. "I may have been in the past but I'm not anymore. I won't let what's happening get to me. I think what I'm trying to say is that I'm not going to spend all my time here sleeping and feeling sorry for myself. I'm going to help you find out why I'm here and how, if possible, to get me home again." She bit her tongue but too late.

Robin felt confused as all hell at her sudden need to not appear weak and at the same time he practically felt the shadow appear over his face at her mention of finding a way home.

Lyllandra was at once sorry she'd said the last and at the same time heartened by it. Maybe he did want her to stay after all...
She was quiet for another beat and then a transformation took over and she smiled a brilliant smile at him. “Are you hungry? I'll make you breakfast. What BB and I had earlier this morning was amazing!” She immediately stood up and headed for the fridge.

Still confused, Robin called after her, “That's okay Lyllandra. You don't have to make me breakfast. I can make it myself.”

“Nonsense.” Lyllandra was now rummaging around in the fridge. “You're giving me free room and board, new clothes and protection, the least I can do is make you breakfast.”

“Well I can help.” The shadow disappeared as he got up to help her. As they started breaking eggs Starfire, Cyborg and Raven came out into the common area.

“Good morning friends!” Starfire said jubilantly. “I'm so glad I'm able to share another day with you! Lyllandra!” She floated over to where Lyllandra was putting bread in the toaster. “How are you feeling today?”

“Yeah you slept for quite a while yesterday.” Cyborg spoke up then. “But after getting the scare of your life I suppose you needed it.”

Lyllandra looked at Raven but she just stood off to the side expressionless. Lyllandra looked at Starfire and Cyborg in turn. “I did need the sleep but I'm feeling much better today thanks.”

“She woke up just after midnight and she and Beast Boy were up all night eating breakfast and talking.” Robin said with a smirk. “So I don't think Beast Boy will be joining us for breakfast. He's got quite a bit of sleep to catch up on.”

Lyllandra laughed. “I can't believe we talked that long…or rather that `he' talked that long.” Everyone but Raven laughed and as Lyllandra reached for a glass on the counter, it turned a menacing shade of black and exploded! Lyllandra was knocked backwards and would have fallen into the table if Robin didn't have impeccable reflexes and was able to catch her.

“Raven what the…” Cyborg began but as he turned to face her, she wasn't there anymore! “What is her problem lately? Ever since Lyllandra arrived she's been acting really weird…I mean more than usual.”

“She said to you Robin yesterday that her centre had been disrupted. Perhaps she is still having trouble controlling herself?” Starfire surmised.

Robin said nothing as he helped Lyllandra back to her feet. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah I'm fine.” Lyllandra lied. Physically she was not hurt but she could not understand why Raven was being so hostile towards her. Raven knew nothing about her, how could she hate her that much? She was paying little attention to Robin as he helped her up and so she did not notice that he grabbed her right hand and was looking intently at her middle finger.

“Lyllandra your finger. The mark is getting worse.” He bit his tongue as he realized he shouldn't know anything about the mark at all.

“What mark?” Apparently Lyllandra hadn't noticed it at all yet. She looked at her right hand and saw what looked to have been a rash and was now slowly turning black. It looked like someone had penciled a ring on her finger. Lyllandra looked at Robin, fear in her eyes. “What is it?”

“Cyborg.” Robin showed Lyllandra's finger to the half-mechanoid and he studied it intently.

“Hmmm…I think I should have a look at this in the medibay okay?” To the others, “We'll be back…hold breakfast.” He grinned as he led Lyllandra away.

“What has happened to her?” Starfire looked worried.

“Who? Lyllandra or Raven?” Robin looked at the same time cross and concerned.

“You are right.” Starfire replied. “I am worried for them both.”

“I talked to Raven yesterday but I didn't get anywhere. Perhaps you should see if you can find out what's wrong with her Star. I'll check in on Lyllandra.” Starfire gave him a knowing smile but before he could say anything she nodded and headed down the hallway. Robin stood for a moment chiding himself. Was he really being that obvious? Then he followed after her. The both walked a ways down the hallway and Starfire broke off in front of Raven's room and Robin continued down towards the medibay.