There is a distant flash of light, from which four glowing objects emerge and approach the camera; pan to follow them across the cosmos. As they home in on Earth, three peel off while the fourth heads straight for the planet. A camera shift reveals it to be long and cylindrical, something like a missile in shape, with several trailing tentacles.

Cut to the night sky, where a fireworks show is in full swing. Pull back to show the area as the waterfront; the craft's brilliant streak descends past the display and below the horizon. Pan to a nearby carnival: Ferris wheel, roller coaster, games, the usual. Close-up of one of the wheel's cars, which holds Y/N and Starfire. She watches the pyrotechnics with complete awe and sighs blissfully.

Starfire: Beautiful. Tell me again what they are called.

Y/N: Fireworks...

Y/N's voice is barely above a whisper, his eyes darting nervously from one explosion to the next. The noise and chaos of the fireworks are becoming too much for him to handle, his heart rate quickening with each burst of light.

Starfire: On my home planet, such explosions would mean the Gordanians were attacking. You are certain Earth is not under attack?

Y/N's breath catches in his throat at the mention of an attack. Despite knowing logically that the fireworks are harmless celebrations, the sudden reminder of potential danger triggers a surge of anxiety within him. He tries to steady his breathing, focusing on the rhythmic movement of the Ferris wheel to ground himself.

Y/N: Y-yeah, Starfire. It's just... a celebration. No danger here.

Starfire notices Y/N's distress and places a comforting hand on his shoulder, her concern evident in her expression.

Starfire: I apologize, Y/N. I did not mean to cause you distress. We are safe here, together.

Feeling reassured by Starfire's touch and words, Y/N manages a small nod, grateful for her understanding. He pulled out a small bag of cotton candy.

Y/N: Hey, Starfire. Would you like to try some cotton candy? It's sweet and fluffy, like eating a cloud.

Starfire: The last time I ate a ball of cotton, it was white. And it did not taste very--

Y/N: It's really sweet and... uh, different from actual cotton.

He pulls off a wad and pops it into his mouth; cautiously, she follows suit and realizes it is indeed different from the cotton ball.

Starfire: Mmmm...It vanished!

Y/N: That's my favorite part.

Starfire: When I first came to this planet, I did not think I would ever fit in. Earth was full of strange things. But now, I see that--

Big blast from fireworks. In the sky, the display has turned into a fusillade of redoubled intensity.

The display, now intensified, sends waves of sensory overload crashing over Y/N. The bright flashes and deafening booms overwhelm his senses, causing him to flinch and cover his ears in a desperate attempt to block out the overwhelming stimuli. His heart races, and his breath comes in short, panicked gasps as he struggles to cope with the sensory onslaught.

Starfire, noticing Y/N's distress, reaches out to him with concern, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of the fireworks.

Starfire: Y/N, are you alright? What's happening?

But Y/N can't hear her over the roar of the fireworks, his senses overloaded and his mind spinning with confusion and fear. He feels trapped, his world reduced to a chaotic blur of lights and sounds that threaten to consume him entirely.

In a desperate attempt to find relief, Y/N closes his eyes tightly and focuses on regulating his breathing, attempting to block out the overwhelming sensory input.

Starfire hugged him and kissed his forehead.

Starfire: I want you to know that your amazing.

Y/N: Thank you.

The craft seen in space sweeps past the Ferris wheel and yanks Starfire from her seat in its tentacles; she is carried screaming into the sky.

Y/N: STARFIRE!!

The world around him blurs as he activates the Omnitrix, the familiar flash of light enveloping him as he transforms into one of his powerful alien forms, ready to confront whatever threat has taken his friend.

Y/N's hands tremble as he activates the Omnitrix, his form engulfed in a flash of light. When the radiance fades, he emerges as Big Chill, his body transformed into the icy blue alien with wings.

Big Chill: Hold on, Starfire! I'm coming for you!

With a powerful beat of his wings, Big Chill launches himself into the air, his icy breath trailing behind him. He streaks through the sky, his heart pounding with adrenaline and the desperate need to rescue her.

Robin saw what was happening as the craft and Big Chill flew over him

/////

The craft went streaking over the bay. The carnival is now in the distant background. Starfire struggles against the hold on her.

Starfire: Wherever you are taking me, I do not wish to go!

She fires a starbolt at the tentacles' base; the craft stops in midair, crackling all over with the energy of the shot, and she extricates herself and bugs out. The device goes after her.

/////

A ring is thrown into view, bouncing off the neck of a bottle as a near miss; the next one rattles down on target. Tilt up to the counter, to the sound of Beast Boy's laughter. He and Cyborg have been playing.

Cyborg: Boo-yah!

Beast Boy: Sweet!

They trade a high five. Beast Boy is handed his prize, a huge stuffed chicken. Raven leans against a post, her arms crossed and her expression showing her low opinion of the whole exercise

Beast Boy: Told you we'd win you a prize.

He gives her the toy and it bawks.

Raven: A giant chicken. I must be the luckiest girl in the world.

Robin lands nearby, in a crouch.

Robin: Titans! Trouble!

Cyborg: Where's Y/N and Starfire?

Robin: That's the trouble.

He runs off; Raven tosses the chicken aside and all three follow him. Reaching the end of the pier, they look over the bay and see a scintillating object plummet straight toward the waves. It resolves into Starfire as she pulls up sharply to skim the surface, leaving a broad wake behind herself. The craft is hot on her tail. She looks back over her shoulder, gasps, and sidesteps to avoid a lashing tentacle; turning onto her back, she throws a couple of starbolts that hit the nose without effect.

Starfire: No more chasing now, please!

As Big Chill makes his approach towards the alien craft with the intention to freeze it, his efforts are met with resistance. The craft, anticipating his move, fires a searing energy beam towards him. The beam strikes Big Chill directly, sending a jolt of pain through his alien form.

Big Chill/Y/N: Agh!

Starfire: Y/N!

Despite the pain, Big Chill maintains a grip on Starfire's hand.

A flip to face forward again, and she is off like a shot. Holding Y/N. She angles herself toward the pier and flies neatly through the other four Titans; the pursuer does likewise.

Beast Boy: Who's her new best friend?

Robin: Don't know...but I can't wait to meet him.

The chase loops around the Ferris wheel and back to the pier, where Big Chill and Starfire stop just behind the rest of the team. Beast Boy is first to attack, leaping high and turning into an alligator to bite at the tentacles' bases, just barely missing. Raven levitates a nearby hot dog cart and heaves it at the oncoming vehicle, which crashes right through it. As the thing races past Cyborg, he grabs the tentacles and hauls on them with all his strength. Ever so slowly, he is dragged forward a few feet before bringing the craft to a stop.

Cyborg: Don't know what you did to make this thing mad, Star, but it couldn't hurt to apologize!

Starfire: I am...sorry?

The tentacles yank themselves out of his grip. 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 from down below.

Beast Boy: So, did we just win?

The thing crashes up through the planks at the Titans' feet to answer that one with a big fat no. Robin vaults onto the nose.

Robin: Don't see an OFF switch. Guess I'll have to make one.

His fist flies down and smashes through it, and he pulls out a handful of wiring underneath. Sparks fly from the broken connections; pull back as he jumps free. The craft veers hopelessly out of control, rising higher and higher toward the stratosphere, and finally explodes in a mighty conflagration among the fireworks that are still going off. Big Chill held Starfire.

Big Chill: Whatever that thing was, it can't hurt you now.

Starfire: But...why did it wish to hurt me at all?

———

Dissolve to the exterior of Titans Tower, then cut to just inside the operations center door. Starfire, positively ecstatic, enters first while her teammates, including Y/N and Rook, stand at the doorway.

Starfire: Come, friends. I shall thank you for my rescue by reciting the Poem of Gratitude, all 6,000 verses.

Normal background resumes, and the camera cuts to the others, now inside the operations center. This segue, to them, is as subtle as a car wreck, and their eyes and the accompanying sound effect reinforce the point. Pull back to put Starfire in view, facing them. The next voice, from o.c., catches her by surprise: young, female, perhaps a bit cocky, and very smooth.

Voice: I see you haven't changed a bit.

Cut to the speaker, a teenage girl similar in appearance to Starfire, but whose clothing is black rather than violet. Her hair is this same color, her eyes narrow and blue, and she wears metallic full-body armor beneath her clothes. In addition, her wrist guards and neck piece are metal-colored. This is Blackfire. She leans against the back of the couch, but pushes off from it on her next line.

Blackfire: When we were little, I was always rescuing Starfire.

Laughing, she opens her arms wide as Starfire squeals with delight and runs over to hug her.

Starfire: Sister!

Blackfire was holding up a necklace with a large green gem.

Blackfire: Brought you a present.

Starfire gasps deeply and her eyes pop at the sight of this bauble.

Starfire: A Centauri moon diamond?!? Where did you get--?

Blackfire: On the Centauri moons, of course.

She fastens it around Starfire's neck.

Blackfire: Oh, look, it matches your eyes.

The recipient beams for a moment, then opens her eyes wide to give the camera a full view. Sight gag: they have become diamonds as well, and they grow a little bigger as a cash register is heard going off. This ends after a moment.

Starfire: You must meet my friends!

Blackfire is yanked across the operations center before she can say a word.

Starfire: I wish to introduce my big sister.

Blackfire: Blackfire.

Starfire is caught out at her boldness.

Blackfire: And since Star told me all about the Titans in her transmissions, let me guess. (She points to...) Cyborg.

Cyborg was holding out his hand to shake.

Cyborg: Pleased to meet you, little lady.

There is a loud grinding of metal as she takes the hand; after letting go, he finds his fingers to have been squeezed temporarily out of alignment.

Cyborg: Little lady, big handshake. Well, all right.

She goes on to...

Blackfire: Raven. I like that gemstone on your Ajna chakra.

Raven: You...know about chakras?

[Note: In yoga, chakras are points in the body at which spiritual energy is concentrated. There are seven, ranging from the top of the head to the base of the tailbone, and the Ajna chakra, centered on the forehead, is the second one down.]

Blackfire: I got way into meditation on Altara Prime.

She moves on to...

Blackfire: Beast Boy! What's up?

Beast Boy: Nothing but the ceiling, baby.

Blackfire: (laughing) Good one!

Beast Boy: (to Raven) See? She thinks I'm funny.

Raven: Statistically, I suppose someone has to.

This deflates him a bit.

Blackfire, a confident smirk playing on her lips, continues her introductions with the Titans. She makes her way over to the next member of the team.

Blackfire: And you must be Rook. Starfire mentioned you were on patrol.

Rook extends his hand politely, and they shake.

Rook: Yes, welcome to Earth, Blackfire.

Blackfire nods, clearly impressed by his composed demeanor, then her gaze shifts to Y/N. A sly grin spreads across her face as she steps closer to him, her eyes glinting with curiosity and interest.

Blackfire: And who might this be?

Starfire beams, unaware of her sister's intentions.

Starfire: This is Y/N. He's been a wonderful friend and teammate.

Blackfire's grin widens as she looks Y/N up and down, her eyes lingering.

Blackfire: "Y/N, huh? I can see why my sister likes you so much."

Y/N, feeling his cheeks flush with shyness, looks down, trying to avoid her intense gaze.

Y/N: Uh, thank you. Nice to meet you, Blackfire.

Blackfire steps even closer, her voice dropping to a more sultry tone.

Blackfire: Nice to meet you too, Y/N. I bet you're just as amazing as Starfire says. Maybe you could show me around sometime? I'd love to get to know you better.

Starfire, completely oblivious to the flirtation, claps her hands excitedly.

Starfire: Yes! Y/N knows all the best places. He would be a perfect guide!

Y/N, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion, stammers a reply.

Y/N: Uh, sure... I guess that could be... fun.

Blackfire winks at him, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Blackfire: I'll hold you to that, Y/N~.

Finally, Blackfire makes her way to the leader.

Blackfire: And you must be Robin. Oh, I am loving this cape. It's positively luscious!

Robin: Thanks. It's a high-density polymerized titanium, ten times stronger than steel.

Blackfire: Fascinating.

He directs an appreciative glance over his shoulder as Starfire slides into view and gasps, completely shocked by this exchange. Back to him and the big sister; she has leaned in even closer.

Blackfire: And this mask makes you look very mysterious.

Starfire inserts herself between them.

Starfire: So, beloved sister, what brings you to Earth?

Blackfire crosses to the couch.

Blackfire: I was in the quadrant. Thought I'd see if Earthlings like to party.

She hops over the back and sits.

Blackfire: Besides, I needed a rest. Nearly got sucked into a black hole on the way here.

The three boys are at the couch in an eyeblink, leaving Raven and Rook by themselves at the kitchen counter. Rook, ever observant, keeps a wary eye on Blackfire.

Robin: Black hole?

Cyborg: No way!

Beast Boy: Cool!

Blackfire: Okay. I'm cruising through the Draconis Nebula, and--

Starfire: Sister! That nebula is full of black holes! You know travel there is forbidden.

This remark is met with dead silence, except for a cricket chirping outside, and very funny looks from the four at the couch.

Blackfire: Most fun things in life are. Now be a sweetie and bring me one of those sodas I've heard so much about. 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. Snap to black, which resolves into the interior of the refrigerator as the door opens and she looks in. It is an under-the-counter model, the sort that might be found in a college dorm room. A can of soda is on the top shelf.

Starfire: I see you have not changed either.

She gets the soda and closes the door.

Meanwhile, Y/N stands beside Rook, feeling a bit out of place amidst the excitement. Rook leans in, his tone serious but supportive.

Rook: We should keep an eye on her. Something about her feels... off.

———

Later that evening, Y/N heads to his room, seeking some quiet time to process the day's events. As he walks down the dimly lit hallway, he hears footsteps approaching from behind. He turns to see Blackfire, a sly smile playing on her lips.

Blackfire: Y/N, there you are. I was hoping to find you.

Y/N feels a twinge of nervousness as she steps closer, her eyes locking onto his.

Y/N: Uh, hey Blackfire. What's up?

She moves even closer, her voice dropping to a silky, flirtatious tone.

Blackfire: Just thought we could spend some time together. You seem... different from the others.

Y/N feels his cheeks flush, unsure how to respond. Blackfire's proximity makes his heart race.

Y/N: Oh, um, thanks. I guess.

Blackfire places a hand on his arm, her touch both gentle and electrifying.

Blackfire: You know, Y/N, there's something about you that's... irresistible.

Her fingers trail up his arm in a suggestive gesture, her eyes never leaving his. Y/N swallows hard, feeling a mix of confusion and attraction.

Y/N: I... I don't know what to say.

Blackfire's smile widens as she places a hand on his shoulder, her touch sending a shiver down his spine.

Blackfire: How about 'yes'?

She leans in, her lips brushing his ear as she makes a suggestive remark.

Blackfire: Why don't we spend some... quality time together?

Y/N, feeling overwhelmed yet oddly thrilled by her attention, nods again, his voice barely a whisper.

Y/N: Yes? I guess? Also, what do you mean by that?

Blackfire's eyes gleam with satisfaction as she takes his hand, leading him further into the room.
———

The view blacks out again, then snaps to outer space. One by one, three bright streaks flash across the screen; tilt up slightly to show them approaching a large hovering vessel.

Cut to a bank of four docking tubes inside as the three objects: duplicates of the craft Robin destroyed at the pier, the ones that peeled off from Earth, slide into place within them and stop. A light on each occupied tube goes green, but that on the empty fourth one flashes red. Cut to an alien crewman in a shadowy nook.

Crewman 1: Our target was not located. The drones have failed.

Crewman 2: Have they?

He looks down; cut to 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 reaches into view and presses the red outline, and the four give way to a view of Earth.

Crewman 2: The one that probed Earth did not return. That is where we will find the girl.

———
Dissolve to the exterior of the Tower. It is now the next day.

Starfire: Sister?

She was walking down the hall. She is still wearing the necklace and will continue to do so until further notice.

Starfire: Sister? Sister, I seek your companionship.

Close-up of a racing video game in progress. Two vehicles, one green and one white, speed along a twisting elevated track, and the green one gets out in front and blocks attempts by the white to pass. Cut to Cyborg and Beast Boy on the couch; they are playing GameStation on the window/screen, and their respective expressions tell right away who is winning.

Cyborg: You want to pass me, but you can't pass me. You can't pa--You passed me!

Beast Boy: 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.

Starfire: Tell me, have either of you seen Blackfire?

Beast Boy: Blazin' B? She was here just a second ago.

His face goes slack as Cyborg grins; back to the screen. The white vehicle hugs the guardrail, then knocks the green one aside and zooms on.

Cyborg: Aw, yeah! Back in the lead!

Starfire: What fun! May I join your game?

Cyborg: Winner plays Blackfire.

Beast Boy: Yeah. She rules at this game.

Starfire: I see.

———

Starfire, her curiosity piqued, continues her search for her sister. She rounds a corner and spots Y/N. He's walking with a noticeable limp, his steps unsteady, and dark circles under his eyes betray his exhaustion. She approaches him, concern etched on her face.

Starfire: Y/N, are you all right? You seem... unwell.

Y/N glances up, trying to muster a reassuring smile despite his weariness.

Y/N: Hey, Starfire. I'm... fine. Just a little tired, that's all.

She narrows her eyes, not fully convinced.

Starfire: Have you seen my sister? I have been looking for her.

Y/N's cheeks flush slightly, memories of the previous night flooding back. He shifts uncomfortably, trying to avoid eye contact.

Y/N: Yeah, I'm okay. Just... didn't get much sleep last night.

Starfire tilts her head, concern evident in her eyes.

Starfire: Did something trouble you? Perhaps you had a nightmare?

Y/N hesitates, unsure of how to explain the situation without revealing too much. He shifts uncomfortably, feeling the soreness in his hips.

Y/N: Uh, not exactly. I just... had a really late night with Blackfire.

Starfire's eyes widen slightly, a hint of surprise and confusion crossing her features.

Starfire: My sister? What were you doing with her so late?

Y/N blushes deeply, scratching the back of his head nervously.

Y/N: We were... talking. A lot. And, uh, some other stuff.

Starfire seems to understand, her expression softening into one of concern mixed with a hint of sadness.

Seeing the concern in Starfire's eyes and feeling a pang of guilt, Y/N musters the energy to offer her some companionship.

Y/N: Hey, Starfire... I know you're looking for your sister, but if you want, I can hang out with you. I might be a bit tired, but I'd still like to spend time with you.

Starfire's face brightens at his offer, her earlier worry dissipating slightly.

Starfire: Oh, Y/N, that is most kind of you. I would greatly appreciate your company.

She reaches out and gently touches his arm, her warmth and sincerity evident.

Starfire: Are you sure you do not need rest? Your wellbeing is important to me.

Y/N shakes his head with a smile, trying to appear more energetic than he feels.

Starfire beams at this, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

Starfire: Thank you, Y/N. Perhaps we can partake in some of Earth's enjoyable activities?

Y/N nodded

They walk away.

———

Cut to a close-up of a door; she reaches into view and knocks. It slides open a small amount and reveals Raven peering out; this is her room.

Starfire: Is...my sister in there?

Raven: No.

Starfire: Oh...Might you wish to hang out with Y/N and me? We could visit your favorite depressing café.

Raven: Already been. It was open mic and Blackfire wanted to share. Your sister's poetry is surprisingly dark.

She closes the door.

———

Cut to Y/N and Starfire walking down the hallway together. They soon approach another door and knock. The door slides open to reveal Rook inside, meticulously aiming and firing at a series of targets set up across the room. He stops and turns to face them.

Starfire: Rook, we were wondering if you have seen my sister, Blackfire?

Rook sets his blaster down and shakes his head.

Rook: I had a run-in with her earlier, but there's something about her that bugs me. I can't quite put my finger on it.

Y/N and Starfire exchange a glance.

Y/N: Did she do anything specific that made you feel that way?

Rook crosses his arms, his expression serious.

Rook: It's just a gut feeling. She was being overly friendly, almost manipulative. I think we should keep an eye on her.

Starfire's face falls slightly, worry etched in her features.

Starfire: I... I see. Thank you for sharing, Rook.

Rook: Of course. Just be careful. Both of you.

Starfire nods, and Y/N places a comforting hand on her shoulder.

———
Starfire and Y/N head off down the hall, her sigh heavy with concern. Through the open door to the gym, the shadows of Blackfire and Robin can be seen on the wall. They are close enough to touch, and they do so on the next line.

Blackfire: That's perfect, Robin.

Y/N, passing by, catches a glimpse of the scene through the doorway. His brows furrow in confusion as he observes the intimate interaction between Blackfire and Robin.

Blackfire: Hold me just like that, and...

She throws him the full width of the room; he spins in the air a bit before coming down on top of a rack of dumbbells. Starfire is positively aghast at the sight. Inside again; when Robin peels himself up from the floor, he is seen to be badly dazed from the impact.

Blackfire: Learned that move from a Ven-Zo master on Tyrus Three.

Starfire: Hello, Robin...and...my sister. Am I interrupting?

Robin: Not at all. Blackfire was just showing me some alien martial arts. How come you never taught me these cool moves?

Cut to a close-up of Starfire, who has no good answer, then back to Blackfire and Robin on the start of the next line.

Blackfire: Probably because she doesn't know them. I always was the better fighter.

She leads Robin away.

Blackfire: Come on. I'll show you the technique I once used to stop a raging orthax.

The little sister stares bug-eyed after them for a moment and then hangs her head sadly. Y/N feels a pang of sympathy for Starfire

———

Dissolve to the exterior of the Tower. Inside, all the Titans except Starfire and Y/N are lounging on the couch in the operations center; Raven is reading a book.

Starfire: Friends!

She comes in, balancing buckets of popcorn and candy. Y/N was holding stacks of DVDs.

Starfire: We invite you to join me in the togetherness of a stay-home movie night. We bring you popcorn and non-cotton candies. Tell me, what sort of movie shall we view?

Robin: Action.

Beast Boy: Comedy.

Cyborg: Sci-fi.

Raven: Horror.

Rook: Romance.

Everyone looked at him, surprised that his answer.

Caught off guard, Starfire drops her load of goodies.

Starfire: Perhaps a double feature?

Blackfire: Forget the flicks, kids.

She turns to look; cut to the side door and tilt up from ground level. Blackfire stands there, dressed in one of Starfire's spare outfits, and has dispensed with the armor.

Blackfire: We're going out!

Starfire: We are? (Blackfire passes her.) Where did you-? Are those my-?

Blackfire: Heard about a party downtown. Cool crowd, hot music.

Beast Boy: Yeah!

Cyborg: I'm in.

Robin: Why not?

Close-up of Raven, nose still in her book.

Blackfire: And it's in a creepy run-down warehouse.

This gets her attention. One by one, Starfire's comrades file out.

Cyborg: Whoo!

Beast Boy: I am a party animal.

He turns into a gorilla.

Robin and Raven pass Starfire without saying anything; Blackfire is the last one out.

Blackfire: Hey, sweetie, raided your closet. Hope you don't mind me borrowing your look.

Starfire: (sadly, looking after Blackfire) Why not? You have already borrowed my friends.

Big sister departs, leaving little sister standing among the snacks and movies she dropped: the scattered remains of her plan to spend time with the gang.

Y/N and Rook exchange sympathetic glances with Starfire, silently offering their support as they help her gather up the scattered snacks and DVDs.

———

Opening shot: the exterior of the creepy run-down warehouse Blackfire mentioned. It is nighttime. A thumping dance beat can be heard within as multicolored lights pulse at the windows. Cut to inside and pan across the space, which is packed with partying teens, then pull back to an overhead view. Blackfire makes her way among the crowd, with all Titans except Starfire and Y/N close behind. Beast Boy has returned to human form.

Blackfire: Step aside, Earthlings, the queen of the galaxy has arrived!

Raven looks back the way they came and sees Starfire standing at a distance now. Y/N stays close to her side, navigating through the crowded dance floor.

Starfire: Oh...excuse...oh...uh...

Her foot is stepped on.

Starfire: Ow! You really should apologize after stepping on someone's foot.

Y/N gently guides her through the throng of dancers, his senses overwhelmed by the loud music and flashing lights. He tries to shield Starfire from the chaos as best as he can, offering her a reassuring smile despite his own discomfort.

Raven shakes her head, "this is a lost cause", and moves further into the crowd. Cut to Blackfire, already getting down.

Blackfire: Now don't tell me you big tough superheroes are afraid of a little dancing.

Beast Boy: Betcha Cyborg can do the Robot.

He does a little bit of that old dance and gets a very unappreciative glare from the big bionic man standing next to him. Blackfire dances across the screen in front of the pair, after which they and Robin start to get into the spirit of things. Raven and Starfire watch, the former with the same posture and expression she wore at the carnival game booths.

Raven: This party is pointless.

A goth-looking boy comes up next to her.

Goth boy: Everything's pointless. Wanna go talk about it?

She looks sidewise at him and shrugs, and both walk away to leave Starfire, Y/N, and Rook by themselves. Y/N makes as if to follow them, but does not.

Rook: I'm out.

Rook left.

A couple of slacker types pass behind Starfire and Y/N and back up for a closer look after moving past them

Slacker: Hey, hot alien girl. You digging the scene?

Starfire: I...did not know we were supposed to bring shovels.

(Sight gag: she appears in "Super Deformed" style, mortified under a solitary spotlight, as the two slackers laugh themselves silly and the merriment of everyone else is heard.)

Y/N: Actually, I find parties overwhelming. There's so much noise and... uh... lights...

His voice trails off as he notices the slackers looking at him with amusement.

Slacker: Dude, did you hear that? Alien boy's afraid of parties!

The other slacker bursts into laughter, and soon the whole group joins in, mocking Y/N's discomfort. Starfire shoots them a glare and hisses, but the damage is done, leaving Y/N feeling embarrassed and out of place amidst the laughter of the partygoers.

———

Fade in to a view of Earth from outer space. The ship that launched those four probes drifts slowly into view; inside, the two crewmen are still watching the planet on the main viewer.

Crewman 2: The girl may have defeated one probe, but she will not fare so well against three.

They are launched, one by one, and when the camera cuts to outer space again, they rocket toward Earth.

———

Cut to the night sky and tilt down to the roof of the warehouse as the three bright trails disappear into the Jump City skyline. Starfire sits on a ledge, head in hands. Close-up: she is utterly dejected, and she heaves a sigh.

Starfire: Perhaps I do not belong here after all.

Y/N approaches Starfire, his movements slightly awkward as he sits down next to her.

Y/N: I know how you feel, Starfire. Sometimes, I feel like I don't fit in either.

He fidgets with his hands, his gaze shifting nervously.

Robin: Of course you don't.

Robin was holding open the door at the top of the stairs that lead up to the roof.

Robin: You both belong down there, having fun with the rest of us. What's wrong?

He walked over.

Starfire: Nothing is wrong. Everything is wonderful. I'm here with Y/N.

Robin sits by them. Robin looks on with concern.

Starfire: Everything is not wonderful. 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. And I am nothing like her.

Y/N laid his head on her shoulder.

Robin: No, you're not. And I think--

They are interrupted by a creak of hinges. Cut to the skylights, one of which Blackfire has opened to let herself out. She holds it propped open; her hair is now shorter and bright pink.

Blackfire: How do I look?

Robin: Pink. Look, can you give us a minute here?

This response is not quite what she expected. However, her demeanor changes in an instant with the music.

Blackfire: Oh, I love this song!

She flies over, grabs Robin's arm, and yanks him down through the skylight. It swings shut to leave Starfire alone on the roof again. She sighs wearily and stands up from the ledge as the sound of something in flight is heard, now she and Y/N look up.

Starfire: Huh?

From between the letters of the lighted sign on the roof, a glare can be seen fading away. Its source, one of the three launched probes, pokes out and charges at her. A shocked gasp escapes her before the camera cuts back to the party.

———

Beast Boy and Cyborg are dancing to beat the band now, but the little green goofball stops short and looks up. His perspective: Starfire and the probe, visible only as silhouettes, are fighting it out on the skylight panes. Y/N transforms into Four Arms and fights. It finally seizes both in its tentacles and darts away.

Floor level; Beast Boy runs across the room to track the alien craft. Losing sight of it near the wall, he turns back to call in a little help.

Beast Boy: Cy! Star and Y/N are in trouble!

Cyborg stops dancing and turns to look, just as Beast Boy is grabbed by the tentacles of a second probe and dragged toward the door.

Beast Boy: Whoa! Help!

Cyborg runs after him, but is broadsided by the third probe; he fetches up against the wall, and the craft closes in. From here, cut to Raven and the goth teen she followed away from the dance floor. They are in a dark corner of the warehouse.

Goth boy: So, do you like show tunes?

The probe hauling Beast Boy passes before she can answer. Her companion beats feet out of there, and she flies to lend a hand. Two crates are promptly levitated and projected at the craft; their impact jars Beast Boy out of its grip, and he falls to skid across the floor. Through the skylight, Raven spots the one that has caught Starfire; it gains altitude and then goes into a screaming dive to crash through the glass and into a pile of crates. She moves back to avoid the impact. Cyborg lands a punch against the probe that struck him, after which Starfire and the one that seized her break out of the crates. She blasts it back with a starbolt.

Beast Boy, momentarily in the clear, suddenly yelps and jumps back a bit to get out of the way of the one that tried to tow him in. Transforming into a tiger during his backflip, he lunges at the alien craft and drives it across the room with a swipe of his paw. It stops beneath Starfire; in no time, it and the other two have closed in on her. She gasps and flies around and around to shake them, finally getting a breather thanks to Cyborg's flying tackle that brings down all of them. Looking down as his grunts rise to her, she sees him taking on the three craft. One is punched away, another slung out by its tentacles; the third, however, spins like a high-speed flail and sends him tumbling.

Robin and Blackfire were on the stairs. His attention drawn by the commotion on the other side of the wall, he turns toward it as Blackfire tries to pull him away.

Blackfire: Where are you going? Stay and talk to me.

Robin: Look, I just want to make sure that Starfire and Y/N are okay.

Cyborg comes crashing through the wall. As he stands up, rubbing his head and grumbling, Robin runs over to him.

Robin: What's going on?

Cyborg: Remember that thing that attacked Star? It had friends.

He rushes back into the melee, leaving Blackfire alone at the top of the stairs. Robin starts to follow, but stops upon seeing her there.

Robin: Didn't you hear him? Your sister needs help!

Blackfire: Right. Of course.

She pulls off her pink hair and drops it-it is only a wig she had been wearing over her natural hair. Now she runs down the stairs. Cut to the alley behind the warehouse; Starfire crashes out through the wall, hits the one opposite, and drops into a nearby Dumpster.

Four Arms: Alright, bring it on!

He charges forward, fists swinging as he engages the probes in combat. With each powerful blow, he tries to knock them out of commission, determined to protect Starfire and defeat the alien invaders.

Four Arms charges forward, his massive fists clenched tightly as he barrels towards the floating probes. With a mighty roar, he swings his arms in powerful arcs, aiming to smash the mechanical intruders out of the air.

The first probe fires a barrage of energy blasts, but Four Arms deflects them with his brute strength, the impacts causing sparks to fly in all directions. Undeterred, he lunges forward, delivering a bone-crushing uppercut that sends one of the probes spiraling backwards.

Meanwhile, the other two probes attempt to flank him from the sides, but Four Arms is quick to react. With lightning-fast reflexes, he grabs hold of one probe and hurls it into the path of the second, causing them to collide in a shower of sparks.

As the remaining probe regains its bearings and prepares to retaliate, Four Arms charges forward once again. With a thunderous roar, he delivers a devastating punch that sends the probe crashing into the wall, its circuits fizzling and sparking as it malfunctions and falls to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Four Arms stands victorious amidst the wreckage, his muscles tensed and ready for any further threats.

Four Arms rushes to the Dumpster where Starfire has landed, concern etched on his face.

Four Arms: Starfire, are you okay?

Just as he reaches her, one of the probes, still functional, fires a powerful energy blast. The blast hits Four Arms square in the chest, sending him flying into the opposite wall. The force of the impact causes the wall to crumble, burying him beneath a pile of rubble.

Four Arms: Ugh... not good...

Struggling to free himself, he watches as the probe hovers menacingly, preparing to attack again.

Starfire: Y/N!

Before she could do anything, she's knocked back into the dumpster. The two probes float out as it starts to hoist the entire container skyward; her screams are heard from inside as all two take off.

Robin's birdarang flashes into view and severs two of the tentacles holding the Dumpster, causing it to fall to the ground. Rook arrived and started shooting up at them. Beast Boy is back in human form.

Robin and Cyborg: Teen Titans! Go!

Before they can move, Blackfire flies over their heads and straight toward the three probes, which move to intercept. Beams of energy shoot forth from her eyes and blow them all away; fragments of hulls and tentacles rain down as she lands in the alley.

Cyborg: Aw, yeah! Good times!

Beast Boy: Nice shooting, Tex.

Raven: Very nice.

Room: How did you know where to hit them?

Blackfire: Lucky guess.

Cyborg: We could use luck like that. Maybe you oughta join the team.

Blackfire: Me? A Teen Titan?

The Dumpster lid swings open, and Starfire pokes her head up and gasps in undiluted shock. A banana peel has fallen on her head. Four Arms burst from the rubble.

Four Arms: What?!?

———

It is later that night, and waves break loudly against the island's shores. Starfire walks slowly to the edge. She carries a backpack by the shoulder straps. She is ready to throw in the towel once and for all.

Starfire: She will be a better Titan than I ever was.

She lifts off from the roof. Pull back; Y/N and Rook step out, and their words stop her from heading into the great wide open.

Y/N: Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?

Having been called out in this manner, she cannot look them in the eye, but instead dips her head and descends back to the roof, her knees half-buckled. The backpack slides from her shoulders; finally, she looks up at them.

Starfire: Y/N, Rook, I--

Rook: Leaving without saying anything isn't like you, Starfire.

Y/N: We need you here. You're a part of this team...a part of our family.

Starfire's eyes well up with tears as she looks at her friends, her resolve weakening.

Starfire: But...Blackfire...she fits in so well. She knows things I don't, she--

Rook: Blackfire isn't you. You're special in your own way, and we wouldn't be the same without you.

Y/N: You've always been there for us. Let us be there for you now. Please don't go.

Starfire drops her head again, feeling the sincerity and support from her friends.

Starfire: I...I just feel like I don't belong.

Y/N: You do belong, Starfire.

The sound of an approaching craft draws a gasp from her and an over-shoulder look from him. Pull back to put it in view: the same ship that launched the four probes in the first place. One of the two crewmen is standing on its flat top deck. It turns 90 degrees to present one side to the Titans, and the standing man lashes out a long tentacle from his right arm that pushes Y/N and Rook and knocks them off their feet, and then snares Starfire. The left arm has the claws seen earlier aboard ship. The tentacle's end wraps itself around her mouth before she can put up any sort of resistance, and the ship begins to haul her away.

Y/N gets to his feet and transforms into Ghostfreak, his spectral form cutting an eerie figure against the night sky. He glides forward, trying to intercept the ship. Starfire, seeing Ghostfreak, is initially alarmed due to the reputation of his species in the galaxy but quickly realizes it's Y/N.

Ghostfreak: Hold on, Starfire! I'm coming!

Rook draws his weapon and fires several times at the craft, but the shots glance off its hull harmlessly. Ghostfreak manages to catch up and attempt to phase through the craft, but a sudden defensive mechanism jolts him, sending him crashing to the ground.

Rook: Y/N, are you okay?

Ghostfreak: I'm fine...but we need to get Starfire back. I'll go after them. You warm the others.

Dissolve to the moon, now partially obscured by drifting clouds. The ship flies into view; now the other crewman is on the top deck, handling the navigational duties. A cut to a control button at deck level shows an arm reaching down to it and Starfire's feet just in front of him. Pull back as the button is pressed; a force field appears around the still-bound and gagged girl. Starfire lets out a series of garbled shrieks, wrestling her restraints.

Crewman 1: Prepare to leave Earth orbit. We have the Tamaranean girl.

Crewman 2: Once we return to Centauri, you will pay for what you have done.

Starfire can only struggle and grunt through her bonds. Pull back to a side view of the ship and pan/tilt down to its underside. Y/N, now in Ghostfreak form, is flying under.

Ghostfreak: We'll see about that.

He vaults to the deck and lands facing the crewman at the force-field holding cell.

Ghostfreak: Let her go. Now!

The Centauri roars and charges at him with a swing of that right arm, but he easily dodges this. A roundhouse also misses Ghostfreak; the alien's next attack consists of a series of right-handed laser blasts, the thing on his arm is a multi-purpose weapon. Ghostfreak phases through the shots, several of which hit the force field holding Starfire and bounce off, and the Centauri charges toward him. An overhead swing crackles upon impact with the field and leaves his underarm exposed for Ghostfreak's counter-punch. This blow sends sparks up from the armor and pushes the aggressor back a bit.

Now Ghostfreak retreats to a spot near one of the ship's engines, on the side. Out comes that tentacle, which phases through; it hits the edge of his cloak and deflects into the engine, causing it to flame out.

Centauri 1: No!

The craft begins to lose altitude, throwing his colleague off balance and putting the brawl on hold for the time being. It plunges through the clouds and just barely skims a riverbank.

Centauri 1: I cannot control it!

Y/N scrambles across the deck to the control button and deactivates the force field. The ship descends ever closer to the river as he peels the tentacles away from Starfire's body.

Starfire: Y/N!

Ghostfreak: Come on!

They reach and join hands; pull back as they fly from the deck. The ship turns down nose first and grinds into the riverbank, skidding a considerable distance before finally stopping and tumbling forward to land on its top deck. Starfire lowers Ghostfreak safely to the ground and lands beside him.

Beast Boy: Star! Y/N!

He, Cyborg, Robin, Rook and Raven run up.

Cyborg: You guys okay? Rook told us what happened.

The two Centauri crewmen stand up amid the clouds of smoke pouring up from their wrecked craft. All seven Titans brace for action.

Robin: Titans! Get ready!

The Centauri approach.

Centauri 2: In the name of the Grand Centauri Empire, you are all under arrest.

He shows a badge, the sight of which leaves the entire team momentarily stunned.

Beast Boy: Uh...you can't be the good guys. We're the good guys.

Centauri 2: And we are Centauri police.

Centauri 1: The Tamaranean girl is a liar and a thief. She's committed high crimes throughout the entire Centauri system.

Starfire: I have never even been to the Centauri moons!

She and Rook both look at her necklace. Rook removes it and holds it up

Rook: But I know someone who has.

Gazing into the large green gem her sister gave to her, Starfire gasps as the pieces of the frame-up fall together in her brain. Robin turns to address the Centauri cops.

Robin: You've been chasing the wrong girl.

He throws the necklace away and turns to the team.

Robin: Where's Blackfire?

Beast Boy is the first to provide an answer, pointing up at a tiny black shape zooming among the clouds and away from the area.

Beast Boy: Uh...

Ghostfreak: Don't worry, Star. She won't get away with this.

Starfire: No, she will not!

She takes off. Cut to a long shot of her sister, headed toward space; she has changed back into her own clothes and put the armored undergarment back on. Starfire flies up to intercept.

Starfire: Hello, sister.

Blackfire: Aww, you're mad. I know, I should have told you I was leaving, but you know how I hate goodbyes and--

Starfire: You are a criminal, and you were going to let me take your place in jail!

Blackfire: Oh...well...yeah.

Starfire: You will give back what you have stolen and turn yourself over to the police!

Blackfire: And what will you do if I don't?

Starfire has no immediate answer here. Blackfire warms up a starbolt and lets her have it in the kisser to send her tumbling.)l

Blackfire: I always was the better fighter.

Her little sister rights herself after touching down on the ground and floats back up.

Starfire: Not anymore!

Blackfire unloads a machine-gun barrage of starbolts; Starfire flies through them all without so much as getting her hair singed and gathers herself for a crushing counterstrike. This shot connects with Blackfire's hand and makes the one she was about to throw fizzle out. One very angry little sister rises to stare her down; both hands are lost in the dazzling radiance of the starbolts she is holding in check. Blackfire merely laughs in her face, but trails off into surprised yells as a Centauri tentacle whips in from behind to tie her up. Starfire turns to look toward the source; cut to him, standing on the deck of the righted ship.

Centauri 2: Blackfire of Tamaran, you are under arrest.

Starfire: Farewell, sister! Although you did betray and attack me, it was...still very nice to see you.

Blackfire: Next time, it won't be so nice. I will get out of jail, little sister, and I will get even!

Said little sister looks down at her worriedly.

———

Dissolve to the roof of the Tower; it is now sunrise of the next day. Starfire sits at the edge, bathed in light and lost in thought, and looks out over the sparkling bay as the wind blows her hair where it will. Rook and Y/N comes up.

Y/N: Hey. How are you doing?

He sits by her.

Starfire: I am...sad for my sister.

Rook: And for yourself?

Starfire: I am just glad that the truth was discovered before I was replaced.

Rook: What are you talking about?

Starfire: Well...everyone was having such fun with her, and then Cyborg said--

Rook: Look. Your sister was interesting, but she could anever take your place. No one could ever take your place.

Her answering smile shows that she has heard him loud and clear. She smiled as Y/N laid his head on her shoulder