Mortal Ways

Chapter 1: In the Mountains

Deep in the mountains of Japan lays the home of the archangels a group of sprites working for the good of humanity. But when one of there owns falls in love with a human will she find a way to get to know her new love. RichKori RachGar VicBee

Dedication: My "big brother"

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans…sadly! I wish I were rich I could buy it!

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The craggy peaks reach to the sky puncturing the clouds. It is the tallest mountain in Japan few people scale to the top. But a valley green and lush lays at the top the home of the archangels. This is a haven for the messengers that watch over mortals. Almost no humans ever see this land. And few archangels even see the faces of mortals. The need for archangels has almost vanished. They haven't been called since the Corian walked the earth. The Corian was a corpse of people long past used as puppets by their masters.

A young archangel sat her hair blowing wildly in the wind. Her wings spread feeling the feathers twist. She turned around. "I can sense you." She smiled. Another winged person came out her face grinning. A black hood hid her black shoulder length hair. Her wings were as black as a winter midnight. "I'm not used to the archangels senses." The girl grinned. "I must be hard for you Rachel." Kori laughed. Rachel was the special one. She was once a human, or mortal as they were know her. Rachel was a human admitted into the archangels. Even though many of the other archangels ignored her Kori grew to love her as a sister. "I was only a young one when I came her." Rachel sighed. "And still it's hard for me!"

"If we were mortals sorry humans we would be sixteen in tenth grade?" Kori giggled. Rachel found the title mortal a little offending. It pointed out the fact that humans would die. Kori was herself not used to the human words. Rachel though she became an archangel never gained the innocence that humans could not hold. Kori stood up. "I feel as if today something big is going to happen!" Kori announced. Rachel nodded. Her senses were in a twitch. "See your getting it." Kori laughed. Kori Spun around her white robes dancing. She did a few one handed cartwheels in joy. Rachel snorted. She never got how the archangels had a certain ability at gymnastics. Kori smiled. "I'm sure Elder Oak will want to see you for your lesson." Rachel stood up. "Oh, yes!' She cried. She loved her sessions with Oak. Oak was the oldest and wisest archangel. Rachel loved him like the father she never had.

Rachel ran off. "Bye Kori!" She yelled. "Bye!" Kori called back. She gave a little giggle and started to walk through the lush forest closest to the border. Kori jumped over a low hanging branch. The forest was lush with vegetation the tall treetops casting a green shadow over the floor. Kori ran to the border. She loved watching the mountain hoping for a mortal. She wanted to see the face of a mortal. She was curious. She felt as if someone would come today. Kori moved her body around so she fit in with the vegetation the only thing a careful eye might pick out was her long red hair. But Kori thought she would be okay.

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"Why do I have to come?' Richard Grayson sighed his ebony hair messy and matted. "Because you need to get fresh air and I don't like being with that women alone." Bruce shivered. 'Sure, whatever." Richard yawned. "But did you have to wake me up just to tell me that. Bruce scowled at him. Richard slammed his door and dropped on to his bed. He knew how Bruce felt. He had to go with Bruce to his stupid meeting with Marina Moth. Richard laughed. "Mother like daughter. Richard shuddered at the thought of Katrina or Kitten Moth. Richard personally thought of her as his own stalker. "Yeah drag me along why don't you! I put up with Kitten all the time and you can put up with Marina for a week!" Richard cried. Suddenly his door burst open. Richard didn't like that smile on Bruce's face. "Oh, I forget where going to climb to the top of Mount Fugi." Bruce snorted. "Come on!" Richard grumbled. "And your teacher called it seems your failing Social Studies and many other things too. We though going to Japan the place your studying about would help you. Luckily were going to Japan on your week off." Bruce grinned. Richard just stuck his tongue out childishly.

Richard stared through the windows into the sea below. Bruce sat next to him reading a large book that Richard had looked at it once and saw the word pusillanimous and dropped the book. Richard glared across the aisle at Kitten. She was giggling over something. Richard didn't want to know. She said she wanted to see Japan but Richard knew as soon as she heard he was coming she begged to come. Richard sunk lower in his seat. Richard felt so alone. He was usually alone in school even though all the girls seemed to love him for his looks or his money and usually both. Richard opened his Camera Phone to see a picture of a Victor Stone and Garfield Logan his only two true friends. They were acting silly and making fun of his hair which had been so badly cut he had hidden at home for two weeks. He wasn't really concerned about his hair but if he could find any way to stay home he would take it. The intercom clicked on. "We are coming into the airport. Get ready to leave and buckle your seat belts." The intercom turned off with a click. Richard pulled down his one bag wit a yank. He buckled himself in. "Finally." He grumbled.

Richard threw his bag on his bag. He fell on his bed with a sigh. "So sleepy." He groaned. "Get your sleep you will need it." Bruce smiled. "How early are we waking up?' Richard asked suspicious. Bruce just grinned. Richard glared at him. Richard turned his eyes back to the ceiling. He had to admit, Japan looked cool. That was Richard last though before he slipped into a deep dreamless sleep.

Richard yawned. They were almost to Mount Fugi. "Why did we have to get up so early to climb a rock?" Richard asked. Bruce opened his mouth and then closed. He looked around nervously. "Well to get away from Marina. Well you should of heard Katrina I mean Kittens plans for you to go swimming." Richard laughed. "Well I guess you did me a favor. Climbing a giant rock is better then swimming with Kitten." Richard smirked most anything was better then swimming with Kitten. Richard stared up at Mount Fugi. Richard jaw dropped. "How high are we going to climb?" He asked. "The top. Were going to climb to the top." Bruce grinned. Richard turned to Bruce with a look of horror. "It will be good for you." Bruce nodded. Richard snorted. "Come on then." Bruce called as he started up the mountain. "And why don't we have a guide?" Richard asked. "Bruce does not need a guide!" Bruce called. Richard sighed. "Sure Bruce." He called.

Richard bend over catching his breathe. "You okay Bruce?" He asked. "Yeah just need to rest. Go on with out me." Bruce nodded. He turned to look at Richard but he was already on his way. "Fine then!" Bruce called. Richard sighed. Finally he was free to walk be himself. He loved the silence, the silence of the mountain. Richard sighed. He still was far away from the top. Richard opened his phone he wanted to take a picture. "No reception." Richard looked at it surprised. Bruce being the one of the richest men on the earth got reception everywhere. I wonder what is was about this place. Richard smiled. Something about this place made him feel free and happy something he rarely felt. Richard closed his phone and stuck it in his hiking bag.

Richard huffed. He was finally at the top. To him it looked like any other mountain peak. He did not see the valley of the archangels hidden there. But the Archangels could see him. And if the archangels wished it he could see them. Richard dropped his hiking bag looking at the peak in awe. "It's amazing." He gasped. He quickly pulled out his water and drank it. The air was much thinner here. Richard sat on the rocky ground. "Now to wait for Bruce." Richard snorted. Richard adjusted his sunglasses like he usually did when he was bored. "Bruce can sometimes be so boring." Richard commented to himself.

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Kori watched him from her spot in the tangles of bramble. "A mortal!" She whispered in excitement. This mortal did not look like other mortals she had seen. He looked different to her, more, more something. Kori suddenly felt like she wanted to go and talk to him, be with him. She reached out her hand. She was so close to him only a few meters away. She felt so close but so far away from him. She wanted him to see her. She wanted him to know her. Kori turned and fled. What was with her? She needed, she needed to get away from that boy. She didn't even know his name and she wanted to know him.

Rachel stood in the center of the archangel's homes waiting for Kori. This is where they meet every day. Suddenly Rachel saw Kori running in her face looked horrified. "What's wrong?" She asked. "Nothing I was running and I almost tripped." Kori gasped lying very well. Rachel sighed. "You sound not run when there are so many things to trip on in that forest." Rachel warned. "I'll be fine. Kori sighed. "Don't be paranoid." "It comes from living as a human." Rachel laughed. "Humans…are interesting." Kori stuttered. "Yes they are." Rachel spoke growing suspicious. "I want to see if Oak will let me pretend to be a mortal to see what their lives are like. I want to study them." Kori added slowly. "Really Kori?" Rachel looked taken aback. "Yes." Kori said growing more confident. " It sounds brave and interesting." Rachel smiled. Kori was growing up. Rachel always thought of Kori like a sister. "Well I might like some companion from someone who knows about humans?" Kori asked sweetly. "Fine Kori. I would like to see humans again I guess." Rachel sighed a slight smiled twitching her lips. "Yeah!" Kori smiled. She ran to hug Rachel. "Thank you friend!" "Kori. You know how I feel." Rachel sighed. "Sorry." Kori said releasing her. "You can do it this one time." Rachel sighed. Kori squealed and hugged her tight. "Come on lets go ask Oak." Rachel gave Kori a tiny punch in the arm. Kori nodded and took the lead.

"Approach the Elder!" Oak called. Kori stood forward. She has nervous. She had to present this in front of Oak and get his approval. "I wish to pretend to be a mortal to study them and gain a further understanding of them so we can help them better if it is needed and I think in due time the Archangels shall be called again into duty." Kori spoke in a clear voice. She couldn't get the face of the boy out of her mind. "I also wish to bring Rachel along with me because she used to be a mortal and will help me in fitting in. I have asked hr and she said it was okay with here. Pass your judgment Elder Oak." Kori added. Oak sat quietly mulling the idea over in her head. "You are granted a year to learn about the mortal so we can help him better in the future. Rachel you shall go with her. We shall give a small amount of mortal money, enough to get you started then you must support yourself. You may come back if you can't handle mortal life before a year runs up. We shall call you at the end of the year." Oak finally announced. Kori nodded and left. "Yes!" She cried. Rachel followed her out. :It seems we are being sent to high school." Rachel sighed. "I've always wondered about this high school you always talked about." Kori giggled. "Where are we going?" Rachel asked. "I have decide on Jump City." Kori smiled. " I like the name." She added. It just happened to be where that boy went to school. " Off we go." Rachel smiled.

A Week Later

Richard sat his head resting on his desk. "Come on Richard Japan can't have been so bad." Garfield or Gar joked. His green streaked hair stood out. He said it was his declaration of vegateranizion. That was until Victor told him it wasn't a word. Victor Stone star quarterback of the Jump Coyotes, the schools football team and champion. He sat to Richards left tossing a football in his hands. The teacher Mr.Karn loved football and let Victor play around with it all the time. "Yeah this is one time Gar is right." Victor laughed. "Yeah…hey!" Gar yelled. "Why you!" Richard snorted. "Japan was okay it was Kitten that was not." He sighed. " I know what you mean." Victor sighed. "Like you do!" Richard shot. "Yeah you got a girl. Ever since you declared your everlasting love to her they left you alone. " Gar added. Victor glared at him. "I wouldn't call it a declaration of everlasting love." He growled. "Whatever. You told her you loved her close enough." Gar snorted. "What about you?" Richard asked. He knew the answer but there might have been some miracle over break. "I'm a free man." Gar nodded acting cool. "Aren't you guys surprised?" Gar asked. "Not at all." Richard added earnestly. "Ditto." Victor nodded. "Well what about Richard!" Gar spat. "I don't mix with girls after I meet Kitten." Richard added blankly. "Soon! I warn you soon!" Gar smiled evilly. "Sure Gar." Richard eyed him. "Denial isn't just a river in Egypt." Victor teased. Richard fought not to smile. Like he would like anyone in his school. We would need to get new student. "Victor!" A voice called. It was Karen Beecher or Bee or short. "Hi bee! I missed you." Victor called. "Good to you see you too Sparky." Bee laughed. Victor laughed at his nickname. " Declaration of-" Gar started but Victor covered his mouth. "If you say that last word I will not let you live it down. " Victor hissed. Gar nodded his eyes scared. Victor let go. Gar sat down quietly. Richard chuckled. "Settle down children homeroom is starting!" A booming voice called. It was Mr.Karn. The bell rang. Bee ran to the seat in front of Victor. "Thank you." Mr.Karn smiled. "Welcome back children. It's good to see you. I hope you had a good break. I did." Mr.Karn smiled. "Today we have too new students from Tokyo. Please come forward and introduce yourself. " Mr. Karn smiled to two girls standing behind his desk. They were whispered. "Do I have to?" One asked. "Owe!" The girl said. "I'm going, I'm going already." A tall slender girl stepped forward. She had long fire red hair down to her back. "Hello. I'm Kori Anders." She spoke shyly. "What do you find a special skill?" Mr.Karn encouraged. "Well I can do a one handed cartwheel and I can do a no handed back flip. I can show you." Kori asked looking at Mr.Karn. Mr.Karn nodded. She gently did one, two, three one handed cartwheels. She stood still for a second or two then flipped through the air backward landing on her feet. The class gasped. "Wow." Richard said wide-eyed. "What she pretty?" Gar asked whispering. Richard blushed. That was half of it. "Cool tricks." He added. She looked helplessly at Mr.Karn. "That's enough." Mr.Karn smiled. Another shorter girl stepped forward. She had black hair and Richard almost laughed at the sarcastic look on her face.

"Rachel Roth from Tokyo." She recited. " I have a great memory. The wolf was endangered in 1973 but only protected in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Victor Hess discovered Cosmic Rays in 1912. P-U-S-I-L-L-I-A-N-I-M-O-U-S it means cowardly. "That what it means!" Richard whispered. "I might not be single anymore." Gar whispered slickly. "She probably kill you if you hit on her." Victor laughed. "Can I go now?" Rachel asked. "Yes." Mr.Karn smiled. "I hope you all are nice to them. And Mr. Grayson, Mr. Logan, and Mr. Stone since you three are talking you can show these girls around!" Mr.Karn rounded on three boys in the middle of a whispered conservation. They stopped at the sound of their last names. "Um. Sure." Victor managed to stutter. Kori giggled a bit. She suddenly recognized Richard. She gave a little gasp that no one noticed. Is that okay with you Garfield?" Mr.Karn asked. Gar nodded silently. "Richard?" Mr.Karn asked. "Whatever." Richard shrugged. "Richard. That's his name." Kori whispered to herself. Kori and Rachel sat themselves at the back of the class. Richard was so happy once the bell rang to let them to their next class. Richard stuck his hands in his pockets and trailed behind Victor and Gar to see the girls who were getting books from Mr.Karn. "Hello." Victor smiled. "I'm victor and the tiny one is Gar and the moody one behind me is Richard." Gar gave a little wave and Richard just shrugged. "Hi." Rachel said. "Hello." Kori chimed in. "You know who we are." Rachel nodded. "Rachel it says we have Math next. "That's with Gar and Richard. I have Technology. So see you guys later!" Victor called running off. "Coming?" Richard asked Kori nodded and Rachel just stood there. Richard walked off feeling Kori's eyes on the back of his neck. He could feel his hair on the back of his neck standing up.

Richard hurried to lunch sliding his tray into his seat. He looked next to him to see Kori sitting there. "Hello." He said his eyes growing wide. She turned her head away from Victor's last words. "Hi!" She smiled. "So…. Where did you learn those gymnastics moves?" He asked. "Doesn't everyone know how to do them?" Kori asked. Rachel shook her head very vigorously. Kori looked taken aback. "It my town it is very common." She shrugged. "Well here it isn't. If I tried that I would split my head." Richard grimaced at the thought. "It just takes practice. Anyone could do it if they practiced." Kori smiled. Richard was nice well, not just nice something else. Kori beamed at him. Richard smiled a bit back. Kori turned to Rachel leaving Richard there is gaze. She had a year to learn about mortals and this would be one she would keep a close eye on.

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That is what pusillanimous means. All the facts in this are true.

Chapter 2:

Kori And Rachel have to get settled into their new apartments and get jobs.