Konnichiwa minna! This is just lil' something to say, Happy Sweet Sixteenth to the writer we all know and love, Valda! Her birthday is tomorrow so get you birthday wishes in now! Standard disclaimer and explanations at the end! Enjoy! And please review… if not for me, for Valda!

Red Crystals Aren't Always Rubies…

Red… Cerise… Crimson… Scarlet… and at last… Ruby… All of which can make danger look beautiful and enticing. Nevertheless, the colour can also express deep emotions, such as anger, fury, love and… lust.

A place, so full of enchantment and wonder that it never sleeps. Where its entwined mysteries and chaos have drawn various Titans to its city walls. Its vibrant Oriental flare, almost tarnished by Western influence, but traditional yet modern all the same. A place, with blinking neon lights with beautiful, calligraphy symbols written in oriental language… The place…

Chinatown… New York City…

A deeply red clad adolescent perched silently on a dark, slightly damp roof, hidden in the shadows. Her dark auburn hair, pulled back into a high, long pony tail and her emerald irises, flawless with emotion and compassion. Her leather tight crimson halter top and equal trousers clung to her like a second skin. To complete the look, shiny jet black high-heeled boots and a black choker with a solitaire ruby. Her keen senses made her aware of the situation being carried out below her. Horde members were crowded around one individual who had been harmlessly walking around in the night. Now usually, Chinatown had been the most peaceful and vivacious location to wonder around and admire the sites... However, that was mere months ago. It's now April and Chinatown has recently become the hotspot of transgression. And all the major shenanigans just had to happen in the unsightly hours of the morning. One in the morning to be exact. The youth kept a great deal of restraint, waiting for the optimum moment to reveal herself. A package… A stack of green notes… Counterfeit… She shook her head slowly, producing a whip from her boot, moved it in various circles as she dismounted, whirling it around the culprits, and squeezing them together as if they were dead meat. They struggled and writhed, cussing and cursing as the adolescent sauntered over to them casually.

She smirked suggestively as she flipped out a cell phone from her bust. I need a back-up. Members have been captured but I'm not taking them down, nor am I doing any interrogation. She peered over to the guilty party, who were giving her an array of looks. Mostly lustful. "You know Chica; red is definitely your colour."

The thug licked his lips and beckoned her to come forward. Giving a faux appreciative smile, she walked, swaying her hips seductively to him, curled her index finger in his dark hair, the other index finger caressed his cheek. Lazily, she dropped her palm onto his hot member… "Oops." The man laughed at her infectious giggling. "Close your eyes sugar." He followed her command as she batted her eyelids causing the others to look on in anticipation, grinning like crazy… PUNCH The man instantly sagged at the force, causing the others to gasp in alarm. The girl rolled her eyes. "I hope you sleep tight sugar. And… For y'all… Never call me Chica!" She quickly pushed a button on her whip, sending a course of electricity through them. Sighing, she turned around and made way back to her shared apartment. Sweet Sixteenth is definitely over-rated.

-X-

A young man in his late teens paced thoroughly in his shared apartment, a worry line evident on his forehead. He wore dark sunglasses and his hair in a spiked manner. He was dressed in Levi's™ jeans and undershirt, barefoot, but still the lingering scent of Lynx™ hung around him. His sapphire eyes behind the mask squinted again for the umpteenth time at the neon red digits glowing in the dim light. 01:56:39. He sighed once more, struggling to keep his obsession down. It was only a few thugs right? She doesn't need protection, she can handle her own! Then why does my heart feel chained to her? Why do I feel as if I should be out there with her? Soft footsteps could be heard in the corridor, the streets below and the rooftop. His eyes darted around, trying to see-through the walls and peer at the pinpoints. No such luck. Take a risk. You've been doing it most of your life. Without rational thought, he opened the door and scanned down the corridor. "Zăo shang hăo Master Grayson Can I get you some tea?" The waitress asked wearily, tired from her heavy shift. Grayson nodded his head politely and bid her good night before returning to his apartment. He sighed as he placed the two cups of tea on the traditionally carved coffee table. He blinked behind his shades as he noticed the drapery fluttering in the light breeze. That wasn't like that… Cautiously, he placed his strong hands on the ledge and his head through the window. He didn't notice the shuffling sound behind him. A slender finger reached out to touch him. He frowned before acting on impulse…

"Ouch! Richard! That hurts, please let me go!" Grayson's eyes widened as he released his room mate. He coughed nervously before apologising quietly. "So… how many cups of tea have you had to be keeping you up this late?" The adolescent girl asked, spying on the steaming cups of tea and the glowing neon digits. Grayson didn't relax.

"Funny Kori. I was worried about you!" He stepped forward and gripped her by her exposed shoulders, rubbing them affectionately. Kori blew a bang out of her glamorous eyes annoyed.

"Richard. You know I can take care of myself. Besides… I wanted to walk around, you know, enjoy the sites. See if I could get a thrill of being one with the darkness and all that jazz." Richard huffed surprised.

"You never cease to entertain me. Now even more since you English has improved…" Kori pulled away.

"My English was purely the proper dialect and form that you were meant to be speaking. The evolution of slang and other innuendos just made blending and socialising harder…" She pouted to prove her point.

"I know. And you'll always be that alien girl who I freed… But who's ass I kicked."

"And you shall always be that masked hero, who I kissed to obtain lingual abilities… And I believe that I 'kicked your ass' first. I am stronger than I look." Richard glanced at her, eyeing her up and down.

"Hmm… Stronger in more ways than one." He nodded to conclude his comment. Kori cocked her head cutely to the side, before she sauntered over to the coffee, removed her boots, socks and chocker and sipped her herbal tea, finishing the hot liquid in an instant. Richard mimicked her actions.

"If I didn't know better Richard, I would assume that you were hitting on me and…" Richard leaned closer, stroking her exposed waist and hip.

"And?" He whispered eagerly.

"And… Herbal tea is really refreshing after a hard night." She teased as she pushed him away and made her way behind the thin screen. Richard slapped his forehead but continued to gaze at her moving shadows. Hmm… There isn't another figure in the universe quite like hers. If only she didn't tease so damn much. Damn Brianna for teaching her how to… whatever women have that gives them power over us…

"You know Kori; you really should stop leading guys on…" From behind the screen, Kori strolled out clad in a purple silk dressing gown, crimson shirt and matching shorts, barefoot. She inched closer and closer to Richard, reaching out to him, placing her delicate palms on his rock hard torso. She painfully, slowly travelled up and looped both her arms around his neck, placing her lips next to his ear.

"So what I'm hearing you say is… I should stop leading you on? Come on… You know you love me and the… attention." Her stepped back a mille-step and before reaching up into her hair, pulling the bunch out and letting her spill around her shoulders and waist. She leaned closer again and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Good night… Boy Wonder…" Kori whispered before she blew out the candle chandelier and let Richard find his own bed. He remained in his spot for a good minute, replaying the scene over and over again. Good night to you to Kori… I do love you…

-X-

Six Titans sat peacefully around the elongated maroon table with the aroma of bacon, warm milk, coffee and tofu lingering in the air. After delivering their morning greetings and having to witness yet another argument over tofu and meat, the proper debates began. "So, does anyone have any questions?" Richard asked in a very leader like tone. A raven haired youth raised his toned arm.

"Yea, I have one. What's up with the apartment sharing? You always get the better deal!" He fumed. All eyes turned on the leader.

"You don't really expect me to justify you with an answer?" He raised a brow behind his shades, but in respond they nodded their heads profusely. He massaged his temples, groaning in the process. "Garth… Do you have a problem with sharing with Logan?"

"Well, was it too early in the morning to answer that question?" Richard growled. "Anyways. Logan is an annoying ass. He's endlessly trying pathetic attempts to gain girls eyes. He's messy, he's rude and he can't even keep his mouth shut when he sleeps… and if you didn't know, he effin' snores!"

"Well you're not exactly the roomie from homie-ville either bruv!" The Titans all looked at him perplexed, especially Victor and Brianna.

"Yo. Don't you ever try to speak gangsta again!" He bellowed, almost ashamed of his friend's actions. Logan looked up at him perplexed.

"Dude. How else am I supposed to act with these rings around my fingers!" A young woman with a pale complexion rolled her large amethyst eyes. She had dark brown hair decorated with dark purple streaks. A choker with an amethyst clung tightly around her next as she wore a blue faded into black shirt with baggy black cargo pants, outlined with purple and all black Converses™. Agitated at the question, she slammed her book on the table.

"Simple. You do what you always do. Act like a proverbial farceur." Logan put his electronically enhanced hand into her face.

"Please Rachel, I'm trying to be urban in a place where they stare in wonder at western arts and culture." He clarified, looking at Brianna for confidence. Victor glanced at her as she shrugged.

"Yeah, they're gonna stare at you in wonder…"

"You be my home-girl!"

"… As you act a fool!" The table, sans for Rachel and obviously Logan. Richard wiped invisible sweat from his forehead and growled audibly to silence the table. It worked.

"Alright. Before you guys start up another pointless argument, role call. Bee alias Brianna?" Nod. "Raven alias Rachel?" Nod. "BB alias Logan?" Nod. "Aqua alias Garth?" Nod. "Cy alias Victor?" Nod. "Speedy alias Roy?" No nod. "Roy? Okay, where is he? He better not be in the shower taking extra time over his hair!"

"Cool it Richard! He and Kori went to watch the sunrise in the early hours of the morning and then he took her around on a morning walk to limber herself up." Victor sniggered as he raised his eyebrows suggestively. Garth nodded in unison.

"There's also the fact that he's slightly jealous that you got to share with her. He had it all planned out that he would be the one sharing with her… or at least sharing with a female." Richard crossed his arms and glared at the raven haired swimmer.

"And how, may I ask, did he have that planned out?" A voice from the doorway replied.

"Simple really. Victor and Logan would want to share, but you would say that they would cause mischief, so you would make Garth share with Logan for them to sort put their differences since they are so alike, then you would share with Victor. Brianna, Rachel and Kori would sort to themselves. Kori being the hot naïve angel that she is would volunteer to share with anyone due to the fact that she deems us all as friends leaving Rachel and Brianna to share with each other because they're both calm and collected… Ultimately leaving me with the beauty."

"Yeah, that's what I was afraid of Roy… However did you feel when I shared with her?" Richard asked sarcastically.

"Jealous, envious… But, I saw it coming. Besides, the sunrise and walk proved profitable…"

"I don't even see why she would walk with you. She was up practically all night!"

"Bang her bro?" The Titans gasped while Richard gulped at the suggestion.

"No… I did not… She was out on patrol, undercover. Like we're meant to be!" He added with force. He looked around with his shades adding shadows to his team mates, noticing that there were only seven Titans. "Okay… Where is Kori?" Roy shrugged…

"After I tried to kiss I guess she decided to go into the Church… after all, it is a Sunday and I did promise her that I'd show her some earthen religious traditions."

"What?" Richard seethed. Roy completely blanked him and dragged Garth and Victor out of the room, Logan following quickly, not wanting anything to do with Richard's sizzle fit. Rachel and Brianna looked at him blankly, Rachel reading her book and the Southern beauty listening to her iRiver™. Richard growled as he shoved another piece of bacon in his mouth, gulped down his coffee and left the table to train in his shared apartment. The two ladies gazed at each other before continuing their individual activities…

-X-

Aimlessly wandering through the streets of Chinatown, Kori's long auburn tresses fluttered behind her slender body. She was now clad in a white fading into crimson and deep purple flares with white Converses™. Her hair was hanging in loose curls as she walked around until she glimpsed her target destination. The Church. Too bad Roy isn't her to show me around. Gulping slightly at the ivory marble structure, she pushed on the heavy, gold decorated doors and walked underneath the cross. The music captivated her from the first piano cord.

My Jesus, my Saviour. Lord there is none like you.
All of my days, I want to praise. The wonders of your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter. Tower of refuge and strength.
Let every breath, all that I am. Never cease to worship you.

Kori moved silently closer through the back of the church. The people were so at peace with each other. Like a common ground had been found. She couldn't believe her eyes or ears. People of all ethnic backgrounds, or all personalities, found peace, refuge and comfort in one, melodious area. An area free from persecution, free from hatred and racism… Full of friendship, worship, joy and love. She looked around for a place to stand, wanting to be a part of this peaceful gathering, for a saint foreign to her. A tall man with rich chocolate irises, in a navy suit walked up to her. He had jet black, choppy hair which playfully bopped up and down as he travelled. He was wearing an open-buttoned cotton white shirt with rolled up sleeves and very deep blue trousers and jet black shoes. He grasped her hand as he smiled warmly at her, before pulling her to stand with him, whispering a warm welcome in her ear. "Care to sing, the words are on the LCD." Kori's eyes trailed up along the wall as she found the spot. Instantly loving the tune, she sang along in unison with her new found friend.

"Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing!
Power and majesty, praise to the King!
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar,
At the sound of Your name."

The stranger gripped hands with her, smiling and singing as he did so, while the person on her right gripped hands with her. A wonderful effervescent feeling flooded through her being, giving her more energy than before. Their combined voices heightened with adoration.

"I sing for joy at the works of Your hands!
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand!
Nothing compares to the promise I have in…
You…"

The song ended as the praises of 'Alleluia' and 'Praise the Lord' chorused through the congregation. Kori was ushered to take a seat as prayers and notices were shared. "I'd just like to thank everyone, for coming and joining in the praise of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May peace always be with you and thank you for our many guests, who I pray, will help spread and glorify the name of God. Amen." Everyone shook hands with different people, chatting away as if they had known each other for years. The stranger who invited her in to seat with him brought her up to meet some of the Elders. They were very appreciative for her presence, not minding that she had missed most of the service. Kori turned to the man next to her.

"Good afternoon. I don't think we got introduced properly." The man grinned as he scratched his neck nervously.

"Yeah. My name is Xavier Nicolas… I'm a visitor to this church, not yet a member but I could from time to time. And you are…?"

"Kori Anders. Do you tend to travel a lot… sometimes feel as if you don't fit in?" Kori extended her hand. Xavier grasped it and kissed it lightly, causing her to blush.

"I do actually. I've been travelling around for quite some time. But Chinatown… this church, has always been a second-home to me. The Elders have known me since I was quite small, before walking. I owe them everything… And I never feel as if I don't fit in with them. Sure, we all have insecurities, but… when we find common ground, that's where our strengths as a community appear and grow." She listened to his words of wisdom as they washed over her, making her feel more and more at home than ever.

"Xavier?"

"Yes Kori?"

"Could we… um… express our common ground, somewhere private," Her stomach grumbled, "… heh, and preferably with food?" Xavier nodded his head sincerely and grasped her hand securely. After a thirty minute walk, Kori found herself on the other side of Chinatown, in the most beautiful apartment she had ever laid eyes on. The aroma of vanilla hung deep in the air.

"So, what would you like to drink?" Kori's eyes were still wide with wonder, but she recovered by saying,

"Um… what do Christians usually eat and drink for supper?" Xavier blinked while she blushed. "I'm curious, I'm not… really a Christian."

"I gathered. What religion do you belong to?"

"The Tamaranian belief of X'hal… I was brought up in Europe…" Xavier chuckled.

"They always say that the most exotic are the ones who hold dear to their roots. Anyway… In Communion, Christians would usually have bread – which symbolises Jesus' body and wine – which symbolises His blood. We would then eat the bread and drink the wine together after saying 'Thanks be to God', but I'm told that you can only do that if you are baptised."

"Um…" Xavier stroked her hair affectionately.

"That means when you pledge and dedicate yourself to the Lord, going under water for a varied amount of time. When you resurface, you are meant to be cleansed of all the sins you have previously committed."

"How come you are not 'baptised' yet? If I may ask?"

"I'm not because… well… I'm just not ready… I want to make sure that I wouldn't revert back into my old ways."

"… Old habits die hard huh?" Xavier nodded.

"So um… what would you like?"

"A cup of tea would be nice, please."

"Of course Kori. I can teach you more if you like…" Kori's eyes lit up at her new found beckon of hope. She nodded her head profusely as he chuckled some more, setting the tea down on the coffee table next to the bed.

"Tell me, what do you want to know?"

"How do you believe the world began and… who are Adam and Eve?"

"Well…" Xavier went on talking about the first book of the Bible, Genesis. In which, with Kori sitting happily on his duvet, he explained all the theorems and answered all her questions without finding her annoying or difficult. In his mind, she was a delight to enlighten.

"—So what did the Lord say to Adam and Eve when he had created them?" Xavier gazed deep into Kori's eyes as she delivered that question. She joyously returned the favour inching closer…

"The Lord said… 'Go forth… and be… fruitful…" They both blinked simultaneously… A magnetic force drew them together as they met in a sweet, chaste kiss…

They pulled away, relishing in the precious moment. Xavier moved his lips to say something but Kori's slender index finger stopped all speech… She closed her emerald eyes as Xavier gently grasped the back of her auburn covered head, pulled her closer to him and kissed her more passionately…

-X-

Hey again! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter and in case you didn't know who the people were… Here it is… Robin – Richard, Starfire – Kori, Red X – Xavier, Raven – Rachel, Beast boy – Logan, Cyborg – Victor, Bumble Bee – Brianna, Aqualad – Garth and Speedy as Roy…

Anywayz, the next chapter should be up by tomorrow. Hope you have a wonderful sixteenth birthday Valda! We love ya loads!

Keep it real… Please review and send Birthday wishes!

D-I-WaRrIa