The teacher walked around the class examining each dish prepared by his eager students. There were fifteen taking the black box in this year's culinary class. Double last years.
I must be getting soft. The man thought to himself.
He always viewed his job not as one teaching people how to cook as most would think but as one preparing them for the uncaring and vulgar kitchen lifestyle. The way they prepared a soup was irrelevant for each kitchen taught their employees their routines, no matter how much you knew about food going in you started as if you knew nothing. So the dishes were not important, what was, was that he give them as much stress as possible and put them down enough so the weak willed and undeserving would quit. This would be his last chance and he still had ten to discourage. An easy matter though for nine of them were women. He held no sympathy or caring for the weaker sex, glad that all his children were boys so he wouldn't have to deal with the overly emotional and overreacting nature of them. He had divorced his wife just for such failings.
Looking at their nervous faces now, he knew a few cruel words and shouting would send them running. He had spent the two years letting them know just how worthless they were, bringing them up to the class for each failure no matter how small, letting them overhear him talking to the baking instructor – a man who held most of the same values as he but preferred to use women rather then dismiss them – about their stupidity, he was forced to pass them when they preformed well but was able to give them C's so they would not gain recognition, during the classes for the finals he had kept them on small tasks so they had little experience with cooking the dishes he gave them, their ingredient lists had little to no real useful items and he had kept them busy redoing their menus over until they only had an hour and a half to prepare their meals. The dishes were made with speed in mind and not care. They would crack with little effort.
The problem would be the tenth. Kitt was his name. A slacker if he ever saw one. He showed up to class late, never got in on the fun of picking on the girls or joking with the guys as was the norm with kitchens. Kitt had been a thorn in his side for he insisted on protecting the less then worthy students with verbal jabs he should have been setting against them, not his teacher or the five students capable of making something of themselves.
Don had taught this class for twelve years and he knew well the look of those not fit for the honor of working in kitchens, this boy didn't even have kitchen work in the family, his parents he said were janitors! Everything he tried though fell upon def ears for Kitt refused to be bothered. His attitude was wrong though, never joining in with the better students or going the extra mile to impress, he kept to himself and was just out of place. But there he was, grinning as he always did, awaiting his final grade. The brat had not even changed his menu when Don told him to, preferring to argue the fact that the items were good enough. Good enough! How dare he take such a low opinion of the art!
Taking his time Don tasted and savored each plate of his five star students, congratulating them and holding them up as the epitome of what a chef should be. When he got to the first plat of the ten he tasted the soup, it wasn't bad but he spit it out with great splutters and gagging telling the girl – who's eyes were welling upon the first sour look – just how bad it was. Taking time to eat a saltine for his pallet needed cleansing after the last dish he complained as he looked over the second. On he went making a show of how bad the taste, look, or smell of each dish was and how they should have taken his advise and sought other work but each one he tried a little of each dish so his final insult would be even more profound. Lets see you smile through this boy. Don thought as he walked to the end of the table. The appetizer was first.
"Hmm, this beef is cut against the grain, the grill marks are off center, and why didn't you trim the fat?" Don asked.
"The fat was trimmed sir. Maybe you need glasses." Kitt replied.
"No lip!" Don raged. "You are the one in need of glasses, there is more fat then meat here. Sloppy!" Kitt just continued to smile as Don moved to the salad. "Wrong vinaigrette." Was all he could come up with. The main course he said was unimaginative and too simple for a real kitchen, the meat was over done, and the vegetables were under cooked.
Still Kitt smile awaiting the taste test for he knew Don couldn't deny the flavor. He moved to the dessert, picking it up. Kitt thought it odd he would start with that after all his lectures on proper eating but he was content to let it slide.
Don looked the cake over a little. This will get his attention. He though before tossing the dessert off the plate and into the trash off to his side. He silently celebrated when Kitts face twisted in shock. Don built on that by tossing each dish out one after the other. "Horrible!" He yelled. "That wasn't fit for a dog and you dare present it to me!"
Kitts hand clenched in a fist, his arm shooting back then out faster then Don could have imagined striking him square on the jaw and sending him toppling into the table behind him. Looking down at the now unconscious, sorry excuse of a teacher, Kitt gave a final kick before exiting.
Or that was the image running through his mind as Don continued his tirade. The man was begging for it but Kitt wouldn't give him the satisfaction of striking him. He just bowed respectively and walked out. Strode calmly to the office and switched from the degree to the certificate program. It was a shame he had wasted four years when he could have only spent one in the uncouth mans presence but never had he thought Don would go as far as he had. Once outside and a while down the road for he had always walked the short distance rather then drive to school Kitt contemplated the many unpleasantries he could bring upon his tormentor. A simple student couldn't do a thing to the sad little man but the thoughts helped to calm his mind.
Arriving at his apartment Kitt was confronted by Sammy his landlady. A pleasant woman in all respects and always willing to help with any problems whether it be with one of her apartments or a personal issue with one of the renters. Kitt had spent a few times talking over his days troubles with the always smiling woman. The fact she was now frowning was reason enough to worry.
"Kitt, I am very sorry about this but I need to ask you something." She said dry washing her hands as she spoke. That simple habit made it easy to tell when something was bothering her. She met the young mans eyes as always but her face showed she really didn't want to speak to him but had no other choice.
"Why so serious Sammy?" Kitt asked flashing a winning smile.
"I know things are hard for someone in collage now a days with the job situation and all but, and I hate to do this I do. You have been a good tenant, quiet, no trouble, you keep the place clean and have helped me more times then I can count."
When she stopped for breath Kitt took the opportunity to jump in. "Its ok, what ever is wrong you won't offend, now tell me what has you so upset."
"Well you have always paid the rent promptly in the past so I was willing to let it slide but now it is a week late. I need to pay the bills." She blurted.
Kitt thought for a moment then said in as best shocked voice as he could. "Oh my, I am so sorry Sammy, I completely spaced with finals and all. Hold on and I'll get it for you." Kitt said then dashed in then returned moments later with a handful of money. Sammy took it without counting for she trusted it was all there. She thanked him and hurried off. Kitt waved as she left then went inside. Once there he calmly walked to his computer, turned it on and began typing. This was the final insult. He had given Sammy the money because he hadn't wanted to be the one to tell her the truth. He had paid the rent a week ago but unlike usual had given it to her boyfriend Mark. A shifty character to say the least Kitt had pegged him for a scam artist when first he saw him. Now he had the proof and was determined to set things right for Sammy, she didn't deserve the heart ach she would go through but it couldn't be helped.
With his online dealing Kitt had many contacts to tipsters, criminals that made their money by playing both sides of the street so to speak, tipping off cops and criminals alike for favors and cash. One in particular would be happy to deliver the news especially after a nights work by Kitt to gain all the dirt he needed to convict Mark, this man did not hide his tracks well at all.
With that finished and the rat happy Kitt set about checking any job availabilities. He wasn't in need of money but was bored now that his latest challenge was over. Hmm what do we have today? He thought as he looked at the screen.
Five bank jobs, three of which were police plants hoping to catch some dimwitted crew. The other two were just too easy with little chance of success with the amount of people involved and no real chance of pay off, they all were deleted. If he was in it for quick cash Kitt could do it on his own and with no chance of foul up. The next ten were deleted as well, drug deals were never even considered by the talented man, he hated them all and the assassination requester were both deleted and turned over to a reliable snitch. Killing was never on the agenda if he could help it. The rest were skill challenges by people that knew his reputation well. Fort Knox was always a thought in the back of his and many thrill seekers heads but it was too well known. Some were just silly like the crow jewels or some such foolery, but one caught his eye. A necklace of little known legend.
It was said to be over a few thousand years old, made of jade, and in the shape of a fox running. It was also in the collection of a very interesting opponent. This would take all his skill and cunning to over come and he even had the added advantage of knowing the layout ahead of time. Agreeing to the sum of 280,000 Kitt shut down the computer and strode to his closet, trading in his kitchen uniform for a set of traveling clothes and packing his suitcase, taking special care with his black suit, cape, and white mask with its signature Red X. This was going to be fun!
* * * * *
It has been a week since Raven awoke to find her world torn out from under her. She had spent the first day in tears, not remembering how or when she got to sleep. Stayed in her room for another day to collect her thoughts and put Rage down for she was trying her best to take advantage of this moment of weakness. On the third day she ventured out of her sanctuary blaming her absence on fatigue even though she had slept while healing. It was a believable story and the group didn't press, Robin was kind enough to let her forgo that days training but expected her at the next. He was sorry she had for the obstacle course proved a wonderful chance to vent her anger. It started as always but one of the projectile challenges took a lucky hit on her and anger kicked in, when she left not a single trap was left unbroken, most crushed and shredded beyond repair.
It felt good but she was sorry for doing it when she looked upon the stunned faces of her friends. Apologizing she returned to the tower and spent the rest of the day in silence, or that was her intended action. It wasn't easy to be alone when you were part of a team, a team that cared for you she knew. But how do you explain something you don't fully comprehend yourself. She hated beast boy for not being there when she had awoken. She wanted to never see him again, never to hear his name, to erase every single sign of his existence! But she also loved him and longed for the day he would return. To hear his voice, look upon his smiling face, feel the touch of his hand upon her. It was all too new to her, to confusing. Stare and Robin asked her if she needed anything or if they could help in any way with whatever was bothering her but she declined telling them she was still recovering. Cyborg knew full well what was wrong but he also knew enough to keep his mouth shut to the others as well as her.
It was on the fifth day and she still hadn't figured out how to deal with this, she needed to talk it out, to yell, scream, cry, hit beast boy! She also wanted to kiss him. To show the love she felt fully and in the open, no other emotion, just her true feelings. A knock at her door brought her out of contemplation, it was a heavy sound so she knew even before she opened it that Cyborg was waiting for her on the other side.
"Whats up Cy?" she asked.
He held up a computer disk. "Get your computer, you need to see this."
"Cyborg I don't want . . ." She began but was interrupted by Cyborg practically barking.
"Now Raven! Its important."
Knowing he didn't act this way unless there was a good reason Raven gave him the benefit of the doubt and retrieved her laptop. Once it was on she sat waiting for the disk to load. It was a compilation of security camera footage showing beast boy and the rest as he awoke.
"This is the day you saved him Rae, he woke with no memory of his past except for one name. Yours!" The disk played as Cyborg talked. It showed a few scenes of Jericho entering and exiting beast boys mind while the others stood by, then some of them talking to him. There was no sound though for Cyborg explained everything that was happening. "It was all part of his recovery and it took time but the green been was put back to rights. When he finally remembered it all he felt horrible, his only thought was that he had hurt you. All he did for the next few weeks was wait by your side hoping you would wake up so he could beg your forgiveness." The next few scenes were time frames shots showing beast boy in the infirmary, sitting by her side, holding her hand, pacing as he talked to her, falling asleep as a cat nuzzled to her side. He ate his meals in there, slept, leaving only to relieve himself and then hurrying aback to her side in case she had awoken while he was gone. Cyborg said he and the others had to drag him away to bathe, promising to tell him if she woke. "The grass stain was there all the time but when Jericho gave us the date he began to panic, Robin was the one to suggest he take the job with Herald to give you both time to think. He was shaking the day he left and made me promise to keep in touch so he would know how you were. He is happy you are ok Raven and I know he feels the same for you as you do him." Cyborg said pointing to the screen at the last of it, the disk showed beast boy standing over her, the audio low enough she almost couldn't hear him but Cyborg had put in subtitles so she wouldn't miss a word.
"Raven, I'm sorry." He said. "All I ever wanted was to make you happy. To have you smile and forget your troubles but as usual I messed it all up. Everyone says you will be ok and I know you will be better without me here. I will be back soon and you can kill me for what I did then." He laughed at the poor joke then shocked Raven by bending to her and lightly pressing his lips to hers. "Sleep well." Was all he said and then left. The disk ended and Raven just looked to Cyborg. He handed her a piece of paper. It had a web address written on it.
"What is this?" Raven asked her voice cracking a little as she spoke.
"He started a web sight to document his trip. He runs a live chat every day at 3pm, 8pm, and midnight. If you want to talk with him that is your best shot." Cyborg left it at that and walked out before Raven could even think of what to say. Two days had passed since she got the address and she had visited the sight but never entered the chat room. What would she say to him? Should she act casual about it as if nothing had happened? Should she yell via words on a screen? She wanted to just tell him she loved him then and there in front of the world.
So it was on midnight the eighth day she sat, the register page staring her in the face, wondering what to do.