Sleep of the Just

Chapter One: Happy Bittersweet Sixteen

Disclaimer: (sigh) Not mine, so please don't sue, mutilate, kill, torture, and/or maim. Or any combination of the five.

"Ninety-nine percent of the time, a hero is someone who is just too tired, too cold, or too hungry to care."

-"Hawkeye" Pierce, MASH

------------

"Artemis, how could you miss that!?" The two girls ran through the underbrush of the forest surrounding their home; a black-tailed deer swiftly leaping away with a broken arrow lodged shallowly in its flank.

Artemis scowled. "I didn't miss. That was a strategic move; now we can follow the blood trail back to its home. The wounded ones always go back home."

The girl next to her chuckled. "Strategic move, hah! You say that every time you miss. Now watch this." Atalanta primed her bow, nocking an arrow, and pulled the string back as far as her ear. Swinging it up, she launched into a seemingly empty tree. A few seconds later, a bird fell from it, dead.

Artemis crossed her arms. "We can't even eat that Ata! We should only hunt the things that we can eat!" She sighed. "Where's the rest of the hunting party anyway? Pete and Jake should've been able to follow us."

Atalanta smiled. "Off following a false trail I laid. Don't worry, it just leads them right back to the edge of our land. Besides, I don't want them cutting in on the trophy kill. Pete's better at hunting small game, and Jake can't shoot a bow to save his life. And, sadly, the power of Air won't do us much good, unless he wants to try and breathe a bear over."

"Bear? Why a bear? There might be twenty-four of us, but we can't eat that much!"

She grinned. "Have you seen Master Slade eat? He could clear it in one sitting." Atalanta scowled. "More importantly, it killed Lenne's rabbit. She loved that thing, but she can't raise a hand against anything else, so I volunteered our services." She laughed. "Besides, since someone's strategic move didn't pan out, we should come home with something."

Artemis shrugged, knowing there was no way to sway her friend. "There's no problem, just as long as we use it all. Its death shouldn't be a needless waste. And- no flaming arrows this time. I don't care if it helps the meat cook faster; that deer was in serious pain."

Atalanta raised her eyebrows, concerned. "Geez, I only did that once; it was enough to learn," she said softly. "I've done more good than bad, I think."

Artemis sighed. Atalanta was more touchy about wrong-doing than Terra was. "Sorry; I guess I remember the bad stuff more sometimes. Just , we have to kill it quick, and then we'll get the others to help bring it back. But don't let it suffer. I hate looking at dying things."

Atalanta frowned. "I'm not about to kill something needlessly; I'm not that cruel." She shrugged. "However, like Master Slade says, if it were to be so quickly dispatched; chances are it would die in the wild in a much more gruesome fashion. What we do, we do out of mercy. I don't kill because I want to, but because it's what I have to do for the family." She put a hand on Artemis' shoulder and smiled. "I think your respect for life is sweet, friend, but remember, the bear won't. It's killed before, and it will do it again just as quickly. We're doing nothing wrong."

---

Artemis shook her head, startling her dreams of memories past. "I'm not tired," she spoke quickly, in denial with her fatigue.

Those were the words (usually accompanied by a forced gulp of steadily chilling coffee) that Artemis kept repeating to herself whenever she felt her eyelids beginning to droop; her sewing needle slipping in her hand. Currently, she was at her desk, instead of her nice, warm bed with Kahmet curled up next to her; hence the constant repetition of those three words.

The last time she glanced at her clock, it was almost five in the morning; and judging from the ever brightening sky outside, time was not working itself backwards. She wanted nothing more than to sleep, but for a while now, a proper night's sleep was something that was constantly being denied to her. She remembered the day it had started a bit more clearly than any other day, because it had been a rather important birthday. A little chill crept up her arms as she remembered, the resulting goosebumps keeping her awake a few more seconds.

---

"Where are you going?" Robin asked.

"Um- out," had been Artemis' simple reply. "I just need a nice, long drive to clear my head." She shifted her purse on her shoulder, making sure she could still hear the crinkling of paper.

Robin gave a curt nod. "Let us know if you get into any trouble, okay?"

She forced a smile on her face, struggling to make it easy and relaxed. "I'll be fine, really; be back in a few hours." She slipped through the common room doors, and ran to the garage, starting her motorcycle even before she was seated on it. It roared out of the Tower, speeding down the bridge that connected it to the mainland. After about an hour and a half of driving, she was rewarded with the sight of an old apartment building, 'Condemned' written across the door in forbidding red paint. She parked her bike well out of sight, and smashed in a window on the ground floor, a move that went unnoticed by the busy street. Using a dumpster as leverage, she jumped into the building, and ran around a bit before she found the stairs that led up to the roof.

Once there, her forced calm exterior melted, and she slowly, sorrowfully made her way to the middle of the roof, which was emblazoned with a dark, sooty circle, the result of a concentrated burst of fire. She knelt down, touching her fingers briefly to the concrete, before throwing open her purse, and pulling out a birthday card, and a small, red, tea light. The tea light was both the birthday gift and the reminder; a reminder (mostly for herself) that there would be no cake, and that the person whose birthday it was would never light or blow out her candles again.

Artemis snapped her fingers together, creating a small flame on the wick of the candle. She placed the card down next to the candle, and sat in silence, counting out eighteen seconds in her head, one for each year. When the eighteen seconds were up, she touched the card to the candle so that it would burn, and when it was just ashes she stood up, leaving the candle lit. She touched the backs of the first three fingers on her hand to her lips, before giving a little wave to the candle. When she turned to leave she finally spoke, though it was quietly, and only to the candle behind her. "You would be eighteen today, Ata. I'm so sorry. I- I thought I wasn't doing anything wrong, but- I was. I can't believe this is the only thing I can remember you for," she finished quietly, tears sliding down her cheeks. As she disappeared down the stairs, a gust of wind blew over the whole rooftop, knocked the candle to its side, and effectively extinguished it.

---

"Ow," Artemis muttered dully, as she nursed a papercut. She had her photo album open again, just like she had for the past few nights. She had each photograph burned into her memory now; and she had drawn each one over onto drawing paper. She traced each person's face idly with her finger, not paying the slightest bit of attention to the rising sun outside her bedroom window. She could still remember the day she had first used a camera, which had been her mother's first real grapple with technology. She'd wasted a roll of her mother's precious film taking the most random pictures of her friends as possible. She blinked, suddenly remembering who the man was who'd taught her how to properly take a photo in the first place. She had an urge to slam the album shut, until she had turned the page, which bore more recent photos; an anthology of candid shots of her and the Titans.

Wow, it's been a month today since I've been here, and I have less than a week left. She smiled, her photo album forgotten for a moment. It felt so nice living with other people in the same house. Traveling so much had been hard on her; the only one she could talk to was her cat, and she doubted he listened most of the time anyway. But living with actual friends was something she hadn't had in a long time. They were an unusual, dysfunctional bunch, but she loved them all the same.

I guess it's true; you can't put a price on good friends. That's what they were to her- friends- good friends, the best. She could not rightfully call them 'teammates', seeing as she was not a member of their exclusive team (not that she minded), and 'roommates' hardly did them justice. So, 'friends' would have to do. She laughed again and glanced at the clock. Color soon drained from her face, and she slammed her head miserably on her desk, the needle and thread still not completing the job her hands had set for them nearly a month ago.

"Eight thirty," she groaned. "How in the world does it go from five in the morning to eight thirty so fast!? Ugh, I didn't doze off again, did I? Artemis frowned. She had no idea what she had been doing the last two and a half hours. She supposed it had to do with the lack of sleep; it made remembering things very difficult. "Ah well," she muttered. She sighed again. Might as well get started on breakfast; it's my turn to cook anyway. She smiled. Being awake before everyone else did have its advantages, like being able to have the coffee maker to herself without Robin getting his hands on it first. She gave Kahmet a pat on the head and tiptoed out of her room, sliding the door shut behind her.

---

" 's not fair," Artemis mumbled into her coffee cup (her third cup so far). That was the conclusion she had come to, when two hours had passed from the time she walked into the kitchen, to now, and still no one was awake yet. The table set before her was nothing less than tempting, with its trays of chocolate chip pancakes, thick slabs of bacon, and all sorts of drinks to choose from. She had resorted to covering all of the plates, shooting fire a foot above the table every few minutes to keep the food hot. I can't keep waiting for long; they have to wake up eventually, right? Unfortunately, she knew some, greener, members of the team could sleep half the day away without even stirring once. I'm hungry! I shouldn't have to suffer through waiting just because everyone else can actually get more than a few hours of sleep in!

She racked her mind trying to come up with a way to wake them. "I bet they'd get up if there was a crime," she muttered to herself. Artemis straightened up in her chair. Now there's an idea.. She couldn't cause a crime, but she could certainly let them think there was one. What usually happens when there's a crime? That alarm goes off, and there's a lot of red lights... How do I make that happen though? I don't suppose there's a button... but there is! She remembered it quite well; the tiny, red button that everyone had said was only to be used in case of an emergency or if there was trouble in the city.

Well, I say this qualifies as an emergency. the hungrier, less logical side of Artemis mused. I mean, the food's getting cold! I think they'll be less angry towards someone who pushed a button than someone who let breakfast get cold! Yeah... now where's that button? There it was, nestled quite comfortably inside the wall. Artemis uncovered all the dishes eagerly, and ran to the wall. Without waiting for her stomach to grumble again, or to think logically, she pressed the button as far down as it would go.

She hadn't thought that the result would be so- instantaneous. Immediately, red lights started flashing; a siren was blaring; and all five of the Titans had barreled in the room in full gear. They stared at Artemis, who stared right back, and teeth grit because off all the noise; she gave the button another sharp prod, making all the noise and flashing lights cease. "Morning guys!" she said cheerily. "Heh, had to make sure the breakfast wouldn't get cold..."

Robin was the first to process what exactly she meant by that. He had had a sinking feeling when he first ran in, when he first saw the table, and Artemis' all-too-pleased face. There was also the fact that the city seemed to be ambling its way through the morning uninterrupted. "Artemis," he began. She pressed it didn't she? I hate it when someone presses the button; do they think that I sleep in this uniform?

Artemis winced. Robin had that piercing, interrogating tone that just made her want to crawl into a hole and hide. "I know breakfast isn't really an emergency, but I figured there could be an exception, maybe just the one time?" she finished hopefully.

"That depends." It was Beast Boy who had spoken this time. He had his arms folded, awaiting an explanation as to why he was up so early. "Is the breakfast you made really worth The Button?"

Artemis was unfazed by his question, since it was actually quite funny that he was trying to duplicate Robin's intimidating glare. "I made pancakes. They're chocolate chip."

"And...?" Beast Boy asked.

Once Artemis saw that Cyborg was looking the other way for a split second, she mouthed "They're all vegan; we're out of real milk!"

Beast Boy's arms unfolded immediately. "Alright, she wins. Let's eat guys!"

"Pushover," Robin mumbled as the others sat down at the table, as he reluctantly walked there himself.

"Aw, cheer up Grumpy!' Artemis said brightly as she sat down next to Raven. "I made coffee just for you. Well, then I drank it all, but I made more!"

---

"Dude, you seriously outdid yourself, Art," said Beast Boy as he stretched out in his chair, his food gone.

"Glad you guys liked it," she replied. "Kinda wanted to make a big deal of it, since it's the only breakfast I've been able to make since I first moved here." She eyed Cyborg and Beast Boy, who were sitting across from her. "You guys kinda take over anything cooking related."

"We'll never do it again if you keep makin' these pancakes," said Cyborg. "They were goood!" Beast Boy coughed, trying to cover up his laughter.

"The breakfast was quite elaborate, Artemis," said Starfire. "Was there an Earth holiday that I was unaware of?"

Artemis was about to reply, when Beast Boy cut her off. "Oh, I know what today is!" He pointed at Artemis. "It's been a month hasn't it? A month since you came here!" The others nodded in agreement.

"Well- yeah," she said.

"Well, congratulations," said Raven. "I'm surprised that you've been able to put up with us for that long."

Artemis laughed. "Likewise," she replied. "For me, being with you guys for so long is a really big deal and all, but, that's- not why I took breakfast so seriously today; a bit too seriously." She smiled. "Today is the last time I make breakfast as a fifteen-year-old, and I felt the need to be a bit festive. In my book, festive involves lots of chocolate."

"So, that means your birthday's in..." said Robin.

"Four days," Artemis finished for him, holding up four fingers to elaborate.

"Days?!?" The first one to speak after Artemis' startling revelation was Cyborg, and he was a little more than surprised. "How are we supposed to throw you a party with just four days planning?! Not to mention the gift shopping!"

Artemis was taken aback by his sudden outburst, as was the rest of the table. "Well, I, um, wasn't expecting a party or anything. It isn't that big a deal." She sighed. "To you guys, I don't think turning sixteen means the same thing as it does to me."

"What: food, partying, and copious amounts of cake and presents?" asked Beast Boy. "I don't think there is another way to celebrate a sweet sixteen."

"What is the difference between your views and ours?" asked Starfire curiously. "Even on my planet, a celebration is essential to properly commemorate another year of staying alive. Besides, having a party in one's honor is not truly a bad thing."

"I know, Star, and I'd love to have a party but-"

"Then it's settled," Beast Boy said firmly. He pointed a finger at Artemis. "You're having a party."

"But," It would make him happy. Besides, I can wait another two years, right? Artemis smiled, if not a bit halfheartedly. "What would we do?"

Beast Boy clapped excitedly. "Alright! So, let's get all the basics settled; where do you want to go eat?"

"Umm.. I was just gonna get some Chinese takeout for everyone, and maybe watch a movie?"

Beast Boy shook his head. "You're wrong, on two counts. One: You're not paying for anything on your birthday. Two: Why eat in when we can go out? On a side note, what movie? We could always slide a movie in somewhere."

Artemis thought about it. "Uh, Spider-man? Haven't seen that one yet, and it looked good..."

Beast Boy slapped himself on the forehead. "Marvel?! You're more screwed up than I thought!"

"Thanks!"

"Sorry, but," he shuddered. "No Marvel in this Tower. Ever."

Raven sighed. "Your take on comics is always unappreciated, Beast Boy, but don't you think we should decide where we're going first?" She glanced at Artemis. "Oh, and congratulations on the birthday and all. May your "sweet" sixteen go better than mine did."

Artemis smiled. "Thanks." She made a mental list of any and all restaurants she had been to recently. Unfortunately, this only came to two Chinese take-out places, a coffee place, the pizza parlor, and a Denny's. Urgh. Note to self: eat out more.

"How 'bout that new place that just opened up downtown?" asked Robin, upon seeing Artemis' mental block. "It is kinda fancy, though, rather 'black tie'."

"Don't see why it matters if the food's good," said Cyborg. He looked at Artemis. "Would you mind dressing up a bit? I don't care, I could just put a magnetic bow-tie on, really."

It was rather funny to see Artemis and Raven, who were sitting next to each other, with completely identical looks of shock and a bit of muffled displeasure at the thought.

Starfire perked up at the idea, seeing it as an excuse for a trip to the mall, especially with Artemis; who seemed to dislike the place every bit as much as Raven. "That would be rather nice," she said, already preparing to pounce on the two girls and drag them to the mall if need be. "We could search for formal wear in the mall of shopp-"

"Sure! That'd be lovely, Star!" Much to the shock of everyone at the table, it was Raven who had spoken the words. Starfire squealed with delight, and pulled Raven and Artemis into a hug. "Glorious! We leave this afternoon! And we will go back tomorrow if there is anything else we require!" She flew off, likely to her room, so she could begin "preparing".

There was a long, heavy silence at the breakfast table. Beast Boy was the first to break it. "Well," he said, addressing everyone at the table, "this morning has officially melted my brain. Thanks, Raven."

"Anytime."

He stood up and pushed his chair in. "I'm- gonna go to the couch now; where stuff still makes sense. Uh, have fun shopping dudes -er, dudettes." He backed away slowly, still wide-eyed.

Raven stared expressionlessly at the others for a few seconds, basking in the dumbfounded looks on their faces. "I've found that the path of least resistance is best when dealing with a spendthrift Tamaranean. Yes, on occasion, that involves an exclamation point or two. Now, I'm leaving, to fully prepare myself for what I've just agreed to; my regimen normally involves meditation, medication, and earplugs, so don't expect to see me around here."

"Earplugs?" Artemis asked.

"Trust me, you'll need them too. Especially if Starfire sees a sale or, god forbid, the pet store." With that, Raven teleported away in a crackle of black energy.

"And then there were three," Cyborg said. "And now one of 'em is gonna do the dishes." He pulled all the plates into a stack, and carried them to the sink.

Artemis walked over to the sink. "Wait, I'll help." While her back was turned, Cyborg turned and looked at Robin, tilting his head towards Artemis to make some unseen point.

Robin nodded, and walked over as well. "I'll help too."

Artemis raised an eyebrow, but moved over regardless. "There's not that many dishes," she muttered. "So, why are we washing them anyway?"

"Don't have a dishwasher," Cyborg replied curtly.

"Hmm, the superheroes have to wash dishes themselves- there's an irony in that somewhere..." Artemis looked up. "How come you guys aren't talking?" She looked at Robin. "And you're not washing dishes. What's going on?"

"Artemis, what's wrong?" Robin asked.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about," she responded evenly, though she did scrub the dish she was holding a little harder than needed, making it squeak. Does he know I've been losing sleep? Does he know why?

"Nonsense, Art. Something's bugging you. I mean, at first you didn't even want a party." Cyborg looked at her, concerned. "Rob and I just wanted to know if you were okay. I mean, do you want a party? We could just stay in, if that's what you want," he offered.

She took a deep breath, and rested the plate she was washing in the sink. "Well- yes and no," she replied. "The idea of party sounds- wonderful, even if I have to dress up; which, in the grand scheme of things, isn't that bad. It's just- I figured my sixteenth birthday party would be a bit different."

"Different how?" Robin asked her.

"Well," she swallowed, " with my family. My mom, and my friends, and- my sister. I don't mean that you guys aren't my friends, it's just-" She ran a hand through her hair, unsure of what to say."- look. I was always told that when I turned sixteen, I became an adult. No ifs ands or buts about it. I would be an adult, free to leave home and journey the world, make a living, make a life. And to make sure everyone knew that you were an adult; you'd get a mark, one your parents thought best represented you. I guess it'd be like a tattoo, except the only ones I've seen are more like brands."

"Wait, like on- livestock?" Cyborg seemed a bit perplexed at the idea, but Robin could somewhat see where she was going with this.

"Um, I guess." She sounded almost offended that the idea of a mark could be so easily simplified with something like livestock, but she let it slide. "I never really thought of it that way, Cy, but regardless, a mark like that is a pretty big deal to me, and to any Elemental."

She remembered the long talks she had had with her friends, trying to plan out what symbol they should use for their mark. Of course, her mother had hers and Terra's all planned out, but the other children could pick their own, since they didn't know what their full names were. Only two were old enough to have marks of their own, Lenne and Atalanta. Lenne had chosen a songbird in flight, while Atalanta fashioned a flaming arrow, choosing to burn it into her flesh herself. All the others were still just children...

Artemis realized she had left them in silence for too long, so she snapped herself out of her flashbacks. "I always wanted one," she finished lamely. "I thought it would make me more of an equal to the Masters, that I could be more like them."

"Oh," said Cyborg. He wasn't expecting such a sincere answer, and neither was Robin. "I can see why you were a bit hesitant about the party."

"But- that's all that's bothering you?" asked Robin. "The fact that your family can't be here to celebrate with you? Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Well- no. A mark should only be given to you by your parents, or a guardian. It's just not the same otherwise. I feel I still owe you guys some answers, though. The reason that I was really not expecting, or even planning a party, is because if I don't get a mark, I'm not an adult. At least, not by Elemental standards, which are the only ones I go by. I was waiting for my eighteenth birthday to come around, so I can at least be an adult here, you know? Maybe then I'll get a tattoo, eh, who knows? Either way, I'm glad I can have a party with you guys. I-" Her words cut off suddenly. What would it have been like, if I never had had to leave? "Ready," she said suddenly, snapping back to reality. "I- should go g-get ready now."

Artemis turned to leave. She hadn't lied; she needed to get ready, but- more than anything, she needed to leave the room. She felt her throat clench just talking about home, and the thought of possibly crying in front of other people- especially Robin and Cyborg- disturbed her. "Hey, Artemis wait," it was Robin.

"Yes?" she replied, not turning around.

"Your- mark. Just out of curiosity, what would it have been?"

Hmm, interesting question. "I don't know," was her simple answer. Mother wanted it to be a surprise…"I think- a moon," she said. "It would definitely have been a moon. Good bye, I'll- see you later." Her last few words were rushed as she hurried out the door.

"She's fine," Cyborg said after he saw Robin's suspicious face. "She's just a bit overwhelmed. I mean, now she has a party to plan for and all. Not to mention she's about to go shopping with Starfire. That alone can take a big toll on someone."

He nodded. "You're probably right Cy." He walked away, leaving Cyborg alone by the sink. He sighed as he turned the faucet on again. His words weren't just to calm Robin down; he was a bit curious himself. He shrugged. If there was something wrong, she'd tell us. He seemed satisfied with that, and started to wash the dishes again. Still, that didn't stop him from staring at the door, wondering why she really had left so quickly.

---

"Do we really have to go in here?"

Starfire sighed and folded her arms. They had arrived here without complaint on Raven and Artemis' part, which Starfire considered a blessing in itself. However it seemed that Artemis was going to give one last ditch effort to steer them away from the metal-and-steel behemoth that loomed in front of them.Oh no she will not! We all require the "formalwear", and for once, Raven does not seem to be opposing the idea of purchasing items until we are fully unconscious. Then again, Raven was wearing her hood up, so Starfire couldn't see that Raven's compliance was only due to the wads of white material in her ears. Starfire straightened up and faced the two girls. "You know, on my planet, clothing is a much appreciated and hard-earned possession. I feel very thankful that I am able to live here and share the Mall of Shopping's bounty with you both."

Artemis' expression softened, and she groaned and begrudgingly started walking to the door. "Stupid… guilting-me-ness," she muttered under her breath. " Ugh, I have a bad feeling about this."

Starfire smiled broadly and clapped. "Glorious! I am glad you are so pleased!" She walked, no skipped, to the door, an extra little sprig in her step upon knowing that her "anime eyes of DOOM" could be used on people other than Robin.

Raven looked on at the scene with a masterfully disguised amusement. Granted, she couldn't read lips, but she was quite certain that Starfire of all people had just manipulated things to go the way she wished. Starfire caught her eye and smiled. "That was not very fair of me, was it Raven?" she asked. "Oh well, perhaps I will get her something to make up for it."

Raven nodded, and trailed behind her silently as they stepped inside the crowded, arctic-chilled atmosphere of the mall.

---

"Dudes- what happened in there?"

"Beast Boy- what happens at the mall, stays at the mall." Raven pushed past him, shopping bag in hand.

"Alright..." Beast Boy was undaunted. "Artemis? Care to tell me what happened?"

Artemis was as equally pale as Raven, having the shell-shocked look of one girl who had just seen too much in the short span of six hours. "I'll tell you this Beast Boy: "Too many dresses. And the colors and the dressing rooms and the sales, and the pink, and the penguins- which, I gotta be honest; I didn't quite ge-"

"Penguins?! Where were you?"

Artemis stared at him blankly. "I don't know, Beast Boy. I've been to the the mall, and that was not the mall."

Beast Boy sighed. "Please, and try to pull yourself together now, where the freak- I mean, where were you?"

"Y'know that Twilight Zone episode with that mall where the mannequins came alive once a month?"

"Yeah."

"It was weirder, Beast Boy. Way weirder." She too, walked- with a slight limp, actually- away to her room.

Starfire was the last to walk in the door. By now, Beast Boy was just dying for some scrap of normalcy. Starfire saw his perplexed expression and chuckled. "Ah those two, Beast Boy, ever the weights of light. Wait till we journey again during the 'Black Friday'." She smiled prettily and hovered out of sight, leaving Beast Boy standing alone in front of the open door.

"What just happened here?!"

---

"Should I knock again?" Robin asked. Starfire, Artemis, and Raven had chosen to get ready in Starfire's room, the latter of the three pulled there against their will. Of course, the time it took for one Tamaranean princess not just to get ready, but to finally coerce Raven to don her own dress vastly differed from the time it took to put on two suits and a magnetic tie.

"We shall be out in just a few glorsnets Robin, I assure you!"

The three boys sighed simultaneously, and waited. Cyborg looked down at Beast Boy, who was using a small lint roller to "degreenify" his white suit. "Why can't you just wear a normal suit, BB?" Cyborg asked.

"Cause I don't like wearing black, and you wouldn't let me get the purple one. Why's that again?"

Cyborg sighed. "Beast Boy, if I have to have the "Vegan Pimp Daddy" talk with you again, it'll be too soon."

"But-"

"No."

Beast Boy smiled. Filling Cyborg's head with unneeded mental images seemed like a fun way to kill time. "Y'know, I should've gotten the matching velvet hat too..."

"No BB!"

"Or the cane-"

"My God, just shut up!"

He laughed. "You brought it up Cy." He turned to Robin. "The girls ready yet?"

Robin pressed his forehead against the metal door. "For the last time, no."

Cyborg smirked. "That desperate to see Starfire in a dress again huh?"

Robin slammed his forehead into the door again instead of responding.

Starfire, who had been listening to them from the other side of the door, smiled. "Fear not Robin, I will be out shortly. Hopefully, this dress will be worthy of your desperation," she called out. "In fact-" she brushed her hands down the front of her dress, ridding it of imaginary dust. "I am prepared!" She pressed the button to open the door, and proudly stepped out. "Well, do you approve?"

Silence.

"Robin, are you ill?"

Cyborg laughed. "Since Bird Brain's tongue seems to be tied-" He poked Robin, who had been shocked into silence. "-it's up to BB and I to tell you that you look great."

She smiled. "Many thanks!"

Robin tugged on his collar. He wasn't surprised, not at all. The words "Starfire" and "is wearing" and "a sunshine yellow V-neck halter dress" would silence any man, especially when matching high heels were thrown into the mix as well. Miracle he was still conscious, really. "You- really- You really do look wonderful Star," he managed to say.

She smiled, an even larger one than before. "I am pleased to hear you say so." Was it just him, or did she emphasize on the "you"?

"Alright, alright! 'Nuff of the ogling-" Robin tore his eyes from Starfire long enough to give Cyborg the evil eye "-what's the hold-up? We're gonna miss our reservations!" He pounded on the door to make a point.

Raven's dull monotone answered him. "I am wearing this out in public when and only when they find Jimmy Hoffa."

"C'mon Rae! We won't laugh, we swear!"

There was whispered murmuring on the other side of the door, which finally caused Raven to relent. She too, stepped out of the door. "It's-" Beast Boy found himself unable to finish. How did she do it? He wondered. How did Starfire finally convince Raven to wear-

"Pink," said Cyborg. "It's pink."

Raven glowered. The dress was comfortably long at least; Starfire had not been able to sway her to shorten its hem. "And according to the salesgirl with more silicone and hot air than common sense, it brings out my "glowing purple aura!".

"Least it's not all pink," remarked a smirking Robin, who had finally regained his power of speech. "I mean, it's black, it just has that... big... giant... pink sash tied across the waist."

Raven crossed her arms, hating the fact that her cloak was no longer present to cover them. I still find it amazing that all other dresses in my size in every store mysteriously vanished after Starfire found this little number. "Alright. One: A tiny, skinny," she shuddered, "pink belt does not qualify as a 'giant sash'. Two: I would prefer it if I didn't get fashion commentary from the boy who willingly dresses like a traffic light on a daily basis."

Robin put his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, be that way." He smirked. "Pinky." Robin suddenly found a tendril of black energy grasping- and twisting- his ear rather firmly. "Ah! Uncle! Uncle!" He was released, and the two boys stifled laughter. Raven was staring at him blankly, though her mouth twitched up in a smirk when she saw that one of his ears was at least twice the other's size.

"Dude, why? Even I wouldn't mock the pink," said Beast Boy.

Raven smirked. "I think any logical thinking on Robin's part has been near impossible since someone stepped out into the hall."

Cyborg glanced at his watch and groaned loudly, distracting Raven, who was fully prepared to torture Robin further. "Argh! Is it party time yet?! We're going to miss our reservations!"

Beast Boy raised a hand. "I don't think so, Cy."

"Why not?!"

"Hmm," said Beast Boy. "It could be the fact that the birthday girl isn't out yet!" His last sentence was yelled especially loudly, with his hands cupped around his mouth to form a temporary megaphone.

"One minute!" It was obvious that Artemis was struggling with- something- in regards to her outfit. "The zipper- is tangled- in my- hair!" After a few more seconds of persistent struggle, a triumphant 'Got it!' rang out into the hallway. Artemis opened the door and stepped outside. "Alright, I'm ready!"

Beast Boy blinked. Silver's a good color on her. A really good color.

"Glorious! Let us go to commence the celebration!" Starfire exclaimed.

"Uh, 'let's get the party started' Star," said Robin kindly.

Starfire smiled Robin, her eyes twinkling. "Of course, how easily I forget. May I get the "jiggy with it" as well? Am I using that phrase properly?"

Robin bit the inside of his cheek down hard, taking a few seconds to answer. "Uh, sure Star." He glared at Cyborg. "Don't even."

"Hey Cy," Artemis asked offhandedly, playing with a bit of fabric on her dress, "do you you have the keys to the car?"

"Nah, they're sitting in the lock switch; figured it would save time since you three were taking way too long to get dressed." He raised an eyebrow. "Wait- why?"

Artemis smiled. "Well, because," she said slowly, "I'm driving!" She turned and bolted down the hallway, as fast as she could in a dress that came down to her knees. Cyborg and the others were close behind.

"Artemis, no freakin' way are you driving my baby! Have you seen yourself parallel park!?" Thus began a vaguely Benny Hill-esque chase through the Tower; it was all futile in the end, though. Unfortunately for Cyborg, Artemis had had the wind for that final sprint that put her in the driver's seat of the T-Car, and a very mad Cyborg locked outside.

"Artemis, this is Not Funny on so many levels!"

Artemis smiled from behind the rolled- up window. "I can't hear you Cy," she said, using the proper hand signals to illustrate.

Cyborg pressed his face against the window. "Get. Out." Artemis revved the engine in response.

"Aw, c'mon Cy. You said I could drive the car when I was older."

"I meant when you were pushing ninety."

"Hey Cy," Beast Boy cut in. "You do realize that the longer we stand here arguing, the easier it is for us to miss our reservations? And by missing those, we don't eat?" He dragged out the last word, trying to ingrain that idea into Cyborg's head. The other Titans seemed to agree with this viewpoint, and slipped into the back of the T-Car. Cyborg was a bit harder to sway.

Cyborg paused where he stood, in indecision. Hmm... Food. Or car? Aw, baby, I'm sorry. "Fine," he grumbled. He glared at Artemis. "Lucky he took your side."

"Might as well," Beast Boy grinned, "She distracted you long enough for me to sneak into the passenger seat."

"Wha- hey!"

Artemis grinned. "Snooze you lose, Cy. Now, can we please get to the restaurant? I'm kind've in a hurry. Of course, the fact that I'm getting presents out of this has absolutely nothing to do with it."

Cyborg huffed and sat down alongside Robin, closing the car door behind him.

"Alright!" Artemis punched the button to open the garage door, and cheered, peeling out onto the bridge between the Tower and the mainland. Beast Boy bounced on his seat. "Sweet! I never get the front!" He began to fiddle with the controls, pressing as many buttons as he could, starting everything from the windshield wipers to the missile guidance system.

Artemis hurriedly pressed another button, which thankfully stopped two ballistic missiles from launching. "Gee, I wonder why," she remarked.

Beast Boy nudged her arm. "C'mon, have a little fun; it's your birthday. Now to find some tunes..." He turned on the radio, switching between stations that offered anything from thrash/death metal to electric yodeling. Beast Boy's eyes suddenly widened. "Ah! Where'd it go?!" Beast Boy yelled. "Phew, found it!" He took a deep breath, and to the alarm of all the others in the car began to sing loudly: "Tomo cotu iuno mamoriyo- TEEN TI-"

"Uh- uh," Artemis, flicking the radio dial in a different direction, clicking through the various stations. "Ooh, Sammy Hagar!"

"Oh, you did not just change our theme song for "I Can't Drive 55" !"

"How is that your theme song?! It isn't even in English!"

"Does it matter? Bring back the J-pop!"

"Hey, don't touch that dial!"

Beast Boy sighed. "I don't know quite how to explain this to you Artemis, but- Sammy Hagar sucks! Now bring back Puffy AmiYumi!"

"He does not-"

"Children!" Raven shouted, drawing both their attentions. She pointed out the window. "We're here."

"Crap!" Artemis slammed on the brakes and maneuvered the car into a spot right outside the restaurant, swerving dangerously close to a parked car as she did so. The Titans flinched as they experienced the painful whiplash of going forward, only to be quickly stopped by their seat belts.

"You are not driving my baby on the way back," said Cyborg as he stepped out of the car. "I mean the parking job alone-" he cut himself off, a thought coming to mind. "Artemis- you do have a driver's license right?"

"Umm... I learned my driving from action movies?"

Cyborg's eye twitched.

Artemis shrugged. "What? How else could my hairpin turn be honed to perfection?"

Cyborg took a deep breath, then exhaled. "You are so lucky I have the option of deleting memories off my hard drive, because I did not just hear that!"

Artemis smiled. "Would you rather me say, "It took a few turns at the Demolition Derby to get it right." ?"

He shuddered, imagining his precious car at the mercy of such crazed drivers. "Too close to home, Art. Alright, let's eat!" He leaned next to Artemis as they all walked inside and whispered, "I am so driving on the way home."

Artemis bounced the T-Car's keys in her palm as Cyborg walked ahead of her. "Not without these, Tin Man," she muttered triumphantly.

---

-"And that's why we've never had sporks in the Tower again." Beast Boy finished his tale, waving his arms around for dramatic effect. The striped party hat he was wearing slid even further down his forehead, but he didn't notice.

Artemis swallowed the last bite of her steak, wide-eyed. "Geez, Robin," she said, "I never saw you as much of a prankster."

"Hey! To this day, no one can prove it was me!" He exclaimed indignantly, though he quickly shifted his gaze. "Could've been Silkie for all we know."

Starfire scowled. "So be it, blame my Silkie for the unusual things you perform during your "free time". She smirked. "Of course, now Artemis simply must know your routine of singing while you are in the bathroom. Or perhaps the photogr-" She 'eeped' as Robin quickly covered her mouth with his hand. "There are no photos," he said hurriedly. "And she didn't get Cyborg to take vide- damn it."

"Way to be cool, Rob," Cyborg loudly whispered, so that the whole table could hear. Meanwhile, Artemis felt something bump her hand. She lifted it, and saw a neatly folded napkin square. Opening it she found a web address written in pen, where such a video could be found. Instead of a name, there was a raven, hastily drawn. Artemis glanced across the table, laughing.

Raven shrugged, clicking her pen shut. "I can't help it; the image of our fearless leader singing into a toothbrush needs to be shared with the world."

Artemis smiled. "Well, I dunno, he seems pretty embarrassed by it. So, I don't really need to know."

Robin looked up, suspicious of this sudden show of mercy, since she was the one who was crowing for the 'Spork Story' anyway. What's she playing at?

She took a sip of her Sprite, before nonchalantly saying, "As long as I get to hear what happened in Tokyo instead. Cyborg made it sound really interesting."

Robin and Starfire simultaneously blushed, sputtering excuses. "I-uh- oh, music! Let's dance Starfire!" Robin dragged a not-so-protesting Starfire to the newly crowded dance floor, and they melted in with the crowd.

Cyborg laughed. "Art, you're dead for bringing that up."

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? Cause last time I checked, he was in charge of your training schedule, not mine. And I was nice enough to include who told me about Tokyo in the first place."

"Damn."

Beast Boy nodded. "Yep. Bye-bye, Cy."

Cyborg considered the possibility of even more training, which Robin still insisted 'built character'. "That probably means I should run, huh?"

The others at the table nodded profusely.

He shrugged, and walked off in the direction of the dance floor.

"Are you crazy?! He's gonna eat you, metallic taste or not!" Beast Boy yelled. Cyborg grinned happily. "Doubt it BB. First thing I'm gonna do is request a whole lotta slow songs, then I'll lose myself in the crowd. Rob's not going anywhere."

Beast Boy grinned. "He's an evil genius." He looked around the table. Raven was finishing her soup; and Artemis was watching the crowd of dancers, drinking Sprite out of a champagne flute. Beast Boy slid out of his chair to Starfire's vacant one, which was next to Artemis'. "So, birthday girl, do you plan on sitting here all night?"

She shrugged, finishing her drink. "Eh, I don't dance much."

Raven put down her soup spoon. "What she said."

Artemis nudged Beast Boy, and pointed out a spot on the dance floor. "Isn't that Cyborg? Behind the potted plant?" He laughed. Hiding behind a shrub two feet shorter than him was not one of Cyborg's "bright" moments. "Yep, that's Cy. Camera anyone? Ah, well." Beast Boy's ears perked up, noticing a change in music. "Oh, hey, I love this song!"

"Really, what's it called?"

" 'Hey There Delilah'. Hey, your middle name's Delilah, Art!" There was a brief pause as Beast Boy mulled that over. "Wanna dance?"

She laughed. "Because my middle name's the one they sing in the song?"

He shrugged. "I was going to ask anyway, but sure- let's go with that." He grinned, waggling his eyebrows. "You know I'll just sit here until you do."

"True." She ran her finger along the edge of her glass. Hm, I'd be dancing...with Beast Boy though. Huh, I'd be dancing, with Beast Boy. She put her glass down on the table. "Okay," she said brightly. "Let's dance."

Raven watched as the two of them get up, and walked over to the dance floor together. She bit the edge of her spoon down in contemplation. She could sit here, as per usual, and order another cup of tea. Or, perhaps, she could go dance herself. With Cyborg in hiding, it does give me precious black-mail-free time to do such a thing. She gave an uncustomary grin, and put her spoon down. It was time to go turn some heads.

---

"Robin, what manner of dance is this?"

He blinked. "Uh, it's called slow dancing Star. We've danced like this before, haven't we?" He was startled for a second. He knew being the leader tended to take precedence over other things, but he was sure that he'd taken his girlfriend out dancing at least once.

She nodded. "Of course we have, Robin. I was merely asking, because to humans this kind of dancing is 'romantic'-yes? Yet, Beast Boy and Artemis are dancing similarly. They are not the 'together', are they?"

He shook his head. "Doubt it, Star." He chuckled. "Besides, it's not really considered romantic if he's stepping on her toes every few steps."

She crinkled her brow in thought. "She does not seem to mind."

Robin shrugged his shoulders. "I guess not." He raised an eyebrow. "Why are you watching them anyway? Am I not exciting enough for you?"

She smiled, and put her head on his shoulder. "You are plenty exciting, Robin."

Robin looked down, confused. Normally, Starfire couldn't put her head on his shoulder unless she was- "You're barefoot, Star? When did you take off your shoes?"

She lifted her head. "While we were at dinner. I've noticed that you like to be the taller of the two of us." She raised her eyebrows in surprise as Robin gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Robin, what was that for?"

He grinned. "Being you."

She placed her head back on his shoulder, and smiled.

---

"You know, that's like the third time you've yawned Art."

She blinked. "Really? I'm sorry; birthdays are exhausting work."

He stopped dancing, making Artemis stop as well. "Y'know, if you're getting tired, we could always head back home. I don't want you passing out in your birthday cake."

She groaned with false dismay. "Geez, there's cake too?"

He grinned. "Course there's cake. It's been sitting in the fridge since this morning. I don't know who made it, but it looks really good. There's presents too, but I suppose if you're too tired..."

"Hmm...going back to the Tower sounds like a good idea."

"Sweet! Cake time!" He led them through the dance floor, trying to find the other Titans scattered throughout. Once they had all assembled, and after Cyborg had once again claimed dominance of the T-Car; the six were off into the city streets.

---

Heaven.

From the time Artemis had cut the first slice of cake, to the time she put the first bit of her slice into her mouth; heaven had been the only word comparable.

"Alright, jig's up," said Cyborg. "Who made this?!"

Artemis put her fork down, as did everyone else on the couch. "You mean you- didn't?" asked Beast Boy. "I didn't; do you taste any tofu?"

There was a chorus of 'I didn't' around the table, save for one person. Starfire giggled. "I believe the 'jig' is on me."

"Star?" Robin was dumbfounded. "Star, you made this?" Rather than trying to smile while simultaneously trying to suppress his gag reflex; he actually had enjoyed Starfire's cooking.

Starfire nodded happily. "Well, after Beast Boy entered the coma after consuming my Glorkai' Neknar; I thought it best to try my hand at preparing Earth cuisine instead." She laughed. "Besides, I doubt Artemis would have enjoyed the Te'rmtaeir fungi as much as her-" Starfire's eyes widened at her own quick lack of tact, "as much as others," she finished quickly, skimming over what would undoubtedly have been an "awkward moment".

Artemis took another bite of her cake, unaware of Starfire's near slip of the tongue. "Yeah, not a big fungi fan. You make a great cake though!"

Starfire smiled happily. "Glorious! Then you are ready to open your gifts?"

"Hm?" She paused, fork in hand. "But, Star, we're still eating." She looked around at the others. "Unless, that's how you do things?"Robin shrugged. "Up to you really. We sort of just go with the flow on birthdays."

Starfire tilted her head slightly, confused. "I was not sure if you would like to open your gifts before you did a more important task," she said quietly.

"What's more important than presents on a birthday?" asked Beast Boy.

Artemis' eyes widened. She knew of something far more important. How could I forget?! "Sure, Star," Artemis said quickly, forcing a smile. "I'll be happy to open my gifts."

Starfire grinned, and bounded up from her seat. "Wonderful; you shall sit, and I shall bring my gift to you." Starfire knelt down and slid a present out from under the couch; a rectangular box made of white cardboard; gaily colored green ribbon keeping it tied shut. "Happy day of birth, Artemis!"

Artemis took the box from her, watching Starfire's and everyone else's eyes on her; so they might gauge her reaction. Artemis slid the ribbon off carefully, taking off the box's lid, letting it fall to the floor. "Well, do you find them acceptable?" asked Starfire.

"Ah, hold on, I don't even know what's in here yet!" Artemis pushed aside the tissue paper covering her gift, pulling out- clothes, identical to ones that she had several pairs of. She raised her eyebrows curiously, but decided to thank Starfire regardless. "Ooh, clothes! Thanks Star!" She gave Starfire a quick hug, before examining her gift closer. The clothes felt- strange, like the material they were made of were extremely strong, but still light. The shirt, while similar to the black one to which she'd become used to; had much longer sleeves that cut off at the elbows; and even had a hint of silver to it when she moved it in the light. She quickly checked the back of the shirt for a tag, but there wasn't one.

Starfire smiled. "They are nice; are they not? I was uncertain of your measurements, but I did use my best guess for the seamstress."

Artemis looked up. "You had these made? Star, you didn't have to do that!"

She shook her head. "No, it was necessary. These are not normal articles of clothing, you see; together they form a "costume", much like our own. I noticed how damaged your clothing could become even solely on our course of obstacles, so I had these made for you. I did keep them mostly similar to the ones you own now however, for they seem to suit you. They are pleasing, yes?"

Artemis nodded profusely. "They're beautiful Star, thanks!" Yes! I'm never going to get pantsed by that damn claw-thing again! She put the clothes back in the box, re-folding them. Artemis smiled. She couldn't wait to try them on; they seemed perfect.

The Titans waited for her to put the box down, which signaled to them that she was ready for the next gift. Robin was the one to get up next, his gift taking up a much longer and thinner box. Artemis lifted an eyebrow at the certainly more weighted gift, but accepted it all the same. She unwrapped it, and pushed off the lid, only to gasp in shock. "I swear, four days notice and you come up with this?! I mean, how do you even find..." she trailed off in her disbelief.

Beast Boy craned his neck. "You gonna let the rest of us see, or...whoa, dude. Robin, you have the weirdest gift ideas." He subconsciously bit his lip, wondering if what he had bought for her would be enough.

Artemis jumped up quickly, pulling out a fiberglass bow, one about half her height. She pulled the bowstring back, testing it. It would require some breaking in, mostly for her, since she hadn't used a bow in almost two years.

Robin smiled. "I've noticed you're particularly talented with ranged attacks, so I had a friend of mine help me out in finding the proper bow; the fiberglass makes it more resilient."

She grinned happily, hefting the bow in her hands. She was no stranger to bows; not even her swords could compare to the feeling of a bow in her hand. She rubbed her finger along one of the bow's limbs, almost wistfully. Even this new, foreign bow evoked memories of hunting with a certain auburn- haired girl. She shook those memories aside though, burying them deep. It was her birthday after all. "If anyone can balance an apple on their head; we might be able to see how good I am at this." The others laughed, no one taking her up on her offer.

"I think," said Raven, "considering your latest gift; I should give you mine next." She held up a small rectangle wrapped up in silver wrapping paper. Artemis took it from her, judging immediately that it was a book. Upon unwrapping it, she wasn't surprised to see a rather thick hard-cover book staring her in the face; though she was a bit surprised at the title: Women of Greek Myth: Amphitrite to Thetis.

"I thought you might want to know a bit more about your namesake; who has a fairly interesting story of her own," said Raven.

Artemis smiled, cracking the book open and scanning the table of contents for her name. "Great," she said laughing, "Another wonderful, multi-chaptered excuse to become more of an insomniac." She gave a genuine smile. "Thank you Raven."

Raven nodded, acknowledging her thanks. "Happy birthday," she said.

Cyborg got up from his seat on the couch, rummaging under it. After finding six of the nine TV remotes, he finally pulled out a red gift bag, which he presented to Artemis. "So what's with the presents under the couch?" Artemis asked casually, unwrapping the string tying the straps of the gift bag together. "Under furniture seems to be the first place you'd look for a present."

"But not the first place you'd look, so mission accomplished," said Cyborg. "Now be quiet and open your present."

Artemis laughed with delight as she pulled out a neatly folded chef's hat from the bag. "How'd you find a green one?" she asked as she jammed it on her head.

"Specialty store," said Cyborg. "Keep digging."

Artemis stuck her hand further down the bag, and she pulled out a small wooden figurine holding a teapot. "Angel of the Kitchen" was etched into the figurine's base. "Aw, it's cute Cy," Artemis said holding the figurine in her hand. "Thank you."

"Guess that leaves me, huh?" asked Beast Boy. He smiled, and gave her a much smaller, green box. "Happy birthday, Art."

Artemis balanced the box in the palm of hand, curious, and pulled off its lid. She pushed aside a thin layer of tissue to reveal a necklace. The cord was a plain black ribbon, with a black circle of stone hanging off of it; a silver crescent moon fused to the stone. She smiled, and put the necklace on. "Thanks Beast Boy," she said. "It's so pretty."

He smiled happily. "No problem Art." He was pleased with his choice; the necklace looked great on her.

Artemis looked at Starfire quickly, who surprisingly had had very little to say during the gift-giving proceedings. Starfire gave her a knowing look, her face displaying concern. It's time. No, I don't want it to be. Artemis knew full well what she was expected to do today, but she felt like postponing the inevitable for as long as she could. It's too late for that. "I'll be right back guys," she said quickly.

Starfire lifted her head, confused, as Artemis left the room. I was under the impression that it was her duty alone. She sees us worthy enough to share the task? There was an uneasy silence as each Titan wondered what Artemis could be doing. Beast Boy had tried to get up, until Starfire found herself asking him to wait. They all waited in silence, until she reappeared a few minutes later.

Artemis walked in with a small, beaten up wooden chest; one thickly engraved with swirling curlicues, and coated with black lacquer. The Titans gave her back her seat on the couch, and waited quietly for her to explain the box's purpose.

Artemis drummed her fingers on the box's lid, not knowing what to say. "Well, um, I got this-" she trailed off, not sure how to phrase her words properly.

"Artemis was given this as a last present from her mother, before she ceased to live," Starfire said quietly. Immediately, the room became quiet and somber. "You were instructed by her to open this on your sixteenth birthday celebration, that is correct?" Artemis nodded. "Yeah, Star."

"Well," Starfire said gently, "It may seem difficult, but I believe there is no time but this present one."

"You're right," Artemis said quietly. "Here goes, huh?" Happy birthday to me... Artemis untied the ribbon she had wound tightly around the box, gripped the box's lid, and pulled up. "What?" she said, disbelieving. "It- it's locked."

Artemis brushed her fingers over the lid, shocked and dumbfounded. How anti-climatic. How...unfair. Her one duty; that one little favor her mother had asked for. The damn box was locked.

Beast Boy shook his head. "Nah, it can't be locked, no way. Why would you get a locked box without being given a key?" He gingerly picked up the chest from a shocked Artemis' lap, and inspected it. "See, look, there's a keyhole! See it? Huh, there's two! Weird..." He tilted the chest in her direction, pointing out two very tiny holes. "At least, I think they're keyholes. Cy, can't you x-ray the box?"

Artemis watched as the chest was passed from person to person, from Robin to Raven to Cyborg; she was still mute. Cyborg took one look at it, and shook his head, rapping a metallic finger on his hardware. "It won't even show up on the screen," he said. "It's just a gray patch. I can tell it's not lead lined, not heavy enough, but...it's like it's invisible to my tech." He looked up at Artemis. "Nothing is invisible to my tech; what is this?"

Artemis shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "I- can I have it back, please?" She felt Beast Boy placing the chest back in her hands; the others watching anxiously. She bit her lip and looked down at it. Two keyholes, and no key- or keys. She looked at the keyholes curiously. They were so small, and about two inches apart. She squinted, and looked closely. It looked like each keyhole was half of a- heart? A heart, why a heart?

Unwillingly, Artemis remembered words whispered to her from a dying mother. "Keep the- heart I give you. Please." She shook her head sharply in denial, the words cutting in her brain, their ambiguous nature finally fathomed. The other Titans started, alarmed at her sudden shock.

Artemis leaned back heavily on the couch. The chest seemed a million pounds heavier now, immovable from her lap. "I have to go back." She swallowed, her throat now unbearably dry. "I've got to go back home."

Robin was the first to react. What a way to end the evening. "Artemis," he asked carefully, watching her cautiously, "it it necessary? Cy could probably pick the-"

Artemis looked down, cursing the lock. It's so obvious. I should've taken it when she told me to! "I need the necklace; my mother's necklace. It's the key."

Beast Boy raised his hand, even though he didn't have to. "Uh, how can a necklace be a key?"

"It's a locket, isn't it?" asked Raven. "The two halves of the necklace open. That's why the two keyholes are so far apart."

Artemis nodded limply. "She tried to give me it, when she died," she said quietly. "But I wouldn't take it. She never got to tell me what it was for."

"Well, what has become of the necklace?" asked Starfire, her voice quivering due to her friend's pain. "Have you misplaced it?"

"Don't you get it?! I left it there." Artemis sighed, defeat dripping off of her words. She ran a hand through her hair, shoving the chest off of her lap. "It's hanging on her tombstone."

"So, you want to go back and get it?" asked Robin.

"I've got no other choice. My mother wanted this chest opened. If it's a choice between going home and disobeying her dying wish, I'll go home." I already made the mistake of leaving the necklace; damned if I screw up again.

"Where did you live?" asked Cyborg. "Point it out on a map, and we can all fly there."

Robin nodded. "We could leave in the morning, if you want." Robin could sense trouble a world away, it was said, and this chest offered it in spades.

"What makes you think I'd want you to go?" The Titans were a little bit stunned by her bitter tone. "I mean, I don't want you to see it. I'd rather you see it when it was still pretty, not- now." Am I ashamed of home, or of what I did-no, didn't do there?

Starfire crossed her arms, staring defiantly at Artemis. "A battlefield should hold no shame. To my people, a battlefield is a glorious ground, where warriors prove their might, in victory and defeat. I hold respect towards you, for having survived, and great respect towards your friends. We would be honored to visit your battlefield, and your home. Besides, what are your other means of travel, walking?"

"Fine," Artemis spoke, offering Starfire no resistance. "Tomorrow morning." She turned to Cyborg. "If you could give me a map, I could point out the coordinates."

Cyborg nodded, getting up to use a computer. Robin lifted his head, and looked at Artemis. "When would we leave?"

She shrugged. "Whenever it is convenient for you; I'll be ready." I've always been ready to go back home. She stood up, saying nothing else, and pointed out a spot on the map that Cyborg had drawn up. The two of them talked for a few minutes, hashing out the estimated distance; how long it would take. Finally, Cyborg nodded, and Artemis walked to the couch, gathering up her bow and chef's hat, her necklace already around her neck. Cyborg walked up and tapped Robin on the shoulder. "Few hours at most," he said. "Early morning would probably be the best time."

Raven looked at Artemis, knowing exactly how she felt. Though her powers tried to foist the despair onto her; she already could relate. Returning to Azarath, and seeing what cruel retribution Trigon had given it for harboring his spawn, had been nothing short of hell. Soon, Artemis would have to face her own little hell, and Raven hoped that she would be strong enough. She frowned. Whatever was in the chest dripped with negative energy, energy of a demonic nature. How strange. It's demonic, but it's been touched by a human.

Raven glanced up from her mug of tea. "Artemis," she said quietly. "Don't forget your book." Artemis stopped and turned around, shifting the chest to the crook of her arm, in an attempt to scoop the book up. Raven laid a hand on it first though, and muttered a quick spell. The book, as well as everything else Artemis was holding, disappeared. "All of your presents are sitting on your bed," Raven said, giving no real explanation as to her act of kindness.

Artemis nodded, and started walking towards the hallway, the chest the only thing weighing down her stride.

"Art, wait." Beast Boy hopped over the lip of the couch, and bounded over to where she was standing. "I know you probably don't want to hear it right now, but- happy birthday. I hope you had fun."

She smiled. "You know, I really did." Without another word, she took a step closer to give Beast Boy a quick kiss on the cheek.

He blinked. He never knew Artemis was so- spontaneous. He grinned, not able to help it. "Art, what was that for?"

She smiled; he looked so puzzled. "For asking me to dance," she replied. "Well, for sitting there until I did. I've never really danced before, so I wasn't too keen on trying; but you made it- fun. Thanks." All of a sudden, she remembered the weight of the chest she carried, the wood of it digging into her arm and side. That brief little kiss was nothing but a fleeting distraction. Beast Boy had never seen a smile disappear so quickly.

She turned, her smile mere vapor. "Night, Beast Boy." The doors closed shut behind her.

---

It was later, after everyone had gone to sleep, that Artemis had left her room in favor of the garage; her sleep having been brief, cut too short. She hadn't changed out of her new clothes, and she didn't even bother to put on shoes as she mounted her bike with an almost single-minded desire to leave. She started the bike with a roar, and peeled out towards the mainland. She rode through the city, which was just as busy as it was when the sun was up. Murakami High School seemed so quiet without its students milling about, and the quiet little duplex she had stopped at ever so quickly was equally silent. She drove off again, after muttering Dawn a quick goodnight. She kept her eyes firmly on the road, searching for those few places where she could go to fulfill her task. Finally, after constant searching, a Hallmark store had appeared, still open. However, her task was far but finished as she tucked a sheaf of belated birthday and anniversary cards into a brown messenger bag. She was grateful for the lack of people; usually she was with the Titans, and was therefore frequently stopped. The sidewalks were cold and quiet this time; it was late, people who could sleep were doing so.

Sleep was unimportant, a non-necessity, at least to a troubled mind. A troubled mind who searched high and low for even the meanest of a plant; a withered old stump; a something green. And then, upon finally attaining victory, merely hopped back onto her motorcycle and drove back to the Tower. Her room was dead silent, her cat purring under the sheets of her bed. Sleep was ignored even then, as Artemis picked up a pen to fill out each card, not stopping until the blankness of every card was filled to the brim with pen ink. Only then, would such a troubled mind sleep, the cards tucked into a messenger bag; which Artemis used in place of a pillow. Only then, when time is fleeting and nightmares are plenty, do the troubled minds sleep.

END

Author's Notes: Why, yes I am still alive! This proves it, see? Or it proves that I've captured a primate capable of sentient thought and writing capacity. You know, the real irony of this chapter (particularly its close) is that I only write well really late at night. Well, I've found other ways to keep myself a closet insomniac (You know what's a fun game? World of Warcraft is a fun game!). But, I feel bad for having you wait this long, so I'm going double-time on the next chapter. Fear not readers, Rose and Amarath is coming up sooner then you think!

P.S: Happy Holidays everyone! Punxsutawney Phil is having us freeze to death for another six weeks, so we might as well make the most of it.

-Artemis out.