I'm gonna fight 'em all
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Taking their time right behind my back
And I'm talking to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
Behind a cigarette
And the message coming from my eyes
Says leave it alone
- Seven Nation Army, The White Stripes
Apache is awoken a few hours later when Raven stirs. The sun is just peaking over the bay, the early morning rays of light shining through the glass that makes up an entire wall of Raven's room. She watches Raven curiously as she throws her covers off, tucking them back in place when she stands, and heads over to a closet in the corner of the room.
She pushes it open, and within is a dresser, and a single cloak hanging from a hanger. Farther back is half a row of hanging civilian wear, all appearing to be dark colored.
Apache wants to desperately laugh. Raven is obviously nothing like Robin! Robin has tons of uniforms! But on the downside, whatever happens if her cloak gets damaged beyond repair? Or so filthy its not worth washing? Which both scenarios are bound to happen. She probably has more in one of the drawers of the dresser Apache would think. She has an urge to snoop through Raven's cloths. It would be difficult for her to snoop in this condition. Or really at all...
Raven pulls the second to top drawer open, and pulls out a fresh leotard. Apache lays back down and stares out the window at the glittering bay when Raven begins removing her pajamas. She may like women but that didn't mean she ogled them when the chance arose, even if she really wanted to. And believe her, she wants to.
"Apache." Raven calls after quickly dressing herself. Apache springs up and off the bed, following Raven out of her room happily, her tail lazily swaying back and forth. She prances along happily, leading Raven, who has a book under her arm, to the common room. They're the first ones in. Cyborg was usually one of the last. Beast Boy was always the last. The thought amuses Apache greatly as she gazes behind herself at the cloaked Titan. Apache walks after Raven as they enter the common room, heading toward the kitchen.
Raven fills her tea kettle with water and sets it on the stove to boil. Apache, thirsty, goes to her bowl only to find it empty. Put out, she sits on her haunches with her ears back. Her ears perk and she watches in awe when the empty bowl is enveloped in black energy, shooting over to Raven. It comes to a stop under the sink faucet, to which Raven flips the water on to fill the bowl. Once full, it glides back to its original place. With a wag of her tail Apache laps at the water thankfully.
Raven cradles her book by its spine, flipping pages as she finishes them. Apache lays down by her food and water bowls, gazing up at the reading girl.
When the tea kettle whistles, Apache jumps in surprise, growling for a moment until she realizes exactly what it is. Raven simply arches an eyebrow at her as she moves to fix her tea.
Raven takes her usual seat at the far end of the bar by the wall, Apache following her to lay at her feet.
Not long after Robin decides to make an appearance.
"Morning, Raven." He says cheerily as he puts a pot of coffee on.
"Morning." Raven responds, flipping a page in her book. Apache eyes him when he comes around the edge of the bar.
"Is... Is that Apache?" Robin spies the dog as he takes his own seat at the bar a seat away from Raven. "I thought she sleeps with Cy?"
"Let's just say she came knocking in the middle of the night and was quite persistent." Raven sips her tea. Apache inwardly laughs at Raven's description of last nights events. If she didn't want to tell Apache wouldn't.
"If you say so." Robin obviously doesn't know what to a say to that.
~T.E.E.N.T.I.T.A.N.S.~
Later in the afternoon Raven decides she needs a little time away from the tower. Apparently all the Titans were extremely surprised that she had actually let Apache hang around her on this fine day. Raven still made someone else take Apache out when the times came, but other than that Apache actively sought Raven out and was more than pleasantly surprised when the girl allowed her to stay. Don't get her wrong, she loves all the Titan's company, but she couldn't get enough of Raven now that she actually let her hang around.
Plus her and Silkie really didn't get along. Silkie had tried to eat her more than once and Apache was not all for that. That fuzzy and smelly thing was not her type of thing to enjoy being around, and she loves everything that's fuzzy with a passion. That was precisely the reason she couldn't sleep in Star's room, and Star had tried. Apache had more than once moved to opposite sides of Star's room to get away from that gross worm over the course of the night but it would chase her down and continuously try to consume her. Needless to say she needed another bath the next morning.
Apache had sat at one point, curious, as Raven split bottles of some sort of concoction, like salts, around the borders of her room. When she was done, she went to making more. Apache guessed it was to keep whatever that was last night out, and she was going to go about protecting the entire Tower.
Apache's favorite part of the day by far was when Beast Boy made a joke about Raven being a cat person that Raven did not take too kindly to. It got Beast Boy hit over the head and it had been hilarious. As much as Apache loves Beast Boy, Raven's temper toward him is way funnier. They certainly have a connection. She used to have a similar connection to a friend of hers. They acted like they couldn't stand each other and annoyed each other most of the time but they would do anything for the other at the same time. After awhile it becomes more of a game than real annoyance, and Apache would bet anything it's the same way between Raven and Beast Boy.
Apache is certainly nervous. Her first time being teleported by Raven. How else were they going to get to the city with just them? Cyborg would never let anyone else drive his precious baby.
Raven had already informed Robin that she was going to go to the city, and Robin had suggested Raven take Apache with her, to Apache's excitement. Strength in numbers after all. She'd be alone but not really alone. Raven had reluctantly agreed, causing smugness to wash through the dog.
So here they are, Raven's hand hooked on Apache's collar as she mutters her mantra. Apache squeezes her eyes shut as a cloud of black envelops the two of them. She feels a tingling feeling, then cement under her paws. She opens her eyes to see they're in an alleyway.
She sighs in relief as she gazes around the dingey cement and brick walls.
She follows after Raven, the girl wearing black leggings with jean shorts over them along with a black T-shirt and tan boots, a book yet again under her arm. As far as Apache's concerned, Raven is rocking the look. Obviously her civilian wear.
Apache could get used to this look, not that her legs weren't great to look at.
Apache prances along at Raven's side, off leash. The beauties of them not having a leash for her and her being able to prove she'd be just fine without one.
The two weave through the crowd for about two blocks until coming to a slightly quieter place with a lot less foot traffic. Raven pushes a glass door open, and Apache follows her through. The smell of tea is strong, along with baking bread. It's a small, dimly lit place with plants strategically placed around it, the muted colors giving it a homey feel. It's also mostly empty beside the few college kids studying in the corner of the shop. Apache's tail is sweeping the air as she gazes around the neat little space.
"He-hey, Raven! It's been awhile!" Apache looks up at the front counter to see a man in at least his 50s, a scraggly yet neatly trimmed beard adorning his face, grey evident in his not so brown hair. His brown eyes are alight with humor and life.
"Hey, Val. It's only been a week." Raven smiles lightly at the man as the two approach the counter.
"Who's your friend?"
"Her name's Apache."
"Beautiful dog." Apache could just blush at the flattery. He whistles, patting at the edge of the wooden counter in invitation. Apache jumps up, and the man breaks off a piece of the muffin he had been eating. Apache takes it gently from his hand. Fresh baked. The best. She likes this place already.
He rubs over Apache's ears, and when he sits back, Apache hops back down onto all fours. She gazes around the shop again curiously.
"So what's all been happening?" Raven questions.
"Oh, same old same old. Boring as ever. You're the highlight of my day, as usual." The man laughs. "So what can I get for ya? The usual?"
"Please." Raven nods politely.
"By the way, if you ever want to get rid of the dog, you know where to take her." 'Val' nods toward the dog, who tilts her head curiously. They better not give her away! She'd just keep finding her way back, even if Val seemed like an okay dude so far. She'd rather spend her time with the Titans.
"Of course." Apache stays in stride beside Raven as Raven takes a window seat in the corner of the shop. Apache lays down in front of the booth, staring up at Raven. Was there ever a time she didn't have her book worm of a nose in a book? Reading is a wonderful pastime, she supposed. At one point she could finish a 700 page book in a day so she wasn't one to talk about someone being a bookworm. She hates hypocrites after all.
It's not too long when the man comes bearing a little tray. He sets a cup and plate down in front of Raven, to which she thanks him. A cup of tea and chocolate glazed donut.
Apache didn't expect him to have something for her, so it surprises her when he bends down, an unfrosted donut in his grasp. He obviously intends for her to take it.
She takes it gently from him, her tail wagging. He pats her head while she chews happily and walks away. This is a place she could easily get used to coming to often. The donut is even more soft and flaky than she remembered them ever being. Obviously she misses the deep fried pure sugar treat more than she could express. She hadn't had them in months, after all.
They sit for awhile in the silence of the shop, Apache dozing and Raven reading. Raven obviously just wanted a change in scenery. And possibly some quiet. Beast Boy or Cyborg pester Raven often, and this would prevent them from doing so while also getting her out of her stuffy room.
Apache wonders when they'll play Stank Ball next. She's curious and really wants to watch a game play out.
Raven is in the middle of sipping on her tea when her communicator beeps. Apache's head shoots up to look at Raven as she hurriedly sets her tea down to pull the communicator out of her pocket. She flips it open.
Robin's voice radiates through the air. "Raven, Control Freak is at the movie theatre on 9th Street. Meet us there."
"Control Freak? Yeah, I'll be right there." Raven claps her communicator shut and slides it back into her pocket. She pulls out a 10 dollar bill along with a 5, setting them on the table. She slides out of the booth, stepping over Apache, who jumps up to follow Raven as she strides toward the door. "I'll see you later, Val."
"You be careful, Raven. See you soon." Val smiles knowingly after the two, moving to clean up Raven's table.
The two exit the cafe, Apache having to trot to keep up with Raven's brisk pace. Apache follows Raven down the nearest alley. She's awestruck when Raven's body becomes enveloped in a dull violet light and in place of her civilian wear is her usual leotard and cloak. She ends up getting whipped in the face by the cloak due to her close proximity to the Titan. Raven is truly a badass. Since when can someone completely change their attire with magic? No one. Since never. At least in Apache's universe.
Apache is startled when Raven grabs hold of her collar once again and the tingling feeling envelopes her. When they're back on solid ground, they're in a movie theatre.
It's absolute chaos. People are running out of a viewing room screaming, some doused in soda, others with popcorn. What the hell could Control Freak really be up to to cause so much chaos? He's a freakin couch potato with a unibrow that can't live without a remote. Apache drops her left ear.
The stream of people ceases completely and Raven calmly walks into the room, Apache right on her cloak's tail. When they round the two bends that lead them to the seats, Apache is confused. Control Freak is laughing maniacally, ghosts, monsters and other things floating around, destroying the theatre. Is it... Ghostbusters?
It makes sense but at the same time it doesn't. Why would he want to ruin the viewing? Apache can't help but think how much of an idiot he is.
"Still watching too much TV, I see." Raven drawls bordly. Control Freak starts, his head whipping to look at Raven with a scowl.
"Well well, back again?" Control Freak sneers. Apache hears foot falls rushing up behind them. She looks behind Raven and herself to see the other four Titans.
"You're destroying private property, what do you honestly expect?" Raven drawls out again. Apache turns her gaze back to the bumbling idiot that is Control Freak.
"Ghostbusters? Aww man! Have you no shame?!" Beast Boy says, dramatically falling to his knees, his hands on his face.
"Not the point right now, Grass Stain." Cyborg says, gearing up for the fight.
"You're going to jail, Control Freak. It's as simple as that. So do you want to do this the easy way or the hard way?" Robin says, using his 'leaderly tone.'
"What do you think?" Control Freak hits a button on his remote and half of the mass of ghosts and monsters turn toward the Titans. The Titans jump into action on Robin's command.
Apache gets to thinking as the Titans and artificial creatures clash. They were easily being taken out by the Titans, but more came in their place, almost like a hydra. They can't quite get to Control Freak to grab him.
Apache ducks from a starbolt with a yelp, the wall explodes behind her from being hit by it. She crawls up the stairs quickly on her belly, dodging ghosts, broken seats, spilt soda and popcorn and crawling through the isles, jumping over chairs when she needs to. She dodges Beast Boy, in the form of a leopard, and jumps over to the next lower row of seats. She's almost behind Control Freak.
She has to dodge Robin, who had been thrown, but he catches himself on a chair and jumps back into action.
She yelps when her tail is abruptly grasped and yanked.
She catches sight of a nasty looking ghost before she's thrown.
She tumbles in the air before hitting the far wall, all the way above the highest row of seats, with a breathless yelp. She hits the hard linoleum floor. All she can do is lay there and gasp.
She gives herself a moment to catch her breath before sitting up, giving her dizzy head a shake. She clumsily pushes herself up, stumbling into the row of seats to her left. She stumbles out to the stairs, glancing down.
There's that idiot.
She gives a growl.
She slowly stumbles down the carpeted steps as quietly as she can until she's four rows behind Control Freak, his focus on Beast Boy and Cyborg, who are tag teaming and being overwhelmed.
With her ears back, she shifts her body like a cat ready to pounce, her muscles winding tight. When she's sure he won't see her coming, she pushes off the step with all her might, barreling into Control Freak's back. They both go barreling down the steps head over heels until they reach the bottom. They come to a stop, both their bodies aching, but both spring up anyway.
With a snarl, Apache latches onto the sleeve of Control Freak's trench coat. He yelps, swinging her around, attempting to dislodge her teeth from his coat.
Apache doesn't see it coming and she didn't know it was possible for the heavy set man to reach that way, but his boot catches her square between her ear and eye. She drops his sleeve, her head swimming. She gives her head a hearty shake before focusing on Control Freak's retreating form.
She can't let him get away!
With a mighty snarl, she takes a few shaky bounds and she latches on to the back of his trench coat.
Control Freak shouts, terrified, and tries to kick her away. He loses all his focus on the fight, which is finally starting to dissipate due to his distraction.
When Control Freak flails out, he accidentally throws his remote. With a startled yelp, he tries to dive after it, but ends up on his belly due to Apache's hold on his clothing. The remote hits the hard floor of the theatre and breaks.
Control Freak lets out a mortified squeak. The remaining creatures disappear in puffs of smoke.
Robin picks up the cracked remote while Cyborg lifts the downed couch potato by the back of his coat. Apache lets him go, shaking slightly as she gazes up at Cyborg before her eyes travel to find Raven. She inspects each Titan, and when she deems them uninjured, her eyes once again train on Raven.
"Looks like you got taken out by a dog." Beast Boy smiles widely.
"A girl dog." Cyborg snickers.
"That's not even remotely funny." Raven rolls her eyes.
"Was that a pun I heard?" Beast Boy says slyly. Raven, obviously exasperated, decides not to play on it and walks a few feet away from the green grinning idiot.
"Apache has helped a great deal!" Star smiles widely as Apache moves to sit between Star' and Raven's feet.
"C'mon guys, celebrate later. We need to get Control Freak out to the police." Robin says, turning on his heel. Beast Boy and Cyborg chatter back and forth as the seven of them make their way out to the front of the theatre, where police are waiting with blaring lights and a fire truck in case it was needed.
Two officers are waiting by the glass doors with handcuffs, ready to take the criminal that's not so much of a criminal than a nuisance. Cyborg hands Control Freak over and he's shoved into the back of a police cruiser while Robin is pulled aside to give his statement. Apparently his is the only one the police want so the other four just stand aside and wait patiently for Robin to finish.
A news van pulls up, Apache notices. An older yet attractive hispanic lady hops out of the passenger side. The driver pulls camera equipment from the back of the van. They strategically place themselves in front of the theatre, ensuring the four waiting Titans are in the background of the shot.
The man behind the camera points at the lady. She immediately begins her report. Apache can't hear exactly what she's saying, but after a moment she motions to the Titans. Beast Boy grins a wide smile, waving with an unnecessary amount of emphasis. Star gives a simple smile, but other than that they ignore the duo.
"Without Apache, I believe we would be battling quite a bit longer than we had." Star says, patting Apache's head contentedly, who is sitting next to the Tamaranian.
"I think you're completely right. I swear, that dude never knows when to quit." Cyborg wrinkles his nose slightly in distaste, shooting a displeased look at the news anchor. They finally move to attempt to catch a shot of Robin and the offender in the back of the police cruiser.
"Hey, it's going to keep Robin from complaining that it was getting too quiet." Beast Boy reasons.
"Yeah that's true. Control Freak is just busy work." Raven says, her eyes falling on Apache before again rising to glance around their surroundings.
Starfire gasps suddenly, drawing the attention of her other four companions. "Look!" Star holds her hand up, blood evident on the tips of her thin fingers. Apache gazes up at the blood, confused. It's... Hers?
Wow, when the hell did that happen? Her head doesn't hurt.
She thumps her tail a few times against the concrete.
"Is Apache bleeding?" Beast Boy asks, concerned. He bends down.
"It looks like it." Cyborg grumbles, bending down in front of Apache and gently looking around Apache's head. "Did you guys see Control Freak do anything to her?"
"She had him preoccupied for quite a bit, he must have done something to her to get her away from him." Star sounds concerned, her eyes shining with concern.
"There. There's a gash right here." Cyborg motions to the side of Apache's head where the fur is longer around her ears. "Doesn't look too bad."
Raven kneels down next to the dog, gently placing her hand over where the gash is. She mutters her mantra, and Apache's head is once again filled with screams of agony, maniacal laughter, begging, crying... Then it's over just as quickly as it started. The fog is slightly clearer this time, but she still can hardly make anything out.
She didn't realize her head had been ringing from being kicked until Raven had finished healing her and her head went clear. Apache huffs lightly as the two Titans stand, Cyborg giving her a rough pet, and return to their places to wait for Robin. She stretches, able to breathe. She wags her tail lazily before moving to lean against Raven's leg. The girl pats the dog's head awkwardly.
The ride home is absolutely amazing. The T car is cramped, only being built to accommodate five, but it works. Apache lays at Robin's feet on the passenger side floorboard. She's just small enough to fit and for Robin to gently lay his legs over her in a way that they're both comfortable.
She dozes off on the ride, equally proud and elated that she was able to help them today. She can't wait to do it again.
Once back at the Tower, the Titans go about their usual afternoon activities. Apache goes to the common room to get herself some water, then heads to where she figured Raven would be, sneaking past the other four Titans. In this case, it would be Raven's room.
It's sunset, it would be time for bed in a few hours.
She scratches lightly on the door, and it opens after a few seconds. She pushes past Raven, who in turn sighs. "Yeah, come right on in, don't mind me."
Apache curls up at the foot of Raven's bed on the floor, her head instantly in between her paws. Raven sits back on her bed, continuing her previous activity that Apache doesn't know what is due to her lack of interest.
She's instantly asleep.