-- Unless it's only Texas Silver viewing my work, which I seriously doubt, I have got some pretty cruel readers out there. How is it that I have only one loyal reviewer? Are the rest of you just that lazy!? Geez, send me some critique already, even if only to shut me up! Flames are welcome, if you absolutely must; I'll probably find 'em funny. Now, this chapter is probably one of the more...ahem...interesting ideas I've had, but I still think it was necessary to put it in. Also, some good news at the end of the chapter! For now, enjoy the fun, oh honored readers! - The Cap'n --
Part 4- Steamy Reception
(Frost strings the pendent back around her neck and leads the way towards the village walls. Robin glances up and sees that the whole village is set into a depression in the mountaintop. He turns to Frost.)
Robin: Hey, how does this place stay hidden? What if a plane flies overhead?
Frost: (giggles) Nothing to worry. Father see to that.
Gemini: Father?
Medic: Yukiko-san's father. Our leader's husband. I have heard he is quite the accomplished master of shinobi illusions.
Frost: Is true. Father keep entire village under shroud. Seen from above, village look just like mountaintop.
Photon: Really?
(Photon levitates himself off the ground, then soars up, high above the village. He glances down at everything, then returns to the group.)
Photon: Incredible…
Echo: See somethin' interestin', mate?
Photon: You don't know the half of it. Looking down, my Dragon's Bane let's me see the village, but it is veiled by a thin haze; my eyes cannot completely penetrate the illusion. For that to occur, the power of the one casting it would have to be slightly above dragon level! Illusion master indeed…
Raven: And he maintains that all day long?
Frost: Yes. He no has stopped for twelve year. Father do anything to keep village safe!
Raven: Twelve years of constantly dividing his focus, even while asleep… Very impressive.
(Once inside, everyone takes the opportunity to steal a few glances around. There are people everywhere along the streets, most of them dressed in strangely light clothing, despite the cold. As the Titans are walking, they notice that most of the people are stopping what they are doing to point at Medic and whisper amongst themselves.)
Penny: Well, I'd say you're still quite famous around here.
Medic: So it would seem…
Robin: Hmmm…
Echo: I know that "Hmmm". What's got ye troubled, mate?
Robin: It's odd…this village looks like it's in perfect condition. I thought the Zodiac Clan had this place under siege?
Frost: Ah…I receive message of Zodiac attack one month ago. Maybe village elite holding at bay now?
Medic: That would indeed be a most welcome surprise. Oof!
(The bespectacled ninja has just walked right into a huge form. Everyone looks up and sees a very large, very muscular man towering over them, about eight feet tall. He has a bald head and large, dull-looking eyes. He is dressed in a grey, sleeveless shirt that looks to have some type of stain near the bottom, and thick workpants. He is currently standing still and looking around at everything in his line of sight.)
Medic: My apologies, friend. I did not see you.
(The large man's eyes widen and he looks around even faster. Beast Boy puts two fingers to his mouth and gives a sharp whistle.)
Beast Boy: Down here!
(The giant finally glances down and surveys the Titans with his dull gaze. He seems to consider them for a moment, then slowly opens his mouth.)
Ushima: I…I sorry. I not see you. Please excuse…back to work…
(The huge man turns and lumbers off. As he leaves, a look at the back of his left shoulder reveals a tattoo; the head of a bull or ox, drawn in bright red ink.)
Cyborg: Um…Ooooookay…
Snap: That was odd.
Medic: Indeed…he speaks English…
Robin: Doesn't seem too bright though…well, never mind him. Where do we go first?
Medic: I think it best if we go to my house first. We can use it as our base of operations. I am certain my parents will not mind.
Beast Boy: Your parents? Hey, cool! I was wondering if we'd be seeing them!
(As Medic leads everyone further down the street, the view points upward for a moment. High up above the village, but lower than the illusion shroud, what looks to be some type of bird of prey is flying in a circular pattern. It can clearly not be any ordinary hawk, as it's feathers are bright green. It glares down at the Titans with it's raptor's eyes, then gives a piercing cry before flying downward and seeming to vanish among the houses. Meanwhile, the party has finally come to halt in front of the smaller of the two gigantic buildings.)
Beast Boy: Wow! What is this place!? It's huge!
Cyborg: This is your house!?
Medic: Er…well…after my great-great-grandfather defeated the Zodiac, the Igaku clan did become quite revered…
Beast Boy: Medic, dude, you're rich!
Medic: Ah…Yes...I suppose…
Robin: Putting it lightly. So…I guess that means that…that place must be where you live?
(Robin is speaking to Frost and indicating the giant, palace-like building. Frost nods.)
Frost: Mother need big house to be watching over entire village. Is confusing, though… there rooms in house even I have never seen. Very easy getting lost.
(Raven gives an impressed whistle as she examines the sheer size of the building.)
Raven: I'll bet…
Cyborg: You're livin' the high-life, girl!
(Just then, one of the doors on the front of Medic's house slides open. A woman dressed in a silk kimono steps outside into the yard. Her kimono is a light blue with a pattern of orchids and a sash of a darker blue. On her feet are a pair of two-pronged geta. She has light brown hair that falls to her shoulders, and hazel colored eyes. She steps lightly over to a spot in the yard where a small garden of the same flower patterning her kimono is growing. She puts one small hand to a blossom, examining it carefully. Just then, Medic gives a small cough, and the woman turns. Her gaze rests upon the group of teenagers for a moment, then focuses on Medic and her eyes widen in disbelief.)
Mikiko: "A…Akira…?"
Medic: "Hello, Mother."
(The Asian woman stares for a moment more, then bursts into tears and runs towards the front gates.)
Mikiko: "Akira!"
(Medic's mother flings the gate open and crushes her son in a tight hug, sobbing tears of joy into his shoulder.)
Mikiko: "Akira…at last, you are home…oh, Akira…"
Medic: "Mother, please, calm down!"
(The woman sobs into Medic's jacket for a moment more, then composes herself as she looks back up at the others.)
Mikiko: "Yukiko-dono! You have also returned!"
(Medic's mother bows her head to the kunoichi.)
Mikiko: "Welcome to our home. I hope our humble accommodations will be to your liking, Yukiko-dono."
Frost: "Mikiko-san, I keep telling you, I don't want you to count me above you like that! And please, just call me Yuki-chan!"
Mikiko: "Forgive me, Yukiko-dono, but I could never address the daughter of our honored leader so informally…That reminds me; your mother, Shimomi-sama, left on a diplomatic mission to Amegafuri Village in the East. She instructed me to let you know if you returned before she did."
Frost: "Mother is away!? Since when?"
Mikiko: "She set out just yesterday, Yukiko-dono. Her, and most of the elite of our ninja corps. The leader of Amegafuri was most insistent that they all come…"
Frost: "Then I just missed her…"
Mikiko: "Do not feel upset. Shimomi-sama promised to return in as little as a day or so!"
(Medic's mother finally seems to remember the presence of the others, and turns to them with a politely puzzled expression.)
Mikiko: "And…who are all of you?"
Medic: "Mother, I have brought some people I would like you to meet. This is my best friend, Beast Boy, and this is his girlfriend, Terra."
(The changeling gives a thumbs up and Terra a friendly wave.)
Medic: "This is my good friend and traveling companion for many years now, Aidan McQuain, and his girlfriend, Colleen Sentry. This person is…"
(Medic continues down the line naming each of his friends in turn. Medic's mother smiles warmly and bows to everyone.)
Mikiko: "Welcome to Fubuki Village. My name is Igaku Mikiko. Please, come inside. I know that outsiders to our village are not usually well-accustomed to the cold."
(Medic gives everyone a quick translation and they all enter the gigantic house. Mikiko steps into another room for about five minutes and returns wearing a light, summery dress.)
Robin: To be comfortable dressed that way, you villagers must have a pretty high tolerance for cold weather.
(Medic translates. Mikiko smiles.)
Mikiko: "Yes. Our village has been here for centuries. Over time, we who live here have adapted to the harsh environment and made it into this peaceful community."
Terra: Does the same thing go for your plants? Those flowers out there should be dead in weather like this. It's a beautiful garden, by the way.
Mikiko: "Thank you. I take very good care of my orchids; a gift from my husband. As to their being alive, it comes from a special property in the water. You will find out about that in short order."
(She then leads everyone into huge kitchen and begins zipping around to the different cabinets and shelves, pulling out several different items. She turns to the group of teenagers with a bright smile while tying a white apron around her waist.)
Mikiko: "It has been quite some time since I have been able to cook for so many. Tonight I shall prepare a great feast for us all!"
(Medic translates, and Robin puts up a hand.)
Robin: Um…that's okay. You don't have to. We wouldn't want to impose…
(Medic translates this to his mother, who laughs.)
Mikiko: "Nonsense! Friends of Akira shall always be welcomed in our home! In the meantime, Akira, why not take your friends outside and freshen up? After your journey here, you must want to relax a bit. And… Yukiko-dono, if you would not mind assisting the young ladies…?"
Frost: "I would be happy to!"
(Frost gives a brief translation, then grabs Starfire by the wrist and tugs her off down a hallway. Overhanging the hall is a blue curtain that has the Japanese kanji for "woman". The other girls glance at each other, shrug, and follow.)
Beast Boy: Uh…so, when she says, "freshen up", she means what, exactly?
Medic: Clearly you have never experienced much of the Japanese culture…Follow me…
(Medic leads the men down a hallway adjacent to the one taken by the girls. Hanging above this hall is a red curtain with the kanji for "man". Shortly after, the scene jumps outside, behind the house. The girls are all in one side of a hot spring, sitting neck-deep in opaque, green water that is topped by a low cloud of thick steam. Around them are snow-covered rocks and, right through the middle of the spring, a high wall of tightly woven bamboo. On the other side of this wall are Medic and the other men, similarly submerged in the spring. Frost, Penny, and Starfire are casually relaxing, Raven, Terra, and Gemini are slightly red in the face, and Breezy's seemingly permanent smile makes her current mood impossible to decipher. Starfire, Terra, Breezy, and Gemini all have their long hair bound up so as not to drag it through the water.)
Frost: Ahhhh…nothing quite like natural hot spring bathing…so relaxing…
Starfire: I must agree. This is a most wondrous new experience!
Raven: Maybe so…but…why are we all together and not wearing anything!?
Penny: It's a Japanese thing. You grow accustomed to it.
Terra: You mean you're okay with it!?
Penny: I've been Frost's best friend for years. I've learned to live with quite a few things. Most of them far more odd than this, I assure you.
(Gemini says nothing and keeps her gaze downcast, still resolutely blushing.)
Terra: Hey…this water feels…nice… I don't just mean 'cause it's warm, it actually feels like it's melting away all the fatigue and stiffness from the boat ride over here!
(Frost grins and holds up a handful of the water, transforming it into a diamond-shaped ice crystal.)
Frost: This village water have very special properties. It absorb minerals from inside the mountain. It have great restorative power!
Terra: So that's what Medic's mom was talking about… Is it anything like Medic's healing powers?
Frost: A bit. But on much smaller scale. It no can cure disease or reverse wound, but it offer good health and long life when it is drink or bathe in regularly.
(Raven sighs.)
Raven: Which means I'm going to find him out here every five minutes…
(The others turn to her, eyebrows raised.)
Starfire: Raven, something is troubling you?
Raven: Well…
Terra: Aw, come on, spill! We're all friends here; you can talk to us about anything!
Raven: It's just…I'm worried about Gabriel…
Penny: The chap with the eyes? What of him?
Raven: This obsession he's gotten for getting stronger…and his sudden desire to start learning some of my spells…I really think he's going to push himself too hard.
Starfire: Does he not usually have the passion for learning new magic?
Raven: I know that, but this time he seems more determined than usual…probably because he thinks it'll let him achieve his dream… But there's always risk involved when working with magic, particularly the high-level spells. If you make even the smallest error, it can mean big trouble. I…I just don't want to see him hurt! Last time he went too far, he almost died! I can understand him wanting to fulfill his dream, but not if it costs him his life!
Gemini: Maybe you should tell him so.
Raven: Maybe…
Frost: No! In situation like this, experience has shown that it best to wait and see what happen! Do not be worry, Raven-chan. He find for himself what is correct path.
Raven: I hope so…
Penny: At least you have someone to worry about…More than can be said for me… You've probably already kissed him, too!
(Raven blushes deeply as Penny's words spark a sudden memory.)
Raven: Well…he kissed me, really…but-
Penny: You see!? I knew it! I haven't even been able to get that far with anyone! All because of this cursed talent of mine…There are times when I really wish I didn't have this good luck!
Starfire: No! You must never be upset for what you have! Your gift is a glorious one, and you must always appreciate it!
Penny: I'm not so sure…
(Meanwhile, on the men's side, Cyborg is relaxing and leaning against the rocky walls with a contented smile.)
Cyborg: Aw yeah! Now this is the way to live! Hot tub in the backyard! Cool…
Robin: Says the only one who doesn't have to worry about clothes…
-- And yet, he still has that mask on…what is the secret of your eyes!? – The Cap'n --
Medic: My apologies. But clothing in the bath simply isn't done in Japan.
Beast Boy: I get that! Why do we all gotta be together!?
Medic: It really is not unheard of in this country…
Beast Boy: Doesn't make it any less weird.
Robin: That's not the weirdest thing going on around here…Medic, your mother said that the village leader and most of the elite had left just yesterday, right?
Medic: Indeed.
Robin: Well, even if the enemy had been beaten back, what kind of leader would leave her village so soon after an attack by the worst enemy of it's people?
Medic: Hmmmm…true…that does not seem at all like Shimomi-sama…
Echo: Heh…heh heh heh heh heh…
Medic: Captain, forgive me, but I fail to see anything funny ab- Hm? Captain?
(The ninja has turned to see Echo with his unpatched right eye pressed against the wall of bamboo that acts as a divider, chuckling to himself.)
-- Oh, shut up. You knew I was going to. They're in Japan; it's mandatory. Besides, it's not like I'm going into graphic detail of unclothed appearances, so get off my case before I hunt down you and your friends and beat you with oranges. Or kiwis! I have kiwis and I will use them! –The Cap'n --
Medic: Captain, what are you doing!?
Echo: Heh…Enjoyin' the exotic scenery, mate.
Medic: Captain, you must not do that! That is the women's side over there!
Echo: I'd mostly figured that much out meself, lad. Hee hee…this be a side of Colleen I've not seen before! The steam's blockin' most of the view, but even so… Now, if she'd just turn around…
Beast Boy: Hey knock it off!
Echo: Why should I!? Colleen and I are in love! I've got plenty of right to look!
-- Ah, pirate logic… -The Cap'n --
Beast Boy: I said stop it! Terra's over there, too!
Echo: So what? It's not her I'm interested in, now is it?
(Fed up, Beast Boy moves quickly through the water and pulls back a fist behind Echo's head.)
Beast Boy: I said-!
(Echo senses the attack, shifts to the side, then swings back an arm. He grabs the back of Beast Boy's head, then shoves the shape-shifter's face against the hole he had been peeking through.)
Beast Boy: Hey, what do you think you're-! Wow…
Echo: Heh…I told ye!
(Robin had been lost in his own thoughts and not paying much attention to Echo, but now that there are two people near the divider wall, he can't help but notice.)
Robin: Huh? Hey…what do you two think you're doing!?
Medic: Really, that is a very bad idea…
Robin: Echo, Beast Boy, I'm giving you just five seconds to get away from there or-!
Echo: Oh, so ye'd rather not take the opportunity to get a better look at Star?
(Robin stops short and turns slightly red, looking like he is having a mental war between his desire to do what is right, and his recently acquired desire to look.)
Echo: Thought that might give ye pause…Medic, care fer a look?
Medic: No thank you.
(Medic turns away from the rest of them, knowing full well what this activity usually results in, especially in this village.)
Echo: No? Photon, lad, what say ye? Care to get to know Raven a bit better?
Photon: I decline. This is a childish activity, and I am far too intelligent to get myself involved. You, Captain, have been spending too much time with Déjà Vu.
Echo: Ah, suit yerself, then. Cabin Boy, how 'bout ye?
Snap: No…that's…quite…alright…
(The twelve-year-old is facing the other way, red in the face and dry-mouthed at the very thought of what is going on. Cyborg just watches while Robin continues his internal debate and Echo and Beast Boy begin fighting silently over the peep-hole. Cyborg shakes his head, looking embarrassed to know any of them. Meanwhile, on the women's side…)
Penny: By the way, Frost, why do you keep requesting that chap with the specs to call you "Yuki-chan"? You never ask that of any of us.
Frost: Because then it sound like he addressing me fondly.
Penny: Hm?
Frost: I just want Akira-kun love me back… If he refer to me affectionately like that, it at least a start. Even if he not mean it…
Penny: I see… You have my best wishes behind you, Frost, darling. We're in the same boat, you and I. Well, sort of.
Raven: Is this really the time to be relaxing like this? Shouldn't we be looking for these Zodiac people?
Gemini: I don't like the sound of them. They sound strong…and dangerous.
Starfire: Dangerous or not, we shall emerge victorious! Friend Medic is counting on our help! If someone cannot trust their friends, who can they trust?
(For some reason, these words cause Frost to wince as if she has been struck.)
Terra: I'm not afraid! We're on a mountain; plenty of tricks I can show these Zodiac creeps around here!
(She clenches a fist with a determined grin. Just then, a rumbling noise can be heard. The other girls glance up in shock. Raven and Gemini send suspicious looks at Terra.)
Terra: Hey, don't look at me! I'm not doing that!
Frost: Quiet!
(The others turn to her. The kunoichi is standing perfectly still and shifting her gaze around, as though searching for something. Her soft grey eyes steadily move their focus closer and closer to the wall of bamboo. Near it, there is a slight ripple in the water, as if someone had very quietly gotten in, but nothing can be seen. At this, it is Raven who suddenly looks angry.)
Raven: Why that sleazy little-
Frost: There!
(The kunoichi suddenly leaps out of the water and wraps herself in a towel in midair, too fast to be seen. She brings up a hand and points it at the bamboo. The water nearby quickly drops in temperature, then ices over. The wall creaks, then collapses on it's frozen base. Behind it, Beast Boy and Echo look like they have been caught in the middle of trying to shove one another out of the way, hence the rumbling. Robin is halfway to the wall himself, and Medic and the other three are nowhere to be seen, apparently having had the sense to leave. Echo releases Beast Boy's throat and grins nervously.)
Echo: Oh…uh…We were just…uh…just checking on this wall here…Yeah…good, sturdy piece of work, that is…Might want to look into some repairs, though…
Beast Boy: Besides, the steam covered up a lot; we didn't see too much!
(Echo's unpatched eye widens and he cuffs Beast Boy around the head.)
Echo: Shut up, ye addled fool!
(Frost, Terra, and Penny all scream, Starfire turns red and glances downward, and Breezy continues to grin as though nothing is wrong. Gemini has actually turned redder than ever and fainted into the water at the thought of what Echo may have seen. Raven has her eyes shut and fists clenched, trembling all over. The water around her is beginning to bubble and steam more than usual.)
Frost: I no can believe! You…you…you all punish for this!
(Frost gestures her hands again. Robin, Echo, and Beast Boy are find the water around them freezing solid, trapping them in place. Frost then turns and walks right out of the hot spring and back into the house. The other girls cover themselves with towels under the water, then follow her. Breezy and Terra carry the passed-out Gemini between them. Most of the girls return indoors, muttering about how men are all the same. Raven hangs back, turning to glare at the three trapped boys.)
Raven: Just so you know…if you're going to spy on me like that, you should keep something in mind; just because something can't be seen, it doesn't mean its presence can't be sensed.
(Robin and the others raise their eyebrows, confused. Just then, Raven swings her elbow back, hard. There is the sound of an impact, and a gasp of pain behind her, then Photon materializes garbed in a towel, having dropped the hologram that made him invisible. He clutches his stomach where he was hit, then collapses into the water. Raven turns away from him with a loud "Hmph!", tosses her hair, and walks inside.)
Robin: I don't see why I had to get frozen too; I didn't do anything!
Beast Boy: You were about to.
Robin: Yeah, well…
Echo: Never mind! Let's get outta this; it's cold! Hey, Photon, how long ye gonna sleep!? Wake up an' get us out!
(Photon's eyes blink open, and he rises to his feet. He cringes and clutches his stomach as he stands.)
Photon: Ow…that's right…she can sense things…stupid of me to forget…oh, I'm going to catch it from her for this one…
Echo: Quit babblin'! Bust us out!
(Photon lays a hand on the edge of the ice. A red glow issues from his hand, spreads through the frost, and slowly thaws the others out.)
Echo: Thanks fer that, lad. Thought I'd die of hypothermia…So! (laughs) "Childish activity" eh? "Far too intelligent" says ye? Ha ha ha!
(Photon's skin turns a light shade of pink, then he crosses his arms and looks away.)
Photon: Oh, shut up…
(The four head inside and get dressed. Upon returning to the main part of the house, Robin, Beast Boy and Echo receive a thorough earful from Mikiko while Medic translates, looking embarrassed for his friends.)
Mikiko: "What did you three think you were doing!? Have you no shame whatsoever!?"
Frost: "I am sorry to have broken the barrier, Mikiko-san."
Mikiko: "Perfectly alright, Yukiko-dono. You performed as you should have. I would have expected no less of you. And I would expect better from those my son counts as friends!"
Frost: I strongly disapprove of ecchi activity! Please let me explain why…
Medic: Er, no, Yukiko-san, I believe my friends have learned their lesson! I am certain that their minds were simply affected by the steam, and I know they are bright enough not to repeat their actions!
(Frost smiles and steps away from the other three.)
Frost: If Akira-kun says so…
(Medic steps close to them and speaks in a whisper.)
Medic: You will thank me for that. Once she gets started on that "ecchi things are bad" speech, she goes on for hours.
Robin: We'll take your word for it. Thanks.
-- "Ecchi" is more Japanese. It means "perverted". Fans of the "Automatic Maiden" series will get why this is funny. – The Cap'n --
(The three boys quickly apologize to their girlfriends, who forgive them readily enough, though Terra does threaten to have Beast Boy fixed if he pulls the same stunt again. Echo has to reassure Gemini at least twenty times that he didn't really see anything before she calms down. Photon, meanwhile, has gotten Raven alone in a corner to speak in private.)
Photon: "The three of you"? So…?
(Raven crosses her arms and refuses to look at him, but answers the question.)
Raven: No, I didn't tell them. …But maybe I should, just to teach you a lesson.
(Photon quickly raises his hands in a halting gesture.)
Photon: Er, no, that's alright, there's no need to trouble them further…
Raven: Hmph…
Photon: Sigh Really, I'm sorry. It was childish and stupid, and I promise never to do it again. Forgive me?
(Raven finally turns to him.)
Raven: If you think I'm going to let you off the hook that easily-
(Photon cuts her off as he pulls out his secret weapon; he forms his hologram around himself and puts on the most charming expression he can manage.)
Photon: Very well, I concede. Do with me as you will. There are far worse fates I could endure than being tortured by one so beautiful…
Raven: Flattery will get you nowhere, Gabriel.
(Even as she says this, Raven's expression suddenly changes to one that tells all watching that flattery works just fine and she has forgiven him. Medic's mother then calls for everyone's attention and asks that they follow her. Mikiko leads them to another room with a low table surrounded by small cushions. The table is laden with silver-covered dishes. Seated at one of the cushions is a man with his nose in a newspaper, dressed in a loose-fitting blue martial arts robe. He glances up when everyone enters, and smiles. He has short, black hair, and thick glasses, though not as thick as Medic's. His dark brown eyes can be clearly seen through the lenses. He stands and bows to everyone.)
Hiroshi: "Hello, and welcome to our home! I am Igaku Hiroshi of Fubuki Village Shinobi Corps, Intermediate Class. Akira, my son, I am happy to see you doing well; you have clearly been living with some most excellent friends."
Medic: "Er…yes."
(Medic translates to the others, then everyone takes a different seat around the table. Medic, his parents, and Frost all take the formal seiza sitting position. The other Titans try their best at the complicated position, but only a few of them are able to come close to achieving it without looking like they are in pain. Mikiko gives an understanding smile.)
Mikiko: "Please do not force yourselves. You are not diplomats, you are guests; there is no need to stand on protocol. Make yourselves comfortable!"
(Medic gives another translation, and looks of relief spread around the room. Everyone settles into a more relaxed position.)
Mikiko: "Now, with that settled, please eat as much as you wish! Our son has returned; this is a night of celebration!"
(Mikiko lifts the silver covers off the numerous plates, revealing an impressive spread of food. Cyborg glances around at everything, and gets a worried expression. On the table, there are cucumber rolls, vegetable stir-fry, a bowl of lychees, udon noodles, and an enormous amount of steamed rice, but…)
Cyborg: Where's the meat!?
Medic: Ah…Many apologies my friend…but my family is strictly vegetarian. None of us have ever eaten any kind of meat, and as our sudden appearance in this village was unexpected…
Beast Boy: Hey, I got no problem with it!
Cyborg: You wouldn't…
(Medic and all others of Asian origin pick up their chopsticks and speak as one.)
All: "Thank you for the food."
Beast Boy: Uh…yeah…"Itamaki-what's-it-called"…what they said!
(As everyone begins to eat, another problem arises when nearly everyone struggles with the proper use of chopsticks. Robin is one of the first to really get the hang of it. Penny soon follows, partially owing to her three-year friendship with Frost, partially owing to her luck. Medic fights to suppress a chuckle as he watches Beast Boy spear a cucumber roll on the end of one stick, and proceed to eat it like a shish-kebob. Raven and Photon succeed in bypassing the middleman by way of their magic; Raven's chopsticks are covered by a thin layer of shadows while tiny bubbles of light wrap around the ends of Photon's. Using this method, the two are able to eat without ever once raising a hand. Noticing this, Echo grins over at Photon.)
Echo: That's called cheatin' mate.
(The light sorcerer glances up, then smiles shrewdly.)
Photon: Well, as I'm still a member of your crew, that still makes me a pirate; we don't play by the rules, correct Captain?
(Echo flinches as if someone had just dropped a safe on his head. Robin and Snap laugh hysterically at the sight of the red-haired pirate being outfoxed by his first mate. Meanwhile, near the other end of the table, Cyborg and Breezy appear to have gotten into an eating contest. While not a fan of vegetarian cooking, Cyborg is still able to eat quite a bit since there is no tofu involved. As their competition starts off, the two are eating at a frightening pace, downing bowl after bowl without even bothering to chew. Quite soon, over half the stir-fry and cucumber rolls are gone, as well as every bite of the udon. By this point, Cyborg is still trying to keep up, though he is starting to sweat, while Breezy is so relaxed, it is as if she has yet to swallow a single mouthful. Almost everyone else is now watching this interesting show with expressions torn between awe and fright. Beast Boy and Penny can be seen in the background, cheering loudly, and each waving a flag with their respective teammate's likeness. Echo and Terra place a quick bet on the outcome, each wagering ten dollars. Finally, however, Cyborg slumps forward on the table, eyes blanked out, barely conscious owing to the pain in his gut.)
Cyborg: (thinking) What is she…?
(Terra grins and puts out a hand.)
Terra: Ten bucks; cough up.
Echo: Grr…fine, ye win this time…eh? Breezy, lass, the contest's over; ye can stop now.
(Breezy glances up with a halfway-surprised look in her blue eyes, and answers clearly even with her mouth packed to exploding point.)
Breezy: Huh? "Contest"? What do you mean? I don't want to compete in anything until I'm done eating!
(Even Medic's parents, who don't speak more than two words of English, fall over in shock at this one. Penny slides sideways into the scene with twin streams of tears trickling down her face.)
Penny: She always eats like this, but she never gains an ounce; it's so unfair!
(Breezy swallows another huge mouthful, then looks around for something else. Spying some type of green substance, she seizes an amount about as big as a heaping tablespoon and raises it too her lips. Frost spots this and reaches a hand towards the wind wielder in alarm.)
Frost: Breezy-chan, stop! That is-!
(The warning comes too late, and Breezy swallows. Seconds after, a red glow forms at the neckline of her uniform and begins to rise like a rapidly-heating thermometer, until it reaches the top of her forehead. Images of flame spring up in Breezy's eyes, then her mouth opens and she spews forth an actual stream of fire across the table, made worse by the fact that her surprise at the food's spicy temperature has caused her to release a burst of air from her mouth at the same time, thus adding fuel to the fire. Frost, who is seated at the other end of the table, quickly leaps to her feet. She sucks in a huge breath, then, with a loud exhale, expels a cloud of white mist from her mouth. The mist intercepts the flame, pushing it back down Breezy's throat, then frosts over the inside of her mouth with a thin layer of ice. Breezy's eyes form the smile expression.)
Breezy: (muffled) 'Ank 'oo!!
Beast Boy: Geez…what'd she eat!?
Medic: Wasabi. Extremely spicy, especially for those who are not accustomed to it.
Raven: No kidding…
Breezy: C'n I 'ave s'more? Ish goooooood!
(There is a collective sweatdrop.)
Snap: She's our friend, and we love her, but she is an odd one!
(Shortly after, Mikiko begins clearing the dishes away, and Hiroshi heads upstairs to prepare beds for everyone. Beast Boy pats his stomach and gives a contented sigh.)
Beast Boy: Ahhh…that was great! I haven't eaten that much since the two-for-one deal on vegetarian at the pizza parlor…
(Medic glances over at one end of the room and his expression brightens.)
Medic: Ah, here we go! This should be good for some post-meal entertainment.
(The ninja doctor walks over to where he has been looking and returns carrying some type of wooden box, which he sets on the table.)
Medic: Photon, come have a look. You may find this interesting.
Photon: Is that so? And what have we here?
(The sorcerer examines the box, the top of which has a shiny, polished surface that is covered with nineteen-by-nineteen rows of boxes that are etched into the wood. Medic walks back to where he found the box again and returns bearing two small, wooden bowls. Inside one bowl are several handfuls of smooth, round black stones. Inside the other bowl, the same contents, but colored white.)
Medic: I know how you like strategy games; have you ever played Go?
Photon: Go where?
Medic: No, my friend, that is the name of the game. It is played by…
(Medic gives a briefing on the rules of Go, which cannot be put here as it is very long, difficult to understand without visualization, and rather boring.)
-- The description of the rules is boring, true enough, but the game itself is really quite a lot of fun. Try it yourself sometime. – The Cap'n --
Photon: Hmmm…Sounds like something worth a try. How about it Raven? What would you say to a game?
Raven: Okay. I assume you'll be playing white as usual?
Photon: No, I think I'll take black this time. Who knows? It might just give me the edge I need to finally beat you!
(Raven puts on a competitive grin.)
Raven: Not if I can help it. (thinking) This is much better. Now he's acting more like the Gabriel I know. Maybe this is just the thing to get his mind off this new training kick.
Medic: Very well. Black plays first. Begin.
(The game begins as Photon places a stone on one of the intersecting lines of the board. Medic corrects his form in placing the stone, then Raven takes her turn. Robin excuses himself from the room, and follows the staircase to get a look at the upper levels of the house. Finally reaching the top of the stairs, some six floors later, Robin finds that the long climb ends in a closed door. He glances behind, shrugs his shoulders, and steps through the door. He finds himself outside, standing atop a snow-covered balcony on the roof of the house. He looks out across the village, gazing at the setting sun far off in the distance. Lowering his gaze to the quiet village below, Robin frowns. He shivers as a gust of wind blows through and turns around to go back inside when he runs into Starfire, who had just appeared behind him.)
Robin: Oh, uh…hi, Star. What's up?
Starfire: I came to ask the same of you. Robin, what troubles you? You are acting distracted and "on the edge."
(Robin sighs, then points out across Fubuki Village.)
Robin: Look out there. Just look at it.
(Starfire glances out at where Robin is gesturing and smiles.)
Starfire: Yes. It is a beautiful sunset; this village is most peaceful.
Robin: That's just it! This place is supposed to be under siege! How can it be so peaceful!? Why would the village leader and the elite of their warriors leave on a diplomatic mission now of all times!? And, as long as we've been here, nobody has mentioned the Zodiac even once! Something doesn't add up…
Starfire: I do not fully understand it…but from what friend Medic has been telling me, ninja specialize in deception. Perhaps it is the Zodiac's intention to mislead us into lowering our guard, so they may strike while we are unprepared?
Robin: Maybe…but I'm not so sure that's the case…
Starfire: Whether it is or is not, it makes little difference; we will find a way to save this village. There has never been a situation we could not overcome together, and this will be no different.
(The Boy Wonder glances over at her and smiles.)
Robin: That confidence of yours never falters, does it?
Starfire: I have many new reasons to fight, Robin…
(The Tameranean embraces Robin, then plants a soft kiss on his lips. After breaking contact, she holds the embrace and turns to gaze out at the village once more.)
Starfire: It is quiet…
Robin: Yeah… You want to stay up here for a bit?
Starfire: Are you not cold?
Robin: I was…but I think I can handle it now.
(About thirty minutes after, Robin and Starfire return downstairs. Raven and Photon are nearing the end of their game. A few of the others are gathered around the board, watching the game, and everyone else is sitting near the table with Frost. The kunoichi has one hand placed against some type of metal instrument resembling a cheese grater, and is exerting her power through this, the process making for instant shaved ice. She is holding this set-up over a shallow glass dish, and further down the table, identical dishes can be seen surrounding small bottles of different colored liquids.)
Robin: So…what's this?
Frost: Shave ice. You want?
Gemini: Try it; it's really good! The flavors are all over here.
(Gemini indicates the bottles of liquid as she pours a pink one over her own bowl of ice. Breezy is seen nearby, surrounded by a large pile of empty dishes, munching on a bowl of lime-flavored ice. Robin shrugs and steps over to get a dish of ice from Frost. Starfire floats up behind Raven to look at the Go board. The game has ended, and Raven and Photon are now counting up points. Photon stares at the board for a moment, then grins.)
Photon: Black has thirty-six points, and white has thirty-four. Looks like I win by two points, Raven.
Medic: Ah…actually…not exactly.
Photon: What do you mean?
Medic: Well, you see…since black has the advantage of playing on the first turn, white is awarded a compensation of five and a half points that we call komi. So, in reality…with komi, Raven wins by three and a half points. I am sorry my friend; I should have told you about this before.
(Photon is expressionless, sitting in stunned silence. Raven steps around the board and puts an arm around him.)
Raven: Don't worry about it. If you'd known about the extra points, you would have won anyway.
Photon: Yeah…
Raven: Hey, come on! Don't get upset! Listen, if it'll make you feel better, I'll…I'll try to teach you another one of my abilities.
Photon: You will!?
Robin: It'll have to wait. Everyone get to bed. I want everybody up early so we can start tracking these Zodiac people. The sooner we deal with them, the better.
Beast Boy: Aw, do we have to? I'm having fun!
Robin: Sorry, Beast Boy, but this is business. We're not here to have fun.
Echo: Aye-aye, lad! Photon, Medic, Cabin Boy! To the sleepin' quarters with the lot of ye! Go on, move!
(Everyone heads upstairs to the rooms that have been prepared. Perhaps it is just because of the fiasco in the hot springs earlier, but Medic's parents strictly forbid any two people of opposite gender to share a room that night.)
-- Ha! Man, that was fun! For those who are curious, the name of Medic's father is just a random Japanese name I pulled out of a hat. Medic's mother was named as a tribute to the fine lady who taught me to speak Japanese. The name of Medic's great-great-grandfather, Kiseki, is the Japanese word for "miracle". And the clan name, Igaku, means "medicine" Anyway, two bits of good news for my fans! First, I've found an ideal candidate to be the cook for my pirate crew! Now, it's just a matter of convincing him. Well, he'll come around in the end. More important, my Ship's Artist, the ever-helpful Kasumi-Chan has agreed to draw out my Teen Titans OC's and post them online. Now, she did not say when she would do it, so don't hassle me about that. Send me reviews, and I can at least say where they will be posted. Next chapter, we shall search around town and find this elusive Zodiac Clan! Tune in, bilgerats!! - The Cap'n --