Chapter 9- "Are we friends?"

Robin/Richard

The day after Kasanoda's moe scene wasn't so comfortable for me. I walked to each of my classes as usual but I was still quite awkward with the situation floating around in my head. Haruhi is a girl. My mind was contemplating on my morals while the heart was torn in two. I liked being friends with Haruhi but knowing he was actually a she, I didn't feel as if we wouldn't be able to talk anymore. No one was supposed to know the secret, especially a bunch of newbies. Garfield didn't seem shocked at the fact and Rachel didn't really care either way, not looking to make friends. I regarded on whether or not if I should tell Haruhi I know. My legs shook as I sat at my desk, anticipating the twins to arrive first and then her. My head was dripping with sweat, I have no idea why I was so no nervous. Was it because I really wanted to remain friends? Was it because I was hoping she wouldn't be upset? She didn't seem too upset when Kasanoda found out, heck she didn't even get mad when he accidentally walked in on her changing her clothes. Or at least that's what I was thinking. The rest of the host club didn't seem to mind having him around after his obvious rejection. I also pitied the guy, that doesn't mean we need to be friends but I didn't mind him either.

Here I am, in class, anxious for her arrival. I glance at the door every now and then before I flip our textbook to a random page. I look at the contents of each page, not really sinking in the words, only listening. Listening for the chattering of two twins, obnoxiously loud and open. And then the faint foot steps of their quiet friend, Haruhi. I wait for another moment before actually thinking about how I would approach him, um her. I jotted down my thoughts onto a scrap of paper as the teacher walked through the door. The twins came in soon after, bounding off to their desks. They were relieved they weren't late yet. Each of them then realized, Haruhi got left behind. Their faces turned pale as a few moments past and Haruhi slid in through the door, panting as she tried to catch her breath.

"You guys," she breathed in huffs as she crawled to her desk. "I can't believe you just took off! Wait, never mind, I would believe it but still!" She caught her breath once she sat down, the teacher giving her a look that she should've just walked and gotten here much quieter. The twins apologized and the teacher began the lessons for today. I tried to pay attention but my eyes kept wandering to the back of the class. Kaoru was writing down notes while Hikaru tried talking with Haruhi, who deeply concentrated on the teacher. I turned back to the piece of paper I had on my desk. It still read aloud to me of what I wanted to say to her while the back of my mind was telling me not to worry about it. I glanced once more to the back, this time Hikaru was taking notes while Kaoru tried to make Haruhi smile. Just like the first time, Haruhi was still focused on the lesson. I admired her concentration and the twins for their persistence. I wrote down some of the last notes as the bell to end class rung. I walked outside, waiting near the door for Haruhi. I held the small scrap paper in my hand, hoping that I could somehow form words when I see her.

"Hey Richard, how are you?" It was the most innocent question but it still made me lose the ability to speak. The twins were behind her, glaring at me, seeing me as their personal target. I grabbed Haruhi by the arm and led her to near the bathrooms. I stopped and pointed at the men's door. She looked at me confused, tilting her head slightly. She asked me, "Do you need to go? Do you need help?" I groaned in annoyance as my mouth continued not to work.

"I know." It came out as a whisper, barely audible but clearly heard. She laughed and smiled at me.

"Is that all?" She wasn't trying to mock me. She probably thought it was ridiculous of how I was acting. Some new transfer, trying to tell her that they now know her secret and she couldn't care less. I felt relief wash over me as she didn't become angered. I guess I was just being silly.

"So are we, um still friends?" I asked just to make sure. "Just so you know, it might take me a while to get used to you, um you know, being a girl and all." I whispered the last part, hoping no one else would hear.

"Of course we are, no reason to not be. I guess that's fine, just know that I am the same person, boy or girl." She smiled at me as she turned to head to her next class. Before she got too far, she turned back to me and whispered loudly, "I use the host club's private bathrooms so don't worry about that." She giggled before scurrying off.

Raven/Rachel

Training has been going well, Nekozawa is steadily progressing and putting in great effort. I have to keep watch over him to make sure he doesn't exert his power and accidentally set the darkness free. I am also slowly gaining back my power, helping Nekozawa understand the spells better. With this amount of progress, we may be able to return home sooner than I anticipated. Sadness creeps up on me when I think about having to leave me. I have never made any friends other than the titans before. Being able to be seen as an equal and a friend here at the black magic club, I was quite content. I am disheartened but not depressed, both parties will not forget the other and with this, I am happy.

Today was one of the intense exercises I had planned. I hope to successfully transport a few textbooks to and from our worlds. Depending on the effects and transportation, we may be able to successfully transfer ourselves solely on Nekozawa's power. Then again, if the test goes horribly wrong or he can't endure it for very long and the darkness overcomes him, we will have to wait much longer. It has already been many months since we have last seen home. I waited for classes to end so I could be the first to arrive at my club's room. Once the bell rang, I rushed out and kept a fast walking pace to one of the many hidden entrances to the black magic club. I maneuvered through the halls as if I knew them like the back of my hand.

I arrived at the main room for our spell practices. I prepared the floor for my spell and waited for Nekozawa as I placed a few books on the circles surrounding the main key circle for the transferring of dimensions. Garfield arrived first, getting to work quickly on how to help beginners endure a simple spell for a longer time. He would have to find some kind of potion to concur and give to Nekozawa. The task is extremely important and would help him perform the necessary spell flawlessly and get us home all at once. It is a lot to ask of a friend I have only known for a few months but he doesn't seem to mind.

Nekozawa arrived out of nowhere once Garfield found what he needed. "Working hard, aren't we?" Nekozawa giggled in an unknown pitch as he walked behind Garfield. Garfield jumped in surprise, yelping from the scare of the sudden appearance of Nekozawa.

"Stop creeping up me dude! Rae can we get him a bell or something!" Garfield probably would've turned into a cat if he had his powers right now.

"No, both of you get back to researching." Nekozawa headed toward me and Garfield waited for him to get a certain distance before returning his focus to his book of potions. "Today we are going to work on intensity and endurance for your training." He nodded at me as I gave him the goal of this lesson and the outcomes that could happen. He wore a determined expression as he approached the circle and placed his hands together. Repeating my infamous incantation, a black portal was opened. The books slowly slipped through the ground, disappearing into the pitch black ground. Smoke soon appeared once the books fell through completely. I told Nekozawa to not stop and to return the textbooks back to this world. Not only were they not my books but I needed to see the condition of each of the books. Nekozawa nodded slowly as he started up the spell once again. Sweat began to slide down his face as light cracked through floor. Booming noises could be heard throughout the room as light struck around randomly. The books were inching upwards, floating above the floor.

"Nekozawa! Stop!" His eyes were beginning to take a dark color. I rushed to him, using what little power I had regained to bring his remaining consciousness forth and stop the dimension's darkness from seeping through. He jolted awake as if he were in a trance. The smoke began to fade and the portal disappeared along with the flashing light and roaring thunder. Nekozawa dropped to his knees, gasping for air. I crouched down to him, holding him gently. He must be traumatized from experiencing a piece of my life. The books were undamaged but Nekozawa's mental state was depleting. Nekozawa regained the shine in his eyes as he looked up at me.

He began to cry as he apologized over and over to me, holding me tightly. I shushed him and said he had nothing to be sorry for. He sat up and grabbed my face with his cold, pale hands. "I'm sorry I'm not strong enough, I'm sorry that I almost gave into the abyss. I will try harder and get you all home safely." I sat there as he hugged me once more. He stood up and collected the books. "These are yours, I believe." He stacked the books at my usual spot on the table. The sudden sound of books being dropped, scared the skittish Garfield. Nekozawa laughed solemnly at Garfield's reaction. Garfield was about to tell him off but before he could he say his face, reflecting the sadness in his eyes, Garfield silenced himself and got back to work. I got up from the floor and followed Nekozawa. He walked through the mysterious halls and found a door I did not see on the map. I turned back, assuming I was not allowed inside. He pulled me back and led me into the room.

It was dark per usual but slightly lighter. Purple walls covering the basic style of the room. A dim light on the ceiling to give us some ability to see what was inside. Some cups were set on the small table, seating pillows underneath. He invited me to sit and I did. I sipped some of the freshly brewed tea. I had no idea when he had all of this set up but it was quite nice. It was small but quaint and almost reminded me of my room back home. I glanced around, not noticing Nekozawa stare. I finally caught his gaze and he quickly looked away.

The silence was broken once he opened his mouth. "I don't want you to go home." I remained composed, waiting for him to continue. "The club has never made this much progress in the dark arts before and each of the members are quite fond you The host club also enjoys the rest of your friends, I'm sure. I just wish for us to still be able to see you. I do you wish to help you return but I still want to visit. I would like for you and your friends to visit us as much as possible. This room and a few others were recently created to accommodate your stay, not needing you to stay with a fake relative. I would like for you to promise me that you will visit. I do not wish to lose a good friend like you."

Tears were reaching my eyes but I held them back. I, too, wanted to come back but Robin as do the rest of us know we have a job to keep jump city safe. I nodded, hoping we really would have free time to come back to this dimension and visit our beloved friends. Nekozawa smiled sincerely and drank the rest of his tea. We headed back to the main room and sat at the large table Garfield had not left once. I smiled at his efforts for taking responsibility and I took a look at the books that were placed there not too long ago. None of them were singed, torn, or missing any pages. I sighed in relief and put them away near the exit.

Cyborg/Victor

Raven informed me of her progress but I didn't know how to feel about it. On one hand, I get to my T-car and my T-jet again! On the other, I have to leave this place where I have learned so much in computers and engineering. I also made some friends because I now have a normal body. I was surprised when they said they would still be my friends even if I was mostly robot. To them, they said it would just make me cooler. I was moved by their heartfelt words and didn't feel like leaving the amazing school. But Robin and I know that we have to return to our world. Raven said she would on a way to let us visit this dimension once in a while and I was ecstatic to know that we have a chance at coming back.

"Vic, yo! Are you there?" A tan hand waved in front of my face, bringing me back to the moment. "Geez, you looked like you saw a ghost. You alright?" Sarah looked at me with concern. Everyday after school we would challenge each other to create new technology within an hour. Sometimes they came out crappy, sometimes they were brilliant but incomplete. Yesterday we worked together for three hours and made a working hovercraft. It was pretty awesome until Garfield found us and asked to drive it. He crashed it. I wasn't too mad about it but Sarah hit a couple times before forgiving him for the lost cause. I loved my mechanical engineering class, I wish I could bring some of them back to my world. We could invent amazing things together and advance the technology of my dimension 15% faster. Everyone's loves would improve and the teen titans would have awesome new gadgets. Of course I would only bring the smartest and most determined with me. Sarah would probably pound me if I didn't let her tag along. Raven said no when I asked if I could bring some friends so in the end, all of this thinking is for nothing.

"I'm fine." I smiled tenderly at the only female friend I have other than the titans. She looked at me concerned, not believing my answer. I laughed effortlessly and the teacher shushed me. Sarah then mocked me for not paying attention for the first hour of class. She handed me her notes and got out a piece of paper to keep copying down the teacher's lesson. I whispered a quick thank you and began to jot down her notes onto my own paper. Her boyish handwriting making me chuckle. At least I could read it.

After class, she chased me down and handed the other part of the notes I had missed. I smiled and thanked her while I have her back the paper I had already copied. She reminded me that we still have to get together after school and try to make the hover board again. I replied that it would be a piece of cake. As she turned to leave, I couldn't help but pull back as if this would be the last moment I would see her again. She asked me what was wrong and I didn't speak. I hugged her before letting go and said nothing. Smiling, I ran to my next class. There's no way we would forget each other. And there's no way I'm saying goodbye. She hates saying goodbye and I should know better than to worry her. I shook my head as I head as I headed to my last class. We'll always be friends no matter what.

Beast boy/Garfield

She won't stop chasing me! Ah! Every time I turn around, she pops out of nowhere like a freaking ghost. I don't know how much more my body can take. I feel like I could have a heart attack at any second. I have to run to each I my classes in order to avoid her. I think she's still mad about me not being a good host. It also might be because Raven shut a door in her face. Whatever the reason, I felt no need to try and make it better. I wish I could turn into a small rat and sneak through the doors.

She was different from the old Terra. It only hurts me every time I look at her. I race to the black magic club after school to help Rae. I have no desire to stay here any longer. The twins are still fun but I need more than that to motivate me to stay here. Nekozawa has been getting better at transporting objects in between our dimensions. I hope to return home soon. I want to see our city. I want to smell our greasy air again. I want to taste my favorite pizza parlor. I want to hear the seagulls that hang around the tower. I sighed as I left through one of the common exits of the black magic club.

Kyoya approached me once he saw me walking through the host club's main room. I have been skipping out on host duties lately but its for something important, maybe he'll understand. He strolled up to me and clicked his pen.

"Mr. Garfield, I do hope you know the cause for that young lady's demoralization. I want you to take care of it immediately. She has been occupying one of our tables for hours." He pointed to my old hosting table. A girl had her head placed on the table, her arms covering her cheeks, allowing her head to rest on them. Her blonde hair sprawled all out, covering her eyes. I walked over to the table, snoring could be heard as I sat in front of her. I wasn't sure what to do so I moved some of her hair to see her face. Yikes! It was Terra! She found me, wait she's still asleep. I guess her snoring habit hasn't changed. I smiled at her relaxed state. I petted her softly, waiting for her to wake up. I guess we could start over and try to be friends. After a while, she awoke with drool stuck to her lip. She wiped it off as sluggishly as possible. She wasn't a lady when her friends were around. She was more...Terra. I felt relieved that her personality wasn't totally gone. Kyoya came up to us once she woke up, he kindly asked us to leave since it was way over club hours.

We walked outside and chatted. She more calm-like and less aggressive. We chatted for a long time and it seemed like days. Her food preferences were slightly different but she still the same person. Robin called me once it got closer to sundown. I told him I'd be home soon and with that, I ended our chit-chat. Neither of us felt like saying good-bye but I knew I had to let her go, again. It would've been a lot easier for me to leave before I got to know her. I don't regret it though. Now I have a reason to come back.

Starfire/Kori

Earlier that morning, Granny told us that our parents would come by to pick us up. I assume the real grandchildren know this and have already made preparations. We each hugged Granny and thanked her for kindness and her sweet hospitality. We gave our farewells as we headed out for school.

"I do not wish to leave!" My new friend, Renge hung onto me. It has been many months since we have been brought here by the mishap of Raven's spell. I held my dear friend tightly as I cried in sorrow. I will miss my friends here and I do not wish for them to forget me. Renge blew her nose as she angrily yelled at Robin for being a monster and taking me away. Robin ignored her and let us carry-on our goodbyes. "Good-bye my dear friend! I will never forget you, Renge! I will come to visit when I can!" All of the clients of the host club gathered for a group hug and comforted me. I do not like good-byes but it does not mean I will never see them again. I wiped my eyes and waved them good bye as I walked into the black magic club room.

I stood at one of the circles as the rest did the same. Raven stood near Nekozawa and both began the spell after drinking a small potion.

"Azarath Metrion Zinthos," these words were repeated as the ground began to crack. I hoped for the spell to be over soon but it wasn't as easy to do it as our world.

Raven/Rachel

The power was so intense like as if I had never done this before. I hated feeling so weak, my willpower pushing the titans through the portal. Nekozawa was also straining as he helped me send my friends and I home. I could my feet sink into the ground, slowly at first and then rushed. We were soon progressing and I was confident that this transportation would be possible.

Suddenly, we were gone.

Voices surrounded me. My head hurt like hell. I groaned and sat up. Bumblebee stood over me, her eyes filled with concern as she checked us out.

"You guys came out of nowhere! We just searched the building and on our second time, we heard a loud crash. I hope you guys didn't have any injuries coming back." She looked over us once more before nodding and walking out and calling out to the titans east.

I looked around as I stood up from the floor. I was in my room again. The others were slowly waking up. Their powers returned to them and my dark powers worked. Cyborg was a cyborg and Beast boy was green. Robin was already up since he didn't have to go through a dramatic change through dimensions. Bumblebee and Aqualad came into the room and asked us what happened. I told them the story as simply as I could. They said there was no way that we were gone for so long. What was months to us was days to them. It felt like we haven't been home in forever. They said they came over because they wanted Cyborg's assistance on setting up their tower again. After a few missed calls they came over at the end of the week to discover us missing and then crashing into the room passed out. They said they were able to handle the crime while we were gone but that they had to home soon. I thanked them for watching over both cities and kicked everyone out of my room once they awoke.

I laid on my bed as I sighed heavily. I already missed being able to see that stupid school. Suddenly, there was a quick flash. I hopped off the side of my bed and looked to the floor. My book that got us into the whole mess had returned. I laughed silently as I picked it up. Another flash appeared and disappeared, this time leaving a note and a yellow rose. I picked up the rose and placed it on my bedside table. I opened the note and read it to myself.

To the Teen Titans,

Hope you all made it home safely! We already miss you guys. ~Love Daddy a.k.a Tamaki

Thanks for making this year interesting! Visit soon!~ The Hitachiin twins

Please come again and be sure to be efficient when you do. -Kyoya

Don't forget to bring cake! Also, Mori misses you guys as well! ~Honey and Mori

Hello, Titans. Please visit again, your rooms are still lonely. Hope to see you soon. ~Nekozawa
P.S. Rachel or Miss Raven, please do not forget to bring another one of your delightful books.

I smiled at the note, deciding to put it on the fridge in the morning. I was calculating the time difference between both dimensions and analyzing if it was possible to switch between dimensions and complete our high school lives. I wonder if the other titans would like to come along. What if we brought our friends here? Would they come and be normal or gain powers? All of this thinking left me tired. I drifted off to sleep thinking of all of the new adventures we could have together with our new friends.