Robin paced around the Titan's Tower, frustrated as he made his rounds. "Two weeks," he muttered. "She shows up, proves he's here, then there's nothing for two weeks. What's going on?!" He continued, eyes narrowed.

"Perhaps it would be best if you came and had something to eat," Starfire said, holding up a slice of pizza. Everyone but Raven was sitting on the couch, eating their meal while Robin kept walking by the large window of their living room. Raven, who was silently meditating, opened her eyes to look at the boy. "Starfire's right. If you want to think more clearly, you need to have dinner." Beast-Boy nodded. "Yeah, man. When did you last eat?" Robin scratched his head. "This morning. I think."

"Dude. Have some pizza, please." Cyborg said sternly. Huffing, Robin made his way to the couch, plopping onto it as he grabbed a slice from the box. Chewing, he thought more on their situation. This girl, Mira, had a habit of stealing technology or cash every couple of days. Since her first appearance in Jump City, she hadn't gone more than a week without doing so. Then, she revealed her allegiance to Slade, and that's when everything got way more serious. But that was two weeks ago, and there had been no sign of her or her master. It was driving the boy crazy. And his friends could tell.

Raven lowered her hood, looking at Robin. "Robin. We'll figure this out. But we have to wait." The boy sighed, putting down the rest of his pizza.

"She was right," he said quietly. Starfire cocked her head. "Who was right?" She asked. Robin leaned over, putting his elbows on his knees as he lowered his head. "Mira. She was right about us. No matter what happens, Slade is always one step ahead of us, and then people get hurt." Beast-Boy frowned, shoulders slumping. "Like Terra." Robin nodded.

"And now he's got this girl. We were too late, and now she's with him." Robin ran a hand through his hair.

"Man, we don't even know if there was any way to prevent that. Don't blame yourself. What matters right now is getting those two away from each other. We'll just have to keep our eyes open," Cyborg said, sliding a bag of bread-sticks nearer to Robin. The boy took one, nodding. "Yeah. Okay."

1 week earlier...

"Calm yourself, Apprentice," Slade said softly. Mira swallowed, trying to stop herself from wringing her hands as she took a shaky breath. She settled on just stiffly putting them to her sides, hoping that her anxiety would leave her as they waited.

Some people Slade contacted days earlier would be there any minute now, and Mira was more than nervous about meeting them. Her master said he had spoken with some old tutors of his, who referred him to some "monks" who specialized in power like hers. That was about all the information she could get out of him. Now, they were going to come to give her more specific instruction that Slade could not. And it was making her incredibly anxious.

"You are worried, Apprentice," her master spoke, eyes still ahead at the door they faced. Mira gulped. "Yes, Master."

"Breathe. There is nothing to be frightened of. So long as I'm here, no harm will come to either you or me."

She nodded, breath hitching as she inhaled. "Breathe, breathe..." she thought to herself, closing her eyes for a moment.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Her eyes flew open as Slade pressed a button on his wrist, allowing the door to slide away. On the other side were two people, an old man and a woman. They stepped inside, the door closing after them. They were some of the most peculiar people Mira had ever seen.

The man was slightly hunched and he walked with a knobbly cane of fine wood. His long graying hair was tied up into a bun behind him and his white and silver robes fell to the floor just above his sandaled feet. Intricate designs were woven into his clothing, curving and twisting at the cuffs and hems. But it was his grey, piercing eyes that caught Mira the most. They glanced around the room, once locking with hers before moving to her master. He walked closer, stopping to stand a few feet from them. The woman followed, silently gliding behind her companion.

Their guests bowed their heads in greeting, then straightened to face their hosts. Slade too bowed, and Mira hurriedly copied her master's movement, glancing around as she did.

"Master Okaulu, Master Rikaea. So glad you could make it," Slade said. "We would hate to miss an opportunity like this. It's our pleasure," the man answered.

Slade put a hand on Mira's shoulder. "This is my apprentice, Mira." The old man turned to her, giving a small bow. "So good to meet you, my dear. I look forward to learning more with you." Mira nodded, weakly smiling as she returned the gesture. "Why don't we find a more comfortable place to talk?" Slade said, gesturing down the hallway. The man nodded.

Together they walked to a lounge room that Mira and Slade had prepared for their meeting. Two couches with a table in between set with herbal teas awaited them as they took their seats, their guests on one side, themselves on the other. The older man-Okaulu-took a sip of his tea quietly. Mira sat, feeling rather awkward as no one spoke.

Okaulu put his cup down gently, eyes closed for a moment before he looked at Mira. "I wonder if you understand the purpose of our meeting today, young one," he spoke. It wasn't a question, more like a statement. She shook her head. He hummed.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Master Okaulu of Stoikeo. This is my friend and colleague, Master Rikea," he said, gesturing to the woman beside him. Instead of waving or smiling, she sat stiffly, barely raising an eyebrow. Mira gave a small nod. "We understand you have...unique abilities," Okaulu conversed. She nodded again.

"Could you elaborate?" He inquired gently. Mira swallowed, looking down at her hands. "I can control water," she said. "How so?" The man asked. "Well...I can make it move when I want it to. I can walk on it, breathe in it..." she continued.

"Care to demonstrate?" Okaulu asked, motioning to a glass of water by the teapot. Mira licked her lips, stretching forth a hand. She coaxed the liquid from the cup, making it twist and turn inches above the container before guiding it back. The man smiled. "Mira, what if I were to tell you you aren't alone in this expertise?"

She thought for a moment. "I don't know if I'd be too surprised, sir. With the capabilities some of the world's heroes have, it would seem illogical to believe otherwise." Okaulu chuckled. "A wise answer. Let me tell you about what I do," he said with a light smile. "Master Rikea and I spend our time teaching other gifted youth like you how to better use their abilities. While Slade has taught you well given his experience, we could show you the full expanse of your power."

Mira's mouth opened slightly. "How so, sir?" She questioned respectfully. Okaulu pulled a match from the inside of his robes and struck it against the table. It lit, the small flame dancing silently on the stick as the man cupped his other hand near it. Gently, the fire lifted from the wood, floating above the table. Okaulu smiled as Mira watched in amazement, the flame twisting into a miniature phoenix, flying around them before disappearing into smoke.

"While I don't have the same powers as you do, I am experienced in the field of advancing one's prowess in similar capabilities," he said, putting the burnt match back into his robes. "Master Rikea however, also has a connection with water." Mira looked at the man, giving him her full attention. "What kinds of abilities are there, sir?" She asked.

"At Stoikeo-where we teach-we divide our students' power into four separate categories, or elements. Fire, Earth, Air, and Water, such as yourself. Slade discussed with me his last apprentice, who we suppose was an Earth-connected person." Mira nodded, recalling her master's stories of Terra. "The interesting thing about Earth powers is that they have subcategories. Rock, plants, lava and magma, etcetera. Water also has divisions. What we have generally seen are these abilities separated into saltwater, freshwater, underwater breathing, frozen water control, connections with water-based life, and influence over water-related weather."

Mira paused for a moment, taking this in. "Are people like me-with water-only able to control one of those things?" She asked. Okaulu hummed. "It's more common, yes, but we have certainly seen some with more. What I'm curious about is your range." Mira's eyebrows narrowed as she thought. "Well...I have had control over both fresh and saltwater. I've been able to make the clouds rain, I can breathe it...that is what my Master and I have found."

Okaulu and Rikea looked at each other for a moment before Okaulu turned back to face Mira. "That is quite unusual," he said thoughtfully. "I-is it, sir?" Mira asked, beginning to feel nervous. He hummed. "Very unusual indeed. Few have that much power."

Mira glanced at Slade who was respectfully watching their guests. She kneaded her hands anxiously. "Is it...a bad thing?" She asked. Okaulu peered at her in thought, pausing before he answered. "That depends on many things. How you use that power and whether or not you reach your maximum abilities, primarily. Stoikeo's mission is to guide its pupils to their full potential, whatever road that may take them." Mira raised an eyebrow. "I don't use my abilities for what people typically consider to be good things, sir." Okaulu nodded. "Then, that is your path. My hope for you is that you carefully consider what you do, be it good or bad."

Mira pondered this for a moment. It seemed that these people, or at least, Okaulu were those they could trust. "Will you be training me sir?" She inquired. He smiled. "I'll be here for a short time. Master Rikea will be your primary instructor and reside here for the time being unless you ever want to come to Stoikeo. Your master expressed his desire to have you with him, and he rightfully supposes you'll be more comfortable in a familiar environment." Mira nodded. "When do we start, sir?"

Okaulu stood, Rikea following after. "Tomorrow, if time allows." Slade stood also, as did Mira as they began escorting their guests back to the entrance. "I look forward to spending more time with you, Mira," Okaulu said, standing at the door. Mira nodded with a small smile. "I do too, sir." Slade opened the gate, inviting the two out. "Thank you so very much for making the trip out to see us, Masters. I anticipate my apprentice's progress with interest." Okaulu and Rikea bowed before exiting, the door closing quietly behind them.

Mira gazed at the exit, thinking over her new opportunity.

"Now I've got three masters."

Hello, readers! Firstly, many, MANY apologies for the late update! I've been recovering from a wisdom tooth removal and recently started school again and thus haven't had much time to write. I'll do my best to continue these chapters when I can, but please know that this series will NOT be cancelled, despite any long breaks in-between. Thank you so much for reading, I appreciate it! Stay safe, everyone!