Hey… Real quick.
Italics is when Zeke is thinking and recording into his thought recorder…(will be explained later)
"Italics" is telepathy
Italics is just thought.
Hope that helps.
-Heolstor
Tomorrow Comes Today
Chapter 1: I Guess I say Hello now
Hi…my name is Ezekiel Faust. Call me Zeke. I am 17 and I am someone you'd be able to pick out of a crowd even if you didn't really know me. Wild red hair, silver eyes. And I'm pretty well built, or so Rena says.
I live in a great world full of aliens and all that cool stuff that you read about in comics and books…
A sigh.
…You know what…let me start over...
Hi...I'm Ezekiel Faust. Age: 17. Location: Hell...
…
…
When I was a kid, I used to think aliens were cool. I used to play fight with my friends...until I discovered my powers...and we'd always play aliens...I'd like playing the alien and I'd end up beating my friends.
Another sigh. This time, with defeated undertones.
...I wish this were a game.
...But any dice you roll end up in snake eyes...any hand you lay down is losing...and even Las Vegas would blush at the odds of the house...
If Las Vegas is still standing.
A pause…silver eyes sweeping the area quickly.
But despite my seemingly futile existence...
I fight on.
You are more than likely listening to this because of two reasons. I am dead or I am dead. And If I am dead...then we have more than likely failed in our mission...since there are so few of us.
So...I am using this recording to chronicle my remaining existence...so that in the future...someone can destroy these aliens when they learn what they have done. But we are in a mission…so...Log 0001...end recording.
With a muffled sigh, I leaned back against the bricks, hidden in the shadows of this building. The stale smell of death coating the walls like it coated this section of the city. My senses were ablaze with muffled cries of children I couldn't save, the burning flesh of those not yet captured and memories of whole sections burning, the fire's bright orange light scorched into my retina…forever.
The sunlight that was allowed through the dome escaped the inside of the dilapidated building. And I was left in the darkness…
Alone.
I kept my eyes closed, forcing my breathing to calm... I was the first wave against the patrol units…Rena…Sam and Silias would follow up.
Standard Mission...
More than likely 2 soldier machines, standard equipment.
The mission wasn't what was bothering me...
It's that I hate being alone…
…Because all I do is think…
I lean my head against the crumbling brick, looking with closed eyes into the dark void of a ceiling above me.
And all these thoughts do ...are make me angry.
I carefully shifted my body, cautious about the rubble (Silence was precious), so I could wrap my arms around my knees.
…Angry at being helpless...
...Having all this power...but no way to use it...
...Not being able to protect the people...
...Angry at death...and it's mocking laugh of laser fire and random mass genocide.
I sighed.
…No one should ever have to see this…
I opened my silver eyes, their innate brightness fixed onto the floor.
...I wish I could erase this from everyone's mind...from her mind...…
Brooding, I stared at the floor, watching a rat that believed it was hidden scurry around for food.
…
A soft beeping noise came from my ear, a soft blue glow falling in time with it.
I pressed my thumb and index finger on the earring.
"…Go ahead."
"Brooding again?" It was her…sounding very much like a street educated Kori Grayson.
And with that, a soft smile unwillingly curled onto my lips.
"Yeah…waiting for the patrol to swing by…" I debated reprimanding her for chatting on the communicators…but anything to get me away from my thoughts. "…You? Over…"
"Unfortunately, Silias and Sam are bickering, quietly," She added for me. " about some books your grandmother lent them."
"Brother and sister or husband and wife…wish they would choose. Over…"
"Maybe they're both." I bit my lip.
All the brooding thoughts were gone...for now.
"Rena…that's gross. Over"
"Yeah, but you were thinking it." I could feel her smile through the digital airwaves.
My tension began to ease and I lost sight of the rat. But I kept alert.
"So…" We both said. My smile grew. And I laid my head on my knees.
Comfortable Silence.
"What are we doing for our 2 year? It's in a few days…" Rena inquired.
…Shit…I forgot about that.
"We'll think of something. Over."
"Well…I already got you something…" Rena sing-songed back.
"Is it lessons in proper radio transmission for yourself? Over."
"Fuck you. It's a secret."
"…"
"…Over."
I smirked gently.
"So are you saying you don't have something for me yet? Over."
My ears perked up slightly. I heard something as she finished speaking. My head shot up from my knees, looking around quickly, but silently.
…
It's them…
"Zeke, I said over."
"shh..." I hissed into the communicator.
...Crunch...crunch...crunch...crunch...
…
…
…Crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…
"Rena get ready, they are coming…over"
"Roger over and out." I let go of the earring and lift my body out of its seat.
Time for business.
Long red hair flying in polluted air...
Hard blue eyes scanning the horizon filled with reds, oranges and the yellows of a sunset...
Faintly amber skin resistant to the faint cold that nighttime always brought.
The young half alien, Rena, let go of the communicator and scanned the horizon briefly, seeing if she could spot the patrol from her rooftop location. But she lacked the eyesight of her boyfriend. She looked over her shoulder at her two partners, still bickering.
Silias stood on the right. Tall, brown and stubborn, like his adopted father: Victor Stone. Silias was also easily the tallest of the group. From combat boots to the black baggy pants being held up with a tight black sash, Silias was the team's heavy artillery. A cybernetic humanoid like Vic, his parts were better hidden, his bare upper body looking very human. He had a bit of fuzz he called hair growing on top and his dark eyes were glaring down at a smaller female who currently had her arms crossed and an equally cross look on her face.
Sam was the smaller female. She had a mixture of red and black hair with soft blue eyes but her skin was pale like her father's. She took after Zeke's grandmother in clothing though, with a tight fitting black leotard on but she adorned a pair of loose jeans that they were able to salvage since she didn't have a hood and cloak. And a spare pair of blue shoes from Zeke's grandmother.
"Hey guys…quiet…" The young half alien said to her partners, walking over to the pair calmly. "Zeke says the patrol is coming."
"Oh?" Sam asked, her voice droning as she paused in mid argument. Silias turned an eye towards the Rena. "You sure you are ready?"
She checked herself over. More salvaged clothes. Brown boots, Gray pants and a gray tank top is what they managed to salvage for her. Her favorite wristbands were on…
"What do you mean…I always fight in this…"
"I ehno…you just got done talking to Zeke…and…" Sam cleared her throat. " 'Even after two years, his voice still makes me weak.' End quote."
Rena's eyes widened.
"You read my diary!" Rena tried to swipe at her sister, who was busy laughing, But Silas stepped in between them and held them back.
"I can't believe you Sam! Gah! I trusted you! How could you do this to me? I don't go around telling about the time you ran naked through the streets!"
Sam folded her arms and turned away. "Feh…I was young."
"You were 12!" Sam blushed furiously and turned to retort.
"Hey hey…ladies…quit it," Silias interrupted with his deep voice, "…if we botch this simple thing…I don't want to be the one to tell Zeke it was 'cause you two were bitchin'."
Sam and Rena glared daggers at each other but remained silent.
A soft beeping came from Silias as the two sisters turned away from each other. Silias turned his right wrist upwards. A little screen appeared in his forearm. A set of silver eyes appeared, indicating Zeke.
"You three in position yet? Over."
I was all business.
Silias glanced at the two females, slightly peeved.
"We're getting there. Over."
Both girls looked down slightly.
"Well get there…" I ordered in mid sprint.
To anyone brave enough to be outside during sunset, I might have appeared to be a lunatic, sprinting over rooftops in my black knee shorts and my blue hoodie. And some might be surprised by my lack of shoes in this destitute environment. But I guess being an animal for long stretches of time; the shoeless lifestyle was comfortable plus it made my feet incredibly durable. And I knew no one would be out now, so I did not have to worry about being identified.
The patrols were feared after all…
People would willingly turn me in if they had the chance.
My eyes thinned slightly as the heads of patrol came into view.
Two as we expected.
"The patrol is getting there. Be there. Zeke over and out."
I hated being an ass when it came down to the wire, but this was dangerous…and it needed the utmost precision to work. So of course my mind was completely focused.
I'll apologize tonight.
I leapt over a side, bounced off a rotten canopy, and landed quietly on the street. The sounds of an unusually cautious patrol were coming closer. I crept forward and pressed myself against a wall of some store that had seen better days. Carefully looking around the corner of the dilapidated furniture store, I focused on the two hulking robots marching down the street, one slightly behind the other.
Each machine was humanoid with square features. 'Boots' of black that housed emergency thrust that moved up to square shins of stark blue, knees of gray then legs of blue into a square waist and upper body. An X like black belt was draped over the blue shoulders. Blue arms with gray elbows dangled at the side, ready to unleash gravitational blasts for rendering innocents frozen or to unleash black blasts of energy to kill those resisting. And to finish the ensemble, a head straight out of the shows Dick told me about, like samurai helmets and two antenna protruding backwards from each 'ear' and two glowing blue eyes that turned black when they were fighting.
The two machines stopped and scanned. Then took four more steps closer to me, paused, and scanned again.
My eyes thinned in thought.
…They are being really cautious…
I pinched my earring again.
"Zeke to Silias…Zeke to Silias…do you copy? …Over."
I leaned back against the wall.
Waiting for him to respond.
Waiting…
"Zeke, this is Silias. I copy. What's up? Over"
I peered around the corner quickly to see how close they were.
4 steps closer than before.
"The patrol is being really cautious…Plan B…Over"
"Copy that. Over and Out." Silias turned off his communicator. "Okay girls, new orders. Plan B." He said from his position in Rena's hands.
Sam and Rena flew downwards.
"I got the left side." Rena said, a tint of excitement in her voice.
"I'll take the right." Sam droned out, faking the excitement of her sister as she landed neatly on the ground.
Rena dropped Silias quietly on the ground and three split off in three different directions yet towards my position at the same time.
I let go of the earring.
Lets do this.
I took a deep breath, held it for a moment…then exhaled.
And proceeded to walk out into the middle of the machines' paths.
"HEY!" I shouted at the machines, standing in the middle of the road with my hands at my sides.
Pause.
4 steps.
"HEY YOU!" I shouted again, jumping up and down, this time waving my hands.
Pause.
4 steps.
"Gah…arrogant assholes."
Pause.
Both machines looked down at me suddenly.
"Oh you have got to be kidding me." I muttered.
Glowing blue eyes changed to pitch black.
Grinning sheepishly, I waved at the machines.
"CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!" I shouted childishly at the robots before turning and sprinting away down the street. Blue hands opened up, revealing the black orbs in their palms. Black orbs pulsed with their dark energy. And dark energy aimed.
VF-VFOOM! VF-VFOOM!
I felt the four dark blasts headed towards me. I morphed myself into an owl monkey to avoid the first blast and flew over the second blast as a Great Grey Owl and landed as a Dingo, the other blasts crashing behind me as I sprinted.
A familiar scent entered my canine nose.
…Rena…and Sam…
I rolled forward as a Fennec (small fox) to avoid another blast that soared into a building. I leapt forward as a Serval (type of feline), continuing my sprint as another of my forms. I easily jumped around the debris littered in the road. The old car tires, upturned pieces of road or just random trash.
…Just two more blocks…glad they are ready…
I easily leapt up and landed on an old car, slightly denting it before leaping off it right before it turned to scrap from another blast. I crossed through another street, heading towards Plan B. I leaped high in the air, avoiding the blast that incinerated my former spot. Morphing into an owl, I avoided the following blast at myself, twirling my small body to the side. I let myself fall, morphing into a Siberian Tiger.
I galloped as a Tiger, nearing the second street. Rena scent threatened to overwhelm me but I forced myself to stay focus. I dodged to the side, avoiding another blast that caused old windows to shatter.
And a little girl to shriek in fright.
Shit! I leapt, twisted in mid air and morphed back into my human form, landing on my feet and one hand. I skidded backwards and grabbed my earring quickly with my free hand.
"Change of plans, Attack now!" I breathed out in one word, jumping away from the blast.
Gotta get that girl out of there. I jumped behind an old car, avoiding the bots blast.
I rolled to the sidewalk and ran straight towards the bots, to where I heard the scream. Inside an old grocery store that unfortunately had it's windows shattered. I morphed into a leopard, bounced to the left onto an old car and bounced back to the right, briefly running on the wall as a lynx, over a searing blast from the front patrol unit.
I landed nimbly as a human and dove through the broken window.
"HIYAH!" I could hear the real fight starting outside as Rena plowed into the first patrol. The sounds of sonic blasts and explosions echoed into my ears as I searched the store for the little girl.
…
…
Whimpering.
I leapt over the counter and saw a little mulatto girl. And with her, her big brother stood up and pointed his gun, with itchy trigger finger included, at me.
I fought down the urge to flinch.
The sounds of the battle raged outside.
"I won't let you take my baby sister." The brave guy shook all over.
"You're both in danger. A patrol is outside. I'll make an exit." I said ignoring him and his gun and leaping back over the counter. The brave guy could only blink. I disappeared only to reappear a few seconds later, sprinting at the wall. I leapt up and morphed into a Hippo, flying straight into the wall.
Needless to say, there was a nice hole for them to escape through.
I quickly morphed back into a human and looked at them.
"Get moving." I said coolly before running out the window.
What greeted me was Silias, Sam and Rena sitting on top of the two patrol units. Silias only smirked and Sam shoved him playfully while Rena shot me the victory sign.
I smiled.
"Damn it…" I uttered loud enough for them to hear, calmly walking my way over to them. "Broke down the wall to help those kids for nothing."
"Yeah, gods damn your hero nature." Sam replied, though a small smile graced her lips.
I paused.
I felt something. Someone familiar.
…Heh…I was wondering when he'd show…
"Well, let's dig these pilots out and head home…" I said, moving forward like I didn't feel him.
A shadowed figure dove off the rooftop of the same building that I had rescued the kids in. My friends barely had time to react when they saw the glint of steel.
But I already knew.
I rolled to the side, dodging the heavy downward slash of the figure. My friends barely had time to gasp as I jumped off the downed patrol unit, away from the powerful sideways slash from the urban camouflaged figure. He jumped after me in a flash.
Silias was the first to regain his composure.
"GOD DAMN YOU RENOL!"
I sidestepped his forward thrust and twirled away, sinking into a stance as he rolled forward stopping on his haunches.
I fell into a favorite stance both arms raised in a muay thai style, my stance spread, while my opponent stayed crouched, holding his blade out to his right.
Dark brown hair. A brown cloth he had found during a scavenger hunt was tied tightly around his forehead, the tips billowing behind him. Brown eyes, hard features under tanned skin. A sleeveless camouflaged shirt and baggy, dirty brown pants. And like me…no shoes.
"Same rules?" He inquired, his blade held deathly still.
"No Mental Powers." I answered.
"No Mental Powers." He confirmed.
I rushed forward, arms slightly lowered as my opponent turned his blade to flash the light in my eyes. But I blocked the light with my forearm and leapt, spinning into a side kick.
Renol ducked under the kick and slashed at my back, hoping to catch me off guard but I spun and swatted the blunt end of the blade away. I spun the opposite away and shot an elbow forward but he jumped back and slashed back the other way. I rolled away and leapt at him, keeping him on his toes.
But Renol jabbed, jabbed and spun slashed at my head.
I ducked, dodged and quickly morphed into an owl monkey as the attack swooshed over my head. I landed and jumped up at Renol and morphed into a Red Kangaroo as I shot my legs forward and I lightly tapped him in the forehead with a drop kick, landing on my back. Human again, I flipped myself up and smiled.
"One."
Renol shook his head from the contact and then settled himself back into a stance.
"You sure you didn't use your mental powers…"
I laughed at his frustration. "I just predicted it…I promise I didn't cheat."
Renol smiled.
Then he suddenly dashed forward, catching me off guard. I ducked back to avoid his upward slashed and awkwardly spun to avoid his follow up. I stepped in and tried to kick at his knees but he jumped to the side and dove in hilt first.
Jab, jab, jab, and spin slash.
Duck, dodge, dodge, duck low. I moved to strike him in the face but he twirled away and finished his spin with his broad end of his blade striking the back of my head lightly.
I stumbled forward, balancing on one foot before righting myself.
"Game point…" he uttered.
I rubbed the back of my head furiously to try to get rid of the annoying pain.
'Bloody Hell that hurt…' I shook my head and fell back into a stance, exhaling slowly.
Renol and I dashed forward at each other. Renol swung at my head as I ducked down low. He twirled his body to the side, avoiding a shoulder tackle. He sliced diagonally at me. I pushed off the ground into a one-hand handstand to avoid. Renol twisted to kick me in my vulnerable state but I leapt up off my hand, twisted and kicked so my foot would kick his leg away from me. He spun awkwardly and I rushed to take advantage.
Hook, Jab, Jab, and Roundhouse.
Renol ducked in a circle, avoiding the hook and dodged the jabs. Then he pushed my roundhouse up, throwing me off balance and leaving me vulnerable again.
Renol counter with a roundhouse of his own into my gut but I leaned back as far as I could in my awkward state and the kick flew between my legs, avoiding that which was important.
I cart wheeled away and breathed heavily. 'That would have sucked.' But Renol gave me no time to breath, jumping up and stabbing at my person. I ducked my shoulder down avoiding the stab but Renol kneed me lightly in the face. Unfortunately, his attack surprised. I stuttered in my step and fell forward, onto my face.
"Game…set…match," he uttered.
I rolled onto my back with a defeated groan and looked skyward.
"Now I am only winning by one…"
"You're still a bloody monkey," Renol added thoughtfully. I looked towards him, hand extended.
"Where do you train?" I asked, hoisting myself up with his help.
"In the Bur-" He started.
"Tobi!" Rena shouted, almost tackling the man in a hug. Tobias' sword clattered to the ground.
Tobias Renol…
I watched him blush faintly and squirm out of the hug, a bit uncomfortable. But the alien girl's superior strength prevented her friend from escaping.
Former apprentice of my father…
"Tobias…" Sam said slowly. "It's been a while." She moved to my side, arms folded over her chest as if she tried to appear bored. But my senses allowed me to detect the faint heat coming from her as she spoke.
Former student of my grandmother…
"Yeah T." Silias boomed on my other side. "Where have you been?" He smiled down at the urban warrior.
Tobias tickled the half alien, causing her to giggle and let go.
"Training." He responded simply.
And my surrogate brother…He might as well have been my blood brother…
"Where at?" Silias continued.
"The Burning District." All three of them gasped.
He just smiled.
He is more serious in his training than I…that says a lot. It's no wonder he is so strong…since he trains in the Burning District.
"But…But." Rena could not seem to get the words out.
"The Burning District is home to the Asings' failed creations."
"I know…" He still smiled.
The Burning District. The only reason the creations in the district have not come and killed everyone is because… they use this as a reminder of their power. Flames that never end, powered without fuel, border the district. Many of the buildings inside the district are also on fire, hence the name…
Silias was laughing. "You're crazy man."
Tobias laughed and rubbed the back of his head.
"Crazy enough to be Zeke's father's student." Sam smirked.
"Please don't insult Master Faust."
………Father…
"Yeah, or Zeke will kick your butt Sister"
I shook my head. "Huh?"
"Zeke." Rena inquired cutely, holding her hands behind her. "Were you brooding again?"
"Hnn…sorry…" I looked away. "I'm going to walk home…"
I turned away and morphed into a wildcat, quickly sprinting away.
My four friends watched me go.
"So…Zeke still can't talk about Master Faust." Tobias said quietly.
"Yeah…" Silias uttered. "It's still hard…I never knew my father…and Rena and Sam still have theirs…Zeke had to watch his-"
"We are all well aware of what happened Silias." Sam tried to be harsh, but she couldn't bring her voice to that level.
"We'll find a way to defeat them someday…right Rena?" Tobias said, trying to be cheerful.
But she only watched as the wildcat faded into the distance.
"Zeke…"
And Tobias looked away.
Raven opened her eyes to the astral plane. A much older Raven. A Raven with long hair that was tucked beneath her white robe. Her eyes still sharp and her face remained wrinkle free despite her age.
She stood from her lotus position, gazing around the expansive plane. Buildings have fallen down and lay crumbled in what seemed like a white fog, the same thing she hovered over. And a few yards in front of her, a statue of someone familiar rested cracked and broken. A statue of Garfield Logan, better known as Beast Boy.
"Hey…"
Terra came from behind the statue, still the image of her youth as a hero. None of Slade's armor. She appeared as she wanted, as a Teen Titan.
"Hello Terra." Raven replied calmly.
Silence.
"…"
"…"
"I dig the long hair." Terra tried out a smile.
"Yeah…so does Garfield…" Raven replied carefully.
"How is he?"
"Garfield is able to keep up with Dick, but barely…all the endurance training he did as a youth really paid off."
"Hehehe…yes…and he seems to be taking baldness in stride." Raven rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
"Yes…his hair is almost as long as mine…in that infernal braid of his. Something straight out of Lord of the Rings I swear."
Raven and Terra shared a small, knowing laugh.
"What about the others?"
"Dick and Kori are…well…" Raven gestured gently, "Dick and Kori. Richard keeps us in shape and Kori manages to keep us fed." Raven sighed, "Despite limited Tamaranian interference, she still manages to receive parcels from her home, since she is their princess after-all." Terra nodded. "Dick and Victor have also gotten remarkably good at salvaging."
"What of Arty?"
Raven blanched at the name. "…Arty remains vigilant. The robot never leaves your side."
"And the children?"
"Tobias remains hidden from my senses." Raven looked down slightly, "I fear I have taught him to well if he is able to mask his presence from me." Raven continued. "Rena and Sam seem…to be in a phase where it is mandatory that they bicker. Silias is falling into the gap as the big brother but I know his judgment is tested with his fledging feelings for Sam. Rena and Ezekiel are celebrating their hidden relationship for the 2nd year." Raven looked away. "But this time of year is always hard for my grandson and my daughter…"
"I bet."
"The time of his death just left so many scars for them…one thing could set them off…"
"Raven…" Terra reached out, gently touching Raven's shoulder.
She didn't flinch.
"What is the reason you came here?" Terra smiled slightly. "As much as I love catching up…I know you not to be the type to like to chatter…"
"Yes…you are right." Raven locked eyes with the Earth Manipulator. "I came to you to ask if you have been sensing any disturbances."
"The Burning District remains plagued by creatures and continues to burn steadily. The Ghost District is barren. The Slave District only howls with pain."
"What of the Asing District"
"The Asing District…has been feeling a little different."
"I have also noticed a disturbance." Raven droned out.
"I have never felt this before." Terra replied.
"It's a disturbance in the time of this dimension." Raven confirmed.
"…You think?"
"I got the same feeling when Warp arrived the first time."
Terra raised an eyebrow. "…Warp?"
"I'll explain another time."
A gust danced with Raven's cloak and Terra's hair.
"But…in the meantime…do you mind monitoring the Asing District more?"
"Raven…I'm stuck between Life and Death in this astral plane you brought me too…I don't have much else to do…"
"Right…" Raven sat down in her lotus position, preparing to return to her reality.
"Oh…and give Garfield my l-…my regards." Raven stared at Terra for a moment.
"…I will."
Raven closed her eyes.
…
…
…
Raven opened her eyes only to stare into the green eyes of another. And behind those eyes and the person with them, her peripheral vision was covered by earthen background as she and the other were sitting in a small room dug out of the dirt and stone, as were the other rooms in this small hide out.
With a warm smile, Garfield turned his body and grabbed a small tray.
"Tea?" He asked calmly, sitting down a few inches from Raven.
Garfield's green head was neatly cleaned, his green hair grown out and in a braid down his back. Ears still pointed and face cleanly shaven, Garfield could easily pass for his younger self, except for the height difference. A brown t-shirt and black pants were salvaged for him and like Zeke; he had turned to wearing no shoes.
Raven smiled slightly. "Please."
Garfield produced an already steaming kettle of hard to come by Herbal Tea. He carefully poured two glasses full and then set down the kettle beside them.
Raven picked up and cradled the cup with both hands.
"Terra sends her love…" Raven blew gently on the tea, cooling it slightly before taking a small sip.
"…Hmmm…" Garfield acknowledged slightly. "And did she confirm your feelings?" He sipped his tea too.
Raven nodded.
Garfield sat silently in contemplation.
Raven sipped her tea.
"Do you think he is ready?"
Raven sighed into her cup.
"I have no idea. In this world it's hard to know what ready is. Fate has been royally tampered with and we are only alive by chance…"
Garfield put his free hand on Raven's.
"We are here because we had the will to live." Garfield examined her hand carefully, like fine china. "And I think no matter what fate throws at us…or Arella…or Zeke…we can handle it…" He smiled slightly, setting the tea down gently so he could take her hand in both of his. "Because as Logans…nothing can stop us."
Raven smiled. "Then why did you ask me?"
" 'Cause it's my duty to keep you from being too pessimistic."
Raven also set her tea down.
And the two proceeded to remember why they married each other over 35 years ago.
…Log 0002 begin recording…
I had long since morphed back into my human form so I could walk and do what I hated most.
Think.
…Sometimes I feel so emotionally unstable…I had not seen Tobias in a while…so I was happy…but at first mention of my father…I shut myself out.
I kept to the sidewalk, trying to blend in and hide. But not trying to hard.
…I feel fortunate that Rena puts up with my emotional bullshit. I have so many random outbursts of emotions that it's ridiculous. My grandmother is often amazed I have not caused the destruction of this world already.
Not that many of us would miss it…
I sighed.
I like to sigh.
That's wrong…I'd miss Rena, my mother, my grandparents…everyone. But this is what I mean…depressed…to realist…it happens to me all the time. I am glad everyone understands. I just wish I didn't have to be a burden.
That's not the depressed me talking. I know I am a burden in a lot of aspects. My higher metabolism, my random obnoxiousness. But I know I am wanted in a lot of aspects as well. So it balances out.
Isn't that what it's all about?…Balance? Finding that fine line between insanity and sanity and dancing upon it?
I stop, then examine the area to make sure I am headed in the right direction and proceed to head left upon the realization that I was about to head off course.
Well, if that is the case, I am a fucking ballerina of life.
Sometimes I don't even know if I, myself, am sane.
But ya know…I think that makes life…life. Spinning around, realizing how little you actually know and then proceed to figure out how to walk straight and learn more when you later find out you were just spinning a different way and still know nothing.
I suddenly rubbed my temples.
…Gah…way to much thinking for me…Log 0002 end recording.
A fine silence in my mind
"I think I am going to really like this invention…" I mutter, looking at the signs of the buildings, making sure I don't pass my entrance.
"Gives me a chance to get the thoughts out of my head."
I watch the signs…
…Nope…
…Nope…
…Not that one…
"The only thing that could throw me off center today…is if I caught Grandpa and grandma…again…" I shuddered.
Yeah, that happened way to often.
"Ah. Here it is."
I looked around and made sure no brave soul and/or idiot was lurking around before I headed into the old pet store.
I walked past all the old birdcages and other animal holding bins, heading towards the back. My silver eyes illuminated my way through the darkness of the building. I passed the old counter where an old fashioned cash register, devoid of money, rested. I stopped in the back, where the old employee's only door still stood.
The hinges were new though.
There was a small hole in the side of the wall that I unconsciously slid my hand into.
My fingertips remained on the earth that lie on the other side of the hole and sent a mental message to our friendly guardian.
"Terra…could you let me in the east entrance?"
A moment.
"Open the door." The earthen maiden's voice echoed gently into my head.
I let go of the earth and opened the employee's only door to watch a thick curtain of dirt and stone being absorbed into the earth, revealing a dimly lit passage way.
I shut the door behind me, not sensing anyone behind me, and descended towards home.
Focus.
A slow…deep inhale.
The metal staff loosely held in his hands.
…Focused.
A slow…long…exhale…
…A pause…
A focused pause.
…
A sudden firm grip on the staff.
"RRR-YAH!"
Dick Grayson. Acrobat, Martial Artist, Super Hero, now balanced precariously on his staff by one hand. He fought to hold his balance with his leg high into the air. His white gi pants fluttered with slight movement as he wobbled, but only slightly. His muscles strained, a very thin sheen of sweat starting to form along the upper body he earned from years upon years of dedicated practicing. His long black hair dangled into the sight of his faded blue eyes.
He forced himself to breathe normal, letting his body relax yet stay tense. Keeping his body prepared for any minute adjustment it may need. Any sudden twitch that he could make up for.
His eyes locked with the floor.
Breathing…
Dick reached down, moving towards the second step of his intricate self-created kata.
"HEY GRAYSON!"
A loud crash onto padded floors and a large groan greeted Victor Stone, a.k.a Cyborg, when he opened up the doors to the training room. Still the same old cybernetic man, with his parts showing and glowing blue. But his human parts, namely his face, started to show age.
"Jeas old man…loosing your touch?" Victor grinned at the fallen Boy Wonder, lying stretched out on the mats that they managed to salvage from a dojo.
"No…working on a kata combining all the things I've learned from the true master and myself into one pattern…to help keep me on my toes."
Victor raised a brow. "…Right. Whatever works for ya. But your girls are back with two pilots. We figured you might want to interrogate them…"
Dick sighed and flipped himself up right. "Sure." He said, bending down to pick up his staff.
The beginnings of a comfortable silence that only friends can accomplish.
Victor took a slow glance around the room. "You know…I am surprised."
"Yeah, I didn't think I'd be able to hold myself upright for so long." Dick began.
"No man, I mean this." Victor spread his arms out. "What's it been…30 odd years? And this place we dug out with our own hands…furnished…lived in…it's still standing."
Dick looked at the earthen walls that formed a shallow dome overhead, a single light fixture dangling from above that illuminated the whole room.
He moved towards his old friend and placed a hand on his metal shoulder.
"Victor… when it comes down to it…we are the Titans…accomplishing the seemingly impossible…is our job…and our legacy…" Dick shared a warm smile.
"So I guess our next mission would be getting Silias out of bed before noon." Victor winked.
And the two old friends laughed.
"Hey Mom, Hey Arella, we are home!"
Kori Grayson turned to face her children from her spot in the makeshift kitchen. She had let her hair grow out long and it had become very curl. She had grown into a fine Amazon of a woman and her green eyes burned with a damped blaze that only could be lit by her enemies. But unfortunately, in her mind, she was not privy to clothes that fit her better. A tight fitting pink shirt and loose red pants is what was salvaged for her.
And for this occasion, she wore a white apron around her waist to prevent stains on her clothes. An apron like the one Arella, the woman next to her was wearing. Arella, in her gray t-shirt and faded blue skirt, brushed a strand of faded green hair behind her pale ear as she continued working.
Rena engulfed her mother in a strong hug while Sam and Silias stopped before the kitchen.
"Mmm…X'hal child." Kori began, letting go of the hug. "You get stronger with every hug." Rena smiled but leaned up and whispered into her mother's ear.
"Do you have the package?" Rena looked both ways as if Sam and Silias were not there. Kori, Sam and Silias rolled their eyes in almost perfect unison.
Arella continued working.
"Yes…" Kori sighed, pulling the thin black box out from her pocket. Rena's eyes lit up as she grabbed the package and slid it into her pants, creating a ridiculous bulge.
"Hey…where did the package go?" Sam asked sarcastically.
"I know nothing of what you speak." Rena replied indignantly, walking away with her head held high.
Silias sighed. "I swear…you two…for one day."
"Cease this bickering." Mrs. Grayson finished.
Arella kept working.
"Feh…" Sam said as Rena floated away. "Silly sister of mine." She looked at Silias and gestured. "Acting as if we didn't know about their bloody relationship."
"Let the girl have her fun Sam." Silias reprimanded slightly.
"…Feh."
"So what are you ladies cooking up?" Silias smoothly changed the subject.
"We found some edible vegetables a little south of here…so call it a stew." Arella said monotonously.
"Aww yeah, it smells good too. I could smell it all the way from the hall. Now only if it had a little bit of meat…"
The earth shook for a brief moment as the hallway I traversed opened into the kitchen.
Arella's attention was immediately diverted.
"Hey dear, we're in here." Her monotone was laced with a single fluctuation before going back to normal.
I smiled and came to the group. My senses were already overwhelmed by the stew they were cooking. 'Never fails to amaze me'.
"Hey girls…and Silias." I grinned as I patted his shoulder, leaning forward a bit.
"Welcome home dear." Arella spoke, turning around to reveal the sharp silver eyes her son inherited.
"I am going to go meditate a bit…clear my mind before dinner…is that alright?"
"Sure dear. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Alright…later guys." I finished, nodding towards Sam and patting Silias on the shoulder. I made a quick departure to the meditation area.
"Glad to see Zeke isn't in a bad mood."
"He was ear-" A small green explosion appeared in front of Silias. "GAH! What was that for Sam!" He received a small glare. "…Oh."
"Why do you say that mom?" Sam asked calmly.
"Because he is going to the meditation room." Kori smiled and turned back to her work.
Sam and Silias looked at each other.
Silias mouthed: "What?" to which Sam shrugged.
…
…
A beat.
…
…
"GAH! GOD DAMN IT YOU TWO! GOD! JESUS!"
And laughter ensued.
End Chapter