Disclaimer: I own no part of the Teen Titans or their associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.
(A/N): This is another story that is canonical with What We Leave Behind and Making Peace. I strongly recommend you read both of them or none of this will make any sense. Now on with Strings of Fate.
Chapter 1
Weaver
Another cloud drifted over the darkened city, driven by the implacable sea breeze. The new moon and mostly cloudy sky left the structures around her in a shadowy relief. She tread carefully along the alley, trying her best to be silent. Fitful bursts of starlight and the occasional flickering light bulb hung haphazardly above a loading door gave her just enough light to navigate by. Though the light helped, right now, it was also her greatest danger. Hiding behind boxes and scouting ahead she dashed silently through the pool of light.
The fleeting instant of illumination picked out the form of a young woman. As she ran her long brown hair whipped in the wind, as did her ankle length black coat. She turned to look back as she crossed through the next pool. This time the light found the short-skirted red dress and short heels on her feet. She had to quickly fight for balance as the heavy backpack she wore swung with her movement. Steadying herself she slipped behind a stack of crates and scouted the area ahead. It was a long open space between a pair of buildings. For at least a hundred yards there would be nowhere for her to hide save the shadows between lights.
Again she cursed herself for not having her ride drop her off closer to her destination. He would have she knew. They had only met that afternoon…but she knew. A moment before she stepped from her hiding spot she heard a metallic tink from ahead. As she watched an aluminum can flipped and rolled into view, followed by a pair of large suited men. She recognized them instantly. She didn't have to look to know they each held a pistol in one hand. Pulling her lightly tanned face farther back into the shadows she listened as one of them turned to the other.
"Jesus Frank! That had to be the only can in the whole damn alley! I even pointed it out! We're trying to be quiet here!"
"Gimme a break Lou! I thought I already passed it! Besides, your yelling is louder than any can."
"Whatever. Come on, we gotta find her before the others do."
"What makes you think she's around here?"
"This is where the guy said he dropped her off. Boss figured she'd stay here until dark, and then make for the island."
"When did the guy say that?"
"After the third bullet. You were out of the room."
"Oh…you really think she's headed out there?"
"Boss thinks so. You want to go against him, be my guest."
"Now I didn't say that…but still, why would she wait around here."
"No people, no cops."
"How do we know she didn't got to the cops?"
"Boss'd know in ten minutes. You know that."
"Right…but what if we run into one out here?" They were close now, only twenty yards from the crates she had hidden behind. Silently, her head began whipping around, trying to find an escape route. She was cut off by lights and open ground all around.
"Cops never come out here. Be a one in a million shot if a patrol came through here right now."
"Right…" They both wheeled around as pair of headlights illuminated them from behind. The rack of lights on the car sprang to life in a dizzying display of reds and blues. The two men hesitated for a split second before turning again and dashing away from the car. In the five seconds the officer hesitated they reached the crates she was hiding behind. She crouched down as they, and then the squad car tore past her, headed for the split in the alley. The men split and headed opposite ways while the car slid around the corner and shot after one of them.
After waiting a moment as the siren faded she slipped out from behind the crates and quickly made her way along one wall of the alley. A minute later she had reached the crossroads where the alley terminated. Carefully glancing around she spied a dark colored sedan parked in the shadows of the building. Darting across the road she again took refuge behind some boxes. The scent of sea air had been growing stronger for the last several minutes, and here she smelled it more clearly than ever. She could almost feel the salt in the air. She was close now. Very close. Turning, she hurried along toward the water's edge.
Reaching the brick and concrete wall that bordered the bay she glanced around once more. A moment later she found a small dingy hanging from chains over the water. Rushing to it she looked over the lowering mechanism but could find no way to drop the craft. Grabbing the support structure she shook it in frustration. It barely moved under the relatively weak force she had exerted on it. A second later though, the chains that held the boat aloft snapped, dropping the craft into the water with a small splash. Glancing around to see if anyone had heard she carefully stepped down into the boat.
Firing up the small engine on the first pull she steered the craft away from the dock and out into the bay. The still water barely rippled as the breeze passed through. For a brief moment the clouds parted and starlight picked out her form as she crossed the mile of water to her destination. Relief began to sweep through her, but it was still underlied by a latent fear. Since she had fled from Venture City a week ago, she hadn't had a good night's sleep or a moment of peace. Now, her journey was nearly at an end.
Reaching the rocky shore she lightly jumped from the craft and landed on a boulder. Selecting her path through the large stones she made her way to the island proper. Crossing the small grassy lawn of the island's only structure, she reached her destination. Approaching the large double doors she glanced around again. Satisfied that she was well and truly alone, she drew back her left hand and rapped loudly on the door.
Another breeze whipped her coat to the side. As it fell back in place, she waited. The fifty story T shaped structure dominated the sky above her.
(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.