Author's Note: Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans

Chapter Fifteen

"Stressing Work"

Anders woke up four hours later and went over to his dresser. He picked up his hat, only to find……….nothing! He was relieved that the streak of dreams was over.

He left a note for his mother. He picked up his lunch and went out the door. He dreaded working in the mines, but it was for his family. He took a deep breath and puffed out his chest. He walked proudly along the path to the mines. He was there in about ten minutes of "confidence strutting". He found other miners with axes walking to the mines too. They all stared at him. He just looked ahead, a determined look on his face. He saw Joere at the entrance to the mine. He was checking off people. When Anders got there Joere snorted.

"Decided to show up, eh? Well, I'm going to start you off in Section J. Tylo will show you to your spot. You are too report back to the entrance of your section for lunch, then you go to work. You will head home at 12:00 A.M. as the humans call it."

A man walked up to Joere and they talked.

"New one, eh?"

"Yeah, his first day."

"He's going to be sore tomorrow."

"Show him to Section J."

The man pushed him onto the elevator and they descended.

"So, are you nervous kid?"

"A little."

"You should be. Mining is the hardest job in this community, largest risk too. About twenty of us go, a week."

Anders gulped.

"I'm just teasing you, only about fifteen."

After that Anders kept to himself.

"Here we are, Section J. Alder will show you to your spot."

"Thanks."

"Well, a new link aren't we? I'm Alder, your section leader. Joere might run the circus, but I run this act. You will do exactly what I say, is that clear?"

"Yes Alder."

"And you will refer to me a sir."

"Yes sir."

"Now here is your spot."

Alder handed him an axe.

"Get to work. Slacking will not be tolerated. It will result in punishment, severe punishment."

"Yes sir."

Alder left to inspect everyone's work.

"He's a real pain, isn't he."

"Yeah, got that right."

"I'm Tendra, what's your name?"

"Anders. So, how long have you been working here?

"Just started a month ago."

"Well, did you ever picture yourself mining gems?"

"No. I wanted to be a chef, but I wasn't qualified."

"He turned to face Anders to reveal that he had an arm missing."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. The last thing I need is pity."

"Well, I never really wanted to be a miner either, I had to."

"Care to share?"

"No, not really."

"Oh, well I guess we'd better get back to work."

"Yeah, well talk to you at lunch?"

"Sure."

Tendra picked up the axe with his one muscular arm and went to work, as did Anders.

They drilled and drilled. It was extremely hard for Anders until Tendra told him a beginner's method. Then it became quite easy.

Soon it was lunch time.

Anders and Tendra headed to the entrance to the section and sat down on rocks to eat. They laughed and joked. Tendra was an orphan. He lived in the forest by himself. He ate friuts and drank from the lake to survive.

"Well, do you want some of my glurros?"

"That'd be great. Thanks."

"Anytime. My father is dead so its just me, my mother, and my sister. I'm the man in the family so I earn the money."

"Oh."

"Get back to work!"

It was Alder. Lunch was over. He went back to work and him and Tendra conversed.

He got home at 1:00. Alder made him stay late and work on his flaws. He got home and fell into one of the deepest sleeps he'd ever had. He was ready to take on another day at the mine.He was able to get throught the day because of Tendra. He was glad he had a friend.

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed. Read and Review! Flames are accepted!