9. Morning routine.
Chris woke with a start, he would never be sure why but he had had a strange dream in which he had been cuddling a large cactus called Norman. Strange and potentially disturbing as this was it still made a pleasant change from his usual line of dreams.
There was a mild feeling of sickness; Chris was not used to sleeping with a full stomach. He stretched and initiated what would turn out to be a ritual in the future. He groaned and looked at the digital alarm next to his bed, and then using a long and thin piece of wood he had found proceeded to beat the life out of it. Making a mental note to shoot the alarm at the earliest possible opportunity he rolled out of bed and looked about his room, his new room.
The thought was nice, comforting somehow, he looked around the room and felt both happy yet somehow depressed. As he had only inhabited the room for five hours it was understandable that it lacked the home sweet home touch. Even so the word bare simply didn't quite say it, from what he had seen of Raven's room when he had been forced to apologise previously he could safely say that his was darker and duller, and perhaps even creepier, which was an achievement on its own. The grey walls and ceiling combined with the bareness of the whole place gave it the feeling of a hospital waiting room, somewhere Chris never wanted to be again.
Added to this the gloom of the morning and the strange almost deathly shadows that seemed present yet somehow not on the dark walls the whole room just couldn't be more frightening, worse was that couldn't have looked more like an interrogation room even if it had tried, this effect was heightened by the fact that the single bare light bulb had a chair drawn up underneath it, this had been necessary to put the light bulb in but now Chris was wishing that he had returned it to his desk.
The desk alone gave a stark look into a life to come, empty as it was apart from what was left of his possessions in a bag placed carelessly on the top, his still broken medallion and his photos were also on the desk, the object that caught his attention most though was the Titans communicator that Robin had given him the previous night. While visually unimpressive the communicator drew a sense of status and achievement from Chris, something that didn't happen often. Overall though the desk was a bleak object with one of its three draws missing where Beast Boy had taken it so as to prevent his stash of stink bombs and other prankish items from being discovered, Chris didn't mind, as long as the draw was returned and he didn't find anymore surprises. Apart from this all he could say for the room was that the wall to the left of the door which was covered in shelves and a wardrobe would come in useful.
The only other thing worthy of note was that several boxes of junk that would soon be leaving the room were very precariously stacked next to the door, anybody who came in quickly would be getting a nasty surprise, making an additional note to remedy that at a later time he continued to examine the features of his new room. He looked out of his window. He had to admit the view was impressive, not spectacular, but still something to look at and smile. From the window he could see the coastline heading off to the north, on the left the sea disappeared into the frame, as did the hills and city outskirts on the right. Chris struggled to remember the previous night in any detail, everything after being offered the place on the team seemed to be a dream, not quite a hugging mister Norman the cactus dream, but a good dream that bordered on insanity because of its amazing boldness.
Realising that he was standing looking out the window with a piece of wood under his arm Chris decided to get himself together. Robin had said that tomorrow would be a day and a half, and according to the brutalised alarm tomorrow was officially today. He had set the alarm to go off early, super early. So it was at six thirty AM that the young Englishman dressed and made his tentative way past Raven's room, then past Starfire's and finally found his way in to the main room, admittedly only after winding up in what he assumed was the evidence room. He was alone, good, he thought, this would allow him to eat and get his thoughts in order. He wished he could have showered but as he had no un-destroyed clothing that he could change into he had been unable to. Making a note to remedy this as soon as he could the new Titan began to make his breakfast reconnaissance.
"Ah, of course."
He said to himself looking in the fridge. The memory of the feasting the night before explained just what had happened to the few items inside the refrigeration device. All he could see now was the strange pie like object that Starfire had created the night before, three onions a loaf of bread, some cheese and a lump of what Chris hoped was ham. There was also a chef's hat and two aprons, one pink and another white with the inscription 'Kiss the cook' printed on the front.
Considering these things were not edible Chris pondered removing them but decided against it as he would be forced to move the strange pie to do so. Sighing he removed everything else and placed them on the worktop before him. Looking at the onions, cheese, bread and questionable meat before him with a strategic eye Chris pondered the possibilities. Last night had removed anything resembling junk food from the tower, and now this pile before him represented breakfast for six.
Pondering the methods he could use to make the planned sandwiches a tad more exciting he heard a very small sound to his right. He turned and saw the door closing automatically, as this happened there was a faint noise of something flying over his head, looking up he still saw nothing. Raising an eyebrow he again looked to the door, there seemed to be nothing there; puzzled he looked back to his front and was startled to say the least to see Starfire standing before him with a happy smile on her face.
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Robin wasn't sure, but he could have sworn he had just heard a scream. He opened his door and looked up and down, it had come from the left, the direction of the others rooms, but it had sounded distant, like it had come from downstairs and echoed up to the accommodation floor.
Deciding he had been mistaken he continued to dry himself after his shower and quickly dressed. He would go down to the main room soon, that way he could be ready for the long day ahead. It would prove interesting just how Chris would shape up on his first day, he suspected he would do well, there was something about him, he had almost become a different person after his chat with Raven on the roof. Robin knew that she was strange but whatever she had said or done to him had certainly made an impression, the night before he had proven to be the life of the party, both keeping the atmosphere jovial and with the constant supply of surprisingly good food. He had remained somewhat uptight around Starfire and had even seemed mildly terrified of Raven. Robin considered if she may have threatened him in some way, he dismissed the idea, Chris just seemed to be uncomfortable around girls, Robin could well understand considering the way he often felt when in the presence of Starfire.
Donning his uniform of the day plus all his equipment he examined himself in the mirror. Satisfied he left his room and headed in the direction of the main room. As he went he pondered what lay ahead, there would be the menial tasks of the day, but with Chris's presence there would be much more to do, paperwork, a personal evaluation not to mention his initiation. Robin grinned at the thought, Chris didn't strike him as the type of person who would accept the initiation ritual without a struggle, all the better, he thought to himself. It would be an interesting opportunity to see just what he could do. As he strode confidently into the main room he was surprised to see Chris sitting at the dining table with an unhealthily sized pile of Starfire's pie before him.
"Oh hello Robin."
Starfire said merrily, Chris simply looked up with a look that simply pleaded for salvation.
"What are you guys doing up so early?"
Robin asked feeling the slightest hint of anger that Chris had not only been up before him but had been alone with Starfire for an unknown amount of time.
"We were just consuming breakfast and friend Chris was telling me of his home country, or at least he was about to."
Robin looked at Chris and felt sorry for him, the fact that he really didn't want to discus his home before the tragedy was obvious, this fact however seemed lost on the bubbly alien girl.
"Oh, how are you feeling then?"
Robin asked sitting down next to Starfire and looking over the pile of pie at Chris. Chris looked at Robin with an annoyed face and answered in a similarly mooded voice.
"I'm fine; please don't ask me again, it's really starting to get annoying."
Robin raised an eyebrow, this was a good response he thought, this showed that Chris was eager to leave his injuries behind and give his all to the cause, and from what Raven had told him the previous night Chris's injuries were no longer an issue and his will seemed to be back to the standards he displayed in the alley.
"Ok, so you will be able to take you're team member evaluation today then?"
Chris looked slightly puzzled but still answered.
"Oh sure, if I knew what that was I mean."
Robin was glad; he wanted to know what his new subordinate was capable off, and in his book that meant either fighting alongside them, or fighting against them
"Well we need to see just how you can fit into the team, and just what you are capable of."
Chris looked slightly amused at this and asked.
"And just what will that entail?"
Robin was sure Chris knew where this was going, the cunning knowing look in his eyes gave that away, yet he seemed perfectly happy to press the point, Robin sympathised as he watched Chris take a bite of the pie before him and almost retch.
"Well you will have to show us you're skills in some way, perhaps even do take part in some combat practice, maybe even take one of us on in a friendly mock battle."
Chris smiled, he seemed eager to prove himself, of perhaps to escape the now punctured and oozing pie.
"Whenever you're ready, sir."
He added the sir in a very sarcastic way, Robin knew what this meant, he too was eager to get to grips, it seemed Robin had found a training partner after his own heart.
"How about now?"
Robin asked almost standing up then and there. Chris looked at Robin then to Starfire and then to the pie, he hovered for a moment on it and then looking up said.
"Let's go."
"But friends, what about you're breakfast, I have consumed my portion of Tamaranian Strychnine pie but you have hardly touched yours new friend Chris, and Robin is yet to sample its delights."
Both Robin and Chris exchanged glances as they pondered the provocative name of the pie, after a few seconds a malicious grin came over Chris's face.
"Oh yes friend Robin, please do try the pie, it is a substance that you shall not forget, delightful as it is though I have consumed my fill, and I thank you Starfire for allowing me to partake of its, er, unique dietary values."
Chris finished and gave the plate with the pie on it a hefty nudge in Robin's direction. He was good, Robin told himself, he certainly could make it up as he went along. Starfire seemed both confused yet overjoyed at his spur of the moment words.
"Maybe later."
Said Robin with a grin, he was going to enjoy this early morning session in the gym.
"Let's go Chris; we can see just what you can do."
They got up and went for the door, Starfire watched them go, perplexed.
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She didn't understand it, she could feel aggression emanating from both of these earth boys, but not angry aggression, it almost seemed like, happy aggression. Starfire hadn't been aware of this type of aggressions existence. Just something else new that she had learned on this small pretty blue and green planet. She looked at the portion of pie on the table and in one huge hungry bite consumed it, content that there would be no waste she flew happily after the departed humans, this was a display she intended to watch carefully.
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"This could prove to be a mistake."
Said the voice, Chris grimaced as he heard it, he had hoped it had gone for good back on the roof.
"Nope I'm still here, takes more than a revealing chat with the princess of darkness to get rid of me."
It said happily, reading his mind from within. Although Chris would never admit it, he was almost glad of the voices return, while it was annoying and sarcastic, it was almost comforting to the hear the similar voice of a long lost friend, reincarnated as it where in his own mind, not to mention the strange second opinion it gave him. Reading this the voice said.
"Oh that's nice, I love you too."
Shaking his head Chris continued to follow Robin, he wondered if his 'up for anything' attitude of a few moments before had been a bit too much, he suspected yes, but it was too late for regrets now as they entered what was obviously a training room, covered as it was with mats, weights, exercise machines and a variety of martial art type weapons.
"Nifty."
He said causing Robin to turn.
"Er, yeah, nifty."
He said not quite sure of the word. Chris looked around the room, and saw Starfire fly in through the doors before they closed.
"Want to take part Star?"
Asked Robin.
"No thank you Robin, I would however wish to observe, if that is not out of the question?"
Robin shrugged and looked at Chris whom not really wanting any more witnesses to his impending annihilation was unsure, but didn't want to seem rude and so simply answered.
"Fine by me."
In a somewhat enthusiasm lacking voice. This was going to be a disaster, an embarrassing disaster. The thought was not a comforting one, but in keeping with his new attitude Chris pledged to himself that he would go ahead with it and make the best effort he could. Robin's voice brought him back from his thoughts.
"Lets try some sort stuff first, unless you want to go straight onto some friendly one on one?"
Robin's voice gave away the true meaning, this was a test, the first of many Chris suspected. He felt honoured in a way, that this true hero should actually deem him worthy, frightened but honoured all the same. As he pondered the answer to the question Chris became aware of a strange feeling, a feeling of pride, something he didn't know he had possessed. It was a strong feeling, deep down in the pit of his stomach, it told him to do his best and be proud of it. There was a great feeling of confidence, he was about to train with the leader of the Titans, him the miserable wretch that he was. It was a great turn of events, one that he intended to make the most of. Trying to look unconcerned Chris answered.
"Whatever, you pick."
Robin smiled and gave an almost non existent nod of approval.
"Remember you said that."
He said throwing Chris a wooden staff from a collection on the walls. Chris caught it awkwardly and looked from it to Robin.
"What, are we playing pool or something?"
The masked boy wonder grinned before responding.
"No, simple one on one, just so I can see what you're capable of."
Chris nodded following Robin to the clear centre of the reasonably large room, he didn't like this, although he had no real hope of even threatening Robin, he still didn't really want to risk hurting him, after all, it would be a bad start to his membership if on the first day he takes the leaders eye out.
"Ready, just attack and defend, show me what you can do."
Chris had never felt less ready in his life, the simple way in which Robin's body assumed its stance told Chris that he couldn't have found a better trained opponent. He was absolutely ready, the only chance Chris had was to take him by surprise, which was looking doubtful. It was an odd match of opponents, Chris thought, Robin seemed to have trained for a significant part of his life in the martial arts and also was perhaps one of the most agile people ever, or so several newspapers Chris had read said.
He was already in an offensive pose ready to fly at Chris and trounce him in one swift movement of the wooden training staff, which Chris noted now looked a lot more dangerous when pointed at him. Chris on the other hand was standing completely unprepared, trying to look unfazed, and it wasn't working. He absent mindededly twirled the staff around in his fingers, then stopped when he realised that it wasn't impressive. He considered himself for a moment, he had first encountered the rifle and bayonet at the tender age of ten, he had served in a local military cadet's force with several friends.
He had attended for almost five years and had trained in both small arms as well as unarmed combat, added to this he had spent six months fighting his way across the continent, be his opponents muggers or some other form of unsavoury character. Needless to say he was no pansy who would be swept aside without a fight, but this was different, Robin was a whole new ball game, he wouldn't be beaten, how could he?
"Ready?"
Robin asked once more. Chris drew the staff into the position that he was most familiar with and answered in a voice that sounded much more confident than he did himself.
"If you are?"
The masked marvel before him smiled and nodded. Starfire suddenly said from her position by the door.
"I am wishing you both the bests of luck."
Robin smiled and nodded, Chris just nodded, now feeling very sick. He prepared himself for Robin's attack, dearly wishing that he could see the boy wonders eyes behind his mask.
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Starfire watched, she was at a loss for how to feel. She had trained with her friends many many times before, and had always done her best to train hard. She had even trained alone with Robin on several occasions. A mild feeling of warmth flowed through her as she recalled those pleasant times spent alone with Robin. Although she often felt bad when she inevitably beat him with her super alien strength. Fast as he was he would eventually tire.
Now she was just unsure what she wished to happen, a happy training session resulting in smiles all round would be acceptable, but considering Robin's usual obsession with victory, not to mention his obvious superiority, this happy ending seemed unlikely. Starfire secretly felt guilty, as she desperately wished to see her beloved Robin victorious, against this there was the feeling that Chris did not need to be humiliated now on his first day as an official Titan, but that feeling was definitely second in the priority order. She studied the two opponents carefully, she knew every inch of Robin, and that was no mistake, she recognised the familiar pose, an offensive pose, he intended to begin the engagement on the offensive.
Chris on the other hand was a mystery; his stance was unfamiliar, he was holding his weapon far to low, almost like an earth firearm of some sort, his body language was also unfamiliar, although it was obvious to the young alien that he was not moving confidently.
"Here I come."
Said Robin. With Chris closest she faintly heard him mutter under his breath.
"Oh Gawd."
With that the game was afoot. In an instant Robin leapt forward landing to Chris's right, in an flash his staff came striking down towards Chris's exposed right shoulder, going for the weak human collar bone, Starfire thought, this will be over soon. In a surprisingly quick move Chris deflected the blow with only centimetres to spare, there was a split second pause as both combatants realised that the fight was still far from over, taking any opportunity that was presented to him Chris drove his shoulder with all his might into Robin's chest.
Starfire gasped as Robin flew backwards and landed perfectly a safe distance from Chris. Starfire pondered just what she had seen, Chris had been underestimated, Robin had tried to achieve a quick victory, and had paid for it. He was fine, and Starfire was glad of it, however she now feared that Robin would take this session to the next level. Chris crouched a little lower and raised the angle of his staff slightly; he seemed ready for the next move. Robin was not long in obliging. Darting to Chris's left he swung his staff and made contact with Chris's own, not hesitating as he had done last time he swept his right leg under Chris's left and succeeded in throwing him off balance. Unrelenting he moved forward and jabbed quickly at the stumbling Englishman's chest, he made contact several times, but again with surprising speed Chris managed to deflect the last blow and taking the initiative drove the staff heavily into Robin's stomach, gave it a slight twist and then withdrew it.
Starfire pondered at the apparently pointless twist of the staff and decided to ask Chris later, he certainly seemed to hide some secrets. The two opponents separated and looked intently, Chris actually seemed to be enjoying himself, he was certainly grinning happily, Robin however seemed slightly taken aback by the recent turn of events. He was focused, but there was a tiny expression of uncertainty on his usually calm and collected face. He looked to Starfire who smiled, happy that Robin would look to her for encouragement, he smiled back and then grinning threw himself back into the attack. Starfire sat down in mid air and hovered, settled for what was looking to be a long drawn out engagement.
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For those who read this when it was still all one chapter I can only apologise, as for the rest of you well, meh. Please R&R, you're words are of more use than you could ever know. Or at least they are if you ever write any.
