(Glomps reviewers)

catastrophe is me – I was hoping it'd sound cute! Having a sweet scene without too much early passion is something I have problems doing. I'm glad you liked it! Thanks!

Nightmare, Catastrophe, Devastation – I don't think I got your fourth stanza, but I will definitely say you came up with the last part of the song! A high nurse? Sounds hilarious already! I hate olives, cheese, liver, sausage, and sometimes pizza when I'm moody. I have two dogs and they're both basket cases. My cat has ADHD and the other two cats are officially gay. And, okay! I'll email you! Tell me the idea for the story ending, too.

Robyn J. – Lmao! Nah, 'razz' is not German. It's just me being weird. I'll teach you a German curse word, if you want. It's scheisse. (pronounced shy-suh). It means shit. I learned a lot of bad words over there, not surprisingly. I'm so glad that you love my writing! I was surprised when you said you liked my chapter titles, too! I was like, 'really?' with these big, watery eyes. Sorry, I can't see the link. But it's okay; I'll find another way. Thanks for helping me! I really appreciate it. And I also appreciate that you understand my busy schedule. I really do like to write it, but it's been so hard to sit down and do it. And just tell me the villains of whom you want me to make lists and I'll do it! You baste my roast! You're so cool!

MiSs JoVaNNa – Yes! Yay:)

DarkElf6 – Yes, books make me think kinky things…hahahaha…I laugh as you go bug-eyed. I wub you. And I'm glad I get to go to church with you! I actually enjoy it! Ka-gasp!

Fernnu (or Fernnu?) – Oh, dear, I'd never give up on a story I'm so proud of! It would be wrong and unfair to do that when I've developed such a great connection with the reviewers and characters. And I'm so glad you enjoy it! I'm just so happy; I feel I'm a bit speechless and at a loss for words. I've read your story, too! It's wonderful! I hope you update, too! And don't worry. I'll not let this story die, no matter what. Good writing to you, too.

Jimmy the Gothic Egg – Drunk people make me laugh. So when I was in Germany I got to laugh a lot… Books are sexy! Yes! If they weren't, well, this would be one stupid planet… I promise I'll try to update faster. You can count on me!

Alright, this next chapter is…sillier than the others. There will be 'scenes' with the other Titans, no BB, and a new, little annoyance of a friend.

This new character is my darling. No matter what story I write, she's always a part of it. I make sure to include her in most tales, except for those that don't need or require her. You can give her and me constructive criticism, but if you flame her, I'll smite you.

This is a long chapter. I worked hard, but since it's out faster than usual, I apologize beforehand for the lower-than-standard quality.

AUTHORESS'S NOTE: I have two jobs! (weeps unhappily) I will not be anywhere near the computer throughout the month of December, because I will be working seven days a week (continues to weep). If it's of so much interest, I work at Chinese Cuisine and am an assistant (for December only!) at a UPS store. Since UPS is shipping, it's only natural that Christmas would keep me packed. (Hehe, 'packed', get it?) I'll update as much as humanly possible up to December, but when that month comes I'll be on hiatus. Trust me, if my life weren't so hellish, I'd have a chapter out every two weeks. Rock on, stay strong! For me! And Bob!

P.S.: All notes by the Authoress will be posted in the portfolio to keep from cluttering the chapter page.

Ch. 12: Someone To Be

Fingers thrummed, sighs reiterated, and irritation grew severely unstable. Glaring at the plant, body wrapped in a large coat, Kori had decided that too much of Dick had infested her mind and paranoia was due to living with him under the same roof for so long. As she stared long and hard at the plant, never minding the biting weather, she felt like something was awfully awry. She couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe this was how Dick felt all those years ago when Slade had been the dominant, evil force.

She shuddered, but not from the cold. The memories of Slade's sinister and heinous deeds flooded into her head. Kori was not one to hate and loathe, but she saved a special spot of abhorrence for the psychotic mastermind. Thank X'Hal (A/N: Am I correct?) he had perished. Dead in body, but in spirit she knew he still flourished. Every night she saw it in Dick. He would grip the sheets, toss and turn, and murmur harsh comments under his breath. The haunting never ceased for him.

And for this pain, Kori would never stop hating Slade. There was never any way to help him let it go. Only time could ease the suffering upon her husband. And how time had become an even more fatal enemy…

Bending over, she examined the flowers on the bush. The cold had finally tapped and drained their soft petals and when she touched them, they snapped and broke in her hand.

Hapless victims facing cruel and unusual punishment, Kori felt almost sorry for the blossoms. The bush, her favorite in the garden, was called a Poppy Mallow and was one of the most beautiful sights in her lawn when the spring came. The magenta hue reminded her a bit of home. The zigzagged splashes of leaves made her think of her own hectic and crazy life arrangement. If she ever had a daughter, she would be named Poppy.

But that wasn't the point, now, was it?

Sighing for probably the hundredth time this morning, she stood erect and walked inside. Stripping her coat and hanging it, she went to Dick and Roland in the living room. Dick was grabbing his keys, ready to leave for work.

"Today's the day!" he grinned. "Remember that loan Bruce gave me three weeks back?"

"Yes, he gave it as a late birthday gift, I believe."

"Well, I've decided what I wanted to do with it!"

"Truly?" Kori grinned, too, kind of already figuring what it was he was going to do with it. He had been talking to her for months about it. "Do tell me, Dick!"

His smile half fell and turned into one of amusement. "Uh, Kor, honey, you don't have to pretend you don't know…"

"Why not?" she cocked her head cutely. "You do not like it when I play sweet and innocent? Does a man not appreciate a docile, curious young lady under his fingers?"

Blushing madly, Dick took a moment to recuperate. "K-kori! Lay off the romance novels! My God, I think if my pants were any tighter, the buttons would pop off!"

Now actually confused, she went blank-faced. "Must I purchase a machine of sewing, Dick? Are you gaining weight?"

Admittedly, conversational topics with his wife didn't last very long. Roland giggled from his seat in the bouncer chair.

"Umm, no." Again, that little imaginary sweat drop floated near his forehead. "Uh, anyway, back on topic: I'm gonna use that money to –"

"Turn the fitness center into a dojo!" she squealed, interrupting him.

His banner of pride deflated. Now there were two sweat drops. "Uh, hun? You worry me on occasion…"

"I am…sorry?" The poor young woman just looked hopelessly confused.

Dick felt like a flyswatter whacked him on the back of the head. "Well, you didn't – it's not like – I mean, it's not your – but there wasn't – Ah, HELL!" He rolled his eyes in exasperation not directed towards her, but towards himself. "Anyway, back to my point, which is –"

"Dick, I worry for Vesper!" Kori cried, interrupting him yet again.

Dick groaned and muttered to himself: "That wasn't where I was going…"

"I beg your pardon?" Kori's face was etched with concern.

"I-I said 'I can see how much you've been worrying!'" he grasped for a rather lame lie. But, to be on the safe side: "I can see the distress in your beautiful eyes."

"Oh, Dick!" Her hands clasped together. Dick grinned inwardly. He was good. "I fear for her! What if there is something about James about which we do not know?"

Coming up to her, believing he already knew the solution, he took her hands in his. "Kori, I know this is strange to say on my part, but are you sure it isn't just in your head? Maybe you're just mad that he hurt Vesper."

"No, Dick, I know something is not right at all!" Kori gazed passionately into his eyes, trying desperately to make him see. "I may not know earth so well, but I know men, whatever world it is! I know she is in danger, and we must protect her!"

Attempting to find fault in her fears, but seeing none, he moaned. "Are you sure? You believe it completely?"

Kori nodded. "I fear for her life."

Pulling his darling into a tight embrace, Dick rubbed his hands up and down her back, soothing her. "You know, I'm so glad I married you. I could have never found anyone more wonderful, more caring, and more heavenly than you. If you worry about her, then we'll call her."

And Roland began to gurgle, spit running down his chin.

"Damn, I hate being pregnant." Bee grumbled in the hotel room, raising her feet high as she leaned back in a recliner. "Damn, I hate being fat. Damn, I hate –"

"I hate the fussing!" Vic cried, breaking her mood. "Geez, get a journal!"

Throwing him the most vitriolic and demonic face a husband could ever hope not to receive, Bee grumbled with venom: "If you want there to be a next time, you better shut your mouth!"

Vic's face paled and he threw himself to the floor at his wife's feet, imploring from a kneeling position: "Oh, gorgeous sexy wife I find most ravishing above all else, I did not mean to be so cruel and callous towards your predicament and woe! Please, do not punish me thus!"

Bee was, to say the least, flabbergasted. "You mocking me?"

Was he ever going to be on her good side? "No!" he exclaimed defensively. "Why the heck would I do that?"

"Because I'm fat and ugly and I'm never gonna to be back in shape and you ain't ever gonna want me again!" she cried out in unparalleled anguish. Good lord, Vic's insides churned, and they were only five months along. Surviving the next four months would be a miracle.

"Don't think like that, baby!" Vic got up off of his knees and sat on the armrest. "You don't look half as puffed up as you did yesterday!"

Bee's despairing face vanished and an expression of murderous wrath covered her complexion. Seeing this, Vic's heart died. Faster than lightning, he jumped off the armrest and backed away.

"Oh crap, oh crap, baby, you know I didn't mean to –"

"Get out!" she screeched, not unlike a banshee. "Get the hell out!"

"But baby –!"

Despite his protests, Bee was beginning to climb to her feet, fists clenched. And he knew she could pack a punch.

"Don't you 'but baby' me! Your sweet talking ain't gonna save you this time!"

Vic scrammed, full speed, when she stood up. There was nothing stopping her now. Panicked, he fled into the bathroom, slammed the door shut, and locked it. To ensure safety – or more time to beg before painful death – he leaned against it, listening to her scream on the other side.

"Baby, don't do this! You know it was an accident! We gotta meet Gar in an hour for coffee!" Vic pleaded. He was answered with her fist punching the door. "Don't you think he'd rather see us drive up in a station wagon than a hearse?"

"What the hell makes you think I care how we're gonna arrive?" she bellowed, punching the door again. Even though he was a big man, the knocking was hard enough to jolt him.

"Be-be-because…you love me?" he asked meekly, praying it'd remind her of the affection and tenderness they had for each other.

Obviously, it didn't, because a barrage of punches continued over the sound of Vic screaming like a baby: "In the name of the twins, noooooooo!"

Bright morning? Okay.

Sun's shining? Okay.

Birds singing? Okay.

Apartment in ruins? Not okay.

Hey, it wasn't her fault she couldn't control her dreams.

Vesper slid out of bed, oblivious to the fact that her entire bedroom looked like a mob of thieves raided it. Her battle for emotional stability had been greatly reduced after that one fated day when she destroyed her father, Trigon. Yet that didn't mean she was safe to express herself and her feelings as freely as she desired.

For years she had been ticked off, wondering what the hell was wrong. All she ever wanted was to feel without repercussions, and she had come so close. What was it that kept her from achieving absolute happiness? The mirror was shattered, the emotions were in her head, the world was saved, and she was still blowing up unanimated objects at the whim of a nasty thought.

Sighing, her cheery mood dipped for a moment, but bounced back when she saw her dress. Though ripped and worthless, it was a reminder of last night, where finally something had gone right for once in her life. James wouldn't put her down. Loraine wouldn't piss her off. Patients and nurses weren't going to get on her bad side. Nope. Vesper was going to take a shower, put her white coat on, grab her name tag, go to the car, get coffee, help people at work, and spy on James.

Yup. Spy on James.

Stepping in the shower, Vesper contemplated her life. People like James, Slade, and her father made the world a dump. They screwed her over, played their clandestine tricks, strung her along against her will, and left her for dead. Every time she thought she was freed, another bastard waltzed in and proved her wrong.

Still, there was that plus side. Kori – who could ask for a better friend? Honestly, when they were younger, Kori bugged the bananas out of her. More than once Vesper wanted to duct tape the redhead to a rocket and send her back home. But if she had, would she have become nearly sisters with such a caring, special, and most definitely unique individual? Never. And Vesper would be very much alone if she didn't have Kori.

And Dick! What a buttmunch he could be on many occasions. But he had been there. He had saved her. And for once in her life she was more important than the world. Dick was the first to accept her for who she truly was; the first to let her in. Good in heart, he was. Not always the best at expressing it – Kori could attest to that – but he did care. Vesper knew he and her would face off against Slade together…if she told him, that was.

Another brother: Victor. The oldest. The protector. The one she could go to when she needed something to distract her anger or someone to comfort her tears. He always had a place open for her in his garage when they were younger. Now that he lived states away, he had a time slot on the phone reserved for her instead.

Luckily Bee was there to keep Vic in check. But more luckily for Vesper, she was her ultimate bottled-up emotions, I'm-so-pissed-off-I-could-hug-a-bunny-for-support-and-like-it stress reliever. Vesper didn't feel like she had to play polite with Bee. They could joke and curse and insult the world all they wanted and they always kept each other's opinions to their chats.

As for Gar…

Gar was heaven in a hand. He was sweet, cutely clueless, funny (on occasion, she would admit), sincere, protective, handsome, deep (which was certainly something she would have never thought she'd say, ever), caring, and brave. He was a surprise to her. When they were younger they couldn't even be in the same room together. But it had changed. This week had completely turned their relationship around. And it was, in that way, the best week she'd had in years. There was just something about him that she couldn't get out of her head. Vesper began to think about him most: his face, his hands, his smile, his body, and his heart above all.

Out of the shower, cleaned, and dressed in slacks, sweater, and jacket, and staring at the mirror, Vesper never felt prettier. Just thinking of Gar made her feel absolutely beautiful and loved. It was almost as though he was…

…Gah! Not again, no way, no how. No! No, no, no! Did she want Gar to die? Did she think there was any way possible to be with someone who used to make her crazy with rage? There just couldn't be affections for him! It wasn't…well, it wasn't normal.

'So, like, last night was a joke?' that same, irritating voice muttered in her head. She didn't know who or what was invading her brain, but Vesper had had enough.

"Who are you?" she cried, spinning around and searching for the unknown source of this voice. "What do you want with me?"

'Uh, I'm the Easter Bunny and I want your groceries of doom…' the mysterious voice replied with sarcasm abundant. 'Yum, yum, sweetie.'

Vesper was not amused nor was she appeased. "You're in my head, aren't you? What are you doing there?"

'Tche, yeah, like I'd conform to your commands. I'll pop by – or out – when I damn well feel like it. Cheerio, you fruit loop.'

It was eerily silent after that. There was no audible sign of that voice anymore. It had left just as inexplicably as it had come. Uncontrolled frustration bubbled through her, killing the moment of euphoria, and she slammed her hand down on the bathroom counter. She heard bottles in the bathtub pop and explode, and bubbles came floating down from the spray. Great, so there was a parasite in her head.

"Why can't it ever be simple?" Vesper growled as she stormed out of her apartment.

Work was busy. Vesper knew the list would be piled high. As a psychiatrist, she wasn't really required to be at the hospital on holidays, because basically if people were crazy, as they probably had been all their lives, they could wait a day or two longer. She had a life too.

Groaning, Vesper snuck away from the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) lab and dashed back to her personal office, shutting the door with irritable fervor. There were two windows in her office: one that opened to the out-of-doors, and the other next to her door that allowed her a view of the rest of the hospital, and vice versa. Ignoring the confused visage of Nurse Pinkerton, she slouched into the chair next to the whitewash bed. She always had a bed in here in case someone needed to 'talk'. She did say she'd rather she'd been a therapist than a psychiatrist.

"Dr. Crow!" Nurse Pinkerton came up to the window glass and rapped at it. Her other hand held a clipboard. "Dr. Crow, you have another patient."

"Gimme a sec, would ya?" Vesper whined, waving her hand at the nurse, her other hand hugging her forehead. "I just want five minutes!"

"Fine." Pinkerton replied tersely, her voice muffled by the barrier. "I'll just give this to dear Dr. Ethridge, then." The chubby lady left.

"Yeah, you do that."

All day she had been fighting the rumors of her disengagement with James. Of course, as expected, the nurses flocked Dr. Ethridge, cooing and coddling him, telling him Vesper wasn't worth the tears or the pain. And all day she received frowns and insults from the bunch of candy stripers that, too, were taken by James' gorgeousness. It wasn't like it affected her too much. When they got down to it, they were just a horde of pathetic humans, anyway.

This all, however, did not stop her from wanting to investigate James' activities further. At some point she had to find and track him, but for the moment, she just wanted to sit and daydream.

Again her thoughts wondered to Gar. Every time his face came up in her mind's eye, she fell deeper and deeper into him. It was probably too late for denial.

"Love…" Vesper looked up at the ceiling desolately. "Can't be…"

"Oh, yes, it very well can." A strange, yet not foreign, voice caught her ear. Bolting up, Vesper turned to see someone sitting on the bed, grinning toothily at her.

(A/N: Sorry to disrupt, but the authoress needs a moment… YAY! IT'S HER! Okay, I'm good.)

Vesper hopped out of the seat, standing before the person, looking at her incredulously. "Who the hell are you?" she demanded as she took the new and bizarre sight in.

It was a blue-eyed, brown-haired girl, fifteen years of age at most, with crossed legs and thin shoulders. Her mouth quirked up on the right side and her clothes reminded Vesper of a Greek epic movie, except more Gothic and webby. Her wide-eyed expression shook all belief that she was stereotypically depressed or suicidal. Apparently her fashion was just fashion and not such a reflection of this weird girl's mental state.

"Well!" she scoffed, folding her arms and losing the eccentricity in her expression. "What a way to greet your long lost friend after so many years, eh?"

"What?" Vesper frowned, folding her arms. "Sorry to disappoint you, kid, but I don't know who you are or how you got in here. Now, will I have to escort you out of here or can you do that yourself?"

The girl looked appalled. Her eyes had gone larger than before and her jaw dropped. "I'm ashamed of you, you fruit loop! If this is what good friends do, I wonder how backstabbing acquaintances can be! Yeesh!"

The doctor's brows furrowed together. "Fruit loop?"

"Yeah, I've called you that twice today. Count 'em," she waved her pointer and middle finger around like a fan. "Twice. Two. Uno, dos. Un, deux. Eins, zwei." She waved her head side to side in a snappy fashion. "Am I ringing any bells, doc?"

It was now Vesper's turn to be appalled and shocked. No way. No way; this couldn't be the strange, mysterious voice in her head. How could this be? It was bad enough that someone was 'talking' to her, but now she was seeing things, too?

"I know what you're thinking, and no, you're not schizophrenic." The girl said abruptly and then added an afterthought: "Well, o'course I know what you're thinking! I'm part of you, duh."

"But…but how?" The violet-haired mistress barely managed to speak. She felt her muscles constrict and her mouth desiccate. "This can't be real! I'm going mad!" She grabbed her hair and dug her fingers into her scalp as a bit of irritability floundered its way to the surface. "You've just got to be a figment of my imagination!"

"Yeah, that's a real stretch," the girl answered sardonically, bending to look around the poor, frightened woman. "Yaknow, this window out into the rest of the hospital has curtains. Maybe you should use them."

"Wh-why's that?"

"Because two nurses are looking at you and wondering why the heck you're arguing with your bed."

Vesper spun around, and sure enough Pinkerton and Blotts were staring at her sidelong, lips moving, unaware that their gossip had been spotted.

"This isn't real at all." Vesper folded her arms, trying desperately to convince herself. "I'll just turn around and it won't be there anymore."

"I beg your pardon! 'It'?" the girl's voice sniffed. "I happen to gender classified, thank you very much. So, what d'ya say? Am I real yet?"

"No…" Vesper closed her eyes, blocking out everything real and not. "No, you can't be real. It's too much. You just can't be real."

Sal looked at the nurses again. "A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-and now they think you're talking to yourself. Curtains?"

Against her will Vesper went up to them and pulled, giving the nurses one harsh glare before she disappeared. She turned around slowly, leaning into the wall, not bothering to look at the girl on the bed. Denial never solved anything, she began to realize sadly. It only made the end of the ride hit harder.

"What's your name?" she asked, deadpanned voice surrendering over her curiosity.

"You wound me." The girl sighed, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. Vesper figured if the girl had been truly alive, she would have been classified histrionic, for she was so grievously theatrical. "Of all the secrets you used to share with me and all the conversations we had, I'm hurt that my name is not even evident in your memory. But," she hopped off the bed, "since I'm here to renew our friendship – I'm Sal." She thrust out her hand expectantly.

"Sorry," Vesper growled, holding her arms tighter. "I don't play cordial to my insanity."

Sal shrugged. "Suit yourself, Raven."

"And how –?"

"Yeah, like I'm gonna play phone book." Sal sighed and climbed onto the bed, this time standing instead of sitting. "I'll tell you what you need to know and when I want to tell you. Now…calm down, you're making cracks in the wall."

Vesper took a deep, heavy breath. Damn, she was so angry. Brief flashes of Sal's face kept popping up in her head, most of them with background scenery that looked very much like her room from the Tower. Why was this girl here? What was her purpose? Who was she that knew her so well?

"Okay, so once upon a time…stop it with the cracks; you'll make the building fall over!" Sal whined as she began to jump. "I don't appreciate a panic attack on my watch, girlie. Have a seat!"

Disregarding the black slash marks across the walls caused by her own emotional turmoil, Vesper took a seat and watched as Sal restarted her story. "So, tell me."

"Like I needed your permission." Sal too one last leap into the air before she folded her legs under her and landed in a cross-legged position. "Okay, to refresh your memory is my first part of the story. Second is your life today and how I'm here to make it all better. Ok?"

"Just tell me!" Vesper snapped through gritted teeth.

"Alright, alright, just don't poop a cow!" the girl raised her hands defensively. "Ok, so:

"Once upon a time you came to earth from another dimension. What is this dimension, our viewer audience may ask? Azarath. Yeah, you heard me, peeps. Azarath. You fled there after many years of strife and lonely in the wake of your destiny. Knowing full well what you were quote-unquote designed to do, you fled, following your heart rather than your obligations. And so, earth was your first choice of haven. You landed in Jump City and scoured the metropolis for any sort of place in which to belong. But you didn't understand it. People were different here. They were acting out of their role. Women had jobs; work was with machinery, not magic; the world was developed, but in a different sense. Presidents were elected; children went to school; fashion was important to youth. And you… You who lived in a world of strict regimen had never seen such a thing. Yet you saw someone. Someone who helped you want to help yourself. Remember?"

As Sal spoke, memories latched onto Vesper's mental eye. The brief images of Sal became clearer, longer, and more precise. "I – I remember." She said partially against her will.

"The mall?" Sal grinned. "Your first trip to Jump City?"

"Yes, I remember!" Vesper's hand went to her mouth as the memory reemerged so clearly as though she was watching a movie…

"Oh my God!" a shrill female voice cried above the ruckus of the mall. Raven spun around, panicked and defensive. What she saw was not what she expected.

A brunette with large eyes ran up to the misbegotten half-demon, her outfit the definition of 'Goth' but her personality completely contradicting her style. Without inhibition, she pounced on Raven, who fought with every ounce of her being not to overreact or attack.

"Your outfit is sick!" she admired passionately, examining the scared girl. "Where'd you get it?"

Carefully, and with shaky fingers, Raven pointed back to a dark, supernatural store a couple of halls back.

"Whoa, you got that at Prep?" The girl grinned. "Wicked, girl. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!"

Before Raven could second guess, the girl patted her shoulder. Afraid and ticked off, she pushed the girl away, but she scarcely cared, for she turned around and ran back to her friends at the corner bench.

"How odd…" Sal sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "One person's moment is another person's life…"

"Don't get sentimental on me." Vesper groaned. "I remember that. The next day I met Dick – er, Robin – and he took me to the Tower. He was the first person who wasn't afraid of me, even after he knew who I was."

Sal nodded. "Yeah, he's a nice kiddo. He's kinda too neurotic for me, but he sure swings your way quite nicely."

"Okay, well, I'm not the one who married him. I didn't like him in the beginning."

"Good!" Sal grinned. "This somehow leads into my next act: your imaginary friend." Sal waggled her fingers and donned a 'spooky' voice, finding this quite amusing. "Me!"

"Okay, we can just end it here." Vesper said, standing up.

"Sit!" Sal commanded forcefully. When Vesper stood defiantly, Sal just continued: "Fine, walk away, coward! I guess I won't ever get to tell you about how to cure your issues with your powers, then, will I?"

Vesper sat faster than a cow could say 'moo'. "Go on."

Sal just grinned. "I love power…" Clearing her throat after a moment of gloating, she continued. "Okay, so you loved the Tower. Twaz a lovely place. They had electronics, a gym, a view of the ocean, etcetera, etcetera…And you liked it. You made friends! Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy…Yeah, it was spiffy. But, still, the I'm-different-and-you-don't-understand factor kept you from really being close to them. So, what'd you do? You made me. You named me Sal. We talked all the time in your room. I told you I knew exactly how you felt and you were always so happy to have me listen. We were best friends. I, the extrovert, and you, the introvert. We balanced each other.

"But over time…you became friends with them. You opened up to them; you took on my qualities a bit more. You filled into the role of a typical teenager. Eventually, I was not needed." Sal sighed and rolled her eyes. "Oh, now the waterworks are gonna come." She theatrically wiped a tear from her eye. "I was so alone; it was like a fish without seaweed! What's a girl to do without weed?" Then Sal paused effectively. "Ooh, my bad, that had two connotations…"

Vesper grumbled. "I don't remember you being a nut job."

"Well, that's what happens when one gets sucked into your head!" the girl whined, splaying her arms madly. "Where did you think I went? Into a penguin? What's a penguin gonna do with an imaginary friend? Rule Spain?"

The psychiatrist raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, you were never this mental."

"Yeah, you were never this nice." Sal answered sarcastically. "So I went to your head, and day by day I faded. The last strike to my existence came with two very solemn declarations:" – and for this, Sal became severely dramatic, her voice growing frilly and high-pitched – "I love you, Beast Boy. I love you Garfield Logan. Boom!" She slammed her hands together. "I went bye-bye! And then over the years, you became an adult! And then you fell in love with James! But before James, there was Trigon! And guess what? Not only did you drive me crazy, but your newly integrated emotions made me want to kill myself, and I don't even breathe!"

Vesper's jaw dropped an inch or so. "So, they're there? In my head? So, what's wrong? Why can't I hone my magic perfectly?"

"Oh, gee, you're considerate." Sal sneered. "Yeah, they're there. They just don't have a reason to merge and become one."

"Merge?" Vesper gasped. "That's what's wrong? They're still separated?"

"Tche, yeah. Only when they've fused can you control your powers limitlessly. Ya see, it's always been an issue of balance." Sal held out her hands palm up, mirroring a scale.

"There are two ways your powers are used and manipulated. On one hand, your emotions take control without permission. And on the other hand, you restrain and employ your magic at will, but to keep the balance favorable, you have to meditate. Mmkay?"

"Wow, that's…really accurate." Vesper marveled, actually impressed. She leaned forward in her seat, now scoped in the topic at hand. "So, how do I balance it so that I have complete reign?"

"Easily!" Sal beamed. "They have to find a common purpose."

"Purpose?" she asked.

"Umm…" the girl paused, rolling her eyes up as she murmured to herself: "How do I explain this…? Uh, okay…" she gazed back at the interested doctor. "They all have to be in league for one purpose. All of your emotions – anger, happiness, timidity, yada yada yada – have to all believe in one objective so strongly that they would do anything for it. Even sacrifice themselves for it. You read me?"

The hope from Vesper's face dissipated. Putting her face to her hand, she sighed into her wrist. "Some emotions are selfish. Like anger."

"Yeah, you're right." Sal nodded in agreement. "And right now they're all in the realm of denial, because you are. Denial isn't an emotion; it's a state of perception. And your perception is 'this can't be' and 'I can't do this' and 'it isn't possible' when, really, it is. You just gotta apply yourself. And lucky me, I think I know to what you can apply it." The girl's eyes twinkled in genuine mischievousness.

Vesper raised her head, staring at her imaginary friend in extravagant awe. "What? What is it? And will I regret asking?" she asked after a moment of bitter pause.

"Yeah, probably." Sal answered with a light shrug. "But it's for your own good, Raven. And here 'tiz; your answer for all your worries! Garfield Logan!"

If Vesper had been drinking something at that particular moment, Sal would be drenched. "WHAT?"

Undaunted, Sal grinned. "You heard me, fruit loop! You love him and you know it! You just won't admit it! C'mon, James was wonderful in more ways than one, but Gar is the one! We feel it!"

"We do?" Vesper's voice whispered in tremors. This was too much. Far too much. Her head was spinning wildly and she almost felt sick to her stomach. Sal's presence alone was enough to send her insides reeling, but this was like standing on a skyscraper when you were afraid of heights.

"Yes!" Sal squealed in elation. "Come, my morbid friend, we must celebrate!" And the girl carried through with her exclamation, as she stood up and began to boogie sloppily. "Uh-huh, oh yeah, go Sal, it's your birthday. A white girl's pimping her birthday. Yo, fo shizzle." And she sat down.

Vesper just blinked. "You are not from my head."

"Denial." Sal said sweetly and innocently. "You're just jealous, cause I boogie better than you. My moves are friggin' pimped." But she waved her hand. "But, anyhoo, back to serious matters. Do you want control, Raven?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes, more than anything."

"Do you want to stop Slade?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to be happy?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to admit your love for Gar?"

"…Yes."

"Do you want a cookie?"

"Ye – what?"

"Heh, sorry, it's the lack of sugar talking." Sal giggled. "Well, then, m'dear fruity loop, my work here is done. I must go."

"Back in my head?" Vesper stood, feeling partially like she was saying farewell to a patient, but at the same time, feeling like she was letting go of a piece of her past.

"Nope." Sal smiled sadly, standing up and approaching her creator. "My 'work' here is done. I have no purpose, unlike your emotions. I served mine long ago. I have to 'pass on', for lack of better terminology."

Pang and guilt struck Vesper hard. She hadn't really thought about actually parting with Sal. While talking to her imaginary friend, memories had begun to filter through and conversations long forgotten had resurfaced. Though she hadn't openly admitted it, she was enjoying the reunion with a part of her that she had subconsciously missed.

"I-I-I –"

"I know, I know," Sal sighed. "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Then she held out her hand, less forcefully and more formally. "Second chance?"

"Of course." Vesper took the bony appendage and shook firmly. "I owe you at least that much."

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with playing cordial to your insanity."

Vesper nodded sadly. "Goodbye, Sal."

"Goodbye, Raven."

And the figure began to fade, like a picture worn from time. Her body and face slowly vanished, her expression of content never wavering, until there was nothing left but thin air.

Emptiness filled Vesper so rapidly and so harshly that she collapsed into her chair and let the tears fall softly. She didn't mind that outside in the small layer of snow a few objects suffered her redirected depression. It would have been worse. Many years ago, tears would have signified the drop-kicking of some poor building at the corner of the city. But now only a few items fell victim, and that was that.

She let herself cry for a good while, not minding that she was far over the five minutes she had told Nurse Pinkerton she required to recuperate. It all fell freely and for once she felt no regret. Wiping her eyes, she stood with a newly radiating strength.

But when would she be able to snoop on James?

"Wotcher!" James' beautiful voice sang oh-so perfectly on time. "How are you lovely birds today?"

Vesper heard the infatuated giggles of a pair of candy stripers as she opened the door. There was the ever affable Dr. Ethridge, chatting it up with some young ones, acting like there wasn't a care in the world. And Vesper knew there was more that met the eye – and the gossip.

Just as she was about to slip out into the bustling halls, a speaker announcement transmitted through an amplifier above her head. "Dr. Ethridge, call on line six. Dr. Ethridge, line six."

"Sorry, ladies, but I've got a phone call." James winked at the pair. "I'll be right back." He walked past Vesper.

"Where are you going?" she asked darkly.

"Phone." He replied genially, though she heard the stiff, underlying tone. "Now, let me to it."

"But –"

"Don't be a short-arse." He snickered. "Go away."

Ooh, how she loathed him! Had there ever been a time that she had actually expected to spend the rest of her life with him? Admittedly, yes. But she continued to watch as he walked up to the phone on the counter and picked up the receiver. Yet there was something in the way he did it that made her very suspicious.

Turning around, she reentered her room and slammed the door. She ran over to the phone on the corner nightstand, and as delicately as she could, picked it up and pressed the six.

Lie in open water

Like a knife to the marrow

You're so cold

And bent like a fractured arrow

Say goodnight to the morbid lullaby

Say goodbye to the glory of life

Once you were happy

And now you've been broken

By yourself, and not me

And I'll never be

Your prison

Hello! I hope you guys liked Sal. If there was anything wrong with this chapter – anything at all – feel free to tell me.

No lists this time. Robyn J. asked for villain lists, but there are so many (villains, that is)! Tell me which villains you like (whether it's two baddies or twelve) and I'll do them all! Scout's honor!

Next chapter: James' phone conversation; Kori and Raven's talk; Gar, Vic, and Bee out to lunch!

So, then, I s'pose this is farewell for now!

Isaac out.