A/N: I'm baaaack! And some one (Angel Bloody X) forgot to revieeeeew. But
Jupiter Adept remembered thank you Mrs. Adept sir, and Cerberus5550 , even
though you were late. Just razing you, I have no right to be picky about
promt reviews. Um, any detials on characters powers or past would be good.
Specifically Raven, what are her abilities?
Disclaimer: Ditto $&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&
I sighed, I thought that this would help. But no, I come in, tell them stuff, and one huffs off into God only knows where. Mean while the rest of the Titans are sitting around looking glum.
"Do you remember what happened last time Robin thought about Slade?" Beast Boy asked, for once serious.
Cyborg nodded, "Yeah, he disappeared and we didn't see him for weeks."
Star added dejectedly, "he wouldn't even potato the couch."
I sighed, "Then go in and force him to accept your help." Everyone just sat around and looked worried, I was beginning to get pissed. "Hello, did any one hear me?"
Beast Boy looked up, "It won't work, he'll just push us out. I tried." The poor kid looked so sad.
I had to do something; I brought this about, oh messenger of evil words. "Come on," I sighed, "We're going to make Robin let us help." Starfire perked up, Beast Boy looked a little more hope full, Cyborg just shrugged. I looked over at Raven; she was busy reading her book. "Aren't you going to help?"
She glanced up at me, "If you are successful, maybe."
I gave her a glare; "In order to make this work we need you. You're like the only sane one here!" I whipped my braid behind my back, and turned to see the other's glaring at me. I simpered, "Not that you're not sane too... I just needed something to get Raven to help!"
Raven smirked, "It worked," she told me in a bored tone. I smiled, and made sure to let Raven stay between the murderous teens and me. We walked down to Robin's study thing, Raven leading the way. I went up and knocked on the door.
Robin opened it and peeked out, "Yes?" He looked preoccupied.
"We want to know if we can help," I told him, the Titans nodding behind me, even Raven. When did I become ringleader?
He sighed, "I don't think you..."
I cut him off, "Please don't say what I think you're going to say. You're SUPPOSED to be a team. I've certainly heard you saying that enough times on TV." I was standing firm, hands on hips. My braids were swinging behind me, my scowl probably looked stupid.
Robin paused then nodded, "All right then, come on in."
Wow that was easy. Everyone filed in except me, I wasn't a Titan. Robin looked at me expectantly; I gave him a smile. "I need to get back home, work tomorrow. I need to get ready for it, give me a call if I can help, okay?" I asked, handing him a piece of paper with my phone number.
He nodded, "Drop by any time," he told me. I couldn't help but smile, he was so sweet.
"I will," I told him, knowing even then that I was lying. With that I grabbed my stuff from the guestroom and turned to leave. I paused in the elevator and went into the living room. I took the light and wove a goodbye to the Titans.
In shining letters it said, "I have to go home now, see you later. Give me a call, Kay?" To me it was goodbye, but I left the door open for if I wanted to step back in. That finished I went home. I spent the rest of the day tidying and getting ready for tomorrow, Monday.
The next day I felt oddly depressed, I guess I shouldn't have left like that. I guess I'll have to work at keeping the door open, but I'm not going to shove myself on them. I closed up the shop and went out for a walk. I was going to meet Kristen at her house. As I was walking down a street, I heard the city yelling.
'A young boy, someone is trying to take a young boy!' a tree yelled.
I followed the city's screams; I finally came upon a ten-year-old boy being chased by some weird guy with wings. The boy was running, frantically trying to avoid the swooping figure. I barely had time to take it in before I ran to help. The figure had black hair and wings, surprisingly dashing actually. He was diving at the boy, trying to pick him up. Some how the boy managed to avoid him every time.
I couldn't figure it out, each time the figure should have grabbed the golden haired boy, yet he ended up a little too far to the left. I decided to worry later. I jumped in, then realized I didn't know what to do. I had to protect the kid that was my plan of action.
I yelled to the city, 'Where can I take the kid that's safe!'
Almost everyone was shocked I could understand them, but the trees responded, 'A little donut shop. It's close by, you get the boy and we'll lead you.'
I didn't waste any more breath, 'WIND! Please make it difficult for that birdman to fly!'
Wind didn't bother to answer, but the birdman started to wobble and dip crazily. I could feel the wind whipping around him. "KID!" I yelled, the blond haired boy looked over at me, "Come with me, I want to help you."
He paused then ran straight towards me. Thank you kid, I grabbed him and hefted him onto my back. I began to run, following the city's directions. We reached a road and I paused, no use getting run over.
'HURRY!' yelled a lamppost; 'He's right behind you!'
Suddenly I heard a thump, the man landed to my right. He had stopped flying and had folded his wings. I put the kid down, "Get in a small spot where this guy won't be able to get you."
He nodded and ran the birdman went after him. 'Pavement, please buckle!' I screamed. Immediately the man fell, throw by an upheaval in the ground. I gasped, he got up and tried again, 'Building, please drop some bricks that will stop him!' Huge cement blocks rained around the man, he some how used his wings to protect him self.
He then turned on me, I gasped, 'Wind!' I screamed before he cut me off. Suddenly he grabbed a gun and pointed it at me. It was ripped out of his hands by the Wind. He was angry now, and seemed to have forgotten the child. He bore down on me, I continued to evade him. I still don't remember how, I just remember screaming words, and inexplicable accidents.
Somehow the man managed to charge, he lifted a knife and threw it at me. I screamed, it was a pure scream, a scream of abandoned terror. Someone yelled, "MAGE!" but I was too far-gone to let it register. I felt the power in my scream, and then I felt a stab in my finger and toes. Shit, I was going to transform. My scream of fear changed to one of pain, and I was soon screaming and writhing in pain. The pain began to ebb and I looked up at a startled birdman.
I had turned part cat. I had played with this form at thirteen, it had seemed romantic. I had claws, fangs, cat ears, a tail, whiskers, and even their eyes. I had grown a slight amount of fur that sensed the air currents and colored me silver. I looked up at him, my silver eyes dilating. I growled softly and began to stalk him. I knew how to fight in this form, oh how I knew.
The man squared off, and he lunged. I nimbly avoided him, and slashed out at his wing. My claws ripped his flesh, causing it to go limp. He staggered back and tried to fly, he couldn't his wing was too injured, good that was my plan. I felt my predator instincts take over, 'If I go for his throat I can kill him easily. Yes, that's the plan.'
I fight to win, and when I am a predator, you only win by killing. I gave him a dangerous smile and he backed up, I lowered myself and tensed. I sprang at him, pouncing; he just barely got away. He pulled out a gun and shot at me, I dodged, the wall behind me screamed.
His finger tensed, everything closed down. I lunged, my tail lashing for balance. I felt my mouth close over his hand, my fangs punctured his flesh. I released him, the pain forcing him to drop his weapon. We squared of, I tensed got ready to spring, and suddenly he was slammed to the left.
I stopped shocked, suddenly I could think again. I looked around and realized that the other Titan's were there, stunned. I had tunneled in on the man; I would have killed him. I felt something-warm drip from my mouth, it was blood. Everything flashed through my head. I instantly shoved it aside; I would deal with it later.
The man was being brought down easily, I watched as Starfire sent her starbolts at him. He was finally defeated and Robin snapped the handcuffs around his wrist. I walked over to them, and knelt down to see the damage I had done.
He wasn't crippled, he would need three stitches but that was it. I checked his wing, that was a little more damaged, but it should heal without a problem. I backed away and looked at the Titans. They stood in a group, watching me warily; I sighed.
"Does any body have a napkin I could borrow?" I asked thickly. The blood tasted too good, I had to get it out. "Better yet, a water bottle?" They still looked shocked, "This stuff is really gross," I lied smoothly, "I want to throw up, would somebody PLEASE get me a water bottle?" At that they relaxed.
Beast Boy walked over, "Wow Mage, I never knew you could do that!" Well, at least someone was impressed.
"Thanks," I told him, trying to keep my tongue away from the blood, "But could I please have some water?"
Cyborg walked up, "Here, I got it from the store across the road." He seemed a little shocked, but not too upset.
I nodded and grabbed it. I swirled it around in my mouth and spit, pink water came out. I continued to do so until my mouth was clean. Then I took a few gulps of water. They were still watching me; I had to change back before they would relax.
I tensed then said slowly and clearly in my language, 'Human form.' I shuddered; I fell to my knees and began to whimper. Then I started down right crying, I felt my skin ripping and growing. The bones were coming, soon they would be breaking and knitting. I steeled my self and screamed, I felt myself shudder, then it was over. Shakily I got up, and gave them all a weak smile.
They were wide eyed, "Friend Mage, never do that again!" Starfire exclaimed, walking over to me.
Robin nodded, "A little more of a warning next time."
Everyone was walking over, I had been right. Though I must admit, I would have preferred to have been wrong, it would be nice for my abilities not to frighten someone. I gave them a forced grin, "NO problem."
Every one started to leave; I watched them go and changed direction to the bread store. I heard a voice behind me, "Ah Mage, you're going the wrong way," Cyborg told me slowly.
I turned around slowly and saw them all giving me a puzzled look. Except for Raven, she knew what was going on, and I was sure every one but Star and Beast Boy did as well. I gave them a grin and skipped over to them, and continued to walk to the T car. I was quiet; I was getting a bit of an adrenaline let down and was just trying not to start shaking. Also, I was going to hurt after this, every bone and muscle in my body was going to be bruised. I managed not to let the Titan's know what was going on with me, and I think it worked.
We got to the car, and I barely hesitated before climbing in. For once I was glad Cyborg would be speeding, I should get home, I mean the to the T- tower before I start to stiffen. Everyone piled in, and Cy squealed off, we were slammed back into our seats. I forced myself to keep from looking out the window. Instead I paid attention to what was going on in the car.
Beast Boy was the first who brought the topic around to me, "Wow Mage that was so cool, how did you change into the cat thing. And you got him with a left, and a right, and then you bit him..." he trailed off at the looks everyone was giving him. "I was just asking," he muttered darkly.
I couldn't help but grin, my shoulders were tightening, and they would be the worse. Robin piped up from the front seat, "I am curious Mage, how did you know how to fight in that cat form?" He looked immensely interested.
I grinned at him, inconspicuously trying to stretch my shoulders. "I used to use that form a lot, I would go for months straight in it. I thought it was cool and a romantic picture. Now it's just useful, but I still look pretty good in it," I preened, buffing my nails on my shirt.
He looked at me seriously, "Do you know how to fight in your human form?" he asked in a worried tone.
"Nope," I told him confidently, "I don't like fighting so I don't ask for it." It was true; I was greatly shaken after what just happened. That poor boy and, "What happened to the boy I was saving?" I asked urgently.
Raven replied, "We took him home, his mother was glad to see him." She managed it in a monotone, but I knew she cared.
"Thanks," I replied in relief, I knew they had done a good job. That was when we reached the Tower, Cyborg slammed and the brakes and I lurched forward. I am going to break my neck like this.
Every one filed out, I came out a little slower, and my legs were beginning to cramp up. I quickly adopted a smooth gate that showed none of my difficulties. Each step hurt, but I was beginning to relax once we had reached the living room. I knew I had to stretch now! Everyone plopped on the couch; I stood there uncertainly.
I cleared my throat and got their wavering attention, "Do you have anyplace I can stretch? If I don't I'll stiffen up." I stood there, my left shoulder began to burn, but I held it steady.
Starfire nodded, "What about where Raven meditates?" She looked over at Raven, "That is, if friend Raven doesn't mind..."
Raven nodded, "Follow me," she said leading me to the elevator. Follow her I did, but I couldn't help wondering if I should be scared. It sounded just like some horror movie; I follow a creepy person into a labyrinth, AKA tower, and she eats me or abandon me to starve. All that was forgotten when she opened the door to a huge room. One was almost entirely windows; it was also bare, perfect.
I gasped, "Wow, Raven you knew what you were doing claiming this room." She smiled, then floated Indian style in the air.
I paused and looked up at her, please go away, I don't like stretching in front of people. I get in weird positions that are compromising and embarrassing. I also will be whimpering and swearing in other languages, and I don't want her to see that. I stood their for a second looking at her, she opened an eye and glanced at me.
"Don't mind me, I'm just meditating," she told me calmly, then went back. "Azerath, Metrion, Zinthos," she whispered.
Brat, I thought quietly, before deciding that pride can wait. First to start with was my back; it always stiffened the worst and hurt the worst. I twisted, feeling the muscles stretch. I could hardly turn without it hurting; this was going to be a long night. I sighed and continued to stretch. I went through all the different exercises with my back. Time for my legs, I started to do a split, I couldn't do it. I could yesterday; I sighed and stifled my curses, forcing myself down.
I finally managed it, damn it hurt. I continued through my exercises, then did it again, and again. I was going to be doing this all night; it was the only way to keep from screaming. I twisted and felt my shoulders tense, I had forgotten them.
I immediately tried to stretch them, I held my arms in front of my body, and I bent around and over my self. Nothing was working; I'd never had this problem before. I bent over, just trying to stretch my back, and it hurt so badly. I let out a small cry, then began to swear. I wasn't swearing in English, or any human languages.
Raven opened her eyes and began to watch me. I gave her a weak smile and whimpered another volley of curses was thrown out. Raven climbed down from her pose and walked over to me.
"Stand straight," she told me. I didn't ask, I just did. She walked behind me, and I tensed, I don't like it when I can't see what someone is doing. "Turn to the left a little," I did. I felt a spasm of pain down my back. Before I knew what was happening I cried out. "Ssh," Raven said soothingly, "Now bend down a little," I felt my muscles pull. But it felt better, I continued to follow Raven's instructions. She led me through the exercises, and when she was done I knew I had no need to do them again. (The beauty of being able to ask your body if it's okay.)
I stood up and moved around a little, "Thank you Raven," I told her in my sincerest voice.
She smiled, "Don't mention it, you might want to get down stairs before dinner is eaten." I felt my stomach growl and I looked up at her, she gave me an honest grin.
I smiled, I couldn't resist, "I'll race you to the elevator?" I suggested, she just shook her head.
"That will tense up your muscles again," she continued to walk, and I jogged to catch up.
I shrugged, "Yeah, I guess I forgot," I told her, taking two for every one of her steps. Grrr, people normally run to keep up with me, this so wasn't fair. We went the rest of the way in a companionable silence.
We finally reached the living room and parted ways, I was a little disappointed, and I had actually been relaxed around her. I walked behind Cyborg and peeked over his shoulder. He was playing video games, again. I rolled my eyes and checked the clock, it was eight, and I should probably head home.
I walked around and gave Star a good bye hug, I wanted to give Raven one but I didn't want to push it. I told them softly, "When the boys aren't playing video games tell them I said bye, okay?"
Starfire's eyes widened, "You're leaving us?" she asked sadly.
I smiled, "Not forever Star, you have my phone number!"
She relaxed, "Oh, that is all right then," she gave me a hug.
I gave Raven a wave and smile and headed home. That night I slept the best I ever had. $&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&
Cerberus5550: Hey, thanks. I am enjoying writing this story. Yeah, I like your idea of having Mage deal with the characters one on one. And Star and Mages competition will just be friendly. It won't exist when they haven't both agreed to race, or what ever, Yeah, Cyborg is going to be a little protective, and I am going to have Robin show her how to fight in human form. (She will protest, she doesn't like fighting) Beast Boy I don't know what to do with him. Raven will probably be Mage's link to sanity, her quiet time friend. I like the painfully loud villan, I think I'll do that. Hehehe! Hmmm, well that's all. I hope you review.
Disclaimer: Ditto $&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&
I sighed, I thought that this would help. But no, I come in, tell them stuff, and one huffs off into God only knows where. Mean while the rest of the Titans are sitting around looking glum.
"Do you remember what happened last time Robin thought about Slade?" Beast Boy asked, for once serious.
Cyborg nodded, "Yeah, he disappeared and we didn't see him for weeks."
Star added dejectedly, "he wouldn't even potato the couch."
I sighed, "Then go in and force him to accept your help." Everyone just sat around and looked worried, I was beginning to get pissed. "Hello, did any one hear me?"
Beast Boy looked up, "It won't work, he'll just push us out. I tried." The poor kid looked so sad.
I had to do something; I brought this about, oh messenger of evil words. "Come on," I sighed, "We're going to make Robin let us help." Starfire perked up, Beast Boy looked a little more hope full, Cyborg just shrugged. I looked over at Raven; she was busy reading her book. "Aren't you going to help?"
She glanced up at me, "If you are successful, maybe."
I gave her a glare; "In order to make this work we need you. You're like the only sane one here!" I whipped my braid behind my back, and turned to see the other's glaring at me. I simpered, "Not that you're not sane too... I just needed something to get Raven to help!"
Raven smirked, "It worked," she told me in a bored tone. I smiled, and made sure to let Raven stay between the murderous teens and me. We walked down to Robin's study thing, Raven leading the way. I went up and knocked on the door.
Robin opened it and peeked out, "Yes?" He looked preoccupied.
"We want to know if we can help," I told him, the Titans nodding behind me, even Raven. When did I become ringleader?
He sighed, "I don't think you..."
I cut him off, "Please don't say what I think you're going to say. You're SUPPOSED to be a team. I've certainly heard you saying that enough times on TV." I was standing firm, hands on hips. My braids were swinging behind me, my scowl probably looked stupid.
Robin paused then nodded, "All right then, come on in."
Wow that was easy. Everyone filed in except me, I wasn't a Titan. Robin looked at me expectantly; I gave him a smile. "I need to get back home, work tomorrow. I need to get ready for it, give me a call if I can help, okay?" I asked, handing him a piece of paper with my phone number.
He nodded, "Drop by any time," he told me. I couldn't help but smile, he was so sweet.
"I will," I told him, knowing even then that I was lying. With that I grabbed my stuff from the guestroom and turned to leave. I paused in the elevator and went into the living room. I took the light and wove a goodbye to the Titans.
In shining letters it said, "I have to go home now, see you later. Give me a call, Kay?" To me it was goodbye, but I left the door open for if I wanted to step back in. That finished I went home. I spent the rest of the day tidying and getting ready for tomorrow, Monday.
The next day I felt oddly depressed, I guess I shouldn't have left like that. I guess I'll have to work at keeping the door open, but I'm not going to shove myself on them. I closed up the shop and went out for a walk. I was going to meet Kristen at her house. As I was walking down a street, I heard the city yelling.
'A young boy, someone is trying to take a young boy!' a tree yelled.
I followed the city's screams; I finally came upon a ten-year-old boy being chased by some weird guy with wings. The boy was running, frantically trying to avoid the swooping figure. I barely had time to take it in before I ran to help. The figure had black hair and wings, surprisingly dashing actually. He was diving at the boy, trying to pick him up. Some how the boy managed to avoid him every time.
I couldn't figure it out, each time the figure should have grabbed the golden haired boy, yet he ended up a little too far to the left. I decided to worry later. I jumped in, then realized I didn't know what to do. I had to protect the kid that was my plan of action.
I yelled to the city, 'Where can I take the kid that's safe!'
Almost everyone was shocked I could understand them, but the trees responded, 'A little donut shop. It's close by, you get the boy and we'll lead you.'
I didn't waste any more breath, 'WIND! Please make it difficult for that birdman to fly!'
Wind didn't bother to answer, but the birdman started to wobble and dip crazily. I could feel the wind whipping around him. "KID!" I yelled, the blond haired boy looked over at me, "Come with me, I want to help you."
He paused then ran straight towards me. Thank you kid, I grabbed him and hefted him onto my back. I began to run, following the city's directions. We reached a road and I paused, no use getting run over.
'HURRY!' yelled a lamppost; 'He's right behind you!'
Suddenly I heard a thump, the man landed to my right. He had stopped flying and had folded his wings. I put the kid down, "Get in a small spot where this guy won't be able to get you."
He nodded and ran the birdman went after him. 'Pavement, please buckle!' I screamed. Immediately the man fell, throw by an upheaval in the ground. I gasped, he got up and tried again, 'Building, please drop some bricks that will stop him!' Huge cement blocks rained around the man, he some how used his wings to protect him self.
He then turned on me, I gasped, 'Wind!' I screamed before he cut me off. Suddenly he grabbed a gun and pointed it at me. It was ripped out of his hands by the Wind. He was angry now, and seemed to have forgotten the child. He bore down on me, I continued to evade him. I still don't remember how, I just remember screaming words, and inexplicable accidents.
Somehow the man managed to charge, he lifted a knife and threw it at me. I screamed, it was a pure scream, a scream of abandoned terror. Someone yelled, "MAGE!" but I was too far-gone to let it register. I felt the power in my scream, and then I felt a stab in my finger and toes. Shit, I was going to transform. My scream of fear changed to one of pain, and I was soon screaming and writhing in pain. The pain began to ebb and I looked up at a startled birdman.
I had turned part cat. I had played with this form at thirteen, it had seemed romantic. I had claws, fangs, cat ears, a tail, whiskers, and even their eyes. I had grown a slight amount of fur that sensed the air currents and colored me silver. I looked up at him, my silver eyes dilating. I growled softly and began to stalk him. I knew how to fight in this form, oh how I knew.
The man squared off, and he lunged. I nimbly avoided him, and slashed out at his wing. My claws ripped his flesh, causing it to go limp. He staggered back and tried to fly, he couldn't his wing was too injured, good that was my plan. I felt my predator instincts take over, 'If I go for his throat I can kill him easily. Yes, that's the plan.'
I fight to win, and when I am a predator, you only win by killing. I gave him a dangerous smile and he backed up, I lowered myself and tensed. I sprang at him, pouncing; he just barely got away. He pulled out a gun and shot at me, I dodged, the wall behind me screamed.
His finger tensed, everything closed down. I lunged, my tail lashing for balance. I felt my mouth close over his hand, my fangs punctured his flesh. I released him, the pain forcing him to drop his weapon. We squared of, I tensed got ready to spring, and suddenly he was slammed to the left.
I stopped shocked, suddenly I could think again. I looked around and realized that the other Titan's were there, stunned. I had tunneled in on the man; I would have killed him. I felt something-warm drip from my mouth, it was blood. Everything flashed through my head. I instantly shoved it aside; I would deal with it later.
The man was being brought down easily, I watched as Starfire sent her starbolts at him. He was finally defeated and Robin snapped the handcuffs around his wrist. I walked over to them, and knelt down to see the damage I had done.
He wasn't crippled, he would need three stitches but that was it. I checked his wing, that was a little more damaged, but it should heal without a problem. I backed away and looked at the Titans. They stood in a group, watching me warily; I sighed.
"Does any body have a napkin I could borrow?" I asked thickly. The blood tasted too good, I had to get it out. "Better yet, a water bottle?" They still looked shocked, "This stuff is really gross," I lied smoothly, "I want to throw up, would somebody PLEASE get me a water bottle?" At that they relaxed.
Beast Boy walked over, "Wow Mage, I never knew you could do that!" Well, at least someone was impressed.
"Thanks," I told him, trying to keep my tongue away from the blood, "But could I please have some water?"
Cyborg walked up, "Here, I got it from the store across the road." He seemed a little shocked, but not too upset.
I nodded and grabbed it. I swirled it around in my mouth and spit, pink water came out. I continued to do so until my mouth was clean. Then I took a few gulps of water. They were still watching me; I had to change back before they would relax.
I tensed then said slowly and clearly in my language, 'Human form.' I shuddered; I fell to my knees and began to whimper. Then I started down right crying, I felt my skin ripping and growing. The bones were coming, soon they would be breaking and knitting. I steeled my self and screamed, I felt myself shudder, then it was over. Shakily I got up, and gave them all a weak smile.
They were wide eyed, "Friend Mage, never do that again!" Starfire exclaimed, walking over to me.
Robin nodded, "A little more of a warning next time."
Everyone was walking over, I had been right. Though I must admit, I would have preferred to have been wrong, it would be nice for my abilities not to frighten someone. I gave them a forced grin, "NO problem."
Every one started to leave; I watched them go and changed direction to the bread store. I heard a voice behind me, "Ah Mage, you're going the wrong way," Cyborg told me slowly.
I turned around slowly and saw them all giving me a puzzled look. Except for Raven, she knew what was going on, and I was sure every one but Star and Beast Boy did as well. I gave them a grin and skipped over to them, and continued to walk to the T car. I was quiet; I was getting a bit of an adrenaline let down and was just trying not to start shaking. Also, I was going to hurt after this, every bone and muscle in my body was going to be bruised. I managed not to let the Titan's know what was going on with me, and I think it worked.
We got to the car, and I barely hesitated before climbing in. For once I was glad Cyborg would be speeding, I should get home, I mean the to the T- tower before I start to stiffen. Everyone piled in, and Cy squealed off, we were slammed back into our seats. I forced myself to keep from looking out the window. Instead I paid attention to what was going on in the car.
Beast Boy was the first who brought the topic around to me, "Wow Mage that was so cool, how did you change into the cat thing. And you got him with a left, and a right, and then you bit him..." he trailed off at the looks everyone was giving him. "I was just asking," he muttered darkly.
I couldn't help but grin, my shoulders were tightening, and they would be the worse. Robin piped up from the front seat, "I am curious Mage, how did you know how to fight in that cat form?" He looked immensely interested.
I grinned at him, inconspicuously trying to stretch my shoulders. "I used to use that form a lot, I would go for months straight in it. I thought it was cool and a romantic picture. Now it's just useful, but I still look pretty good in it," I preened, buffing my nails on my shirt.
He looked at me seriously, "Do you know how to fight in your human form?" he asked in a worried tone.
"Nope," I told him confidently, "I don't like fighting so I don't ask for it." It was true; I was greatly shaken after what just happened. That poor boy and, "What happened to the boy I was saving?" I asked urgently.
Raven replied, "We took him home, his mother was glad to see him." She managed it in a monotone, but I knew she cared.
"Thanks," I replied in relief, I knew they had done a good job. That was when we reached the Tower, Cyborg slammed and the brakes and I lurched forward. I am going to break my neck like this.
Every one filed out, I came out a little slower, and my legs were beginning to cramp up. I quickly adopted a smooth gate that showed none of my difficulties. Each step hurt, but I was beginning to relax once we had reached the living room. I knew I had to stretch now! Everyone plopped on the couch; I stood there uncertainly.
I cleared my throat and got their wavering attention, "Do you have anyplace I can stretch? If I don't I'll stiffen up." I stood there, my left shoulder began to burn, but I held it steady.
Starfire nodded, "What about where Raven meditates?" She looked over at Raven, "That is, if friend Raven doesn't mind..."
Raven nodded, "Follow me," she said leading me to the elevator. Follow her I did, but I couldn't help wondering if I should be scared. It sounded just like some horror movie; I follow a creepy person into a labyrinth, AKA tower, and she eats me or abandon me to starve. All that was forgotten when she opened the door to a huge room. One was almost entirely windows; it was also bare, perfect.
I gasped, "Wow, Raven you knew what you were doing claiming this room." She smiled, then floated Indian style in the air.
I paused and looked up at her, please go away, I don't like stretching in front of people. I get in weird positions that are compromising and embarrassing. I also will be whimpering and swearing in other languages, and I don't want her to see that. I stood their for a second looking at her, she opened an eye and glanced at me.
"Don't mind me, I'm just meditating," she told me calmly, then went back. "Azerath, Metrion, Zinthos," she whispered.
Brat, I thought quietly, before deciding that pride can wait. First to start with was my back; it always stiffened the worst and hurt the worst. I twisted, feeling the muscles stretch. I could hardly turn without it hurting; this was going to be a long night. I sighed and continued to stretch. I went through all the different exercises with my back. Time for my legs, I started to do a split, I couldn't do it. I could yesterday; I sighed and stifled my curses, forcing myself down.
I finally managed it, damn it hurt. I continued through my exercises, then did it again, and again. I was going to be doing this all night; it was the only way to keep from screaming. I twisted and felt my shoulders tense, I had forgotten them.
I immediately tried to stretch them, I held my arms in front of my body, and I bent around and over my self. Nothing was working; I'd never had this problem before. I bent over, just trying to stretch my back, and it hurt so badly. I let out a small cry, then began to swear. I wasn't swearing in English, or any human languages.
Raven opened her eyes and began to watch me. I gave her a weak smile and whimpered another volley of curses was thrown out. Raven climbed down from her pose and walked over to me.
"Stand straight," she told me. I didn't ask, I just did. She walked behind me, and I tensed, I don't like it when I can't see what someone is doing. "Turn to the left a little," I did. I felt a spasm of pain down my back. Before I knew what was happening I cried out. "Ssh," Raven said soothingly, "Now bend down a little," I felt my muscles pull. But it felt better, I continued to follow Raven's instructions. She led me through the exercises, and when she was done I knew I had no need to do them again. (The beauty of being able to ask your body if it's okay.)
I stood up and moved around a little, "Thank you Raven," I told her in my sincerest voice.
She smiled, "Don't mention it, you might want to get down stairs before dinner is eaten." I felt my stomach growl and I looked up at her, she gave me an honest grin.
I smiled, I couldn't resist, "I'll race you to the elevator?" I suggested, she just shook her head.
"That will tense up your muscles again," she continued to walk, and I jogged to catch up.
I shrugged, "Yeah, I guess I forgot," I told her, taking two for every one of her steps. Grrr, people normally run to keep up with me, this so wasn't fair. We went the rest of the way in a companionable silence.
We finally reached the living room and parted ways, I was a little disappointed, and I had actually been relaxed around her. I walked behind Cyborg and peeked over his shoulder. He was playing video games, again. I rolled my eyes and checked the clock, it was eight, and I should probably head home.
I walked around and gave Star a good bye hug, I wanted to give Raven one but I didn't want to push it. I told them softly, "When the boys aren't playing video games tell them I said bye, okay?"
Starfire's eyes widened, "You're leaving us?" she asked sadly.
I smiled, "Not forever Star, you have my phone number!"
She relaxed, "Oh, that is all right then," she gave me a hug.
I gave Raven a wave and smile and headed home. That night I slept the best I ever had. $&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&$&
Cerberus5550: Hey, thanks. I am enjoying writing this story. Yeah, I like your idea of having Mage deal with the characters one on one. And Star and Mages competition will just be friendly. It won't exist when they haven't both agreed to race, or what ever, Yeah, Cyborg is going to be a little protective, and I am going to have Robin show her how to fight in human form. (She will protest, she doesn't like fighting) Beast Boy I don't know what to do with him. Raven will probably be Mage's link to sanity, her quiet time friend. I like the painfully loud villan, I think I'll do that. Hehehe! Hmmm, well that's all. I hope you review.
