A/N: Here's the next chapter, written even before I posted the last one. I hope you like the other one, oh and sorry about the most likely spelling problems. I'm not good at catching them and my spell check SUCKS!
Disclaimer: Ditto
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I woke up the next day around seven-thirty, I was once again wearing yesterday's clothing as pajamas. With a yawn I rolled out of bed and sleepily looked around. Today I needed to check out the tower for any information on that bug. I also needed to borrow some clothing from Starfire.
I felt myself wince at that last thought, I found it horrifying. With a good natured sigh I got up and walked out into the hallway. I hadn't yet moved into my new room (which I planned to keep secret), so it wasn't too far to Star's room. I walked down the quietly gossiping hallway and walked into the elevator.
As it went down to her room I found myself stifling a giant yawn. I finally reached her door, and with fresh adrenaline courtesy of exhaustion, I managed to be awake enough to knock on her door. There was no reply, I didn't bother to listen about whether she was awake or not. In most likelihood she wasn't, and this way I could just say I didn't know. Starfire does seem like a morning person.
I gave a louder knock this time, and heard a loud THUMP. With a smile I listened to a bleary Star stumble to her door. It slowly opened and Starfire peered out, looking painfully beautiful WAY too early.
"Hey Star," I said by way of greeting, "I came by to pick up my clothing for today." I didn't tell her that I came this early on the hopes that she wouldn't be awake enough to make me try on ALL of her clothing.
I was soon disappointed, her eyes widened with joy. She snapped awake as if someone had just pumped adrenaline through her system. "Of course friends Mage, come right in!" I stepped into her disgustingly cheerful room (at least disgusting because it was before twelve) and sat on her bed. She ran over to her closet, "I have so much clothing for you to try on!" She exclaimed cheerfully.
I couldn't help myself; before I knew what I was doing I let out a sob/groan and fell backwards onto the bed. She turned to look at me in concern, "Isn't it appropriate for friends to initiate their friendship by the customary sharing of clothes?" She looked so upset that I couldn't help but be nice, even if I was breaking my age old rule of 'no talking before lunch.'
I sat up with a surprisingly honest grin, "Yes Star, it is." During the morning you're lucky to get me to form fragment sentences. This girl was dangerous; she could get me to talk, and Robin to stumble over his words. Not to mention she could wear practically nothing and still look beautiful. She smiled but was still upset, "Then why are you still partaking of the gloomies?" Her head was cocked to one side and she looked so sweet!
I smiled and released my hard worked for grumpiness, "I was foolish and got up too early," I told her sadly. She just laughed and went back to her closet. I felt hope, she had more then one outfit. There was a loophole; if she happened to have a modest outfit I could wear it. Then I wouldn't look like a pudgy hooker!
"You can wear this!" she exclaimed, throwing out an indecent article of clothing. "Or this, or that, oooh this is nice..." she continued. Her room began to look like a clothing hurricane. It might sound terrible, but I know what they looked like. I used to make them to terrify my brothers. I never hurt them, and I always only did them in my room. But they always knew I COULD make one.
By the time she turned back to me I was shell shocked. "What is wrong friend Mage?" she asked in a panicked voice.
I took a deep breath before replying, "Star, you look good in this kind of clothing." I told her, she continued her silence, though she did swell a little at the praise. "But I don't look good in it," she opened her mouth, and I held up my hand to silence her. "Even if I do, I don't feel comfortable in it."
Her eyes widened in understanding, "Those mean boys and your ritual earthling bets!" she fumed angrily. "Friend Mage, why did you except the bet?"
I smiled, "It seemed like a good idea at the time," I told her hopelessly.
She nodded, and then went back through her pile of clothing. "You won't wear this, or that, definitely not this..." The clothing tornado flew back into her closet, hanging itself up beautifully.
I looked back over her pile and paled; the only thing left was what she wore EVERY DAY. "Um Star," I began, "Do you have anything that is more than four inches long?" I asked while holding up her skirt.
She frowned at me, "You do not like my clothing?" she asked innocently.
Darn that girl and her puppy dog eyes, "Not on me I don't," I replied shortly.
Her eyes widened, "Do I dress badly?" she asked, close to tears.
I gasped, "No Star," her eyes watered, "Star please don't cry!" I walked over to her and put an arm around her shoulders, "Star your clothing is beautiful."
She looked up at me, a tear was running down her cheek, "Then why won't you wear them?" she asked innocently.
"Because I'm not as pretty as you are," I told her matter of factly.
She gasped in horror, "Yes you are!" she exclaimed in true teen age fashion. "You are beautiful! You would look lovely in my clothing!" At that she stepped back and glared at me.
I just gave up, "If you say so Star," I told her, and picked up the outfit.
She nodded, "I do! Don't let ANYONE say you aren't pretty!" at that she gave me a smile and pushed me out of her room. "Now I'm going to sleep," she announced, slamming the door in my face.
I distantly heard laughter in her room, 'That was too easy,' her language said in satisfaction. My eyes widened, why that little harlot! Of course I didn't mean it, but she was tricky. I needed to watch her; I wouldn't be surprised if she used her innocence to her advantage. A great deal of 'sweet' 'innocent' and 'kind' people do that, they just never get caught. Well, it was nice to know that she wasn't perfect. Her guilt trip won't be as effective anymore either.
I sighed and walked up to the guest room I was sleeping in. I walked in and put on the outfit, just about choking when I looked in the mirror. I looked TERRIBLE; okay maybe I didn't look that bad. But still, that much skin was NOT supposed to show! It didn't help that I wouldn't wear Star's shoes, last time I wore heels I twisted my ankle. I needed to wear something over this, I needed to hide this.
I began to frantically look around the room, and then I spotted a blanket. In my fear I wrapped it around myself like a cape. I turned back to the mirror; there was no way I could wear that. I needed something else, a cape would be nice. What about...RAVEN'S cape! I grabbed my hat and pulled it on before leaving, I just wasn't myself without it.
Still holding the blanket I ran down to her room I stopped in front of her door and suddenly realized the implications of this situation. I was going to WAKE HER UP, wear her clothing, and maybe even interrupt her meditating. I listened, okay she was just sleeping; I had a slim chance of survival.
I lifted my hand and gave a firm rap, I listened carefully. It had woken Raven up, but she was hoping I would have enough sense to go away. I took a deep breath and knocked again, this time I heard a rustling. I waited, the door opened ever so slowly. I gulped, terrified, then I looked up at a pissed off Raven. All I can say is that my heart stopped right then.
I stared at her for I don't know how long, forgetting to breath. She rolled her eyes, "What is it Mage?" she asked coldly.
I gulped and eventually regained used of my lungs. I took a deep breath and spoke, "I want to know if I can borrow a cape."
She glared at me and I reflexively took a few steps backward. She glowered, "That is why you woke me up?" she asked dangerously. I nodded in terrified muteness, she shook her head. "NO," she growled, and then went to shut the door.
"Please," I begged, "Raven I really, really, would appreciate it." She glowered at me, but didn't close the door. I took a breath, "It's either you let me borrow your cape," I took off the blanket, "Or I have to run around like this."
She smirked, and I could have sworn she giggled. Then she turned without a word and shut her door. I stared at it in shock, I was screwed, and this was so not good. After a few seconds I turned to go, "Mage," I heard Raven say behind me.
I turned quickly; she was holding a cape out to me. I felt all my tension melt away, "Raven I adore you," I told her seriously, grabbing her cape. She just shut the door in my face.
With glee I put the cap on, leaving the hood down. If there was one thing I learned, it was never pull a hood over a hat. I grabbed the edges of the cape and grinned, I pulled it tight around myself and pretended to be Raven.
Suddenly I heard a beeping, 'move it girl, Titan alert.'
Raven suddenly burst out of her room and looked at me, "Come on," she said shortly. I saved my breath and sprinted after her. We ran to Cyborg's car, and I realized that we were the first there. I smiled a little as I saw Robin come in. He was hopping on one foot and trying to put a shoe on. He managed to do it and move as quickly as if he was sprinting. As I said, he was talented.
Starfire came floating in soon after, followed by a disgruntled Beast Boy and a jogging Cyborg. We all piled into the car, I managed to nab a window seat. Robin managed to quickly regain his composure, once again in the front seat.
"Looks like Mumbo the Magician has struck again," he told us.
The rest of the teens tensed, I looked around, noting the annoyance in their poise. "Um," I spoke up, "Who is What's His Face the Magician?"
Cyborg answered this time; he and Robin seemed to be the leaders of this little escapade. "We dealt with him before, he has a magic wand," I grimaced, great a parlor trick evil villain, "And he uses it to cast spells."
I nodded, and then realized he couldn't see me, "Thanks," I replied. Then I began to sharpen my hearing (Thanks to Wind I had far more sensitive hearing then ANY animal from earth.) I listened to the whirring of the motor and the rushed gossip of the buildings. I heard a whisper from the brakes, 'Stopping, here's the spot,' and tensed. Cy slammed on the brakes and everyone but I lunged forward. I quickly unbuckled and got out, I would not want to fight in as closed a space as a car.
I may be a pitiful fighter in human form, but I knew the tricks from cat form. I reached the road, I was concentrating so hard on the slightest whisper that everything seemed surreal.
I heard a whisper, yet it was almost a scream to me. With out reacting I pinpointed it. It was like the sound of cheesy magician music. Everyone's language is a little like a chant, resembling some form of a song. I didn't even hear words, just inflections of emotions. That was my truest hearing, unbefuddled by words and translations. I read directly from emotions, and knew I would speak with them.
I heard Robin's voice, almost unaware of his words. I heard anger and a little fear, also excitement and joy. "Titans, go," I registered a moment later. I heard the rest of the team tense; I needed to remind myself to look. I didn't need eyesight, and often my eyes would unfocuss to the point that I forgot I even had them. It was useful, for illusions couldn't be used on me.
I looked up and on a building, as I knew there would be, was a green magician. His hawk nose and beady eyes complemented his cheap outfit. I didn't follow the team, all ready aware of the fact that they had forgotten about me. They had worked together for so long that an outsider is easily forgotten. I smiled grimly, that would be useful, and I could do things my way.
With grim satisfaction I took off down an alley, tracking the magician by sound. Where ever he went there seemed to be that stupid elevator/magician music. It added yet another surreal quality. This was my world, and I was comfortable in it.
As I ran I dodged barely seen boxes and nails. Raven's cape flew behind me, I barely even noticed it. My bare feet easily found good purchase, my callus protecting my feet from gravel and I ignored the grime and filth. I heard a nail sing out; its chant quickly noticed as I deftly avoided it. I could hear the magician to my left, the teens sounded tense and wary.
Beast Boy yelled something, as his body screamed anger and shock. I heard the magician's magic come flying at him, it sounded rotten and false. It would be simple to overtake; just a few true words would unravel his weaving of illusion and wishes. As I ran; the words and chants, even the feelings of entities and humans wove themselves into a picture.
The alley in which I ran and the racing fight of the teens and magician both stood in front of me. Their translucent thoughts laying over each other, each separate and one at the same time. With a smile I heard the teens and magician enter an old house. It was abandoned and rotting, it would be simple to use it to my advantage. I tracked and planned, learning every inch of the old home. Even it's past and dismal future was understood, it's personality and hopes were all remembered in an instant. As I had said, emotions are clearer and quicker to understand.
Without even realizing it I ran into the open street, dodging people and cars alike. I wasn't amazingly fast; I just knew what everyone was going to do. It's hard to be hit when you know where a car is going to be. I ran to the home without incident, no accidents lay behind me. Maybe a few angry citizens, but that was the worst of it.
I ran down an alley and reached the shadowed layers of the abandoned house. I slowed down and let myself focus. Where before I had been everywhere, behind and before me, mingling around the teens, I was now in myself. My concentration and determination a sharpened edge to cut into shadow.
I softly walked to the building; even my sharpened hearing couldn't hear my gentle tread. Maybe my fighting skills weren't so useless after all. I silently called out to the shadows, my language spoke a wish. Through the purest form of language, emotions, I asked the darkness for help. I asked it to wrap around me and hide me from the magician. Almost unconsciously it did as I bid, its tendrils combining with the light to hide and soften my form.
I dropped Raven's cape, making a note as to where it was. I couldn't have it fluttering behind me and ruin my disguise. My conscious thought was slowly returning, where before I used instincts I now used both. I padded to a hidden hole, its words calling to me. With a careful step I slipped through, deftly avoiding the broken glass.
I heard the struggle of the teens and their adversary, and smiled at their raw emotions. I gently crept down a hallway, slowly regaining my sight. I reached the room where the fight took place, suddenly aware of my regained sight. His tainted magic flew at the teens, wrapping around them.
Raven was battling an insane rabbit, I couldn't help but wonder at their immunity to its fakeness. Though the 'magic' was there, it had a hollow feel to it, almost like a hologram. Like the crown of light I made Star, it was beautiful, but it wasn't real. I smirked a little as the magician tied up Best Boy in a chain of scarves.
I heard the charging of Cyborg's bomb, and stepped into the shadows as he blew it at the magician. The green skinned maniac jumped into his hat and avoided the blast. The light from the bomb threatened to remove my disguise. I gripped the shadow tightly around me, and winced as the light scraped it away. The edges of shadow began to float away like the peeling of skin. Flakes of ash like shadow were scraped of me, floating on the light. It must have looked amazing, shadows being ripped away and a girl being formed from them. It was silent though, and the teens didn't notice, too focused on their adversary.
The magician looked up at me, and smiled. I heard his charge of elevator music and tensed as he pulled out his wand. I cracked open my mouth, ready to tear apart his illusions. He yelled something, some inane little magic word, and a shower of sharp flowers flew at me.
I smiled slightly and whispered, 'Flowers,' speaking the truth that they so badly imitated. Like all false hood the truth tore them apart, causing their petals to rain down and fade into nothingness. I barely noticed a shield Raven had set before me, but I did notice its release.
He frowned and pulled off his hat. "Abera cadabera,' he yelled, and hundreds of sharp teethed little Rabbits pored out of the hat. They began to swarm at everyone, attacking the teens as much as I.
I rolled my eyes, pleased that I wouldn't have to face a challenge. 'Rabbits,' I whispered, and they dissipated with a discord that grated against me. Raven's insane rabbit disappeared also, and the magician's eyes widened. My mouth barely moved as I whispered, and to all but my victims my words were unintelligible.
All he knew was that if he attacked me his stuff disappeared. I smiled at him and began to walk forward. I noted how the other teen had begun to distract and circle him. So I took a job as scape goat, his attacks wouldn't hurt me. I padded softly forward, giving him a feral smile. Only being a carnivore can teach you that smile, and I knew that role well.
I was good at intimidating; I knew how to play off of other's emotions. So I whispered forward, my step even and calm. It was showy and unneeded, but I was playing distracter. He backed up a little and I tilted my head to the side, softly licking my lips.
He suddenly raised his wand; I had been well prepared for it, and yelled a word. I felt a bit of true 'magic' swirl around him; this would be more difficult. "Danger," he whispered in danger's language. I shivered as the power ran to him, chaffing against me and leaving my confidence raw. Smoke began to condense around him, forming a swarm of doves.
I paled, for the doves were truly dangerous, they were not completely formed from illusion. If I spoke dove, then their mask would be removed and the danger released. I hoped the teens would hurry, even as I sensed Robin sneak behind the magician. I needed to distract both the magician and his lightly bound servant.
I showed my fear, and backed up, bidding the danger to follow. The doves cooed and flew towards me, gently fluttering down. I heard a dove tense and dodged as it dived towards me. I sensed three tense, and did so myself, I was leaping and dodging frantically.
I began to hope for the teens to hurry, if they weren't quick I would be killed. I saw the magician begin to loose interest in me, and spoke quickly, 'focus on me,' I whispered. He stopped and looked at me; his language began to become aware of my meddling. I thought frantically, and then remembered my shield. I was so foolish!
I snapped my shield up, slamming the diving doves away. 'Extend, and around,' I whispered, pushing the doves back. If they got more the twenty feet away from the magician they would be released, and in a sense killed. If I released them, he would still be holding the danger here. But if I forced HIM to release them from the strain, then they would be sent back. The thread of illusion was all that held them together. The shield continued to extend and the doves began to coo frantically. I sensed them weaken as they beat against my shield, then they were gone. Just, gone, I looked over at the magician; the doves had reached the twenty foot mark.
He raised his wand, and the teens all charged him. Starfires bolts mingled with Raven's aura and Cyborg's blast. Robin's birdarang gave them a target, and the magician's wand disinigrated. All of the discord of fakery and illusion disappeared; releasing me from my discomfort. Nothing grates as badly as something that doesn't belong.
I was still scattered, too focused on the world of sound to act properly. I dimly noticed the titans talking to an old sad man, as I began to focus on my self. I noticed the sounds around me, but I clung to my own chant. I wove myself in it, releasing myself from the words of the city and everywhere that I had traveled. Slowly I felt my attention turn back to myself, and I heard my perception of time return to normal.
I took a deep breath, and felt a sudden jolt as I returned all awareness to myself. With a relieved smile I looked up at the Titans. My sight was fully returned, and my hearing was once again dimmed. I could no longer hear the conversation of people blocks away, I was suddenly aware of things I hadn't noticed.
The teens were still focused on the magician, and I walked over.
"Looks like the show is over," Robin told the magician.
I couldn't help but wince that was a BAD pun. I joined the ranks of the Titans unnoticed; I was good at remaining hidden. With a sigh I began to watch, morning my loss of independence.
Beast Boy turned toward me and leapt back, surprising myself and him. "OH, hi Mage," he said absent mindedly. He began to walk away then snapped back to look at me, "When did you get here?" he asked suddenly.
All of the teens stopped to look at each other, and then Raven stepped in, "Let's take this guy to prison." She told them confidently. She turned to me and gave me a slight smile, I felt oddly grateful. She knew when I arrived, and had kindly diverted them. The teens nodded and laughed, I was momentarily forgotten. They began to walk outside, the sound of the police sirens arriving. I let them walk ahead, then followed them, blinking in the light of the reporters and the din of the cars. I hated loud noises, with a smile I avoided the whole thing and walked over to the side.
The Teens handed the prisoner over; I couldn't help but pity him without his magic. They talked with the police, and answered a few reporters, Raven remained aloof. I perked up when I heard a reporter ask them, "And who is this mysterious new member to your team?" She gestured over to me, hidden in the shadows, and with a sigh I walked over to them.
I looked a mess, my braids were unwinding and my hat was barely on. I noticed Raven's cape (the one I had borrowed) in the shadows of the building and absent mindedly picked it up. The reporter gave me a disgusted look, and the other teens looked somewhat surprised. They had obviously forgotten about me, you could tell by their confused and guilty looks. If only they knew how much I wanted to be forgotten right now.
The reporter held her mike under my nose, the other reporters clustering around. There was a remarkably small number, two or three. I put on my smile and hid all signs of exhaustion, "I'm Mage," I told them, looking at each of them in turn. I gave a shrug and calculated laugh, "I guess you could call me a...trainee Teen Titan," I finished with a winning smile.
The reporter gave a well rehearsed smile and turned back to the camera. I was relieved by the dismissal, and suddenly REALLY noticed how disgusting I looked. I had mud, sludge, garbage, and any form of refuge you could think of covering my legs up to my knees. I had a few cuts bleeding from the bottoms of my feet, I didn't feel them yet. Starfire's clothing was dusty and splattered with mud. Not to mention my disarrayed hair and filthy face. This was all finished off with Raven's cape, which was covered in mud and filth, its hem a dried bit of dirt.
The teens were giving me weird looks, and I plastered a smile on for them. "Can we get home so I can clean?" I asked, smelling the mud. "Just let me finish this up," Robin began, "Then you need to go home and take a shower." He wrinkled his nose, as the rest of the teens had already. I couldn't understand how they could stay so clean; guess they still noticed mud when in danger.
I smiled and walked out of the way of the cameras, leaning against a wall of a building. I felt physically exhausted, though adrenaline was beginning to kick in. This time I got just as much of a work out as the teens. As Robin finished talking, the rest of the titans headed over to me.
I looked down at Raven's filthy cape that I had clasped to my chest. I sighed and looked up at her, "Sorry about your cape," I told her sincerely, "I'll wash it when we get back." I turned to Starfire, "Same to you about your clothes," I looked down at myself, "I'll know how to get the smell out."
They just smiled, just as exhausted as I was. Raven didn't answer, just gave me a calculating look. Beast Boy walked over, "Wow Mage, you stink," he quipped good naturedly, "What'd you do? Run through the sewers?"
I smiled, "I'm just drawn to mud I guess," I replied cheerfully, my attention waning from him. I was too tired to deal with this little masquerade. For that are my feelings towards all socializing, and I really don't enjoy doing it.
Robin walked over, giving me a hand up, "We have to stay a little longer," he told me, his voice sounded like he was holding his nose. "The addition of a new member, well, we need to talk to the reporters."
I nodded, "All right," I told him, "I'll just head back on my own." I didn't want them to see me fall down in exhaustion. Right now I was ready to take a nap, I needed to stay away until adrenaline kicked in, and the let down was over. I turned around and began to walk back, expecting to hitch a ride with Wind once I was behind a building.Robin yelled after me, his face full of worry. "Mage?" he asked, "Are you okay?" I turned to look at him; his eyebrows were knit together in worry.
I managed to slip on my mask a little tighter, and pulled on a plaster smile. "Of course I'm fine," I told him in a bored tone. He didn't look convinced; I sighed and let him see just the tiniest fraction of exhaustion. "I'm just a little tired, adrenaline let down," I told him with a tired happiness.
At that he relaxed, as far as he knew, I had WALKED there. Also, he hadn't seen too much of me fighting. He knew I had been, but not what I had been doing. That was the way he got when in a struggle. If I ever got close enough to be a Titan in spirit, he would notice me when fighting. As it was, I wasn't close enough to remember when he had more important concerns at the moment. I like it that way...I think...
He gave me a look; I never liked it when he gave me that 'look.' I felt myself squirm under his gaze, and he knew it. Finally he released me, "If you're tired you should be DRIVEN home," he told me, not unkindly. This is why I don't like leaders, they give stupid advice. Well, maybe it wasn't so stupid. Yet did he honestly think Cyborg WANTED this disgusting girl in his car? I didn't, and I doubted, I KNEW, that no one wanted to sit next to me.
I felt my smile stiffen; I don't know if he noticed. I'm fairly sure he did though, for he shivered a little. "Wind will, hopefully, give me a ride back," I told him. It took a great effort not to start staring him down; I was doing the best I could not to have a power struggle. It was bound to happen, but I could TRY to avoid it.
He gave me a look, obviously about to object. I turned, my patients all depleted. I had been steadily using it on them for the past week, and the exhaustion had just killed it. I felt my smile grow ever so slightly cold, and my gaze hardened. I looked him straight in the eye for about five seconds. Every inch of me went carnivore, I was ready to challenge him. If he disagreed I didn't know what I would do; besides bare my teeth and growl. Through out this whole thing I made sure that we were in the camera's blind spot.
I stepped back with great effort; I didn't want to start a power struggle. I had let him know how I felt, and I would see what he did. I felt my shoulders relax, and my posture become less threatening. Then I gave him a slight smile, just to relax him.
He sighed and nodded, "All right," he conceded. Did he honestly think I would have WAITED for his approval? Then his face softened and I knew the danger had passed. He looked at me in concern, the look he gave all of his team members. "Just, be careful, all right?" he asked, I had heard this before.
I smiled, surprised at how nice it felt to be treated like one of the team. With a nod I turned to go, puzzling about my change in character.
I began to think deeply, "I had always HATED being part of a team...then again," I continued softly, almost wondrously, "I never let myself REALLY be a part of one." I shook my head and just let the matter alone, I was going to ride this and see what happened. I was fine with that for now.
I took a deep breath, settling my troubling if relaxing thought aside. 'Wind?' I asked, feeling it stir around me in reply. I smiled, I missed being with a being and not having to talk. Just holding a companionable silence, 'Would you mind carrying me to the Tower?' I asked. Its response was to pick me up and lift me above the buildings.
Tendrils of air wrapped around me, feeling soft and smooth. I was sitting in something like a chair, but softer. As I rose, Wind wrapped clouds around me so I wouldn't be seen. I took my nap on the warm and drowsy way over. Wind took It's time, and when we reached the Tower, it let me sleep.
I finally woke up, after about maybe...twenty-minutes. I was surprised by how drowsy I had been, I normally just muddle through the day even if I'm exhausted. Then I began to notice how soft the air was, and how it rocked ever so slightly. I also noticed how the sun was being reflected by the clouds, so I was at the perfect temperature. Wind had been TRYING to make me sleep, I love that thing.
With a smile I yawned and waited while it lowered me, wordlessly I got off and headed into the Tower. I really do enjoy being with Wind, we never need to talk. I paused when I reached the doors, their great size always made me nervous. As did the entire Tower, it's odd the way I am living in my idea of the worst house.
I continued to muse as I walked in and up to the kitchen. It's also odd how I am living a life I never and still don't, want to live. You see, I hate the idea of being famous, or fighting anyone. If you're famous people will remember you by a fake and untrue image. So a demented version of you will go down in history. I am also not a naturally violent person, hearing the dieing screams of bruised cells tend to do that. I couldn't quite figure out why I was doing this, I know the school issue wasn't enough. I hadn't even seen the teacher yet!
I don't think it could have been the teens, as it was I am trying to separate myself from them... With a sigh I set the thought to the back of my mind, and just let it dwell there. With renewed spirits I headed into the kitchen to investigate the bug/assassin. I shivered at the thought. I was also going to start working on gaining the Tower's loyalty and trust. It would be a useful ally.
I began to automatically walk over to the elevator. I stopped and stared at the doors, not quite remembering walking over. I gave a shrug and pressed the open button, maybe the elevator would have some information. With a pleasant ting the doors opened, and I walked in and sat down Indian style.
'Um,' I began, unsure of what to call it, 'Elevator, would you mind helping me get some information on the little bug thing that snuck in yesterday?' I asked it, settling comfortably against the seat.
I heard Elevator's attention shift back to me, and I waited for its reply. I could tell its heart wasn't in it, but I was going to push anyway. 'I guess so, what would you like to know?' It asked me in a reluctant tone.
Now, you might be wondering why I didn't ask Wind. Quite frankly it knows everything that has happened on this earth since it was made. The problem is that it doesn't help me all that much. With personal problems it's really sweet, but come to sides and human problems, I'm on my own.
I thought carefully, 'When did the bug-thing get into the Tower?' I asked. Elevator was likely to know because it is attached to every floor, and can sense everything that happens in the Tower.
It paused and I listened to its concentration run along power lines. It asked questions of pretty much every section of the building. It accessed the computers and got all memory from them. Its sound of little bells, like the original elevators, floated around the Tower.
It finally returned to me, in about five second's human time. I had been living in machine time, for which that was a few hours. So as a warning, this entire conversation was taking place in a few minutes. That's how I was planning to get it over before the Teens got home.
'It seems to have reached the Tower three or four days (there's a lot of argument)' it added testily, 'ago.' I gave a slight hum of agreement and thank you. It was a little whirring made in the back of my throat that TICKLED. It continued, amused at my response, 'As too HOW it got there, most of the Tower is assuming it got in through the ventilation.'
I nodded, it made sense, but Elevator continued. 'Then again,' it added with a laugh, 'Ventilation isn't all that well liked.' I knew what it meant, Ventilation was a know it all, and let you know it too. 'The Tower would be only too pleased to blame it on Ventilation.'
I let out a sound of amusement, like a high pitched beeping. 'Are there any other possibilities?' I asked politely. I made sure to use the accent that meant gratitude and slight humility. I was willing to suck up when needed, just as long as it didn't go against my beliefs or principles. After a stupid question like that (there HAD to be other possibilities) I needed to suck up. There's nothing machines (generally) hate more than a stupid question.
It spoke with the accent that meant slight disappointment and annoyance when it answered. 'The next likely possibility is that it was carried on by a Titan,' it told me. The Tower generally view their occupants with patient amusement, Elevator wasn't an exception.
I let a whisper of 'agreement' tickle the back of my throat. I really did enjoy the subtleties of the entity languages.
Elevator continued, its accent turned back to neutral. 'Or it got in through the water, but it was confirmed that it came out from hiding in the kitchen.' It put on the accent of heavy disapproval, 'The kitchen didn't think to tell me about it.' In modern buildings the elevator is generally the 'leader.' Basically it is in the center and connected to everything (it can run through electric circuits) so it is used as a...meeting place. No, it's more where everyone groups their information, like a library. Sometimes the ventilation system is used, but it generally doesn't have contact with its residence or the computers. The computers are used to store ALL the information. That's why they act weird sometimes, their storing your and the entire house's information.
Anyway, away from the lesson, the Elevator kept talking. 'It is believed it belongs to Gizmo,' it told me. Then it added in a bored tone, 'He and two other children invaded us a while back.' I nodded, storing away the information, 'That's about all I know,' it's accent turned spiteful (yes I mean accent not tone), 'You might want to ask the rest of the Tower. They might not have told me everything.' I winced for the Tower at the Elevator's wrath.
I gave a murmur of gratification, the back of my throat tickled with the sound. The Elevator responded with a sound of welcoming, and an asking for me to drop by. I grinned and headed up to the shower. I used the one that Star, Raven, and I shared. I figured I should wait to use my new one until I had moved in.
Besides, I got a kick out of their bathroom. You step in and see a HUGE pink fluffy bathmat, then notice a shower curtain with the Angel of Death on it. The walls are black with BRIGHT orange trim, and the mirror is surrounded by teddy bear Christmas lights. Though Raven has added her mark by giving a few teddy bears a long dark cloak and making them into smiling Grim Reapers. With a sigh I walked into the shower, making sure that I had some of my shampoo, conditioner, and soap in it. I was almost tempted to use Raven's shampoo, I really love her smell. I was going to have to request that I get my hair washed with that before I'm buried...
Yet I didn't do that, I HATE smelling like someone else, I like my scent. I've been told that it's a fresh clean smell, mixed with soap and the sharp scent of ever green. That's to be expected since ALL of my stuff has ever green in it. You'd be surprised how nice it smells, a very nice sharp smell. I finished my cool, bordering on cold, shower and stepped out.
I stopped and looked at Starfire's and Raven's clothing, there was no way I was putting that filth back on. I dried off my hair, brushing the deep silver strands down my back. Their ends chilled my back and tickled my elbows. With a sigh I wrapped a towel around myself and with the clothing at arms length headed down to the laundry room. My hat was disgusting too; I had to HAND wash it.
Now, here is how my powers are useful, I had no idea where the laundry room was. So I listened to it, I decided to travel the stairs, not wanting to run into one of the Titans. After about three flights and many creepy hallways, I reached the laundry room. I had expected spiders and foot deep layers of dust. But the Teens apparently washed their clothing more often then their smell suggested.
I shoved Star's clothing into one washer, and Raven's cape into another. (They had about four washers and driers.) I wasn't stupid enough to mix light and dark clothing, and then deal with Raven trying to kill me.
I sat back and thought about that, "Would Raven REALLY try to kill me? I mean, I know she's not fond of me, but she's willing to give me the time of day...sometimes. She also helped me stretch once, was that a good thing? Or did she not want to deal with me?" I took a bowl I had found and filled it in cool water from a sink, then I added some clothing soap and started to hand wash my hat.
I sat back and shook my head, I guess I was just going to have to try and watch her. I'll just be REALLY nice and leave her alone, and then I'll figure out her opinion of me. I hope...
Finally I decided that I couldn't just sit around and wait on the clothing. I finished up my hat, rinsing it out in the sink, and set it to air dry on a clothes line. (Those Teens had EVERYTHING in there.) I began to walk away, when I noticed a terry cloth robe. I took a peak at it, and it had GUEST ROBE, embroidered on it. With a grin I put it on and went up to the Elevator, I need to ask it some questions. I walked down the more than eerie hallway, and finally reached it. I pressed the 'open' button and walked in, sitting down in Indian style.
I could feel the elevator turning its attention to me. 'Hey,' I greeted it noncommittally. I made sure to use the accent, yes I mean accent, which means pleasure. In this case a pleasure to talk to it. Machines have very complicated languages, each accent, dialect, and pitch means something.
It stirred around me, not speaking in words but letting me know that it's listening. I continued in the same fashion. 'Would you mind telling me what you know about the bug thing-a-ma-bob that had been in the kitchen yesterday?'
Immediately I could sense the elevators discontent on the subject. With a slightly wrathful accent it told me, 'Well, no one knows how it got in,' it paused. I could hear it's anger build up, 'Or no one had TOLD me.' I winced, elevators were generally told everything that was going on. Next to the ventilation they were generally the one object that was connected to most of the home. It did very in houses about whether the ventilation or elevator, or even both got the information. IN this case I think the elevator won because it has direct access to the computers. But as far as I could tell the ventilation was also used for the same purpose.
I put disgust into my voice, making sure my inflections showed how sympathetic I was to its plight. 'It's hard to think,' I said managing to sound sincere, 'That any home would give its information to its concintran.' Just so you know, concintran is the official title for what the elevator does.
I could hear its amusement, 'Don't pretend to care,' it told me sternly. 'There's nothing worse that a suck up.' I smiled a little; I was willing to suck up if it got me what I wanted. I just wasn't willing to throw my principles out the window to do it. That's how you learn to put a nice spin on things, you don't lie but you are still kind about it. It continued in a better mood, 'All I know is that it SUDDENLY APPEARED,' its sarcasm was thick, 'In the fridge. About two days before you...' it laughed a little, 'found it.'
I decided not to get upset; it was fairly stupid of me to stand RIGHT IN FRONT of it. I let out a smile and asked, 'Any idea where it came from?'
The Elevator began to think, 'It is believed to belong to Gizmo,' it told me carefully. It obviously had a strong disgust for this GIZMO.
I nodded, 'Thanks, mind if I come back for more information later?' I asked politely. I felt the elevator move, but chose to ignore it.
It paused for thought that was an important question, and as such wasn't taken lightly. 'No I don't mind,' It replied cheerfully, 'I'll actually enjoy your visits.'
With a smile I suddenly noticed the elevator doors open, and a group of exhausted Teens looked down at me. I gave them my most charming smile and stood up. Robin stepped in, and held his peace. Though his face did go through some amusing expressions. Starfire was confused, but didn't really care, and Beast Boy was too weird to be able to be surprised when someone else was. Raven...well no one really know what Raven thinks, and I don't try to figure it out.
Cy was the one who commented, with a look of confusion he said to me, "What are you doing Mage?"
I looked around at them, suddenly aware of all of their interest. I gave a shrug and answered as if this was a normal occurance, "I was having a conversation with Elevator."
They all stopped and stared at me, then just pressed the button and chose not to talk. Let me tell you, they SMELLED, even Starfire. Though she was more of a pungent flower smell, I guess being an alien gave her a weird form of sweat. None of them talked, probably too exhausted. The doors opened at the bed room floor, everyone but me had a room up there.
The doors opened and the Teens look at each other, the three boys tensed. Then started RACING down to their shower. Beast Boy's body tensed then changed into a cheetah, amongst the other boys protests. I heard the slam of the door and watched Robin and Cy stomp off to their rooms. Starfire and Raven didn't race, they had a system. Starfire had used it first last time, so now it was Raven's turn.
I don't think the agreement was so much because girls get along more, as to the fact that an angry Raven is terrifying. I looked over at Star, and quite frankly she smelled NICE. Like she had just bathed in the scent of flowers. A little too strong for me, but far more endearing than perfume.
I gave Star a grin and asked, "So, mind if I use another of your out fits?"
She suddenly broke into a huge smile, "We may now do the ritual sharing of the clothing properly?" she asked joyfully.
I grinned, shocked that I was looking forward to this. It was probably her perky personality, "I guess I did sort of mess it up this morning didn't I?" I asked her sheepishly, feeling silly about my dread of clothing.
She didn't agree with me, but she didn't argue either. The only reason that I was suspicious of her silence was that she had an odd, almost evil smile on. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I KNOW Star isn't as innocent as she appears. There had to be SOMETHING in the human culture that violated at least SOME of her beliefs!
I gave her a suspicious look, and as if sensing my attitude she broke into her trade mark smile. With a shout of joy she grabbed my hand and began dragging me, "Oh we will have many times of fun!" she shouted joyfully.
I just slipped into my loaping gait and followed her. Surprisingly quickly we reached her room. With a leap she dragged me inside and slammed the door shut. I felt an odd hilarity surround me, probably an effect of my exhaustion and listening to Star's joy. I gave a small cough, scratching my throat a little to keep from giggling. I can't STAND gigglers.
We walked over to her closet, rather I dashed over before she could start throwing things at me. I sifted through some of her clothing, and held up a string bikini. I turned to her in horror, "Starfire," I began to get her attention, "I don't EVER want to see you in this."
She blinked at me in surprise, "But friend Mage, what is wrong with my suit of swimming?" Her face was so innocent, and I could tell that she honestly didn't know.
I sighed and gave her a smile, "Star, it's just that I personally don't want to see ANYONE wearing something that barely even covers them."
The poor girl looked so bewildered, "I thought it was costumary for human females to wear clothing of small amount," she told me. I was so happy she didn't feel upset, just confused.
I gave her a releaved smile, "Unfortunately it is," I told her with a grimace. She gave me a lost look and I elaborated, "Girls who wear as little as this are generally considered sluts," I told her.
The entire time all I could think was, please don't realize what that says about your clothing! Instead she asked an even more difficult question, "What is a...slut?" she asked.
My eyes widened, I was SO not explaining this to her. I am NOT going to be blamed for corrupting this innocent younge thing. For at her planet she may be worldly wise, but here she was innocent. I gulped, "I don't know how to explain it Star," I replied after a long considering pause. I wrinkled my forehead, "Why don't you ask..." she couldn't ask any of the boys... "Raven!?" I suggested brightly.
"Is Raven a better explainer of words?" she asked in surprise.
"In this case, yes," I told her seriously.
She shrugged and went back to her closet, "I thought you were word wise," she commented to herself. Then began to go through her stuff, I joined her.
I will not bore you, but I will forever be horrified by Starfire's outfits. It soon became clear that her present clothing was the most modest she had. Looking through it I found an odd outfit. It was similar to Star's, but a little bigger. It's color was black, with metal ribbing on the stomach.
I pulled it out, and immediately noticed how Starfire stiffened. "What's wrong?" I asked sincerely.
She paused before answering with barely controlled rage. She was shaking ever so slightly, and her voice seemed to vibrate. "That article of clothing belong to my sister Blackfire." I didn't ask why that was a problem, I knew Star would continued. Star looked me in the eyes, and there was such hurt in her face. I could hear her softly keening, a shrill cry of mourning and loss. "She was a betrayer of trust," she said shortly, quickly turning away.
I walked over and put a hand on her shoulder, I didn't say anything in English. Instead I let loose a crooning sound that meant comfort, I could feel it's soothing tones echo through me. They passed through my hand and throat, where they calmed her sadness and rage. I had done it at a low enough tone she couldn't hear it, and she slowly turned back to me with her bright smile.
"Would you wish to borrow this clothing friend Mage?" she asked innocently.
I looked straight into her eyes, pinning her with my gaze so she couldn't look away. "Are you sure you won't mind?" I asked in a deep voice. Whenever I am serious my voice deepens to an odd sound, almost like a clarinet.
She thought for a second, I was privately pleased that she would care enough to answer honestly. Then she gave me a slow, yet honest nod, "No friend Mage, I would mind not."
After deciphering her odd speaking I gave her a grin. "Thanks Star, I think this will fit me better." I gave her a smile and headed to the door. "Meet you later, Kay?" I asked.
She nodded, all shadows of sadness gone from her face and her chant. I shut the door and headed back to my room where I quickly changed. I was barefoot still, but I went down to the laundry room and grabbed my hat. I had already put my hair back into it's customary two braids.
With a happy sigh I headed to the living room.
