A/N: Well, I still haven't gotten any replies on the titans age or their method of getting to the island. I hope someone will either tell me that no one knows, or the answer. I am not 'reprimanding' (I sound like a mom don't I?) I'm just notifying. Oh, and if you wish to send a message to one of the titans, I'll pass it on. Including their response.
Thank you SO MUCH for the reviews! They just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Disclaimer: ditto, and I own Powers.
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We managed to get home without mishap; Robin had to deal with Starfire chattering about her new clothing. I can only thank God that he (and I) are still relatively sane. To my immense amusement, Starfire had to get Raven to help her carry her clothing back up to her room. I'll have to remember to enlist Raven's help when moving into my new room; her aura can be extremely useful.
Anyway, we were all lounging down stairs; for once I was actually watching the boys play video games. I was being careful not to cheer though, when I do I can illegally change a game. Knowing languages can be extremely limiting at times.
"Come Robin!" Starfire cheered, "Do some but kicking!" she yelled, the boys miraculously ignored her. To tell the truth, I was more down here to watch her than the boys.
Raven wasn't down at the moment, and I had stolen her favorite chair. Unfortunately for her (and maybe my life), I found that it was my favorite chair also. I grinned as Cyborg shot around Robin, Beast Boy still managed to lag behind; even though Robin and Cyborg were completely ignoring him.
Then the room turned red, a siren flashed and Raven bolted down the stairs. The video game was erased, moaning it's disappointment as the communicators kicked in.
Robin groaned as images of giant bugs filled the screen. I felt my eyes go wide, but Robin spoke up before I could comment. "It's Killer Moth," he took a deep breath. "Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, fly there and see if you can stop them from destroying any more buildings." He nodded to Cy and I, "Cy, you and Mage take the t-car, I'll meet you there." He gave a slight smile and uttered the famous phrase, "Titans GO!"
Instantly all of us ran to our required destination. I quickly climbed into the front seat; making sure to buckle up. Cy revved the car and tore out, I couldn't help but smile at the thought that this was the first time I had EVER sat in the front of this car. I silently rolled down the window, listening to the sounds of the city.
I was instantly greeted with an overpowering sense of a bee hive. Yet, it was almost like a mutated bee hive. It's occupants had the same amount of free will as humans, but they were far more unified than we or most bug colonies are. I would have to be careful. I smoothly began listening to the city, wincing as I heard it's tortured screams. I had grown attached to this place, in an oddly disgusted way.
I flicked my head up and braced myself, sending a wordless warning to Cy's subconscious. Then a swarm of bugs slammed into the rapidly slowing car. He slammed on the break, the car's scream as it skidded almost scraped my ears raw.
The bugs began to buzz, sending their wordless communication of their attack. They were going to rip through the roof. With wide I eyes I reached forward, grabbing Cy's steering wheel. Everything slowed down, I could feel the rough leather and vaguely notice his protest. Some part of me registered that I spoke in a flat tone, "Don't stop," as my foot ascended on his and slammed the car forwards.
I heard the eager roar of the car as the insects screamed in fury. My eyes narrowed as guts were splattered against our shield. Using my hearing I swerved doggedly. Then I was suddenly aware of the fact that I was no longer steering. Cyborg was yelling at me, but I didn't care.
I heard the tell tale sign of the swarm felling a power line. Cy glanced to his left and swore, trying desperately to go faster. Once again I spoke in a dead tone, practically unaware of my warning. "Hold on." I absorbed myself in the car's joy, I felt a smile stretch my lips. My heart lifted as I knew the sign of something stronger (and safer) then any high. Almost without my violation I opened my mouth to cheer. Then I let out all the joy this car felt in one long whoop.
That universal sound summoned all the forces of movement for a 'good time.' Practically without realizing it, I bound the unsuspecting forces together. Being preoccupied with the moving of the world, stars, and the universe…Force didn't notice when I 'borrowed' some of its power. Instantly the car shot forward, clearing the row of falling lines easily. Cy let out his own whoop, though mine easily covered his, as he desperately tried to steer.
As soon as we cleared some of the moths, I let my noise taper off. And with a sigh I settled back, with a slight headache. Cy didn't comment, we had both lost our breath, and we quickly caught up with the struggling fliers. Starfire was blasting at the creatures, her bolts shooting them from the air.
Yet for all of the three's superb efforts, they would be over taken soon. Cy and I raced over to them, I absent mindedly dogged the diving animals. I had to take some weight off of the teens. Cyborg blasted them awe, his raw power confusing my senses.
With a smile I moved to the four teens, and began to whisper. I began to confuse the moth's senses. With a sensuous hiss I slipped out the sound of a summoning. I knew it wouldn't sound like their Queen, I didn't wish it too. Instead I used the raw sound of a being in Power. With a sound of command I rarely use, I clearly told them…conflicting messages. Just so you are aware of this; I was dodging these bugs left and right. For every few that fell; three would attack me. It was all I could do to avoid them.
They bumbled and bounced into each other. With this great opportunity Cy blasted one particularly stubborn creature. Confident that the teens would protect me, I changed my tactics; though I was still in fairly constant movement.
I called up the chill of snow and ice; I seemed to freeze my throat as I called out the name of Winter. Instantly the moths froze, once again befuddled. Enchantingly I spoke of the calm terror that winter possesses. I crooned of its promise of peace, as I used the odd forming of my throat to unanimously speak of its uncaring nature.
'Why do you hurry?' I whispered in the snows hushed tones.
'Yes,' I responded in Ice's laughing tinkle. 'You have eternity to wait, why worry?'
Then I threw in the chill of dieing creatures, 'It's not worth it,' I whispered. I spoke a thousand tones that whispered an unearthly harmony. I carefully added the peace that all creatures attain the moment before they die.
To the teens muted shock, hundreds of the nearest moths dropped from the sky; dead, from the loss of will to live. It is true that the entities frown upon murder, but they hardly follow their own rules. I live with the sound of death every day; and it is peaceful. While I also hear the sound of life, and it is raw with unchecked emotion; including pain and irrevocable joy. I find it hard to feel guilty of quickening a death of something, when they wish to do the same to me. Life is only prolonged by another's death; you can't avoid that.
It was then that Robin appeared, his cycle leapt over the fallen creatures; landing safely among us. In the moths' brief respite, I relaxed and listened to him.
Star uttered a joyful sound, "Robin!" she exclaimed happily. He smiled at her, and glanced around.
With and arch of an eyebrow, he turned to us, "Wow," was all he said.
It was then that the moths renewed their attack. Cy continued blasting, as I took a quick break. It wasn't safe to stay in a language other than your own; especially when you are speaking of death. He blasted a moth, "They just all fell out of the sky at once, no warning," and another misbegotten creature fell.
I heard a moth, its chant called to me; unwillingly warning me of its attack. Almost without thinking I jumped back, and I grabbed onto one of Robin's dropped bird-arangs. You may not have noticed it, but those things litter the floor after a battle. Its cold metal stung my hand as I seemed to slowly hold it in front of me. The moth flew at me, and it slammed into me. I felt myself jolt; but I was already down on one knee. The shock reverberated through me, as the moth impaled itself on Robin's knife. I would say it was all a coincidence, but I knew what would happen. Life suddenly caught up with me; and I stood; giving the moth an unimpressed look.
It might have been a little shock, and that was why I cared so little. But I still think that I have grown as immune as is possible to death; though that doesn't say a lot. I absent mindedly wiped the blade off on my pants, blood permanently staining this old trustworthy pair. Then I continued to use it, only if I was dive bombed though. I got about three more moths that way, each time I was able to handle it better. Finally I felt it was safe to use my powers again.
I once again immersed myself, trying to confuse their senses. As more and more fell; thousands took their place. Unfortunately, the ones that live are not affected by my previous tricks. After what seemed an eternity of timeless fighting; I noticed a sound. The city was screaming.
We had been standing in a street, but the sound was coming from behind us. We turned and saw them busily chewing at a sky scraper. I gasped as the building cried out, it's pain so strong. Robin swore, and we all stopped as we stared at the screaming people inside the building. Their noise seemed to overwhelm me, and then the building let out a goodbye…
I felt my blood boil, and I narrowed my eyes. Enough is enough; I was, in a sense, an ally to this city. It had protected me from Fang, and the odd winged man; and I would go to hell before I didn't return the favor.
I cleared my throat and stepped forward, the teens cleared away from me in subconscious understanding.
'Leader of Swarm-of-beginnings-,' for this was their name, 'come and speak to me. This city is my ally, and under the laws and lives of the Entities, I shall not allow you to harm it!' My throat stopped uttering the clicks and squeaks as I fully came to myself. The blur of fighting was gone, as I prepared for negotiations. The swarm stopped moving and froze, from a few miles away the negotiator/leader began its travel to us.
With great apprehension I turned to the mystified teens, "What ever you do, don't attack them," I told them. For once my voice was full of such power and honesty that they did as I asked.
Robin narrowed his eyes, "What did you do Mage?" he asked softly. It was almost as if his words might make his worst fears come true.
I gave him a nervous smile, "I bought us some time;" they all gave me lost looks.
"How," Raven asked, her one question was loaded with a great many hidden meanings.
I nodded to her, unconsciously adopting the stance I always use for negotiations. "I'm going to try and figure out why they are attacking us," I explained. This seeming self confidence was just because I was terrified that the teens would be too angry to deal with me.
Beast Boy knitted his eyebrows together, "Dude, because we attacked THEM," he suggested in an ego killing tone.
I gave them a sheepish smile; too absorbed with myself at the moment to worry about being polite. "By 'us' I mean the city, it is our 'hive' so to speak." Don't yell at me, PLEASE don't yell at me.
Beast Boy nodded, "speak to Moth's as if you are Moths."
I nodded, trying hard to get rid of my head ache. "And since they have no possible gain from attacking the city; I might be able to get them to stop." The Swarm Negotiator landed on top of the swaying building; politely waiting for our conference to end.
Starfire's eyes widened, as Robin's narrowed. "Mage," he began in a warning tone, "If this ends up being more than an effort to make them stop fighting…"
Cyborg jumped in, "We are going to be in deep assed shit," he informed us oh so intelligently.
I assured them, "I know, I will not over step my boundaries." For some reason that seemed to assure them; by now they should know to check what my boundaries are. I gave them a smile and turned to the building, stepping forward so I was easily separate from the teens. I know I sounded aloof; but I wasn't. I was so frightened; speaking with any entity does that. All I wanted was for them to take over, and for me to just be able to sit down and stay OUT OF THE WAY! This bravado was the only way to keep me from backing down. Though I didn't realize this until later, if something wasn't done soon we would have died.
'Swarm Negotiator,' I stated calmly, awaiting its landing.
A buzz filled the air as the moths shifted to let it land easily. 'Mage,' It replied formally. You see, Mage is my title, no one; including me; knows my real name. As in, the one word that describes who I am in complete honesty.
'I wish to initiate the Knowledge Gleaning,' I stated, inside I felt like hyperactive jelly. While I masterfully kept my voice, chant, and body language from betraying my fear; I just about passed out.
Swarm Negotiator let out the high keening that signals agreement. That shrill sound seemed to pierce my skull and magnify my head ache by 100 percent. Swarm Negotiator then spoke up; it was clearly following the script, so to speak. 'On what grounds?' it inquired with an unusually hostile tone. Most bugs are fairly devoid of any remotely human emotions.
'I do not know why you are attacking us,' I keened and clicked, it took all of my will not to start cradling my head. This better work or I was going to take everyone down with me.
It's wings rustled angrily as it twitched it's antennae at me, 'We attacked you because you attack US,' it clipped out in the shortest whistled and snaps possible.
I felt my back stiffen, and I carefully smoothed my body posture back out. 'You attacked our Hive,' I clipped out to it in an equally angry tone.
It buzzed then smoothed it's wings, if it could have glared it would have. 'You do not have Hive's,' it accused shortly.
This time I let my eyes narrow, and my breathing quicken slightly. 'True, we only have large-groups-of-insects-who-live-together,' I answered darkly. The word that I used has so many meaning that, that was the best translation I can give. 'To us, we protect it like you would a Hive,' I snapped angrily.
It thought; and then a high trill erupted from it's beak. The teens couldn't hear it, though Beast Boy did whimper. To me it split my head asunder; it's pitch and volume was almost unbearable. It carried information to their Queen, information and a plead for answers. For a few moments they conversed, and I just about ruined it all by murdering That Bug.
Finally it replied, using a click that meant they believed me, apologized, and wished to continue talking. I emitted the click for yes, acceptance of their apology, and the wish for a peaceful outcome. Entities have very complicated languages. As it was, I was still speaking much like Tarzan did in those old movies.
I spoke, 'Why are you attacking this city, what have you to gain?' I also asked, as I can throw in multiple meaning, 'Must we continue this feud?' This was accented by, 'We will wipe you out, or die trying if you continue this attack/cruelty/mistake.'
It buzzed, accepting this information, 'The Leader told our Queen to,' it replied with the frank honesty contributed to all insects.
I chirped my confusion, 'How does The Leader help you?' I inquired.
It paused and carefully phrased it's answer, 'The Leader doesn't,' it replied calmly. This was also underlain with a subtle, 'The Leader will be analyzed.' Which means that if The Leader continues to be a hindrance; It will not be a Leader much longer.
I bowed my head and twitched my shoulders in a sign of understanding and the willingness to move on. I pause and then spoke, 'Why are you attacking us?' I asked once again.
Swarm Negotiator paused and analyzed its present information, 'We are not,' it said. It also spoke, 'Our Apologize,' and, 'We have no good reason.'
I bowed my head and chirped and clicked the traditional ending. It basically speaks of mutual respect, and how our brief understanding of each other allows/forces us to consider helping the other if the other party asks for help. The lovely thing about Animal alliances is that there are no strings. If you feel you can't help, fine.
With a final click, It rose, and it along with the rest of the Swarm; flew away. Their wings stirred the air like a hurricane, as leaves blew and billowed around us. September winds chilled us slightly; as we all stared at the flying 'cloud.'
I turned to the teens as Raven adjusted her hood. "Interesting," she said in her husky monotone.
"What did you do," Robin and Cyborg asked at the same moment.
I winced, "I just…managed to get them to fully realize that they have nothing to gain from attacking us," I stated nervously.
They all looked at me, "If they didn't want to fight," Starfire began, "Why did they attack Jump City at all?" Her head cocked slightly to the side in confusion.
I pursed my mouth, "I think they DID have something to gain, just not directly," I told them coldly. Raven nodded her agreement as I continued, "The bug said something about The Leader telling them to attack…?" I trailed off.
Robin nodded, "Killer Moth," he said darkly, "He controls them."
I nodded, "Oh," I paused and looked at Starfire. Distantly I heard her pain, and as I focused I realized that the teens had far more scrapes than I did. Raven's thigh throbbed from a bite wound, as Starfire would obviously need a few stitches on her forehead. I'm not even going to mention Robin, and Cy and Beast Boy were more bruise than skin.
I remained silent, this was not time to draw their attention to me; like I seem to do so often. For someone who likes to stay in the shadows, I'm quite an attention hog. Though that might be only with those I…trust…
I shook my head, time enough to wonder when I started caring about this group LATER. Robin's communicator went off; he picked it up quickly. He nodded; I was too much in shock to listen in.
Robin began to bristle at the news. All of the teens tensed and got ready for more difficulties. With carefully schooled movements, he lowered his hand and put away the communicator.
"Apparently the Moth's were distracting us while Slade and his group attacked the other side of the city." We all were instantly aware of our exhaustion. With an unusual action, Robin continued slowly. "Slade has been grabbing any child with inhuman powers, or alien ancestors." All of us closed our eyes in resignation for a long night.
You see, a few generations ago; aliens began to greet earth, and vice versa. All of our future allies were fairly humanoid, for species of similar mental and physical build tend to get along. Anyway, humans married aliens with what we felt were odd powers. At first the population dropped drastically, due to miscarriages and the unborn children of incompatible parents. Then the few surviving…hybrids bred and powers began to show up. My generation is the largest and most varied of all.
Crime has whizzed upwards, due to mutated powers and people who have no control over their odd abilities. Some people have senses so different than the normal human, that they are physiologically different. The way you view the world affects your morals and personality…and no one can understand each other.
Now another generation has popped up, and I suppose Slade intends to reap the benefits. Robin passed Cyborg the communicator showing him where to go. Then Robin looked up at us, and gave us an encouraging smile. With hidden strength he gave orders. "Starfire and Beast Boy, you go East and try to help as much as you can," he ordered. "This can't be organized, if you see a kidnapping, take the jerk out." He stated with frightening vehemence.
Robin turned to Raven and I, "Raven and Mage," he started, "You two go together, I want you to find the kids with powers; and try and get their help." He looked so lost; and yet I knew he wouldn't let us down. …When did I start looking up to him? He gave us a smile, "Cy and I will go together; if you find anything out; tell me." We all nodded; and with the smile of a true leader he said his famous line, "Titans GO!"
Raven and I ran to some shelter and looked at each other. I hadn't been around long enough to do things without speaking; we didn't know each other that well. I gave her a gentle smile, "What's the plan?" I asked.
She nodded, "We'll split up," she said in her cold voice. "That way we can cover more ground." I had my misgivings, but I had the entities on my side; and she was strong.
"I don't have a communicator," I began and her face soured. "But I can hear you pretty much everywhere in the city." Once again she gave me that cocky look, "You want me to do something, just say it; I'll hear."
She nodded; I knew she wanted to go. Without another word she took off; searching for a bad guy to beat up. I was not going to tell Robin about this. But I had more pressing matters to attain to.
With a cock of my head I listened, in the city there are always gangs of 'powers' as they are called. There was a certain group that I had always kept an ear out for; they weren't perfect, but they were strong.
I gathered the shadows about me, and spoke of walls and darkness. If anyone saw me their mind would slip away. At least, if they didn't know me it would. I reached down and took off my shoes and socks; throwing them aside. I dropped my jean jacket and was relieved to see that my shirt was grimy enough to pass as brown.
So I began my long trek, the cold chaffed my skin and nibbled at my toes…but I needed to avoid as much noise as possible. Jackets and shoes made noise. I kept my hat under the excuse that it would cover my reflective hair. I quickly slipped back into the movements of a nomad. My feet swiftly avoided glass and sharp objects, as I easily kept my footing.
I started to sprint; and then I was racing forwards; I felt like the wind itself. I began to speak like it also, smoothly contorting around unseen objects. I am not physically special. I can't lift great weights, or do more than any human. But with the right knowledge and awareness; the human could be as delicate or strong as any creature of the myths.
I rehearsed my knowledge of the children…and few adults I might see. Though most of the Powers hadn't live long enough to become adults; their odd genetic makeup had made sure of that. I lightly flitted behind a dumpster, half a mile from the Powers part of the city. I reached into my pocket and took out my pocket knife.
In as swift a movement as I could manage, I cut my pants, making them hang around my knees. As dangerous as it was to leave pieces of yourself, or things close to you lying around near Powers; I dropped the extra pants material. I pulled my two braids back and used some of the extra material to tie them in such a way that they wouldn't rustle or fly behind me.
I was as ready as I was going to get. I trotted across the old road, and was officially in danger. Now, I don't know anything about gangs, except that they are dangerous. I have always avoided them. Yet, luckily, I have helped a few kids who needed it. Helping is automatic to me; a favor can save your life (at least with entities). I hoped that some of the elder and younger gang members remembered me.
Powers gangs are more packs than anything else. You never quite know what they are; until danger comes. But it's that way with everything…isn't it?
Anyway, I slowly walked towards the group; praying that this didn't kill me. You surprise someone who doesn't know how to control their powers, and your head will literally be bit off. I stirred some dirt around me, and tried to obscure myself. Wind was an automatic ally, as I knew how to use it best.
I easily avoided most people, being able to hear them from far away. With my gentle tread I came half a mile from the group I was seeking; and stopped. I continued to walk forwards, and then when I was a quarter of a mile away I paused again. One of the persons there had extremely heightened senses.
The fact that I was upwind was not an accident. With a quarter mile of winding pathways between us, I purposefully stepped on a twig. Instantly I heard her head snap up, as she listened for me. I returned my breathing to the normal amount, and stood; letting her sense me.
She shared a look with the other people, and one slipped away. I waited; he was going to see who I was. As I have said, it's best not to surprise Powers. A scrawny boy of fifteen turned the corner, almost silently. I couldn't see him; but that was fine. His oddly golemnish body was forever to be shaped like that. And I heard him walk behind me; as I refused to move.
Well aware of the fact that I was intelligent enough to be frightened, he ran his fingers along the back of my neck; hoping to get a rise. I remained as still as ever, more out of the fact that I didn't know what to do; then that I was being brave. I heard his sharp teeth click as he purposefully flaunted his more dangerous aspects.
"What do you want?" he hissed, so quietly that only I would have been able to hear him.
I was so frightened that my odd accent came back, the lisping and unknown accent you gain from speaking inhuman languages. I have been told that it makes me sound like some sort of wind spirit. I supposed that my odd appearance doesn't hurt that either.
"I wish to speak to you," I replied, sounding almost like I was the wind whispering around trees.
He drew back and stood in front of me, "Why?" he whispered; his teeth glinting dangerously.
I paused and looked at him, wondering if I should tell him. In the end I remained silent; unwilling to say something that would worsen my situation. His eyes narrowed and he spoke, "Come."
Without bothering to see if I would keep up, he silently slipped away…almost silently. With surprising ease, I followed him; managing to keep my tread gentle. I once more began to automatically whisper like the walls and ground that I stood on.
After a short walk, or at least my idea of a short walk, we reached the group. Now; I should probably explain something to you. I call these Powers gangs, but that is perhaps the farthest thing from what they are. Each Power is so different from any human, and even each other, that they are more like a fragile pact.
They are a group of legends living out the oldest myths; both good, bad, and true. That is what they are, for when the impossible happens, one of our dreams are bound to be recreated. We have so many of them anyway.
I turned the corner after the odd creature, for he was not a boy. Perhaps the largest mistake that you can make with a Power is to pretend that they are remotely human. The female thing who had heard me earlier lifted up her head, and gazed at me with black eyes. They all gazed at me with black eyes.
The odd gangly male child; seemed to whisper Golesh. A translation would mean, marsh, darkness, real, and perhaps the one word that clings about all Powers, danger.
The girl spoke to me of pain, understanding, reality, and hope. All of these mean Truth, and in the language of time it is best said as Caliente. ( A/N: For these names the vowels are pronounced differently. Aah Eaye Iee Ooh Uoo C-ah-lee-aint-aye)
I could not make out the forms of the other Powers, but I was well aware that they were not the only ones of their…pact; group. These were just the ones that lived in the night, with their dark skin, elongated limbs, and solid black eyes. As a general rule they were the most dangerous; the night aliens being carnivorous.
The youngest, and yet the oldest in all that truly mattered, addressed me. "What do you want?" it hissed out. His voice was more like the sound of a rough silk when it rubbed against itself, then anything else. I could hear the odd forming of his throat sliding against itself at each word. The extra, hidden, flaps of skin which led to the silken voice; allowed him to swallow things in one bite. As did his unhinge able jaw.
Not all humans mated with the aliens willingly.
I didn't look directly at any of them as I spoke; I acted like one who is blind. For in the darkness; an odd darkness for a city, I could not see. Don't be fooled, the night creatures created the pitch black purposefully.
"As you should know," I whispered in that sinuous way that I can have, "Powers have steadily been picked off and used by" I instantly switched into another language, 'the-power-dreamer.' None of them noticed my change, no one notices my anomalies if I don't wish them to.
Another one stepped in, the last of the four there, "All Powers know this; you know the danger of unneeded talk." That was not bravado; Night Creatures eat…then talk. Its voice was more like the sound of sand scraping against itself, rough and obviously painful.
I nodded in admission that it spoke truth, "Now He/She/It is going after as many Powers as possible," I told her.
She looked at me, "Do you think we're Fools?" she asked. Hassien, that was her name. Rough, dangerous, non-patient, and as much of a hot head that a night creature can survive as.
I shook my head, "No, which is why I can't understand why you do nothing," I replied quietly.
The unnamed male spoke up, "Why do you tread on such delicate ground?" he asked warningly. Demien, an often used name; but it fit him. Quiet, patient, hopeful, trustworthy, and as all night creatures are; dangerous. He was the most like Robin.
My accent changed to the mournful tune of a sunrise, "It is the only ground left to tread upon," I whispered sorrowfully.
It nodded, "Why do you wish to speak with us?" it asked painfully. Demien's stance was rigid, and coiled, waiting for a chance to spring.
This time I looked at them, each of them in turn, as if the reflection of their eyes couldn't stop me from forcing them to understand. "Because I wish to avoid the disaster that only Powers know will come." I had changed to the tune of the night, peaceful. Night shows nothing of itself, yet it seems to twist to form your hidden thoughts. Why else is it peaceful for some, and a horror to others?
They were all silent for a brief period, and I continued. "Tonight is the harvest, if you don't do something a horror will befall us."
Caliente smirked, her body moving in an oddly sensual way. "You speak as if we dwelled in a story," she spoke, her tone of the whispered tales of the rivers and streams.
I slipped into the cryptic language I loved so much, for life always seemed a story. 'Caliente' "We are the creatures of myths, legends, and dreams." I paused and looked her in the eyes, somehow managing to force her to listen, "Is it not fitting that we should force this world to reflect us?"
They were all silent. I do not have the power of strength, or agility, but my speech can lift a person to the heavens, or force them into their inner hells. All you need to do is see the truth and speak it in such a way that none can turn away. The truth is a mix of hope and tragedy, and who can resist such a contradiction?
Demien spoke then, "Leave," he said softly, thoughtfully, "And you shall live".
Without hesitation I stepped back into the shadows, and whispered of walls and corridors. I listened as I left, and soon they could not find me; even though I was less than ten feet away. I was upwind, far more silent than them, and a wall hid me. Not to mention the fact that I forced them to think I was a wall. I had gained some help, the theatrics (more self preservation then anything else) hadn't hurt either.
I heard them walk to the rest of their alliance, and I politely stopped following. After what seemed a long walk, permanently avoiding the many night creature that stalked their self made jungle, I finally reached the broken road.
I crouched down low, and scuttled across. At the other side I paused, the Night Creatures had heard of me, and were watching for me. I turned and ran, racing to leave and find the safe ground of the city.
After what seemed like hours of panicked flight, I reached a busy highway, full of terrified people trying to leave the city. I paused, and sensed the world to see how long I had been gone. I left Raven less than an hour ago, and it had just barely reached ten o'clock PM. With a sigh I refused to release my adrenaline and listened for Raven.
She hadn't called for me, but Robin had called her and asked to speak to me. Shit. I'd worry about that later. I took a breath and started to sprint to the other side of the city, avoiding a great deal of short cuts out of fear. If the Night Creatures decided to help, darkness would not be safe. They were a mixed ally.
I once again was grateful that I hadn't let myself get out of shape. Unknown to the teens, and to stay that way, I got up at midnight every night and ran as many miles as I could in one to two hours. It honed a great deal of my abilities; it also allowed me to become allies with a great deal of this city. In my world, each person was a Country, and unfortunately, Countries war.
I would form a side stitch soon, but I still had time. I didn't let myself worry as I ran toward Raven, I need to let the teens know not to hurt the Night Creatures. I heard a Night Creature leave it's domain, my speed quickened. Hopefully other Powers would join too, though I know that the human population would fear the sudden number of Odd Things in 'their' city.
I ran, and stopped at the bottom of a sky scraper. Raven was fighting various Powers recruited or stolen by Slade. I listened quickly, everyone had fled the building; yet Raven had been detained. Unfortunately the power was out, I could not use the elevator or stairs, too risky. I closed my eyes and stepped back.
I began to bind the Air Molecules together, forming a clear stairway that wrapped round the building, hugging it's side. I waited till it reached the top, then with a reinforcement of my 'invisibility' I bounded up the stairs. It felt like the climb took forever, but I eventually reached the top. The entire way up I had sprinted, then laboriously climbed; holding a side stitch that seem to rip my upper body in two.
I reached the top; Raven was set upon by three Powers. None of them were Night Creatures; very few even knew that the Night Creatures even existed. One Power could gather electricity, its own body storing it within itself. Then by touching Raven, It could release the charge. Another was unusually wispy, with unusually strong legs. It leapt about like a young deer, using Its sharp teeth and nails to gouge at Raven. The last one made meaningless noise, a noise that was just above Raven's hearing, causing detraction and making it unable for her to concentrate well. Before I showed my self I effortlessly bonded the air into a bucket, and filled it with water. I carried it up to me on the Wind, and left it just below the building's edge, floating.
You would think that the last one would have been torture for me. But it was well in my hearing range, and sounded no worse to me than the constant jabbering of any human, building, or entity. I lived with constant noise, this was nothing knew.
I silently stepped onto the building, my 'invisibility' so strong that none could focus on me for more than a millisecond. I easily picked my way around the fighting four, standing so my back was to Raven. Then I dropped my disguise, and all whirled to look at me. Raven recovered the fastest.
I looked straight at the screamer, the lights of the city making it simple for me to see. I opened my mouth, and let out a keening that only the Keener could hear. She shrieked, covering her ears and trying not to pass out. I intensified my noise, rising in pitch and volume till she couldn't stand it, and she passed out.
Then I turned to the Lighting, knowing that my stare caused the most damage. With an instant understanding it leapt at me, trying to touch me. Raven whipped up her arrua, protecting me. I called up the water, and had it hover over the raging Light. With one word the bucket dissipated, and the Lighting electrocuted itself. Not yet dead, but sure to die soon enough. It dropped, smelling slightly burnt and instantly knocked out.
With the two nuisances gone, Raven took care of the Sniper. She grabbed it, lifting it above the building, and dropped him. The Sniper hit the top of the sky scrapper with a crack, not killed, but with an instant concussion.
We looked at each other, both of us weary. I listened quickly, and was assured that the Powers had been working for Slade. Weather they had been willing, was not my concern.
I swallowed and gasped, "My I use your communicator?" I asked Raven, I was afraid I might loose my voice. That would mean instant death for me.
She handed it over, still trying to catch her breath. I worked up some saliva and tried to sooth my throat, then turned the communicator on.
"Robin," I began clearly, ignoring my throat's pain, it was only dry. "It's Mage, can you talk?"
Starfire cut in, "Friend Mage, you are alright!" she exclaimed joyfully.
I smiled wearily, "Hello Starfire, stay safe, Kay?"
"I shall be careful," she assured me in a confused tone.
I heard a blast and then Robin responded, "MAGE! I Told You To Stay With RAVEN!" A child cried as Cy tried to comfort it, simultaneously blasting at a Power.
I didn't have time to deal with Robin, "Robin, I got help. They are going to look frightening, like Gollum." I tried to massage my throat before continuing, "They might even kill," I heard him exclaim angrily. "BUT DO NOT ATTACK THEM," I almost screamed, "They will kill you, and not try to help."
He growled, "I am not going to watch someone die Mage," his voice would have frightened me. But after a Night Creature, Robin almost seemed tame.
"Fine," I said shortly, "but don't attack them if they are attacking one of Slade's creatures."
Robin was silent, "I'll see what I can do," he replied in a controlled voice.
I nodded, "Fair enough, I just thought you should be warned, and unless they approach you, don't talk to them." I sighed, "I'll be with you in a second, Raven's fine."
"Mage!" he yelled before I could break the connection, "I want to speak to you later,"
"I'll make note of that," I replied coldly, and disconnected.
I turned around and saw Raven looking at me, in perhaps the coldest way imaginable. I just gazed back. I have never let them see the harsher part of me before, well, now they will have to deal with it. Though I knew that I would regret it later. I just hoped it didn't hurt Starfire, I had the oddest urge to protect her; though I knew she didn't need it.
I spoke up in a weary voice, "Robin's in the West, Starfire and Beast Boy have joined them." I paused and tried to sooth my throat, then continued, "Would you like to meet me there, or will you go with me and have me slow you down?" My tone was oddly assaulting, and she knew it.
Her eyes narrowed, "I'll meet you there," she told me coldly.
I nodded, "Oh, and Raven," I said, causing her to turn, "be careful," I said. She nodded, and flew off, racing over the city.
I watched her leave, and as soon as she was out of sight; jumped. The Wind whispered round my ears, trying to undo my braids as I fell. I began to whisper, binding the air together so that it would catch me. It began to scrape some of the mud from my legs, slowing my fall, and managing to make me 'float' to the ground. I stepped lightly, looked around, and ran.
My bare feet began to ache as I ran on my toes, scraping away at the calluses with the rough asphalt. I took to the dark and back allies, not having time to be careful. I ran by many Night Creatures, quickly passing the prowling stalker by. No one noticed I was there, and if they did, I was gone too quickly for them to react.
For they weren't hunting me.
Exhausted I reached the teens, and watched as they tried to protect the Powers from Slade. Fortunately the Night Creatures had been recruiting Slade's Powers back to their side. Soon the city would be overrun with Powers, I wonder how long it will be till so called humanity is bred out…
Slade's various robots, for I instantly knew what they were, were attacking the teens. I stepped into the shadows and began to kill them. Each and every one, for they would kill me. One by one they dropped, an unknown and hidden source picking them off. Slowly, so slowly, the titans and I killed them, and they finally were beaten.
As mornings bloody rays bathed the scene.
I listened to the mourning of the day, as it cried about the pain that was, had been, and will be. Yet I remained dry eyed, staring out at the harbor. For we stood right in front of it, with the undamaged tower in plain sight. What an ugly thing that T was, ruining the beauty of the harbor.
I walked forward and stood parallel to the Titans, all of us to exhausted to speak. The city around me was virtually unscathed; though I would forever remember the way that entities, humans, and Powers mourned the sun's rising. Sometimes an ending of horror is more than you can handle.
I looked up at the titans; they gazed at the tower with a single mindedness that was oddly frightening. Starfire was covered in grime and mud, blood leaking from various scratches and cuts. Her face was weary, yet she stood straight and tall, with a slight smile on her face; as if all the tragedy that had taken place was only a small mistake.
I suppose it was, and I felt a weary smile tug at my lips, as I heard children and their families rejoice in the after math. I heard the Powers slink away, yet triumphant, for the-power-dreamer had been wounded. I heard life continuing as usual, unstopped by the pain of last night.
Most won't agree with me, but it is pleasant to know that life won't stop for you. That no matter what happens, you will always have the chance to move on; and nothing can force you to stay there. And when you are able to climb out of that hole, you'll find life and hope waiting for you.
With a small, wistful smile I straightened and gazed at the teens, feeling oddly at peace with myself. Beast Boy looked at me, his eyes haunted and dark. I slowly blinked, then smiled, showing him for the first and probably last time, who I was. I tried to let him see my peace, and oddly enough, it worked. He smiled slightly and stood straighter, even though I knew he didn't really see me.
The teens rallied each other, helping to lift one another up. From the shadows I watched, waiting for someone to look my way. Then I would smile, and just be able to hope, and I would chant of hope to them; and they would be slightly released. I am not strong or valiant, all I have is truth; and I still can't have all of it. But even a slight bit of truth helps, and maybe just helping from back stage; and being just the unnoticed hope…matters. At least, I feel it does.
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A/N: Yes it was darker and more philosophical than usual. If you look carefully, you'll find little (very small and seemingly insignificant) things that are a parallel for Mage and sometimes her and the titans. I hope you see it. I was feeling that you needed to know who Mage was, and the story really need to get rolling. Now you know why it took so long.
I repeat, write to the titans or Mage and they will respond! Yes, it IS a cheap trick for reviews! But I also find it fun to do.
Reviews:
Niki Pound: I'm glad you liked the last chapter, this one is drastically different isn't it? I have been trying to avoid this, but it needed to happen. Mage had progressed into a different character, and I can't try to make her three dimensional again. It's funny, in obvious things she's perfect, yet she isn't… I have to admit that I like to dress up, but in modesty I agree. Nothing over three inches of the knee, and I like guy pants. Girl pants give serious wedgies and HURT. I hope you write to a character!
Spike TV: I'm trying to be good with the guys, though I don't always feel like I am. But that felt safe. I'm glad you liked it. You needed a light hearted one before this one.
Red Jeanie: I'm so siked that you love it, and I hate taking forever to update. But school interrupts what I consider important, it's amazing how society supports creativity…until it is no longer convenient that is…
Jess(): My mane problem with A Strange Mishap is the passport, and ticket switching.. I'm planning on just saying flat out that for anything to actually be arranged for someone to accidentally end up with artemis is impossible. So ignore reality and just enjoy this short little romp. It's not like the Artemis series is particualarily serious anyway.
Kate-ttrox: I am basically alright with you using the language idea, as long as you state that it was my idea and point them to my story. For your sake I would suggest that you just use the language idea loosely. Other than the fact that she has language powers, have them as little in common with Mage's as possible. Oh, and please don't recreate Mage. I'm only being this cautious because I don't know you. I doubt you would go over the top, but it's like a disclaimer. Everyone KNOWS that I don't own Artemis Fowl, and no one will sue, but I need to say so JUST IN CASE.
