A/N: Here I am, again. This is just a day later, but I still haven't gotten a great deal of reviews. Those that I got were short…I'm sorry that I have to deal with school; but please don't desert me!

Disclaimer: Ditto

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Finally the teens decided to move, and I looked up at them and gave a slight smile. In one movement they walked to the car, and I tagged along after them. I won't fill you in on the car ride, we were exhausted both mentally and physically. I am still shocked that Cyborg hadn't driven us into a tree…

Raven stepped out of the now parked T-car; and I wearily followed. I couldn't feel my legs, and my throat was dangerously close to being scraped raw. I felt my eyes tug at themselves; desperately trying to close.

With a yawn I entered the building, barely avoiding a table. The rest of the teens stumbled around in other various stages of sleep. Robin was the best at pretending to be awake, though he was just as exhausted as the rest of the teens. His dirt caked self walked past me and turned to slur out, "After you wash up I want to speak to you; I'll meet you in the training room."

He was too exhausted to even sound angry. I looked after him, as close to pitying him as I can manage. I wasn't too worried about him yelling at me; I had dealt with too much tonight to care. I also suspected that he was too tired to be frightening.

I headed up to an extra bathroom that I had been using on the sly. You see, I had asked the building to turn it on a week ago; and hadn't told the titans about it. If you want to shower in the household, it was every man for himself. With a yawn I walked into the bathroom and looked at the wall mirror. (As in it covered a wall, why do you think I picked THIS bathroom?)

I stood in the mirror, reflected as I knew myself best. None of this clean crap, or new clothing. A girl stood; her back straight and her eyes challenging the world. Her mouth was thin and almost unnoticeable, as her pale skin seemed almost ethereal in the dim light. Her hat was pulled down and shadowed most of her face, making her look almost vampiric. Her eyes looked sunken as her mouth pulled down at the corners and dared you to test her.

She had a relaxed grace, like she needn't worry about outside dangers. Or more like she had seen it all before, or at least heard it. She wore a dirt stained shirt with no sleeves, and it had been ripped to hang around the tops of her hips. Her fingernails were dirt stained and her hands were covered in dried blood.

Her legs were evenly spaced, like she was just waiting for you to attack. Her now black jeans raggedly ended less than an inch below the knees. It led down to dirt stained legs, whose appearance was almost like they had been stained a pale grey. Her feet were filthy and patches of dirt and filth clung to them.

Over all of her skin was bits of that grey tint; yet what caught your eye was the way that her skin seemed to glow. The fish belly white skin screamed for your attention; forcing you to feel that she was sick.

Yet despite all of this, she stood confidently and dangerously. Her hidden depths whispered to you, and you kept wanting to check her hand for a hidden knife. She smiled slightly, for an instant gaining your trust; and immediately throwing you off balance. Then with the practice eased of the untouchable, she turned away.

I turned on the shower and stepped in, letting the water wash over me. I couldn't help but wish I was on my own. I would just sleep in this filth, and not care. The hard ground would grind against me; and I would sleep fitfully from the cold. Yet that feral feeling would remain, and I would be able to be dangerous again. I wouldn't have to pretend for others benefits, or play along for young super hero's and their public. I could be myself; but then again, this was a common problem for all humans. For no human understands the other, they have just manage to create a script; so that you don't need to think or care. So I couldn't really feel horrible for being average, now could I?

With a slightly self mocking laugh, I finished my shower and changed into my new clothes. I just had a white shirt, and pale Capri pants that I had bought this morning. I rinsed my hat off in the sink and rung it out, planning on holding on to it till it dried. I brought a brush with me, and walked down to the training room; smoothing my hair as I went.

I silently treaded down the dark halls, avoiding the teens with back stairways and odd rooms. Soon I reached the black training room, and sitting on a nearby mat; waited. I finished brushing out my silver hair, and waited; too tired to bother braiding it. I set my drying hat on the ground and lay down on the floor. Before I knew it I was asleep; though that wasn't so surprising; was it?

I awoke about two hours later to the tread of Robin's pensive footsteps; as he walked to the door of the training room. I sat up and left my hat alone, its dampness unpleasant to feel. I felt my hair slither down my back, and I waited; wrapping an arm around a lifted knee.

Robin opened the door and went to flick on a light switch, his back to me. I remained silent and continued to track him with my eyes; automatically watching to see if he was dangerous. The problem with me is that I'm not human. One of my alien ancestors was a predator, and their habits tend to surface when I need them, or am tired. Then I have a hell of a time trying to suppress them; especially since I like them…

Robin looked straight at me, and his eyes widened; the only sign that I had caught him off guard. I resisted giving him my automatic feral smile; frightened people were easier to handle; but Robin probably wouldn't work that way.

"Mage," he said tiredly, looks like this wouldn't be difficult to bear after all.

I smiled kindly, "Robin, we all had a long night," I said sympathetically, "Why don't you get some rest, you can yell at me tomorrow." I rested my chin in my hands and gave him an unblinking stare, half disappointed that he didn't squirm.

"I'm fine Mage," he said tensely; I sighted inwardly…I wasn't out of hot water yet. His eyes narrowed at my slight change in body posture. "I need to talk to you about your attitude," I remained silent, "I told you to stay with Raven." He dropped the words like a death sentence; and I felt my stomach flip in warning.

I was not going to say anything, for fear of regretting it later. I was tired, and angry; what I would say would be too much truth; with too little kindness. Not to mention that I would only be saying the upsetting part of the truth, not the good things that you remember when you sip hot chocolate.

I could tell that my lack of response was bothering him; good. If I can get him to chill by being chilly; that works just fine for me. But he was more stubborn than that, "Mage, I realize that you are new here," he sighed, cradling his head in his hands, "But you need to do as I say!" I narrowed my eyes, and I still held my tongue. That's it, he WOULD make me react. "Mage, tell me why you didn't stay with Raven," he ordered, kneeling in front of me.

I arched an eyebrow, finding it difficult not to be cold and distant. I get that way when people yell at me, or begin to. I gave him a slight smile and replied smoothly, "I had more important matters to attend to."

His eyes narrowed, "Such as," he growled.

I sat up more, and rested on my haunches. "I found the Night Creatures, didn't I?" I inquired saucily.

"Them," Robin grated. He seemed to search for the right words, finally just stumbling along in his barely controlled rage. "They are thieves and murderers who killed just as much as they saved." He clipped out the last word, standing to pace quickly.

I slowly stood, just using my legs to seemingly float into the air. I had watched Peter Pan a few too many times. I cocked my head and stalked; as in a predator, over to him, "They are Strangers in a Strange Land," I quoted carefully, "I hardly see how their conduct was inappropriate."

Robin whirled to face me, walking towards me so angrily that I found myself backing up till I reached a wall. "You HARDLY SEE HOW THEIR CONDUCT WAS INAPPROPRIATE!" He roared; his voice deepening frighteningly.

I was a fool to think he couldn't frighten me. I swallowed and walked around him so I was in open space again. "For the majority," I reasoned, "They just killed those who would have killed, or captured them." He was silent, obviously trying not to yell. "Unfortunately there are those whom I can not speak for," I began appealingly, "But."

He cut in, "Why you kill doesn't change if it is wrong or right," he almost yelled.

My eyes narrowed, I automatically started pacing around him, "What you mean is that they didn't mind killing, they did it quickly and efficiently; without hesitation."

He stopped and looked at me, his glare boring into me, "Yes."

If he hadn't been so angry I might have started yelling back; but I was frightened. His chant was screaming horrifying things that he would like to do to me; and while I knew he wouldn't do them…it didn't help much.

You see, there are three kinds of men you should be afraid of:

Those who are frightening because of what they will and have done.

Those who are frightening because of what they can, and might do; those being Robin.

And those who are a combination of both, with those kinds of men; pride can be a great hindrance. Don't be afraid to run or grovel.

"Why is that so horrible?" I asked, my voice rising in pitch.

He sighed and started pacing again, "Because…well;" and with a classic teen age reaction he concluded, "It just is!"

"Oh I see," I put in with freezing sarcasm. "Listen Robin, no one really cares about any one else in this wonderful world we have created." Bitterness incased my voice as I spoke of the other side of what I felt was life. True; people can and do love, and God isn't the only one who can make miracles. But the devil isn't the one who causes true pain. "You need to watch out for yourself, and part of that means being willing to kill." I stopped moving and looked him in the eye, "You certainly eat enough animals and plants;" I took a step closer to him, "Some of which I might have spoken with."

At that he didn't have a response, until he jumped from the topic. It wasn't Robin's fault, in some ways he was right. The human society needs to outlaw murder, otherwise life would just be survival. I know a few people who I would watch out for, if murder wasn't taboo. I also do not argue a subject unless by my (and most other peoples reasoning) I am right. So, I have spent three to four years working out the kinks in my theory; and he has to come up with a hole proof argument in ten seconds. I love having the upper hand.

"The Titans play the part of the HERO Mage," he grated out, "Murder isn't in the job description." He almost seemed to shake with fenced in anger, and the anxiety left over from last night. I was well aware that we were both over reacting because of our exhaustion and left over adrenaline; but it felt good to fight.

I took a step back, spreading my arms so he could get a good look at me. "Robin," I hissed, "By now I would have thought you'd have realized," I lowered my arms and seemed to fold into myself, "I am no Hero." I used my gaze and voice to slam that into him, for a second forcing him into silence.

He closed his mouth and walked away; for a glimmering moment I thought he was just going to leave. I foolishly began to relax; then he spun around and advanced towards me. Once again I found myself backing up towards a wall; Robin's chant informing me of new forms of torture. As he took each step he spoke, "Then you better learn how to be one" he whispered.

We both stopped, against his anger I had no response. I shook my head and lowered my eyes, "Hero's are just myths," I replied quietly. He opened his mouth to speak, but my quiet and sorrowful voice smoothly overrode him. I shook my head, "All you can do is try," I said calmly. I didn't try and upset or anger him, I was just speaking.

I walked over to the tread mill and sat on one of the hand rails. "Robin, nothing will ever last in this world. Everything will end," I spoke in the frightening manner of one who doesn't find something sad; it was just the way it is. I smiled slightly, "All you can do is try, and I don't want to be a hero…" I bowed my head and seemed to feel myself crumple inside. Then I stood, gathering all of myself into myself; and that calmness I know and love enveloped me. I gave him a wistful smile, the smile that I am told speaks of horrors, and the hope that balances the scale. "Robin," I said gently, "I just want to be a person; I don't want to be remembered, or fight." I bowed my head as I searched for the right words, "All I want is too help, from the background. When I die I just want to live on through others actions; and I don't want anyone to speak my name."

He stared at me in surprise, "Then why are you here?" he asked. He sounded angry, but I could hear the confusion in his voice.

I shrugged lightly, "I don't know; does there need to be a reason?" With that I walked back over to the mat, not willing to stay in one place for too long. This is just like me, I ruin every good fight; and then end up hurting someone with the truth. Though…I was fairly sure that Robin wouldn't be hurt; there's a first time for everything…isn't there?

He stepped back and looked at me, "You don't want to be a Teen Titan," he stated, his anger whispering under his bewildered tone.

I shook my head, "I just want to help," I slipped out; mildly ashamed to note that my voice cracked. I was sad, but far from tears; it takes a great deal to really bring me down.

He nodded, "Fine," and I couldn't tell if he was angry or not. He had fallen silent, both his chant and himself.

He turned to leave but I stopped him, "Robin," I began, feeling worry well up, "What does 'fine' mean?"

He gave me a frightening grin, "We'll both find out tomorrow." With that he shut the door and left, I picked up my hat and walked over to the light switch.

Right before I turned it off I felt a lump rise in my throat; and I found myself set upon with midnight worries. Darkness fell, and I walked to my room; silently grabbing the thickest blanket there. At each step, new thoughts ran through my head…

Oh no, does this means that I have to start all over again? I felt myself blinking back silent tears, I was just beginning to care about them. I sighed and walked towards the roof; choosing the most twisted path that I could. I haven't even started an education, but then I thought of the Night Creatures; maybe I wouldn't need one. I shook my head, trying to clear it of cobwebs.

I didn't really want to live with regular humans, but I don't want to live with Powers either… I just want to be alone; occasionally chatting with an entity to fence with boredom. I did care about the teens, a great deal…

I felt my head lift, and my step become firmer and more confident. I was foolish to think that everything would be like a perfect little fairy tale. I chuckled lightly, imagining Robin rescuing Starfire from a tower. And Beast Boy was his noble steed. Then I sighed, I liked and wanted to be with the teens, at least for the present moment. I have no plans of becoming a Teen Titan; though I did fool with the idea.

I stepped onto the roof and sat on the edge; gazing out over the harbor and into the sea. I felt my peace returning as the situation was worked out. I knew that I could never be a Teen Titan, I mean; please. They live in a different world from me, that is just a fact. I could stay with them though, for a short period of time…

I care about them, and enjoy their slightly aggravating qualities…sometimes. So, I was just going to stay as long as I felt it was worth doing. When I needed to move on; I would.

Schooling, the world had changed so much that I don't need it. I can survive on my own, and at the present moment; dieing young is far from my worst fear. It's more an expectation. I never really 'joined' the Titans for school, I just needed to be in a setting that was…perfect. It still is; but I don't work well with perfect. Or rather, I don't feel needed in perfect. Since no one will reach out to me, I feel I need to reach out to them. Though I don't expect anyone to ever touch me; I'll be a doddery old maid.

So it was settled, the Teen Titans were going to be a chapter in my life; nothing more. Of course if things change and I end up needing them, I'll stay. But I don't need.

I felt myself distancing myself from the Teens then, and less than a moment later I knew I wouldn't feel more than nostalgia when we part. Nothing lasts forever, and I've only been fool enough once to believe that it would.

That's alright though, because it's the learning about a person that I like; not so much the friendship. Perhaps I just ask too much for a friendship… I don't do anything without analyzing it and deciding that if the worst possible future happens; it will be worth it. Even if they all die in front of me, I will not regret. If I start to tear them apart; I would just leave…a brief jaunt isn't THAT important.

If they tell me I have to leave, or wish me too…then I'll leave without a single tear; suppressed or shown.

With my troubles sorted; in less than half an hour, I curled up on the cold roof. With the blanket serving as dead leaves and a coat; I slipped into sleep. That lovely light sleep that I remember so well. If I'm not planning on staying, I can't go soft. So at seven in the morning; I slipped off to sleep.

That's not unusual though, in the winter I always traveled at night. You were less likely to freeze during the day; and moving at night has saved my life more than once.

With one last look at the city, I nestled into a corner; and was instantly out. I heard every sound as I slept; at least every sound in the tower. So when I awoke at five in the evening; just as the sun was setting, I was well aware of the fact that the Teens had been talking about me.

I folded up the blanket and stood up, automatically shifting around to remain warm. With a sigh I walked back into the guest room…I wasn't going to bother moving into a different room later on. Looks like The Perfect Room was reserved for someone else…

I smiled slightly and walked into 'my' room; setting the blanket on the corner of my bed. My room was not decorated or in any manner personalized. It had a perfectly made, boring bed, with a dresser, and no shoes… That would have to be taken care of. I took the sturdiest of my new clothing, I felt they were gifts from the teens. Two pairs of pants with four t-shirts were folded and neatly packed into my back pack. I grabbed ALL my under ware and socks, shoving them in their corner. My hat had dried and was sitting on my hair…now braided by the way. I made sure my money and other necessities were in my pant pockets; and I was ready to leave at an instants notice.

I really did need to get a new jacket, and some shoes. With slight apprehension I walked down stairs; I was only aware of the fact that they spoke of me… I didn't remember if they were happy or sad. For once I would like to be able to be with people without having problems.

But then again, if I wish to communicate with someone; there will be problems no matter what.

I entered the living room, and saw the teens looking grim. My goodness; were they overreacting. If Robin told them about our argument; they still had no reason to be upset. I mean, I would be loosing a cozy set up; but it's not like any of them really know me; and it goes vice versa. I suppressed a disgusted groan and walked in as if nothing had happened…what else was I supposed to do?

Starfire turned to me with hurt eyes, and an arrow just skewered me. I could have doubled over with pain; for it mentally felt like someone had hit me in the stomach. She began to speak, her voice a hushed tone that belayed her normally cheerful nature. "Friend Mage," she began, unwilling to look at me, "Are we so horrible that you don't wish to live with us?"

I instantly felt my face go into its, where-the-hell-did-you-get-that-from look. I shook my head, and found it hard to speak without laughing. "Starfire," I began, incredulity in my voice, "Just because I can't fight, and don't want to; that doesn't mean I don't like YOU." I felt a shocked chuckle slip out; making it quiet clear that I DID NOT mean it that way. She looked up at me in surprise, and I gave her a protective smile. "Starfire; I don't like your lifestyle, you guys are the only reason I…" here I trailed off and shifted uncomfortably.

I do care about them…but they don't care about me. I wasn't about to tell them something about myself, when they didn't know how it was important to me. What was I going to say-I only stayed here because I wanted to have a moment where I could live in a real family. One that isn't draw together by the roll of Fate's dice; but by the reaching of their hearts.-? I can't say that! They'd either be all sympathetic, or strangle me for being so sappy!

Robin swooped down; I hate the way that he needs to know everything, and always be in control. I am the one who gets to do that, not HIM. He twisted his head to look at me, "We are the only reason you…what Mage?" he asked mockingly. The little bastard, he knew very well I didn't want to say anything.

I glared at him, but I continued. "I only wanted to stay in the T-tower," I trailed off uncomfortably.

"Go on Mage," Robin put in dangerously, and I was inclined to do as he said.

"Because…" I trailed off and sighed, "You…well." Raven rolled her eyes, and I glared at her. "I want to say this less than you want to hear it, trust me Hun." I clipped out angrily. Robin gave me a glare, and I felt that horror of death hit me again. "You guys are very close," I began to study the floor, "And I find that beautiful." I shrugged, "I guess I'm just attracted to beautiful things."

Starfire gave me another hurt look, "You live with us because you think we're beautiful; not because you care about us?" I opened my mouth, not sure of the right thing to say. I didn't need to say anything, for she continued with an honest sadness. "Why do you not just stay in a museum of art then?"

"No Star, don't, please, I didn't mean it that way!" I exclaimed earnestly. I sighed, "Fine, I originally wanted to stay here," I searched for the right words, "Because I wanted to be around a place where people feel they belong." Starfire got that hurt look again, "Then I started to care about you," I put in quickly. Oh don't cry, please, please, please don't cry.

She got a hesitant look on her face, her lip trembled and her eyes debated the possibility of tears. "Star," I said earnestly, "I really do care about you." The tears began to recede, "Look, you're making a mountain out of a mole hill."

"Oh really," Beast Boy put in dryly, I looked at him in mute surprise. Why would they care, they don't even know me? I am not apart of their team, and besides, it's not like they have any room left over for a sixth member, in their teams or their hearts.

"Yes," I said firmly, finally on solid ground. "All I said was that I didn't want to be a hero, but I wouldn't mind knowing the hero's themselves." Raven rolled her eyes, and I did so inwardly.

Cyborg smiled, "That has got to be the sappiest thing I ever heard," he guffawed. "Little Lady, you can really lay it on thick!" He laughed and uncrossed his arms, letting me off the hook; and everyone relax.

I sighed inwardly and smiled, walking around and sitting down in front of a couch. I felt my shoulders relax and my head flopped backwards. Robin smirked, "Well, someone was tense," he said smugly.

I looked up at him and answered with a little bit of vehement honesty, "If any of you are angry I am frightened." I gave him an unblinking stare, "Particularly you, Robin." I released his gaze and shivered, "Besides, I thought you were going to draw and quarter me." My voice was a monotone, I needed to get out of here. To much time with angst ridden teenagers, and far too little time to myself.

Cyborg spoke up ominously as he left the room, "We were."

I froze for a second and then stood up, "Who's turn for dinner?" I got to get out of here. "I have the nagging suspicion it's mine."

Everybody looked at Raven, giving a panicked calculation to pray that it wasn't her. I smiled, "Ah who cares, I feel like making dinner." With that I walked into the kitchen, and as soon as I was out of sight I sagged against a counter.

I sank to the floor and cradled my head in my hands, I never want to go through that again. Leaving is going to be hell. You may think I'm over reacting, but everyone of their chants was yelling at me…and I really don't like to be yelled at. I shiver, gave one of those half sob half sighs, and stood up. Time to make dinner. I don't react badly in a bad situation, I have a panic attack afterwards. I'm still waiting for last night's panic attack to surface; though that might have been taken care of by Robin.

I won't fill you in on it, it was something quick and easy; I think it was spaghetti and meat balls. As with all of my dinners, I made bread to go with it.

I had just finished my shower, and I began to walk up into the top floor of the tower. The cool steps echoed against my bare feet as I silent walked; avoiding the elevator. I was planning on wandering tonight, I needed to get used to moving again. I entered an empty room of the T-tower, it's darkness an odd comfort after the constant light of the city.

Suddenly the memory of Night Creatures hit me, and I automatically checked the surrounding mile for them. I was safe, and with an irrational calm, I settled down in the corner till the moon came out.

As I had expected, I had dozed off. But the sound of a swelling moon easily awoke me. I lifted my head and smiled. This was going to be one hell of a night. Tonight I would work on stealth, not speed. I smiled, and checked my pockets for the pocket knife, lighter, and cash. All of it was there; I could head out.

I knew it wasn't safe to leave by front door, Robin checks the cameras every morning to make sure that no one slipped in. So I walked the few steps to the roof, planning on jumping off like always. The wind attempted to play with my bound hair as I posed at the roofs edge. I do have a certain fondness for the romantic, though I wouldn't admit it for the world. But then again, I guess all teenagers have that also.

I broke my pose and jumped off, well practiced now at not screaming. I began to form a net water, to balance on the bay's surface. It gave under me, forcing out a small laugh as I gradually balanced enough to stand on the black surface.

I shivered slightly in the cold, I was getting a coat and shoes today, and continued to make a path to the main land. I stepped off of the water, and stood on a firmer ledge of air. I walked slowly, the air's frigid temperature numbing my feet. Mist from the bay churned about me, hiding me from the tower's view. I knew where all of it's sensors were, their beams calling to me whenever I stepped.

I began to walk more assuredly as soon as the narrow path was connected to the land. Yet I continued carefully, mist making the perfectly smooth ledge far too slippery. After a twenty minute walk, not long for me, I wrapped the mist about me. My 'invisibility' was in full swing as I stepped onto a road's shoulder.

I smiled slightly, my guise still in place. I seemed to bond with my surroundings, watching people whirl around in their oddly beautiful frenzy; as always detached from them. I liked these moments most, for nothing noticed me; and I was free. To the entities that I impersonated, I was just another human, and to the humans I was just a wall, or sapling to walk around.

I wove through the night crowed, and kept a sharp eye out for a coffee house. Preferably a dark mildly gothic one, people leave you alone there. My bare feet whispered, and I didn't worry, shoes were the last on my list right now. Though I did need a coat; shoes were an unwelcome necessity that I can't go without. I sighed inwardly, shoes are important also; I'll get those also…right before I leave.

With a sharp eye I looked for street-side stalls, it was only ten at the moment; the performers were still out. I smiled to myself; my odd abilities have allowed me to earn some extra cash that way, far more than once. 'Magically' slipping away when the cops were about to pass by.

After a great deal of streets I passed a small shop that looked promising. I had a certain loyalty to those small shops, almost a testimony to a long forgotten past. I walked up and revealed myself, the shop owner looking up at me with surprise.

I carefully kept my hat shading my face as I smiled secretively. You see, they always know I'm there, I just keep them from fully acknowledging that fact. So when I release my guise, they only feel mildly stupid. When dealing with people I always used my hat to hide my face, it could save me if I was with the teens.

In fact, it was foolish to wear the hat around the teens, but I was attached to it. I picked up an old and worn jacket. It had a dark brown corduroy outside, and was lined with a patched cotton material. It's many patches would serve as magnificent insulation. It was stuffed with old and worn wool, but that was good. For wool will keep you warm even when it is soaking wet. I happen to have an old wool army blanket packed in the bottom of my pack. My pack was a close knitted wool also, lined with a shopping bag to prevent leaks.

I won't fill you in on the details, but I bought the jacket; for a remarkably cheap price. Yes I did cheat and use my 'powers,' but I only SUGGESTED that it would be very kind of him to give it to me for cheap. I can't force things or people to do stuff…it's the main short falling; and blessing; of my powers.

With the jacket snug about my shoulders I walked to find that coffee house. I was in the mood for something warm, without caffeine. I wasn't stupid enough to get wired, besides, coffee makes me grumpy. Finally I found a suitable one, not those 'goth' coffee houses meant to pamper the egos of tourists and idiot teens. No, this one was for real, and only the honestly gothic, dark, and loners went here.

I smiled and walked in, lessening my veil slightly, but not too much. This kind of place would probably have powers, so it wasn't wise to flaunt my abilities. Remain anonymous until you absolutely have to be seen.

It was a smoky kind of dark, with the slight smell of cigarettes in the air. I would have hell getting that out of the air. I quickly glanced around, and saw a table to my liking. It was placed in a corner near the back, and it didn't seem like others sat there. It also had a clear view of the entire shop, even the makeshift stage it so classically had. I assumed it was for poetry, dark songs, and other things that are stereotypically to this 'kind of crowds' liking. I smirked; I wondered what surprised I would have to dance around in here.

As soon as I was settled I removed my veil, the darkness would serve my purpose, as the smoke would hide my scent. On the lines of my being silent, that was never a problem with me. I pulled my hat further down over my eyes, and built a makeshift screen around myself that would sift out smoke. I needed to cover my tracks, and I didn't want to deal with Robin wondering why I smelled like I would.

Nothing much happened in the shop, and eventually a waitress came over.

"What would you like?" she asked in a dull tone. Her pencil was held to the same degree of carelessness as her makeup was applied with attentive precision.

I felt myself smirk under my hat's shadow, "Chamomile tea," I ordered blandly. I was very careful to make my tone and accent average, and as unremarkable as possible.

She nodded and drifted away, the thick cigarette, candle, and herb smoke served to quickly hide her from view. I sat and watched the shadowy forms interact, it was now twelve o'clock; that coat hadn't been easy to find. I needed to find a worn, reliable, and as un-notable (yet mildly pride appealing) coat as possible. I found it, now all I needed was a pair of mukluks for shoes; boy did those work well.

I listened to her walk back over to me, and watched a vague shadow condense into her unforgettable form. Without a word she handed me the tea, and I paid her then and there. No change was needed.

I listened to the conversation, soon aware of the many Powers in this room. Their tones were hushed, and I was well aware that I was the only one who could hear them. I slowly gleaned dropped hints, and unwilling inflections. Their chants were particularly helpful, though I tried to leave them some privacy.

I heard of the growing tension between the Powers and the oblivious humans. It was also quite plain that when the humans were dealt with, the Night Creatures and the Day Lights would have a little…wrangle.

Yet I heard most about Slade, though they did not know his name. Apparently he had been picking off promising Powers, those who were strong and desperate. Now he was moving to those of stronger will…and perhaps less sense of self preservation. All were frightened, though few would admit it. He attacked at dusk, when neither the Night Creatures or the Day Light's were at their strongest.

I glanced up at the clock, it was half an hour later.

With a smiled I left, as insubstantial to their memories as the smoke was to their eyes. I knew that only the waitress would remember me, and even then I would just be another customer.

I shed my screen, and was pleased to find that I was free of smoke. Oh I'm good, when I want to be. I continued to walk down the street, hoping to find a well know Indian descendant (or he claimed to be) whom I could buy my shoes from. Eventually I found him; with my hearing the impossible becomes only difficult.

I stepped in front of him, and saw that the boots I had been secretly eyeing were still there. He hadn't seen me, and this was the first time he would. He was in the whole getup, the braids and feathers, it sold things better that way. Sometime survival comes before that weakness we call pride.

I revealed myself, and picked up the boots; well aware of his set price. Another problem with him, he didn't wrangle over the price. Oh well, these were worth it; I'd made sure of it. I wordlessly checked the seams, and the integrity of the leather. It was well waxed (keeps the water out), all in all it was a good find. You can find anything in this city…quite useful if you think about it.

I handed him the money wordlessly, and he silently counted it out. He pocketed it, and I walked away. The entire time my hat had shaded my face, street lamps weren't very helpful for me.

I continued the rest of the way barefoot; I wasn't putting my grimy feet in my nice new mukluks! I had walked more than you would think, and I had gotten just as much exercise as when I ran. I had also stayed out longer, getting used to whispering around people instead of letting them notice me.

I stopped at the bay and smiled, standing on the edge of the road. I began to whisper, and built my path across the still steaming water. I had made sure that no Powers were aware of my actions. I carefully stepped onto my path, it's smooth coolness seemed to freeze the soles of my feet.

I walked as quickly as I could, until I was hidden by the mist. All I could see was a cloudy gray, it whispered and touched my face. It's cold cloying fingers brushed against my arms and tried to cling to me. I smiled and didn't react, silently walking through the seeming eternity of nothingness. I finally reached the base of the tower, and I wove my stairs; easily avoiding their defenses.

I stepped lightly onto the first step, and seemed to dance in the air as I rose. It was best not to stay in one place for too long when trying to sneak around the Titans. I carefully avoided Raven and Robin's rooms, they had a habit of pacing in the night. I didn't try to pass close to any of the other's rooms, but they were less dangerous.

I delicately walked onto the roof's rail, and stepped down. I made sure my mukluks were still looped over my belt, and then I listened. None of the teens of the building spoke loudly of me missing from my room. That was a good thing, for I wouldn't be sleeping in 'my' room any more. From now on I would find a different room for every night.

I shivered, something was going to happen soon. I didn't know what it was, but I was not going to be caught unawares. Perhaps it was Slade, he did seem to haunt the Powers more and more. He almost seemed to aware of the Powers, and who to get. Yet what frightened me most was how I never heard his chant.

Wherever someone goes, the people they speak to tend to imitate their chant for a brief moment. That goes for entities and animals also… Yet he left no trace, he might as well not exist.

And at the same time, I seemed to hear him. It was almost like his chant was more…primitive. No that's not the word, more primeval and…aware of itself than you would expect. His chant was more like mine…

Yet I knew he couldn't hear the way I did, for he didn't effect things the way that you do when you know their thoughts. No…he was just more aware of himself. That, was dangerous; for you don't need powers when you can understand yourself.

With a some unease I walked into the tower. I then went into a different room and slept until morning…

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