A/N: I'm writing the day after my update, though I can't say when this will be posted. Sorry, my computer and personal time are on the frits. Great, finals, and a huge report due in the same week; I am SO sorry. By the way, I am working under the theory that the girls haven't met Speedy yet…I hope I'm right.

Disclaimer: ditto

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I felt the light brush against my face, and heard the noise level rise dramatically as creatures woke to great the day. I instantly knew that it was eight thirty in the morning, or around that general vicinity. I sat up and stretched, the sunlight beaming from a window to blind me.

I knew where I was even before I had fully woken up, I also knew that only Raven and Robin were up. Raven was the only one downstairs though, Robin was in the training room. I smiled and stood, and absent mindedly scratched my leg. I looked at the soles of my feet, they were black.

With a smirk I headed to 'my' hidden bathroom. I grabbed a washcloth and began to scrub the soles of my feet. I smiled and greeted the tower, 'How are your conditions as of this moment?' I asked politely.

With an almost hollow echo it answered, 'We are fine, no damages.'

I rinsed off my feet and dried them off, now brushing and re-braiding my hair. 'How are the teens?' I inquired. The entities and I don't often have close relationships. I get information from them, and get and receive help when asked. It's almost purely business.

'They are fine,' It replied calmly. 'No one has needed any help in our hospital.'

I nodded, pausing in brushing my teeth to inquire, 'Any information on the Maimed Entities (Powers) or the Teen's Enemy (Slade)?'

It paused to think, I instantly knew that it had more information. I continued our conversation as I walked down to 'my' room.

'The Teen's Enemy seems to have taken about fifty Maimed Entities from our city yesterday,' it reported blandly. This was just another function that it performed, nothing more. 'The Maimed Entities have built along more buildings lately.' It finished. That meant that more and more empty buildings were being live in by Powers.

I brooded as I changed into a slightly too large white t-shirt, tan cargo pants, pulled on my hat, and slipped on my new mukluks…without socks on. I wiggled my toes delightedly, deciding to tell the teens that my new coat and shoes were my back up. If Robin caught me out, I'd tell him it was none of his business. Besides, I wouldn't bring up the subject…I'm not that stupid.

Then I continued to think on my way to the kitchen. Slade may have gotten too many Powers, this could be dangerous. The Powers said a figure similar to the Entities, so it was accurate. How many did he have in all, was he only attacking Jump City? Or was he quietly recruiting from elsewhere, and trying to keep us occupied?

Not to mention that the Night Creatures seemed to be taking over the city. It wouldn't be safe in a few more generations for Humans. I can't say that I blamed or wished to stop the Night Creatures. But if something developed faster than expected, I wanted to come out on top.

The forests were no longer safe, neither was the wilderness. With the Powers branching out to form their own life, I couldn't avoid them much longer. Powers had a habit of moving far too quickly, I have a feeling that soon Humans and Powers will have a struggle for the world. Nothing flashy yet, just a quiet argument in the back ground. I would have hopefully died before anything really began. Or it's possible that the Powers would simply breed the Humans out, I'd hope that is what happens.

I hear from Wind and Water that China has basically been taken over by Powers. Though no one is truly aware of it. …I'll have to learn how the Powers managed to be so deceptive…

I shook my head and called out ahead to the stove. 'Please turn on, I would like some hot water for tea.'

'Of course,' it replied, as it flicked an internal mechanism, heating the conveniently filled tea kettle.

I smiled and walked in the kitchen, sitting at the small table, and continued to think.

Who could I speak to too find out about Slade, and the Powers rising manipulation? They could be linked, but I shouldn't assume that yet. I should probably start telling Robin about my recent finds… Yet I won't tell him about the Powers involvement, he's not a Power and thus wouldn't understand. It's not his fault, he just doesn't understand all that is going on. You can't without the culture.

I could speak to the North East stream, it runs through some of the city. It could keep its 'ears open' and when it found something ask an Entity to send me a message. That would work…

I did need to speak to the Hive of Beginnings. It should have some interesting information…but how can I win their trust? I paused as a thought I have long toyed with, and shied away from, came to mind. I could make a bargain with the Powers…

Lord knows they are the most aware of what happens in the city. I jumped as the tea kettle screamed, and quickly stood to turn off the burner.

'Thank you, would you please turn off now?' I inquired politely. In response it shut off, leaving me to make my lemon lovers tea. I smiled as I poured in the water. I added just the littlest bit of honey and lemon juice, and began to sip contentedly as I sat back down.

The tea's mist writhed about my face, tickling my chin. The Powers weren't safe to deal with, but Lord knows I could gain a lot. I could sell information in exchange for services…or just eaves drop. Yet both could cause a great deal of trouble, the Powers that I wanted to see didn't live a peaceful life. If they did they wouldn't know what I wanted them too.

I sighed; I would keep going to bars and coffee shops at night, and try to glean information. I would just have to start exercising during the day…Robin would probably end up teaching me something cool anyway. I wonder if he would teach me how to do that intriguing flip thing…

I smirked at myself as I washed out my now empty cup, and headed to the training room. On the way past the living room I gave Raven an absent minded nod. We got along, but only because I didn't try to come into contact with her. She was and is a fascinating and oddly reassuring person, but I won't go where I'm not wanted. …Unless it's thundering out. That's a fair exception. …Even if I did desperately want to get to know her.

I used the stairs as usual, and paused at the training room door. There I could hear Robin curse as he attacked an electronic training device. I sent a message in to the device, 'I am about to come in, I mean no harm and am not apart of this training exercise. So please let me be.'

Without pausing in it's movements it replied reassuringly, 'Of course, you will be safe.'

With that I walked in, the gray door mildly annoying to see. Robin didn't even notice me as he began to try and smash the machine. He was executing astounding moves and was awe inspiring, but he was basically trying to beat the crap out of the machine. Sorry, just the way it is. Though he does perform unneeded acts of violence; he does it with a great deal of style.

I walked to the 'track' and began to run, relieved that I didn't have to do all that stupid weights and such before I started. Those drove me nuts. I basically zoned out as I sprinted around, and around, and around… I began to feel a burn in my legs, but I kept pushing. Then I felt my chest tighten, I kept going till I got that second wind. Sweat had managed to paste all over me, I would have to change and shower. Showers and hygiene are such a waste of time, I have so many BETTER things to do.

I began to get slightly dizzy, and my legs were really burning, I kept pushing for the equivalent of another mile or two. By then my lungs were about to burst, and my legs had long since lost feeling. Well…so I'm exaggerating, but it was close. I began to slow down, pleased with the way my mukluks handled.

They had cushioned my feet just enough to handle asphalt, though I would have to run on the balls of my feet more than their heels. I do that any way, so they were perfect. Allowing me the perfect balance you get when you can feel your ground, matched with the protection from overheated pavement or broken glass.

I began to slow down, and I went around once, twice, three times before stopping. I took a deep breath and began to stretch, quickly and efficiently. Nearby Robin was drawing to a close, I hate to exercise in front of people; I always feel vulnerable. I shrugged it off and shivered, cooling off fast enough to get a slight head ache.

I walked over by Robin, his hair was in worse disarray than ever (if that's possible), and yet he still somehow managed to look perfect. Damn superheros, never get any zits…or smell bad, or even look MILDLY less than PERFECT! He took a long draught from his water bottle, and I suddenly became aware of how nice it would be to have a throat that wasn't a desert…

I stood in front of him, gaining an eyebrow raise. "Um," I began, pointing at the bottle, "Mind if I finish off your water," I cocked my head to the side and clasped my hands in front of me. It was a habit I had picked up when I was ten, and it still worked so I kept it.

He smirked, "Sure Mage," he said in his self esteem bashing way. He handed me the bottle, brushing his hair out of his face.

I took it and opened the top with my teeth, it was still half full. I felt the liquid course down my throat and gulped it down in less than a minute. I pause and sucked dry air, then turned it upside down and shook it. With a sigh I closed it and handed it back to Robin, "Thanks," I said sincerely.

He gave me The Look, and gave the bottle a swish. With a sigh he grabbed it and went to leave, turning back to give me one last comment, "Good practice Mage," he said meaningfully. With that he shut the door. Oddly enough I felt a swelling of pride, Robin said I did a good practice. He NEVER compliments ANYONE. That means I did really well, I giggled slightly. I can't say I was attracted to him, I've never been attracted really to anyone. He's like a big brother who's almost a father. You know how proud you are when your Dad compliments you, well I felt great. And oddly enough, I felt like an idiot because of it.

I made a face and went to take a shower, changing into clothing pretty much identical to the ones I had on earlier. I hadn't managed to braid my hair (It takes a while to take care of knee-thigh length hair), when I heard someone walking around outside of the tower. My ears instantly perked up, and I walked to the bathroom window (It was normally covered with curtains) and peered out. My eyesight wasn't as strong as I had wished, all I could see was rocks.

He didn't sound like he meant any harm, in fact…he sounded a little like Robin. I shook my head, well, the Towers sensors were letting him pass; and he seemed to have a fondness for the teens, so I'd let him be.

With that I finished braiding my hair, and headed down stairs. When I reached the living room I was just putting on my hat, the newcomer already sitting on the couch. He sounded to be of the same height and build as Robin, and he had some sort of throwing weapon. Unfortunately that meant it could be a gun, knife, or arrows… I shrugged, and listened to his voice as he laughed at Starfire's antics.

"OH!" she exclaimed happily, "You must be the friend Speedy, Robin has spoken of!" she said with a bounce, restraining to only shaking his hand.

Robin rubbed the back of his neck, oddly embarrassed for her. Speedy smiled, and managed to just be amused, "Yes, you must be Starfire," he replied.

She beamed happily and floated in the air, a sure sign that she was excited. Robin turned to Raven and began the second set of introductions, "Speedy this is Raven," he said.

Raven nodded, glancing up from her book, "Hello." Even when she spoke, that 'hello' had a period. Speedy gave her a nod also, looking at Robin in confusion; Robin shrugged and mouthed 'I'll explain later.'

Speedy nodded, it was than that I decided to walk in. I didn't need to head in right after Robin said, 'And Mage is around here somewhere…' I stepped over the threshold and gave them all a warm smile. For some reason today was a good day.

I walked up to Speedy and reached out a hand, for him to shake. "You must be Speedy," I said warmly, "Around here I'm called Mage," he shook my hand with a bewildered grin, "Enchanted to meet you." I finished with a smile, slipping into my Entity style of pleasantries.

He nodded, "Like wise," he responded, thrown off slightly by my greeting. Most weren't used to me just walking in like that, but it was the right way to greet him. The Teens were surprised also, they hadn't seen me before in such a good mood. I think my midnight wanderings had set me at ease, I hoped it would stay that way.

Beast Boy blinked, "Dude, Mage," he guffawed, "What was that?" he asked; the most straight forward of the five.

I glanced down, using the rim of my hat to hide my amused smiled, "Pleasantries," I responded smoothly. I walked over by the couches, and gave him a grin; it was nice to be myself again.

The teens exchanged bewildered glances for a moment, before heading over also and all gathering around Speedy. Cyborg spoke up immediately, honestly please to see his 'old' acquaintance. "What brings you around here?" he asked Speedy in his classic big hearty voice.

Speedy's smile faded, and his eyebrows knit together darkly. "It's not good news," he told the teens sadly. Instantly everyone quieted, looking at him with a shadowed uncertainty. He sighed, "Back home more and more Powers have been disappearing," he explained heavily. I nodded, so Slade wasn't just hitting up Jump City…though the Powers were already speaking about wide spread kidnappings.

Robin jumped in then, verifying a word that didn't belong in their vocabulary; though it was deeply routed in mine. "Powers…" he trailed off as he thought, "Their human children with mixed alien blood, right?"

Speedy nodded, "Yes, more and more have been appearing;" he paused in consternation, "And then they were…gone." His chant then whispered, an image being spoken of in his short pause.

'The street is silent, trash blows through the allies. All of the Powers old haunts are deserted. A chill pervades the air, wriggling into your heart, forcing you to feel the unbalance in the city. All that is left are parlor trick magicians; no truly wise or strong Powers remain…'

I blinked and looked down, the brim of my hat once more hiding my face. A tear threatened to slip out, I held it back. Few things are as horrible as a loss like that. Because of Powers' odd abilities, they become more apart of the city than any human could. So when they are gone, the city morns, and even humans can hear its loss. I took a soft and steady breath and then looked back up, once more in control. Something needed to be done.

Speedy continued, unaware of the information he just gave away. "I was hoping that we could help each other," he leaned forwards and rested his arms on his knees, "We seem to have the same problem." His bow sent a shadow across his face, sharpening his angles; and accenting his sincerity.

I looked at Robin, as did all of the teens…waiting for his response. Robin nodded, "Of course," he replied, "Right team!?"

All of the teens chorused in with a quick and avid response, even Raven. I remained silent, I would help; but they already knew that. Speedy seemed to relax instantly; his shoulders sloping as he leaned back against the chair. It was more subtle than I make it out to be, but it was loud to me.

Robin turned on the T.V. and a map of the city came on. He clicked a button and the computer behind the screen whirred, 'Information, find it…' Different parts of the map became highlighted in red, or green, blue, and so on.

Robin lectured to the enthralled teens; Starfire particularly liked the nice colors. "The areas in blue were attacked during the day, two weeks ago," he paused and continued in an angry tone, "I found out recently that the government was keeping us out of this."

The teens pulled back, Cyborg was the first to speak up, "You mean, that they kept us from fighting?" he growled, making me look up at him apprehensively. Robin nodded, not bothering to speak. Cyborg began to mutter to himself, less than pleased with this new development.

Robin continued with his lecture, "Then the area in red was attacked three days later; during daylight also…" All of the areas that were highlighted were abandoned, by humans at least. He continued, outlining how every three to four days different parts of the city were attacked.

My eyes widened as I listened. In each highlighted area, a different species of Power lived. The Powers with strong hearing lived in the blue area. Then the ones with carnivorous qualities lived in the red area, if they weren't Night Creatures. Night Creatures lived everywhere; it was an unspoken rule not to wander too much in their lands at night. He continued where the next place attacked was those with healing and growing abilities; the most helpful and dangerous Powers. Weather or not most humans are aware if it, those who can give life are more than willing and capable of taking it away. Then the flyers were attacked, along with those who lived underground. They were allies, and obvious the attacker new that; for they had been 'gathered' on the same day.

The only distinct form of Powers (in Jump City) that were left to gather were Night Creatures. Those who live with plants or in water weren't anywhere near here. Those with reclusive talents; the true hunters; lived alone…like tigers or sometimes wolves. They were part of the reason I was forced to stop and stay at this city, too much territory was dangerous. The Powers were getting too strong, breeding amongst themselves had helped hone their talents…or they died.

I looked up; if Slade got the Night Creatures…no one stood a chance. I closed my eyes and in my fear my heart uttered a silent prayer. It was one of those prayers that even atheists make, for it was only pure hope; and everyone has hope.

Raven noticed my subtle reaction instantly, "What is it Mage," she asked in her husky monotone. Though, for once, it was hinted with fear.

Instantly the rest of the teens looked at me, their gaze skewering me. I swallowed and looked at Speedy, then the rest of them. "You see, each highlighted area of this map is a different species of Power," I explained.

They all glanced at each other, then Beast Boy spoke up, "So?" he asked.

I nodded, "Sorry," I said with a quick smile, "The blue area is those who have unusual hearing or higher senses…this includes telepathy and other such abilities of the mind." I added with a nod to Raven. "It continues, the next attacked was the ones who were hunters; but they hunted during the day." I continued, "Those are more fighters than anything else, they aren't so good at stealth…but if you offend them you are dead," I said with the wisdom of experience.

I smiled and sped up, "Next there was those who had heightened abilities which allowed them heal things dramatically…they're the most dangerous."

Starfire gave me an odd look, "If they make things better, friend Mage, why would they be dangerous?" she asked in consternation.

I smiled slightly, "You see, anything with the ability to help, has the capabilities and generally the willingness to hurt or hinder…" I lowered my head and said in a low voice, "And in this city; they are VERY strong."

"Oh," Cyborg said, obviously affected by my grave tone.

I snorted lightly, a little amused at their shock. "The last they attacked were those capable of flight, and those who lived underground. They were attacked on the same day; and were allies."

Robin and Speed looked up, "So who ever is doing this," Speedy began, stopping when Robin began.

"Knows about the Powers," Robin finished in his deep I-am-so-manly-and-I-know-it-tone.

I nodded, "Exactly, but that's not the real problem." I took a deep breath, "This is a fact only Powers know," I began in a low voice, gazing at Beast Boy. "So please do not speak of this information again," I requested, but I did not wait for them to agree. I gave my caution, and I was working under the assumption that they would tell. Robin was very loyal to his country, etc. etc. etc.

I continued, "The only Powers left in this city are the most dangerous and those with the highest population," I explained.

Beast Boys eyes widened and we said at the same time, "Night Creatures."

You see, Beast Boy had to have had a mother who was a Shape Shifter. So he was a Power. Only the females could breed with humans, and the children could only shift into ANY shape if they were the first generation. The problem is, Shape Shifters had a mentality so different from a human's that they couldn't love a human child in the manner with which it required. Shape Shifters were one of the most dangerous carnivores, very few humans were aware of their existence…as they could change into our forms.

"WHAT!?" Cyborg asked in exasperation.

Beast Boy spoke for me, "Night Creatures, they are the scariest and strongest meat eaters." He sighed and continued, his mother was probably one…and so he would know this well. "They can kill anything and eat it, and they like to hunt." He shifted and looked up at the teens, and said with utmost sincerity, "They can't think like us," he said, grave even in his illiterate speech, "Their brains are so weird that they think really, really, weird…like scary take over the world and make us all slaves weird."

Though he wasn't the most eloquent speaker, he got the point across. The fact that this fun and seemingly foolish child would speak so seriously pressed the point. The teens realized the problem in full.

"So," Speedy began darkly, "If he gets enough of these Night Creatures…"

He trailed off and Cyborg cut in, "We'll get out asses wooped."

Beast Boy and I nodded, both of our faces a mask of dread.

A/N: Sorry about that, but that was where it needed to end. Hope you don't mind; the story is really starting now. Well, you live and learn…my next story will hopefully hit the action sooner.

Reviews:

Pirate-gulr15: Thank you, I'm glad you like it. To tell the truth I am somewhat ashamed at how long it has taken me to really get into the plot… Hey, I'll do better next time. On the lines of Mage's powers, I day dream all the time. I didn't want a power that had to do with fighting, I wanted it to be knowledge. She is powerful because of how she wields her powers, and the 'friends' that she has. I stress the quotation marks around 'friends.' Once again, thank you…feel free to nit pick; I need it.

SpikeTV58(): Oh well, you see… (Slightly nervous laugh) I'm really sorry about not reviewing your stories; if it makes you feel better since school began I haven't been reviewing anyone's story. I just don't have time, my family has only one computer and I never get on it. This also leads to late updates, along with the fact that our internet is going insane, and that school work is killing my inspiration. I think I'll be able to slowly speed up on the updates, my writers block is dead. Lets just hope I don't get another huge project to kill it. I'll try and review your stories, I hopefully will do it now.

Niki Pound( ):

Mage: Well you see Niki, when I was younger…I was basically deaf. That's why I can draw and stuff, I had to focus on my eyesight… Then Wind somehow got me to understand it; I still don't know how, and slowly began to help me. As for being able to handle all of the noise. I have two alien grandparents…and with their genes my brain, ears, and throat is different from most humans. This allows me to hear entities, and my brain is made in such a way that I can literally block them out. Then there is the fact that I don't understand all languages; so the meaningless babble is very easy to ignore.

Here's a secret, only you and Boogalaga know it; and she's reassured me that you're a safe confident. At midnight, or some equivalent of that, the Enitities all over the world (accept for humans) are silent for one hour…or something like that. You see, most Entities can understand each other also, and they need the silence as much as I do. Not to mention that in Winter most Entities are sleeping and their chants are so quiet I can't hear them…or their dead. If it wasn't for Winter and that one hour, I know for a fact that I would go insane. I almost did when I was younger.

Boogalaga: I hope that answers your questions, and thank you again Mage. As for that chapter being dark and real and full of emotion; thank you for seeing it. Too often people loose the hope that is so intricately mingled in despare.