The rooftop of Titans Tower. It seemed like it had been my sanctuary forever. Maybe in another life. As usual, I went to the edge and reached into my pocket for my cigarettes. I stuck one between my lips and searched for my lighter.
"I told you the first time we met that those things are bad for you."
Zillah's voice in my head. I sighed and looked out at the horizon.
...Maybe later.
I put the cigarette away and turned around. Without my habit, I was suddenly restless. I stuck my hands under my poncho and paced aimlessly across the roof.
I saw things I hadn't seen before. In the very middle of the roof there was painted a circular design...kinda like a target. It looked like an air pad, but I never knew the Titans had a plane. Maybe a helicopter. I'd have to ask later on.
There was a volleyball net on the far side. Not really my cup of tea. I went on and came up to a small shed. I tried the door, but it was locked. Something else to ask about.
There seemed to me there was way too many air conditioner units. But, then again, I figured it took a lot of them to heat and cool the whole of the tower. There were a fair amount of satellites and antennas, too. On a normal house or building, I'd believe they were just for television. But here...with Robin, Cyborg and now Virgil...there was no telling what they did. GPS, maybe. I had no idea about such things.
I came to a walled area with no roof. Curious, I climbed up to the top and took a peek. Though the steam, I saw a large engine, with pulleys and gears and cable. I realized it was the engine that made the elevator work. I looked at it a little closer, then. It seemed as if it might have been a while since anyone messed with it. Either it worked so well there was no need or...
That made me a little nervous, so I moved on.
I couldn't believe I'd never noticed the basketball goal before. I reckon you can see a lot more when you're not looking through a haze of smoke. I searched for the basketball and, sure enough, it was right nearby. I stepped over to it and picked it up, rolling it in my hands. I dribbled once or twice and, twenty feet away from the goal, I squared my shoulders and put up an arcing shot.
CLANK!
The ball hit the front rim. I chased it down, got back to my original spot and tried again.
CLANK!
This time off the back rim. The ball bounced right back to me. I'd once been the terror of the public court, but that had been some time ago. It was still coming back to me.
CLANK-----SWISH!
The ball hit the rim and rolled in. I retrieved it, ready for the game I'd used to play when I was younger. Some people buy those eight ball things where you shake it and look at the message on the bottom to answer your questions. My way is cheaper.
"My name is Bard."
I shot.
CLANK!
I thought.
"My name is Jonny."
SWISH!
Much better. I dribbled and set my feet again.
"I am a Teen Titan."
SWISH!
"Noir is my best friend."
SWISH!
So far, so good. I considered.
"...Lisa thinks of my rugged good looks and sexy ways."
SWISH!
"Heheheh." I took time gloat over that one.
"I'm the finest guitar picker this town has ever seen."
SWISH!
I grinned. I was starting to remember why I liked this game. My thoughts turned more serious.
"I...I will help Zillah."
I shot and something so rare happened that I'd only done it twice in my life. The ball hit the back iron and stayed there, perfectly balanced. It didn't fall in the basket, nor did it drop to the ground. I frowned. I got a two step start, jumped and tipped the ball to myself.
"All right...jury's still out on that one. I got ya."
I dribbled once or twice, my mind on something else.
I looked back up at the goal.
"I belong here."
I shot-
CLANK!
"..."
I watched the ball bounce off the rim and roll across the ground, but I didn't move to go get it.
Oh, well. It was only a stupid game, after all.
I folded my arms across my chest and looked to the side. I took in a deep breath.
Maybe...
Maybe I'll have that cigarette, after all.
