OK, sorry it took so long to get this out. I got through school fine, and then I just wanted to catch my breath for a little while. Then I had computer problems. Those recent episodes of "Static Shock" really threw me off and upset me just a little bit. Something tells me the series is going to end sooner than I thought. Parts of my story are already AU, so it seems. But I'm trying to think of a way to use some of these recent details to my advantage, if I can. For instance, from now on let's just assume that Mr. Hawkins is in on the whole secret.

Episode 5: Mmoatia

"So there I was, riding on the train, looking out the window to the beautiful African savanna, when all of the sudden this leopard-man stood up and hijacked our ride!"

Precious gasped, and she looked up at Virgil in wonder. "Was he a bang baby?"

"How could he be? We were hundreds of thousands of miles away from Dakota, and I was pretty sure we were the only Dakota residents there."

"But . . . it wouldn't be possible otherwise, would it?"

Virgil laughed. "I know. I can't figure it out either. The only thing I can think of is that Africa doesn't follow the same rules we do in America, even when if comes to science and stuff. But if you think that's impossible, just wait. I haven't gotten to the best part yet."

Just then, Mr. Hawkins popped in. "How are things going in here? You're finished sweeping up the common's area?"

"Yes sir, we finished five minutes ago," Precious answered.

"Good going. I'll see if I could find something else for you to do."

"Pops, I was just telling Precious about the best day of my life in Africa. Times like this don't come along every day. She's going to have to go home soon."

"It's ok, Virgil," Precious answered. "My service to the community center is important, and I got to do my work."

"Hold on there," Mr. Hawkins said. "This story is important to my son. Virgil, you can finish, but after you're done, report to me."

As he left, Precious looked innocently up at Virgil again. "What happened? Did Static drive the leopard-man away?"

"How could he?" Virgil lowered his voice. "Dad and Sharon were right there, and Sharon's been onto me. Even if I got up, they would figure out my secret pretty easily."

"Then what did you do?"

"Nothing."

"Then did the leopard-man capture you?"

"Nope. When everything looked hopeless, a guy dressed in black and carrying this big wooden stick stood and challenged the leopard-man. He called himself Anansi."

Precious gasped again, a very huge gasp. "Anansi? THE Anansi? The Man- Spider? The King of All Stories, that Anansi?"

"Yeah. How do you know so much about him?"

"One night I couldn't sleep, and Mommy read me a story about a man with spider-like abilities named Anansi. He wanted to tell stories, but all the stories in the world belonged to a king who lived in the sky. So Anansi built a ladder out of webbing, and--"

"Yeah, Anansi told me this story."

"Well, I liked the story so much, and I thought if Anansi got all the stories in the world, there must be more stories about Anansi. So I looked in the library, and I found a whole book of them--Spider Stories. Some were funny, some were clever, but they were all so cool. I didn't know he was real. I thought he was just a storybook character."

"He's real alright. In Africa, he's a superhero!" Virgil continued to tell Precious about all his adventures with Anansi. She hung on to every word.

"That is amazing," she whispered. "I wish I could meet him."

"Well, you never know. Maybe you'll save up enough money to go to Africa one day."

"Yeah. Maybe I could become a missionary in Africa."

"Or maybe you'll meet him sooner than that."

The two kids turned to the doorway. Standing there was a man dressed in black from head to foot, except for a small picture of a red spider on his chest. Both Virgil and the Muse were at a loss for words, and their guest only replied with a smile.

"Anansi," Precious whispered.

"Hey man!" Virgil said as he walked up and gave his mentor a one-armed hug. "What brings you across the pond?"

"I have been listening for news of you in the wind, my young friend, and I have heard stories of a young child who has powers much like my own."

"You've found her, dawg. This is the Muse."

The poor girl could not look him in the eye, and she stuttered terribly. "Um, um, uh, uh, uh, I, I, um, uh, I um . . . "

"Loquacious, isn't she?" Anansi chuckled.

"Oh, but she is," Virgil said. "In fact--Precious! Loquacious!"

She immediately snapped out of it and responded, "L-O-Q-U-A-C-I-O-U-S, talkative, displaying a large vocabulary."

"Ah, so it is as I have heard." Anansi knelt down and put his hand on the girl's shoulder. "Child, there is no need to fear me."

Precious still couldn't look him in the eye. "But you-you-you, you're so- so . . . important."

"Perhaps, but is not the mighty lion made of the same stuff as the humble muskrat? I am just a man, no more different than you."

Precious just stared down at the floor and began to shift her weight from foot to foot.

"I know what will put you at ease," Anansi said. "How would you like to hear a story?"

Her eyes lit up. "A story from the man who owns all the stories in the world? I would love to! Would you please?"

"Nothing would please me more. Sit."

Just then, Virgil and Precious' Shock Boxes went off. "Oh wait, that would be Gear." Precious pulled hers out and answered. "Hi Gear."

"Hey Muse," a hoarse voice replied over the Shock Box.

"Hey bro, how you feeling?" Virgil said.

"Well I--" Then there was a long string of very raspy coughs.

"Okaaay, that answered my question."

"Yeah," Gear replied. "It's not fair. Superheroes never get the common cold."

"Maybe someday you'll invent a cure."

"That would be sweet, wouldn't it? But anyway, Backpack just picked up a distress call. This is weird, it's a . . . grocery store disturbance."

"Grocery store?"

"Yeah, it's the Save a Dollar or Two downtown."

"Do you know the nature of this disturbance?"

"No, I couldn't tell. It's probably not a big deal. What serious criminal would attack a grocery store with such high surveillance?"

"Alright, we're on it. Hey guess who's here? Remember Anansi?"

"Man, my head hurts too hard to remember too far. Give him my regards."

"Sure, feel better man." He switched it off and tossed Precious Magic Hat 2. "Come on, Muse. Anansi can tell you a story later. Hey, maybe you'd like to come with us."

"I appreciate the invitation, but I think I shall remain here for now, and I would wish for my new young friend to stay with me."

"But we got to do magic!" Precious said.

"Static can take care of it himself. It is only a small store."

"Are you sure? I think I would like you playing on our team as much as I would hearing your stor--"

"Child," he said sternly, "let him go alone."

Virgil was shocked. He had never heard that tone from Anansi before, and Anansi's face was filled with concern, maybe even fear. "Is something wrong?"

"Not yet. Go."

"Alright man. Maybe we'll fight together later."

"Go!"

"Alright man, see ya." Virgil left. Anansi sat down and smiled again.

"What is it, Anansi?"

"Oh, this is not the time for something so unpleasant. What would you like me to tell you first?"

"Oh, tell me the story where your hat got so hot you made a dance to make it cool again. Or when you found that magic stone that made animals faint."

Anansi laughed. "I will tell you these, and much more." He waved his wooden stick. The Magic Hat flashed several colors, almost as though it was in anticipation. Suddenly, the two of them were sitting on the African savanna, feeling a warm wind on their necks.

"Wow, this feels so real."

Anansi was just as amazed. His powers created good illusions, but never this good. It was almost as though her powers were working in succession with his to make the story come alive. Surely this girl was the one, which gave him all the more reason to protect her. "This story belongs to Kwaku Anansi, as do all stories."

##################

Static had expected this to be a minor robbery or teenagers making a mess of things. He was not prepared at all for what he saw. Canned goods were falling down by themselves, fruit was being thrown around, cash was swirling around the cash registers in a whirlwind, and any customers who were still around were running and screaming. Bottom line: everything was a big mess.

Static made his voice sound on the loudspeaker, "Cleanup on aisle . . . uh, all of them." He flew down to one of the aisles to get a closer look. "A'ight, who's responsible for this mess?"

He was answered by a pelting of eggs. Static wiped the yoke from his eyes and said, "Hey, I didn't ask for a free sample." He began to charge up but stopped. "Man, I smell like an omelet."

Then some shaken up soda bottles exploded and soaked him. "Ugh! Diet! And this cannot be good for my hair. You're going to get it now!"

Static kept trying to get the perpetrators, and he kept getting pelted with food. He tried even to strike everywhere with his powers, but the punishment would not stop. The strangest thing was that Static never saw his enemy. He wasn't sure if his foe was invisible or if he was just good at staying out of sight.

"Man, this was tough," he said to himself.

"Not for us," a voice whispered in his ear.

Static turned around but saw no one. "Who's there?"

"Oh, that's not important. I take it you're Static."

"No, I'm André 3000 from Outkast."

The voice was silent for a second. "Oh yes, you are the witty one are you? I was told you don't work alone anymore. Where are the others?"

"That's none of your business."

"You want us to stop torment your town? Send us that new little superhero, the Muse I believe she is called. Give us more of a challenge."

"Or else?"

"You'll never get rid of us." There was a small breeze by Virgil's ear, and the voice was gone.

#####################

"'People will do anything to disturb the peace these days,' the chief magistrate said. He sat down, and his footstool spoke, 'Yes, it's fantastic. Whoever heard of a talking yam?'"

Anansi paused, expecting Precious to laugh, but she looked at him puzzled. "I don't understand. How could all of those lifeless objects without mouths, lungs, vocal chords or the mind to use them have the ability to speak?"

"Ah, that is a question," Anansi answered. "When I first heard it, I laughed so hard at the ending that I forgot to ask. I like to think that such objects do have these things, but they only use them when they want to. This day was just one of those few times they decided to talk."

"Then how come we don't see them?"

"Oh, they are hidden."

"Is it a spell that hides these parts?"

"Yes, it is. And there is a special kind of people who can cast that spell- -Mmoatia's people."

"Who is Mmoatia?"

"Ah, there lies another tale."

"Can you please tell it to me?"

"Absolutely." Just then, Static came back in.

"My goodness, Static, what happened? Were you attacked by a dumpster?" Precious asked.

"That's what it feels like," he muttered. "Who knows how long this is going to take to wash out?"

"I can help you look better, my friend." Anansi stood and held up his walking stick that started to glow.

Precious, though, beat him to it. She swiftly turned around and said, "Magic!" She immediately transformed. She pointed to Static, the lights of her magic hat flashed brilliantly, and all the gunk on his costume and in his hair came off and fell at his feet.

"Thanks Muse," Static sighed. "That feels a little better."

Anansi was astounded. "How did you do that?"

"It's my power. Whatever I think happens."

"She can make her imagination come to life, like you can. Yet with the Muse, it's not just an illusion. It's real," Static explained.

"So it is true," Anansi whispered.

"What?" the Muse asked.

"Nothing. So Static, what did you encounter that made such a mess?"

"Some kind of invisible menace. All this stuff seemed to be thrown at me all by themselves. I almost wish Gear was well so he could use the infrared option on Backpack and revealed the culprit. I heard this voice in my ear asking me for a greater challenge. In fact, it was asking for you."

Anansi leapt up. "She is here! I had hoped I would beat her. Oh no."

"What's wrong?"

"We must get out of here, now. The child is in danger."

"What's going on?" the Muse asked.

"No time. Let's go."

"Alright," Static said with a shrug as he pulled out his flying disk. "Hop on."

"No! No flying! She'll see us!"

"Okayyyyyy."

"Here. Hold my hand, both of you. I think I can pull off a trick that may fool her." They held hands. Anansi closed his eyes, said something under his breath, and vanished.

"Anansi? Static?" the Muse asked. "Where are you?"

"Right here," Static's voice replied, but he was no where to be seen. "Where'd you go?"

The Muse gasped. "I'm invisible."

"Yes," Anansi answered.

"Wow, I've always wanted to be invisible."

"I hardly do this trick because it is troubling to concentrate on. I can't keep it up for long. Now, quickly get us to a place where we can hide."

"HQ?" the Muse suggested.

"Sounds good to me," Static answered. The three ran for the door. The Muse found it hard not to laugh at things becoming disturbed seemingly by themselves as they passed by. They made it to the gas station, and Anansi made everyone visible again.

"Good idea, bringing us here," Anansi said. "The gasoline smell will drive her away."

"Right," Static said. "So, can you tell us who we're running from?"

Anansi sat down and looked at them seriously. "Mmoatia, the fairy who no men see," he whispered.

Static burst out laughing and fell over. "Yeah, did she bring Santa's elves with her?"

"If this were a joke, I would be laughing with you, Static," Anansi replied. "But look at me. I am not even smiling."

Static promptly stopped. "So Mmoatia is a fairy?" the Muse asked. "I thought fairies weren't real."

"Oh, they are real, but they stay out of sight and out of trouble most of the time," Anansi answered.

"Fairies are the last thing I'd think when I'd think of Africa," Static brought up. "I thought that was more of a European thing."

"African fairies are more realistic than any portrayed in 'fairy tales' from Europe. They do not bring good luck or grant people wishes. They are very mischievous."

"Weren't you just about to tell me the story of Mmoatia?" the Muse asked.

"Yes. You need to hear it now. Sit." He waved his walking stick, and the scenery around them changed. The two young superheroes watched the story unfold before them

"Many years ago, fairies roamed freely among men. They loved to use their magic powers to play tricks. The fairies were all very clever and kept themselves well hidden. Yet none were cleverer than Mmoatia, their leader. She was almost always invisible. Her tricks caused much damage and grief.

"Kwaku Anansi had enough of her trickery. He felt he could stop Mmoatia if he managed to trick her. So he made a doll out of sticky gum from trees. He tied a vine to the back, and he prepared a bowl of yams, for he had heard that Mmoatia could never resist this dish. Then he hid and waited.

"In the afternoon, Mmoatia come a'dancing into the forest. She saw the gum baby, and she say, 'I am hungry. Can I have your yams?' Anansi pulled the vine to make the gum baby nod. Mmoatia eagerly ate all the yams. 'Oh, thank you, thank you, gum baby.' But the gum baby did not stir. Mmoatia became angry. 'Do you not answer me when I say thank you?' The gum baby was silent. 'If you do not answer me, I will slap you.' The gum baby was still silent, so Mmoatia slapped the doll hard. Her hand became stuck fast. 'Let go of my hand or I will slap you with my other hand!' Mmoatia slapped the gum baby with her other hand, and it was stuck. 'Let go of my hands, or I will kick you!' Mmoatia kicked the gum baby, and soon her feet were stuck.

"Then Anansi came out of hiding. 'Foolish Mmoatia, I have outsmarted you.' She recognized that she had been outsmarted, and she promised not to cause trouble anymore. Yet as time went on, Mmoatia forgot her promise. She wanted to outsmart Anansi so that her people could cause trouble once more. Anansi always got the better of her. So she had been looking for an alternative. She has tried to steal my powers, unsuccessfully of course. But now, she has heard of you, a defenseless, innocent child with powers like mine, even better. She has come here to take your powers by any means necessary. She will even drink your blood or rob you of your mind in order to get your powers."

The visions began to fade. "Well, she's going to be fine," Static answered. "We'll protect her."

"Mmoatia's tricks are wily. It will not be as easy as you think."

"But this is easy!" the Muse answered. "All we have to do is retell the story."

Anansi and Static looked at her and said in unison, "Retell the story?"

"Yeah. I have an idea."

###############

An hour later, the Muse appeared on the roof of Save a Dollar or Two. She sat and waited.

"There you are Muse," a voice said by her ear.

"Mmoatia?" the Muse asked.

"So you know of me?"

"I've heard of you in a story. Could you do me one favor? Could make yourself visible?"

"I suppose I could for this once." There was a shudder in the air, and a little person appeared right in front of the Muse's nose. She wore a very brightly colorful dress and a matching turban. Her little wings were clear. She had dark, smooth skin and the regal presence of a queen.

"You're a very pretty fairy. I don't know why you're not visible more often."

"Thank you. You should be proud child. Your power will rest in this vessel." Mmoatia flew in closer to bite the Muse's neck.

Suddenly, the Muse was surrounded by electricity. Mmoatia couldn't move. Static came out of hiding from behind the Muse. "Stick ya cause's she's stuck on you!"

"Looks a little familiar, doesn't it?" Anansi said as he came out of hiding.

"Anansi!" Mmoatia growled. "Not this time!" She whispered something and broke free. Then she raised her hands high above her head and shrieked something. Immediately, a whole army of fairies appeared around her. "Get the girl!" she ordered.

"Stop!" the Muse ordered. Several fairies were frozen in their tracks, but some were able to break free. Static used his powers to trap many of the oncoming fairies using his powers. The Muse and Anansi were quickly causing illusions to stop the fairy army, and they were successful for the most part. Soon, due to their efforts, they were able to subdue all the fairies except for Mmoatia.

"Well done, Muse," Mmoatia remarked. "You are much more powerful than I have heard, but I am powerful as well." She cast a spell that caused several miscellaneous objects to take a life of their own and fly toward the Muse.

"Ready for it this time!" Static used his powers to knock them back. "Hey ya!" he cheered.

Meanwhile, Anansi came up behind the Muse. "Make no sudden moves," he instructed. He waved his walking stick above her head, and several Muses appeared in a circle around Mmoatia. "You want the Muse? Good luck finding her."

"Ah, this trick Anansi," Mmoatia chuckled. "I'm ready for this one." She cast a spell, and suddenly one of the Muses started hiccuping. "Ah ha!"

"That was quite clever," the Muse said.

"It was, wasn't it?"

"I'm not very clever myself, so maybe taking my blood isn't the answer for you."

"It isn't? Then I'll go for Anansi, or perhaps this young man here. He may not be a challenge, but he is witty and powerful."

"Or maybe you can use your already powerful magic for something other than mischief."

"Other than mischief? I've never though of that." Mmoatia looked thoughtful, and then finally she said, "You Americans have an expression-- Nah!" She dived toward the Muse, but as she reached the neck, the Muse disappeared. Before Mmoatia could turn around, the real Muse caught her in her hands, like a firefly. "Hey! Let me go!" Mmoatia screamed. She started yelling something in a different language.

When the Muse removed her hands the fairy was trapped in a little bubble. She blew it toward Anansi. "Thank you for your help. I hope you can do something to situate her."

"Yes. I will put her and her people where they cannot harm anyone."

####################

It was the end of the day. Anansi had everything gathered and was read to head back to his home. "It was good to see you again, man," Static said.

"Yes, Mr. Anansi, it was a thrill," Precious said quietly. "I'll miss you, but I liked working with you."

"Oh, I'm not leaving just yet."

"You're not?" Static asked.

"You still have stories to tell me?" Precious asked anxiously.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me a story," Anansi said.

"What?" Precious asked. "Why me? I couldn't tell you any stories that you don't already know."

"That's not quite true. A story fits differently in every person's mouth, and when it escapes it is often an entirely different creature."

"Oh, I see, I think."

"Here, you can have my storytelling stick to make you feel more confident." Anansi gave her the stick and sat down. "Whenever you're ready."

Precious felt amazed and humbled to be in this position. It took a while to get over the shock, and then she had to think of what to tell. "OK, I think I have one. Here goes."

Next Episode: Sibling Rivalry--Aunt Claire is becoming nosy. She wants to know what Richie and Virgil are doing to her child. In the process she meets Robert Hawkins, and he seems to be interested in her. Plus, Precious gets caught in the middle of a Virgil-Sharon battle of the wits for the first time. And oh yeah, Omnaura is back. By the way, I'm sorry I hurried through this one. I never really had a clear vision of the end, and ideas for this upcoming story bombarded me out of nowhere.