Welcome back to chapter 10… My...how the chapters fly.

Comment ça va, mes amis? (It's French just go along with it and say, "Ca va bien.") Over the summer I'd been going back to my roots and heading down the bayou (where all the old farts speak French and if you wanna know what they are saying about you, ya gotta pick it up fast.) And they would also speak it to me, which now I understand, but please never ask me to translate. Also…Mardi Gras will be coming soon…such a lovely time, and I'm in a very good mood, which is quite strange but…I really don't care at the moment.

Also I've recently bought the entire first season of the Teen Titans plus Vol. 1 of the second season and I've discovered the language control button thingy and I'm watching it non- stop with my grandfather in…. well….you know. I also view it in Spanish but French is easier to me. (I know…it's pathetic for a girl my age to do this sort of thing but that's what happens when bored strikes!) So what's been up with you?

Titans East ™ and © of DC comics….no one-liner

Enjoy. Laisser la bon temps rôle!

And a thousand pardons for my Spanish…online translators don't give Mas and Menos justice. Stupid Babble Fish! If any of you see and or understand any of my mistakes, please, inform me of it. But…I didn't have them talk much….

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While entering the city comfort came over Vixen. It was cold, a bit damp, and dark. A lot like home, only it seemed cleaner, and happier.

She found the tower and the end of the city, against the shore and in a cliff. She walked to the entrance door, looked at the voice box and pressed the red button.

A girl's voice came out, "Who is it?"

"Vixen."

"Yeah, come in." And at that the door opened.

Vixen got into the elevator and went to the operations room guessing that that's where Bumblebee was. Once there she stepped out. An girl walk up to her and her hand out; Vixen observed her, yellow and black shirt, tight black leather like pants, heeled boots, pigtail type buns on her head, and large bug like wings.

"Bumblebee I presume?" she said as she shook her hand.

"How'd you guess?" Bee said "Vixen. I've read a little of you're early work with the league. Impressive."

"Nothing really. I wish I knew a little of you."

"Well, you'll know a bit soon enough. Let me introduce you to the guys." Bee turned to the four boys on the couch, "Hey! We have company, care to at least act interested?"

Two young boys dashed up to them, "Hola." they said at the same time.

"Hello." Vixen said trying to care just a little.

The two rambled in Spanish for a bit, Vixen shook her head. "That's Mas and Menos. They don't speak English. We can barely understand them too."

Another boy got up, he seemed familiar. "Hey, name's Aqualad." He held out his hand.

"Vixen." She said. She remembered now, Garth, the fish scales should have given it away.

Speedy turned around on the couch, "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Stalking you."

"I don't blame'ya."

"Vixen," said Bumblebee, "sorry but we don't exactly have a room for you. You don't mind crashing on the couch until we can clean one up for you?"

"Don't go into the trouble of getting one, the couch is fine, I don't plan on being here long."

"No, we'll get one for you. You shouldn't have to sleep on the couch." Said Aqualad

"It's fine."

"Okay, if you insist." Said Aqualad "Would you like a tour?"

"I guess." She answered.

"You can leave you're things here. Come'on." She put her bag down and followed him.

'He hasn't changed.' Vixen said to herself. 'His hair looks better. And he's a lot taller than me now, but still as friendly. How can someone that good looking be that nice.' She pondered. 'I don't think he remembers me."

"And that's Titans East tower." He concluded at the end of the tour.

"Nice."

"Yeah. So what brings you here?"

"Robin's…difficult and working closer to home may be a benefit."

"I know what you mean, but he's a good leader; and a good guy. We use to be on the same team."

"Yeah. That was a ways back wasn't it, Garth?"

"What? How'd you?"

"You seriously don't remember me."

"No, we've met before?"

"Yes. We used to talk a lot back when you'd come to the manor with Richard and the others."

"Cibil?"

She nodded.

"Whoa, you look…different. Good different." He added quickly.

"And so do you. How've you been?"

"Ok, no complaints. And you? When'd you get in the hero business?"

"Few years back."

"It's good to see you again."

"Yeah."

He stared at her, she'd changed a lot. He snapped himself out of staring, "So, we should get back to the others." He began to walk back to the operations room.

When they reached the room Speedy and Bumblebee were in each other's face and Mas y Menos held their ears.

Aqualad exhaled loudly, "Here we go again."

"Don't yell at me! God, what's the matter with you? Are you on your period or something?

"OH! Don't start that!"

Aqualad stepped between them, "Guys! Stop, we kind of have a guest. Fight later."

They both turned around crossing their arms and steam rose from them. Speedy went to his room shortly after. Then Mas y Menos did as well, it was getting late.

Bumblebee found a pillow and blanket and handed them to Vixen.

"Thanks."

"Night, girls." Aqualad said with a yawn and went to his room.

Vixen watched Bee turn on the security system for the night then she left for her room.

Once the lights were off she fell asleep as well.

Some time later she was startled from her sleep by a faint noise. She sat up still groggy.

It was Speedy. He didn't look at her but kept to what ever he was doing. "You cry in your sleep, ya'know that?"

"What? I do not."

"I guess it's not really, you whimper a bit. Then go on and on about a Marina, and something about a haven, then another word I can't understand."

"You can't mind your own business or something?"

"Well you're so damn loud."

She rolled her eyes.

"Doesn't matter, I couldn't sleep anyway." He continued

Vixen rubbed her eyes and it was silent for a moment.

"Was it a good dream?"

"Again with not minding your own business."

"I was just wondering. You were smiling, which you don't seem to do much. You have a nice smile." He said in a low voice.

"Do you think I care?"

"Cranky aren't we?"

"Whatever."

"How long are you staying?"

"Not much longer if I hear that question again."

"Hmm." He rubbed his chin.

Vixen stood up and fixed her twisted skirt then walked over to the large window.

"It's a better view on the roof." Said Speedy.

Vixen ignored him and checked her wrist communicator. 4:46, no way she'd go back to sleep now.

She began to walk around a bit, running her fingertips along the railing and to the computer console. She tapped it lightly as if she was pondering something.

Speedy watched her. "What are you doing?" he asked as she went to the elevator.

"Going out."

"I'll go with you." He said stopping the elevator door from closing.

"I don't think so."

"I'll go where ever I want. Kay, Princess?"

She forced a laugh, "Listen, Speedy, I can see you don't have much in that pretty little head of yours so I'm going to be put this in a way you can understand. Get the Hell away from me."

"That the Bat talking?"

"That's me being nice to you."

"I feel so honored."

"Good, it's the best you'll get." She walked out of the tower he followed. "Why are you still here?"

"I just want to."

"Get lost."

"No."

"Arrogant fool."

"You're a bit too old for name calling aren't you?"

"Why do you insist on still being here?!"

"I just wanted to talk to you, all right?"

"I don't have much too say to you."

"This conversation is going well." He said sounding a bit meaningful.

"Consider conversation over."

"Now who's being arrogant?"

"Whatever." She said walking faster to get away from him.

"Is it just me or do you treat everyone like crap?" he said looking down on her a little.

"Not your business." she hissed darkly

"Really scary." He said sarcastically

Vixen began to walk faster and worked her way to a sprint into the city Speedy didn't bother to run after her.

Early morning commuters rushed through the streets stopping only for lights and few honking with road rage.

Vixen suddenly stopped in front of a large building breathing heavily. She took out her grappling hook and shot at the top then climb up.

A time after she heard foot steps behind her.

"It's nice." She said glancing out at the city lights

"It's no Star but it's ok."

"Titans East must be doing a good job."

That made him raise an eyebrow. He knew that the crime rate wasn't as bad as it once was but the city had a long ways to go before it was of Metropolis standards.

Vixen took a deep breath of the brisk air and exhaled; steam escaped. Her cape fell over her shoulders the cold breeze tugging lightly

"…thanks." He rubbed his arm, "You're not cold?"

"You learn to get use to it."

He gave little acknowledgment to what she said.

"Something wrong?" she asked

"What?" he said shocked, "Nah."

"Mm."

"What's that mean?"

"You say 'no.' your mind says different."

"You're psychic now?"

"You're nostrils flare like Oliver's." she confessed

"You pay that close attention to my nose…little weird." He sneered

"You're an archer; you focus on only one thing and tune the rest of the world out so only the target is seen and heard. I, on the other hand, hear and see the most negligible. It's the most intricate things that set the two of us apart."

"Sure we'll say that."

She smirked. "But really, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing." He said.

The wind changed; picking up Vixen's cape and hair and blowing it away from her face. The sun was coming up from over the horizon and the first rays of light seemed to make her glow. Speedy wanted to yell at her to move out of the damn wind but he knew that would sound a little queer. ((AN: meaning 'strange'…thesaurus people…open your minds))

He decided to leave, "See 'ya at the tower."

"I'll go with you." She said to the surprise of him.

When they got back to the tower the rest of the titans were up and eating breakfast.

"Buenos días, señorita Vixen." Said Más.

"Desayunar?" Menos gestured to the cereal box.

"No thank you."

They continued their meal.

Bee was pouring herself a cup of coffee, Aqualad was reading the paper and nibbling on toast.

For some reason Cibil thought it was a seen from those "Leave it to Beaver" shows she used to be fascinated with as a kid. Always wishing she could have at least one meal in such a cozy setting and not in that drafty dinning hall. She realized now that it was creepy and was a bit thankful when the twins began firing little pieces of cereal at one another. Kids should be chaotic not droids.

She was soon startled out of her thoughts by Bee placing a cup a steaming coffee in front of her, "Looks like you need a boost."

Vixen thanked her then poured sugar in.

"Combat practice is this afternoon." Aqualad said as a reminder.

She drank half of her coffee pouring the rest in the sink. 'Practice' Cibil said to her self, 'That's a good idea.'

The training room was blaring with loud angry music Vixen saw Speedy bench pressing a 50. It must be his personal time. He looked up to see who was there; she didn't look to be bothered by how loud the music was as she stretched. He continued.

Backbend, handstand, split. Like a well oiled machine. Back tuck, back flip, then forward, handspring.

Using the wall she stretched her legs high above her head.

Then it was on to high kicks, drop kicks and punches; having her way with a punching bag; merely a warm up.

Half and hour later she was finishing up her warm up, Speedy was moving on to target practice. She knew it would be another hour before she'd be there, if she wasn't interrupted.

Some time later the music went off and Speedy left for a much needed shower. She was not even half way finished.

Vixen ways finally finishing her final yoga move as Speedy walked back in, "You're not gonna stand a chance with Bee's combat if you're too tired to move."

"I think I'll be fine." She said pushing her way past him.

And she was. Something she always prided herself in. By time they finished up it was around 5:16.

After a shower Cibil decided it was still pretty early so she grabbed her backpack.

She'd find the quiet part of a park or alley or something and change. She wasn't afraid of changing in public and the few times she was caught the guy was too shocked at seeing a teenage girl in her bra and panties to be worried about the clothes she was getting out of.

She made her way through the city and then a park. It looked half dead but it was probably just because it was getting dark out. She could here distant giggles and rustles, obviously the local teens liberating themselves. She ignored they're merriment and searched for silence which she found by a half frozen pond.

She wrapped her arms around herself when the temperate suddenly dropped.

"What's a good looking thing like you doing in a place like this?"

She looked back to a pair of brown sneakers and worked her way up to some ripped wranglers, an Adio shirt, leather jacket, a pair of sexy blue eyes, and red hair.

"Harper?" she asked thinking, 'Damn.'

"Cibil? Shit, I take half that back."

"Please tell me this is a coincidence."

"I always come here. What's your excuse?"

"I like the quiet."

"Me too." He said sitting down.

They sat in awkward silence for what seemed to be the longest five minutes of their lives.

"What you doing here?" she asked finally

"Thinking."

"Don't hurt yourself." She replied in her downsizing voice

"Do you have to criticize everything I say?"

"It's who I am. Deal with it."

"I seriously don't believe you."

"What are you talking about?"

"You can act all bad ass as much as you want but it's not you."

"You don't know anything about me, you high heeled jock strap."

"There you go again….what are you so scared of?"

"I have no idea what you could possible mean by that"

"When someone tells you better you always say something insulting to them. Does that make you feel better about yourself?" She rolled her eyes and without saying anything she got up.

"And now you're running away from me….you know I'm right." He stood up

Cibil grit her teeth and her hand formed a fist. She turned around, "You're horribly mistaken. You couldn't be anymore wrong."

He got a smug look on his face, "Then, darling…how about you explain to me…please."

"I won't bother…you wouldn't understand."

"I've heard just about everything…try me."

"Ugg! Forget it! Who cares anyways?"

"I might."

Her face softened slightly, for only a moment, then she immediately recovered her angry…he still noticed. She turned on her heals and quickly walked away.

Roy stood there his hands in his pockets and smiled quietly to himself, 'She so wants me…'

Once Cibil was away she turned into an alley way and rested against a wall. She sank to the ground leaning her head back and exhaled loudly, "…that was weird."

She closed her eyes as thunder rolled in, strange how the weather was here, even stranger how it recalled memories……

"Night, boy." Cibil whispered as she turned on her side and pulled the covers over her.

The Great Dane licked her fingers then rested its head on its large paws.

The rain had just began to fall out side as they fell asleep.

A silent darkness filled her head. Then a low drone like noise began to ring out. IT became louder and more distinct. It sounded strange, in a different language: being chimed in innocent but older voice.

A white flower appeared and the petals opened to revealed green middle that began to glow brightly. It began to rotate, slowly. It was so strange. A spiral of water wrapped around the stem: working its way up. It alternated like that from water to fire, but the flower did not burn to ash.

The chiming continued but now the language was familiar and the spirals spun faster.

'…come forth to me. Do not fear you're time has come to return. Hear me…' the voice began to sing its haunting melody again. The flower continued its spinning.

'Rise…'

Cibil's eyes opened wide and blue light poured from them. She rose from her bed almost mechanically. "The hour is now…" her voice whispered in unison with the older one.

She got to her feet and began to walk nearly zombie like.

The dog had woke by her voice and let out a concerned whimper. He got up and slowly followed her, keeping his distance.

She stepped out through the threshold. Ace grasped the back of her pajama pants hoping she'd stop; her hand swat at him. He let her go confused to why she was leaving.

The freezing rain beat against her head furiously. She walked on; not even shivering as her bare feet sank in the muddy puddles.

The Dane followed loyally making their way deep into the woods. He knew the area, close to the mansion and near where the secret entrance to the batcave was.

The weather was getting worse as the wind picked up. Cibil fell to her knees next to a giant oak and began removing dead leaves and mud from the ground revealing a small crystal. As she picked it up it began to glow the same color blue as her eyes. Ace barked in alarm.

She stood and held the crystal above her head. Lightning flashed in her eyes then….gone. She vanished.

Ace barked loudly then sniffed the ground looking for her.

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The next chapter will be a continuation of her flashbacks….I had to start bringing them in.

Hope you liked….and are not too confused…

Review.