Chapter 3

Azuri thought for a moment, "Nice." she said with a grin, looking at the ring-leader for a moment. She smelled the air, "Philly cheesesteak sub?" she asked not knowing where the smell was wafting from. "Also, we will deal with them if we have too…" she said giving the group one last glance, "Anyway…Philly cheesesteak sub?" she asked again.

Raya pointed toward the sub stand, saying, "That sounds good. It's just right there." She started toward it, her attention lingering between the counter and the table of thugs.

"I hate petty criminals," she muttered. "They're like roaches…You can never take enough of them down. They just keep showing back up."

Azuri kept smiling though inside there was a pang, not of guilt or anything, but one of pain. It felt she'd been stabbed, though Raya had no way of knowing who she was, "Yeah, though…you never really know what got them started as criminals…" she said softly, not really wanting to argue with her new friend. She looked to the table of thugs for a moment, "Why don't we just ignore them and get our food Raya?" she asked trying to change the subject a little.

Raya nodded, saying, "Good idea." She tried to keep her attention on ordering food. Once she placed her order, she whispered an inaudible mantra. It would be rather hard to explain to anyone—especially her father—that she lost control in a crowded mall. She continued to recite the mantra as she approached the nearest table.

Azuri gave her a funny look, "What are you saying?" she asked softly, "I saw your lips moving…looks like you were repeating something…so, I'm curious." she explained tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Truth was if Raya didn't want to explain she didn't have to and, even if Azuri felt like pushing the matter, there was food to eat.

Raya looked at Azuri, giving a quick "Hm?" as a response. She turned her gaze toward the food, saying, "Just something that I use to keep my focus. A mantra of sorts, I guess." She shrugged a bit, seeming far more relaxed. That quickly changed when a low voice rang out with: "Oh, Miss Wayne." The voice carried a taunting tone and ended with a partial chuckle. Raya bristled and the lights flickered.

Azuri placed her hand on Raya's, "Just ignore him…" she said softly. "He's just trying to get a rise out of you…And it seems like it's working…" she added. "Though…I could handle him…" she said with a bit of a grin, "I think it would be fun…." she added her voice sounding just a little sinister. "Little of this, little of that…he wouldn't know what hit him…" she said grinning. It was clear that Azuri was almost itching for a fight, but she really didn't want to involve Raya.

Raya took a deep breath, trying to regain her focus without having to use her mantra. The lights continued to flicker, when the ring-leader called to her once more. This time, he was moving closer. He grinned, "Ignoring me, Miss Wayne? That isn't very nice of you, you know. Maybe, we just need some change for the bus." Raya's gaze turned toward him, as she muttered, "Did the arcade not have enough kids for you to rob?" She took a steady breath and said, "Have fun." She was speaking to Azuri now, though she didn't look at her.

Azuri stood up and looked at the guy, giving him a rather dirty look as she stepped between him and Raya. "I suggest you leave her alone. I don't like it when people upset my friends." She took a somewhat defensive stance, though only someone versed in martial arts could tell she was ready to defend herself if needed. "I mean because all I see is a lightweight loser that has to pick on a girl to get his rocks off." she said with a smirk.

"You bitch," he hissed…and took a swing at Azuri. Of course, he missed—and by some magic unbeknownst to him, since he believed himself he was such a wonderful fighter. Raya blinked once, appearing both un-amused and un-phased; though the real reason she had blinked was to hide the quick darkening color of her eyes. She watched the sloppy movement, mentally seeing each opening and how she would strike. Then again, she had learned martial arts for years.

Azuri gave Raya a puzzled look for a moment then returned her attention to the man, giving a grin. "I've been called worse…by better fighters then you. Come on! Hit me!" she taunted. Then she twirled and kicked him hard in the ribs, causing him to let out a groan. If anything Azuri showed that she was agile. "I still say you're a lightweight!" She said as she did a handstand and planted her feet into his face sending him flying to the ground hopping from him just before his head collided with the floor.

Raya feigned a flinch at seeing that, hiding a silent giggle. The thug started to try to get up, but struggled to do so. He simply groaned, as he his group started laughing at him. They, then, proceeded to get up and started to walk off without their leader. They were clearly as loyal as a spider was to a vegetarian.

Raya gave a very soft sigh and took a bite of her sub. She softly said, "A few years ago, I got into a bit of a scrap with him. He wanted my dad's money, and I wouldn't give him a dime. So, I ended up fighting him and won. He's hated me, ever since." She shrugged, nonchalantly, and resumed eating.

"Ah, so my assessment was correct…" she said with a grin. "I took him down with no trouble at all…" she said smiling a bit more, "I at least thought he'd be a little more trouble. Anyway, I understand hating the hating you thing, but the not talking to you again thing…" she said, "Unless of course he wanted his ass kicked again. Oh, well. Such is life…" she said with a shrug as she ate some more. She looked at her watch frowning a bit, "I have to get home in like an hour and a half. Eh, we still got time, where do you want to look next?" she asked.

"How about books, next," Raya asked, giving a soft smile. After a few moments of thought, she added, "Though, the music might take less time to look through…It's really all up to you."

"Hmm…" Azuri thought for a moment. "Well, books actually sound like more fun…I'm not really that into music…" she said softly, "Though, depending on how long we take we could do both…" she added.

"Books it is, then," Raya replied. She left her sub half-finished, as usual, and got up to throw the rest away. "We'll just have to see how long it takes, huh," she chimed. Raya knew exactly what books she wanted to look at, so it wouldn't take her too long to look through them and pick which one's she wanted to buy.

Azuri gave Raya a bit of a funny look as she tossed what was left of her sub away. She wasn't used to people being wasteful, but she wasn't going to say anything. "Yeah, I suppose." she said with a smile as she stuffed the last bite of food into her mouth. It had been a while since she'd been in a bookstore, so she wasn't sure which book she'd want. Though, she had an idea.

Raya didn't notice the look. "Is something wrong," she asked, looking toward Azuri. She looked concerned, saying, "I don't mean to intrude or anything, but…your tone sounded like there's something bugging you. Then, again, I could just be hearing things and assuming." She hoped she hadn't seemed too bossy or anything, since she really didn't get to make new friends…If you didn't count Alfred as a friend.

"No, no, I'm fine." she said with a smile. "I'm just not really looking forward to going home later is all…things can be a little…tense…Anyway, let's go to the bookstore before we run out of time." she said, giving a grin. Azuri really didn't want Raya to worry. "Come on…" she chimed heading for the bookstore.

Raya followed, deciding not to ask questions about Azuri's family life. She quickly caught up, remaining mostly quiet. She was mentally plotting out which books to look at first and which ones were more important than others. She figured that Azuri would probably wander for a bit, so she also tried to plan out an arrangement for where they would meet up after they had picked out books.

Azuri smiled, she did know a couple of books she wanted to look at. "So, what's your favorite genre?" she asked looking at Raya. "I like fantasy stuff…and like…fallen angels and things…" she said.

Raya thought for a moment, before saying, "Well…I like any genre, really. I don't have a favorite, I guess. But, I'm looking for a few specific books, today; and the bookstore here is the only one that sells them." She shrugged, though she really hoped that she wouldn't have to give any details. But, she would if asked.

"Alright, need any help finding them?" Azuri asked since she wasn't really there to look at anything in particular. "I wouldn't mind. Unless, you'd rather I didn't…" she said trailing off just a little as the thought occurred to her that Raya might not want her to know what she was getting.

"If you want to tag along, you can," Raya said with a shrug. "I know right where they are, though…Unless they've rearranged the store some." She started glancing around, the moment they were in the bookstore. The layout looked the same as it was last time. The real question was: were the books still there?

"Alright," Azuri said smiling. She frowned a little when she saw a newspaper with a cover-page article about the Joker on it. The frown vanished, quickly she hoped Raya either didn't notice, or thought she didn't like the Joker. "So…" she said looking around, "You know if they've got any good books on shape-shifters here?" None of that psycho killer werewolf stuff…" she said.

"That would be about the same place I'm going," Raya said, heading for the section. She really hadn't noticed the frown or the newspaper; she never noticed newspapers. That entire medium nearly bored her to tears. She glanced around at all the books, while she walked. She wanted to make sure that absolutely everything was where it was the last time she was there.

"Oh, okay." Azuri replied with a smile as she followed closely. She too looked at the books as they walked. It had been long enough since she'd been in a bookstore that most of the books were new to her. "You ever read anything on shape-shifters?" she asked curiously. She really wanted to know just what Raya knew about the subject, and she had a few reasons for it. Azuri looked at her watch and frowned, it had been fifteen minutes since she'd last checked it. She had to hurry, though she didn't want to. Maybe, she could blow off going home. They didn't exactly NEED her there.

"A few things in passing," Raya replied. "Why?" She found the section and quickly began glancing through titles. It didn't take her long before she pulled four magic related books from the shelf. She thumbed through them, while moving out of Azuri's way. She sat at the end of the shelf.

"Curiosity…" Azuri replied as she pulled two shape-shifter related books from the shelf as well as one on telepathy and other mind related skills. She thumbed through them to see if any of the material was worth reading. She began reading one of them a little in-depth and noticed Raya's books.

"You like magic, huh?" she asked with a smile.

"Uh, yeah," Raya replied. "My dad used to take me to see Zatanna's magic shows, when she was in town. I learned a few things from her, but parlor tricks got kind of boring to me. So, I've read about this." She didn't want to discuss the truth about the matter.

Azuri smiled, "Oh, cool. I got to go to one of those shows once…It…was at an orphanage…" she said a little softly, hating to admit it just a little. "Her tricks were amazing…but nothing's like real magic huh?" she asked. "I've read some stories that involved real magic in them…and I don't mean that wizard stuff…but with a city like Gotham…it's hard not to believe in some things…" she added.

Raya grinned to herself, thumbing through the book. What could one little trick hurt? Despite her outfit, she crossed her legs as if to meditate. With an inaudible whisper, she lifted herself off the ground by just a few inches…not enough for anyone to notice. She giggled to herself, saying, "Zatanna taught me this little trick."

"Oh, wow!" Azuri said, clearly impressed. "I wish I could do stuff like that…" she said softly. She knew that Raya was taking a slight risk showing off that she could do that, but she wasn't about to let anyone know what she could truly do. Though, she decided, a little couldn't hurt, just to repay the trust, "Watch this…" Azuri said as she touched the cover of a nearby book and changed its color to a deeper shade. "I can't do this whole lot…but…" she said giving a smile and a shrug.

Raya beamed. Alfred was the only person impressed with her gift, or so it had always seemed. She smiled, saying, "It takes practice…and focus. That right there is more than ninety-nine percent of what Gotham can do. I'm not as good a magician as Zatanna, but I can teach you a few parlor tricks." She grinned, again, lowering herself back to the ground. "We could start with pulling a rabbit out of a hat or the bandana trick." She gave a light laugh.

Azuri laughed softly, "With my luck I'd be nervous trying it they'd turn green…" she said. "Though a few parlor tricks might be fun to learn." she said with a smile. "And you're right about ninety-nine percent of the city not being able to focus, but…with the number of super-villains…it's understandable…" she said.

"Gotham's always been a crime-ridden city, from what I've heard," Raya said with a frown. "I wish that all the criminals would find another city to haunt and leave this one alone. Too many people suffer every day because of them…" Her frown faded slowly.

"That's true, but…sometimes the criminals are criminals because they've nowhere else to turn…" Azuri said softly, "Some people just aren't accepted, because they're different…so they turn to crime." she added, trying to hide how hurt she was by Raya's comment, because she didn't want her to know the sort of life she actually led. "But the fact is…as much as the Batman helps Gotham…the city will never heal with him here. Too many villains want a piece of him…" she said softly, "He's drawn some of them here. Not on purpose mind you…but still…"

Raya sighed, slowly saying, "Everyone should always have more than one option…Being different shouldn't mean that you're not accepted. Sometimes, you can make something good of yourself with that makes you different…like Zatanna." Raya didn't want to go into the Batman subject. Her opinion on that suit—on that creation—was nothing good. She shook her head and stood up, deciding to buy the books she was holding. "And, sometimes, it's easier to just pretend that you're not different and follow a path determined by the stereotypes of others," she added. "People will always fear what they don't understand, so why not try to pretend you're just like everyone else? If you don't show anyone that you're different, no one will know it and no one will judge you for it."

"Can't always control whether you show someone you're different." Azuri said with a sigh, "Sometimes you just stand out…take the Joker for instance, it's not like he could just decide to move away and blend in somewhere else…" she took a deep, calming breath, then sighed again, "Not that he would…he's too crazy for that." she said trying to joke a bit. "And I get what you mean about turning it into something good, but that's hard to do…now, let's change the subject…what are we going to do?" she asked. She looked at the books she'd been skimming through, and put one of them back on the shelf. Azuri looked between the other two trying to decide on which one to come back for later.

"Well, we can either keep looking or we can check out and decide from there," Raya said. She pulled the books against her chest, saying "If we're going to check out, I've got the books I wanted."

"We can check out…though…I can't buy the books myself just yet…and, I'd feel bad asking you since you bought the shoes and the food…" Azuri said looking down for a moment then sticking the books back on the shelf. "Well, I've got to go to the bathroom…so, I'll meet you by the check-out…okay?" she said giving a smile as she head headed to the bathroom.

"Okay," Raya said with a nod. She glanced toward the books that Azuri put back. She sighed and moved towards the registers, deciding it best not to go ahead and buy the books for her. The last thing she wanted to do was make it look like she was trying to buy a friendship.

After Azuri had finished in the bathroom she headed for the front. "Damn it…" she muttered when she saw someone. She ducked behind a bookcase and then wormed her way to the front, weaving through the store to avoid being seen by the person.

"Are you about ready?" Azuri asked, Raya giving a clearly forced smile. The person was someone she was afraid that would recognize her, so she kept nervously glancing over her shoulder. She decided that if Raya asked she would tell her it was an ex or something.

Raya nodded, slowly looking in the same direction that Azuri was looking. "Something wrong," she asked with a raised eyebrow. She paid for her books, still watching in the direction that Azuri kept glancing in.

Off in the corner a man was leaning against the wall, trying to make it seem as if he wasn't watching them, but failing miserably. "He's…uh…an ex…" Azuri said softly. She sounded embarrassed. The man, who was about their age had on dark sun-glasses, a leather jacket, white t-shirt, and a pair of jeans, he was clearly looking in their direction, and he was definitely not happy to see Azuri.

"He's been kind of mad since I broke up with him…" She lied. In truth, Azuri has cut him out of the deal on a heist, and he wanted revenge.

Raya nodded and frowned, saying, "Then, let's get out of here before he causes anymore trouble." She motioned toward the door, thanking the cashier and took her bag.

"Good idea…he's likely to cause some…" Azuri replied quickly toward the door.

"Oh Azuri…" came the boy's voice in a singsong tone. "Don't act like you don't know me…" he said, moving closer, but out of striking range, "I haven't forgotten what you did to me…you will pay for it," he said, his tone dark and threatening. He looked over at Raya and gave a wink, "Though for the sake of the normals… let's not do anything here…Just remember…I know how to find you...and I will get revenge…" he said giving a sinister grin and then he was gone, almost as quickly as he had appeared. No one else in the store seemed to notice him.

Azuri let out a sigh, it was somewhere between stress and relieved. "I'm glad he didn't try anything here." she said to Raya in a whisper. "He's got some skills of his own as I'm sure you noticed. He doesn't have to hide them…when he's using them…most people can't even see him…" she explained, seeming oddly relaxed given the threat that had just been made. "He's such a creep…" she added.

Raya slowly nodded, saying, "I noticed." She made a mental note to make sure to tell a certain someone about him. She moved toward the door, seeming lost in thought for a moment. Her gaze rested on the floor in-front of her for a few moments, as she thought about something.

Azuri looked at her tilting her head to the side, studying Raya for a moment as she followed her.

"Something wrong Raya?" she asked sounding concerned "You seem out of it…" she commented. Though, she wasn't sure if this was normal for Raya or not. She'd only known her for a short while.

Raya gave a brief nod, saying, "I'm just debating on something. I'm fine." She gave a smile, though it was somewhat forced. "Hey, what time is it," she asked, as if to change the subject.

Azuri frowned for a moment, "Uhh…" she said looking at her watch, "It's about…five…" she said. "Why?" she asked looking up at Raya. She was silently thinking of how much time she had left as she waited for Raya to reply.

"Hmm…just curious," Raya replied. She shrugged a bit, saying, "I wonder if we have enough time to check out some music…" She waited to see if Azuri had enough time left or not.

"I should have enough time. I think it'll be alright if I'm a little late without it being a problem…especially, since I've made a new friend…" Azuri said, giving a smile. "So, where's the music?" she asked.

"Just two stores down," Raya said, returning the smile. "So, are you getting picked up or are you lucky enough to have your own transportation," she asked, genuinely curious.

Azuri looked at her and shook her head a bit, "Neither, I have to walk. Though, it's seriously only about ten minutes away on foot…so it's no big deal. What about you? Does Miss Wayne get to drive?" she asked teasing just a little.

"Never," Raya said giving a slow shake of the head. "I have a slight issue to get over, before I'm allowed to try to drive, again…" She gave Azuri a guilty smile, implying that she had somehow totaled a car.

Azuri laughed just a little, "Totaled it?" she asked. "I have to ask how…? But it's okay if you don't want to share…I mean, I understand…I sort of crashed the car once…Haven't been allowed to drive since…they need the car you know…work…" she said giving a sheepish laugh.

"Yeah," Raya replied with a sigh. "I was too excited about driving and well…Boom!" She gave a slightly guilty look, saying, "Let's…um…leave it at that."

"Well, alright." Azuri said with a smile. "Seems like we aren't allowed near cars, huh?" she added grinning teasingly. "Though, I'm sure your…dad…has quite a few nice ones…I mean I can see why totaling them would be an issue. It's still a lot of money…even for the 'Prince of Gotham'…" she said. "Anyway, what kind of music do you like?" she asked changing the subject.

Raya laughed just a little. "I'll listen to anything," she said, smiling. She looked around, as they entered the store. They'd moved the genre's around since the last time she had been there. "Oh, why did you hesitate when you said 'dad'," she idly asked.

Azuri laughed, feeling a little embarrassed, "I'm…not really used to using that word…At the orphanage it was sir…or ma'am…even when they were acting like a parent…As for the people I live with now…they're more like roommates…" she explained, "So, I call them by name…" She gave a smile, almost forced. She didn't want Raya to feel bad for her. "Anyway, you seem to have the same taste in music that I do. Though my preferences vary with my mood…" she said.

"Oh," was all that Raya said. She quietly started to look through the genres to find something she was in the mood for, trying to think of anything to change the subject. She couldn't imagine how it felt to not really have parents. Sure, her dad was all she had; but, at least she had that. It wasn't that she felt bad for Azuri; she simply didn't want to linger on a subject that might upset her.

"Are you busy, tomorrow," she slowly asked.

Azuri looked through the music, browsing through a few CD's here and there. When Raya asked if she was busy tomorrow she looked up at her, thinking for a moment, "No, don't have anything planned anyway…Well, nothing interesting…" she said. "Why do you ask?" she added, tilting her head just a little. While she waited for Raya to answer she returned her attention back to the music, picking up a few disks and glancing at the track lists.

Raya flipped through a few CD's. "There's a new display at the art museum that I've been asked to go to in my dad's place," she said, making it sound as if it were just as routine as going to the store for someone. "Another case of work getting in the way, you know. Anyway, it's kinda of fun. Do you want to go?"

Azuri thought for a moment, "Sure, sounds like it would be really fun. I don't usually get to do much." she said with a smile. In truth it was the first time she'd been invited anywhere. "What kind of show is it?" she asked. She picked up a CD and read the track list, "Yep, don't have this one yet…" she said as she put it down. She browsed through a few more sections, as she looked someone walking by dropped a $100 bill. Azuri quickly snatched it up and got the person's attention to return it to them. After doing so she returned to looking at music making it seem as if she'd not really done much.

Raya shrugged a bit, picking up a CD. "All I know is that it's priceless and very fragile," she said. She looked over just in time and smiled, when Azuri gave the person back the money. "It's probably a statue or a pottery," she added. "I wasn't really paying attention, but there will be a few officers there to make sure that no one tries to steal anything. It's always like that, when the museum does one of those shows." She looked over the CD track list, starting to very softly sing a snippet of her favorite song from that particular artist. She didn't have the CD, but she knew the first song on the list by heart. It was on another CD she had listened to about thirty times.

"You make it all sound so simple…" Azuri commented. She smiled and laughed just a little when Raya started singing. "You actually sound pretty good you know?" she said smiling. "Also that's a good song. I've heard it a few times…" she added.

"Hmm, oh, thanks," Raya softly replied, clearly a bit embarrassed. "It is kind of simple for me; and outside of lessons, I don't really sing very much. I get stage-fright." She put the CD back, adding, "So, do you want us to pick you up? Or do you want to meet at the museum? Oh, would you like us to give you a ride home, today?"

Azuri laughed a little, "I don't see why...you sound great." When Raya asked her about a ride she thought for a moment, "Uh…I'll meet you there…and…I'll walk today…" she said. The way she spoke it was clear she didn't want Raya to see where she lived. "It's not really very far…thought, if you really want to give me a ride tomorrow, I guess you could meet me here…" she said softly.

"Alright," Raya said. "I'll meet you here, then." She smiled, though still a little embarrassed at the compliment. She turned her attention back to the CD's, saying, "It's at seven. I'll tell Alfred that I'm bringing a guest with me. He'll understand."

"A-Alright…" Azuri responded. "I'll just have to let my…uh…roommates know…" she said. She really didn't know what else to call them.

"At least I have a nice new outfit to wear…" she said with a smile. "And, I'll be here at six-thirty or so, so we can make it there on time…Or should I be here earlier?" she asked before picking up another CD.

"Six-thirty works," Raya replied. She down the row a bit, saying, "I don't know what type of music I'm in the mood for…"

"Okay, six-thirty it is…" she said. Azuri put down the CD she was looking at and turned her attention to Raya, "Maybe, you're not really in the mood for music…?" she suggested. She then looked at her watch, "Aw crap! I'm going to have to go. I'm already late…" she said with a sigh.

Raya looked at Azuri, saying, "Maybe. Well, I'll see you, tomorrow." She gave her an apologetic smile, as if she felt blame for Azuri being late.

Azuri gave her a quick hug, "I'll see you tomorrow…and don't worry my roommates won't get too upset with me being late." she said. Giving Raya a wave she walked out of the store.

Raya sat outside of the mall for a few minutes, waiting for her ride. The car that pulled up the curb proved that her dad was already "working". She sighed and got in the car, saying, "Hello, Alfred." He smiled back to her, saying, "Hello, young miss. How was the mall?" Raya returned the smile, saying, "Well, I made a new friend."

"Friends are always nice to have, Ms. Raya," he said. "Master Bruce sends his apologies, but he…" "Will not be eating dinner with me," Raya sighed, "I know…" she spent the rest of the ride in silence.