Time for Revamping!
To remind those who haven't ventured to part 5, I'm completely changing everything except the base of the story to be be able to offer a more solid background on all the characters involved. Surprisingly, I found it easier to write chapter 1 this time around than the last so I believe this is sure to be promising.
Once again, since this is going under a major edit I'm going to unpublish the chapters after this one since now they're officially out of order with the redux of this chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or any characters from DC.
"Again!"
With shaky legs and a tired exterior the girl dove at her opponent on command; however, alike the previous she was once again grounded on the receiving end of a bokken. Breathless, cursing or even sitting was long forgotten with her need for oxygen. Minutes quickly passed from the downed female until her training partner returned with water. She nodded her thanks, finding it still too difficult to word her answer.
"You did good, lasting a whole 30 seconds longer than yesterday," He remarked from her side.
"Still not good compared to you," was her dueful answer.
He shook his head, grinning all the while, "You'll get there one day Nix, it's not like I haven't been doing this before you were even born. If you were to win what would that say about me?"
Nix pushed his side, smiling slightly as he winced from the contact. Even if she lost every round she'd always take pride in her refusal to lose without a fight. "Hm, maybe that you're getting old?"
She squeaked in protest as her rounded on her, "You brat," he picked her up easily, distributing her weight on his right shoulder reminiscent of their younger years.
"Gross, you smell horrible!"
"Should have thought of that before insulting me brat."
It was only coincidence that he decided to pass gass shortly afterwards. Truly, she should have thought it through.
xXx
"Do you really have to leave again?" Her crestfallen expression punctured his heart.
"Sorry Nix, I didn't expect to leave so soon; but, y'know duty calls," He saluted at her opting to add humor but his grin slowly withered away, "If I had it my way I would stay, you know that."
"Then stay."
"I can't--"
"Yes you can, they can't force you to leave. You're their employee not livestock."
"Then who'd pay for the house or the food? Last time I checked you weren't fishing in the job market," he ruffled her hair, "I'll be back before you know it."
'You said that last time and you weren't back till six months past the day you were supposed to," Nix could tell she was fighting a losing battle.
It was useless to argue she knew. Nothing, not even her selfish pleas was going to stop him from walking through that door. Nix had always found it painful to think about his stretched promises or vague parameters for leaving but this time it was different: he had only returned the day prior and now he was leaving again. Nix suddenly found it too hard to speak, she already knew what came next.
It had already happened: this was a dream.
Just as he did the first time Noah wiped her eyes with his hands gently and cupped her face, "This time isn't going to going to be like last time."
Don't make promises you can't keep. Nix found her retreating thought to be fitting, because before she could take comfort in his embrass he was already leaving.
"Noah!"
He turned, flashing her his signature grin, "Yeah?" She missed his smile.
"Be sure to buy me some nice souvenirs from The States, yeah?"
He dipped his forehead, "Of course M'Lady, what kind of brother would I be if I didn't?"
"Well you forgot to last time, but it could have just been an early spur of dementia. We both know you're getting old so it's only natural--"
"I'm only twenty-four you brat!" Before she knew it Noah had flung her out the door and onto the grass. She missed their familiar quips.
Nix became a giggling mess on the ground, her sadness momentarily forgotten, "Twenty-four's only six years away from middle aged. You are in denial my good sir!"
He rolled his eyes in good humor while situating his satchel behind his frame, "See you later Nix," exclaimed, walking to the drive way.
She couldn't stop herself in that moment from waving at the retreating vehicle. Even if this moment has brought her many sleepless nights there was still some good. The good being the last moments she spent with her brother, even in passing he still had the ability to make her smile. She missed him dearly, the house that she had once thought was too small had become too big. The training room only served a reminder of what was missing in her life. Her life had become void of purpose outside of finding her missing brother.
That decision was made six months after he was announced missing in New York. She couldn't accept his death and no one stood to correct her so she kept the sentiments. To search for him; however, she had to first find a way off Japan.
Plan's were always easier in thought than in fruition.
