The Helpless side of Raven

-Raven is trapped between an impending prophecy and Slade's twisted ambitions. The sorceress struggles to free herself from the darkness that is sure to come. Can she fight this fear? Or will she eventually succumb to the chains of helplessness?

Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans

Chapter 1


Silence.

The sound of the clock echoed in the room, as did the sound of calm breathing. Across, on the other side of the small den, a fireplace roared quietly, it's heat and light giving off a cozy winter vibe.

Nestled in the plush recliner was a man, not too old and not too young. He was seated comfortably, a thick wool quilt draped across his legs and feet. In his hands was a red mug, no doubt filled with coffee. Coffee was his favorite drink, after all.

"In the beginning, there was a prophesy." The man began to speak, his voice quiet but expressive. "Well, two prophesies. One that foretold the destruction of the earth. This prophecy didn't come to pass."

He paused, taking a sip of the hot liquid. "But there was another, one shrouded in mystery... one that was simply a story, a fairy tale. Many doubted it's existence and had it disregarded and stowed away in the ancient writing."

"This prophecy nearly came to pass...several years ago, in the small city of Jump." The fire crackled softly, casting a soft glow through out the room. In the corner, a black cat lounged nonchalantly on a bed of quilts, daintily washing it's soft silky fur.

"Oh, this is where you were?" The woman's voice cut across the still silence as did her footsteps when she crossed the room and curled into the burgundy sofa. The black cat gave an excited meow, rose from it's resting place to jump into the woman's lap. A pleasant smile graced the woman' face as she gathered the feline into her arms. "Why are you talking to yourself?"

The man stared blankly. "Can't you see the visitors? They want to know about the Hidden Prophecy. Now that you are here, let's tell them the story together." His voice was pleading, as if he'd asked this question many times. He took a sip of coffee from the mug resting on the side table and glanced briefly at a small clipboard in his lap.

The woman's face stilled, and her fingers softly wrapped around the small black feline. Her eyes closed softly, and a gentle sigh escaped her lips. "Why? You know I don't really like talking about what happened."

"You said the same thing last year, and the year before that. Isn't it better to tell the whole thing now, before we forget?" The man set down the clipboard, a thoughtful frown gracing his features.

A thick silence filled the room. "There are things better left unsaid." The fire flickered, as if a cold draft had blown through the room.

The man said nothing, turning his face back to the visitors. "I'll start a few months before...during a party in Gotham City. Um, everyone was there...all of our friends. We hadn't seen each other in a while, so everyone was really worked up. Of course, no teenage party would be complete without booze, and there was plenty."

A distant look entered the man's eyes. "Perhaps we had a bit too much. Somehow, someone managed to get injured. I don't know why, though."

"He brought it upon himself, coming onto me like a bitch in heat." The woman cut in, not bothering to look up from her sketch book. "It really freaked me out."

The man turned, a small smile on his face. "It was Roy, wasn't it? He always was a playboy."

The woman smiled softly her eyes still facing the sketch book. "Yes, it was. I can't stand such things you know. He...frightened me." A soft laugh escaped full red lips." You and the others freaked out after what I did."

The man smiled his hands wrapped tightly around a mug of coffee. "Yes, I guess we did. I remember feeling very nervous when I asked you about what happened. Somehow, I felt that you weren't yourself after that party. To this day, I can swear I saw tears in your eyes when we spoke on the roof. Of course, you'll never tell me."

The woman shrugged, eyes still focused on the drawing book before her. "He came the next day, didn't he. That man with the mask." Her voice was soft and expressionless.

"Yes, he did. He came and y-you disappeared." The man looked down at his hands, overcome with emotion. "Everything changed after that day, didn't it?

"I... disappeared. Yes, I remember now! That man blocked my powers! And he kidnapped me!" The pencil dropped from the woman's shaking fingers and she looked up, eyes filled with fright. "I couldn't get away, he was too strong!"

"I was helpless."


Once again, I revised this chapter. I always make the mistake of reading my own stories...just to make sure they flow right. Unfortunately, I end up finding flaw after flaw...

I hated the way this first chapter looked...so childish and annoying. So I'm doing it over. I hope you like the changes.

Please review...tell me what I should change or revise! :)

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