Chapter 4 'Raven'

I tried to start flying but I was already moving too fast and after what I'd already been through, I was in no condition to use my powers. I can't stretch my luck too far. '...or maybe I can...' I had broken through the last layer of clouds and was now plummeting towards some sort of a river going through a city. I had shouldn't of had any time to look around but believe it or not when I'm on a roller coaster and I'm scared, I look around at the interesting views that I don't usually get to see from high up and I feel a lot better, so I tried the same in this situation. 'Makes sense.'

I could see a few boats in the water but one stood out in particular or rather what was happening to it. A giant chain from what I can only guess came from one of the other boats anchor or something was launching through the air and slamming into and through the side of that boat. I couldn't see what happened to the people who were on the boat but I could see something moving through the water. It looked like it was being dragged, something was pulling it through the water...or was it holding onto something I suspected after I noticed that what I was looking at, was a man moving through the water. 'Interesting. Maybe he has powers too, I mean it seems to be becoming more and more common in our days...ugh, my humors becoming more and more dry in our days too. Better work on that.' Being the idiot that I sometimes can be, that was my last thought before plummeting into the cold water followed by trying to gasp for air from the shock of the cold...while under water.

Now truthfully I am a strong swimmer, in fact I had been swimming in my schools swim clubs for nearly eight years now and I loved going to the beach on my family holidays but this was something else. My wounds were barely healed and I had another more, personal problem...I was still afraid of the dark. Don't ask why! I just never got over my fear of it when I was a child. So apart from my bruising wounds aching, freeing cold water wrapping around me and the lack of oxygen I was getting I was also afraid of the fact that I couldn't see anything that might be beneath my feet, ready to grab me and dragged be down below the icy water where I would never see the light of day again. I tried effortlessly to reach upwards toward the surface of the water I was now under; I was trying to grab to something but 'what is there to grab onto? Ha...ha..' I said to myself while I was lost in my own mind. My vision was blurry. I didn't know what else to do but I wasn't ready to give up. To die. 'No...' I thought depressingly 'this isn't how I want to die...I haven't even gotten a chance to live...' Even though I as I was thinking this I knew it was hopeless; it had all just been to much for my body to physically handle '...and mentally...my mind will probably never be the same again...if there even is an 'again' for me.'

I felt as though I could physically feel the life fading away from me. It was horrible. It was as if I was fighting the truth that couldn't be change. Like the truth that Steve and Andrew were dead, like I soon would be, and there was nothing I could do to change that. 'I'll never get back that jacket from-' I didn't get to finish that sentence in my head as I was suddenly yanked from the water, weight pressed against my rib cage and I suddenly became more alert to this persons touch. My head broke though the water but I couldn't get a chance to grab any air, I was being dragged backwards by someone and I could see someone in front of me from my point of view. I could tell it was a man but nothing much else, the water in my eyes was still blurring my vision and my body was shaking from the coughing fit I was having from swallowing too much water. When whoever was carrying me swimming slowed down in the water I was then tossed back and forth roughly and I felt countless hands on me checking me checking my pulse, trying to push water out of my lungs, you name it, it was probably happening not that I noticed.

The only thing I noticed was my back slamming into the ground, this time the metal flooring of a boat, for the second time on this long night and I just couldn't keep my mouth shut "My hero..." I croaked out. I heard a scoff throughout the scuffling of shoes around me. I tried to catch my breathe. Nothing was getting in to my lungs and I think I started to hyperventilate and my already struggling breathing abruptly ended.

My eyes flew open only to be confronted by the most amazingly blue eyes I'd ever had the pleasure of seeing and if I wasn't having a heart attack before I must be now, there was a furious fluttering coming from my chests and I curiously felt embarrassed by this mans gaze. He looked young and his once what I'm sure was a small stylish looking suit shirt and dark brown hair were drenched. His curly, maybe slightly longer than average hair clung to his dripping handsome face. He pushed my hair back out of my face and instructed "stay calm, you're going to be okay. Helps on its way, we're going to look after you." 'What do ya know? I was saved by a real prince charming.' He let out a deep light chuckled and I was sure I was now positive I was blushing. Had I said that out loud?

Unfortunately...'very unfortunately' I couldn't seem to keep myself awake any longer. My vision started to go dark and my eyes were rolling back away from Mr Prince Charming..."No! Stay awake the medics are here now!" I heard him say but it was too late. My couscous had descended into what I feared most...darkness.

When I next opened my eyes I had found myself in a cosy, warm, comfortable, soft, welcoming, 'never gonna leave again' bed...

...and for a while I played along like that drifting in and out of sleep, it felt as those hours were passing by in the form of minutes, like time was moving very slowly for me and it was proving difficult for myself to register what 'was' going on. All I was certain of was that I was exhausted and desperately needed this sleep. I also kept noting to myself that I needed to thank whoever it was that saved me before.'Maybe get his number too to be sure I can one day return the favor while I'm at it too.'

After some time passed I finally manage to open my eyes and keep them open. I turned my head lazily towards the source of the white light that was filling the bedroom through a slightly lifted window allowing a cool breeze to drift in and swish the curtains angelically. Natural brown colours and wood decorated all around the room and it was kept in a fairly organised state beside the odd book with papers stashed inside lying on a table. I couldn't hear anything besides the distant recognizable sound of traffic outside but I couldn't hear anything coming from inside. Perhaps it's still early I concluded but that didn't stop me from getting up to find someone to explain where I was.

I used my elbows to sit up in the bed and slowly moved my legs to hang off the side and touched my bare feet to the floor. "Touch down" I whispered silliness to the empty room, I was still a bit tired and when I'm tired I tend to act childish. It was then that I noticed a vase of flowers on the bedside table 'pretty-' I purred; I'd always had the classic girly fondness towards flowers, no guy had actually given me any besides my dad on valentines day 'and we all know that doesn't count'. There was a small bunch of daisies and forget me not flowers...the blue 'forget me not's with the tiny yellow center do remind me of someone 'I do hope she made it to that house and is alright...she was a brave girl' I smile sadly at the thought missing her already. 'Kinda ironic though with the flowers' at this point I stand up and fall straight back down on to the wooden floor... I grumble annoyed at being definitely awake now. Apparently my legs are out of practice. 'Did anyone hear that?' I listen out for footsteps...nothing 'guess that answers my question'. I try to stand again, this time with more success and finally notice my attire which was only pajama shorts and an over sized white t-shirt...a man? 'Well, this is certainly a development now the question really is whose is it's? And please be cute whoever you are..' When I think that I quickly put my hands together, close my eyes and look up for good measure. When I'm done I decide to leave the safety of the bedroom and venture out for the first time.

When I step out I am surprised to be met with a white dull very professional looking hallway, the hallway stretches down both ways and I am suddenly struck with the thought of someone finding me dressed like this so I go back into the room quickly to try to find anything decent...'nothing' the wardrobe and draws was empty like it hadn't even been used yet which was weird. I couldn't tell if this was supposed to be some kind of fancy hospital or not, besides that I didn't what the building was meant to be for or why I was in it. I didn't have much other choice so I stepped into the centre of the hallway and sung a little rhyme then decided to turn left and begin walking...there were plain doors along the hallway either side of me with little numbers and names on them, no one I knew until I see one name in particular 'Raven Darkholme' '...not funny. Is this all in my head?! What the heck is going on? What's happening to me!?' My breathing has sped up and I panic and start hurriedly continue walking down the hallway the way I was going. After a few minutes of that I calm down a bit and start to think properly for a change, I arrive at a open living room area, some sort of leisure room with sofas, armchairs with a table between them and around the room their are various entertainments: TV, arcade game, bookshelf, etc... I don't understand anymore there's no other feeling but confusion but then I spot a figure on the couch. I cautiously walk closer to see who it is and I can't quite believe it, there's a man asleep I think laying across the sofa on his back, one arm hanging behind resting under his head and the other hanging down the side of the sofa with an open newspaper plopped over his face, even so from what I can see I believe it to be the same man from on the boat with the blue eyes 'and he's asleep, how disappointing, me want blues-' I sulk. I feel relieved that I've found someone, someone I recognize even if we haven't officially met. I bend down in front of the couch and look over him. He has another smart navy blue suit on, crisp pale blue collared shirt and black shiny shoes no tie first button left open 'looking good there buddy' I smile to myself cheekily.

At that exact moment I smile he picked the perfect moment to wake up. My eyes widen when he lifts his arm to remove the newspaper from his face and I stupidly freeze up keeping my plastered face; when that he finally removes that blasted newspaper he looks to me wide eyed looking a little shocked to see me. I'm still frozen, held in place, starstruck by those eyes and also because I don't know what else to do in this awkward predicament.

I feel like a kid caught stealing from the cookie jar. I have the perfect line for this moment, highly inappropriate but my mouth just can't help itself "morning sweet prince" I say smiling brightly...I'm also slightly concerned with my upfront behavior but what can I say? 'honestly is my virtue'.

His eye brow goes up slightly and he opens his mouth to say something but stops leaving his mouth agape for a few seconds just staring at me then we hear someone calling out and running from down the hallway "Charles! Charles! She's gone! We have to-" the person who halts at the door way and stares at us is a young lady with a round face and bouncy sand coloured blonde locks of hair, she's also wearing a dark purple polo jumper mini dress thing with black high knee boots fashioned with a long over sized necklace and belt 'what kind of fashion sense do these people have?'

Prince Charming aka Charles it seems too, 'Prince Charles...catchy' moves to stand up and I follow pursuit and turn to face the woman who staring directly at me...'she's gonna burn a whole through me of this continues' and I make a point to tell her that "Listen missy you're gonna burn a whole through me if you keep staring like that" with this she finally snaps out of it and asks "Raine?"

I widen my eyes for a second then narrow them again and take a closer look at her, I don't recognize her, I'm trying too but nope, and besides how would I since I'm clearly not close to home other I'd probably have guns pointed at me with the safety button clicked off, there was news reporters and cameras everywhere before at the incident with...Andrew so if they don't who i am in that way then I'm somewhere far away, the question is how does she know my name? "How...do you know my name?" She doesn't reply instead I see her hair fly up into the air as she bolts towards me and practically jumps me with a hug and I would of probably fell backwards too if two hands hadn't grabbed my shoulders to stop me. 'Okay...weird, weird and more weird and cute. What's happening here?' She giving me her version of a bear hug hug which isn't working because she's practically the same height as me, even shorter without the boots and my chest area feels very invaded right now too. I see Charles looking as confused as I am and say my quiet "thanks" to him for stopping me from falling to which not nods his head. I move my arms to hug her back and tap her shoulder and although I feel rude saying this but it has to be said "ha ha lovely hug but...do I know you sweets?"

She pulls back and...'oh my gosh! She has tears in her eyes! What did I do?' I mentally panic "hey hey don't cry, I'm sorry I don't recognize you!" She smiles through her tears "haha..no..I'm not upset, or worried about that...I...uh...I, I'm Raven."

..."I'm sorry, come again?"

The woman looks more serious now and looks at Charles for a moment as if she needs help explaining 'don't look to him for answers, Raven is important to me so explain yourself!' I felt like saying but I have a short temper that I inherited from my father and I try to avoid showing it; 'most of the time...'

"I'm Raven" she repeats. "We first met when I was only a little girl, you saved me in the forest, got me to that mansion..." She looks towards Charles again and said "...you got me to Charles, to my new home and family." She finishes up. I can't quite believe it but a lot of things have happened and to me and the boys so far in particular and considering how I've been 'jumping' from place to place why not through in time travel while we're at it too! Raven is an adult now...how much time has passed? And...I take a step back "Why aren't you blue? I liked the blue you, hey! That rhymes! With red hair and treasure eyes?! Little Raven was only this tall..." I move my hand to tester the level of her height I remember "...her hands where tiny, she was cute...and...and you're cute too, not the same cute, more like 'hot girl next door' cute but you definitely have a strong grip!" 'I learnt that the hard way'

Silence fills the room for a second with the three of us staring at each other until a new guy enters the room saying "What on earth is going on?" He's sporting a black polo neck jumper, grey trousers, black shoes with combed back brown hair and piercing grey blue eyes. 'He's mister tall dark and handsome that's for sure...and he also heard my little ramble too along with prince. Great.'

Charles does introductions "Ah...This is Eric Lehnsherr, a friend." 'He didn't seem so sure when he said that last part.'

"My name is Charles Xavier and I believe you've already met my sister Raven" "Sister?" I asked.

"Yes. When I got to the house that night, Charles found me and he and his family took me in." Raven explained for me.

I smiled at that and said "told you so." Raven and me shared a moment, only we knew how much that meant...

Charles continued "I'm not quite sure what's going on either. Raven I thought you said that woman who helped you was older than you? This pretty young lady doesn't look that much older than yourself..." He makes eye contact with me to see my reaction. I think I may be blushing, can't be sure so I look away to make sure I definitely don't or not blush much more at the very least 'he called me pretty' I gush. I've never had a serious relationship by the way, just a couple of dates and the odd boyfriend that I truly liked and my relationships never have lasted long because of that either so hearing this from a complete stranger who I actually find attractive is a biggie for someone such as myself.

Raven casts him a look and even Eric raises an eyebrow.

She noticed the hint of flirtation in Charles question. "She was." She replies sharply looking directly at Charles then she turns her attention back to me again...

"So...Raven. Why do you look so...different?" I ask her.

"It's weird hearing you say it like that, most people think I look 'different' in my other form." She looks sad for a second.

Charles answers for Raven instead "There are some people in the world that are called mutants, by they are by no means freaks, monsters of any kind."

"Not all of them" Eric puts in and Charles narrows his eye at him, annoyed by the interruption.

"Raven has whats called a mutation that gives her the ability to shape shift. That is why she doesn't look 'blue and cute' anymore as you put it."

"Hey she said I was still cute!" Raven defends.

"Myself and Eric also have mutations. I can read minds..." He winks at me.

My heart skips a beat because he winked at me but because he's been hearing 'everything?' I asked in my head. "Everything." A voice, his voice repeats in my head. I see the corners of his mouth turn into a bit of a smirk and I can't help my mouth slightly twitch into a smile too even though now is really 'not the time.'

He's smiling now.

Someone coughs and clears there throat.

"So how do you look exactly the same as I last saw you? You're a mutant too?!"

Raven asks me.

"I guess...what exactly are the abilities you get if you're...a mutant?" I guess my answer.

Charles takes over again "a mutation can be almost anything as far as we're aware and usually it would start to appear in you're early to mid teens depending on the extent of your mutation."

'Gosh I love the way this guy explains things; I'd never have got bored if he was my teacher in college...'

"Well just let me know if you need any extra tutoring" Charles speaks to me in head.

I furiously blush. 'Need to watch what I say in my head more often...'

Charles chuckles out loud.

A thought suddenly occurs to me and I pick up the newspaper that is now resting on the table next to the couch that Charles was previously...napping on. When I look at the date...words can't describe how I felt at that moment.

The date reads 1962.

'1962...1962! Oh my! No! I refuse! What? This! No! How?'

"Raine?" I hear Raven called my name in a worried tone.

'Oh no, sweetie don't worry..' I end up thinking even when I'm like this...

Everyone seems to notice my sudden panicked state.

"What's wrong Raine?" Charles said. Hearing him say my name...

Eric who was leaning against the wall is now standing straight up in a stance ready for anything that might happen. I don't blame him, in fact I'm impressed he knows I'm a mutant and if other mutants can do anything me and the boys could do, that Andrew could do...then they should be prepared for whats coming but Raven just looks confused and concerned like Charles but he at least is trying to figure out whats wrong.

I drop my arms, my mouth hanging open, I'm staring at the newspaper which is levitating in the air at eye level for me to look at. I hear Raven saliently gasp in the background and a drop of water hits the paper dampening it. My vision is beginning to get blurry and I feel a warm large comforting hand being placed on my shoulder. Its a comforting feeling like one the boys is here with me supporting me in the only way they know how. They could never handle it whenever I cried when I was younger so I made sure never to cry in front of them and I'd taught myself how to not actually start crying if I felt like I was going to like in this moment so I take a breath and look up into Charles blue eyes. I'm not crying.

I feel as though before anything else new comes to light that I should explain...

I move to pick up the paper but Charles beets me to it.

When Charles stand back up he looks at me and said "let's sit down and have a cup of tea. Okay?"

I'm not ready to speak yet so I simply nod my head to answer yes and in my head 'yes, please.'

Raven said "we need to get you a proper change of clothes first...and a hairbrush." She mumbles the last part but I hear her.

"Raven..." Charles scorns.

But me on the other hand, it make me chuckle. It was just the right distraction I needed.

The others looked at me and Raven smile and skipped over to me and took me by my hands away from Charles.

"Come to my room; I've got something perfect for you to where." She said.

So we head off the Raven room to 'freshen up'

I take one last glance behind me only to me Charles eyes again so I can't help but quickly look away again without really meaning to; it's just an automatic reaction okay?!

Charles POV

I had only been up for about 20 minutes when Raven decided to go visit our patient. This was the second day the mystery woman had been out cold. The woman Raven had been overjoyed to see and apparently knew, she wouldn't tell me how she knew her, she had said I'd have to wait until she woke up.

I'd like to say I could wait but truthfully I wanted to know more than anything right now, she'd been playing on my mind ever since she'd first opened her eyes and looked at me. Bright green eyes that seemed as though they were simmering silver until you had the chance to really look into them.

I was curious about her and however she was related to my dear sister too.

I continued to read the morning newspaper but I was too distracted with my own thoughts so I have up on it and got comfortable to say the least and left the thing hanging over my face to block out the morning light and closed my eyes.

I must of drifted off and some point but was awoken by someone's thoughts...

"...looking good there buddy..." The thoughts voice was deeper and soft females yet it rung like a bell when it sounded off. 'Who is that? There so close, were they talking about me?' I soon remove the newspaper from my face and turn to be greeted with those same green eyes I was only thinking about moments before..."morning sweet prince." She said with a smile. The 'voice' is bold too apparently. I lift and eyebrow amused. Our moment is ruined by Raven barging in shouting my name. 'Yes I'm here right where you left me' I say to her through telepathy to which she doesn't answer only stares at the young lady instead.

I turn to her too and notice she's only wearing shorts and my over sized white shirt which suits her well I might add. I take a moment to admire her now that she's standing up with me. She has long straight but wavy hair going past her shoulders and I thought she was a brunette but with the sun hitting her hair, it sets it alight with a range of red to orange tints of colour proving her to in fact have auburn hair. She has a slightly rounded face, she also has pale skin and fluffy eyelashes surrounded those unique wonderful eyes. She is petite and yet slightly taller than Raven or at least without those heels she where's she would be...

I have to force myself out of my ogling when I see fast movement coming from my right. It's Raven running toward her a godly speed. She's going to knock her flying! I quickly position myself behind the woman ready to catch her. Just in time and when she thanks me I realize her voice sounds even more lovely in real life than in my head. 'My god. What has gotten into me?'

Authors Note:

Sorry I've been away for a long time. My excuse is basically quite a few of my older relatives decided it was 'their time' so I haven't been myself for a while but I'm all good now. So here's an extra long chapter and I'm already working on the next one.

Also this story will be based in the X-men world, the more Chronicle side of it will come into the story soon i promise ;)