"Well...This is odd."
Rachel thought to herself as she walked down the quiet street. Confusion etched on her face as the events of today played through her mind.
It was strange.
Extremely strange.
It all started this morning. Rachel woke up on the wrong side of the bed to say the least. The thought of today had her mind racing in reluctance. Feelings of dread consumed her. She couldn't bear the thought of going to school or getting out of bed. She just knew today was going to suck. But the thought of Jarad bursting into the room like a rhino screaming at her to get out of bed, made Rachel take the first steps out of her comfy warm barrier. She dragged her feet to the bathroom and with the same amount of heaviness and lack of speed, she got ready for the day. She paused at her door, knowing what was awaiting her. What will it be this year? she wondered. 18 pancakes with syrup words clumsily written on it? Or maybe they will try another approach and have a wide variety of food, counted to together to equal 18. If she was extremely unlucky, she would also get a bowl of alphabet cereal spelling the evil reason for the enormous feast. With a deep breath, Rachel flung open the door and raced downstairs. Her resolve to ignore the array of food on her way out the door quickly crumbled when she looked at the table and saw nothing.
Rachel couldn't control her surprise. She looked underneath the table,in the cabinets, and in the fridge for some birthday memo but she found nothing. She would have thought it strange, if she wasn't so thrilled. Perhaps her brothers finally got the idea and understood what she really wanted for her birthday. Peace and quiet. Rachel sighed in content as she got just that and happily grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl and went on her way. She was in so much bliss that she didn't realize the next strange thing. As she hummed her way to school and smiled at the remembrance of her happy morning while pulling her books out of her locker it finally hit her.
Gary.
He wasn't there.
She actually made it to school with her lunch money still in her possession. This couldn't be real? Was this a dream? Did she get the date wrong? Rachel was about to pinch herself and check her calendar when two in sync voices screamed "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Rachel let out a gusty sigh before the wind was knocked out of her by her friend's embrace. Too good to be true. She thought to herself as she wrapped her arms around her two friends, returning the hug. What a way to end a perfect morning. But then again, two goods greatly outweigh one bad. Rachel let out one last sigh before forcing a smile on her face as she waited with open hands for the present that was going to be thrust upon her. Instead of a perfectly wrapped box, she received two slaps on each open palm and a "What are you doing, Rae? Let's get to class." Rachel cocked her eyebrow in disbelief as her friends walked away from her. It took her a minute to process what just happened.
Her friends didn't get her anything.
She knew something was wrong. There's no way that over the top duo would miss the opportunity to give her something completely outrageous. She examined her friends, desperately searching for some explanation for their strange behavior. At first, she got nothing. But then, another thought raced into her mind. She remembered last year, when they dragged her to the karaoke bar after school. Perhaps that was what they were waiting for? Rachel began sweating as her imagination ran wild with scenarios. She could see it now. As soon as she steps out of school, a black car will pull up. Men in black suits and sunglasses will come out and force her into the vehicle, whispering things like if she cooperates she will not be harmed in an attempt to calm her. She would then be forced into that outfit Cindy picked out for her from that mall trip gone wrong. But she would keep thrashing around so they would have to knock her out and when she finally wakes up, she will find herself in a nightclub filled with sweaty hormonal teenagers.
Her worst nightmare.
The rest of Rachel's school day was filled with paranoia as the last bell seemed to come closer and closer. She frantically tried to come up with a plan, but nothing came to mind. It was hopeless. She would have to admit defeat. After she came to that conclusion, the final bell rung. Rachel took a deep breath, rose from her seat, and followed her friends out the school's front door. After a few minutes of walking Abby and Cindy finally turned to face her.
Here it comes…
"Well, Rachel, this is where we part ways." Abby frowned slightly.
Rachel blinked.
"...Eh?"
"Yeah, I really want to hang out with you guys, but my dad wants me home pronto."
"Didn't do your weekly chores?" Cindy teased knowingly.
Abby blushed in anger. "S-Shut up!" She lightly punched Cindy on the shoulder.
"You're one to talk. After all, aren't you grounded?"
"Oh yeah…" Cindy laughed awkwardly and she scratched her head. "Meh, It was worth. If I stopped playing the game I would have never completed my pokedex."
"That's what save points are for Cindy." Abby rolled her eyes while Cindy shrugged.
"Whatever. Teachers should be more understanding. It's like they have something against gamers. This isn't a choice. It's a lifestyle. I can't just stop."
"Whatever you say, Cindy." Abby gave a pitiful sigh before turning back to Rachel. "Anyway, we'll see you tomorrow Rachel."
"But…" Rachel uttered completely baffled by the turn of events that happened today."What about my birthday?"
Cindy and Abby exchange glances before Cindy pouted.
"Awwww, Rae!" Cindy cooed as she hug Rachel gently. "We didn't know we meant so much to you."
"I'm sorry?" Rachel asked confused by Cindy's actions.
"Don't worry Rae!" Abby patted her back, "We will definitely celebrate your birthday this weekend."
Oh...they got the wrong idea. Rachel groaned in thought.
"Ah, no, That's really not necessary." Rachel began.
"Oh don't be modest now." Cindy slapped her on the back hard, causing Rachel to stumble. "You should have seen your face, all depleted and sad. You really want us to celebrate with you don't you?"
"No! I was just-"
"Don't worry Rae," Abby interrupted. "I promise we will celebrate with you when we're free.
"But…" Forget it, Rachel thought as she sighed in defeat. They wasn't gonna listen to her anyway. They only hear what they wanna hear.
"Okay. I'll see you guys later."
Rachel watched her friends walk away, leaving her in her current position, walking home and questioning what just took place. Well, She supposed some good came out of today. No major surprises, no drunk brothers and, best of all, no Gary. Perhaps her birthday wasn't so bad after smiled and hummed the rest of her way home.
"I'm home!" She yelled out into the eerily quiet and seemingly empty house. The curtains were drawn and all the lights were off, leaving the house enveloped in suffocating darkness.
Strange...Rachel thought as she walked through the house. Where could they have gone. Rachel pondered as she checked all the rooms in the house for a note as to where her brothers may be. She found nothing. Rachel raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms in thought.
Did they really leave her home without any explanation?
A part of her wanted to investigate more. Her brothers would never leave her by herself. But one look at the clock had Rachel racing out the door. She didn't realize searching the house took so much time. She was already 10 minutes late to her job. Mr. Peabody was going to kill her! Rachel quickly raced out of the house and ran all the way to the bookstore. She slowed down as she approached the store.
"Why isn't the lights on?" Rachel wondered out loud. "Don't tell me he didn't even bother to open the store just because I wasn't there?"
Rachel took out the key to the store and opened the door.
"Mr. Peabody! I'm sorry I'm la-" Rachel barely got the rest of the words out as flashing light obscured her vision and screams filled her ears. Rachel instinctively closed her eyes at the sound of a loud popping noise , resembling a gunshot, and the feeling of something coming at her. Rachel opened one eye as she felt something tickle her nose. She opened her eyes fully to see her friends, her brothers, and Mr. Peabody grinning at the surprise birthday girl.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAE!"
Rachel groaned as she removed the streamers from her face. The entire bookstore was rearranged. The bookcases lined the walls, leaving a wide open space and covering the windows completely. A birthday banner was hung up, and a cake shaped like a book was sitting on the counter where the cash register used to be. Next to the cake was a stack of gifts just waiting to be open. It was kind, sweet, and simple. Any girl would have appreciated the gesture. Any girl...except Rachel Roth.
"You guys...oof" Rachel yelped as her friends enveloped her in a smoldering hug.
"Surprised?" Cindy giggled as she pulled back.
"More like mortified." Rachel glared at the two girls. "I told you guys I didn't want a party. I didn't want to celebrate my birthday. I didn't want...any of this!" Rachel motioned to the rest of the room.
"Oh, don't be such a sourpuss Rae." Abby grabbed Rachel's cheeks and pulled them, causing another angry groan to escape Rachel's lips.
"Knock it off!" Rachel grabbed her wrist and flung them away. "Alright spill it! Whose idea was this?" Rachel scanned her accusing gaze across the room as everybody looked away and whistled.
"Who cares who planned it or not." Jared slung his arms around Rachel's shoulders. "We came here to party. Not to hear you bitch and moan about how much you hate aging. So shut the fuck up and start drinking." Jared shoved a beer into Rachel hands before chugging the rest of his while everybody else cheered.
"Hey, what's a drinking contest without some tunes!" Cindy cheered as she cranked up the stereo with obnoxious teen music of today.
Everybody started dancing and drinking. Rachel rolled her eyes walked to the corner of the room where a spare chair was waiting for her. She plopped into it and let out a gusty sigh. She crossed her arms and stared at the clock, sending a silent pray to God that this party would be over soon.
One hour later...
"Sweet death...come to me…" Rachel groaned as she grabbed the bridge of her nose. The last hour went exactly as Rachel expected. Everybody was drunk out of their minds. Cindy and Abby was passed out slumped against the gift table. Jesse and Jacob were smoking something illegal. Jared ran out of the party and into the night about a half an hour ago, yelling about kicking somebody's ass. Mr. Peabody has been talking nonstop about his hay days and what's is wrong with the youth of today.
"And you know back in my day, we didn't have sex before marriage." Mr. Peabody took another swig of his flask filled with whiskey. He refused to drink any beer, but he had his own secret stash that he shared with Jared before he left. Now, he too was on a different kind of drunken rampage.
"And we didn't do any fucking, booty calls, or whatever you youth call it today. No, we made love! And that's what y'all lack nowadays. Love!" Mr. Peabody slammed his flask against his leg in anger. A action he quickly regretted as he rubbed his sore knee. "You hear what I'm saying to you Rachel?" He turned to Rachel while still rubbing his knee.
"Loud and clear, Mr. Peabody." Rachel rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry, but could you give me a sec? I need some fresh air."
"Ah the truth too much for ya? I understand completely." Mr. Peabody nodded his hand in understand as he waved her off. "Go on a get that fresh breeze. I'll continue when you get back."
"Great.." Rachel muttered under her breath as she practically ran for the exit.
"Whew...finally…" Rachel sighed in relief as she leaned against the door. "I don't know how much more I can take…" She placed her hand over eyes as she tried to calm the pounding of her head. Rachel opened her eyes and stared at the sky. The night sky was...breathtaking. The moon stood out against the blankets of darkness as the small stars twinkled around it. It was beautiful in every way. Rachel could feel her nerves calming and she found herself in complete tranquility. Wanting to get away from the light of the door, she walked to the corner of the store. She peered into the dark alley and shivered slightly. She always came out here when the weather was nice on her lunch break. To the few walking bystanders, the alley was disgusting. A dumpster was pushed against the wall, and the alley itself was concealed in pitch blackness as the abandon building next to the bookstore towered over it leaving a harsh shadow.
The only light that ever came through was from the bookstore and that was absent due to bookcases lining the window. It was perfect in Rachel's eyes. She enjoyed being wrapped in the seemingly never ending darkness. It was comforting in some way. It was kinda like a hiding spot that only she knew of. Besides, she thought as she slid down the wall next to the dumpster, it gave her a great view of the night sky. Rachel wrapped her arms around her legs in comfort. she sighed peacefully, a content smile on her face as she closed her eyes.
Her moment of peace lasted a mere second.
Rachel gasped at the sound of a thrash can hitting the street. She got up, startled, and peered down the alley. The trash can laid on its side. The reason why it fell over was standing next to it. Rachel swallowed hard and licked her lips as she made out a male outline.
"W-whose is there?" She said weakly. A dark chuckle was the response to her question.
"If this is some kind of joke, it isn't funny!" Rachel unconsciously walked backwards as the guy moved closer to her.
"Oh, this is no joke Rae Rae…" Rachel's eyes widen at the sound of that nickname. She opened her mouth to scream, but a strong hand closed her mouth shut. The owner of that hand swung her sideways and slammed her into the dumpster before pinning her to the ground. Rachel's eyes were wide with fear as the group of four men looked down at her with menacing sneers. She recognized each one of them.
Alex, Jeffery, Will, and Casey. All loyal members of the Gladiators. The group parted slightly to make way for their leader so he could observe his prey. "No...I like to think of this as more of a game." Gary smirked at the sight of Rachel scared, dirty, and trembling. He could see her eyes beginning to well with unshed tears. He couldn't wait to see another liquid pouring out of her. He could already imagine the extravagant red standing out against her pale skin.
Beautiful.
What a beautiful sight indeed.
Rachel's whimpers shook Gray out his artistic vision. "Now, Now, Rae Rae. Don't make those sounds." He squatted low and stroked her face. "Unless of course, you're trying to turn me on even more?" Warm tears slid off her cheeks and disappeared into the folds of his hands. He cupped her chin and cooed into her ear. "There's nothing to be afraid of Rae Rae. I told you after all. I always get what I want, and I am gentle to things that I desire." He traced the outline of her ear with his tongue. "Just relax, and let it happen." He stared into the burning fury of her eyes and smirked. "My, my, aren't you excited? I can only imagine the thoughts racing through your mind at this moment." He looked over at Casey who was still holding Rachel's mouth. He mouthed out something to him, to which Casey nodded and reached into his back pocket. Despite the tears in her eyes and the lower angle she was held in, Rachel was still able to read Gary's lips.
"Get the chloroform ready."
Like Hell.
Rachel opened up mouth slightly and let one of Casey's finger slid in. As soon as she was capable of getting a good grip on it, she bite hard without any restraint. Casey screamed in agony.
"Get this crazy bitch off of me!" He tried to yank away from her, but Rachel held strong, causing her teeth to dig deeper into his flesh.
"FUCK, SHE'S BITING MY FINGER OFF!" Casey screeched, tears were streaming down his face as Rachel bite harder into it. So hard, in fact, blood was spurting from his finger. "GARY!" He screeched again, waking up Gary from his shock daze. Gary leaped into action. He grabbed Rachel from behind while the rest of his boys grabbed Casey. They pulled simultaneously, but Rachel refused to let go. The look of pure determination and anger in her eyes not only had Casey screaming in pain but in fear as well.
Crunch.
A sound mirroring that of somebody biting into a carrot was heard through the chaos. Nobody said anything. Even the screams faded into the background. They all stared in silence at the horrifying sight in front of them. Rachel's face covered in blood. Her once pearly white teeth now tinted red, and dark onyx eyes filled with equally dark emotions. She smirked at the boys before spitting out at the mangled finger. It rolled gently, stopping at Gary's foot. The ring, the silver ring that all members of the Gladiators wore, shined brightly through the red. The boys stared in disgust at the finger while Casey cradled his injured hand, crying to himself.
"Hehe…" The boys turned slowly to see a giggling Rachel. A sigh escaped her lips. "The red really stands out against the silver, doesn't it?" Gary stared wordlessly at the giggling girl in front of him. No matter what angle you looked at her, Rachel was highly amused. "Oh come on Gary," Rachel began after noticing Gary's empty stare. "As much as you love art? Surely, you can appreciate these wonderful colors coming together." Rachel sighed again before crossing her arms. "What a beautiful sight indeed." Rachel's face spread into into a victorious smirk.
Gary eyes narrowed dangerously.
"...Waste her." He whispered so softly, Rachel barely heard him. But it was evident that the ones who was suppose to hear his soft command heard him, as the boys behind him pulled out knives, brass knuckles, and chains. Rachel's legs trembled as they walked closer to her.
She was frozen.
All the courage and adrenaline left her body at the sight of the men coming towards her. Fear had taken over completely. She knew Gary wouldn't stop. She was dead. No if ands or buts about it. Even though she promised herself she wouldn't cry. Even though she told herself heroes must smile till the very end and never show fear. Even though...Rachel looked down at her shaking hands and felt the tears dripping down her face. Even though she told herself this, time and time again, she couldn't stop the emotions from seeping through. She was no hero. She was a coward. A fake. And now...Rachel looked to see a brass covered fist coming towards her.
She will die as one.
"Wow…"
Rachel opened her eyes at the sound of a voice she never heard before, and yet...sounded so familiar.
"You guys really don't know how to treat a lady."
Everybody turned and peered down the alley to see who spoke. There was a man, or at least, the silhouette looked like a man.
"Just so you know…" The man sighed nonchalantly with a shake of his head, his trench coat blowing in the wind. "If you want a girl to like you, sending your boys to beat her up might not be the best thing to do."
"Oh?" Gary turned to face the figure. "And what are you going to do about it?" Gary smirked through the confusion he was feeling. He squinted his eyes to see who this person was but the shadows of the night covered the man completely. Gary took a quick glance at Rachel to see if she knew who this guy was, but she looked just as confused as he was.
"Well, I suppose I could get the police, or…" The man started walking closer to them. Gary was flabbergasted. Was this guy crazy? Despite the odd situation they were in, his fellow members laughed and ready their weapons.
"I could handle this myself."
This made the boys laugh harder. The man stopped a few steps away from them. His head was bowed, hiding his face underneath his dark strands. Even though he was so close to danger, he was still unusually calm. His hands was in his pockets and his back was slouched. Gary looked over at his crew who was beginning to surround the man, taunting him as they dangled their weapons dangerously close to the guy's face.
"And how do you plan on doing that?" Jeffery asked amused. Suddenly, a different aura radiated off the man. This one was far from calm, in fact, it could only be categorized as deadly.
Gary noticed it immediately.
"Wait, guys!" His attempts was lost as Jeffery lunged with his knife, aiming for the man's face. It didn't get far. The man's hand stopped it inches from his face. Everybody let out a gasp in surprise. Gary took a few steps back. The guy...
He was holding the knife in his bare hand.
"You know, I really can't stand criminals…" The man snatched the knife from Jeffery's hand so fast, it caused him to stumble back and fall to the ground. The man stared down at the knife. Not a drop of blood was on it.
"But the one kind I can't stand the most is dirty," He held the knife in both hands.
"Filthy," He broke it into two.
"Weak rapists like you." He glared at the boys before flinging the broken knife at their feet. They all flinched in fear and backed away. "You scums…" He looked at each and every one of them. "Deserve the worst kind of death. " He finally cast his gaze to Gary.
His eyes...They were dark, furious, and most of all green. One look into those eyes, and Gary knew who he was.
"Changeling…"
Gary's voice came out as a dry whisper. Rachel gasped at the sound of that name. Changeling...the leader of the Titans?
"Wow, you actually said my name." Changeling eyes widen in surprise. "You'll be the last to go." He said with a slight smile. He turned to rest of the men who hesitated before running in different directions. Gary stumbled as he too prepared to take off, but a deep growl stopped him.
"Don't you dare move…"
The beastly voice radiated off of every bone in his body. Sweat immediately started pouring from Gary's face in fear. He didn't dare turn around.
"I'm doing you a favor saving you for last. Don't make me rip your throat out now."
Gary trembled in fear. He was grateful that his back was toward him or he would have pissed himself at the sight of those eyes. He heard Changeling sighed deeply, almost as if he was calming himself.
"You should enjoy the few minutes of life you have left." Changeling said calmly after clearing his throat, his normal voice replacing the deep rough one from before. "Atone for your sins. I'll be back in five minutes. "A whoosh in the air notified Gary he was gone, but not for long. Gary's mind began racing with thoughts. The idea of running flashed through his mind a couple of times, but he knew he couldn't. There was no doubt in his mind that he will die instantly if he did.
So what could he do?
His eyes fell to the source of his problems. The reason he was about to die in three minutes.
Three minutes...
Yes...
That should be enough time to erase her existence.
He quickly picked up the chloroform soaked cloth that had fallen from Casey's hand and grabbed Rachel by her hair. He muffled her screams with the cloth, smothering it against her face. He wasn't even trying to knock her out, he just wanted her gone for good. He needed her gone quick. He only had one minute now. He cursed as she fought against him. He was running out of time! In desperation, Gary dropped the cloth and wrapped his hands around her delicate neck, choking her while begging her to lose consciousness with each pasting seconds.
"Hurry up and die!" Gary screeched desperately as she gagged and clawed.
"That's my line."
Before Gary could even turn to the calm voice that spoke behind him, he was flung to the wall and hit the ground with a thud. He gasped in fear and backed up closer to the wall as Changeling slowly walked to him.
"Please…" He held up his hand in an weak attempt to stop his advance. "Please don't kill me."
"Don't worry,"Changeling kneeled down until their face were leveled before smiling. "I won't."
"Really?" Gary voice was filled with hope. He was on the verge of tears. A goofy smile spread across his face as realized he wasn't going to die.
"No. Not really."
It took a minute for his brain to process his words as Changeling was still smiling. By the time he finally understood what he said, it was too late. Gary mind went blank and his vision faded into darkness.
Changeling grabbed Gary before he hit the ground, sighing in disgust. He didn't want to touch him. In fact he would love to just leave the unconscious asshole on the ground, but he couldn't do that. At least...not yet. He had to clean up his tracks first. Changeling laid Gary on the cold ground and reached into his trench coat pockets. There was a reason why he wore this coat, and it wasn't just to hide his identity. No...it was for a special tool that Cyborg just developed. He wore this coat when he accompanied Cyborg to S.T.A.R. Lab a few months back. Cyborg was testing a new serum that could be used as a weapon. It was suppose to cause temporary amnesia. Unfortunately, Cyborg thought the serum needed additional testing to make sure the effects wasn't permanent. Cyborg told him he couldn't take any back to towers yet, but of course Changeling didn't listen. But who could blame him? This serum could be extremely useful, tested or not. He thought he might need it, and it looks like he was right to steal some. Rather the amnesia lasted forever or not, was no concern to him. After all, it's not like he will get in trouble for using it. No one will remember a thing. He smirked as he injected Gary with the serum. Changeling sighed at the empty needle. That was his last one. He was glad he brought enough. Now, he thought as he turned to the girl who was still gagging in the corner, time to tie up the loose ends.
Rachel gasped and coughed as she struggled to breath. Gary...He…He really tried to kill her with his bare hands. She could still feel the tightness around her neck and she coughed more in an attempt to get rid of the feeling. If Changeling didn't come back in time...She shuddered at that thought. Calm down Rachel...just calm down. She tried to tell herself but she was finding it difficult to do so. She was emotionally and physically drained. And she, for the life of her, couldn't stop shaking. She was starting to hyperventilate. Rachel cursed her weakness as she titled her head lower in an attempt to stop her panic attack.
Rachel paused when she felt fingers gently caressing her face. She looked up to see a pool of forest green. Her heart began to pound as the color filled her vision. Her mind became hazy and she struggled to speak as Changeling stared into her eyes. What happened next shocked her to her core and was burned into her memory forever. Changeling eyes lowered slightly as he wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug.
Rachel literally froze.
She didn't know what to do or think. Changeling. The leader of the Titans. Her arch nemesis. The very reason for her pain, misery, and suffering was holding her in his arms. Not only that, but the way he was holding her...like she was a small fragile doll that could break with the smallest effort. He was holding her so gently and yet so strong.
And the strangest part of it all?
She didn't mind. She felt safe in his embrace. Something was telling her, deep down, that this was all she ever wanted. Now, the contents of that thought was still under debate in Rachel's mind. She wanted to say with confidence that it was the Titans protection that she wanted this entire time, but another part of her was saying something else. That it wasn't any Titan that she wanted protecting her. No...She wanted him. Only him and no one else but him, protecting her. Holding her. The revelation of that thought was the reason why Rachel was still frozen solid against his strong chest. She didn't like this. The feelings and emotions coming from inside her and making their way up were all bad and she didn't want anything to do with them. She squirmed in his embrace, trying to break free, but he didn't let go.
"Hey...Shhhh…Calm down..." Changeling tighten his hold on her. "It's okay...You're safe now. You don't have to be afraid." Rachel blushed against his chest and shoved him away.
"I-I wasn't afraid." She looked away, ashamed, her midnight hair covering her reddened face from him. "Just leave me alone. I didn't ask for your help."
"You didn't have to ask." Changeling said quietly. "It's my duty to protect you."
Rachel snorted. "Oh, so now you care? Where were you this entire time? Why are you here now?"
Changeling stared at her for a moment before looking away. "I'm not inclined to tell you that."
Rachel laughed dryly. "Of course you're not. You know what? Fuck you! Do you hear me!?" Rachel pushed and shoved him in anger. "I hate you! I hate you and your whole entire fucking team! How dare you show up now!?" She began punching him on his chest. She didn't care if it was pointless. She didn't care if it didn't hurt him. She just wanted him to feel weak and pathetic.
Like how he made her feel.
"Trying to get my hopes up!? Stop acting like you give a shit about the city! You don't give two shits about anyone! All you and your stupid team care about is yourselves!" She hung onto to his shirt as she caught her breath, her rant left her worn out. She removed herself a bit and was surprised to see his shirt was wet. She moved her hand to her face and felt wetness.
She was crying.
She was crying this entire time and she didn't even know it. She moved to wipe her tears away, but Changeling grabbed her wrist.
"Don't." He said gently. "Don't be ashamed to cry. You've been hurt. You've been angry. It's time for you to let it out."
Rachel's eyes widen, her mouth dangled open in shock. Changeling stared into her wide eyes for a minute before gently bringing her back into his arms. Rachel couldn't believe this. She didn't want this. She didn't want this guy's pity. She didn't want to cry. She didn't want to be weak. And yet, she couldn't stop the tears from falling. Before she could stop herself, she was wailing into his chest. She clung onto him for dear life as she cried her heart out.
All the pain.
All the emotions she held in was finally coming out. They stayed like that for some time. Rachel, crying her eyes out, and Changeling comforting her while whispering gentle words and rubbing her back. It seemed like forever when Rachel finally stopped crying. Her wails were replaced with simple sniffs here and there.
"Have you calmed down a bit?" Changeling asked gently. He didn't want to push her, but he knew they needed to go. Rachel was silent for a moment and Changeling thought she might have fallen asleep, but then she finally spoke.
"I was scared." She mumbled into his chest.
Changeling looked down at the girl wrapped in his arms.
"I know…"
"I...I thought I was going to die." She shuddered in his arms.
"Mm…"Changeling stroked her head softly.
"But you…" She leaned back to look into his forest green eyes. "You saved me."
"Yeah...I did." Changeling hesitated, not quite sure what to say to her statement.
Rachel lowered her eyes. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him, snuggling into his neck. She hugged him deeply. Her eyes felt heavy. She was so tired. She slumped against him as she felt his strong hands reach up to support her weight. She was ready to drift into the darkness, but she couldn't yet. She had one last thing to say to him and she had to make sure he heard her. With a huge amount of effort, Rachel brought her lips to the side of Changeling's face.
"Thank you." She whispered softly in his ear before she was consumed by darkness.
I know this chapter been long over due. School took a lot of my time and I was struggling with writing this chapter. It was their first meeting. I had to make sure it was good! Hopefully, I didn't disappoint you guys. I'm sorry you had to wait so long, but thank you for your patience! School's out which means I have more time to write! So hopefully, the next chapter won't take months to come out _ Once again, thanks for waiting and I'll see you guys in the next chapter! Please review! Bye!~
