Disclaimer: Look at Chapter 1
So here is the next chapter...I apologize for the wait.
The relationship that Slade and Raven have is...strange at best. So I really want to take my time and write it out. It somewhat makes sense in my head, but it is hard to pen down. The only way I can explain it is through the lyrics from My Immortal.
And Slade is immortal so...
The hallway was unbearably cold.
And the oddly transparent dress now draped across her frame didn't do much to warm the girl's chilled skin. Oh how she wished for her purple cloak! How she yearned to shroud herself within its folds, to shield her body from that man's wandering eyes!
Alas, the purple cloak was nowhere to be found… Raven bit her lip and continued moving, her eyes trained quizzically at the elderly man in front. Who was he? And why did he smell so…minty? The teenager couldn't recall ever seeing the man, until he appeared, shutting off the heated water, and goading her into the strange attire she possessed now.
Ignoring the shivers that raced up and down her spine, Raven's eyes noted that this time, the lights were on…and the hallway looked less of a warehouse and more of the kind of hallway you'd see in the basement of a department store. What kind of building was she trapped in? Speaking of trapped…if she turned to run, where would she go? The old man couldn't catch up, if she were to run suddenly…perhaps this was the escape she'd been wishing for?
"I wouldn't try to run, Miss Raven."
Violet eyes widened with astonishment. Could this man read minds? Or was he Slade in disguise? Pursing her lips, Raven quickened her pace; maybe she could understand more of this strange old man if she was closer? He certainly didn't seem harmful. "Where are you taking me? And why address me as 'Miss'?"
"You haven't eaten in a few days. We don't want you dying of starvation."
The sorceress clenched her teeth in anger. "Starvation…I should think to welcome such an end, surely it is better than whatever you two have planned? At least my death will be of my own choice."
"Perhaps…but I have my orders." With these words, the man pushed open a set of doors and ushered the teenager into what seemed to be a small kitchen…there was even a small table with chairs, placed exactly where a window should have been.
Raven couldn't help but gape with wonder. Exactly where was she? Turning, the sorceress observed the bare concrete floor, noting that it was slightly warmer than in the hallway. The stove was on then, and was that coffee? Swallowing, the teenager resolved to refuse any food presented before her…poison might be on the menu. "If I may ask sir, why do you work for Slade? Are you not aware of the crimes he has committed?"
The elderly man turned, a huff of air leaving his mouth. Setting down a plate of food with a soft thud, the man spoke, a patient finality to his tone. "You must eat first, before asking questions. Now, come." With that, he steered the teen into a seat and slid a fork into her stunned hands.
Raven swallowed again. "How do I know this isn't a trap? What if this food is poisoned? I could eat this food and collapse." Her tone, though civil, carried a slightly defiant undertone, and she wondered how the old man would react. Would he force her to eat the food? Somehow, the man didn't seem very engrossed in the situation at all.
"Rest assured Raven, that when I want to kill you, I would simply snap your pretty little neck."
Whirling, Raven balked as Slade's alluring voice entered her ears. How did he appear in this place? And, oh gosh, no mask? In this bright light? All this time, the man's hair had been a startling platinum white color, instead of the light blond shadows she'd somehow fantasized in the dark. Violet eyes traced the man's face, noting the faded scar running down the left side of his face and the dark eye patch obscuring his left eye. The teenager couldn't help but wonder if the myth was indeed true. Did this man truly have one eye? Or was it simply a façade, a story he created himself to add to the mystery and intrigue of his name?
One thing was certain; the myths didn't lie about his attractiveness…in fact, they didn't quite seem to live up to the truth. Was it wrong for a villain to be so alluring? Was she to deny the strange temptation felt in tandem with her darker half? Perhaps a meditation session was necessary. Tearing her eyes from the man, Raven stared down at the plate of rice, broccoli and chicken. Was this breakfast, lunch or dinner? Then again, didn't she eat rice everyday on Azarath, even for breakfast? Perhaps it was the broccoli…Raven speared a floret and chewed tentatively. At least it was seasoned. "Will you answer my question now, sir? I am eating, as you see."
Raven couldn't stop the dark blush that stained her cheeks as Slade began to laugh. Why was he so amused? And why did his smile seem…so perfect? The way the corners of his eyes crinkled, the flawless set of white teeth and heart-stopping smile…it seemed too human. How can this man be a sadistic torturer, yet laugh so casually over a cup of coffee? Is this what they call 'split personality'?
Averting her eyes, the teenager concentrated on her food, stuffing in a few pieces of chicken in her mouth. 'Oh Azar, must he stare at me with such a face', Raven wailed internally. What kind of torture was this? Could this man be truly attempting to psychologically destroy her mind? Swallowing with uncertainty, the teenager watched with wary eyes as the man stepped closer, that strange look once again flickering in his dusky blue eye.
What would he do this time?
Raven could only hold her breath as the villain's fingers descended, tangling themselves in her purple locks and softly tracing her pale face. Why were his hands so gentle, so caring? The same man who smiled with satisfaction as the hot iron seared into her skin...touching her with the hands of a lover? Why was he so different now? What had changed? The girl stared into the man's face, desperate to unlock the meaning behind such an intense gaze. She only remembered to breathe after Slade's lips descended atop hers in a passionate kiss. Every bone in the young teen's body turned to mush as the man continued, pulling her from the chair and into a tight embrace.
Alarmed and yet so confused, Raven's hands darted out, pressing against the man's well-muscled chest in vain. The girl's heart pounded frantically as the man's fingers wantonly delved between her legs, a soft whimper escaping from her lips when the man's tongue traced her neck. Skilled hands maneuvered the girl's body with precision, trapping her between the wall and his muscle-clad chest.
Now seated atop the table with no escape; Raven once again pushed at the man's immovable chest, flushing with embarrassment and shame. If only her body wasn't so disloyal…so in tune with her darker half, maybe she wouldn't be in this predicament now. Another breathy moan left her clenched teeth; how could something so inappropriate feel so…pleasurable?
This man, whose hands were so skilled in the art of interrogation, who persecuted her mercilessly only nights before; now his fingers circled slowly, brushing against that spot with a teasing motion. "L-Let me go. Please?" The young teen cried out, violet eyes filling with tears of embarrassment. What was his motive? Why couldn't she figure out what this man wanted? The teenager couldn't help whimpering as the man's tongue caressed her earlobe slowly.
"You wish to be free? Then sing for me." Slade whispered, his deep seducing voice filling the teenager's body with delight; fingers caressing her core with increased vigor. "Sing for me Raven."
And sing Raven did.
oOoOo
Violet eyes flickered open, taking in the light blue ceiling of Starfire's room. She could hear herself, panting and gasping...heart racing as if she'd run a marathon. Violet eyes flickered shut in desperation, trying to regain control of her erratic breathing...and ignore the tingling heat pooling between her thighs.
Raven clutched the lavender blanket with shivering fingers, a cry of desperation escaping her pale quivering lips. Oh Azar, after all this time...and still she could feel his gentle hands roam her bare skin, still remember the softness of his lips. Why? What had she done to deserve such torment? Swiftly, the girl inhaled sharply, willing her frightened body to a calm state. Would meditation even help? Violet eyes closed in resignation...meditation didn't work while in captivity. Why would it suddenly help now?
Turning, the teenager stared at her red-haired friend, noting the girls slanting nose and softly curving jaw. Lightly sun-kissed skin glowed in the dim morning light and Raven marveled at the long reddish colored eyelashes that gently framed her cheeks. Starfire was beautiful...exotic. Nothing like that picture...nothing like that woman. Reaching out a shaking finger, Raven quietly traced over her friend's cheekbones, an odd smile fleeting across pale lips. "You don't look much like her at all."
Sitting up, Raven threw back the covers and slid out from Starfire's grasp, the strange smile still plastered to her face. Tip-toeing to the vanity, the violet haired teen sat down, staring at her image in confusion. "I don't look much like her either!"
Tilting her head, the teenager took in her slanted eyes and the sharp angles of her high cheekbones. A small frown settled on her face...did she lose a lot of weight? Funny how she never noticed. Eyebrows furrowed together, still trying to understand the mind of the strange man. But where was the resemblance? Her pale skin? The subtle flair of her nostrils? Maybe the perpetual rosy glow of her pouted lips? Clenching the tube of lipstick in her hands, Raven twisted off the top and glared at the blood red color, her anger rising sharply at the aggravating noises entering her ears.
Everything seemed to echo throughout the room; Starfire's calm breathing, the clock incessantly ticking away on the desk, the slow whir of the alien's fushia colored Mac Book pro; a generous gift from Bruce Wayne one Christmas ago. The room was filled with animation. Everything was alive...everything but that woman!
And it was this woman whose face Raven inherited.. this mask Slade craves so much? Staring back in the mirror? Such an unwanted burden! With slow movements, the teenager spread the color across her cracked lips and stared into the mirror once more. Violet eyes flashed with uncertainty, and the girl's lips trembled with trepidation. "Why do I look like her?"
"Raven, what's wrong?" Starfire sat up, eyes groggy with sleep. With a heavy sigh the teenager brushed back her hair, squinting through the dim light at the neon clock on the computer desk. Delicate eyebrows rose, and she turned back to her friend with a confused look. "It's only four in the morning. Come back to sleep." The red-haired titan patted the bed, a slightly patronizing look in her eyes.
Raven stared blankly at her friend, jaw clenching with annoyance. Did she think she was talking to a toddler? Turning back to the mirror, the teenager couldn't help but gasp in surprise, fear gripping her body as she recalled a frightful memory. The tube of lipstick fell to the floor as Raven fiercely scrubbed the dark red color onto her sleeve.
Eyes flashed as the teen turned sharply, shuffling back to the bed and seating herself uncomfortably close to the alien. Reaching out slowly, Raven's shaking fingers tangled themselves through fiery red locks, an odd glimmer in her violet orbs. A strange silence passed between the two young women, jade green eyes clashing with violet orbs. Neither one could deny the odd feeling that settled over them, the eerie sensation drawing them closer and closer together. Warm skin engulfing the cold, pallid forehead...noses colliding timidly. Pale lips fluttered across faded blood-red lipstick...once, twice...
And then the magic shattered.
Starfire reached out, hand grasping her friend's slim wrist. "Raven, you're scaring me." Squirming, the alien pushed Raven from her lap and stood, moving to the computer desk beside the door. The girl let out a shaky breath and her hands braced the wall tightly, refusing to look at her friend as she inquired, "What's wrong?"
"Did you know? I look like her..." Raven's whispered voice seemed to echo in the dimly lit room.
"Look like who, Raven?" Starfire's hands wrapped around a coffee mug, and nonchalantly, the teenager brought it to her lips, a brief aura of confusion passing across the girl's face. Softly the alien exhaled, tentatively sipping at the water in the light green mug. Ostentatiously, the teenager would glance up, not bothering to hide her disbelief and apprehension. Clearing her throat, Starfire stared down at her desk, shuffling papers with feigned interest.
"Slade's wife."
The cup slipped from Starfire's hands, shattering into pieces as it hit the hard-wood floor.
oOoOo
Beastboy stretched, olive green eyes staring with awe as he watched the sunrise. Turning, he cast his approving glance across the still empty room. The shadows were slowly receding, chased away by the rising sun. Quietly the teen padded over to the large window, peering out at the surprisingly still ocean. Was it always like that?
Calm, still and peaceful?
The crash that came from the kitchen startled the teen, and with hasty footsteps, he dashed in and skidded to a stop. "Raven?" Eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Was that broccoli in her hands? The boy dashed into the kitchen and skidded to a stop, eyeing the sorceress with wonder. What was she doing with broccoli in her hands? "What are you doing?"
Slowly Raven turned, stiffly moving her feet as if they were made of stone. She blinked, biting her lip with uncharacteristic nervousness. An odd look flashed across the sorceress' face. "I don't know...I just wanted broccoli." She closed the fridge, and sank to the floor, a groan of frustration fleeting from clenched teeth.
"But-but you never eat broccoli! All you eat is rice and meat!" Beastboy cocked his head, quietly rescuing the strangled florets from the sorceress' vise like grip. They were already smooched, might as well cook them, the shape-shifter thought as he turned on the light and began to wash the vegetable. "Um, Rae, how should I fix it?"
"I don't know. But there was ginger, and soy sauce." Raven mumbled, still curled up beside the sink. Obscuring her face between pale shaking hands, the sorceress let out a shaky breath. Peering back up at the shape-shifter, the girl mumbled quietly. "And don't call me Rae."
A half-smile spread on Beastboy's face. So that part of her hadn't changed...at least. Turning, he resumed the task of cutting off the broccoli stems, a glimmer of hope radiating in his heart. Will things finally go back to normal...well, maybe not normal. Raven never ate vegetables...perhaps this change would be good? Maybe she'd even try tofu! "OK, ginger and soy sauce it is...do you mind if I put it in the oven? It'll stay crunchy."
Raven looked up sharply, eyes glowing with recognition. "So that's how he did it."
A suspenseful silence floods the kitchen, punctuated only by the occasional hum of the now glowing oven. Illuminated by the ever-increasing sunlight, Beastboy finally took sight of Raven's trembling fingers and dilated pupils. Was she cold? Biting his lip, the shape shifter knelt down in front of his pale friend. Whispering softly the boy inquired, "That's how who did what, Raven?"
In the still silence, Beastboy held his breath, somehow feeling that the slightest sound would scare the girl away. His green eyes brimmed with unspoken emotion as they took in the faded burn marks twisting around her slender neck like chains. What had Slade done? The boy clenched his fist, trying to suppress his righteous rage. Why did she have to suffer like this? Beastboy raised his head slowly, green eyes clashing with empty violet orbs.
Empty, void...and broken.
At their own command, the boy's hand darted forward, fingertips shaking as they buried themselves in Raven's purple locks. Had her hair always been this thick and soft? Slowly he trailed his hand across her face, memorizing the outline of her cheekbones. Green eyes stared at his friend's face; this wasn't fair of him...to push all of his feelings on her. "Raven..." Beastboy whispered, voice trailing off at the odd glimmer sparkling in her violet eyes.
With uncharacteristic violence, Raven slapped Beastboy's hand away, eyes glowing with a strange emotion. Abruptly, the girl stood to her feet, fiercely berating the boy for his actions. "Don't EVER touch me like that! Don't ever LOOK at me like that again!"
From his seat on the floor, he could only stare in disbelief as she darted across the kitchen and ran into Starfire's unoccupied arms.
"Beastboy, what is wrong with her?" Starfire questioned, careful to avoid patting the girl on the head. "I called a meeting, there's something that I think the team will need to hear." Starfire inhaled the air. "Is that broccoli in the oven?"
The shape shifter sighed. "Don't even ask."
oOoOo
"What!"
Robin exclaimed, jumping to his feet now pacing frantically as he tried to absorb this revelation. "Slade has a wife?! That's impossible!" Whirling, he stopped in front of Raven, ignoring the way her shoulders seemed to droop dejectedly. Those words seemed to echo in the quiet room as everyone sat in nervous silence.
The Boy Wonder ceased from his pacing, eyes downcast as he pondered the strangeness of Starfire's revelation. A wife? Slade? The man who's homicide record rivaled that of Jack the Ripper? The villain who couldn't be stopped by even the Justice League? What was such a person doing, living a married life? A pang of guilt struck his heart and Robin's fingers clenched nervously. Lowering his voice, the Boy Wonder questioned,"You can't be serious. He was joking, right?"
Raven glanced into Robin's mask silently for several tense minutes before turning away, fixating her gaze on the plate of broccoli in front of her. The fork scraped across the plate in a slow, almost tired motion. Letting out what seemed to be a sigh of resignation, the sorceress timidly reiterated her stance, "Why would Slade joke about such things? He has a wife, a-and I look just like her."
"How do you know, Raven?" Cyborg asked, a quiet encouragement emanating in his voice.
The sorceress clenched the fork in her hands, and took another deep breath, eyes closing methodically. "I saw her picture...I really do look just like her." At these words, Raven's violet eyes found their way back to Robin's mask, this time with a look so intense, the teenager faltered in his relentless pacing.
Beastboy's voice range out, unexpectedly catching the titans off guard. "It was Slade who fixed you the broccoli, wasn't it!" A look of triumphant satisfaction washed over his features and Robin was surprised when Raven chuckled slightly. Perhaps it was a little funny, the image of an apron-clad Slade awkwardly standing in the kitchen, a head of broccoli in his gloved hands.
Turning to face the window, Robin bit back a laugh. Yes, Slade was many things...but a chef? What kinds of things would a person like Slade cook? Was he skilled in the art of French food? Italian? How would it taste? Robin pursed his lips as he stared out the window...perhaps he was over thinking the whole situation. Knowing Slade's culinary expertise didn't answer the important inquiries, such as what was Slade thinking, feeding a prisoner? Who kidnap a person, tortures them...and then cooks lunch for two?
It was absurd, wasn't it?
A small smirk playing on the corners of the purple haired titan, she replied, "He didn't make the broccoli, personally but..." Another laugh burst from her lips, then abruptly died when she perceived Robin's steely glare.
"He showed it to you?" Robin questioned, trying desperately to shake off the chills snaking up his spine at Raven's stare. "Can you tell us anything about where you were?"
A nervous laugh left the sorceress' lips. Smiling awkwardly she uttered, "I feel like I'm at the police station. Um, uh...I don't really know where I was. At one point I was in some warehouse place...then the basement of a corporate building? Maybe a mansion..I'm not really sure." Raven ducked her head, looking at Starfire anxiously.
"Hmm. And did Slade show the picture to you?" Robin questioned, hands clasped behind his back like Sherlock Holmes. Turning, the titan placed a hand on his chin, a contemplative look in his hidden eyes. Something didn't quite add up...Raven's story didn't seem complete. "How did you know it was his wife?"
The fork clattered against the plate, breaking the silence in the room. Raven's trembling hands curled into fists, and she tightly closed her eyes again, seemingly fighting for control. "I escaped from the room he locked me in...and found the picture by mistake. That's when he told me." A shaky breath flitted from her lips. "He told me, and then he..."
A somber silence filled the room, punctuated only by Raven's muffled sobs. "Y'know what he said? Slade told me if it wasn't for the prophesy, he'd never let me go."
Robin paled. "Prophesy? But hasn't Trigon been defeated?" The Boy Wonder mumbled out loud, not really expecting a reply. So Slade went through all this trouble...for a prophesy? Had this been his goal from the beginning? Was that man really so callous as to rape a defenseless teenager all in the name of a prophesy! Robin's feet were now frozen to the floor, trapped in the bitter realization that Slade was once again three steps ahead. Just how long had the man known about this prophesy?
Who knows how many years Slade had been planning, simply biding his time and waiting until now to make his move? Was this why he 'died' all that time ago? Nervously biting his lip, the Boy Wonder held his breath... ears straining to listen to the sorceress' foreboding whisper.
Raven whispered, her voice tainted with fear. "This is a different prophesy, Robin. And Slade tells me... it's all about you. This time, you'll destroy the world." The sorceress' eyes took on a strange almost maniacal look as she intoned with a seemingly sarcastic voice, "But don't worry. Slade will stop you...and this time, he'll save the world.
I felt bad for Raven as I was writing this chapter. I didn't want her to appear crazy or unstable, but I think I did exactly that. Forgive me.
Also forgive me for giving BB a one sided crush. The scene just came out that way. You can blame Christina Perri and Jason Mraz in that wonderful song 'Distance' (The two will will not develop any relationship, however. Raven needs to save the world with Slade.)
As for broccoli, the best way to cook it is to toss with spices (like ginger, basil or whatever else you like), olive oil and soy sauce...then bake at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Still crispy and no steamed veggie taste. (Try it...I DARE you)
What do you think of Slade's plan to save the world. Think he can do it?
Review!
~heartless16
