Day 77-
The funny thing about being on the Drake Grounds was that everyone knew everything. And although they knew, they acted like they didn't. Ok so it wasn't funny. Actually it was pretty annoying. The more Raven walked around this morning, and asked what was going on, the less everyone would tell her. It was quite obvious that something was in preparation. All the hustle and bustle. All the wide smiles towards Raven until she would notice. And then they would try and hide the smile. And claim they were just happy.
Right.
With a heavy sigh, Raven made her way back into her suite. And there she stayed. For half an hour she was left alone. But only a half hour. After that she kept getting disturbed.
Robin knocked on the door at quarter past ten. She knew it was him. The bored rhythmic knocking. And he only made three taps on the door before he waited.
Raven clicked the television off and made her way to the door. He greeted her with a small smile.
"Our rings are ready."
With a slight sigh, Raven made her way to follow him.
They made the short walk to the main house where they were immediately pushed into the black car and rushed out of the gates.
On the way, Raven eyed everyone around them. "What're they doing?"
Robin looked up from his phone. "I would assume making preparations for the reception to follow our wake."
It made some sense. After all, the wedding err… wake was in 28 days and counting.
A few moments later it was Robin to break the silence. "I was thinking, what made you ask about Trigon the other day?"
Raven shrugged. "I was doing some research in a book I had when his name was associated with some relative subjects. Some of what I was reading started to sound far out there, so I thought I'd ask."
"What do you mean, out there?" Robin asked with slightly narrowed eyes.
"There's a prophecy connecting him to Earth. Are you familiar?"
Robin shook his head.
"Its something along the lines of… a gem born of him. The gem is his portal. And he's going to kill everything mortal. Well, that's the gist of it anyways."
Robin made a crooked smile. "Basically he's going to destroy Earth?"
"Not just Earth, the entire Earth dimension."
"Ah."
And then there was a slight pause.
"Do you still believe in him?"
Immediately Robin nodded. "Oh yes. I've seen too much not to believe in him."
"Like what?"
"Messages, messengers, his goonies and other demons. He's the only thing everything and everyone fears. 'Mortals' and magicals alike."
"Magicals?" Raven asked looking at him now.
He laughed a little. "Well, like Jinx and Terra and BB. Yes mortal still, but they fear less because of their abilities. But even they fear Trigon. Not to mention all the magical villains."
"They know of Trigon too?"
Robin nodded.
It was a few moments after this that they arrived in front of the jewelry store where they had bought their rings and sent them to be engraved.
The lady handed them each the other's ring to inspect. Raven opened the box carefully and pulled out the jewelry case in it. Flipping the lid, the ring became visible.
About three times as thick as her own with the same sketched black calligraphy etched in its chrome band. Turning it just right, she could see the words engraved perfectly. 'Eh resolm prail.' 'I promise thee.' She gave the smallest of smiles and replaced it before glancing to Robin.
He gave it a slightly sour look. But in the end, he gave a nod as well.
They left the store with rings in tow.
When they arrived back at the Grounds, Talo was waiting for them. He opened Raven's door and offered her his hand which she accepted gratefully. And instead of letting her go once she was fully out as per usual.
"Sorry Miss Raven, but your presence is requested inside."
Raven raised a brow to him and gave Robin the same look as well. He shrugged as he stepped out of the car also. Without another option, Raven followed Talo's lead into the Drake house.
Up two flights of stairs, straight and then a right, down a brightly lit hall and to the outside of giant oak doors.
Talo bowed and backed himself away. Raven had an uneasy feeling about this. She could tell already this wasn't going to be a good thing she was called for.
Slowly she reached out a hand and pulled the handle down. With the unmistakable click of it unlatching she pushed the door opened.
A very loud 'SURPRISE' graced her ears. And her scowl got deeper.
The room was filled with people. Girls. Quite a few she recognized. Some she did not. They were crowded around a large circular coffee table piled high with presents. To one side of the room was a table with food surrounding a large white cake, reading 'Congratulations Raven.'
It was obvious what this is: Bridal party.
There was an empty cushion on the floor between Star and Terra. Jinx sat to Star's right with a notebook. Among the faces she recognized Mrs. Drake, her own mother (whom she did not look at), Robin's sisters Libby and Kendra, his sister-in-laws, Caddy and Jiann, but not Bri. There were two little girls among them as well. One she guessed to be Matt and Caddy's daughter Alika and the other to be Jiann and Jay's newest baby girl, Dana. A few others from her mother's side she did identify. A couple sisters but none of the in-laws of her brothers. And then there were others, whom she did not recognize at all.
"Come have a seat my dear." Mrs. Drake offered.
Raven made her way in slowly, shutting the door a little harder than she really needed to. She made her way to her spot.
And everyone started talking. Raven pointedly ignored them. She rolled her eyes once before closing them completely contemplating the best way around all this. She could claim sick. Unfortunately she would have had to do that from this morning. On top of that, it would have been rescheduled.
"Stay mellow dramatic." Terra whispered in her ear. "It'll be over before you know it."
Opening her eyes, Raven looked to Terra. She had a playful grin in place, her eyes twinkled with mischief and she gave her a single nod. In return Raven favored her with a ghostly grin.
On the other side of her, Raven could feel Jinx's jealousy boil at the sight. She couldn't understand Jinx. It had come to pass that Jinx didn't particularly care for Raven on a whole. She was annoyed that Raven acquired everyone's affection fully. She hated that Robin was liking her more and more. It made her skin crawl with how much she liked Terra. But what she really hated was when anyone else became Raven's confidant.
So to include her, Raven looked to her and their eyes locked. Raven didn't need to voice what she thought. When Jinx gave her a tiny smile, it was clear she had understood. 'Let's show them some fun.'
That afternoon went by in a most peculiar way. It seemed as though everyone was immune to her dark mood. And though she didn't smile once, they were all enjoying themselves.
It seemed to stump even Terra. At one point she had even looked to Raven in question. At this point, Raven had a new idea.
Currently they were in a break getting food. All the guests were at the table milling over the cake and punch. Raven crawled behind Star's cushion and sat next to Jinx. They were the only two left on the floor.
"You want the cake or the punch?" She asked quietly.
Jinx looked to her perplexed. But when she saw a light grin on her face, her eyes darkly lidded, she knew. And she smiled as well, matching the dark glare.
"Punch, if you don't mind."
And they both took careful timing and kept their eyes in one of the books Raven had received as a gift.
To the side of them there were squeals all around. And guessing just right as to when they looked, they saw the scene unfold.
The cake had exploded causing frosting and cake to scatter and stick to everyone and everything around. The punch had erupted, sending red rain on the group. But not just the punch bowl, every cup filled with punch had a mini eruption as well, hitting some smack in the face.
The doors burst open as the house maids came rushing in. Their eyes widened as some of the less discrete one's mouths dropped.
It took all they had not to laugh.
An hour later they resumed the gathering, this time with obvious damper moods. Raven and her friends quite enjoyed themselves after that.
On the way out, Raven had to say her farewells with everyone. It was close to the end when Mrs. Delpheki came to her.
It was cautiously that she made her way over. Raven was standing off to the side with Jinx, Star and Terra. Terra's hair was dyed red but Star didn't look much different. She had bits of cake plastered to her but her skin was so dark and hair already on fire, that the red punch didn't faze her a bit.
"Raven." She said humbly.
Their conversation stopped, though her friends didn't move. Mrs. Delpheki waited a moment for that courtesy but when it was obvious it wasn't coming, she made her way closer all the same.
Mrs. Delpheki's hair was covered in frosting. Raven had made sure of it. And she had a large red punch stain down her front.
"Your father wished her could be here. He sure misses you, Raven."
Raven gave her a bored look.
Her mother visibly swallowed. "How long are you going to ignore us? It breaks my heart to see the little girl I raised turn so cold and lacking life."
Some of the same phrases she used to describe Bri. Strange how that worked. But the difference is, Raven thought, I choose to be this way. And I blame you.
Her mother sighed. And it really tore her apart when Kendra, Alika and Libby walked by waving. Raven gave them a slight smile and waved them away. Her friends did the same.
Mrs. Delpheki's eyes filled with tears as she glanced from one teenage girl to the next. "Some day, Raven," She began trying to hold strong. "You will wish I was with you and I won't be. I miss you Raven. And I love you with all my heart. I know you think this is my fault that you're unhappy, but if you'd just open up to the possibility you may be pleasantly surprised."
And then a wicked grin made its appearance on Raven's pale gray face. "No Elenor, I will never want you with me. Unlike you, I have a soul and fight to get what I want. And be done with what I don't. You think time will heal all wounds. Guess what mommy dearest, you're wrong. I still miss my parents. I still hate this place. I still can't stand this religion and I still hate you for causing all this. One wound is possible to heal over time but once you reopen it time and time again, it will never go away. Never. It just bleeds and bleeds. And you always remember where that would came from." She spat the last words and crossed her arms across her chest.
A tear streamed down Mrs. Delpheki's face. "I still have faith that you will change." And she slowly started to walk off. Soon she was joined with her sisters who attempted to comfort her. Their children were younger than Raven, it now filled them with dread as to what they were to go through.
The room was left to Raven, Star, Terra and Jinx.
There was a quiet, somewhat somber mood shared amongst them that no one felt the urgent need to interrupt.
"Are you still that very much unhappy, Raven?" Star asked with very shadowed eyes.
Raven gave her a small smile. "No. But I will never forgive them for this no matter how happy I may become. Bottom line, this should be and should have been my choice."
Star gave a slight not. She seemed to perk up a little at that. But she just couldn't understand being that mean towards her parents. Even if they were her adoptive parents and not her biological ones. They loved her. And Star was confident somewhere that she too still loved them.
After a little while longer the girls decided to leave the gifts to the housemaids to clean and they headed out of the main house.
"What shall we do now?" Star asked quietly.
The sun was only slowly fading. But it was in no hurry to go down behind the trees in the distance yet.
"We can just walk." Terra suggested.
There were quiet nods all around. They followed a winding path leading to the outermost trail that made its winding way around the perimeter of the Drake Grounds. They walked side-by-side: Star, Jinx, Raven and Terra.
The talk was quiet for a short time. No one had much to say. But only for a start. And then the conversation began.
"I am afraid." Star said. "That once we arrive in the States of United America that I will be unable to hold down a job. I have no real talents." She confessed.
"That's not true." Terra stated.
"I have never had a job of any kind." She said once more.
"That's ok though. You have a great personality and I think you'd be great in a customer relations field. One dealing with people."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you like helping people, right? A customer service job would be best for you."
"Like working in a hospital." Jinx suggested.
"Or at an amusement park." Terra added.
"Restaurant." Raven said.
Star nodded her head feeling a little better about the situation. "What about the rest of you?"
"That's easy." Terra laughed a little. "I'll stick with what I know. Gardening."
They nodded as well with a trace of a giggle.
"I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Don't think I have any talents either actually."
"Well," Terra started. "I've seen you with Robin's nieces and nephews. I think you'd be good in the childcare field. Or maybe a teacher."
Jinx didn't say anything for a moment. She stared at Terra not quite knowing what to expect. That was the closest thing to a compliment Terra had ever given her. Jinx looked at her a bit perplexed for a short time.
Terra was in a thoughtful state. "Or," she continued now looking over to Jinx. "A young model. You have that child yet growing up desirable face that the public would love I think. And the hair and eyes make you very unique. Especially since it's natural. I think you'd be a hit."
Jinx couldn't help but smile a little. That was beyond a compliment this time. It was more like flattery. "Thank you."
Terra nodded with a simple smile.
Star looked to Raven. "What of you?"
Raven shrugged and glanced to terra.
Terra laughed. "Perhaps something in decoding. You're a wiz at Jinx's dreams. Or something along the lines of what Robin does for Bruce. Detective work with computers and comparing data and such. You've made some remarkable headway with your project."
Raven was pleasantly surprised. Terra seemed to be in a fairly good mood. She had complimented them all and Jinx highly.
their walk lasted for a while longer. they found themselves pretty far out in one of the fields. and the sun was making progress now in its descending from the sky. as a matter of fact, it was starting to look like it would be a damp night out.
fog had started to set in. they hadn't noticed since they were so enthralled in talking of their time soon to come in a foreign land. with foreign concepts. Terra had tried to assure them it wouldn't be that much different than here. as far as working was concerned anyways. but laws and such were different. not that they would have much to worry about with Cy doing all this work for them.
but somewhere in that conversation, the weather had taken a turn. not sunny and clear anymore. the fog had set in heavily around them. it was thick enough that they couldn't see a whole lot in front of them either.
the sky was still pretty clear though. and that made it very odd.
the four girls stopped for a moment and looked around.
"Does this not seem a bit... spooky?" star asked them.
jinx nodded. raven said nothing. terra seemed to be listening.
"the earth. it's trembling." terra said quietly.
"What do you mean?" jinx asked eyeing her.
"I mean... something's not right."
they looked around more closely. the Grounds in the distance seemed normal, from what they could see of them at least. only the field they were at the back of and the woods they were on the boarder of seemed fogged over. life at the houses were normal though.
"Shall we be alarmed?" Star asked eyeing them.
raven took the opportunity to observe this. none of them seemed frightened. there was the initial fear that scurried through them but it drained almost immediately. at least from terra and star. terra was calm and collected. star was cool and serene.
"Let's head back." Raven suggested.
terra nodded. "just be prepared."
they started walking. slowly and cautiously. there were distant sounds of trees falling. sticks breaking. that familiar sound of leaves being trampled over. Raven got the distinct impression they were being watched. closely.
"um. I have a confession to make to you, Raven." star said.
raven eyed her.
"I am of the... unique sort."
raven raised a brow at her.
star lifted a hand. immediately a green ball of something formed around it. "I can produce star bolts from my hands and eyes. I also have the gift of flight at well as the ability of profound strength. I apologize for not telling you sooner."
at once she looked abashed.
"Why are you telling me this?" Raven asked.
"I did not want you to be surprised if the opportunity presented itself for us to need protection. I am fully capable as well as Terra as you most certainly know."
raven nodded. "in that case," she raised her own hand and a black energy field formed around it. "I am of the unique sort as well. telekinesis. among other minor... gifts."
star made an expression of delight and startlement.
but it was wiped clean from her face with a nearby howl.
"Tell me that was BB." Jinx said.
"I'm thinking its not." terra countered. her eyes turned yellow as a giant boulder lifted from the ground. "Jump on. I'm getting us out of here."
though raven could fly herself, or more so in the form of levitation, she hopped on next to Terra as Jinx did the same. star took low flight next to them and they went in beyond the first layer of trees so as not to be seen.
after a few careful minutes of navigating through the sticks and branches and such, the were almost all knocked off.
"Terra!" Jinx yelped as terra grabbed her arm pulling her back up. "What'd you do that for?"
terra eyed her once hardly. "I didn't do it."
they looked around the rock. raven had fallen.
"Raven?" Terra asked glancing at Star who was turning back to them once she had realized they had fallen behind.
raven came up the side of them. "I think we were hit."
"You fly too?" Jinx asked.
"actually, it's more levitation than flying. but I suppose it serves the same purpose."
"are any of you injured?" Star asked becoming slightly concerned.
they shook their heads.
"I believe it is time to make of the haste and leave."
"Agreed." terra said. "hang on, Jinx." and the rock moved faster.
raven flew slightly behind them and slightly higher as well. since she was wearing black and the night was falling upon them, she wasn't too worried about being spotted. this also gave her a chance to scope out who was around. she could sense their minds. there was more than one. and in a sense, they were surrounded.
but before long, they were out of the fog and seemingly out of harms way. terra landed the huge rock and made it melt into the ground. star and Raven landed next to the others.
"Any ideas who that was?" jinx asked.
"They." Raven corrected.
they all looked to her in question, though she didn't embellish.
raven made her way back to her suite. she walked alone keeping a keen eye out and listening closely. there was nothing unusual. raven only sensed those who lived on Drake Grounds to be here now. with the addition of Star. she felt all their minds as she normally did. it wasn't as it was a short time ago when they were caught in the woods and deliberately attacked.
once in the comfort and security of her own suite, Raven couldn't settle down to sleep. she lounged in her chair for quite some time tossing and turning so to speak. her mind was just too filled with everything.
for one, that box her other selves had shown her in her meditation. where would she find such a box? is it something she had seen before? or would she later find it? what could possibly be in the box that would be of any importance?
and then there was that masked man. and Trigon. Trigon shoving something into her bird-shadow. what was that all about?
and then this sudden phenomenon tonight. a sudden hush had pushed up on them out of no where and the rock Terra used to transport them was obviously hit with something. which means someone was trying to get at them. but why? and who?
finally accepting that she wouldn't be getting to sleep any time soon, Raven sat up and made her way to the counter where the two boxes full of files sat. she had gone through all of them briefly before starting once more and looking at each thoroughly. it was the sudden and accidental details that connected such people, if they connected at all.
she stayed up for quite a while doing this. her pile of ones she suspected to be the same slowly grew. and when she was finally able to retire around 2 am, she felt proud of her accomplishment. she had matched almost a dozen. though that was only a fraction, it was something.
Day 85-
robin had been quite annoyed that no one had told him of their experience a few nights ago in the woods. he was borderline furious. yes they were all fully capable of taking care of themselves. and they were definitely stronger together than separately. each having their own unique and special abilities.
raven had seen how well they all worked together. even setting aside their petty differences when the time called for it. for example, the time with Slade on the balcony at their funeral. and even this time.
"we took care of it, Robin." terra had said time after time.
"No you didn't. they weren't caught. that means they're still out there." and he was on his feet.
"by all means, boy wonder, go find them." terra jibed.
"It's been a week, Rob." CY reasoned. "they're probably long gone by now."
"I know. not to mention they're probably planning something right now."
"What makes you think we're that important that they'd waste their time on that?" Terra asked again.
jinx, Raven and BB sat on in silence.
"They attacked you." he said.
"once. I'm pretty sure if they really wanted to harm us, they would have. we were quite unaware for some time of the situation. they didn't bother till they noticed we were retreating. what we should have done was stuck it out and see who our attackers were."
"no. it was better to get to safety. but you should have called."
"Why? then you guys could go out and play hero and protector for us girls?" she said it slightly offended. "I think between the four of us, we could have done more damage than the three of you. and not just by numbers." she pushed in as Robin started to protest. "We're stronger than the three of you. BB has a majority of animals. you have about nothing but martial arts and intelligence, which is useless in battle I might add. cy has a cannon and strength. but we have more. I can upturn every piece of earthen matter. raven can do the same. star has every bit of strength Cy has and her own form of cannons, with the added bonus of flight. and when Jinx thinks she's in danger, she's her own weapon as well. so I don't want to hear any of that self-righteous garbage. we're just as capable of defending ourselves and each other, no matter what our differences are."
and she fell silent. as well as everyone else.
they all waited for Robin to say something. anything. it was unlike him to sit quiet. "Fine. I would feel more comfortable knowing you were alright though."
"you didn't even know of the threat till the next day. as far as you knew, we were fine." terra said. "I know exactly what you're worry is. you don't think Jinx is fully comfortable with her powers. you don't think Raven has much. aside from her ability to destroy the ground around her when she's mad. to you, telekinesis is a minor thing. moving things with your mind. yea, it sounds easy. and it is. but it's far larger than you think. you've seen what I can do. and you know my talent is only over terrain. but think of the things Raven can do. she can do anything with her mind. everything with her mind. she can bend anything to her will. she has power over everything. nothing escapes her. and Jinx. I've seen first hand her abilities when she thinks she's in harms way. I've been there more than once with her. and Raven's been helping her. if anything, I think she's almost as powerful as Raven. I say almost because I don't know what Raven's capable of. I only have speculations. but since they don't feel the need to defend this I am. I'm tired of being babysat. if it takes going one on one with you to prove that I'm capable of protecting me and those around me than I will. just say the time and place."
jinx and Raven blinked. A few times. This was strange. when Terra felt strongly about something, come hell or high water she was going to have her point made. and obviously this was one of those times.
"I don't think that was fully what he meant Terra." BB said.
it surprised everyone that he spoke against Terra. or rather, in favor of Robin. he had been doing anything to be opposite him it seemed in these last weeks.
"Oh?" Terra asked.
"What if those... people were to attack somewhere else on the Grounds after you guys? we could have been at least a little prepared for it had you told us. I know now we can argue it till we're blue because they didn't. but they could of."
"We know you're right." Jinx said. "But you also know that's not how Robin was reading into this. he does always have to be the hero." she said almost glumly.
it was so strange. jinx talking against Robin. BB in favor of Robin. Terra defending Jinx's ability to defend herself. and Cy staying quiet. Raven wasn't quite sure she was fully awake yet. this could very well be a dream.
"Ok. so we've gone as far as we can on this discussion for the fourth day in a row. let's move on." Cy stated.
it was a unanimous agreement.
and the conversation just went into sudden death. no one knew what else to say.
so BB asked a question that had been on his mind for a long time now.
"I know this is completely out of the blue, but why is it that if a girl is not married by 15 then she is an outcast?"
they all kinda glared at him. not knowing why that came up all the sudden.
he read their looks. "I had been kinda curious about it since we started looking into the laws. all it ever said is 'the child shall marry by fifteen. all not shall report to the 'Temple' on their name-day of their fifteenth year.' I assume its one of those implied things that had never been voiced."
robin tilted his head slightly. "I suppose that it all has to do with the birth. like I had said before, normally girls are promised to the male's family within the first month. this is traditionally done by applications and such. the mother of the daughter has applied to wed that child to another and it was his parents' responsibility to decide the best. I believe in Raven and my case though, that there was a family arrangement from years back, before either of us were born. someone of the Delpheki family was supposed to marry into the Drake. and it turned out Raven and I were in the age range. then steps proceeded as usual. a meeting was set up. a 'play date' if you will where the male's family decided then whether the child has the personality and whatever else to be of that household. it is custom that they be promised young. though it is possible not to be. they can be promised at any time up till 15. I think at that age they are considered adult, and if not claimed by a family, then they are deemed not wanted. it is said that something must have been seen in them. something like... their soul isn't clean in the eyes of God. because it's their understanding that if no one wanted her, it must be something they saw unconsciously, therefore something God made them see. So they're sent to the Temple to be cleansed. Basically from what I've gathered is they stay there for the rest of their lives trying to make up for their 'shortcomings.'"
Most of them looked completely disgusted. Those who remained looked shocked.
"Is it the same for the guys?" BB asked.
Robin shook his head. "Actually guys don't have to marry. It's not their choice whether to or not. Normally they're set up to marry. But if by chance they're not, they can take steps to marry, either someone of their choosing, which isn't often heard of, or one of the 'Temple girls' which isn't often heard of either. Or they just don't marry. There must be some steps they take to get out of a marriage as well. like possibly saying they don't want children. Or saying the girl is unfit. Or something. Brok down the ally got out of a marriage before it happened. Though he's not sure how he succeeded. I think when it came down to it, his parents didn't like her much so they were able to break the contract."
"I'm guessing your parents like me?" Raven asked.
Robin gave her a small smile. "They still think very highly of you. even with the attitude and the blackness."
Raven couldn't help but give a slight grin. At the same time she grimaced. So that option was out.
Robin stood. "well. I think I'm going to get some fresh air."
for a moment no one said anything. they all prepared to go about their business as usual. then Raven had a sudden idea. she stood as well.
"Care for some company?"
all eyes went on her. the only one who possibly knew why she was willing to spend some time with him was Terra, who had mentally been preparing to occupy Jinx if need be.
Robin shrugged. "sure."
a short time later they found themselves in front of a small ice cream vender that had parked themselves right outside and across the street from the Drake Grounds' main gate. now they sat on the curb eating.
"Can we talk?" Raven asked.
robin eyed her. "ok."
"about you and Jinx." she continued.
she could tell his mood simmered a bit. but he accepted all the same.
"I want to know about the two of you."
"Well like what? why?"
raven frowned to him. this wasn't supposed to be much of a process. "I think it's fair to share your past relationships with me. I've never had any. I would like to decide for myself whether they're worth all this fuss."
despite himself, Robin smirked. "Ok. I guess I'll start from the beginning. Jinx was the last of us to arrive. she was nine when I convinced my parents to pull her off the streets and give her a place. my mother's always had a kind heart and loved children. she would have had many many more but with me there came some complications and she was unable. so when I refused to go home without Cy, she insisted he come. before that, when BB's parents passed, she insisted he live here. terra came because my mom had been doing some business through town when she noticed the orphanage. the one lady had Terra by the arm and was screaming at her beyond everything. my mother was horrified and pissed. she insisted that Terra be released under her care from now on. needless to say, I had learned the truth later. terra had been running away for a long time. the city cops had dropped her off yet again.
anyways, a couple years later, Cy kept running into Jinx. he had told me about her. I met her on his next trip. I told my mother about her and she insisted that she come to stay here. I asked and after a while of convincing, she accepted.
it took her a while to get settled into the Grounds. she had never had life easy. and here... life is easy. I spent a lot of time with her. I knew she was considerably younger than I, especially twelve to nine. maybe not that much in numbers, but mental it's quite a ways off. but jinx had been living on her own for years. she never had a childhood so to speak. so in many ways she was more grown up than I was. I think that intrigued me. ever since I was young, my sister and brother and I used to play in the woods and pretend to be orphans abandoned in the jungle. we used to wonder what it would be like to have no parents.
so the more time Jinx and I spent together, the more fond we became. right before her eleventh birthday, we decided to actually be together. our friends were very supportive. BB didn't care one way or another. Terra and Jinx spoke very little anyways, but she seemed rather supportive. and Cy was thrilled. we never told anyone outside our group. I'm not sure that that would have made a difference.
I actually kinda think that it was best that we didn't. everyone knew I was promised already. therefore, I think Jinx would have been sent away somewhere. jinx didn't understand why I didn't just tell my parents that we were together. that we were in love. she kept thinking they'd understand.
even after we found out that there was already someone in particular that I was promised to, she thought that my mother would at least favor this and I'd be set free of that contract. but I had a feeling it wouldn't work that way. so I forbade her to tell anyone beyond who already knew.
see, I knew I was to be married by someone of my parents choosing. but I was unaware that you were already picked out. had I been paying more attention I would have realized that. but I didn't. jinx thought that it was my parents' responsibility to choose. so she though that if she showed her interest than they'd choose her.
then we found out you were already chosen."
the conversation continued for a little while longer before Raven decided it was time for her to get home. she needed to take a shower and dress before tonight's events. and though it would only take her a matter of minutes to do so, she needed to ponder over another tactic to getting the information she desired. Both Jinx and Robin were willing to talk, but they weren't exactly catching on to what she wanted to hear.
as it turned out, Terra was there waiting for her. she had been sitting no her back porch till Raven came into view. seeing she was alone, she thought it was ok to meet her out front.
they made their way in and had a seat around the living room coffee table on the floor munching on some trail mix Talo had brought out to her earlier in the week.
"Well." Terra inclined.
raven shook her head. "they're both willing to talk. though they're not giving the information I want. I know how they got together. and how Jinx feels. Why? When? Where? all still left unanswered."
terra frown too. raven noted that she thought it was the first time she ever really saw her do so. "If not through you, I'm not sure how else we're going to get this information. I know they won't speak to me about it. and Cy may not be of much help either. they've been feeling pretty cold towards BB still. we can do minor hints here and there. a little subtle prodding every once in a while. though I think till it comes right down to it, I might be useless in this matter."
Raven shrugged. "I'll get the information we need."
terra grinned now. her same devilish grin she always wore. "I may have a suggestion."
raven looked to her.
"Make it seem to Jinx that you might be interested in giving it a try with robin. make her think it. even a little in his presence. trust me, he won't catch on. he's a little slow anyways."
raven gave her a doubtful look. who was she trying to set up here? but then again, Terra had been with these people long before she had been. and though she was able to figure them out on her own, their secrets she wanted willingly. she didn't want to invade their privacy. even if she went in just to find out information on their relationship, maybe there was something there they were still hiding. something having to do with their relationship. that could be part of their secrets. the part that was still locked behind the wall in Jinx's mind.
raven nodded. "robin said something on how you were brought here. his mother caught some lady yelling at you as she walked by the orphanage."
terra smiled. "I'm actually from Sedi. I was born into somewhat of a royal family. my parents were the Duke and Duchess of Bellin Empire the northern most and largest section of Sedi. I have an older brother named Geo. I had really long long hair and I always wore a flowing dress. I had to look the part you know. when I was five my brother and I were playing by the gates of my parents estate. they had gone to Sedi Central for some court matter. the butler was watching us. anyways, my brother and I were playing. it all happened so fast that for a long time I didn't remember what had happened. but the gate opened and before I turned around I was wrapped in something itchy that covered my whole body. it bound me together so I couldn't move. I could hear Geo screaming, I think they were holding him back. and I could hear the unmistakable sound of the butler following by security bounding up the gravel paths. But they weren't fast enough. I was shoved into something and the doors loudly closed. I struggled for a long time to get free. eventually I figured out I was in a van moving. or some vehicle. I only assume it was a van. I was brought into a large stone room. I think it must have been underground. they chopped all my hair off and put me in boy's clothes. they tied my hands in front of me and pushed me into a room full of other children. I was kept there for a long time. now that I think about it, I was probably kept there for ransom. other children came and went but I stayed. then one day, they boarded me in a ship after they cut my hair again so it stayed short.
I was just starting to learn my telekinesis at this point but was waiting for the opportune moment to make it work. we went for a long time. a real long time. I'm sure I had a birthday while there. eventually we stopped and were herded out like cattle. I think we were going to be sold. but I never made it that far. once on land and in a place I was sure I could get a way in, I made things happen. the ground sprung up in shapes of people. the trees came to life. everything started to shake. and soon, panic arose. just what I was counting on. everyone, the children and our captors ran. they dispersed in every direction. of course, I followed the crowd. but I didn't really follow them, I ran. as far and as fast as I could. soon I came to the outside of town and stopped. I slept under the deck of a house once it became dark.
the next morning I ran again. I think I went through two towns running over the next couple days. but I knew I'd be seen soon enough and picked up again if I didn't get really far away. so I hid in the back of a semi truck heading down in this direction. every time he'd stop I'd jump out and get some food from anywhere I could. I think eventually he knew I was there, because he kept accidentally leaving food and water and a blanket. but he never disturbed me.
when we got to Bretherni I ducked out. I lived on a farm for a little while. and then was caught by the city cops for the first time. they stuck me in an orphanage. they didn't believe me when I told them who I was. I couldn't be the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bellin Empire. why would I be so far away when I was clearly no older than six? I tried to tell them what happened but they just laughed and told me I'd be a wonderful storyteller someday.
when I got into the orphanage I told adult after adult what happened and why I was here. but they said something along the lines as the CC's did. 'what a wonderful imagination'. so I finally gave up with them. I stayed content for a little while in the orphanage. fresh clothes. food. shelter. but soon I was very unhappy. I couldn't control my powers yet and I was afraid that someone would find out and make me stay in a 'white box' as I was often told the 'sick kids' get stuck in.
so I ran again. but I didn't make it far. the CC's caught me again and brought me back. they thought I just had some mental trauma and tried me in counseling. that didn't last long either. I wanted nothing to do with adults. they had proved inadequate as far as I was concerned.
so over the next two years I kept running. Eventually I made it through two more town into Portegen. that's when Mrs. Drake found me. after she demanded my custody to be given to her, she gave me options. to stay there as a Grounds employee. to be adopted as one of her children. or to find my own parents.
I didn't tell her my story. I still haven't. I don't think she'd believe me. no adult ever has. so I chose to stay as an employee. I figured if I didn't like it, I would just run again. but I like it here. the work is great. I love the people. I have friends. well, kind of. I do miss my parents. but it's been so long since I've had parents, I don't think I'd know what to do or how to act around them. so I choose to stay here. I'm content. some day I'll look for them."
raven sat there astonished. "no one believed you? ever?"
terra shook her head. "not till I came here. I told Robin, Cy and BB my story a bit wary of myself this time. even what I did to the Earth, thinking they'd think I was insane. but Cy showed me himself. back then he wore sweats all the time to hide himself from everyone. and the BB showed me that he could change into animals. I didn't feel so bad after that. robin said he'd help me work on my powers. I could strengthen them and learn to better control them. and he did help me. a great deal. they were all real great to me.
they told me they'd help me get back to my parents if I wanted. but I turned them down. some nights I'd often think of them and wonder why I was staying here when I could be home with my brother and parents.
but I always chose to stay here in the end. for the same reasons I told you before. once Cy hooked us up to satellite and everything, I did search for them on the web.
I was amazed that my family history was up there. my brother is now nineteen. he's preparing to take over for my father as Duke once he passes. he's also been doing some more schooling as well as some militia work. I have a little sister too. her name is Cortni. she's now seven. born right around the time I was taken in here.
it also had a part out on me. with pictures to boot. there was a huge reward for any information on me. but no matter how many times I told my story, no one ever even bothered to look into it. the reward still stands for my return or even information."
"Did you change your name?"
terra shook her head. "My name is Lady Tara Markov of Bellin Empire, daughter to Parlo and Dianna Markov, Duke and Duchess of Bellin Empire. I just changed the spellings. Terra Marcove. a common thing. same name. different spelling. which actually makes all the difference in the world."
"you said you thought they held you for ransom. your parents would have clearly paid."
"Yea. I don't understand why I was kept their either. I still don't know."
There was a moment's silence.
"I know what you must be thinking." Terra started.
Raven looked to her.
"I have the opportunity and the means to get to my family but I don't. you think I'm crazy."
Raven gave her a small smirk. "I wasn't going to use the word crazy. But I don't understand."
Terra shrugged. "Neither do I." she took a deep breath. "I suppose I will some day. But even as a four year old child, even then I knew what my life would be like when I grew older. I would have to do my own militia service starting in a few month on my 16th birthday. from there, I would have my prospects for husbands lined up for me to choose from. It would have to be someone with 'true blood' meaning someone with as high a status as me or higher. I would have various responsibilities over different parts of Bellin. In my own right, though my brother would get the 'throne,' I would still get the title Duchess. I was the next in line, therefore, no matter whom Geo married, I got the crown too.
I don't want the crown. I don't want responsibility. And I know they'd reject my powers. I love what I can do. It's who I am. It makes me what I am. And somehow, they'd criticize it and me. I'd be miserable."
Raven listened to her whole speech. "You're looking at it the wrong way. If you went back to your family, you'd have just that. a family. A real family. People who cared for you and loved you. someone to stay up at night worried about you. someone who wants better things for you and to see you, above all else, happy. You'd have someone to hold you when you're scared, and make you laugh when you're upset. People to share in your triumphs and give you encouragement when you fail. You'd have a house and a room, a brother and a sister. A life that wasn't chosen for you."
Terra shook her head. "It is chosen for me though. I didn't choose to be born into the House of Markov. I didn't ask to become a Duchess of the Empire. If I could have what you just said, if I could have just my family, then I'd be happy to return."
"How can you be so sure they wouldn't give you what you wanted? They'd probably be so happy to have you back, they'd give you whatever you asked for. Besides, you have a sister now. she could resume your role as she probably already has."
Raven could see that hit home. Not meaning to, Raven had implied that Cortni had taken her place. There was the unmistakable look of grief sweep across Terra's face. Then hurt. Her eyes glazed over momentarily before she refocused again to look at Raven.
"I'm not saying I'll never return. I'm just not ready yet."
Raven nodded and stood. "Don't wait too long. You never know what waits around the corner. It might be too late if you're not careful." And she headed to her bedroom to change for this evening's festivities.
The four of them set out around seven that evening. They had no real agenda. It was just meant to be a fun outing. And they were completely unsupervised.
Star had made a special trip up to the Drake Grounds for Raven's night out. They had all previously decided that they'd go out in semi formal evening wear, Terra's suggestion.
Why? Why not?
Star's long red hair she had pinned in a twist on the back of her head. In places tendrils fell and curled framing her beautiful face. She wore little make-up but a generous amount of glitter over her eyes and on her chest. Her dress was silver and black, falling to the ground. She wore black sandals to match and a bracelet set as well. She looked absolutely stunning.
Jinx took this advantage to wear her favorite dress. It was a midnight color with sleeves that slit at her shoulders and fell to the hem leaving her arms exposed. It was a semi high neckline but the dress itself didn't reach her knees. Her feet were covered with mid-calf high black boots. Her hair she had curled all over her head with a black tie head band.
Terra wore green. Her skirt was short with slits up the sides making it shorter. Though no onlooker could tell, it was in fact a skort. Her shirt was a strapless top, camouflage in color that came to a point right above her breasts in the middle of her chest. From there it tied around her neck leaving most of her back bare. Her feet wore short black boots that zipped up the inside with a buckle at the top. Her hair she wore in two long braids down the side of her head leaving three inches at the bottom unbraided as they fell down the front of her. a few wisps of hair that were too short to stay in the braids fell over her pale blue eyes.
Raven wore all black. Her hair in a high ponytail and Star had insisted on curling at least a few tendrils of her lavender locks. She flatly refused make-up. Her dress fell to her knees, with not much to it. Three quarter inch sleeves that gave a weaving hemline appearance. It tied in the back revealing her curves nicely. Again, she wore her black combat boots.
Talo dropped them off at the pier docking the water. For a moment Raven watched Terra look out a short distance away from the group. Her story came drifting back into her mind. Raven found herself idly wondering if this might have been one of the places she had come as a child.
Then she turned with a wicked grin. "I have an idea."
They all looked at her; Jinx a bit skeptical, Star elated, Raven blank.
"Let's find a group of guys and live like tonight's our last."
All three stared at her with narrowed eyes.
Terra laughed. "Come on. It'll be fun. We can make up stories, pretend to be long lost heirs to… I don't know… the realm of Tetnis. We have one more night to live before our fathers find us. Be creative."
Star looked down to her finger where her gold band shown brightly in the setting sun's rays.
Jinx shrugged. "For once, I think it's a great idea."
Slowly Star pulled her rings from her fingers. She held them tightly starring at them for long moments before slowly bringing her eyes up to meet Terra's. "I suppose I could do that for one night." She placed them in the smallest zippered compartment of her little black purse she carried over her shoulder.
Raven could somehow sense disaster in this but gave a quant nod all the same.
"Great." Terra grinned ear to ear. "I know just the place to pick up such delicious treats." She turned and started on her way.
The three trailing behind her felt their hearts in the pits of their stomachs.
A few moments later, Terra had led them to a spot to the left of the pier. It was a sandy beach, the waves crashing off the rocks in the distance sending mist up the shoreline. To the far left was a rock wall leading out to an abandoned lighthouse. The pier itself stood twenty feet above water level and went a few yards out over the water. One side was lined with vendors consisting of food, drinks, games and such. The other side was lined with tables and benches and the sort. The very end was bare, for dancing and just enjoying the water and view.
True to her word, Terra knew just where to find these boys. A large group of people, mostly around their age, were gathered under the pier. Boys and girls alike.
Terra watched on with hungered eyes. "Ok." She turned. "Here's the rules. Follow your gut instinct. If you think he's bad news, ditch him. watch out for the older ones. Their sick. If we decide to go our separate ways we meet here at 2am. If you get lost, which should be difficult considering you can see the pier for miles, call someone right away and stay where you are. We'll all come after you. don't give your real name and don't give him your real number at the end of the night. Questions?"
They were stunned into silence. "You've done this before." Jinx asked.
Terra laughed. "Lara, who lives down the road from the Grounds, and I go out occasionally. These are the rules we've established and have found they work out great."
Jinx and Star fidgeted a bit on either side of Raven.
"All right. Sounds good to me." Raven said finally, tired of just standing there.
Terra grinned and walked to her, lacing her arm with Ravens. She led her away with a slight wave to the others as she left.
It wasn't long before Terra found her first pair of guys. One was tall and built with ebony black hair and green eyes, wearing no shirt and jeans over carpenter boots. His counterpart was only a few inches shorter with dark grey eyes and brown hair. He wore a white muscle shirt over nicely tanned skin and black sports pants over a pair of sneakers.
"Are these to you're liking?" She whispered as they approached.
Raven gave her a slight smile.
Terra grinned. "Remember, you can be whatever you want tonight."
The boys had spotted them quite a ways away. The shorter one had seen them approach and after nudging his friend, nodded in their direction to alert him of their arrival.
Terra knew the exact scenario she planned to use. It was the first her and Lara had tried and still used occasionally.
Instead of walking right to them, Terra led them to a few feet away, and leaned over the side of the pier looking down at the water crashing under them. Raven did the same fallowing Terra's move.
Terra glanced at them. They were watching. She gave them a coy grin before turning back. "They'll be here momentarily." She whispered.
For a moment Raven felt slightly overwhelmed. The music behind them was blaring, there were people everywhere talking and laughing. She could feel emotions pouring off everyone and it over took her for a moment as she drowned in them trying to clear her own mind.
It was like poison, slowly it took control of her body making her senses numb and vision blur. She got a sudden dizzy feeling and gripped the side to control herself before she fell over. Everyone's feelings were so strong. It was so over powering.
Finally she took a breath and cleansed everyone's aura from her own and placing a slight mental block. When she came to her senses she realized the boys were just now stopping at the side of Terra.
Terra stood back and looked at them with hunger-filled eyes. But she played in innocent act well. Raven could tell she had had much practice at this.
"I haven't seen you here before." The shorter one said.
"We're not from around here." Terra remarked.
It was a moment longer as his eyes wondered over Terra's body and back to her own eyes. Raven watched a bit uncomfortable for a moment. That's slightly how Slade had first looked at her. but it was different. he didn't have the same emotion flying off him as Slade had.
She turned her attention to the dark-haired man. He stood watching her with a small smile. His eyes didn't leave hers as he drank in her youth. It was fairly obvious she was young. To Raven, it was fairly obvious he was older.
"What bring you out on this lovely night?" the shorter one asked Terra again.
Terra once again linked her arm with Raven's. "My sister and I fled our homeland a few months ago. This is our last night in Rajmech and we thought it'd be nice to intermingle with some commoners."
Raven saw the boy's brow raise at the word commoners. She couldn't help but give a quiet smirk.
"So, what are your thoughts for the night?" he asked.
Terra put on the best innocent act Raven had ever seen. "only to evade being found by those in search of us and to enjoy the night with some worthy gentlemen who know how to treat a Lady of foreign culture."
That put a devious smile on his face. "My name's Cory. This is Tauqir."
Terra unlinked her arm enough to give a courtly curtsy. "I am Medusa. This is my sister Laveda."
Raven gave a graceful curtsy bowing her head beside her. Terra grinned inside herself. Raven was just as good an actress as herself.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance." Raven said quietly, giving herself a naive air.
The one named Tauqir took Raven's hand lightly in his own and brought it to his lips. With a small smile he said, "The pleasure is all mine." before kissing her hand gently.
Their eyes locked and at that moment it was as if they were inside a story. A damsel in distress, being introduced to her knight in shinning armor.
It had taken a moment for Star and Jinx to regain their composure. "Shall we accompany each other?" Star asked.
Jinx nodded. "At least until we feel comfortable."
Star wasn't sure whether she'd ever feel comfortable. Her fingers fidgeted with the place her ring normally occupied.
Slowly they walked in. Many had already taken notice of the pair as they had stood off in the distance watching the inside. They had not noticed.
Jinx led her and Star to a bar and they sat. They ordered a couple sodas and scoped out their surroundings. It wasn't a bad spot. Not one known for crimes or anything. It was moderately comfortable. And extremely popular.
While Jinx sat studying their surroundings, Star contemplated a story to tell. But she didn't have much time to rehearse.
A young man with dark hair and dark eyes took a seat next to her, ordering a drink as well. He didn't seem to take notice to her. But Star noticed him right away. He was tall, possibly even taller than herself. He wore a bottom up shirt that looked to be made of silk. His pants were that of jean. He was utterly handsome.
Star smiled shyly tinting her face with a soft pink as she looked away sipping the last of her cola.
That made him glance to her. he turned and called the bartender for a refill.
The bartender did so. Star looked at it and then to him. she blushed a little more and brought her shoulders up timidly. "I thank you."
He gave her a slight nod.
Star took a sip, her eyes darting from him to the soda a few times.
He chuckled.
"My name is Lajila." Star said quietly admiring his chortle.
"Lajila. Remarkable. I see you were named well."
Star giggled and looked away trying to push the blush down.
"I'm Adrian."
Star looked up to him. "I have not heard that name before. What does it mean?"
He grinned. "Dark."
"I see." And she tilted her head to her side, revealing a most tempting neck.
His eyes followed the trail of her cheekbone down her neck, caressing her skin with his eyes. His hand slid up and pushed an uncurling red tendril to the side of her face, out of her own eyes.
"Eyes such as yours should not have anything blocking their view."
Star melted into his words, hypnotized by his voice and mesmerized by his eyes.
Beside her Jinx had hopped off the stool and drifted to one of the stands with games. This was the sort she had seen at carnivals and amusement parks. Five bottles stacked in a pyramid. You get three balls and three chances to knock them down. They all have to be off the table in order to win.
Jinx set her dollar on the counter. The attendant took it and replaced it with three dirty white bean filled balls. She frowned. No wonder most people lost at this game.
She played four times. as she set a fifth dollar down in a huff, a boy a few inches taller than herself stepped up next to her to watch. She paid him no mind.
The balls were set in front of her. she threw the first, knocking the top two off. Leaving the bottom three almost completely untouched.
"Can I give you a pointer?" a voice next to her asked.
Jinx turned her attention to the boy who had walked up. He had bright blonde hair and swirling amber eyes. He wore a wind suite in the colors of a clear sky day.
Jinx gave him a curt nod.
"Throw over hand, somewhat lightly."
Jinx raised a brow. She had been throwing underhand. But why not give it a try?
So she did. She knocked two down. One fell off the table. She frowned.
"You can still win. Hit the one laying down into the other. They'll both go over. Stand here." He moved for her.
Jinx did just as he said. She hit the one lying with a little force. It knocked the one beside it off the table, spinning that way itself.
Jinx was bouncing up and down with a tense excited face. Her curls bobbed on her head. Her hands clenched at her chest.
Right before it fell, it stopped and stayed on the table. She pouted.
The boy next to her laughed. He placed a dollar down and within two shots, he had won.
An awed Jinx stood staring at him as he placed a large fluffy purple bear in her arms. He had a charming smile.
"Thanks." She said.
"Any time."
They stood watching each other for a moment.
"So, where's your friends?" He asked.
Jinx took a quick glance around. Star was still talking to that guy who had sat next to her. Looking around further she could just barely make out Raven and Terra occupied with two other guys. "I came alone." She finally said.
His brows furrowed. "Care for some company?"
Jinx finally smiled to him. "That would be nice."
They turned and started walking to another game stand.
"I'm Lucien."
Jinx hadn't really thought too much of a name. But she had no time to really think. As they passed another couple she listened to them talk. The girl was speaking fast and in what appeared to be another language. So out of the jumble of what she overheard, she chose her name. "Amunet."
Ten of two and the girls were just starting to make their ways back to their rendezvous point.
Star and Raven stood talking and laughing about their night and whom they had met. terra showed shortly after with Jinx coming only seconds later.
"That was a blast." Jinx said.
Star nodded her agreement. "I must admit I had my doubts, though I did quite enjoy myself. Adrian was quite worthy of my attention."
Jinx nodded holding up her bear. "And Lucien has an excellent arm."
Raven gave them all a grin. "It was fun. Great idea Terra."
Terra gave her a curtsy which caused both girls to laugh.
A short distance away, which they walked on the beach, the girls made their way to where Talo had agreed to pick them up. It was in a large parking lot under the biggest of all the lights. He pulled up stepping out with a camera.
"Come girls, gather for a picture."
No one objected. Raven stood leaning against the light post with arms crossed. Terra came up slightly behind her placing her chin on Raven's shoulder and a hand on her other. Her empty hand grasped Star's as she knelt slightly in front of Raven taking Jinx down with a hand around her neck, their heads touching. Raven's one hand went up to clasp Terra's and the other joined Terra's and Star's already together. Each had a bright smile, and lively glinting eyes.
The pictured snapped holding all of the night's memories within.
-LC
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