Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos !
My recent beginning and ending comments, in the two previous chapters, were rather dark, due to those two demises which moved me a lot. Exit the funny, if not hilarious Leo whom you all know. Sorry if I passed my grief over to ya and made ya cry ! I didn't mean to upset ya, but at the same time, I felt the need to share my psychological dolor with you all. It all comes from the heart, as I'm known for being a straightforward guy most of the time (sometimes, lying is a strategy to avoid being scolded or yelled at, even if I actually would NOT deserve the said scolding and yelling…)
But this time, as I start this, just one week away from my 36th birthday (which will take place on January 23rd) – gee, am I getting ooooold …. – I want to drop sadness and gloom, and make it lighter. Lighter as in "less dark" but also as in "less heavy". Okidoki ? ;)
I understand my last chappy made some of you uncomfortable, due evidently to the perspective of a possible rape, and to the traumatic experience who made Love that shaking and weeping. That was a pretty trying part, yes, I know. But on the other hand, I wanted to show how disgusting, how vile, how despicable Lust was for a Keeper. I wanted you to hate it… and I'm pretty sure you DID hate it, didn't ya, Folks ?
So yeah, the Titans have already defeated half of the Keepers, making 4 out of 8 protection barriers vanish from around the portal marking the entrance to Fraktal's lair. Pretty encouraging, isn't it ? Will they be able to carry out their mission to its term ? Bring their adventure to fruition ? Will all of them survive ? Will Stewart Moser make it through ?
All of this is yours to unveil in the course of this story !
My first thanxxxx this time go to xsammiegirlx, who caught up with the last 4 chappies all in a row on the evening of January 18th (same as Cuttiegirll57, who often reads several chap's successively). Thanks a bunch, Sam ! Ya rock !
Then will I display my gratitude to Blood-of- Si… hum, sorry, I meant Ruby-of- R… dammit, SKYCHILD101 ! (Ana, would ya mind S-T-O-P-P-I-N-G your continuous change of aliases ? I can hardly recall what you're called these days ! If it goes on that way, I think I'm gonna forget about your real name as well… XD) Thanxxxx for being once again the first one to review ! Ya rock too !
Next in line is Cuttiegirll57, who is member of the Top 3 Reviewers as well. Your kind comments and your valuing my writing that much, and considering me a very talented writer, really have to make me blush redder than a strawberry… (There I stupidly go blushing again !) Ya rock as well !
Third, welcome to a new fan : LivingByFanfic, who favourited this story last month. Thanxxxx a lot, Buddy ! Hope ya like what's coming next !
And now, girls (and boys ? I don't see many males reviewing my stories… that to imply I'm a ladies' man ? ;P), the time you've all been eagerly waiting for has come : me shutting my incessantly babbling mouth and finally starting this new part !
Ok, shutting it…
… and starting to write…
… and hoping you'll like it…
… once again…
… but believing you will…
… once again…
…ok, shutting it FOR GOOD ! XDDD
N'joy !
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"If it's a chimera alert, we just follow the screams…" - Jasper Forde -
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8.13 */*/*/* CHIMERA */*/*/* 8.13
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Raven couldn't take it anymore and had to sit down on a large rock.
Her heart was beating fast and she felt her back bathed in cold sweat. Moreover, her throat was sore, making it difficult for her to swallow. And finally, her head was throbbing and her vision was altered by a worrisome dizziness.
She had never felt this bad.
Sure, she had experienced some unpleasant situations where her physical condition had been put to a severe test, but not to that displeasing point.
I must calm myself. I must focus. Get a hold on myself. Try to relax. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos...
Her eyes closed, sitting in the asana position, forefingers and thumbs crossed, she let all the negative emotions ebb away from her soul.
Her breath slowed down as she did her best to inhale gently through the nose, trying to deal with the psychological pressure which had built inside of her.
It had actually all started with a certain Titan…
(FLASHBACK)
Raven floated through the deserted forest, her mind set on the one whom her thoughts were lately always more and more directed at.
She was so absorbed about him that she could almost imagine his face in front of hers, his stare diving straight into hers, a crooked smile sweetly softening his features…
The dark girl focused her powers to try and connect to his mind.
There, the connection was –
"AAAAAAH !"
A scream escaped from her lips as she clasped her head between her hands, wincing from the inner shock she had just received.
She breathed faster, eyes closed, trying hard to calm the mental chaos which had ensued after her linking to Robin's mind.
Her breath gradually settled and she finally reopened her eyes, a puzzled expression haunting her features.
He is angry ! Very angry ! No doubt about this. I could feel wrath ravaging his mind. But what infuriated him that much ? What could it be ?
The mental state of the Titan leader was so influenced by utter ire that it had shaken up the empath and forced her to leave his mind before she would suffer too much from the "contact".
She frowned and felt her hands curl up in fists.
It's Fraktal ! I'm sure it's him ! I KNOW it's him, without actually having to dig further in Rob's mind ! Fraktal ! That miserable swine ! What did he do to Rob ?
At the mere idea of her dear friend – who was now more than a friend… - being upset by that vile being, Raven felt her own body now swarm with rightful wrath.
Then she thought of something.
Should she contact Robin telepathically and ask him what exactly had happened that has angered him that much ?
She hesitated.
Was it a good idea ?
Would he agree to tell her anyway ?
On the other hand, she couldn't stand ignoring what had affected him that much…
She made up her mind and focused.
Robin…
Seconds went by in complete silence.
She was about to retry when…
Yes, Rae ?
Raven's features immediately lit up and a small smile appeared on her lips.
Hi Rob ! It's good to hear you !
She felt a heat wave hit her face.
It's great to hear you too ! How are you ? How is it going in your battles ?
It's going pretty good. Tough fights, but none of my foes can overdo my powers, so no matter how much time and how many efforts it takes, I always end up beating them.
She bit her lip.
But what about you, Rob ?
I'm a bit tired but no big deal. I'm okay. I just wish I could come help you.
The cloaked girl took a deep breath and formulated her request.
Robin, I… I could sense your emotions earlier… I received a psychological shock and, looking for its origins, I found out that it had been cause by your emotional state. Your anger. And… I was wondering what had caused that anger of yours… Would you mind sharing it with me ? I'm… worried about your upset, Robin.
There was a silent pause.
Raven swallowed her saliva.
She feared that he would not want to explain to her what had occurred and would put things into perspective.
But he finally told her.
I have noticed that I'm not the only one able to make the aura transfer from Subterraneas to Limbo. Starfire wanted to try and do it, although I had warned her that she wouldn't be able to, and when she did, it turned out that she actually WAS able to make the transfer. Which surprised me, but nevermind. The thing is that I understood that someone else than me could ensure the aura moving, and thus that I could leave the Vault to enter Subterraneas and come help you. But Fraktal prevented me from doing so : he attacked me and then made fun of me, stating that he wouldn't allow me to help you and that you would have to fight all Guardians by yourself. And that's pretty much why I was angry.
The half-demon swallowed her saliva again and her face heat up, but this time not due to her feelings for Robin : due to her anger about Fraktal's ignominious behaviour.
I'm sorry about all this, Rob. Sorry that Fraktal prevented you from helping me. You said he attacked you…Did he hurt you ?
Her heart was beating so fast in this moment, for she dreaded that Robin had been roughed up by her ancient enemy…
He threw some green flash of lightening at me, which made me fall, but I'm okay, Rae. Don't worry, okay ?
Are you sure ?
Yes, I am. Be at rest, Rae. But thanks for asking ! You're really so sweet, Raven !
The Goth's heart almost jumped in her chest, out of happiness. Her face suddenly got hot and a nice smile stretched her lips. Her, the half-demon, the daughter of Trigon, was sweet !
Thank you, Rob ! So are you… But I'll make Fraktal pay for what he did to you !
(BACK TO REALITY)
Yes, she would definitely avenge her beloved's mistreatment ! Fraktal would get it for daring to hurt the one she cared the most for !
Raven found herself calmer now.
But it actually wasn't Robin's helplessness and hurting that had made her feel that bad, almost sick at heart. It was actually more the second contact of that terrible day that has troubled her so much, to the point of physical malaise.
She had suddenly felt an overwhelming panic bursting far away, but relating to her somehow. She therefore had assumed that one of her emoticlones was involved, because the only beings whose deep unease she could perceive without making any conscious effort were her emotions. For all the others, even her fellow Titans, even Robin himself, she had to willingly use her powers to search their emotional sphere and thus find out about their turmoil.
Raven had therefore focused her magical perception on that great fear reaching to her and found out that it was Love.
She had used a stronger telepathic link to ensure that her "inner call" would surpass the panic paralyzing her emoticlone : for if she had used the usual telepathy, it is likely that Love wouldn't have felt the "voice" of Raven inside her own mind, being too absorbed in her own drama…
Love had replied in a flipped out way, her thought being "screamed" inside of Raven's mind. And the grey girl had immediately understood why the sweetest of her emotions was so distressed in this moment.
The most horrible thing was about to happen to her.
And for some mysterious reason, her powers were seemingly deactivated, rendering the Purple Cloak helpless in her attempt to resist Lust, the lewdest of all Keepers. There was no way the poor emoticlone could avoid what was awaiting her…
But Master had found the right words, the right "tone" (if one can use that word for a telepathic message, instead of an oral one…). Master had ordered her own emotion to try to restrain her panic, which was perhaps the cause of her powers' neutralization.
And Master had been right, for after she had managed to calm down a bit, Love had freed her contained powers all at once, which had occurred so violently that it had almost slaughtered the enemy. And enabled the poor Purple Cloak to free herself from that abhorrent situation in which Lust had trapped her.
But short after ending the telepathic communication with Love, who had thanked her for her invaluable help, Raven had felt shivers of disgust run down her back and her legs almost give in. A headache and dizzy spell had completed her uneasiness.
And so, there she currently was, sitting on that large rock, her heart aching at the mere idea of Robin being hurt… and sad that he couldn't come here to battle by her side ! Sure, his staying in the Vault implied that he would remain safe and not risk anything, but she nevertheless felt disarray overwhelm her : she would have been so happy to fight with him… have him with her, all the way through… only for her…
Raven dried her tears at last, managing to finally pulling herself together. She got up from her rock and started walking, her mind still set on the sentimental gap caused by Rob's absence.
She had to be strong.
No matter the ordeal, she had to show her force, her physical one but mostly her psychological one.
As she was lost in thought, she didn't notice the slight movement on the stony ledge above her…
And just before she reached the wood fringe…
"OOOOOWWWW !"
The Azarathian collapsed heavily after being hit by a ponderous mass.
She heard a roar and turned her head.
It was a sabertooth tiger with a unique green eye, which had leapt down to her and knocked her over, and which was now ready to bite and draw blood.
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos !"
Just when he was about to get her, the mutant feline got hit by a ball of black energy which immediately cast him away.
The Goth was back on her feet in no time, alert, her purple eyes narrowed at this new creature bearing the distinctive green orb of Fraktal by way of eyes.
She was ready for the new assault, taking everything in from the monster's careful moves, as he slowly walked in a circular manner, as if intending to attack the human from the rear. But there was no way he could deceive her and catch her by surprise.
Suddenly, Raven had some inkling and turned around…
… just to be toppled by another sabertooth tiger !
The first animal rushed to the Titan, chops showing, growling threateningly, ready to help his fellow creature to butcher the intruder.
But Rae was quicker : she imprisoned both beasts into dark bubbles and sent them far away.
Yet it wasn't over : another tiger came running from behind the stony hill and hurried towards the cloaked girl, while another one loomed from between two bushes and raced at the teen.
The half-demon did what she could to handle all the beasts, but they kept on attacking and it was becoming increasingly hard to fight them again and again.
Unfortunately, one of the beasts managed to plunge his teeth inside the grey flesh, provoking a really loud shout from the Dark Titan.
She fell to the ground but nevertheless managed to summon dark power around her, to protect herself from the assaults of the mutant adversaries.
The tigers were trying to scratch and bite their enemy, but to no avail : the barrier formed by the dark energy didn't allow any such things.
Raven was breathing hard, pain beating in her bleeding shoulder, a sharp, acute pain which really was difficult to stand. The teeth of the beast had gone deep within in one swift attack. It wasn't unbearable, but definitely a hard time to go through.
She tried to steady her breath and sit properly, tortured by the burning hurtful spot on the right side of her neck. She even bit her lower lip under the continuous assault of dolor, which she rarely ever did.
Rae finally succeeded in sitting legs crossed, but winced and frowned on, inhaling briskly when pain stabbed her more cruelly.
The empath didn't spare her efforts to regain control over her rushing breath, and at last managed to. Her chest no longer rose and sank rapidly, and even the pain seemed to have stopped bothering her.
There she sat, cross-legged, hands on her knees, eyes closed, face showing no trace of any emotion (A/N : the typical raven, emotionless, deadpan and all… :) ), while the sabertooth tigers uncontrollably attacked her dark barrier with just as little success.
The cloaked fighter appeared to be waiting for something… or focusing…
Then, she briskly opened her eyes, which were now shining a blinding white light, and screamed :
"AZARATH, METRION, ZINTHOS !"
Dark energy flowed out from the barrier still set around the sorceress, kind of comet-shaped, and enveloped one tiger, then moved forward and got another one, then took a right turn and rushed to imprison another one trying to flee.
Thus, one after another, all the mutant felines were chased by the black power comet, which automatically changed its direction according to the foes' movements, as if it was equipped with a homing device (like in a missile), and sure enough, none of the tigers managed to escape the constantly swaying "comet of power".
When the latter had captured all the adversaries, it came back to raven and stopped in front of her protective bubble.
The Azarathian removed her barrier and got up, still wincing from the pain. She could have healed herself, but preferred to wait until she had defeated all the minions of this land to safely choose a protected, inaccessible place for her healing.
She smirked as she looked at the black prison in which the tigers were incessantly roaring, more out of fear than out of anger of frustration.
A wave of the Goth's hand and the comet aimed at the sky and hurried up there at lightning speed… and soon was out of sight !
The enemies were gone.
It was time to recover.
Raven teleported up to the stony hill, sat cross-legged in another wince of pain, closed her eyes and summoned her healing powers.
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Starfire put her hand on her teammate's shoulder.
"Robin, you do not look too well. Are you still hurt from the Fraktal attack ? Or upset that you cannot go help Raven ?"
The leader raised his head and stared straight into the green orbs of the wondering alien.
"No, I'm fine since that bastard's assault." He stopped and made an upset pout. "Sorry, for cursing, Star, it's just -"
But she made him quiet by clenching his gloved hand.
"No, it's okay, really. I understand how you feel. You do not have to make the apologies. I'm fine with that."
A crooked smile materialized on the Boy Wonder's features.
"Thanks, Star ! You always were a great friend !"
The Tamaranean suddenly looked surprised.
"Were ? Why are you talking in the past ? I am not a great friend anymore ?"
Robin couldn't help chuckling.
"Nonono, Star ! It's not like that ! When we say "you were always" here on Earth, it doesn't mean that it has stopped. I know it does sound that way, but it's not. It in fact means that you still are. Do you understand ?"
She obviously was making some conscious effort to try and get to the bottom of this.
"I'm not sure…" She suddenly smiled again before going on. "But I trust you, Friend Robin, and it is all that matters !"
She gave a light laughter after finishing her sentence, and so did Robin.
Yes, with friends like this, life sure was a real pleasure to live.
Suddenly, a noise could be heard behind them.
They both turned around and spotted a dark blue portal, which had just opened. And three – instead of the usual two – Titans walked out of it.
"We made it !" yelled Mas.
"Yes we did !" Menos confirmed.
Still that kind of "stereo" feeling with the Guatemalan twins. Something like an echo : when one said something, the other one always had to either repeat it or add another line stating exactly the same as what had just been said. Would that ever get old ?
"Heyyyyyyy, look who's here ? Timid and the two South-American hyper twins ! Great to see you guys again !" screamed Happy, almost on the top of her voice.
"Woah woah woah ! Can you please turn it down ? You're torturing our ears, Girl!"
The Pink Cloak turned to face the dampener.
"Oh la la, don't be such a killjoy, Mr. Archer ! And name's Happy, not "Girl" ! But okay, I'll try to shout less loud !"
The addressee raised an eyebrow. Shout less loud ? Really ?
"Right" he finally mumbled. "And name's Speedy here. I guess we just need to get to know each other, isn't it ?"
He ended it with a crooked smile, but one imbued with nicety, not irony or implied sarcasm.
The emoticlone grinned, happy again. (A/N : Happy happy again ? Okay, that's it, I'm quiting LSD ! *throw pills in trash can*)
"Anytime…Speedy !"
She winked at him.
"Anytime, then…Happy !"
Now, kinda difficult to say if he winked… courtesy of his mask !
"It was awesome !" stated Menos.
"Yeah ! Terrific !" Mas went further.
"We will tell you everything !" they finally chorused joyfully.
"Yeah yeah ! Please tell us !" Starfire enthusiastically exclaimed, jumping incessantly as she clapped her hands, her being radiating with that ingenuous joy she was the only one to display among the Titans.
Meanwhile, Timid had retired in a corner and watched the scene silently.
Suddenly, she felt a presence materialize by her right side.
"You okay ?" asked the Brown Cloak.
"Yes, I am. What about you, Sloth ?" replied the Grey Cloak.
"Same here."
"Did… did your fight go well ?"
"Not bad"
Typical Sloth, laconic as can be, even with her fellow emoticlone.
"Yours ?" wondered the lazy girl.
"It was… difficult. I lost focus. Lost self-confidence. You know me, always unsure of myself. But Master helped me overcome it and regain confidence in myself. And together with Mas and Menos, I defeated the Keeper. But true that it didn't go by itself…"
And as she spoke, Timid showed an upset expression, as if she still was somehow resentful against herself for showing weakness in battle.
Sloth noticed this but didn't say anything.
Timid had finished her speech and was staring before her, thoughtful, and her face bore the same sad expression.
Suddenly, she felt a pressure on her shoulder.
She turned to look at the violet eyes hidden under the brown hood.
"Don't blame yourself, Timid. You had a moment of hesitation, but it all ended up fine. And it's all that matters, believe me !"
"But -"
"Shhhh ! Be merciful with yourself, Timid ! Alright ?"
The shy emotion finally gave a small smile.
"Alright. Thanks, Sloth !"
Her mate smiled wider.
"No problem. Always there for my dear ones. Even if that means having to talk more and exert myself !"
Timid blinked at her "sister", then both emoticlones laughed at that last humorous line from Sloth.
On the other side of the Vault, the bubbly girls literally "drank" the words of the speedy boys as they told the tale of their feat.
And finally, in the background, Speedy put a hand on the shoulder of the other masked Titan of their teams, who was sitting and looked rather tired.
"You okay, Mate ?"
The leader of the Teen Titans looked up to the archer and flashed a small smile, despite his weariness.
"Yeah, Buddy ! Just a tad enervated from the lack of action, you know. I almost feel sleepy, staying here and barely doing anything… If only I could be out on the battlefield just like you guys…! Man, how I miss battling !"
Speedy's smile grew bigger.
"I hear you, Robin ! I would be just as frustrated, should I be forced to remain here ! But don't forget you're doing one of the most important things for the team !"
The Boy Wonder nodded, feeling really sleepy now.
He sure knew how crucial his role was, but how much he'd have given to be able to get away from this place and struggle against their foes !
In the company of a certain violet-haired sorceress, of course…
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The forest was eerily silent.
Since her battle against the sabertooth tigers, she hadn't met any other being, animal or human. Or monster.
The domain of the new Guardian appeared desert, so it seemed as if the tigers were the only creatures living in the surroundings beside the Guardian himself.
But it actually always had been so up to now. In each new enemy area, there seemed to be only two kinds of beings : the mutant creatures bearing the unique green eye recalling Fraktal and the lord of the land himself. Nothing else. It was as if all normal life had been banished from Subterraneas, and that only the mutant monsters remained, to block access to the Guardian.
Raven slowly floated above the ground, eyes and ears alert, ready to catch any slight movement, any low sound. She knew, since the beginning of her journey throughout Subterraneas, that silence almost always foreshadowed something threatening, waiting further…
…or closer.
The Azarathian landed as she left the foliage's cool protection, and her gaze focused on what she saw in the center of the glade.
A river.
And a bridge spanning it.
The Goth couldn't ignore the indefinable feeling that had appeared inside of her.
The intuition that something was about to take place within this clearing.
The negative energy she could sense showed more intensity, which indicated that the evil lord wasn't that far now. But he could be hiding in this uncovered space just as he could be dwelling in the depths of the forest stretching on the other side. It was this time more difficult to locate the exact position of the dark power's source.
Raven breathed just once, deeply, then walked down the slope and stopped in front of the bridge.
Her violet orbs searched the surroundings, probing every corner of the glade, watchful for the tiniest move, her ears perched for even the most discrete rustle.
Nothing.
Complete silence.
Disturbing silence.
Still on her guards, the half-demon stepped onto the bridge and slowly advanced, her amethyst irises acutely moving from side to side, on the lookout for any sign of danger.
She reached the middle of the bridge and started down the other half of the "stone arch"…
…when a sound behind her made her turn her head !
A trail of fire was rapidly evolving above the water… and, after seemingly shooting up at the sky, it bent into a curve and aimed straight for the young female wizard !
But the strange thing about that "fire trail" is that it kept changing colour : red, green, purple, yellow, blue, brown, orange… none remained for long, but it gave the impression that the hazardous substance hurrying towards her had been made out of a rainbow.
Raven waited the very last moment before quickly floating backwards.
The strange "missile" crashed on the bridge, just missing its target from inches.
Another similar emanation rose from the water and headed for the cloaked teen, who dodged again but didn't get out of it as easy as before : the multicolored streak made some U-turn and charged again at the thin figure.
The chakra girl closed her eyes and focused her power.
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos !"
Black energy emerged from her hands and enclosed the menacing colour-shifting projectile. Then the Dark Titan promptly brought her hands down, and this made the demonic energy force the enemy streak to the ground, where it harmlessly smashed.
Then Raven frowned and narrowed her eyes.
"Come out of here and fight me face to face ! Don't hide like a coward ! Just have the courage to confront me directly, if you've got enough guts for that !"
She had a feeling that, by provoking her adversary, the latter would be cut to the quick and finally show himself.
And she was right.
There was some liquid sound nearby, most certainly from underneath the bridge, given the direction the noise came from.
Then, apparently, silence.
But it was all an impression, for something was definitely coming her way.
From the end of the bridge, Raven had her eyes glued to the top of the bridge, where she knew her enemy would appear.
And finally, a beast reached the middle of the bridge and began going down its slope.
The grey fighter retreated, never allowing her attention to be distracted from the moving shape threateningly stepping forward, on and on, very calmly, very decidedly.
When he at last put his paws on the grass, the Guardian stood still and assessed his opponent, who acted reciprocally.
It was an hybrid creature, yet combining not two but three different animals : a lion for the head, a goat for the body and a snake for the tail. A pretty ugly being, to say the least.
It didn't take Rae that much time to identify who the foe was. She had read a lot about Greek Mythology, and there was only one monster made out of those three animals… a really dangerous monster, she recalled !
"You are Chimera. And the Guardian of this area." stated – rather than asked - the violet-haired teen. She actually didn't need to ask it, for she knew she was right. A mere confirmation of it by the creature would be sufficient.
The devilish critter made some kind of grimace resembling a smile, his eyes becoming two slits from which enmity radiated intensely.
"Cunning little human… if you really are human, since I've never seen any grey human before…"
The whole thing was said on the most ironic tone.
Raven's jaw contracted as she gritted her teeth, at the mention of her inhumanity. The way her foe presented it was insulting… and the introvert teen didn't tolerate such insult about her dual identity !
"Anyway, yes, I'm Chimera, the terrible hybrid Guardian keeping this land. And may I know the name of my next victim ?"
The pale female clenched her fists even more. She already hated Chimera.
"I'm Raven. And while it's certain there will be a victim among the two of us, you shouldn't be too sure of the identity of that victim !"
The eyes of the supernatural being slightly grew wider.
"Well well well, you sure have the gift of the gab ! But that won't save your grey body from future rottenness ! You have no idea WHO you are confronting ! Poor of you !"
Rae felt herself fuming on the inside. The references to her non-human features angered her to no end, as did the fake commiseration expressed at the end of the sentence.
"I'll show you WHO will rotten ! Tell me back !"
And with that said, the Goth invoked her negative power which she sent over to Chimera in the shapes of black spears.
The hybrid had to make a jump to avoid the magical projectiles, and upon landing back on his paws, he roared and another of those multicolored burning streaks left his mouth to swiftly float towards the sorceress.
The latter quickly moved away, but the rainbow missile showed again its homing nature by hounding her wherever she moved to avoid it.
It wasn't long before Raven decided to use the same technique as she already had and, encasing the streak in a black bubble, she forced it down, about to make it crash on the ground, like previously… when she got an idea !
Since she was able to control her adversary's power, she might as well use it to her advantage, instead of immediately destroying the enemy's magic.
Therefore did she direct the imprisoned multicolored trail towards its owner, but she was clever enough to avoid simply attacking Chimera that straight : instead, she gestured in the air and this made the dark bubble follow a pretty twisted trajectory in the air as it still got closer to the Guardian.
The mixed being did his best to keep track of the projectile dangerously closing in, but it was arduous to remain focused on it, so speedy had the bubble become under Raven's action.
The female wizard accelerated her complicated gestures and the dark energy suddenly raced in a complex sinuous pattern which Chimera finally couldn't visually control anymore.
And the black power was removed just as the shock was about to take place !
The streak he had created hit the monster straight in the flank, earning a pretty loud roar.
The Azarathian lowered and elegantly landed on the end of the bridge, her arms crossed and a victorious smirk adorning her graceful face.
Chimera turned his ugly face to his opponent, a grimace of pain lingering on his features.
"You'll pay for that, demonic breed !" bellowed the mixed critter.
Raven's smirk instantly vanished, and a cold expression replaced it.
"We'll see, really !" dryly retorted the Dark Titan.
The Guardian roared again and vomited another multicolored homing flame.
The cloaked heroin acted just the same as before, enveloping it in her black power.
But this time, Chimera indeed had "more in store" for his adversary…
As Rae was dragging the projectile down to make it crash, some multicolored rings appeared around the goat segment of the monster's body, and those rings rapidly floated up towards the young heroin.
Raven didn't catch sight of the incoming threat and just as she was about to succeed in her own deed, the circular magical shapes came around her and briskly shrank.
The powerful sorceress shouted as her head was suddenly imprisoned in three color-shifting circles which spread an unspeakable pain throughout her body !
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH !"
The pale teen immediately put her hands to her head and tried to remove the magical rings, but they had constricted so tightly that her action was vain.
The supernatural being focused his powers and released more multicolored circles from his chest, which soon reached his enemy and took her by surprise, since she was too busy trying to get rid of the first three hindrances : they swiftly shrank and imprisoned the rest of her body in their narrow grasp.
In no time, all rings freed their negative power, which resulted in an awful dolor spreading inside the Goth's organism.
"NOOOOOOOO ! YOU'LL… YOU'LL PAY… FOR THAAAAT ! YOU… YOU HEAR ME… CHIMERAAAAAAAAAAH !"
The hybrid critter smirked as he witnessed the helplessness of his victim.
"I don't think you're in position of making me pay ! In fact, if anything, I'll be the one making you pay for your cockiness… Are you ready for your last moments ?"
"D…DON'T BE… T… TOO S… SELF-C… CONFIDENT… CHIME… RA… I'VE… FOUGHT… WORSE…"
"Of course, of course…" ironically replied the Guardian.
Raven struggled to free herself, letting out growls of pain, frowning hard and breathing thick. But the magical hindrances remained well in place. Even her dark energy couldn't loosen the rings.
But just then, and idea came to her mind.
It wasn't certain to work.
But it was worth trying at least.
All the more since there wasn't any other option at the moment.
She gritted her teeth, closed her eyes and did her utmost to try to seclude pain away, to lock it in a remote corner of her dark mind.
Chimera was walking towards his prey, and his tail slowly rose up above him, its sharp end directed at the ground, like some great organic dagger about to strike. No doubt he would use that back part of his repugnant body to stab the defenseless human to death.
The evil Lord stopped in front of his victim and his tail rose even a tad higher, gaining momentum for the fatal blow.
Just then, Raven's frown disappeared and she stopped gritting her teeth.
And when she reopened her eyes… they were a shiny black !
The devilish being cringed as he noticed this.
A few seconds later, the Titan's body completely turned to black and started to lose its original shape.
The mythological animal opened his mouth, showing his incredulity at what was taking place.
Raven's body morphed into a black animal, which her adversary didn't fail to identify : it was a large raven !
The rings got loose around the thinner body of the magical bird, and the latter could easily escape what the human couldn't.
Chimera watched as the sable figure rose high above him and flew past the bridge, before safely landing on the other side of the river.
Where it morphed back into its original self.
Raven's chest was rising and sinking rapidly as she regained full control over her sore body, her inner force intensely focused on pushing the dolor away, always more and more remote, allowing her magical potential to be back to its usual level.
The triple-animal monstrosity let out a roar of rage and wasted no time : he created three more projectiles and three more rings which all levitated past the bridge, aiming at the cloaked teen.
The half-demon took off and encased the multicolored streaks in her black power but while dragging it down to the ground, she incessantly moved here and there to float away from the rainbow rings homing in on her.
"Yaaaaaah !" she screamed and swiftly gestured towards the ground, where the streaks crashed in a great racket, making three new holes in the grassy ground.
Then the sorceress paid all of her attention to the colour-shifting circles mercilessly harassing her.
She also imprisoned these in her negative energy, but as she did so, she recalled that the Guardian may have sent another attack her way, so she glanced at Chimera… and her eyes widened !
Several more fire trails and rings were heading up to her !
He's trying to overwhelm me with his attacks. I mustn't let myself get distracted and make sure to check all my surroundings at any time. But I think I know how I can turn his numerous attacks against him…
Raven's eyes glowed a dazzling white as she recited her three-word mantra.
A great mass of black energy exited her body and spread out at the incoming projectiles.
And thus were the latter soon all wrapped in dark magic, immobilized in this powerful force field, unable to carry on to the frail body they were supposed to destroyed… the frail body who had freed such mighty witchcraft !
Raven, her eyes still glowing intensely, focused her energy.
Two portals opened nearby.
The Azarathian turned around and flew in the direction of the nearest one, behind her. As she did so, she dragged along with her the huge black mass of dark energy where the many multicolored streaks and rings still hung paralyzed.
The chakra fighter disappeared inside the portals and the great black "cloud" of attacks followed right after.
Chimera watched, almost in awe. He saw all this and couldn't help being impressed by the might of his adversary.
In fact, he had the feeling, deep inside, that he had underestimated her to a certain point.
The Guardian kept his eyes on the portal, expecting the grey girl to come out anytime, naturally without the black mass containing the attacks she had neutralized.
But he was looking in the wrong direction…
Raven indeed came out of a portal, but not the first one, which she had used : out of the second one, which was located…
Chimera suddenly turned around, an inkling hinting him about a surprise attack.
Nothing on the ground, but…
There she was, higher above him !
She had just exited another portal, up overhead… and had forced the dark energy imprisoning the attacks to get down towards Chimera !
And suddenly, Raven made some horizontal gesture with both hands…
…and the dark energy vanished, leaving all the attacks free immediately above Chimera's head !
The hybrid critter roared out of surprise and rage, but it was already too late : the swarm of streaks and rings were already on him !
There were deafening roars of pain and wrath as the flame-like shapes horribly burnt the thick skin of the evil lord, while the circles mercilessly tightened around the ugly body, depriving the monster of always more and more moves.
Raven, her arms crossed, mouth arched down, a severe frown adorning her forehead, stood above the perverted beast, ruthlessly observing how the Guardian contorted himself and writhed in utter dolor. Her face was a silent mask of calm and inclemency. Cold, implacable, merciless harshness.
Finally, the attacks ended.
Chimera lay burnt and bleeding, his body completely locked inside an impressive mass of rainbow circles. He just couldn't move any parts of his body. In fact, the only thing he could still do was talk.
And that's what he did, although with visible pain altering his speech.
"You… defeated me… I… can't believe… it… you weak… human… beat… Chimera… curse… on you…"
The evil lord started to cough, and finally spat a multicolor liquid, in several squirts.
"You got what you deserved, Chimera. You have slaughtered enough people : it's your time to die, now ! And I'm not that weak, since I managed to defeat you. Not too bad, for a mere human, isn't it ?"
The Guardian's mouth, overflowing with that multicolor humour (A/N : careful, coz here, the word "humour" doesn't refer to the funny disposition, but to the second meaning of that word : "bodily fluid" !), twisted into a horrid rictus, mix of pain and cruelty.
"You're… not even… human… just a… demon… and a demon… is a monster… just like me… actually… an even… more… horrible… one… eh eh… eh…"
The hybrid's eyes shone with pure nastiness, relishing the wrath distorting the Titan's features.
Raven, indeed, had felt fury break her emotionless protective wall when she had heard herself being called a "monster". There were many things that the Dark titan could tolerate, but being insulted with the word "monster"… no, definitely no !
The violet eyes threw daggers at the mixed being mocking her, and the next moment, a thin arm was stretched in the direction of the three-animal creature, grey hand at its end opened wide, its palm facing the agonizing monster.
Then Rae slowly closed her hand, shaping it gradually into a fist.
And the multicolored rings around Chimera got encased in dark energy and tightened always more and more, shrinking on and on, compressing mercilessly the vital organs of the beast.
The lion-goat-snake mixture knew that his end was very close now, almost tangible. So he used the last bits of his remaining energy to psychologically harm his opponent a final time, since he couldn't do it physically anymore.
"M…Monster… Fr…eak… Gggggghhhhh !"
Blinded by her wrath – no doubt Rage was at work in this moment… -, Raven clenched her fist until the joints of her hand started to hurt. Her jaw as well was so contracted that it almost got painful.
Chimera goggled and his body was shaken by spasms as the ultimate remains of life left it at last.
Finally, the hybrid body gained stillness and the cruel monster's agonizing expression was frozen in time.
It was over.
The Guardian was dead.
The Dark Titan had won.
"Serves you right…" she whispered to the corpse, hate still perceptible in her voice.
The magical circles which had stifled their creator vanished into thin smoke, allowing the lifeless mass to sprawl dramatically on the cool grass of the glade.
A few seconds later, the corpse dissolved into a multicoloured whirlpool dancing up to the sky. The colours rose higher, higher and…
… a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky, its basis being located exactly where the carcass of Chimera had touched the ground !
But there was more : in that exact same location, a shining blue object kept changing its shape, incessantly remodeling itself.
The empath put her arms up towards the aura and motioned towards the direction she had come from.
The vital energy cell obediently followed that trajectory, and in seconds it wasn't anywhere to be seen anymore.
Another fight won.
Another crucial victory.
Another step taken in the Titans' triumphant march to definitive success.
But it had been really challenging.
Both physically… and psychologically.
Raven crossed the bridge again and soon sank into the second part of the forest, on to her next enemy.
But despite all her efforts, she couldn't forget what Chimera had called her : a "monster", a "freak".
It was mere cruelty from the Guardian… yet deep inside her, she knew she wasn't like all the others. That she was only half human. And that this made her abnormal to some point.
Like a monster.
Like a freak.
And she couldn't restrain it any longer : two wet paths finally formed below her damp eyes, the thin warm flow trickling down to her trembling chin…
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Wasn't that touching ? Almost heartbreaking ? Poor Raven is experiencing what those who are, to some extent, different can actually experience in their everyday life : pain, sadness, frustration, bitterness and a terrible feeling of injustice.
Through Raven's final reaction, I wanted to show how harmful it can get to be considered – and therefore treated – as some kind of monster, freak, abnormal being. Some people aren't like you and me. Okay, and so what ? Do they have to bear others' continuous mockery ? Their disdain ? Their hate ? Is that acceptable ? I say : whether we understand or not what others are, let's respect them and leave them be, coz that's what WE would want from our fellow men if tables were turned and WE were the different ones. Makes sense to ya ?
So, again over 8'000 words, eh ? Seems that my yearning for long chapters really can't have me write much less. But ya like those long chappies, don't ya ? So if you're happy, so am I ! :D
Alright, so I had last published on January 12th, if I recall well. So, with this new one here, that's two chappies in a bit less than a month. Nice to have the opportunity to catch up a tad and make up for lost time. But the relatively quiet context at work makes it possible for me to work more often on my story, in parallel with my home updates.
Oh, btw, I recently turned 36 ! Am I not old ? ;) Far less than any of my readers, I know. But who said FF was reserved to teens anyway ? ^^ And that brings a bit of… difference in the nice lil' (teeny) world of FanFiction, eh ?
Now, I'll try to get rid of that damn throat infection for good and start next chappy this Tuesday. On the right tracks again, Folks !
Thanxxxx again for bothering to read this TT story ! I'm so glad to have so much support, fav', followers ! My greatest thanxxxx go as always to my three biggest fans : SKYCHILD101, XSAMMIEGIRLX and CUTTIE GIRLL57 (in random order… eh eh eh… XDDD)
Here's wishing you all the nicest, much luck for your exams and best of health ! That and either falling in love or remaining in love as long as can be ! =)))
B happ-E ! ;D
Peace, Love, Ecstasy !
XXXX
(The Red Maze)