So, it's been like, what? three years or so since i started this fic. And it'll finally be coming to an end after one or two chapters (it all just depends). Since i usually write my author's notes up here before i start writing the fic, it gives me a chance to get out some crap that i might just wanted to sprinkle in your mind or me just venting or talking nonsense. The fact is, i really enjoyed writing this. And when i'm done with the final chapter, i'll probably go back and edit ALL the chapters, except the first one since i've been tweaking it numerous times over these quick paced years. (if u read it when it was first posted, then u'll probably see a small difference if u can remember that far back). I also like to say that i'm strangely compelled by Michael. As some of you may have guess, he's somewhat based off Malchior. But his character goes beyond that. Michael confuses some people, and even me at times. He's forever playing the villain and maintains his role as the main obstacle for Gar&Rae. And his history is kind of a mystery to all. I mean, how exactly did he meet Trigon? How was he able to restore Trigon's company? And to do so, he had to have some type of connections or smarts, so how did he end up in the slums tricking hoes? And when exactly did he first see Raven anyway? (all questions may remain unanswered). And then there's this whole "love" thing. Basically throughout the story, Michael has been trying to get Raven to love him, or more like forcing her to. I myself can't tell you if his feelings for Raven is love, lust, or a crazed obsession (my guess is the last one). But one things for sure, (whatever it is) it's definitely gone too far. He's possessive and is willing to do anything to have her, and if this means shooting a teenage boy or punching Raven until she gives in to a kiss, so be it. And this too raises a few questions. Raven lived with Michael and the girls for a few years, so why hadn't he managed to woo her before Gar came into the picture? In those few years, Michael hadn't force himself on her or hit her, but who knows what all had happen in the little apartment. I mean, just cause he didn't do it to her doesn't necessarily means he hadn't to another girl. He didn't allow her to be a hooker, but let her be a stripper. As i said before, he's possessive of her and the main reason he couldn't dare let her be a hooker was the fact that he wanted to be the one to take Raven (something Gar has taken from him). As for letting her strip, it's probably more of a power thing than about the money. As in, 'she may not love me, but look at what i can make her do' or 'no matter how you feel towards me, i'll always have power over you'. But in the end, all he wants is Raven's love (or maybe just love in general), something he'll never have (with or without Gar). But, of course, it's so easy to blame Gar. He can blame Gar for everything (from Raven not loving him to her leaving the apartment) and make himself seem like the victim. But the villain is the hero of their own story. I could probably go on and on about this, but i think i should start writing this chapter now. But let this little essay remind you that when reading, just like a lot of things in life, you need to think beyond what is said and done to truly comprehend what's going on.

Gar closed the door of Jack's/ Josh's car. He sighed, wiped out from work. He glanced over to his car and made a note to himself to bring some gas for it. He was happy to be home. After a long day of screaming customers and lazy co-workers, he would like nothing better than to see his son and take a nap with his wife-to-be. His mood instantly changing, he skips to the apartment with much enthusiasm. "Rae--Raven?"He froze in front on the broken down door. The living room was a disaster area. Furniture was turned over, glass shattered everywhere, chips of wood was scattered here and there. His heart pounding in absolute fear, he flew in. Pausing at the doorway between the living room and the kitchen at the sight of a body. He ran over and kneels next to Jack's body. It was obvious he had taken a beating. His skin was flushed, his lip and nose were bleeding, bruises were already starting to surface, an eye seemingly swollen shut, and a knot was slowly becoming apparent.

"J-Jack? Jack! What happen? What happen to you?" Nothing.Gar then began to panic. He clenched the collar of Jack's shirt and shook him violently. "Jack! Jack! Wake up! Wake up, you asshole! This isn't funny!" With no response, a tear escaped his eye. "Jack. . . Y-you can't! You can't die! You just can't die, not now! DON'T DO THIS TO ME!" he screamed at him frantically. He released his grip on Jack and his older brother fell to the floor. "D-don't...Don't m-make me relive this p-pain...please," he sputter out as uncontrollable tears fled from his eyes. "Please," he choked out before he was unable to speak over his sobs.

Jack moaned and turned over on his side in pain. He coughs for a full minute and turns over to lay on his back again. Gar sat still, completely stunned. He was so sure that his brother was dead. A weak smile came to his lips and gently pulled Jack into an embrace."Ugh, Gar? That you?" a guess from Jack's hoarse voice. Gar answered by tightening his grip on him. He held him for a while longer, but eased him to the floor when Jack started coughing."Jack, what happen? Does this have anything to do with those drug guys? Jack. . .are you-""Umm. I wish, at least then I'd known what the hell was going on," Jack said, somewhat groggily. "It was like a fucking S.W.A.T. team, busting in the door and shit," he paused to clear his throat and forced himself to sit up. "They...They were after Raven."Gar eyes widen and rushed over to their room. The door had been smashed, the crib laid on its side, everything that was on the dresser was now on the floor, and Raven was no where to be seen. "No," Gar hisses. "No!" He slams his fist into the wall, ignoring the physical pain. He wasn't sure how, but he was certain Michael was behind this. He went on a rampage, busting and toppling over anything that wasn't already. He probably would've done it until he passed out if it wasn't for the sound of an infant's cry. He ran to the flipped over crib and pulled the blanket off his wailing son. Gar held his child in joy and relief before checking for damage. Baby Chris seemed to be fine, so Gar concentrated on calming him down. They went back to Jack, who still was sitting on the floor.

"I think my arm's broken," Jack said to him the moment Gar walks in.

"I'll take you guys to the hospital, but I need to go to the bank."

"Why?"

"I need money for a plane ticket."

"Uhhh..."
Her body ached all over. Raven was so tired, but sleep had left her. She open her eyes and slowly got up. She gazed around the empty, unfamiliar room in a daze. Michael wasn't around and she was certain that he hadn't raped her last night. However, she wasn't sure how she got in the bed she was lying in or how the new pink and black shear lingerie dress got on her, but she wasn't about to let that worry her. She had to get out of there and that's all she cared about. She slid out of the bed and went to the closer of the two doors. Raven frowned when she found it was a bathroom and dashed to the other. She tried to turn it, but it was locked. Both hands on the knob, she struggled to open it. Shaking the door tremendously to no avail. She put her ear to the door and could the sound of girls chattering. She banged against the door and yelled for them to open it. The outside voices went silent and soon after the sound of scampering feet were heard. Raven continued to slam her fist against the door, eyes filled with determination. She kicked and screamed until all her energy was gone. She slid to the floor in total despair. Tears glazed her eyes and grabbing hold of the cross on her necklace, she began to weep as reality truly set in.

She got up after a few minutes and made her way to the private bathroom. There was a full length mirror in between the sink and toilet. She frowned at her reflection. Her hair was wild and sloppy. A few scars and hickeys were spread across her body from the fight yesterday. Her new nightie was annoyingly revealing. Her face was still a slight shade of red from crying.

She paused, seeing the slight discoloration circling her eye. She leans in closer and brings a hand up to her eye. Her fingers brushed against it and the color smeared. She hastily rubs the make-up off to see the forming of a black eye. She angrily kicks the mirror and it cracked. She went to the sink and heatedly scrubs her face clean. Her body tenses at the sound of the door opening, she just knew it was Michael. She glances out into the room to see a girl with a plate of food. She places on the bed, freezes when they make eye contact, slowly turns away and walks out the door.Raven snaps out of her daze and hurries to the door. She tugs and pulls, but it didn't open. The girl had relocked the door. Raven sighed and sat on the bed. There weren't any clocks or windows in the room, so it was impossible to tell what time of day it was. It was disorienting. She couldn't tell an hour from a minute. Everything just drags together. Raven picks up her plate and places it on the floor. Time slowly moved and the door opens again. She hops up, hoping she could run past whoever opens the door. But the door only came a few inches open and Michael slides in, closing it shut behind him.

"Hello Lil' Ray."
She stands and glares at him. His smile falls for a second, but reappears as quickly as it went away. He tries to pull her into a hug, but she pushes him away, ready for another brawl. He ignores her fighting stance and looks at her untouched plate next to the bed. He walks past her and picks it up."You should eat, Raven," he simply says, but places back on it's spot on the floor. Raven stood, stunned. She wasn't sure what to do. He wasn't doing anything. She couldn't relax with him just sitting there looking at her uneaten food. She hated when he did this. Her brain isn't able to function when he acts so casual. It boils her blood to no end, but she's uncertain of what she should do. So she did what she use to do when she lived with them, stand quietly until he walks away."I'm not going to fight you today, Raven. I'm just not up for it. But know this, you will be mine Raven Roth." He stands and walks to the door, postponing his exit to say, "Raychelle will bring you dinner, make sure you eat it. I'll be in Shayla's room for tonight."

the opening with gar (obviously) takes place about an hour or so after raven is taken away, but it's been about two days in full time. RnR and sorry that it's just two pages long.