CHAPTER 2: Trust

"I want to join the team."

Raven peeled her eyes from the window—which was apparently the only thing that's keeping her sane after hearing his exaggerated story of him fighting off the bad guys. It started off from 'travelling the whole world' to 'meeting the Batman' then to the other stuff involving heroes and villains. She had to admit that he's doing a good job at entertaining the kids, but she didn't have to hear all of that. That's why she'd rather look at the outside view. However, this time, his statement seemed a bit important to ignore.

She studied Kid Flash' face for any signs of mockery. There was none. And so she asked, "Why?"

A smile played on his lips. "Because," he said, raising a finger at each point, "you've got a nice team. Cool place. Awesome coordination... and did I mention that you have cool pads?" Raven only raised a brow. He continued, "Anyway, I want to join the Teen Titans."

Raven remained silent as she thought about it. Having a new member wouldn't be that bad... at least she knew that he appeared to be very helpful. However, that meant that she had to build a relationship like she did with her friends—and she's actually doing that right now, kind of.

In spite of that, their leader would make the final decision. "Okay...? Tell Robin."

"He knows." He sped out of the seat and came back with papers in less than a second. "That's why I'm here." Then he folded them into different origami, mainly animals. The twins beside him gasped upon seeing them, plucking the origami to play with. Kid Flash handed the one shaped as a lotus flower to the eldest child. "But he only told me to bring these kids to you."

Raven gave no reply and gazed at the toys he made. She hadn't seen one before, but she had read—and learned during their time in Tokyo—that it's an art associated with the Japanese culture. Interesting. The little ones seemed to enjoy it so much.

She returned her attention to Kid Flash, who, once again, got out of his seat and back—this time having a bag of potato chips in his hand. He ate one chip after another. Raven shifted the slumbering child in her arms. "Don't you know what you're getting into?"

"I do. But if I don't, that's what makes it more exciting." He shrugged, stuffing more chips inside his mouth. He was about prop his feet onto the table, though stopped midway, probably remembering that it'd be rude, especially when he's across a little girl who was sitting quietly. Then he continued to eat until the bag became empty.

"No doubt you'll get along with the others in no time," she said, referring to his similarity with her friends in terms of attitude and, well, table manners.

"What about you?"

"Don't look forward too much."

She glanced outside the window and as she did, she caught a tinge of pink amongst the greenery, in which she could've sworn that the plants just withered. Or maybe it was only her; this day had been distracting so far. She almost missed his question.

"Why?"

He didn't wait for her answer. He got up and replaced the chips with a cup, spilling a drop or two of its contents when he came back. "Tea?"

Raven stared at him, then down to the cup of tea. It wasn't herbal tea that she usually drank, but it's nice to have some to soothe her nerves. She shuffled in her seat and tried to carry Luis with one arm. However, before she could entirely let her free hand reach the cup, Kid Flash set it down.

"Here, let me carry him."

He slipped his hands under the child's head and bottom, lifting it out of her arms. It's fairly surprising that he's ever so gentle as opposed to his usual behavior.

"Thanks."

"No biggie."

Raven's fingers finally found their way around the cup and its handle. If it were a mug, she would be glad to wrap her whole hands and hold onto its warmth. This was too small. Nevertheless, it's tea. She took a sip, warm liquid trickling her throat. At least she still had this part of her day.

Now somewhat at ease, she looked around her; Shaun and John seemed content with the origami, Laura's silent as she fiddled with the paper lotus, Kid Flash was rocking Luis in his arms—a scene quite serene compared to the last time she went babysitting. At that moment, she felt her lips curl up, and then lifted her cup, getting comfort at its blend with her environment.

"It's nice to see you smile."

If she hadn't noticed that he's watching her, she would have choked on her drink at the sudden utterance. "Don't get used to it."

"Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom." Both teenagers glanced at Laura who was standing up from her seat.

Raven set the nearly empty cup on the table, and stood up as well. "Alright. I'll accompa—"

"No, thanks!" There's evident nervousness in the child's voice. "I can go alone. Don't worry, it won't be long."

"Are you sure?"

"Uh-huh."

"Okay..." Raven watched the girl stride pass the other seats and towards the door, only sitting down when she's finally out of sight.

"She's pretty mature for her age."

Kid Flash took the words out of her mouth. Yet that's not what's important. It's kind of good to say the least.

Raven solely nodded, then closed her eyes and placed her palms together. Since the atmosphere's peaceful, she decided to meditate. She inhaled, slowly, chanting her mantra in her head. She's only at the third time when something felt a bit odd. Total silence was the least she's expecting. She breathed in, debating wether or not to see what happened. As she exhaled, her eyes opened, then immediately narrowed.

The boys stayed in front of her, doing nothing but sitting. Not just any kind of sitting—their backs were straight, shoulders lax, eyes shut. This, in such a way that was obvious they're copying her.

"Uh…"

Kid Flash opened an eye to look at her. "Hm?"

Raven crossed her arms. "Can you please stop mocking me?"

This time, with blue eyes both open, Kid Flash glanced at the twins. "Alright pals, let's do what the lady said."

They glanced at him, then the three of them smiled at each other, then bobbed their heads, and resumed what they were doing earlier.

She sighed. 'At least that was easy. Those redheads get along so well.'

Raven gazed at Kid Flash, curiosity lingering on the back of her mind. All titans were given tasks and were told to prepare for another battle against the team of villains, which was probably set up by the Brotherhood of Evil. Same old, same old... It's like there wasn't a finale in this game they're playing.

She's the only one assigned to this mission, and no one ever mentioned Kid Flash. "Don't you have any other task to do?"

"I'm fast on my feet. Already finished it."

"And staying here was voluntary." It wasn't a question.

"Yup. Don't wanna leave a teammate in distress," he said and cracked a cheeky grin, certainly proud of himself.

Her reply dripped with sarcasm. "Saved by a knight in shiny lightning bolts. I'm elated."

His cheeks puffed up in attempt to contain laughter, though he somewhat failed, releasing a chuckle afterwards. "I like your dry wit."

Raven had to ignore that.

Sensing someone's arrival, the titans turned their heads, seeing that Laura's back. However, before she could sit down, the whole car trembled—soon enough began to turn over.

Outside, the rails crumbled, simultaneously detaching the car (in which they're in) from the others and setting it off the hill. It rolled down the slope, bouncing on bumps, getting dents as much as possible. One impact on a stone. Two. The third on a log. Now four against a boulder. At the foot came its stop. A ghostly raven emerged from the car, landing on the ground not far away.

"Is everyone okay?" she asked as soon as she placed them down. Fear occupied the twins, crying against her legs after she helped them stand. The older girl seemed fazed yet she said nothing. Kid Flash on the other hand, laid on his back, clutching the kid close to his chest. If it weren't for her shield, they would have been crushed with all the things inside the train. As if they're fortunate enough, they're the only ones inside that car.

Kid Flash groaned as he stood, looking around the place. They were still in the middle of nowhere. "What just happened?"

"It's probably Mallah, again." She held the three kids closer to her while she searched for the person who intended to harm them.

"Mallah…" Kid Flash uttered, trying to recall which one of the Brotherhood guys was Mallah. Mallah, Mallah… Oh! "The gorilla? The operator guy talked about him. Messed up the controls—"

"Except that talking monkey's afraid of facing you guys."

Neither of the group said that. Rather, the voice came from ahead. Pink hair, pink eyes, dark sense of fashion—no other than the former leader of the H.I.VE. 5—now an honorary titan—Jinx.

Kid Flash gasped. "Jinxy! What are you doing here?"

"Hey," was her only greeting, seemingly in a foul mood. She turned to Raven. "Don't get me wrong. I only want to save something precious."

"That's so nice of you," Kid Flash said.

Jinx glared at him. "Oh, not you exactly." Not long after, her face softened, and she removed her gaze from them. "Well, I was hoping to get you and Raven on the list…"

She raised her hand.

"But I can't."

A finger snap conjured up a lightning-fast hex, plowing towards them. It reached up to a few feet away from them when a black barrier countered the attack. After Raven dropped the shield, everyone retained their distances—neither the babysitters wanted to fight back nor Jinx tried to continue.

Kid Flash gave Luis to Raven. "Get 'em out of here. I'll handle this."

For a brief moment she hesitated, but then just as quickly, nodded and enveloped her together with the kids in a black bubble. This formed into her soul-self, that soon flew away from the site.

Kid Flash reverted the matter to Jinx. Surprise and confusion surpassed his worry. "Why are you doing this?"

"The Brotherhood of Evil…" she uttered, still avoiding his eyes.

"I thought you don't wanna get involved with them?"

"I have my own reasons."

He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it due to the lack of words. He knew that she could switch back at any moment, but teaming up with the Brotherhood of Evil after what happened? It's not impossible, but that's far from what he could expect.

"Well, I've done my part." Jinx faced the other direction, took a few steps, which eventually came into a halt. She looked over her shoulder.

"Be careful of those around you. One of them can't be trusted."

With that said, she left Kid Flash pondering on her warning.

'One of them can't be trusted,' her voice rang in his head. Jinx couldn't be talking about Raven; Robin told him that she's one of the most trustworthy person he knew. It couldn't be the kids either. They're the only ones he's with.

He shook his head. He didn't know what to feel about Jinx' actions. There's this idea that she never really wanted to do that. Though he had to save that thought for later; right now he needed to help Raven with her task.

He glanced on his right, and there he spotted, the raven's still flying in the air. He zipped, following it towards the setting sun.