Teen Titans; Galactic Eros Arc – Finale – Chapter 10: Taken for Granted
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Like this story arc…. Read on because here is…. Finally….! Chapter 10!
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After Ami, Raku, Kaede and Aiden, as well as Dami and Anna with Haru were sent back to the priestess's shrine rooms, they decided to head in for the night. Aiden was told to stay away from his new apartment in case there was a trap, yet Anna and Shoji went to find that nothing had to be a trouble. So?
The few had Raku and one more escorted into the space that Shoji had put a down payment on.
"Aiden, you'll be starting up as a part timer once Raku's training with Inari goes off. We have a month to keep you in the know." He explained and handed Aiden the keys to his new digs.
Tokyo, he'd be rooming with teenaged Raku for a time. He could finish his work as the credits from his course had been transferred as if…by magic to a local university.
"I set up the arrangements since we'll be erasing memories once is all over and done." The fox scratched his cheek and said to the fiery haired blonde. Aiden nodded and turned the lock.
He was shocked to see how spacious this small flat was, despite the talk of minimalist ideals in Japan.
"It's cozy. Wow, this is for us?" He turned to the dog. A few years ago, he'd been plain old Aiden Grayson. A fourteen-year old with nothing but his homework to complete on a daily basis (these new years new gen arc pat two) while not long after finding out about his family's powers, he too found that he'd have a great big job to do in only the years to come.
His mom was a Tameranean ex- princess of the royal family. His father was the well – educated ward of Bruce Wayne; Gotham's top dollar billionaire and playboy at on time in their lives. A good cover, for some. His eldest sister was actually an incarnated Raven – Winged Mountain spirit of ice and snow from the past. She'd been created with the memories of the overseer – Reia Wolfsmund's exploits before her demise at the hands of the Shifter spirits' rebellion. Led on by the trickery of a Succubus queen; Lilith. The ring leader who had actually…
Raku looked around the room in a daze, a smile on his face as he treated this pretty abode like a real outing to some exotic wonderland in the Pacific.
"We are, thank you! Verra…I hope this wasn't too much –
"I told Aide, we took care of the down, you can just support the light fee for the appliances if you want. That won't put you out." He raised a brow. "Raku? How old did you make yourself this time?"
The dark-haired teen turned to the guardian in his black jeans and white button down from before on the plane. "I'm at least, seventeen. Is that, ok? In my world, an adult would be much younger. Why do you ask?"
"You were fourteen, then you jumped." Frowned the dog. "It will wear off, and if not come see us in the morning. I can –
"He looks ok to me." Raku blushed at the compliment. Aiden wondered why this age thing was such a big problem. Well, besides Ignito trying to overshadow the poor kid…
Vee went to walk back to the exit and worried about Slade's new posse. He'd put up a barrier outside for now. Had to break free…
"I'll tell you that soon. Raku, has light amnesia so he wavers in and out." The dog explained. Partly true, but…he'd guess it maybe…
" You'd best not use your magic until it's absolutely vital. For your own protection." Verra said as Raku nodded, yet seemed confused.
"He used up his power today, so he'll be in la – la land until the next day. Just, jot down if he gets say…up to age –
"Bye, Uncle Vee!" The door shut on the fox, yet Raku believed it a rude move to shut out their benefactor.
"He was being a pest, and I don't want anyone to call you names again. Ugh, let's blast the Ac. Tomorrow, we can do some forms of residency and working papers so we can eat. Sound good to you?" He smiled back at Raku, who blushed again and nodded abruptly.
"Y- es! I would like that, very much…thank you…for this…"
"Oh, I did ask Ami if she could pack us a few snacks to celebrate." This was their unofficial new home that that he'd be staying in. Raku wanted this new life to bring he and Aiden closer…Was that so wrong to want that connection to happen?
A part of him said he was being indecent. A stalker. A cruel beast that thrived off of want.
Raku didn't mind the noises in his head. Aiden was there to shine a light and scare the demons on his mind all away.
"Ah, so what did she pack? I'm very curious."
"For one, you talk like you are in subtitles." Aiden chuckled and dragged out the mother of all good.
"Pudding?"
"In Japan, Purin. In Spanish speaking countries; Flan. So, let's dig in!" He pulled out two spoons she'd had on the packs and the two sat on a sofa that Shoji had supplied. He'd also gotten desks, a few chairs and the kitchen, was well stocked.
Raku took an extra long bite of his snack as his mouth made a moan while smiling by the new taste sensation.
"Incredible! It dissolves so quickly. And eggs? It is…oh! I know it..." Raku took another bite as his mind deciphered the code on how to create such a treat. It, was magical. He'd make a few cups for his family…and -
Raku stopped and placed the spoon back onto his plate. "Aiden…" Raku swallowed nervously. Surely asking to have some support from his depressive state, he'd not get it here…
Aiden didn't know what to say back, but he tried to reach out. He was stopped though… by Raku's next words. As if unprepared for what came next…
Aiden looked to the floor, as Raku's eyes beside him glistened with tears.
The boy suddenly pleaded out to know the truth. Raku needed someone to take away his pain. He had, family…right? That was ok…they could never -
"What am I to you?" He suddenly said this and Aiden, was left without his sword and shield.
"Because…. I think…that I…. like you…."
/
He'd not practiced in the mirror or on his plane. Let alone, on this Earth's.
He'd never told Ardius of their attractive…. features. As the wizard barely kept watch like he had when Raku had been his favorite to "mess" with.
Just as Lothos had never asked for permission to touch him.
Or Lilu had taken his body to change it as she saw fit.
Then… was it really love he felt, or a bond that was…
Wrong.
Illicit behavior. He'd become the madness everyone was expecting…of a Jinn.
Aiden had been there. He'd saved him. Why couldn't he be happy for that?
Why? Why was this confession so…. Taboo?
Ami had –
Raku stopped himself. She, was ok…she was coming out as a mortal.
Was…he still…allowed to be, happy…
Aiden looked at his roomie with a stunned expression, but before he finally spoke to clear up any…confusing words between them.
"I... I'm glad you are so happy, but…. Raku?" Aiden saw the boy blink back his fears. He rubbed the back of his neck. He had, to be gentle.
This, was a bad idea…He'd tell Vee in the morning…Raku, wasn't looking too great…
"I'm sorry. I just don't have the same feelings for you…. like, that."
A glass shard of his cool heart fell into the abysmal cracks from deep within the ebony child's psyche.
He'd been, rejected. And, it hurt. His brow furrowed. No. He'd discover WHY.
"Why not? I'm here for you, and…. I wanted to –
"You…and I aren't…. I'm just, in a relationship already. And…. I can't change how I feel. Besides." Smiled the blonde weakly. Raku's jaw was only ajar, yet Aiden was afraid to bury his blade further into the bleeding wound.
"We're family, now. We can't date each other. It's kind of…. wrong –
Raku got up and walked out. Towards his room. He didn't know it, but he'd shut himself down. So spoiled…. Just as they had all believed. He, couldn't have it….
"Raku –
The door slammed as Raku shut out the last bit of hope in his faux teenaged life.
He stayed and didn't cry, for someone was there. Ignito, always. Righting his wrongs for him…
~ Should I take the chosen down a peg, lordship –
~No…I…. He's just doing what he feels is...~ Raku choked back a sob, wiping away his tears before Ignito could spot a drop.
The lethal guard dog of ancient lore. In Japan, dog spirits or demons rather, protected a master's assets…before later turning on the owner and devouring them.
That, is how Raku felt for allowing Ignito a chance to stay.
~He cannot hurt you, this I know. None can disagree; you are –
~I'm a monster in need of a baby – sitter. ~ Raku hiccupped. He sat onto his low bed and sniffled.
~ Aiden is the hero. I'm HIS charge until I complete my training. Tomorrow, Inari is going to begin. I'll be at my very strongest. I must convince Aiden –
~The boy is not a half god, you realize. We burn those who touch us too softly. You, are not a mortal by your standing –
~What if I were to become one, for only a few hours at a time…so, that he might –
Ignito's image came before the child to grip and tilt up his chin into the relic's eyes. ~ You do not need to bow before an inferior. You are a god - to - be. Remember; they cannot cage up your magic, for their fear is far greater OF it. You can age, freeing you-self from your pitiful shell –
~And Roku will once again overtake us. ~ Frowned the boy as he pulled back from the phantom's touch.
~ No thank you, Ignito. ~ He huffed to the daemon protector.
~ As you wish, my lordship. ~ Ignito pulled back and released the boy's jaw with a snap. ~ Yet, I will advise…. This, love of his? She is a danger to your mission. You must be willing to understand love in order to manifest THAT same hatred as a weapon. ~
With the warning said, Raku let the figment fade away. The teen quietly pulled the sheets over his head with a small groan, and shut out the light from his eyes. Right now, he needed to mend his cracking resolve. So much for cryptic spirits…and their prophetic threats…
Aiden couldn't love him, but his love was…. She was…. Who, then?
/
After the shocking meeting with Lex and Shiva; where Princess Mir had almost dropped a live lobster onto Slade's rental suit, they'd gotten along much better as partners.
He'd chuck her like that crustacean eventually, but first…
He opened the door to find, that Mir was nowhere in sight.
She'd ditched him…To play the "trampy school girl" with some….
Slade grabbed his unit and alerted Shiva. They would not let her get away with making monkeys out of the two most ruthless assassins. His clothes would be as before. He was going fishing for some sharks….
Mir was a lust – loving plant. She would suck dry the life of any she came into contact with.
Did her mother send Mir away to really get rid of her? Or was this to lure in –
Kid was a natural con. He ran for the door.
She was definitely.
/
Damian didn't know Japan very well. At Anna's age, you'd think he had a clue about the social structure or traditions but….
Nepal? Yes.
Afghanistan? Sort of.
China? Sure, why not.
And not to forget –
California and NY. His two second homes.
The Titans had Tim to fill in, and Gar could keep the kids busy.
But, why did Raven have to come? She was the last person –
"You should think about learning a bit about the language and culture from Ami and Kaede while we are staying in Tokyo, Damian." She sipped her drink by the window of their hotel room. He'd not wanted to impose on Shoji and Yumi, so the tow had decided to stay at an Air – B for an extended residential period, just in case Aiden's time here was interrupted. Today, Inari was taking Raku to a place that none of the heroes truly opposed, yet Inari's double Kazuya had said it was to train his pained side, the destructive nature within.
The voice; one that even the foxes held in high regard. Kay was an influential politician. Aria was a siren of song, Cici and Al had once been on stage, Alice had held a note, and Ron was still on and off as a Rocker. Hiatus to keep Sayu out of trouble.
Not to forget about Aggie – G, Esme and Cliff in Lisbon. They were still at the top of their charts. Even as ageless relics of sea and land…
So, what was so great or phenomenal about where Kazuya had decided to take Raku and the younger heroes?
A karaoke lounge.
It was the late afternoon, and the box was reserved for a good number.
Ami, Aiden had been AWOL; so Damian and Kay took his place while Yumi went to see to about Aiden's supposed whereabouts - Raku, Kazuya as well as Kaede and Haru – chan and Anna remained.
So, there were sodas and hot tea for the ones who needed less chaos in their lives.
Raku held the mic and Ami with the foxes had the extra instruments to make this shindig light up!
Kazuya had a second mic, and chose a song that not one person would know about. It was like when a evaluation for a student with a disability is issued, you'd find out their academic level and so on.
So, this was part A. The voice or the soul.
Was Raku able to know how to use it? Without Ignito, he just looked shy and dejected…as if he'd not slept a wink because of a love spat.
That gave Kazuya an idea.
Yumi wouldn't see him, so he'd look into the longing of emotion with this song.
"Anyone know "Violet Retribution?" He looked up to quiz the supposed onlookers. /
"Oh! " Ami raised her hand. " I do! They were a goth rock band from London that had a lead singer…we kn –
"Close enough." Smiled back the wise fox, as he picked the song they'd be attempting.
"Without knowing the words, a soul can guide a person down the darkest roads. I'm going to train Raku to know before he's seen the outcome. A form of premonition. To test that." He turned to Raku, who just wasn't sure of what the man even meant.
"I'm of that power. Prediction –
"Mmm, not the same. It is, intuitive. Alive. The dread of knowing too far down the line won't allow for growth if you don't see it in baby steps."
"I…. don't understand…" Haru tried to place this in better terms for Dami as well. He was scratching his head at the "magic" these beings spoke of.
"It means, he'll understand his abilities that are in the moment. Not in the future or the past."
"Correct. The central point of what should be is what already has come to pass….You cannot change your past, only move into your present to discern what your eventual future MAY be."
"Is he ready for that? What about the elemental powers and mani –
"It will come, in time. I'm starting with the basics that only a child can understand. Yet, here…..you are not a man. No matter what your body is, you still carry the mark of an ageless one. So, are you going to trust your sensei?"
"I…do –
"Are you sure, Raku?" Ami asked him, to be sure that the boy would not run off again.
"I…will…try!" He suddenly looked determinedly up at the allies to his livelihood. They'd all come here, just to see that he….Aiden was a loner. He wasn –
"Sorry! Guys –
"Big bro!" Ami tutted her crazy haired elder sibling as he'd finally gotten Miranda off of his back.
"Sorry, was lot going on in Shibuya. I went there and got something. Check it. Ami? You know this character –
"Ahhhhh!!" Her mouth flew open.
~Rit- zu chaaan!!" (Namine Ritsu. Ami's a freak like this fangirl.) She hugged the fan guide with cd and was able to usher in her bro, while Aiden also had something for Raku too.
"Look. I'm sorry…"
Raku took in a breath. "Kaz? Hit the box. I want to sing." Aiden's peace flag was ignored as Kazuya saw the look in the dark haired boy's frustrated eyes.
Time to test his sensitive side…
"Let's rap."
/
The song was a real lung killer.
So, as much as I'd love to copy and paste, Violent Retribution was in the previous arcs where Aria and her voice had Aluehainyu to fly to London and join a rock band as its lead singer.
The song would be, epically rock. Think within temptation meets Lacuna coil, meets Flyleaf?
Not your cuppa?
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Raku was watched like a hawk. If he had the gift to sing as a canary like all the other dogs, then his conquest would be a great one.
However, if he wavered, they'd need to work on his delivery.
~ I look up and imagine when the sky may run the colors
Of red and green.
So thick my eyes and ears must rise to face the failing black
Devoid of the support this plane may need
Oh I'm only here to succeed oh – yeah – ay!
CHORUS
We are the last of your kind
Kings fall
And queens may rise
May we
Maybe
There is something
Left to give!!
Raku heard the voice as Inari's vessel was no show off.
Raku could feel his power, the fox's magic in the room. Keeping the audience on them.
The beat was quick but with drums. He could see the fear of man in those words.
All of that…
His lungs readied to pick up from the last;
Gods may fly and we are waiting
Waiting for these lives to change
Gods rule all
And all or nothing
We stand upon this deserted plane
Ohhhh-ohhh-ohhhh……ohhhhh….
WE have the tools to take a stand
Ohhhhh- oohhhh ohhhhhh ohhhhh
We can't face the sky as we are
Fighting alone in the dark
So where should I start??
CHORUS
We are the last of your kind
Kings fall
And queens may rise
May we
Maybe
There is something
Left to give!!
Define what is and what may be
May
May
Mayyybe
It's up to you
And that's the truth….
/
Aiden clapped with a hooting Ami and Kaede. The foxes pretended to be drunken party animals. Anna nudged Dami to be considerate as he rolled his eyes.
"What exactly was the point of all this, again?" He asked the foxes.
Raku was in the background, his heart fired up and not knowing about "teen" angst. His whole life had been to follow Lilu into her dark world, he didn't know what his own was…
What…was this feeling?
"How did that –
"I want to try….A new song." Raku's body was the same, but that look.
Ignito .
/
"What happened?? Raku! You have to sing; not –
" QUIET." Ignito said IN Raku's younger voice. "I want to try for another song. An emotional side that YOU won't hate or love. May we?"
"Let him go, only after you've had your fun." Kazuya crossed his arms and knew that the second personality bit was, difficult, but not a danger unless they pushed too far.
This was a spirit of demi – discord's curiosity.
Ignito was the full - fledged Jinn, not Raku.
He looked like Raku. Spoke like him, but the eyes were redder in color than Raku's dimmer look.
It seemed that Ignito was the jealous type of Jinn.
"Ok, so what is the song? We're waiting..." Kaede sat improperly with Ami and Haru joining in.
Aiden almost rose to say something, but Kay kept him back. He gawked at the cloud – fox's arm in his way. "What are –
The screech from the next track had the whole group cringing.
Aiden turned to Kay. "He can't change! If he does –
"Kid, we aren't going to let him; just, watch." Kazuya was dead set on keeping their karaoke party going.
A deep breath into his lungs, originally something they'd never pick.
"Contribution. By Life – Line? Are they one of –
"I'm familiar." Kaz nodded.
"Well, we aren't." Anna bit her lip. "Of all the no good! –
A guitar and then a bit of shattered glass. The room had changed, while Raku's body – snatcher got ready to send them all to the bowels.
/
Aiden blinked to see Kazuya in his godly attire. Raku was fighting them…
~ Through song. He wants to compete. ~
~Raku?? Why are –
~He's not the one, it's Ignito. He wants to know that you've kept your promise. Raku is his vessel in a way the thing that has Raku bound to his past the most. It is a manifestation of the power he will never free. Never use. By your bond . ~ Inari turned to Aiden as the light turned to shadow inside this void.
~ Raku…. listen –
~ Agh! ~ Aiden was pushed back by a high note, a siren's echo as he shielded his face.
~ I'm not speaking to you!! ~ Raku's voice was starting to crack. Ignito was just trying to use his body. That's all this was! Why…
Why, not?
~ Fine, you can throw it. Your first REAL tantrum. ~ Aiden crossed his arms, earning a condescending look from Inari as a plus by his act…
~ No! I'm mad…. really, you…. you lied about –
~ We get along, or I won't if you're going to –
The room suddenly quaked as the face of a stunned and pulverized Raku stood, and dropped the mic. He ran out crying into the hall and down the street. Aiden didn't even try to stop him.
"Dude!" Ami imitated Gar with a cocked brow.
Kaede was fuming, in Japanese no less. " Aho! You idiot! He's throwing a fit and you…." Aiden just ignored it. His heart had someone else in mind. Raku was more human than he gave himself credit for.
He was allowed to feel, like a teenager should.
"Let him sulk."
"I think you should go, too. And apologize." Damian looked too Anna as she huffed a sigh and the two cousins dragged Aiden along with them.
Out into the now, empty hallway.
/
Raku ran downtown. It was humid, dark, and he looked like something foul hearted had brought him back from the underworld. A ghastly reflection stared back at him as he ran. Was that how he'd made Prince Richard Ainsley feel as….as Roku? So afraid of his own –
"Anh!" The teen stopped and swiveled to face a tall man…From the okonomiyaki joint?
"Konbanwa…. ah –
"Raku – dono……domo…." Raku put a hand to his lips and gasped.
How did I know what to say??
" Iie…. Un……. e….Raku!... I am…. Engrishu……A, Ameri –
"Wow." The man shook his head with a snort and Raku saw right through that beard and trim figure.
"Slade?"
/
" Hello, little underling."
"Don't you dare call me…! –
Raku put his hands over his mouth again. No, but…Ignito was tied down for a while. He'd almost burned away that memory…their karaoke night had turned into a battlefield….!
"You look troubled. Was it that Grayson boy, again?"
" H-hm?" Raku was too meek, as he looked up at the older male. So, like his son was, but shorter. Naive as all hell. It was no wonder a darker part of him had wished to become an adult. So, puny.
"Come with me, you can go home anytime…I promise not to send any soldiers to massacre your dear companions. So… Will you listen to this old man's request?"
Every part said " no, go back."
Raku didn't listen however, and was dragged away by the costumed villain down a dark alleyway into the twilight hour.
/
The flight to Japan for poor Richard Grayson, was a trial in of itself! Kori had insisted on joining, but he refused. His kids had the dogs and foxes to watch over them. He just wanted to witness what had happened to his poor "bumgorgfs" in the doting daddy's absence.
He was left on a rickety rail during rush hour. Squished in like wriggling fish, the stench of sweat on the train made him hold his head down until the next stop had arrived.
Dick came out and changed in a public rest area – a second time. Yes, the heat in Japan was unquestionable compared to Cali's drought right now. He wondered if local warming would take pity on the human race and end them right –
A loud speaker was shouting the next route for the hour, right in Dick's ear as he took to the streets to find a way to Yumi's home.
He'd be there. Find a way to contact Ann if she'd eve pick up…
Damian. He could have that lil mess to deal with his ….
He just kept walking. Dami needed to bond with his cousins once in a while.
/
As the night dwindled, she woke the whole building up with her scream.
"HE TOOK MY SCENT! THAT PIG HEADED…. OOGGH!!" Mir stomped up to the phone, only to find a clearly written note to convey an apology of sorts.
Dearest Princess
Was sent on a lead tonight and will not return until the next morning. Had to
collect a sample of your Special pheromone; it involves your fiancé, by the
way. Stay by the phone, and if it rings tell anyone that Deathstroke is on the
job. Thanks, and will try to be back in time for the next part of our mission.
Keep the bed warm for me.
D.S.
/
A coded message? Was this "ship in a bottle" territory? Well, he was honest.
"As long as you don't lose your other eye to that silly dark pixie." Mir giggled and could smell the note had his anti – solution to it. "Then I can still continue to play this game until I win it."
/
D.S is really wrong with that, but he's not a fan of his morals when it comes to his jobs. He's had those don't kill women and children on his belt, but these aren't kids. It's why he went easier on Ami, sort of….
Stay curious and read on! Will Raku fall apart and give into his enemy's commands? Find out and read on for the conclusion!