Chapter 8: All Shall Fade

Terra awoke in the Titans Tower infirmary. She sat up and looked. "What happened? How did I get in Titans Tower?"

"You are finally awake, Terra." A voice near her said.

"Maximus!" She turned to see Maximus praying in the corner.

"Why did you betray them? Almost all you talked about was joining the Titans. Yet you stab them in the back."

"No! I'm sorry. Slade found me before you did and told me to find and learn from you."

"So all of it was a lie!" Maximus shouted. He had never been so furious. "You used me?"

"Yes. Please forgive me. I made a mistake. After I failed him, he beat me severely."

"Well, you did save the city from a volcano and fought back against him. You have redeemed yourself but it will take a lot of effort to gain my trust again." Maximus turned to the door. "Rest, you will need your strength."

Raven wondered the halls of Titans Tower. She had much to think about. How did Maximus bring back Terra? How long can the city hold? How long can my mind hold? She went up to the roof and found Maximus sitting on the ground, looking out toward the city.

"It is only a matter of time." Maximus said to himself. "A matter of time before the orcs decide to assault the city. Jump City is weak. They know we do not have the strength to repel them. They will strike us soon and they will strike hard."

"May I sit by you?" Raven asked.

Maximus jumped when he heard Raven. "Oh, sorry. I did not notice you. Yes, of course, you can sit by me."

Raven sat down. "You don't much hope, do you?"

"There is always hope, Raven, if only a little." Maximus answered. "Why do you always have your hood up when I am around? Don't you trust me?

"I have had a hard time trusting newcomers ever since Terra betrayed us."

"Let me see your face. You can trust me."

Raven paused. "Well, I suppose." She pulled down her hood revealing a young girl with blue skin, short hair and very beautiful eyes.

"Why do you hide such beauty?" Maximus asked, mesmerized.

Raven was surprised. "You think I am beautiful? Most people aren't to comfortable around a blue skinned girl."

"Look into my eyes." Maximus said. "Tell me what you see?"

Raven did so. "I see myself."

"How can you think that is not beauty?"

"How can it be?" Raven said puzzled.

"The Gods work in many strange ways. I have learned never to judge a person by their appearance. You shouldn't judge yourself that way either." Maximus told her.

Raven stood up. "You are very wise."

Maximus laughed. "I must have got it from my mother."

Raven looked at the sky. "It's late, we should get some rest."

"If you don't mind, I am going to stay out here a little longer." Maximus sat down at looked out to the city. "Rest well, Raven."

"Good night, Maximus." Raven turned and walked to the stairwell. She stopped when she began to hear Maximus singing.

"Home is behind
the World ahead
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadow
To the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight
Mist and shadow
Cloud and shape
All shall fade
All shall fade."

Raven heard enough. She went to her room and fell asleep.