Reviewers:
Suomynona- I'm glad you think so. Please keep reviewing!
titanfan- you've been great support! Thank you for your thoughts.
papersak- God could do something as simple as twitch his nose to destroy the Earth, so he could most definitely kick Trigon's butt!
The Enduring Man Child- I'm hoping that you'll like my future stories as well, because I plan to be purely a Christian writer as time goes by.
God bless, and we may begin!
Chapter Five: Free
Raven now lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She knew that she was loved; she knew that God was on her side, and her new attitude about life made her feel more like one of the team. This, however, did not mean that she was entirely sure of herself. Maybe there was just going to be some part of her that always felt left out. Well, not really forever. She always had eternity to look forward to, but how far away was eternity? Could she really wait that long?
She sighed. This is going nowhere, she thought, if I need anything, God will provide it; He always has before. She sat up, and then pulled away her cloak. Draping over a chair, she unfastened her crucifix, which she laid down as well. Tomorrow was another day. She could think then.
Kneeling beside her bed, Raven folded her hands in her lap and lowered her head. Dear heavenly Father, she prayed, help me in my time of need. I don't feel at a right with myself or with you, and I truly want to. Give me the strength to make it through as I pass through the darkness so that I may feel the fullness of Your light. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Raven settled back against her pillow, then reached for her Bible. She opened to Proverbs and began reading. She had found long ago that reading the verses of Proverbs helped make her feel more at ease with herself. This was the book she most often for reassurance.
A sudden noise roused her from the half-trance, and she shot up, grabbing her cloak as she went. Opening her door soundlessly, she looked out into the hallway. She saw no one there.
"Hello?" she called. Maybe she had imagined the sound? No, that sound had been too real, and it was close. Creeping down the halls, she listened for anything that would provide evidence of someone's presence. She searched the entire hallway, but saw nothing.
"Only my mind… nothing to worry about." But this did not faze her at all. She was not frightened, but she was feeling ill at ease about what the sound could have been. With one final glance over her shoulder, she walked back to her room. Closing her door behind her, she removed her cloak once more. This time, instead of reading from the slightly yellowed pages of her beloved book, she simply removed her shoes and climbed into her bed.
Raven's Dream:
A girl stood in the distance. Her entire body was in shadow, and Raven couldn't see her face. As she walked closer, she heard the sound of weeping. She quickened her pace, and she soon realized that it was the girl who was weeping. Glancing around, Raven saw nothing but darkness.
As she finally met up with the girl engulfed with shadow, she saw that the girl wore rags. When the girl heard Raven's steps, she lifted her head from her hands and turned. Raven was looking at herself!
The ragged Raven bowed her head, not saying a word. Then, a great light filled the room. The light was as bright, if not brighter than the sun. Raven was about to shield her eyes, when suddenly, she saw a man's face appear.
"You need not be afraid," he said, and then he waved the ragged Raven away. In an instant, she was gone. Then the man turned to her and smiled. She was able to make out only a short few words that made all the difference in the world.
"Raven, you are free."
You'll find out what the noise was in the next chapter. Keep reviewing, everyone!
