Reunions, Regrets, Resolutions, and… a Rendezvous

I. Reunions

"Is she going to be okay?"

"I think so."

"Oh, Raven! Please be okay!"

"Don't worry, she's a fighter!"

Again, the voices were swarming in Raven's head. Only this time it seemed real. Raven groaned and opened her eyes. She caught the silhouette of four figures standing over her. Raven's eyes sprang open as she realized that it really was her friends!

"Raven!" They all exclaimed simultaneously. Raven shot up immediately and hugged the closest Titan near her, which in this case was Starfire. Raven held Starfire in a bone crushing embrace that would have asphyxiated a weaker being.

"Everyone!" Raven was elated and didn't try to contain her tears. The others were mildly surprised since they had never seen Raven this free with her emotions. Then again, they knew that Raven had been though a lot lately.

"Raven, my friend! How happy I am to see you too!" Starfire returned Raven's embrace.

"We were wondering where you were, girl," Cyborg laid a hand gently on Raven's shoulder.

"Yeah!" chimed in Beast Boy. "Man, you won't believe what happened!"

"Later, Beast Boy," interrupted Robin. "Raven, how are you feeling?"

Raven released Starfire and sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm fine, I think. Where am I?"

"At the inn," replied Robin.

"Then, I'm still in the Dark Ages aren't I?"

Robin nodded. "Then, how did all of you get here?" asked Raven.

The others didn't say anything but just motioned toward the window. Raven looked in that direction and saw Rorek staring out the window. He was silently standing there with his hands behind his back. He looked as if he was intensely focusing on some object outside, but it was clear that he was listening. He hung his head briefly then turned to her.

"Raven," he said softly. His eyes revealed his inner conflict. Raven could sense his brokenness and despair. "I have a lot to explain, but right now know that I am your friend."

Just when Raven thought that she had Rorek pegged, he yet again surprised her. Maybe he wasn't the charlatan that she thought he was. But why did he act like such a wimp in front of Malchior? Raven had to repress a chuckle as she thought back to Rorek's high pitched scream. She focused on the issue at hand.

"Rorek, how did you bring my friends here?"

"That's what I was trying to explain earlier!" Whined Beast Boy.

"We had a hard time trusting him at first," said Cyborg. "He just appeared out of no where!"

"Yeah, right in the middle of my game!" Said Beast Boy.

"Anyway," continued Robin. "He told us that you were in danger. We decided to take a chance."

Raven turned to Rorek. "You traveled through time? Is that how I got here in the first place?"

"Yes to your first question and no to the second. It's complicated, Raven. I really don't understand it all myself." He looked down and rubbed the back of his head. "I'll… take my leave and let you get reacquainted with your friends." Rorek put one arm behind his back and the other one in front as he bowed deeply to her. "Farewell." He turned and left the room. The Titans stared after him. There was so much sadness in his voice. Raven decided to confront him about it later. Right now…

"I'm really glad to see all of you. Here, it's only been two days but I've really missed you all."

"That's interesting," said Robin rubbing his chin. "You've been gone two weeks. We were really worried, Raven."

"Yes!" Exclaimed Starfire. "We thought Slade had come and had done something…horrible to you." Starfire again hugged Raven. "I am glad you are alright."

"Thank you Starfire." Starfire released her and it was Beast Boy's turn to hug her.

"I never thought I would miss you making fun of me. Quick, say something sarcastic!"

"You wouldn't know sarcasm if it walked up and backhanded you, Beast Boy."

Beast Boy reeled and pretended to be hurt. "That…was beautiful."

Raven chucked softly. "I really miss your silliness. It's also nice to know that while you were missing me you still managed to play your games." Beast Boy blushed and rubbed the back of his head.

Cyborg stepped up. "I have a new project with the T-Car. When we get back, I thought you might want to give me a hand."

"I'd love to, Cyborg."

"Gimme some dap!" Cyborg made a fist. Raven also made a fist and touched his knuckles. It was the first time Raven had ever done that, but it never really occurred to any of them. It really didn't matter.

II. Regrets

Rorek was sitting on the floor in front of the fire with his arms and legs crossed. He was hanging his head contemplating his life. The innkeeper entered the lobby with fresh cut logs for the fire. He was a rather large-boned fellow with a pot belly to match. He was the type of man that could play Santa Claus, only without needing a fake beard.

"Pardon me, lad." He set the logs by the fireplace.

"Sorry, Sir. I…"

"Think nothing of it, Master Rorek. Where are your lady friends?"

"They were never my friends!" He said sternly.

The innkeeper held up his hands. "I didn't mean anything by it, lad. I just expected to see you with them."

"So does Raven." Said Rorek.

"What?"

"Never mind. I'm tired of being surrounded by those mindless automatons. Then again, I wasn't any better. I indulged their fantasies…everyone's fantasies! I grow weary of it! I don't want to live a lie anymore! I want to know who I am really!"

"Well," said the innkeeper thoughtfully as he sat down beside Rorek, "you are definitely on your way to becoming a real man."

"You didn't think I was before?"

"Honestly? No! You reminded me of too many lads. They go chasing after women, fame, money, or whatever. In the end, they realize too late what's really important. They die bitter old men or foolish old men with delusion of grandeur." Rorek was trying to block out the innkeeper's thoughts, but the old man was being too obvious.

"Is that the fate that befell you, sir? Are YOU bitter?"

"I'm…recovering."

"I don't want to end up like that!" Rorek was exasperated. "What IS really important?"

"The people you love and the people who love you in return, "answered the innkeeper.

"What if they didn't love you back," Rorek shot back.

"Then, you move on," replied the innkeeper. "Will you spend the rest of your life trying to live up to someone else's ridiculously high standards? Or will you set yourself free, say you did your part, and find someone who will accept you for who not what you are."

Rorek thought for a minute. He leaned back abruptly. Rorek's father was an unforgiving and harsh man. Rorek had tried hard to please him. He almost even went through with his arranged marriage. Rorek had loved that girl. He had given her his heart. But she only loved an image, The Son of the Earl. Rorek decided not to dwell too much on that right then.

"You're right, Sir. I have been living a lie. I should know better. I knew these admirers of mine were drawn to an image, a pseudo guise. I just liked the attention, no matter how phony it was." His voice fell at that last line.

"Does this have anything to do with your strange dark associate?" The innkeeper smirked.

Rorek blushed slightly. "In a way. I saw how she acted around her friends and how they in turn treated her. It was authentic and believable. Despite her attitude or her past, they still believe in her. That's what I'm missing in my life! That's the type of people I need to be around!" Rorek slammed one of his fists onto the hardwood floor.

"Careful, lad. The floor will hurt you before you hurt it."

The impact did hurt Rorek's hand, but he didn't care. They were interrupted by the sound of a door opening. Rorek's female admirers came in with different types of dishes. Rorek sighed as he put his head in both hands.

"I'd better attend to my duties," the innkeeper lifted himself up and brushed himself off. "Remember, Master Rorek, think about what's really important."

"Rorek! We made you dinner!"

"Thank you, Maidens. You have worked very hard I see. I must, however, apologize to you all." He again bowed deeply. They were bewildered by his behavior.

"I apologize again, Maidens," he said as he straitened himself up. "I have not treated all of you with the courtesy I would want a man to treat my own mother. Thank you for the meal, but I am not worthy. Please, go your way. May you all find a man that you could love and who would love you in return." He turned from them and sat down in from of the fire again.

"Well! It's that dark wench isn't it?" Questioned one.

"She has stolen you from us!" Cried another. Rorek felt his temper rise. How dare they attack Raven's character!

"Do not say anything about her!" Rorek tried to keep his voice even. "I implore you, maidens, leave me be. I take full responsibility for my actions. Now I wish to make amends."

"What kind of man are you?"

Rorek's words were cold and biting. "The kind that would never give any of you a second look to. That may sound hypocritical coming from me, but I've changed much since our encounter yesterday." He then fell silent trying hard not to say anything else that he would later regret.

The women just huffed, set the dishes down, and left them there. "Choke on it!" Then, they all left.

After the door had closed, Rorek smiled. "That actually felt good," he marveled. "I feel as if a burden has been removed."

"Indeed. At least you were trying to be courteous." The innkeeper had come back around and sat by him.

"By the way, lad, my name is Hans." Hans extended an open hand.

"The pleasure is mine, Sir Hans," Rorek reached out to Hans and the two exchanged a hearty handshake.

III. Resolutions

Hans had returned to his duties leaving Rorek to further contemplate his life. Rorek was brought out of his dream world by the sound of talking and laughter. Rorek smiled as he made out one of the voices to be Raven's. The Titans entered the room.

"Man I'm starving!" Beast Boy was rubbing his stomach. Rorek stood up and walked up to them.

"I am a little hungry," Robin admitted.

"You are in luck, lads," said Hans. "There's a fine meal over there." Hans pointed to the dishes that the women had left behind.

"Yes," said Rorek dryly. "Help yourselves."

"Dude!" Beast Boy and Cyborg went straight for the food. They began to uncover the dishes.

"There's even a vegetable-only dish!" Exclaimed Beast Boy.

The other Titans gathered around. "Here are utensils," said Hans. "Eat up."

The Titans sifted through the food and divided it up. Rorek sat down by Raven.

"Where did this food come from?" She asked him.

"My ex-lady friends." Rorek looked away from Raven as he said that. "We won't be seeing them anytime soon."

"Rorek…"

"Please, Raven, eat something." He pleaded.

Raven didn't argue. She had been unconscious since yesterday afternoon. It was now morning and she was very hungry.

"So Rorek, Raven told us that Malchior is not far from here." Robin said as he studied Rorek intensely. "Why hasn't Malchior attacked this town yet?"

"He can't," replied Rorek. "There are magic barriers surrounding this town and many others. They were put there by the Great Magician. Beings like you and I can pass freely through. Dragons, on the other hand, cannot."

"I see. Why can't this Great Magician stop him?"

"I don't know, Robin. No one has seen him in 50 years." Rorek shrugged. "I still don't know how I managed to get you all here. After I woke up, I found Raven still sleeping. As I left the room, I was engulfed by a white light. I was deposited in a strange room. From Raven's mental image, I surmised that it was her room. The white portal remained. I didn't know what would happen if I went back for Raven, and I didn't know how long the portal would last. I had to rely on blind faith. That's when I went to find all of you. I managed to navigate my way around your rather large home by using Raven's own memories. That's when I showed up…in the middle of your game."

"He sure did!" Beast Boy turned to Raven. "He scared the crud out of us! He just kept going on about you and Malchior."

Robin nodded. "I didn't know what to think of him. He just kept saying that you were in pain and that Malchior was the cause. Considering we hadn't seen you in over two weeks, we had to trust him."

"Thank you, Robin," said Raven. "I'm glad you did."

"I am grateful that the portal lasted long enough for me to bring your friends here, Raven. However, once we had arrived, it disappeared. I was afraid that would happen. Otherwise, I would have just come back by myself and taken you home." Rorek then addressed the other Titans. "I truly am sorry for trapping you all here."

"You did the right thing, brave Rorek," said Starfire. "As you say, you took the chance. Now we have our friend back, thanks to you."

"Yeah," said Cyborg. "Star and I have traveled trough time before. If Raven could figure out how to bring me back, I'm sure our girl will figure this out!"

Raven blushed. "Your faith in me is inspiring, Cyborg."

"I have a question for all of you; a request really." Rorek's voice was filled with uncertainty.

"What is it?" asked Robin.

"I…wish, if it is possible, t-to join your team. Until we figure out how to send you back to your time, I would like to be a part of you." Rorek then held his breath. He put his hands in his lap to prevent the others from seeing that his hands were shaking. Raven noticed and put her hand over both of his.

"We were talking about that after you had left," said Raven.

"Right," said Robin. "You are from this time. We are not. We need someone like you to guide us. We would be glad to have you."

Rorek's countenance brightened. "T-Thank you! I am truly honored." Rorek bowed. "I shall not disappoint you!"

"Hold up!" Shouted Beast Boy.

"Yeah," chimed in Cyborg. "It's not that easy to join the Teen Titans anymore. We have strict codes!" Cyborg stood and crossed his arms over his chest. Beast Boy joined him.

Rorek smiled and said, "Um, I know the baker very well and he makes the best pastry sweets. I can have him make you a batch for free."

"You're in!" They both gave Rorek the thumbs up.

"Welcome, Dark Age Titan," Starfire hugged Rorek.

"Thank you, Maiden."

"Please, call me Starfire."

"Starfire, then."

"We need to rest, Titans," said Robin. "It is only morning here but it was almost midnight when we left Titans Tower. Let's just get a few hours of sleep until we can adjust to the time change."

"Good idea!" Said Beast Boy.

"You three can sleep in my room." Said Rorek. "Starfire can sleep in Raven's room."

"I've slept enough, "said Raven. "I'll just wait out here."

"Alright, oh and Rorek…" Robin reached into his utility belt and tossed him a communicator. "I know that you don't know what it is yet, but think of it as making you a Teen Titan officially."

Rorek fixed his gaze upon the strange object. "Thank you," he said almost breathlessly. Rorek then escorted them to his room while Starfire went back into Raven's.

Raven stood by the fire again. She liked the change in Rorek. He now seemed more like the being that Malchior had nefariously imitated. All the feelings that she had were resurfacing. She felt like she was acting like a nervous school girl. Raven thought about finding a quite place to meditate. She lost track of the time when Rorek returned. He came and stood by her. They were both staring into the flames as awkwardness overcame them both. Hans was handling customers when he gazed over at the two.

He thought, "Come on, lad, make a move already!" Hans stood there shaking his head and resisting the urge to walk up to them and knock their heads together.

Rorek was able to intercept Han's thoughts and he blushed profusely. Fortunately, Raven was still looking into the fire. Rorek finally spoke up.

"Raven, can we go somewhere? I-I want to show you something. Can you teleport us there?"

Raven nodded. She put her index fingers on either side of his temples. "Think about where you would like us to go."

Rorek reached up gently clasped Raven's wrists. They held each other's gaze.

"You're not still disgusted with me, are you?" Rorek asked softly.

Raven shook her head timidly.

"It's only been three days," she said.

"I know. A lot can happen in three days." He smiled warmly. He closed his eyes and focused on his destination. Raven then engulfed them in dark energy and they were gone. Hans, who had been looking on, let out a sharp breath.

"Whoo! Things just got more interesting!" Hans smiled and went back to shining the counter.

IV. A Rendezvous

Raven and Rorek had materialized in front of a shop of some sorts. Raven looked at it with a puzzled expression.

"Are we at the right place?"

"Indeed," he smiled broadly. "I have to show you this!" Rorek took her hand and guided her into the store. Inside, there were all sorts of swords and armor hanging on the walls.

"A weapons store!" Raven marveled at the craftsmanship. "Where is the owner?"

"You're looking at him!" Rorek turned to face her. "I am by trade a blacksmith."

"You are truly amazing." Raven wasn't being sarcastic. She really meant what she had said. "But why bring us here?"

"Wait here." Rorek ran into the back. Raven noticed a black scarf draped over the counter. She then winced as the sound of crashing metal. "Ah! Here it is!" Rorek came running out again with upper body armor. He displayed it before her.

"So, what do you think," he smiled.

Raven studied the armor. She recognized the "M" on the front. "Rorek, why do you have an "M" on it?" Rorek put it down.

"It was supposed to be the armor of the 'Great Slayer of Dragons'. The "M" was to mock Malchior." He knelt down before the armor and began to trace the letter with a finger. "Now, it is a reminder. I will always remember his blood thirst, the countless people whose lives have been lost, and the dreams he has turned into nightmares!"

Rorek clenched his fist. "I will also remember how he used my likeness to deceive a young woman who wanted nothing else but to have someone who truly understood her. I will not forget his deception!" Raven hung her head in shame.

Rorek stood up and cupped her chin. "Do not be ashamed of being human, Raven."

Raven looked him in the eye. Those eyes haunted her at first. This was the real Rorek staring back at her. She stepped back and extended her hand.

"Nice to finally meet you, Rorek."

Rorek was amused as he extended is hand in turn. He turned her palm downward and kissed the back of her hand. He stood back as he put on the armor. He added wrist guards and slender metal boots. Finally he unsheathed a massive two-edged sword. The craftsmanship was gorgeous. Malchior's likeness had been engraved onto the blade. The handle was in the shape of Malchior's head.

"A fitting weapon," said Rorek admiring it. "I shall put it to good use." He then sheathed the sword. He stood before Raven in all his glory. Rorek smiled and knelt before her on one knee. He closed his eyes and hung his head.

"Raven, on my life, I promise to fight along side you as a Teen Titan. I will do whatever is in my power to send all of you back to your own time even if I have to probe the minds of every citizen in this country." He looked up. "I will fight for you. I know you can fight for yourself, but give me a chance to prove the kind of man I really am."

Raven smiled and knelt in front of him. "You already have."

They met each others eyes for a moment. Rorek reached out and took her hand. When they stood up, he did not release her. Raven's heart fluttered as she tried to control herself. She turned around and grabbed the black scarf. She wrapped it around the lower part of his face so that only his eyes were showing. Rorek was surprised at her action.

"Take a look." Raven reassured him and motioned for Rorek to look at himself.

Rorek looked at his reflection in one of the breastplates. He stared at his new look for a moment and turned back to her. Then, he lowered the scarf, kissed Raven on the forehead, and put the scarf back in place.

"What do you think?" Asked Raven.

"Hmmmm. I like it!"

To be continued…