The Enemy of my Enemy
WARNING: This chapter is the reason why this is a PG-13 story. It contains scenes of an attempt at rape.
Malchior was drumming his talons with one paw and rubbing his temple with the other. The headache was finally going away. A funeral procession was going by. Malchior stayed hidden. In all his years, he had seen many funerals and not once did he interrupt one. He figured that human life spans were too short as it is, so he decided to at least give them their moments to grieve. The departed was a woman who had been killed by her husband. Malchior had witnessed the entire ordeal from a distance. He watched the procession as it passed by.
"They put up a barrier to keep me out, but what protects them from themselves?" Malchior pondered this for a moment. "Miserable creatures! You have more to fear from each other than you do from me! Isn't that right, my friend?" Malchior looked over at a large crystal that was lying beside him.
Malchior stopped rubbing his temple and crossed his paws. When the mourners and grave diggers finally left the cemetery, Malchior came out of his hiding place. He walked over to the grave site and shook his head. He knew that the mourners would go back to their lives until it was their turn to rest.
"What is your purpose?" Malchior said as he surveyed the headstones. He looked at the dates. He counted 20 years, 30 years, 80 years, etc. "Such short life spans! Yet, what drives you on?"
Malchior finally left the cemetery wondering. What did the humans have that he didn't? If his life span was only 70 years give or take, he would be downcast. What can one accomplish in such a short period of time? Malchior always pondered these questions after a funeral. His mind quickly shifted.
He started thinking about the dark stranger. Never had a human been able to best him like that, not even the Great Magician. Even more so, Malchior realized that the stranger did not fit the profile of those humans who had sought revenge for him killing their family members. He sensed that the maliciousness of her attack was on a more personal level as if had done something to her directly. Yet, he couldn't recall ever meeting her before. It seemed like they might have met before, but his memory was muddled. This is what enraged Malchior. He hated not knowing! He was unable to remember too much about his life. He didn't even recall his early years. He closed his eyes to think. This strange maiden had definitely caught his interest. He wondered what he had done to her to make her so fierce. He also wondered why she didn't kill him when she had the chance. No matter, he would make her wish that she had!
"A formidable opponent at last! I will savor this, Dark Maiden," Malchior smiled. He didn't want to kill her…not yet anyway. Malchior wanted to break her spirit and watch her writhe. He couldn't wait for a rematch! He felt an adrenaline rush. His tail swished in anticipation as he began to obsess over the type of things he could do to her. He knew just the thing to humiliate her. He laughed wickedly when a sharp pain came back to his head. He grimaced and began to massage his temple once more.
Meanwhile…
"Dude! I am NOT bathing in front of you!"
Robin chuckled. "Beast Boy, they don't have indoor plumbing in this time period. Hans went through the trouble of fetching water for us." Robin motioned at the two tubs in their rooms.
"I'll skip bathing, thank you very much!"
Cyborg grabbed Beast Boy by the shoulder. "No, you REALLY need that bath!"
"Fine, but you two leave!"
"Whatever you say, man." Cyborg and Robin left the room.
Beast Boy was just out of his underwear when Rorek entered the room.
"Excuse me but I have…Ye gods!"
Beast Boy yelled and tried to put his underwear back on. He tripped and fell into the tub. Cyborg and Robin let out a roaring round of laughter. Rorek shuddered and tried to dump the mental image. Cyborg came around and put his hand on Rorek's shoulders.
"Sorry, man!" He tried to talk between laughs. "I couldn't resist!"
"Indeed," said Rorek flatly.
"Welcome to the Teen Titans," said Robin as he recovered. As the commotion continued, Starfire and Raven were in the next room.
"Boys!" Raven rolled her eyes.
Starfire giggled. "Yes, they are amusing."
Raven left the room and went outside.
"It's only been three days," she said to herself.
"A lot has happened hasn't it?" Raven turned around and saw Rorek standing behind her. "I…uh…saw more of your friend than I ever want to in a lifetime!"
Raven chuckled softly as Rorek came and stood right behind her. He slid his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her head.
"A lot has happened," he repeated. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of her in his arms. This was so different from the first time they had met. Not only did Raven respect Rorek now, she was beginning to feel something deep for him.
"I'm glad we were able to finally understand each other, Raven."
"Me too. You've changed a lot."
"I had too. How much time do any of us have?"
"How much indeed," she replied. "How much indeed." Raven turned in Rorek arms. He lowered his scarf and brought his lips to hers. It was her first kiss…it was his too. He was hesitant at first, but feeling Raven's hand running through his hair edged him on. Rorek grew bolder as he embraced her and brought her closer. They molded their bodies to each other as the kiss grew deeper. Rorek lost himself in this new experience.
He broke the kiss and smiled down on her. Raven returned the smile and traced his jaw line. Rorek cupped the side of her face. All the memories of bitterness and his empty life faded away. They knew that they might not ever see each other after this adventure was over, but for the moment, they were happy.
Later…
"This is sweet!" Beast Boy donned the armor that Rorek had brought back. Rorek had a good eye for sizing and brought the other four Titans matching armor. Raven remained as she was.
"Nice!" Said Robin as he put on the breastplate.
"It is my pleasure," smiled Rorek. He looked to Raven who nodded back. He then caught a glimpse of Beast Boy. The two exchanged looks for a second and abruptly turned away from each other shuddering.
Raven smiled then grew solemn. "We need to go," she said.
"Alright, Titans, Raven believes that Malchior is our link to get home. Let's find him and get some answers."
"How are we to reason with such a beast?" Questioned Starfire.
"He'll talk," reassured Raven.
The Titans walked out of the inn as Rorek went up to the front desk to pay Hans for the rooms.
"Take care, lad!"
"And you also, Sir." Rorek waved and closed the door behind him. He then caught up with the rest of the Titans.
"Where are we going, Rorek?" Asked Starfire.
"Raven and I saw Malchior in a clearing in those woods." Rorek pointed. "The barrier only extends to the edge of town. After that, we have no protection against him."
"We have our powers," said Raven as she clenched her fists.
"My Lord! My Lord!" The Titans turned at the voice. It was a woman running up to them. She stopped in front of them and panted.
"My Lord, Rorek! He took her! Please, bring her back!"
"Please, Madam. Who took whom?"
"My daughter! The dragon kidnapped my daughter! Please, help me!" The woman dropped to her knees clutching Rorek's armor.
"I will do my best," he said as he stroked her hair.
"Raven, get us to that clearing!" Robin commanded.
"We'll be back, Madam." Rorek gently pushed the woman away and stood close by Raven. She then teleported them to the clearing where she and Rorek had met Malchior earlier.
As the Titans materialized, a shadow passed over them. They looked up and saw Malchior holding the child by his tail.
"Demon!" Rorek shouted. He unsheathed his sword and took aim.
"Wait!" Shouted Robin. "He might drop her!"
"I'll catch her," said Starfire.
"But what if he crushes her instead?" Asked Beast Boy.
Malchior circled and then landed in front of them. The child, who looked to be about 6 years old, just kept her eyes shut.
"Ah, Dark Maiden! I knew I would get your attention. You also brought back the runt and some new friends I see." Malchior stepped closer but was walking on three of his appendages. He was holding something. The Titans maintained attack positions but refused to move.
"Let her go!" Yelled Robin.
"I do not know you, and you are not in a position to raise your voice at me, Boy! I only want to talk to the Dark One."
"He means me, Robin. Just be ready to attack." Raven walked past everyone and stood before Malchior. "You want to finish what we started, right?"
Malchior nodded. "That and more, Dark One." Malchior revealed what he had in his paw. It was a large crystal with a man inside. His face was frozen with terror.
"W-What is this?" Raven was horrified.
"He is or was the Great Magician," Malchior replied. "Actually, he was a fraud just like that white-haired lover of yours."
"What makes you think…" Raven stopped and realized Malchior's game. "That won't work."
"No? Tell me, child, have we ever met before?"
"We did 1000 years ago and we will 1000 years from now."
Malchior looked puzzled. "What kind of answer is that!" Now it was Raven's turn to get under Malchior's skin.
"You mean you don't know? Dragons live a long time I hear. Many are even immortal. I'm sure that the wisdom you acquired during your lifetime should allow you to figure it out."
Malchior shook with anger. She had struck a nerve. He hated the fact that he couldn't remember much of his life. Malchior regained his composure.
"Well done, Maiden. You can even best me at the games of the mind. Here!" Malchior tossed the child toward the Titans. Starfire quickly flew up and caught her. When she did, the child disappeared. The Titans were bewildered and turned towards Malchior.
"Humans are so easy to control. I told that woman that if she didn't set you up, I would kill her. You were right about one thing, Maiden of Darkness, I have learned much in my lifetime."
Malchior recited an incantation. The other Titans were encased in the same crystal substance as the man except that their heads were still free. They grunted as they struggled to free themselves. Raven used her dark energy to try to free them, but her power could not phase through the material.
"Let them go!" Raven said in a low threatening voice.
"I will, when it's time for dinner. Wait, there's more!" Malchior recited another incantation. His form glowed and seemed to shrink. When the light had vanished he was standing in front of Raven as a dragon with human proportions. Malchior looked at himself.
"Ah! I haven't used this form in ages." He took one step closer to Raven.
"Come near me and I'll…"
"You'll what? Tell me something. What would humiliate a maiden more than anything else could?"
Raven's heart began to pound. She sensed where this was going. Malchior grinned evilly.
"I've witnessed that act many times over to young maidens. I want to see you suffer just like they did! Even better, right here in front of your friends!"
Malchior lunged at those last words and quickly pinned Raven down. He held her arms with one paw. He used one of his talons with the free paw and tore her uniform straight down. It was happening so fast. Raven tried to teleport but somehow he was blocking her power. Raven looked up and saw that Malchior's form was becoming more human.
Raven's mind was screaming. Not this way! Not like my mother! I will not suffer the same fate!
Raven stopped fighting and went limp. Malchior was bewildered by her behavior.
"Fight back, Wench!" He demanded. The thought of taking her when she wasn't trying to fight lessened Malchior's enjoyment. When he saw the expression of horror on her friends' faces, his determination was renewed.
Raven had gone into the depths of her being to confront her emotions. She saw the different colored capes of those beings that represented the various parts of her psyche.
"Let her go!" She cried. "Release her! For the sake of our virtue, for the sake of our innocence, LET HER GO!"
The other embodiments of her emotions scrambled as Rage was set free.
"Stop him!" Said Raven. "Do what you must! We must not follow our mother's path!"
Rage grinned as her eyes glowed. "As you wish." She said.
Back in the real world…
"STOP, MONSTER!" Rorek thundered.
"You wish to have the honor?" Malchior taunted. Rorek and the others struggled with all of their strength. Cyborg had tried to power up but couldn't get a shot off. Beast Boy was trapped so tightly that he could transform.
"Watch! Watch, cretins, or I'll kill her now!" Malchior had assumed the position when Raven's hand suddenly went up and took hold of his neck. Malchior lurched but was held fast by Raven. She opened her eyes (both pairs) as they glowed red.
"I SHALL ENJOY THIS!" The voice was Raven's mixed in with a deeper more horrendous voice.
"You're a demon!" Malchior realized too late.
"HALF DEMON, ACTUALLY!" Raven threw Malchior a distance. When he landed, he was already assuming his dragon form. "SOUL SELF!"
A giant embodiment of a raven flew straight at Malchior. He fell to his knees in mid-transformation as he was overcome with his greatest fears. As he cried out, Raven turned on her friends.
"Raven, stop!" Robin shouted.
"We are your friends!" Starfire pleaded.
The raven that had attacked Malchior had turned and headed toward Beast Boy. He screamed as memories of the deaths of his parents and his former friends, the Doom Patrol resurfaced. Tears were streaming down his eyes. Cyborg froze as he witnessed his best friend being tormented.
"No! BB!" Cyborg yelled and with one final effort, broke free.
Now that Malchior was occupied, the crystal prisons were losing their strength. Starfire also broke free. The two freed Beast Boy, Robin, and Rorek. The whole time Raven was just watching.
The giant raven returned to its master. Malchior had recovered from his onslaught, but Beast Boy was down for the count. Raven was transfixed on her friends as the struggle began. Malchior tried to escape, but the raven returned and tormented him once more. For the moment, Malchior realized that he and those strangers were on the same side.
"I'm sorry, Raven." Robin reached into his utility belt and unleashed an onslaught of discs. They exploded. When the smoke cleared, Raven was still standing there unscathed. Starfire attacked with starbolts. Still, the attacks had no effect. Cyborg was trying to calm Beast Boy down. Rorek was standing there staring intensely at Raven. He began to walk forward.
"Rorek! Stay back!" Robin tried to grab him, but Rorek just shook his head.
"Let me do this, Robin, I know I can. She has lost control and is crying out to me. I must help her contain the demon."
Raven released her soul self again. When it reached Rorek he closed his eyes and let himself be overcome. The dreaded memories of his empty life came flooding back. His father was a powerful man in the king's court. Rorek remembered his mother's brutal death at the hands of his father. Even so, Rorek tried hard to please him. It was because he was afraid that his father would kill him too. He wanted companionship and didn't fight his father's arranged marriage. Rorek thought she was beautiful. He thought they would be happy. She just wanted status.
In a drunken rage, his father had attacked him and tried to kill him. Rorek fought back valiantly and killed his father in self defense. Without his father, he quickly lost his status. The girl had no more interest in him and left him. Rorek was devastated. He left to find a new life for himself. For years, he learned the trade of a blacksmith. His life changed when he met a dragon that was going to kill him. Malchior had killed the dragon but not before Rorek escaped. The townspeople thought Rorek had killed the beast and praised him. He liked the attention, even if it was a lie. He just wanted to feel loved and needed.
"I was wrong," said Rorek. His mental powers were counteracting Raven's soul self. While he relived his memories, his broadcast forced Raven to relive them with him.
"I was wrong to think I could be happy living as a fraud. I wanted…needed companionship, Raven. I just wanted for once in my life to have what you have with your friends. Don't do this to them. Don't throw this away. They love you and you love them. I love you, Raven." Rorek was still walking up to Raven.
"I love you, because I've seen you at your worst and I still think the best. All I ever wanted was to feel that with someone. All I ever needed was someone like you." By the time he had finished talking, he was standing right in front of her.
Raven didn't fight him as he wrapped his arms around her and brought her close. His kiss was urgent. Raven responded in kind. The raven had disappeared. Deep within Raven's soul, Rage had once again been contained. Her eyes returned to normal. She was herself again, but did not let Rorek go.
Malchior and the other Titans stared at them in wonder. Rorek had overcome Raven's soul self. Malchior's mental defenses were strong so that he was able to recover for the second time. He had returned to his normal dragon form. Raven and Rorek broke the kiss and looked into each other's eyes. They and the Titans then looked toward Malchior.
Malchior realized that the white-haired runt had just saved them all. He looked at the couple. Malchior lowered his head in respect to the both of them.
"Well played. I have again underestimated you. I call a truce for today." Malchior spread his wings and took to the sky. He left behind the man trapped in crystal. Beast Boy had passed out and Cyborg picked him up gently.
"Let's head back to the inn, Titans," said Robin.
"What about him?" Starfire pointed at the crystal.
"I'll take him," said Raven. She had covered her exposed flesh with her cape and was leaning on Rorek for support. She levitated the crystal.
When they had reached the town, they saw the woman that had set them up. She hid her face in shame. The Titans weren't angry at her. They knew that she acted out of fear. Rorek stopped and bowed to her to indicate no hard feelings. Back at the inn, Cyborg set Beast Boy on the bed. He would not leave his best friend's side. Robin and Starfire were lying on top of Raven's bed. Starfire was lying on her side and Robin was behind her. He had reached over her to take her hand. They caressed each other's fingers gently. Raven had to put on a garb that belonged to one of Hans's customers.
After Raven had changed she took the crystal that she had set outside and brought it into the lobby.
"You have some explaining to do, old man!" Hans turned around at Raven's accusation.
He saw the crystal, yet he didn't seem upset. He just nonchalantly sat down in front of the fire. Rorek and Raven sat on either side of him.
"Well?" She asked.
Hans closed his eyes and smiled. "Where should I start?" He asked.
"You can start by telling us how to get back to our own time?"
Hans smiled again, "I thought you'd never ask."
To be continued…
