Day 26-
"Is this really necessary? I mean, how much harm could she possibly do?"
"Enough." And with a mixture of sarcasm and stress, he was gone.
Raven lie awake for the umpteenth time this week. Early morning dew was just beginning to evaporate as the sun shone in the horizon. It was the beginning of a beautiful day.
But not for Raven. Every time there was a ray of hope, it was drowned by ten shadows of despair. Nothing was going anywhere near what she had expected it would.
She thought back on the last couple days. After her and Terra had called it a night after their first chat by the pond, which didn't lead to any important discoveries unfortunately, Terra seemed to vanish. Her house was cleared out. And no one 'knew' anything.
Raven didn't need a confession though. It's plainly obvious to figure out. Everyone's secrets were threatened to be revealed so they cut the problem at the source. Terra had been removed. But through various conversations, only temporarily. How temporarily was another question.
No matter, Raven thought. I will find out what's so important that you keep me from finding out the truth. Just wait.
On to another matter. Raven sat up and leaned over the coffee table. The letters from Jinx's dream were there along with a few different possibilities of answers. Although she was pretty sure she hadn't found the right answer yet. Nothing made sense. And no matter what she did, all the letters weren't being used.
So she started over on a clean sheet of paper. After rereading the letters a few dozen more times, Raven closed her eyes to think. And she got so caught up in thinking, she found herself in a meditative state. Slowly she chanted as the letters went through her mind over and over again.
And suddenly she found a lead.
Jumping awake she dove into her paper and started scratching letters as fast as she could. Rearranging. Spacing. At last she thought she had cracked the code. But there were eight letters remaining. Not fitting in at all.
Raven frowned ready to face the fact that she might have to start back at square one. But the eight letters did form a word. Although it's a word that doesn't really fit with the rest. But….
Raven leapt to her feet and bound out the door with the paper in hand not bothering to get dressed yet. She ran until she found herself in front of Jinx's mini suite. Passing Terra's emptied one along the way.
Raven stopped to catch her breath before knocking. As she did, she glanced around. In the distance were a few large animals just inside the tree line to the woods. Right along the path to where she had repaired the fort not too long ago. Silently she noted that a visit there would be in order after a while.
Raven knocked. There was a silence that rang through the air. Suddenly Raven noticed the Grounds seemed quieter than usual. Almost enough to cause an echo from her knock.
The door opened to a surprised Jinx's face.
"Busy?" Raven asked.
Jinx shook her head and moved to the side to allow Raven entrance. Raven walked in and sat at the table to the left. Jinx joined her.
"I'm sorry…" Jinx started.
Raven held her hand up. "I don't want to hear it. I only came to tell you that I think I broke your code."
For a brief moment Jinx was confused. "You mean my dream."
Raven nodded and handed her the paper.
Jinx read it to herself a few times before she did aloud. "'Destroyers unite in hive. Agony reigns. Stop the war. Liberate.' What's that mean?"
"I think it's some kind of message. People are gathering somewhere. Perhaps a town or city named Hive. Or one that is referred to as Hive. 'Agony reigns' sounds like a warning. Like if you fail, this 'Hive' taking over is going to be like hell. 'Stop the war' is more of an action that we should take. Or you in particular since it was your dream. And 'liberate,' being a synonym for set free which also ties into help. It's a cry for help. Someone wants to be rescued. Or is asking for help in the matter. Although this was a dream. So it could be… just a dream."
Jinx looked shocked for a minute before focusing. "I don't know any place named Hive."
"It could be a nickname. Codename. Like Jinx is your nickname." Raven stated as she glanced out the window.
They were quiet. Jinx was obviously more than stunned with this revelation.
Raven guessed she had thought it would be a mystery for a long time.
Before too much longer they were interrupted with the crackle of Jinx's radio.
"Jinx."
Jinx turned to the kitchenette counter to see her pink radio flashing. She sighed and got to her feet.
"Yes."
"Have you seen Raven? She's not at her house."
"She's here, Cy."
"Ah. Then we're having breakfast at your place?"
Jinx looked to Raven. Raven nodded.
"Yup."
"Be there in a moment."
Jinx set her radio back down. She started to make her way back to the table and retake her chair when there was a knock on the door. Jinx huffed another sigh and headed for the door.
Both Robin and Cy entered. Cy headed straight for the kitchen with a grin in Raven's direction. Raven returned it lazily.
Robin sat in a chair opposite Raven. He glanced at her periodically. Raven didn't give him the satisfaction of a glare. Not even her most sour one.
As Robin glanced around the room, he happened to spot the note one the table. So he read it over quickly.
"What's this?" He asked Jinx.
"Raven decoded my dream this morning." She answered.
Robin looked it over a few times before returning his direction to Raven. "How'd you figure it out?"
Raven shrugged. "I don't know really. I exhausted all the other possibilities and this is what was left. I used all the letters. The results came out in English, are somewhat logical and all seem to be on the same subject."
Cy had looked over to the paper as well. Raven saw his red eye glow a bit and figured he had zoomed in to read it too.
"How certain would you say you are that this is what it was supposed to translate to?" Robin asked out of curiosity.
Raven considered it for a moment before shrugging. "Pretty certain. I wouldn't bet my life on it if that's what you're asking."
"But we were just saying that we don't know anywhere named or referred to as Hive." Jinx chimed in, again concentrating on the paper in question.
"No. But it could be abbreviated from something. Or the first letters of four words. Or two separate parts of two words combined. There are endless possibilities." Robin said.
"So you think this is a cry for help, too?" Jinx asked.
"That's what it sounds like. A warning and then a distress signal. Someone needs assistance." Robin said taking an apple out of the basket on the table.
"Who? And why would they use my dream? Why me?" Jinx asked with a child-like helpless face.
Robin shrugged.
"Maybe you're connected to the right person who can help." Cy suggested.
"That's right. We have the protector. That's what he does." Raven said absently as she still stared out the window. She felt the others eyes on her but ignored them.
After a few minutes of the chilling silence, Robin decided to change the subject.
"My father was asking how the details were coming on the Engagement Ball." Robin directed towards Jinx, but kept his gaze studying Raven.
"Oh, It's coming along. I've given a menu to the kitchen, ordered a few accessories and lined up music. Was I supposed to do the inviting?" Jinx answered
"No. My parents are."
"That's a relief."
"You know, I'm sure my parents will invite yours."
Raven gave a slight nod. The nod wasn't satisfactory. Robin still stared at her. So she turned to him too. "What?"
Robin shrugged. "I know you don't ever want to see them again, so…"
"Don't you worry. I already have a plan for my dear parents." Raven said as she returned her gaze towards the window.
Breakfast was short. Delicious, but short. Before she left, Robin had given her her very own cell phone. Purple. Lucky me, she thought. Now I'm just a few numbers away.
Raven made her way back to her suite. Walking slowly. Admiring the Grounds. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous. The courtyards, which she had only seen one of, were stunning.
Raven sighed. She had managed to alienate everyone. Except Meeko. But she could hardly count him. He didn't talk. And Terra was gone. Somewhere. If she only knew where, she could still talk to her. After all, she had many secrets of her own.
Which made her question herself. She's keeping secrets from them too. Why should she be so mad if she's doing the same thing?
"My secrets," She answered herself as she walked into her suite. "Are only concerning me. They are about my powers. And my powers are not exactly God given if I had to guess. So my powers need not be disclosed. But their 'secrets' are all love triangle crap by the sounds of it."
And still I don't see why I don't just go in their minds and find out for myself. It would save all me from these problems.
When Raven managed to tear herself out of her dazed world of questions, she noticed she had already showered and dressed. Now she was standing in front of her vanity lazily brushing her hair.
Raven finished readying herself and headed for her living room.
Today would be a long one. With no real activity or excitement, today would drag.
Raven decided to go for a walk. She started at the front of her house and walked in the opposite direction than normal. She had never been this way. When she finally got to a fork in the rode, she had three choices. Left would take her around the bend and out of sight. Straight seemed to go on forever. Right went around the one pond and its destination from there was unclear.
After little time, Raven decided to go left. Around the bend took her behind the houses. There was very little activity here surprisingly. Normally there was hustle and bustle everywhere she turned. But here seemed to be almost deserted.
That was good, though. Raven wanted to spend some time by herself. Completely by herself. No Jinx with her puppy eyes. No big brother Cy. No do good-er Robin. Just herself and the cool refreshing air around her.
Raven continued on the path for quite some time. It kept going behind the houses. Even back here the path was neatly laid with gravel. There were still many flowerbeds full and thriving. The grass was beautifully green and well kempt. Terra did a good job. Even in the places that weren't seen by most.
Again she had a choice in path. She could go straight following the winding path behind the houses. Or she could turn left into the dark wooded area. Guess where she chose.
The path kept winding on and on through the woods. Until it came to a complete end. Blocked with grown shrubs and wild flowers. They were obviously an afterthought. Not the same type or height as the surrounding greenery. With a quick glance around, Raven turned back to the blocked path with an eerie white glow to her eyes. Concentrating lightly, she lifted her hands and the blocked path was very unblocked now.
Raven tossed the weeds to the sides. With another quick glance around she continued on her way. The path wasn't clearly marked anymore. But it was easy enough to pick up on. It had obviously been walked on a few times. There was clearly a beaten down trail with bits of gravel here and there.
For a while Raven thought it lead nowhere. That it was just another childhood play place. And when the path seemed to end completely, she was still convinced of that.
This time the path did end. The grass grown level with others all around where she stood and seemed to be grown their all along. There were the starts of trees and rocks and sticks everywhere. The grass went up to her mid thighs.
Raven frowned. There had to be some importance to this path. Why would it just end? So perfectly framed for a long time, then overgrown and now it's just… gone.
There was a sudden ringing that made Raven jump slightly before she realized it was her new cell phone.
Answering it, she growled. "What?"
"Wonderful way to answer your phone." Robin laughed.
"I figured it would be you. What do you want?"
"Nice to talk to you too. Miss Tayfler left us an 'assignment' until she can get here next week. Meet me in the gazebo?"
"Like I have a choice." Raven mumbled before saying, "Yep. Love to." And she hung up the phone.
Once again Raven made a thorough look over the wooded area surrounding her. With no abnormal creatures making their appearance, humans in particular, Raven thought it was best for one more check. She closed her eyes and reached out with her mind. Anything other than a normal wild animals brain wave and Raven would have to walk back. But there was nothing. Satisfied, Raven turned with her eyes glowing an eerie white again.
A dark shadow arose from her body. It took the shape of a large bird before consuming her and sinking into the ground. The path looked entirely untouched. Just as if had been for years.
The black bird arose through the floor in her suite. Its wings spread and Raven stepped out. Raven glanced around briefly as the bird fell back into Raven.
"Now that's the way to travel." She said heading for the door while deciding she would have to investigate that trail further some other time.
Robin turned when he heard Raven's door open. Then Raven stepped out. "How did you…?"
Raven looked at him blankly for a minute. "I was ignoring you." She said.
"I see." Robin sighed. "Would you like me to walk ten paces in front of you or would you like to walk with me?"
Raven continued her walk towards him. "Depends. If you plan to be a smart ass, I'll take my own transportation."
Robin smiled as she continued to walk by him. He matched her pace. "So what were you really doing? You weren't home."
"I was exploring." Raven stated.
"Exploring what?"
"A path behind the houses. Then you called so I came running." Raven said with mock enthusiasm.
"How'd you get home so fast?" Robin said cocking his brow.
Raven smirked without facing him. "That's my secret. Why do you ask so many questions?"
Robin smiled.
They arrived at the empty gazebo. A note with a few books was left out.
"'Young Drake and Miss Raven.'" Robin began to read. "'Forgive me for my absence. My flight was delayed. I had my assistant drop off a few books for you to make some decision on wedding accessories. Make a note and it will be picked up in a few hours and ordered before the days done. I will see you next week to decide on a cake, party favors and decorations for the isle. Take care. Miss Tayfler.'" Robin finished reading while glancing at the books mentioned.
"Glasses, cake cutter, cake server, wedding topper, plates… why is this so important? Cant we just get some from the kitchen?" Raven asked flipping through the books.
Robin laughed. "We're supposed to order special items so we can remember the day always."
"Like I'll forget the wedding I was forced into. Its not like a bad picture you can rip up."
"Speaking of pictures, have you seen the paper with our engagement notice?"
Raven frowned as she turned pages in a catalogue. "No. Guess I missed that."
Robin smiled as he went through another. These were the times he wished he could have more of with Raven. Although the conversation was light, they were getting along and conversing. It's something that happens less and less often lately. With a stolen glance at his dark beauty, Robin flipped through some pages, pointing items out every now and again.
Considering the circumstances, Raven quite enjoyed herself. When all was said and done, they had decided on a few items and left others for latter. A pair of frosted glasses, dyed dusty black of course, with a tinted rose wrapped around the stem of the glass. The glass was tall and thin with an elegant appeal to them. Raven thought they would be the only things she would consider keeping after the wedding. The cake topper was that of two black birds with wings spread. They were facing away. It was made of black porcelain. The dinner plates were of the same clear black crystal the glasses were made out of. The same vine of the tinted black rose wrapped round the edges of the plates as well. Those were for the wedding party. The normal guest plates were just black china with a single purple rose in the center. They left the cake server and cutter till later. None really struck them as the right one. Besides, none came in their colors.
Raven began her journey home with a small smile gracing her lips. Today hadn't been too bad after all.
Day- 31
"Before you run off, about your next trip. I believe you should take Raven with you."
Robin stopped in the doorway and turned to face his father. "I don't think that's such a good idea."
"Nonsense. You two need to spend some quality time together. Just the two of you. This will give you the perfect opportunity."
Robin forced a smile. "We get enough time together. Believe me." He said somewhat sourly. Its not that he didn't want to spend more time with Raven. Quite on the contrary really. But he knew this wouldn't fly well with his beloved fiancé.
Mr. Drake sighed and walked towards his son. And placing a hand on his shoulder he asked, "She still isn't warming up to you, is she?"
Robin blinked but kept a blank face. "Raven is very… difficult to get along with. And she'll be even worse to deal with if I take her with me."
Mr. Drake turned and walked back into the library. "Robin, you have to learn to get along with her. She will be your wife in a little over two months. Its time to put your petty differences aside."
"Petty? You don't know the half of it." Robin argued thinking over the last couple weeks.
"This trip alone will be good for the both of you. Trust me."
"Trust me, it wont." Robin argued.
"You're taking her and that's that." Mr. Drake said before leaving the room.
"Good, Dad. Push the wedge between us deeper. As if I don't have enough to contend with." Robin shook his head and headed to the grounds.
He walked the paths aimlessly lost in thought for quite a while until he ran into a large green dog.
The dog looked up at him briefly before going around him on the path.
"BB, wait."
The dog snorted and turned to face him. Robin could picture the bored face he would be wearing if he were in human form.
"Let's talk." Robin said continuing down the path.
The green dog trotted beside him.
They walked on in silence for a few minutes. Robin and the dog, just like man and his best friend.
"Can you at least become human for a few minutes?"
BB didn't change. Just walked next to him and slightly made a zigzagging motion as he went.
"Fine. Don't change. Just listen."
They walked a few more paces in the quiet.
"You're probably right about Raven. I do underestimate her. A lot I think. I should be completely honest with her and tell her everything. But I cant yet. I don't think even you know the half of it."
BB snorted again.
"Or maybe you do. I want to change our relationship. I need to get to know her. I want her to talk to me like she does the rest of you. And since you're now the only one she trusts… I need your help in that."
BB made no indication of acknowledgment.
"You want to see her happy don't you? How can I make her happy if I don't know how?"
BB changed into a hyena and made a high-pitched laugh before taking his normal form. "You want to make her happy?" He said in sarcastic disbelief. "You know how to make her happy. And how to make her trust you. And if you really think keeping something from her, anything from her, is going to help you or prevent something your sadly mistaken. Relationships are built on trust first and foremost. You really want to do something for her? Then leave her alone."
"I can't do that. Even if I wanted to I couldn't." Robin said a little quieter.
"Stop fooling yourself, Robin. If you want a relationship, get back with Jinx. She's the only one you'll get anything from around here. Even Terra's done with you." BB said with an edge in his voice. "Which reminds me. Raven knows you sent Terra away. She's not stupid. She's seen the power you have around here. Do you think that will make her turn to you for comfort and answers?"
"I only did it for-"
"Yourself. Not for her own good, like you were going to say. For your own good. God forbid if anything doesn't go in your direction. You know why she can't stand you less and less? You're too much of a goody-goody. Your too straight edge for her. Too predictable. A saint. You do nothing wrong. You're everyone's savior."
"But you know I'm not really all like that. There's more to me than that."
"Yes I know. She does not. And it's not me we're having a problem with."
"Actually…"
"Yea yea. I know. You don't like my sudden attitude. What you seem not to realize is the fact that it's been there all along. I just keep my distance from you most of the time so you've never noticed before."
"So you've always been a jerk and we've never noticed?" Robin glanced at him.
BB grinned. "Yep."
"Great. And here I thought we had been such good friends." Robin said with a chuckle.
BB kept his grin but said nothing.
"So you're not going to help me?" Robin asked.
"Dude, I told you. You know what to do. Its just your choice whether or not you do it." BB said shifting into a bird and gliding away.
Robin sighed and headed in the direction BB had flown. He followed the path into the woods. It wound around for a while. BB had been out of sight for some time now. He wasn't even sure whether BB had flown off the path or not. But he kept moving.
Soon enough he heard the light sound of water. Moving a little closer he heard the soft splash. Rounding a large tree Robin found himself in the midst of a small clearing with the river and a small stick build shack.
And sitting on a large boulder was Raven. Skipping rocks across the largest part of the stream.
Looking around, Robin recognized this place. When he was younger, he and his brother and sister would play. Not one of the triplets. The two after them and before himself. They built the fort and used to pretend they were parentless. Orphans who had to try and survive on their own in the woods. And later he and BB would go swimming here. This is where BB first transformed into an animal. It was a monkey.
They had been trying to climb the biggest tree where their Frisbee had gotten stuck when BB had said something to the effect of 'I wish I could climb like a monkey.' Before long, he was. Everyday after that they would come to this spot and BB would practice his shape shifting. Robin would guide and support him the best he could.
Still after that, this is where he and Jinx would come to be alone. They would talk, get a stolen kiss, confide in each other and eventually break up. All in this one spot.
And now it's where he would watch the one beauty that he could never have. And he could never have her because he would not divulge his past to her.
As if she had been expecting him, Raven addressed his presence. "I would prefer not to be spied on."
Robin came out from behind the tree and made his way over to her. He stopped and sat on a rock beside her.
Robin watched her skip a few more rocks.
"I have a new business trip to attend to."
Raven nodded but said nothing.
"And I have been… advised… that you should accompany me."
Raven didn't say anything.
"We leave on Friday. We'll be gone through the weekend."
Still Raven said nothing.
"I think this will be good for us. Give us some time alone together. Maybe we can get to know one an other better." Robin tried to convince her that this was a good decision.
Unfortunately she saw right through it. "Your fathers idea?"
Robin chuckled and threw a rock into the water too. "Yes. But maybe he's right."
Raven shrugged.
"Are you still mad at me?" Robin asked before noticing how child-like it sounded.
"Why would I be mad?"
"I don't know. You've been mad at me for a while now. I just thought you still were."
"I'm not mad, Robin. If I was mad, you'd know."
Robin noticed how she spoke to him in monotone. And how she had been doing that more and more lately.
"Star called last night. She said she adores you. I think those were her exact words."
Raven gave him a small smile.
"She'll be here for our ball, party, funeral; whatever you wanna call it. So will the rest of my family. Brothers, sisters and their husbands and wives."
Raven nodded. "Which means Slade again, right?"
"Most likely." Robin said downcast.
Robin stood and held his hand out to help her from her rock. "We have two meeting to attend to. We best get going."
Raven threw the rest of her rocks and slid from her boulder. She completely ignored his hand.
They walked down the path together. It would be nice to say hand-in-hand. But that would be untrue.
"When are you going to let her come back?"
Robin looked to Raven and asked who knowing quite well whom she was talking about.
"Don't be stupid. The only one you banished."
"I didn't banish her. She went willingly."
"Right."
Robin sighed. Discussing this with her would be pointless. Terra wasn't actually forced. She had a choice. She just chose this option over the other. Truth be told, Terra was actually in a position where later she could help them all out.
They arrived at the gazebo shortly after. They weren't speaking and it was quite apparent Raven was at a disagreement with Robin.
Miss Tayfler's smile flashed when they arrived. She saw their dispositions.
"Good afternoon Mr. Drake and Miss Delpheki." She greeted in her normal chipper tone.
Her mood and tone vaguely reminded Raven of Star. In made her shudder just a little.
"Have you decided on a honeymoon destination?" Miss Tayfler asked.
"There won't be one." Raven stated in her monotone.
"Alright. That's your choice. I have brought some fun books for us today. We need to order a cake, the party favors and the decorations for the isle." She laid two books in front of the both of them.
Raven rolled her eyes and looked out among the grounds. Being forced to plan this wedding from hell was beginning to become a drag. Not that it was ever fun, but she felt less and less interested in what was going on around her, preferring to stay in her own fairytale state.
Raven watched the birds fly around in the distance. There was a red one, green one, yellow one and a black one. They flew in a circle mostly. Right above the trees.
To the right of the gazebo Cy and Jinx were walking, deeply consumed in conversation. Jinx was talking at the moment. Cy set his arm on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her, Raven guessed.
'What did I do wrong? We found them a way out of this mess. He always said if there was a way, then we could be together again. So what happened, Cy?'
Raven could just imagine the conversation between the two of them. Jinx doing the lost puppy love bit and Cy being her big brother.
And then there was Robin. Who apparently was 'over' Jinx. Raven saw it from both sides really. She could understand why Jinx was feeling the way she was. To an extent at least. Raven had never been in love. But she supposed to lose something so strong suddenly to something that had seemed to be out of their control at the time must be devastating. And she could relate to that because that's how she was losing her youth and innocence. If not by Robin, then by Slade. He was just dangerous. And not to mention her parents. She remembered what it was like to have them and then how drastically life changed when all the sudden, they were gone.
And then she could understand where Robin was coming from. Being told something for so long, like the sky is blue and then suddenly someone says the sky will be green tomorrow and forever more, eventually you get over the sky being blue because its not in your control to change it. With that mind set, with a situation where there seemed to be no other options, of course he's going to grow out of his old ways and into the new ways. What if someone told him he could change the sky back to blue after he had gotten so used to it being green? Would he want to?
Would I want to? Raven tried to put herself in his shoes. And then tried to find a way to get him to fall back in love the blue sky… with Jinx. She had to keep his head in the game. On the right side of the game anyways. But how could she change his mind? How could she undo so many months of misery? So many months of hurt?
Raven refocused her eyes on Jinx. She was smiling now. Maybe Cy had a plan for her. After all, it was he who figured out the plan to get them all to America. It was he who is setting up the whole 'vacation'. He probably has the programming to search for all the ways out of any particular situation. Or all the options for any question. Enter in data and he lists all the possible choices.
Raven smiled inwardly. Then he should be able to give her a list of options for finding out these secrets. Raven almost laughed out loud. Right. Him help her against Robin's will? Not going to happen. She didn't 'hold the key.'
"Raven." Robin called her from her solitary conversation.
Raven looked to him and to the empty seat where Miss Tayfler had sat not too long ago. "Yea?"
"Why are you so spacey lately?"
Raven shrugged and looked out among the Grounds again. Only to find Jinx and Cy on their way to join them. Raven couldn't help but frown. She just wasn't in the mood for any added company. Robin was bad enough. He asked enough annoying questions.
Cy sat across from Robin leaving Jinx to sit across form Raven. Raven barely acknowledged them before retreating to her own discussions.
Robin eyed Raven for a minute with a puckered brow.
"So. How's the planning coming?" Cy asked.
"Just wonderful. My queen has gone back to mostly being silent. Leaving me to find the worst ideas I can possibly come up with on my own. I have a pretty good imagination, but I'm quickly running out of ideas." Robin said hoping he would get a reaction from Raven.
He got nothing. Raven was dazed out again.
"But this is all I get." Robin said motioning to Raven.
Jinx and Cy looked at Raven.
"Maybe you need to spend some quality time together and work some things out." Cy suggested with a knowing grin.
Robin smirked. "That looks like the plan." He sighed.
Raven wasn't listening to a word of what they were saying. She really was dazed in her own world. Now thinking of ways to find Terra. But she was losing interest in all these mysterious secrets. How can these really concern her anyways? With a small inward smirk, she continued to plot against them. Making a mental list of different ways to get her answers. Not that she really cared anymore, but what else is there to do?
Robin walked along the courtyard's graveled path with Cy closely in step. Jinx had taken up residence with Raven, trying to get her to come back out of her shell. BB was of course somewhere else. Probably close by Raven.
"Is it wrong that I find Raven very… attractive when she gets pissed and distant?"
Cy laughed. "It could only be you to find something like that a turn on."
"You think she's cute too. I've seen the way you look at her." Robin said with a smirk.
"Ok. She's cute. But do you really think you stand a chance with her? BB may be right. You could just be wasting your time."
Robin considered this. "I don't know. Maybe he is right. But there are times when she gives me these looks like…" He thought back to their last counsel. And then to their sharing session on the rocks a little later. And when he got her away from Slade. "I don't know. Every time we seem to take a step in the right direction, something happens and we're even further behind where we started."
"So get rid of all the obstacles."
"Yea, I don't think so. She's already pretty pissed about Terra leaving."
"Then maybe this trip together will be good for you after all."
Robin kicked a few lose rocks in front of him. "No. It will only raise more questions. This isn't a typical business trip."
"Ahh." Cy nodded his head. "Well, maybe introduce her to someone out there. You never know what might be good for her. None of us know her all that well."
"Except BB." Robin said with mild loathing.
"I don't understand what's gotten into him lately. Why the sudden mood swings?"
"He says he's always been like this. We've just never been around him enough to notice."
Cy contorted his face into a thoughtful expression. "I guess. But he used to be, although quiet, pretty fun. A comedian. Now he's just a comic jack ass."
Robin chuckled.
They walked along in silence for a while. Cy studied his pals face.
"You really do like her don't you?"
Robin hung his head a little more. But Cy saw the smile that had formed.
"Well, then. We'll just have to find a way to get her to come around. I think we may even be able to get Jinx to help out in that matter. Inadvertently anyways."
Robin's smile faded a bit. "Is she really still that hung up on me?"
"I honestly never noticed until BB mentioned it. But then again, I'm with the two of you all the time so those things aren't always clear. BB on the other hand likes to 'listen' and watch. But I see it now. She is."
"So I need a plan to make her like me as a friend only and Raven to fall completely and helplessly in love. You know any spells in that metallic mind?"
Cy laughed. "Sorry. My intelligence only houses knowledge of possible options."
"Figures."
"You're a charmer though. You'll figure out how to make her like you. And a way to make it clear to Jinx that it's over."
Robin nodded.
They watched the path in front of them as a green raccoon scurried about before transforming into an eagle and soaring out of the courtyard.
"And what about BB? Does he like Raven?"
"It would seem that way, wouldn't it?" Cy said as he watched the eagle drop below the canopy of the nearby trees. "If he does though, I'm not sure you have anything to worry about on Raven's end. She rarely mentions him."
"I know. But in case you haven't noticed, he's the only one she really trusts. He knows her pretty well by the sounds of it. Better than the rest of us anyways."
"You can always give him a few options."
"No. Raven would stop talking all together. He's not an immediate threat. And he's right in the sense that I didn't bring him here, therefore I have no control on where he goes."
"I wouldn't worry about him. Just concentrate on Raven. I do think this trip will work out in your favor. Just wait and see."
Robin nodded at his best friends confidence. But he questioned his fortune in this. Raven was a huge handful. Was she really going to be worth it in the end? If he did manage to get through all her exterior characteristics, which has him infatuated to begin with, would he still find her irresistible?
He thought about the times they had gotten along, if not only on a platonic level. She was quite enjoyable. He didn't think her 'attitude' was all for show. Or that it would just disappear if they did happen to get close. He was sure he would never truly understand her. She would always be a mystery. With those brilliant violet eyes, silky purple hair, soft pale skin and her rare genuine smile… he wouldn't be losing interest any time soon.
Raven walked at an even pace as she made her way up to the library on floor two where she would be meeting Robin and their newest wedding officiant. Father Demesthanes, if she remembered correctly.
She opened the door to find Robin seated in his normal position on the couch with Father Demesthanes in the high back chair across from him. They both stood as she walked into the room.
Before making her way over she took a minute to make a few notes on their newest Father. Pretty short, dark blonde hair and deep brown eyes. He looked to be at a young age as well. He seemed to be in pretty good shape. Oddly enough he could fit in perfectly with the Drake family.
She turned her attention to Robin as she shut the door behind her made her way over to the couch. He wore his normal black: sports pants, mesh jersey, sweat guard and boots.
"Miss Raven. How nice it is to meet you." Father Demesthanes said.
Raven eyed him for a moment deciding whether or not to greet him as well. Of course she decided against it. She just held his stare.
Father Demesthanes bowed his head to pray. As he did, Robin took this time to look at Raven. She sat staring at the Father with her normal blank expression. He wanted to hold her hand for a brief moment but she would surly slap him.
Father finished his prayer and looked up to them with a kind smile. "The two of you look like the perfect couple. You should be very happy together."
Raven narrowed her eyes wondering where exactly he was looking.
Robin hid his smirk. "Before we start anything, I need to make a few things perfectly clear and if you cant abide by our wishes you mind as well leave now."
Father Demesthanes took his eyes off Raven and looked to Robin. He nodded. "Of course."
"We will not be talked down upon. Raven will not be treated as the inferior. I don't want to hear about how we were chosen to be together because of 'God's will' or how either of us is out of line. I don't want to hear a threatening tone, any instigating of an argument or any promises such as reporting anything in this room to our parents. And if either of us find you unfit, that is our choice."
"I completely understand. Although, that should all go without saying."
"You'd think so." Robin added leaning back on the couch.
Father Demesthanes looked between the two of them a few more times before settling his eyes lightly on Raven's.
Robin looked between the two of them. Their eyes were holding each other's gaze. He noted how her expression wasn't hard today like it normally is during these meetings. And he also noted that he didn't like it.
Father Demesthanes looked away from Raven and back to the two of them together. "Pre marriage counseling is in general supposed to be counseling on how to handle life as a married couple. Typically it's a rough transition and this counseling was formed to help you along in the matter. Are there any particular topics you would like to discuss?"
Robin said nothing. This Father was halfway decent. But he still didn't like him much. Especially the way he looked at Raven. And the way she looked at him.
Raven shook her head. Robin said nothing.
"Ok. Then we'll just move right on ahead. I believe the biggest change and challenge that you will have to face is living together. In a lot of other countries, religion isn't the base of everything like it is here. Most likely the couple has already lived together for quite some time before they decide to get married. However, that is not the case here given the circumstances. I can't change that, but I can give you guidance in making the change as painless as possible. And thoughts so far?"
"How?" Raven asked.
Father Demesthanes looked at her and smiled. "I won't pretend that I don't know how the men are brought up to behave. However, I have been a friend with the Drake family for years, behind the scenes of course. And I happen to know that you do have the most descent son of them all, Miss Raven." He spoke with a light air.
The words swept over Raven gracefully. And even though she had heard that same statement many a times before, it sounded different coming from Father Demesthanes. Although, she didn't plan to change her opinion on Robin quite yet. "So I've heard." She said with a little bitterness.
Father smiled at her tone. "I see you don't like to follow the trend. Good. Along side the fact that Young Drake is descent, your current living situation is not getting you ready for the change. It is bringing you two closer together, is it not?"
Robin wanted to say something. However, Raven beat him to it.
"Not. I do have a question, Father."
Robin cringed inwardly. Raven's tone was not as it should be. Kind. Gentle. Just like Father Demesthanes'. He dreaded her question whereas Father welcomed it with a warm smile.
"Ask."
"How do you feel about secrets?"
"As in what kind? The hurtful ones, or the ones kept for the good of others or…"
"That's the thing. Every time I get close to finding something out, my source gets cut. If we're going to be married, shouldn't I have a right to know all about his life? Should he keep everything a 'secret' from me?"
Robin gritted his teeth and looked between the two of them.
Father Demesthanes kept his eyes on Raven's. "Generally, no. There should be no secrets between the two of you."
"She doesn't need to know. They have nothing to do with her." Robin hissed.
Raven turned to him. "You said you wanted a chance with me, right?"
Robin nodded slowly keeping his scowl in place.
"How do you expect me to even consider it if you wont tell me about your past? So, I know about Jinx. And I happen to know there is a lot more you're hiding from me otherwise you wouldn't have made Terra leave. Maybe I don't need to know. If that's the case then we don't need to actually give this relationship a shot then either." And she looked away.
Robin drew in a breath and held it with his eyes closed. "Alright. That's fair. But why cant you just respect my wishes when I say I will tell you but just not now?"
"What's different from now than later?" Raven said as she turned back to him.
"How about the fact that you have no intention of giving me a chance? Or you don't tell me your secrets, which I hear through the grape vine that you have many as well. Why is that different?"
"Look around you, Robin. This is your home. These are your friends. What do I have besides my past? You know I have had no friends because I was home-schooled and kept under lock and key. I never even had a pet to consider a friend. So all I have is my memories and my past to hang on to. So if I told you everything now, I have nothing left to keep for myself. I'd have nothing sacred. Where, you on the other hand, still have your family and friends when all is said and done. You may say they're mine too. But they were yours first. Where do you think their loyalty lies? And since the ones who weren't involved in whatever is being hidden know, why cant I? Me, your future wife. Me, the one you want to have a relationship with. Me, whom you feel the need to protect."
Robin found himself at a loss for words. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and comfort her. Tell her everything would be all right. Her eyes were hiding tears. Not fighting them. They seemed to be fighting to stay in on their own.
Raven looked back to Father Demesthanes with a cleared face.
Robin hung his head for a brief moment before looking in that direction too. His smile was kind and comforting to Raven. It was enough to make Robin's anger start to flare. He should be the one comforting her. Not him.
"A compromise perhaps? Right now, the secrets aren't important. You should concentrate on getting to know one and other as a person prior to your wedding. Once your wedding is over, that is the time to start sharing your past. Now, as is custom, I am sure your friends, Young Drake, will be making the move with you? (Robin nodded resentfully) So you will still have your support. And Miss Raven will still have only her past. So my suggestion is this: Young Drake, you should try and be more considerate of Miss Raven's situation and be more open to sharing about your past. If you want to get closer, try letting her in a bit. A relationship doesn't build itself on a hidden past life. Miss Raven, you should try and respect his wishes. Try and understand him too. By the sounds of it, he has every intention of sharing with you, but just isn't ready yet. Does that sound like something the two of you could compromise with?"
Robin stole a glance at Raven. She seemed to be considering this for a few minutes.
Raven nodded a little.
Robin mimicked the movement.
"Alright. Are there anymore questions?" Father Demesthanes asked looking gently between the two or them.
Raven shook her head.
Robin did the same.
"I think we've had a pretty productive session today. I will let you two get back to your activities and I will see you next week."
He stood. Robin and Raven did the same as they watched him leave the room.
Raven stood still for a minute watching where he had left.
"I don't like him." Robin stated.
Raven turned to him. "Why? I think he's great."
"I've noticed."
Raven narrowed her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?" She asked with hands on hips.
"Nothing. I only watched the way you too made those googley eyes at each other this whole time."
"He's a priest. You really have lost it, haven't you?" Raven turned and began her departure. She stopped short.
Robin watched her turn around with a smile on her face.
"You're jealous, aren't you?"
Robin cocked his head to the side and let the irritation drain from him. "W-Why would I be jealous? Like you said, he's a priest."
"Uh huh." She turned and left with her smile lingering behind.
Once gone, Robin narrowed his eyes and walked to the window. I'm pathetic, he thought. I am completely jealous of her and a priest. Who is probably married and is only doing his job. But I still don't like him.
Raven's smile danced in his head. The sight brought a smile to his face as well.
First I would like to apologize to all my readers for having to witness my review war. I am happy to say it is taken care of and under control now. On that same note, I would like to thank each and every one of you who reviewed on my behalf. I appreciate all the support you have given me. It means a lot to know that you like my story that much. And for that I would like to give a special thanks to each one of you individually: (random order) SRC, Jessica, I don't have a pen name…, Ivory990, just a girl, Rinagurl 13, Leah, HermioneGranger22491, Lessa-13-2004, Mystery-Bliss and Nevermore266. Again I say thank you for your support during this time. I do appreciate it all. And I do ask if there is anymore aftermath of this to please not do it in my reviews anymore. Please don't take it the wrong way, like I said I do appreciate everything but I think others might think better of it if it was not a public battle anymore. I realized after I made my 'chapter' that it was a bit rude to everyone who does read this for the story, as I hope everyone who reviews does. Sorry.
Samisweet and Transcendent- I think I could have handled it better. So I want to apologize for dragging it out. I think I just missed the point of your first review, samisweet. I got it now though. And I thank you for helping me to better my writing.
Now, on to other topics. I'm not too pleased with this chapter. It didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. So don't be surprised if I revise it at some point.
On to my reviews that need answering or acknowledgement or whatever:
Chica De Los Ojos Café- Thank you. You seem like a great person too. I have aim and yahoo IM on my homepage.
Miraculasecies- My name… hmm… well honestly it's a bit of a story. I write quite a few stories (not all on here) and my current fascination is with the teen titans. In one of the stories I made my own character (me reincarnated I guess) and named her Creature. Now I use it for all my online activities. Even if it has nothing to do with TT or And I agree with the whole Bush thing. Grins I have quite a bit going on so it being summer really means nothing except warmer days to me. But I will try really hard to keep chapters coming at an even pace. Thanks for the cookie. Grins wider and stuffs in mouth
Smellybelly- I have purposely not mentioned any definite pairings for a reason. Not really a reason I guess. More like 'just because'. But you'll see eventually.
Dana- You're on the right track with what you're thinking I believe. This story is driven off secrets so to tell them all would make it just come to a stand still. So…. Thanks for the review. I love to hear what you think.
Xxxroxyxxx- You can count on it.
Mystery-Bliss- Interesting theory. I love to hear them.
Nightwingluver- I'm not a Terra fan either. But I kinda like her in this story. Dunno why. And you can count on seeing Slade again. I will leave it at that.
Water81- I've gotten a lot of comments in one form or another saying how close to the original comic book characters I have gotten them. Honestly I have never read any of them so I always find it interesting to hear that. I would like to read them. It's on my mile long to do list in between learning Latin and to play the drums. All will be accomplished eventually. I'm still young. I have time, right?
Leah- Thank you for your review. I am curious to know about your experience if you'd be so kind to share. Just out of curiosity. I have never met anyone who has. Although I completely understand if you don't want to. It is a private thing. I would not make it public or anything. Like I said, just curious. My email address is in my profile if you would like to. Thanks again.
Ok, random notes. Hint: I am a huge Robin/Raven fan. But I do write other couples for the challenge. Guess that's not much of a hint. But… it's the best I can do for now.
And since I made you all go through hell with my review war… here's a preview for the next chapter: your wait is finally over. Raven meets BB for the first time in his true form.
Umm… yea. One more thing: The standings are now tied for a Rae/Bri chat. I am leaving this up to you, the reviewers, if you would like to see it happen. I didn't initially plan one, but it holds some possibilities if I add one. So let me know.
Little Creature
mauh