Before you read this… I highly recommend, if you have not already, rereading chapter 8. About a week after I posted it, I went back and proofed/edited it. A lot got added and quite a bit changed. That wasn't my intention but it just kinda happened. Sorry. I was in such a hurry to get something up for you guys to read that I didn't go and read it before I posted it. Wow, I will never do that again. That was just awful. All those mistakes. All that I left out. Urgh… anyways… enough of my ranting. Happy reading.
Day 40-
The darkness had consumed her. No light. The fact that she was able to see was mystery enough. She stood alone on a seemingly floating asteroid in the depths of her mind. She heard her words in the distance. "Azarath. Metrion. Zynthos." Over and over again.
There in the distance was her soul self. Her mirror image. With a dark bird-like shadow hovering over her. She wasn't sure what exactly it was. Or why it was there. She had speculations. It had been there as long as she could remember. But her mother, biological mother, never had one. It was her mother who taught her how to meditate. She said she would need it later in life. But before she ever had the chance to explain why… she had died.
While she learned, her mother taught her how to use the little bit of powers she had then. Just the beginning of telekinesis and a bit of telepathy. Raven's mother let her practice her telepathy on herself. From the experience of being in her mother's mind and then Jinx's mind, she knew it wasn't typical to have a shadow hanging over your soul self. She knew where to find the answers too. But that would have to come later.
She levitated herself over there and combined into one being. The rush was brief. The feeling of total content-ness took her over. And she felt herself relax.
Dozens of shadowed images of herself swarmed around her. They wore the same clothing. All were in different colors or shades. Some she knew well. Other not so much. Some not at all.
They never seemed to talk to her though. She didn't know if they could talk. They would just look at her. Some smiling. One seemed to want to talk to her all the time. But she never made an effort to. And if she did, the effort was in vain. Communication was never a success.
Images floated around her. Visions. Memories. A large one of her masked Robin went by slowly. The domino mask, his messed up hair, that cocky grin. She loved it.
Before too much in depth speculation, she was dragged out of her thoughts by the knocking on her door. Her eyes snapped open. It had been over twenty-four hours since she last left the privacy of her own guesthouse. She ignored everyone who came knocking. And she planned on doing just that today.
With a sigh, she began her chant again. Closing her eyes. Still floating six inches from the ground.
"Raven?" Came the voice.
Raven opened her eyes to listen. She knew that voice. Hadn't heard it recently, but she knew it.
"I know you're in there, Raven."
Raven got to her feet. With a quick glance out her window, her assumptions were confirmed. She opened the door.
Terra stood with her long blonde hair in a high ponytail. She wore her normal tee shirt and tan Capri pants with brown dusty carpenter boots. She had blue tinted sunglasses on her head like normal. Her trademark mischievous smile danced. Blue eyes wide.
Raven smirked. "They let you come back."
"They begged me to come back. I had a whole twenty-three acres to fix. And basically by myself too."
Raven nodded and allowed Terra entrance. When the door was shut Terra turned to her. "You have telekinesis." She stated.
Raven looked to her blankly. "What makes you think that?" The only thought that ran through her mind was that Jinx saw how dangerous it was and spilled it. She didn't think BB would dare say anything. Not after knowing all her secrets and what she could do with it.
"They told me what happened. You got pissed. As you stormed off, things started going haywire. You're image was drowned out with dust so they didn't see you. They have opinions but have no idea what really happened."
Raven frowned. "But what makes you think I have telekinesis?"
"I know what it looks like. I have it too."
Raven studied her face for a minute. She was serious. But she wanted proof.
Terra seemed to read her mind. "Look for yourself." She said motioning towards the window overlooking some of the grounds.
Raven made her way over. Yesterday the Grounds were still disastrous. Today they looked like nothing had happened. Everything was perfect again. "How did you?"
"My telekinesis only works on Earth bound matter. But you can control anything." Terra sat on the stool to the kitchen island and faced Raven with a devious smile.
Raven sighed. "Yes. And it's so easy, I can do that and not realize it." She said giving a quiet confession.
Terra's smile broadened. "They don't know. I didn't tell them. But I do believe our terrified green friend knows."
Raven felt her blood boil once again. "He was a human all this time and never told me. You never told me either." She shot with venom.
"I didn't know the information would have been helpful. You never told me you befriended a green raccoon. That should have made you suspicious right then and there."
Raven thought about it. Terra was right. She never told anyone. It was her secret. Her friend. And not one she would be forgiving.
"How was your trip with our dear Young Master Drake?"
Raven grinned at the memories. "Better than I thought it would be."
Terra smiled too. An almost knowing smile, Raven thought.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Terra left shortly after their conversation died down. She suspected it wouldn't be long before the others knew she was telekinetic. Terra had a way with letting things slip. But that was ok. That would only be one of her talents they would know about. Yes the one that was potentially dangerous… but it was more dangerous when she put her words too it. No one knew that. Except Meeko… err… BB.
She stopped letting that thought annoy her. She had enough annoyances to worry about for the day. A visit with Miss Tayfler in a short while, a counsel with Father Demesthanes and her first fitting. Today should be interesting.
Robin had called a few minutes ago on her cell phone. The ring called her out of her meditation yet again. She had to search everywhere for it. It turned out to be under her couch. Although she wasn't sure how it had ended up there in the first place.
Presently she awaits her fiancée. She had decided it would be easier to ride with him to the gazebo. Her golf cart had been taken while they were on the business trip and Raven hadn't felt like going to get it again.
Robin pulled up beside the guesthouse. Raven got up and walked over to sit next to him.
He eyed her a bit but didn't say anything. She knew he was just being careful not to upset her. According to Terra, none of them really understood what had happened. Only that somehow, Raven had something to do with it when she got mad. She supposed she should tell him. But perhaps later. Now, she felt like being caught in the silence.
"Miss Tayfler's meeting will only be a few minutes long, she has to pick up our correct invitations. She has also volunteered herself to address and send them as an apology. Of course she has assured me that all of this will be free of charge."
Raven glanced to him as he drove. He kept his eyes on the path ahead. Raven noticed him taking the long way around to the gazebo, which was fine with her. She was in no hurry to talk wedding details. "Have we made a list yet?" She asked a little bored with the subject already.
Robin smirked a bit. "Nope."
Raven nodded. "So… we what?"
"Jinx and Cy were making the list this morning. We are going to pick it up now. On the way over, we'll look it over and decide whether they went over board or not enough. Although, the less the better in my opinion."
"Do we have to invite people? Cant we just say we want a private ceremony?" Raven asked. She really didn't want too many onlookers watching her be miserable.
Robin shrugged. "That's one idea. But if you do that, I'm sure my parents will just invite who we 'forgot'."
"So you're basically saying my parents will be there no matter what?"
"Afraid so." Robin said pulling up next to Jinx's house.
Jinx and Cy were sitting in a couple chairs outside her door. When the cart stopped, they both made their way to it.
"Here ya go." Cy handed Robin the few sheets of paper. "Kept it as short as I possibly could." He eyed Raven a bit but nothing too noticeable. She had ignored him when he came to cook the last two mornings as well.
Jinx had made her way to Raven's side and stood a short distance away rolling her hands in each other. "Um, Raven? I know you're probably still mad, but… I was wondering… could we go over some more meditating techniques?" Her voice was quiet and very cautious.
Raven studied her for a short time before commenting. "After the fitting I think we can try. As long as no more meetings, that I have to participate in, come up."
Jinx gave a faint smile and backed away with a tiny "thank you."
Robin began to drive off handing Raven the list. "She had a really awful dream last night. Woke up early and was terrified to go back to sleep."
Raven nodded as she read over the invitees. Not many names were familiar at all. "Then I guess I'll have to figure something out for her."
Robin smiled and kept it there for a while.
Raven got a bit curious as to why he wouldn't stop smiling. And it got the better of her. "What are you so happy about?"
He shook his head. "Cy had a speculation as to why her dream was so bad. But I don't think you want to hear it."
Raven gave an almost knowing grin. But she swallowed it before it could show. "Yes I do. It might help me later."
Robin still hesitated with his same smile. "Cy thinks you scared her so bad the other day when you got mad at BB that she dreamt about it too."
Raven tilted her head a bit. That was vague. So if they thought she did destroy the grounds…
"You don't have to tell me, but… what exactly happened? Terra led on that she had an idea. You could tell by her smile." At the mention of Terra his voice became a bit bitter.
Raven sighed. "I'll tell you. But only because I don't see any way around it."
Robin nodded.
"I have the same mind power as Terra."
"You can make the earth do whatever you like it to?" He said cocking an eyebrow in her direction.
Raven weighed the question. "Technically, yes. But my telekinesis doesn't stop there like Terra's does. I can do anything with my mind. I have complete telekinetic power."
Robin looked to her. "So what exactly happened then? You get mad and destroy everything in sight?"
His voice wasn't harsh or hard. It was almost amused. Raven smirked a bit. "That wasn't exactly intentional. It was either the Grounds or BB."
"So you chose to destroy my father's property?" He asked again amused.
"No. Unlike Terra, my telekinesis is powered on more emotion than will. When I feel something particularly strong, my mind will shoot out energy faster than I can hold it in."
Robin narrowed his eyes. "So you don't have control over it?"
"I do. Like I said, it was either the Grounds or BB." That wasn't a completely true statement. Sometimes, rarely but it happened, she did lose control. It almost always happened when she was mad, though. Some people cant control their temper. With Raven, with her temper went her energy as well.
"Is that normal? That you're telekinesis is driven more by emotion than your mind. I thought telekinesis was just the ability to move object with your mind? What does that have to do with your emotions?"
Raven frowned. She really didn't like all the questions. "I don't think it is completely normal for my emotions to be involved as much as they are. And it is like you say. But there's more to it apparently."
Robin heard the testiness in her voice and decided to end the conversation there. At least she was sharing with him. That's more than he expected her to do. And a whole lot more of an answer than he expected as well. Although, those questions may have been answered. But it also brought up a whole lot more.
The rest of the ride was silent. Raven thought about her situation with her abilities. It was on the odd side to have emotions be such a strong factor in her telekinetic gifts. That would be one more thing to look into along with the giant shadow that constantly hovered over her soul self.
Miss Tayfler sat at the table in the gazebo on her phone. She looked a bit worried. Once she saw Raven and Robin she quickly got off the phone and smiled broadly. Raven knew it was fake.
"Morning." She chirped.
Raven nodded her greeting.
Robin just glared. "Are our invitations corrected?"
"Yes. They will be ready for me to pick them up in half an hour. Have you managed to put together a list of guests?"
Robin handed her the paper they had gotten from Cy.
They all took their seats.
"I have very little to tell you today… your cake has been ordered. Your decorations should be arriving within the week. I have reserved you a suite in the Grande Jordac Misdne Hotel, Raven. It's big enough for eight. Robin, you're room has been reserved holding the same amount at the Psine Yoen Hotel. Both are in close proximity to the church. And… your flowers have been ordered. I just want to remind you that your first fitting is today, Raven. And it is the right time to buy wedding bands. I would say by this weekend. That gives you enough time to have them engraved if you wish."
Robin opened his mouth to comment, but Raven placed her hand on his forearm, successfully silencing him.
"Thank you." She said somewhat politely.
The tone threw Miss Tayfler off but she smiled none-the-less. "I will leave the two of you and be on my way to pick up and address your invitations. They will be sent no later than Saturday."
She left.
Robin looked to her curiously.
"You said you never break a promise, right?"
Robin nodded still quizzically.
"So as the saying goes, 'it'll be carved in stone." Except in our case, silver."
Robin smiled a bit. Not happily. Just… graciously.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Raven and Robin sat on the couch across from the man in the high back chair. Raven stayed in her pleasant mood. Robin now turned a bit sourer. He remembered their last visit with this Father. And he didn't think back kindly on it.
"Unfortunately, I do not have much time today. I am expected at another couple's house in an hour's time. How was your business trip?" Father Demesthanes asked.
Robin made to talk but was beaten to it.
"I think we both enjoyed ourselves." Raven said kindly.
Robin glowered in her direction. Again with the politeness. It really irked him that she was liking this man. He just couldn't put his finger on why.
"Did the two of you spend some quality time together?"
Again it was Raven who answered first. "Yes. And I think it did us some good. Do you think?" She asked turning her head towards Robin.
Robin felt the need to just blow up but her soft eyes soothed him almost immediately. "Yes." He stated simply with no tone really.
Father Demesthanes smiled and nodded his head in their direction. "That is excellent news. Now before I leave, I want to discuss vows with you. Traditionally it is customary for the bride and groom to write their own vows. Of course it is not a must. You are welcome to just have the default holy vows instead if you wish. What are your thoughts on this?"
This time Robin was sure of the answer. It would be No. Anything having to do with the wedding itself, Raven was against. So he made to answer. But the light touch to his arm stopped him. Raven had placed her hand on his forearm, once again gaining her desired silence.
"Is there a chance that we could discuss this before we make a decision?" Raven asked removing her hand and addressing the Father.
Robin just looked at her sideways in a bit of a shock.
"Of course. I will be back in a week and we can continue the discussion then." He stood. "I hope the two of you have a wonderful week. May Good bless you both." And he walked out.
Raven sat back with a somewhat satisfied expression. Robin looked to her dumbly.
"You know, you change your mood like I change my cloths."
Raven couldn't help but smile. Not a large happy smile. But in any case, a smile. "Would you be up for putting all your promises into our vows?" She asked with a crooked glance.
"Well, of course I would. But don't you think they'll have a problem with my saying 'I promise that once we are both of legal age in foreign law that we will run away and get divorce. I promise never to have sex with you and would rather commit adultery than hurt you. I promise to get us both free from this religion if it's the last thing I do. Oh, and I promise to take care of you as long as we're both bound by the laws of this land.'"
Raven couldn't help but laugh a little. "In English, (A/N- I haven't made up a name for the language of Rajmech yet.) That's what it will sound like. But what if we translate it into another language?"
Robin studied her. "Ok. But I'm sure they'll be able to decipher it no matter what."
Raven smiled smugly. "Not if I can help it."
Robin watched her eyes dance. This was a new side of Raven. Not just pleasant. She was getting excited about something. She, for the first time in over a month that he's known her, she looked alive. And he found he liked her all that much more. He smiled to himself and sat back to admire her as she obviously worked out the details in her mind.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The store was packed full of people. Couples of all ages. Others who were shopping for their love in secret. Some who were just browsing and wishing.
Raven looked around. The store was huge. Glass cases outlined all the walls within eyes sight.
Robin guided her with his hand on her lower back. They zigzagged through a few rows and into a back room. All the way to the far corner where they stopped in front of a six-foot high wall case with various different rings displayed. They all looked gothic. Ancient, much like the ring she wore around her neck.
"You knew where you were going." Raven stated looking at all the different rings.
"Yea. I had come here a few other times before…"
He never finished. But he didn't need to. Raven knew he was referring to Jinx. It was becoming apparent that they really were serious about each other. "Then you must have some in mind."
Robin pointed to three different ones. And after a few short minutes, they were decided upon. Both the same style. His a little thicker. (A/N- I'm going to let you use your imagination. Just note that they're along the same lines as her engagement ring. Old. Gothic-like. Dusted silver and black engravings.)
"What about engraving them? What did you have in mind?" He asked, still a little disheartened.
"How about 'eh resolm prail'? It means 'I promise thee'."
Robin listened to the way the words rolled off her tongue. The words were like nothing he had ever heard before. And yet she spoke them like she had grown up talking them.
She stood looking at him patiently. Her large eyes showered him with grace. Her lavender hair that had been right to her jaw had grown since she first arrived. It now reached her mid neck. Her lips thin. She stood petit. Her plain black dress fell nicely around her body. Not real tight, not real loose. She looked like such a young innocent schoolgirl. Who would have guessed that this seemingly defenseless, vulnerable girl had destroyed more than forty acres less than forty-eight hours ago, using nothing but her mind?
"Sounds good." Robin said having her write the words on the order form. He watched her smooth handwriting. It also looked to have an ancient, old touch to it. Just like her words had. When she had finished, it looked like words on a scroll.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Raven found her days had been going by somewhat slowly. But if she stayed in her pissed off mood, they went by slower. Not to mention, they weren't very fun. She could only scour and sulk by herself so long before she needed human interaction. Her trip seemed to make her realize this. And realize Robin wasn't as bad as she was expecting.
At her first knowledge of her having to marry, she was seeing all the possible worse outcomes. Still when she got here, she was seeing just an act. No one is as perfect as he appears. And still now, he seems to have no faults. But yet, he was only human. And by no means a saint. He went behind his parents back on a regular basis and did his own business trips.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The fitting went by seamless. No problems. Raven noticed how quiet Jinx was being. She was acting nowhere near herself.
Raven had the car drop them off at her guesthouse. Raven led the way in. Once the door was shut, Raven sat in the stool facing Jinx who stood seemingly nervous. Her hands were folded together in front of her… she kept her eyes darting around the room…
"So… tell me about this dream." Raven said in monotone.
At her voice, Jinx snapped her eyes on Raven. She began to fidget with her hands again. "It was like one of those horror movies… with every flash of light a new image is seen for only a brief second. This horrible face clad in gold and black. One eye shown through. This giant guy with a rather unstylish hair cut. Huge. Had a really horrible look to him. Same colors flashed. Red. Green. Yellow. Black. The only sounds were screams. And mumbled whimpers."
Raven only spoke once Jinx trailed off. "Is this a new dream?"
Jinx shook her head. "No. This is the one I've had a lot since I was young. But it seemed… scarier last night. More details, I think. I had a clearer image of these people."
"How often do you meditate?"
Jinx looked to her once more. "Every night. Sometimes more."
Raven got off the stool and headed into the living room. She motioned for Jinx to follow. Jinx did. Raven made herself comfortable on the floor, hovering just six inches above it. She sat cross-legged in the air taking her meditative stance.
Jinx looked to her sitting in mid air and just gawked for a few moments before getting over the shock. She took her seat on the floor facing Raven.
Raven lowered herself a bit to be a little more on the same level as Jinx. "Combine. I will enter and guide you through examining these dreams. If it becomes too much just fall out. And don't worry, I won't snoop."
Jinx nodded. She closed her eyes and started her chant. "Peace. Peace. Peace."
Raven watched her for a while. It took Jinx almost triple the time it took her to get completely relaxed. But she knew when Jinx got there. Her body was still doing what her mind was telling it. Speak. Repeat. And it was. But the words were hollow now. And very steady. You could set a watch by it. Just like how your breathing gets steady and rhythmic when you sleep.
Raven closed her eyes and took a breath. The black bird lifted from her body and fell into Jinx's. In an instant Raven was stepping out from the bird and the bird disintegrated into Raven.
Raven looked around. All was dark. Nothing around. This place hasn't changed much, Raven thought. Everything was clear, but nothing was seen except two. One being the large brick barrier still hiding whatever it was Jinx was still hiding. It confirmed her suspicion that there was still more to these secrets. But she had decided a while ago that she wouldn't bother with them. To her far left was the other. Jinx. She wore pigtails and a black dress with purple boots. Her smile was a bit short. Her eyes were closed.
Raven made her way towards her. In a very short time she was side by side with Jinx. Jinx opened her eyes to look at Raven.
"Now what?" Jinx asked. The voice had somewhat of an echo to it.
It was apparent that Jinx hadn't quite figured everything out about meditating. She still thinks she's being controlled and not in control. "Dream." Raven said waving her hand a little.
Almost immediately Jinx had fallen to her knees in an open-eyed dream state. Almost hypnotic.
The dream followed instantly.
The first thing Raven noticed was the dark void they were in had changed. It had turned into an eerie swamp-like place. Only, the water had dried up. There was a brownish fog to the area. Very few living creatures were anywhere. Just the two of them were definitely the only humans. The trees were so brittle they looked like it would only take a gentle breeze to knock them over. A few crows circled one tree. Their 'caw' echoed for miles. Raven could see forever. Miles and miles of flat, dead land.
That struck her as odd right away. It was a strange environment. Much like a horror movie as Jinx had implied.
The first flash came. The flash wasn't like lightning. It was like… a power surge. Really bright and at its peak it died away completely. The flash wasn't a white though; it was more of a red.
The swamp had become more alive. Everything looked hot. The giant man Jinx had spoke of stood a short distance away. His brown shabby hair fell from his face. His sideburns were just as long as the rest. He had a disheveled patch at his chin. His grin was pure fun. But not in a good sense. It gave the impression that he did the things he did because he was told to do them. And that he enjoyed doing it.
He was very large. At least a head taller than Cy. And Cy was at least a head taller than the rest of them. It was obvious, pure strength was his strength. And not much else. He looked almost like he was from the Viking era, less the armor and weaponry.
He walked towards them and through them. Raven turned to watch. He was reaching a new destination. Raven followed. Before she could get closer, another flash hit them.
So bright it drowned out everything else. This time yellow. The swamp reappeared. The giant was gone. Raven glanced around the hallow place before looking to Jinx. She was still on her knees, staring straight ahead. Sweat was running down her face.
There was a scream from behind that made Raven spin around. More screams. No one in sight. Raven walked forward a little. The screams had stopped abruptly and a quiet whimper was heard. It was saying something, but the words took no form. They were too far away. Still no one was in sight. It was almost as if the whimpers were coming from a disembodied voice. Yes, the thought crossed her mind. A ghost.
Raven heard the whimper from behind her and glanced to Jinx. She was beginning to shake. Raven frowned and turned her direction back ahead. The whimpers were still there. Slowly Raven scanned the area. There was nothing big enough to hide behind. Only those brittle trees. No rocks. As far as she could see, there was nothing.
With a loud scream that seemed to come from beside her, Raven turned poised for an attack. The scream was of utmost terror. Nothing was there. Before the scream had time to fade, the flash came again. Green.
Two feet in front of her stood a tall person. She assumed by his build he was a man. She wasn't for sure. Every bit of skin was covered. He wore what looked to be a black body suit. Various parts were covered in silver armor. His face concealed with a mask. Half black. Half gold. The gold side shown one eye. He made his way towards them.
From behind Raven, Jinx cried out. She was in a complete panic. Her eyes were wide and bloodshot. Face sticky from sweat. Her hands were clutching the bottom of her dress and she was balling. Raven saw that she was stuck. She couldn't get herself out of the dream. If in this panicking state too long, it is possible for her to pass out being that her soul and mind are combined. Not a good thing. Could be highly dangerous.
With every step this man made, Jinx was alarmed more. Instead of trying to coax her out, Raven decided a hurried escape was better. She dove into Jinx and pushed her mind from her body. The two fell apart. Everything around them faded and Raven's living room came into focus. Jinx was lying back on the floor with Raven pinning her down.
Jinx's breaths were drawn out and heavy. Raven backed off her.
"What happened?" Jinx whimpered sitting up.
"You panicked." Raven said calmly.
Jinx was quiet. "I haven't ever seen that much of my dreams before. What did you do?"
Raven frowned inwardly. She hated questions. Especially those, 'how did you do it' ones. "Uhh… mind control."
Jinx widened her eyes. "You can do that?"
Raven smirked. "No. It was more like a spell. No I don't know magic, it just sort of happens. I don't know how." It wasn't entirely true. Yes she didn't know that hocus-pocus magic. But there are other types of magic. True she didn't know how it worked, all she did know is, it does.
Jinx obviously wasn't satisfied with that answer but left it alone all the same. "So… now what?"
Raven sat in her chair and faced Jinx. "We try again. But give it a few days."
Jinx was relieved to hear that she didn't have to do it again right away. "What do you think it means?"
Raven made a thoughtful expression. "Not sure really. I only have speculations. Much like your other dream, maybe there's a code. Or maybe something you saw when you were a child triggered this in your subconscious. There are endless possibilities. But until I see the whole thing, every detail, I can't make an educated guess. I can only assume."
Jinx thought over what she said. There were still so many more questions that were being left unanswered. She didn't want to try her luck with Raven. She was being helpful now, but her mood was liable to change in a blink.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The sun had gone down many hours ago, but there was still one more task at hand before Raven would call it a night. She looked to all her windows. All were closed tight, curtains drawn. And it was dark out.
The lights were off and she stood just in the hallway at the entrance to the living room. She took one last look at all the windows. They were shut, yes. She had already seen Meeko… or rather BB. He tried his luck at the window right above the sink that she had been leaving open previously for his use. This thought still aggravated her. So many thoughts. So many secrets. All of her feelings she had shared with him.
Raven, pushed the thoughts aside. There was no use 'crying over spilled milk' as the saying goes.
Once again, Raven glanced around the room carefully. She studied the closed windows. The dark night's air shown no sign of any living beings near her windows. It was safe to proceed with her plan.
She walked down the hall and to her would be master bedroom. Still there were too many windows for onlookers to see and so she thought for a minute. Within her mind, she studied the home's layout when one door caught her eye. She had mentioned it before even looked in it but never gave it much thought. Tonight it would be just what she needs.
Raven opened up the closet door. It was almost the size of her bathroom which was quite large and picked up with proceeding on her journey. She went to her bags and pulled out her dark black cloak. She flipped on the switch to the closet and walked in closing the door behind her. She studied the closet, every inch of it needed to feel familiar and with a quick power scan with their telekinesis she determined there to be no other life forms slinking around in the shadows.
Raven pulled the cloak around her, clasping it at her chest. She pulled the hood up and held it close. With little concentration she opened what looked to be a wormhole. It was actually a teleportation device. She stepped through into a dark wooded area allowing the hole to close.
The area was dark and spooky. The moonlight barely shown beyond that canopy of the trees. The area was misty and secluded. It gave Raven the chills and yet calmed her at the same time.
She knew right where she was. She had traveled this particular path many a times. She walked the path looking only straight ahead. The trail led to a large tree stump. To the human eye it looked old and dead but to Raven the she knew what a lie beyond.
She sat cross-legged a foot in front of the stump. She closed her eyes and tightened the cloak around her. It was breezy. As the wind picked up, Raven let it carry her voice. "Azarath. Metrion. Zynthos." Those simple words took her beyond.
The stump faded into the mist as she made herself melt through the ground right below it. Opening her eyes, she noticed right off the air was full of dust. She hadn't been here for a while. A long while.
She learned how to teleport quite by accident. When she was eight, her mother and father had gone to the market for some food. Raven sat in her room. She sat at the window and watched the kids across the street play. She longed to be anywhere but here.
A couple years back, when she was around six and a half, she learned her mind control had a name. Telekinesis. So she did some research at the local library, being careful not to let anyone notice. This would be the kind of talk that spread through the town fast.
On that particular night, she found the definition to describe her unusual powers but vaguely. She seemed to be able to do so much more. And when saying her words "Azarath Metrion Zynthos" everything was magnified by ten. On top of that, she needed very little concentration, if any at all, to use her telekinesis. Her words came from her mother. Her real mother. For a long time, she didn't know what they meant.
Around two years later, while watching the children, she discovered her teleporting ability. It came to her almost as a dream. She knew right where she wanted to be. She knew every detail. Her old bedroom in the house her biological parents owned.
Instantly a black wave of energy emerged from her and formed a large circle in front of her. It was like a big screen television. She could see what was on the other side, almost as if it were a screen separating two separate rooms. She knew she had the correct room. She recognized the window bench and the large bay window above it. It had three small drawers below where she had once kept books.
That was where the familiarity had stopped. The walls were now painted in pink. And a little girl sat on her bed facing in at Raven. Raven blinked. The girl screamed at the top of her lungs. Raven somehow closed the hole and sat there with heavy breaths.
With more practice, never using that same house, she was able to control that gift as well. Now it was like a second skin. Like breathing, it came naturally.
Later that year she had been exploring the few rooms of the house she had never seen before. One in particular. It seemed to be a hidden room in the attic. A room full of her deceased parents belongings. Many were old and warn. Some looked ancient. Some looked gothic. Some looked to be from another dimension all together, if other dimensions really existed. Everything she decided had to be hers to study on her own accord. So she took and hid them where no one else could find them.
And here she stood tonight. With a thick cough, Raven lit a lantern in the corner and glanced around at the many trunks. Many were filled with books. Old books. Books in which she didn't recognize the language. She had kept one between her mattress for years. This would be the one she brought back with her. It was the book that taught her the language of Azarath. This book is where she learned the meanings of her words. Her words that held so much power, and according to this book, so much destruction as well.
Day 41-
It felt good to be out in the town with no one but Robin. Oddly enough, Raven was enjoying herself for the most part. Well, as much as she could under the circumstances they were out for.
Raven held an ice cream cone and a small bag with a lavender chain in it. She decided it would look nice with Jinx's dress. That was the only gift she intended to by for anyone. Robin was in search of gifts for Cy and BB. Though, he was quite close to getting rid of BB completely. Not just out of the wedding, gone completely. Like Terra.
On her back she wore a somewhat large backpack. She insisted that she carry it, much to Robin's dislike.
They walked in silence for some time as Raven eyed certain stores. None of which seemed all that great.
"My father says we have to be at the clinic at one."
Raven licked her ice cream. "What for?"
"Blood tests." Robin said wiping the sweat from his brow. The sun was beating down without a cloud in sight. Which meant extremely hot weather.
Raven rolled her eyes. "Even though we plan on using abstinence?"
She saw Robin nod slightly from the corner of her eye.
Raven shrugged. "Whatever."
"When are you going to tell me why you're carrying around that bag?" Robin asked glancing at it.
Raven stuffed the remaining piece of her cone in her mouth as she spoke. "When I decide I want to share."
Robin smirked and scowled at the same time. Smirked because her voice was cute while she talked through the cone. And scowled because of her actual response.
Raven sighed. They passed a newsstand and something caught her eyes. She turned to look at the cover of a tabloid. It was a picture of her masked hero, Robin. His hair a neat mess, domino mask covering his eyes. He wore his normal get up and his yellow cape blowing in the invisible breeze.
The picture was taken as Robin swung from the edge of a building with his grappling hook. He had glanced at the photographer with an almost invisible smirk. The caption read, "Gotham's hero: finds love?"
Raven found herself in daze with a dreamy smile locked on her lips.
Robin (Tim) stood to her side. "Uh… what is it you're so interested in?" He asked looking dumbly from one rumor-filled tabloid to the next.
Raven inwardly shook her head to rid the thoughts of her 'dream boy'. She picked up the tabloid along with a few others, just so it wouldn't look too suspicious, placed a few random coins on the counter and stuffed them in her bag. She began on her way with Robin in a jog to catch up.
"I didn't know you read those." He said a bit amused.
"Rarely do I. Just for a laugh really." Raven said in monotone.
Robin nodded as they made their way to the clinic. Raven took a seat in the waiting room as Robin checked them in. She was dying to read this article. Could he have already forgotten her? Had he found another in the less than four days she'd been back? Had she really been so gullible to believe all his talk? Did he just go around rescuing girls and kissing them?
Robin returned taking a seat next to her with a disheveled expression. Raven looked at him blandly.
"They're behind due to a 'technical error' in the computer systems. So we have a half hour to forty-five minute wait."
On one hand, Raven was extremely annoyed and put out. On the other… now she could read this article. So she shrugged and pulled out the tabloid with Robin on the front. Um… Robin from Gotham. "Then we'll just wait." She opened to the center pages, guessing where the article would start.
She felt Robin shift in his seat and grab a magazine off the table and settling back in his chair with a heavy sigh.
Raven felt it was now all right to lose herself in the pages. She flipped through trying not to make it seem like she was looking for something in particular. Then she found it. A full sized picture, in color was plastered on the right page. Unfortunately the picture was taken at night. So details were sketchy.
I can barely make out the bright yellow cape. How can they even say it was him? She asked herself annoyed with the writers before turning her gaze to the next page and reading the headline. 'Hero's do fall in love' it read in bold italic letters. With an irritated grunt, she continued to read:
What is it like to be a super hero? Do they ever have time for a personal life? Let's just ask Robin, sidekick to the Batman.
Eyewitnesses have seen the young hero around town for the past few nights romancing a young girl. It was first spotted when the known criminal mastermind, Shadow Maker, was locked up.
"He rescued her a few times. Although I don't think she was in trouble during all their meetings." Said one witness. "The first time he flew her to the top of a building after she was being chased by those creatures. The next time was the same. But the times after that, she was safe. He just brought her from building to building. After the fight was over, they stayed up on the tower for a while."
When this news was first heard of we casually though that it was a hoax. But another eyewitness confirmed that story the next night. With seemingly, the same girl. "I was walking my dogs around… oh, I'd say around nine thirty. I heard the roar of a motorbike's engine. They're easy to tell from other vehicles. Curiosity got the better of me so I followed in the direction of the rumble. When I spotted the empty bike it was just below a balcony. So I looked up in time to see a young girl walk out. The conversation was short but it was obvious there was heat. She was wrapped in his cape before too long and he left once again. The next night I went out at the same time. This time I went with a camera. And you wouldn't believe what I saw. Though still a short meeting, he kissed her. I think the hero has finally had his heart stolen."
"I think it's sweet. He saves us all from the psychos who terrorize the city. He deserves to be in love."
Raven turned the page quite engrossed in the article. Horrified at what she saw next. It was obvious the male was Robin. How many others do you know wear bright yellow capes? But the girl… the girl… that was her. She recognized the bedclothes she wore immediately. Her hair was up and her hands on his chest. He held her close. Raven gasped.
Robin (Tim) turned to her. "What's wrong?"
Raven turned to him with wide eyes and blinked a few times. "Did you know the law is changing in America so that now you have to live there for three years on a valid visa before you are even eligible for a green card?" She asked out of the blue. Lucky for her, she had heard it on the news a few nights back.
Robin eyed her strangely. "Well, we'll figure something out."
Raven nodded and turned back to look at the picture. She knew she said unfortunately for the dark in the beginning, but at this moment, it just wasn't dark enough. Without finishing reading the article she closed the tabloid fast and placed in her lap with her hands clasping it shut. She drew in a heavy breath and held it while the taste of his kiss lingered on her lips once again. She had a sudden wave of his scent tingle her senses and her eyes closed as she remembered his touch. It hadn't been that long, but she longed to be with him again.
"Raven."
Her name being repeated in a casual, almost concerned tone a few times called her from her thoughts. Again she found herself looking to her fiancée with wide eyes only able to blink.
"Are you alright?" He asked with slightly narrowed eyes.
Raven glared at him for a few moments before smiling slightly. "Fine."
Robin nodded slowly, a bit unsure of her moods lately. "They can see us now." He stood and waited for her. "You sure you're ok?" He asked again a bit skeptical.
Raven replaced the tabloid in her bag and stood giving him an amused look. "Yes. I'm just fine." Just fine, she repeated to herself in her mind while the pictures from the tabloid fluttered through.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"That's wasn't wise. How could you have let yourself get in the gossip pages like that?" His annoyed voice came over the receiver as Robin glanced through the tabloid at his pictures. "Do you know what this could cause?"
Robin rubbed his temple. "Yes I know."
"If I realized what you were doing… while in uniform I might add..."
"It's my uniform." Robin said defensively. "How was I supposed to know that would happen? Its not like I planned for her to be in trouble. She did help us you know?"
There was a testy snort over the phone. Robin sighed. "Stop worrying about it. She wont be back for a while anyways."
"But she will be back." He pointed out.
Robin smiled at the thought. Seeing her wasn't enough. He could do that anytime. After all, he is Robin. He wanted to be with her. Like he was then.
Robin glanced at the picture and remembered their kiss. Though small and somewhat light, it held so much. He could feel her wants, fears, stress… everything through that one kiss.
The look in her eyes was a whole other story. They were the most beautiful deep purple eyes he had ever seen. Actually the only purple eyes he had ever seen. They were perfect. He could feel himself getting lost in them staring at the picture.
"Are you listening to me, Robin?"
Robin shook his head slightly and refocused his attention to the annoyed voice on the phone. "Yes. I didn't know I was being watched. I'll be more discrete next time."
"Next time!"
Robin smirked.
"Robin, you're always being watched. You're Robin. You can't have a next time."
Robin groaned as the lecture continued. He was only half listening though. Finally the conversation ended and he hung up the phone. He glanced out the window to the sky. A smile crept upon his features and he looked back to the tabloid. He grasped it in his hands and looked at the dark beauty. His mind was already coming up with new ideas on how to see her and stay out of the public eye. He already had a few promising suggestions. The smile grew.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Raven and Robin (Tim) sat in the park with the sun already down behind the trees. The breeze was cool.
He looked to her. She was wrapped in a dark sweater and reading yet another tabloid. He almost became annoyed that she was stuck in those. He despised them.
On the other hand, with her so enthralled in the crap they say, he had time to admirer her. Her hair fell just past her shoulders. She had black pants on, her normal boots, her black sweater and her chain around her neck, still holding his ring. She sat with her legs bent to the side and leaning on one hand while the other turned pages. Her concentration was heavy.
His eyes wondered over her for some time while dozens of thoughts raced through his mind. His eyes finally came to rest on that bag she had had on her back all day. Still he had yet to find out what it was carrying inside.
"Raven?" He asked cautiously.
Raven looked up to him. Her face devoid of emotion. "Hm?" She answered back.
"Can you show me now what's in that bag?"
Raven glanced to said bag. She closed her tabloid and stuffed it in with the rest before reaching to pull the bag to her. She untied the strings and flipped the flap. She pulled out a large leather bound book. There was no writing on it and it was obviously beaten and weather worn. It was around an inch and a half thick. The pages looked ancient. She held it up but kept it in her possession.
"The first records of the original Azarathian language."
"What's an Azarath?" Robin asked stumped examining the book as thoroughly as he could, considering she was holding it.
"Not what. Where. Azarath is a place. But never mind that. This language is so old I'm sure no one will be able to figure it out. If they do, well… then we go to the default vows."
"I've never heard of Azarath..." He said reaching for the book.
Raven glared and pulled it from reach.
He blinked to her as he returned his eyes to hers. He smirked a bit smugly. "I wont hurt it. I just want to look."
Reluctantly, Raven handed it over to him.
He looked at it for a while flipping through the pages looking at the ancient text. He was completely bewildered. They 'words' didn't look like anything but symbols. He looked up to her. Her eyes were locked on him watching him very intently. "Can you read this?"
Raven nodded. "Came to me surprisingly easy actually." She said still staring.
Robin nodded his head and handed her back the book. She replaced it in her bag and fastened it closed again before looking back to him.
"So?" Raven asked.
Robin cocked his head to the side as if asking for more of a question.
"Will that work?" She rephrased reading into his motion.
Robin shrugged. "As long as you can translate, then yes." He smiled at her small grin. "How did you come up with that book? I would never have guessed you to know an ancient language."
Raven shrugged. "I brought it with me." She looked to him with a full smile. "As you say, there is a lot about me you don't know."
Robin had to give her props when due. She would definitely pull this off. Which meant he had no way out of not staying with her. She wanted away no matter what. His mood dampened quite a bit. But he still smiled from ear to ear. Her smile was few and far between. And the fact that she threw his words back in his face made his heart jump.
Ok… so I don't really like this chapter. It's kinda boring. But bear with me. Next one will be better. Two major events: Power practice with Jinx and the engagement party/ball. Yay!
As always I would like to apologize for the length in between chapters. I work about a 55 hour work week on top of other responsibilities and hobbies and so on… but come this fall and winter things will slow down so my writing will pick up a little.
First, general notes. I have been asked the same question time and time again. Is Robin (hero) and Robin (Tim) the same person? Well I have a question in response… do you think I'm really going to tell you that:P You'll just have to wait and see. Although I have had a few good argument on both sides that I will quote on here just to make you think a bit. (maybe if I can find the ones I was thinking of)
Now, on to reviews:
Dove666- Umm… thanks!
TheScarletRaven- I know the ages seem a bit off… but it works for what I'm doing. Don't worry. And remember, these are the Teen Titans, even if it is AU. Even in the show they aren't all that much older. And I know Raven is way mature. She is way more mature than all of them. Although I would be willing to bet (show and all) her childhood and history is a lot worse than theirs forcing her to grow up faster. I'm not sure how else to explain Jinx and Robin. They had a thing. Really serious. Before he knew the bindings of his religion. They planned to marry. And then… no more. shrugsI'll try and clear it up later. Just let me know what's not clear.
Daughter of Life and Death- Hmm… how about this… the two are one in the same if trouble persists.
Jessica- Ok… answers… I think I explained the first one pretty well. Not telling… have to wait and see on the BB q. Still not telling that one either. Ok… the Teen Titans. We'll just pretend the Teen Titans she watches on TV are the Titan's east characters. How's that?
HeWhoWalksTheEarth- Thanks. Now… what is this whole Ryoga/BB P-Chan/Meeko thing? I am so lost there. Who is Akane? rubs head warily
HermioneGranger22491- Hehe.
TeEn TiTaN 14- I know. But if that is the case, Superman never wears a mask. Wouldn't everyone know who he is?
Watergoddess08- Like I had told another reviewer… we'll just pretend the TT on TV are those of Titans East. BB randomly changing form? I had a reason but it escapes me at the time… maybe he'll tell us later.
Zandi- I get very few suggestions like that. Thanks for being different. :P
Alderine- "What's up with the two Robins? I mean, they are the same guy right? But then how could one be in the shower and one on the balcony? Unless he can teleport..." There is one idea. Could be the same.
ELM-Tree10- "my question for chapter 8 is how would robin gaurd the gotham as batmans side kick if he only was there every once in awhile. so the robin raven met could have veryt well beed dick greyson. because of the reason above and no one can change out of a costume that quick and turn a shower off while not in there." There is the other. Could be different.
Ravenwouldplaylax- My last estimate on chapters was about 17 all together so after this one there should be 8 left. Is my math correct:D Yes, Cy is still part robot.
Goddess of life and death- I'm not sure if I follow what you were saying about the band on their wedding. I should use whom? What? The Used? I'm up for this, I just need to know what it is I'm up for… hehe
I think that covers most of them. Not all… but most. Anyhoo…
Happy reading and reviewing.
-LC
muah