Only one person asked for a dedication and I have a solution. Every chapter from now on will be dedicated to eight reviewers, and occasionally a special dedication.
I dedicate this chapter to:
Amber Myst
Tecna
Alena-chan
Hound Archon
Raven1777
Iris Night
The Komodo Dragon Phoenix
Aurora Mikayla
And the special dedication goes to……
Cherry Jade! (for asking)
For the rest of you, you WILL get a dedication, I promise you. Even if I have to lengthen the number of chapters I have planned for this story. Do not hate me because you're not on the list for you will be soon. Just have patience.
This chapter contains something I've been desperately wanting to write. In actuality, there are two somethings.
Richard sensed something was wrong in his slumber and he sat up and saw the sun slowly rising in the gray sky. Raven wasn't there. He thought he was dreaming when he felt the warmth leave his arms. Maybe it was a reality.
To add to the list of bad ways to start the day, he had missed the beginning of morning meditation.
Why did Raven not wake him up? She usually did.
The late senior fumbled around, yanking new robes from the closet and sprinting to the bathroom. The sorceress' door was cracked open and he scowled. She seemed to have left. The sound of running water reached his ears. This door was slightly ajar as well and he pushed it back further.
"Ravne! What-"
"It's… not real." Raven was scrubbing roughly at her skin, trying to clean off a red substance. It had looked so much like blood, covering her from head to toe, that his heart almost leapt to his throat and out his mouth at the sight. She was in the shower, still clothed under the warm stream of water.
Morning meditation was far from his mind now as Richard stepped in beside her to help. The empath was gritting her teeth, her hands lightly shaking when he put them in his grasp.
"What happened Rae?"
Her amethyst eyes searching for his through the soaked ebony bangs. He saw fear, anger, hate, and pain in her, mixing together into a pool of unbridled emotions.
"I woke up like… this and I sensed magic… a spell or… something. My room was… affected as well." Her words, barely articulate, were broken…she was broken. Richard knew thata prank like this would unnerve her, but not like this.
After a few minutes, the red coloring had left her pale skin and was flowing down the drain.
"Why would someone do this?" Robin asked, mostly to himself. She didn't answer as his hands pulled her fragile ones back to his room.
"No. I… no."
"Stay here for a minute. I'm going to check out your room. Are you…" He trailed off. Of course she wasn't okay. Who would be? She sure as hell didn't look okay. Refusing to look into his concerned gaze, she nodded and he reluctantly headed for her room.
Her navy blue sheets were covered in the same liquid, partially on the floor where a path of the 'blood' started and went to the door. Richard checked the window. No kind of forced entry at all. Everything else was normal, or as normal as it gould have been in this situation. He turned around and saw that there was more.
On the door was the word 'DEMON' plastered diagonally in large, red letters. It made his blood boil. What kind of twisted mind would do this? More importantly was why? His best friend was mostly well-liked except for… that damn fan club. Robin raked his fingers through his damp hair, wincing when a few got tangled in the midst. He uttered a 'damn' before going back to Raven.
The telepath was almost in the same position he had left her but her eyes which were vastly interested in the floor.
"I think that it was Kitten or someone in that group we found last night." Richard spoke softly but still had a sharp edge to it.
"We can't point fingers. Not unless we have certain proof." This was not the Raven he had grown to know and love. It was a part of her that was… rarely seen. His Raven in a fragile moment. She was supposed to calm, unflappable, the steadying factor in the middle of the tempest. This wasn't her. Robin had never had to comfort her before. NEVER. If anything, she was his impenetrable, rational friend who always dealt with problems in her own unique way. Maybe this problem needed a better solution.
"Raven," He sat next to her, "you can't let this get to you. You are not what they think you are."
"Technically, I am. Nothing changes that, Richard."
"That may be so, but a demon is usually portrayed as a thing destined for evil, to bring darkness and fear into the hearts of every being. You aren't that thing. You are so much more. Only a fool would think any less of you." Robin continued when her posture didn't change. "You're the person who is my best friend, who keeps me from letting my head crowd the room, and the woman… that I love with all my heart." He got a reaction with his last words. Raven looked up to stare into his cerulean eyes as if to say 'really?'
"I love Raven Roth. As more than just friends, by the way. Just to clear that up." He smirked as he moved a hand to her cheek, stroking it with his thumb. Eventually, she matched his smile and shook her head.
"Thanks for saying that."
"That's all I get? A thank you?" He asked incredibly, knowing she was only teasing.
"Pretty much. What? You expected more?"
Richard chuckled and moved in to claim her lips as his own. It was light and chaste at first, smiling against each other's mouths. It deepened almost instantly, both savoring the sweet tastes of the other.
"I'll admit it. I love you, too." She moved back long enough to mumble before the impatient bird pulled her back against him and fell back onto the bed.
For a while, everything was forgotten, the prank, the meditation, everything except each other. Robin couldn't believe how perfectly her form fit against his and the smooth texture of her ashen skin. Nothing in his life had he longed for more. His hands traveled up and down her slender waist slowly as one of hers was tangled in his hair. A moan rumbled through his chest, unsure of from whom it originated, but like all other things it did not matter.
"It's about damn time." Cyborg's voice erupted from no where and the two broke apart. Raven rolled to her left and they both moved to stand off the bed.
"Hey Cyborg." Richard said and licked his lips, catching a dash of Raven's flavor once again.
"Vic." The dark fourth-year replied as if nothing had transpired. And it would have looked so if her face wasn't still a tad flushed.
"If you two weren't so busy devouring each other, you would have noticed that the day's already started." The cybernetic teen smiled and leaned on the door frame. The two looked to one another and immediately their expressions changed. Reality had sunk back in, as well as the emotions it tugged along.
"What? What happened?" Cyborg noticed the transition, curious as to what had caused it.
"This morning, somebody thought that it would be nice if they covered me in fake blood and sprawl 'DEMON' on my door." Raven stated and Cyborg had a transition of his own. His eyes darkened, a deadly frown was plastered on his otherwise calm face, and if possible, his cybertronic eye glowed brighter.
"Why? Who? And where exactly can I find them so I can kick their ass?"
"Get in line, Cy. I said it was Kitten-"
"But we can't be sure of that. So before you start attacking like wild dogs, I'd like to gather some type of evidence." She said, but deep inside, she hoped it was Kitten. She just wished it was Kitten.
"There is no evidence. I checked out your room. Nothing. And you said it was a spell so there wouldn't be a trace anyway." Richard was grasping at straws. If the lovestruck blonde was their spell caster, it was a certain way to get expelled. Master Fung didn't enjoy it when students harassed others, especially in such serious forms. All was silent until Cyborg spoke out.
"I just need an ass to kick! Find your culprit because somebody deserves this foot in a very painful place! This shit isn't acceptable!" Any other time it would have been funny but he was not kidding. His towering height only made him more intimidating. Robin nodded in agreement.
"We'll find out something. I need to get to breakfast. We skipped dinner yesterday."
The dining hall was full by now. Every student filling up every table. Raven and two very pissed and very protective males entered through the double doors. They looked like bodyguards, standing on either side of her.
Starfire waved to them from her respective table but remained in her seat. Raven offered her a minute smile before heading behind the hall to their hangout.
"Where's Karen?" Raven asked when she found only Roy and Garth greeting her.
"She's getting in on some 'extra training' with Tanya. Oh yeah… these two have finally become lovebirds." Cyborg said nonchalantly.
"Man, you've gotten one of the hottest girls in the school. I've… taught you so well." He sobbed as if brimming with pride. Robin punched the archer in his arm and Raven disregarded the comment and looked to Garth. The Atlantian responded after a few moments to let in sink in.
"I'm glad you've found someone that makes you happy." It didn't sound like a lie which made her feel relieved.
"Thanks." She almost whispered and soon after her ears started tingling. A sense that had developed when someone was talking about her, most likely negatively. Whomever it was, was inside the hall and the empath finally gave in to her instincts.
"I'm going inside."
"Why?" Richard asked. Raven never liked it inside the hall. It was too crowded and noisy for her liking. She didn't answer and turned on her heel, heading for the hall.
A funny feeling passed through them all and they glanced to each other before breaking for the door after her.
"It was easy really. You just say a spell and imagine what you want it to look like. If it was anything like I pictured… let's just say… Raven's not going to have a good morning." Kitten bragged among her friends, giggling at her heroic tale.
Raven had heard that comment unfortunately. Amethyst orbs flashed red momentarily before blinking back. The males had as well and had frozen about seven feet away from the demoness. While walking in, Cyborg had told them about the vandalism in Raven's room.
The true sorceress had yet to be seen but that changed drastically.
"You know, when you commit a crime, it's smarter that you don't repeat it to the world." She monotoned, gaining the attention of them all. Kitten almost wet her pants at the sound of her voice but pushed back her fear, uselessly because Raven had sensed it nevertheless, and stood to full height. Raven still stared down at the first year, arms crossed and jaw clenched.
"Care to explain yourself, Moth?"
"About what?"
"Don't play dumb. Unless you're not playing. It's really hard to tell the difference."
The entire student body was mute, watching intently and silently praying for a physical dispute.
Nervousness racked Kitten's senses and the little common sense she had. She summoned enough courage to do the last thing that she'd ever do in her life. The blonde struck Raven across the cheek and purple hair tossed as her head snapped to the left. She remained in that position and Kitten spoke.
"Don't you dare insult me…DEMON. And so what if I did what you're accusing me of? Everything that happened to you, you deserved."
Raven slowly moved her head back to face Kitten and a devilish smile spread across her face. Suddenly, a fist was thrown against Kitten's jaw, knocking her to the ground. The enraged vixen would have caused more damage if it were not for Richard's arm wrapping around her waist.
He really didn't know why he had stopped Raven. Maybe if he hadn't, Kitten Moth would no longer be recognizable but that was a small price to pay. Damn his conscience!
It was difficult to maintain a struggling demoness in his grasp, trying desperately to claw her way back to the first year. The ruckus had started up again, everyone was either laughing or was playing out the comical scene again. Roy was smiling like a maniac, Garth had even cracked a smirk, and Cyborg was snickering uncontrollably.
As for Kitten, she remained on the floor, either unconscious or too embarrassed to get to her feet again.
Richard managed to get Raven outside and the others followed. As they exited the back door, she calmed and he released her.
"Damn, Rae! How fast was that roundhouse? 90 miles per hour? I honestly didn't notice anything until Kitten fell on her ass!" The orange-haired teen said but kept his distance from Raven who rubbing her Kitten-striking fist.
"Not exactly my method, but it got the job done." Cyborg spoke over the noise radiating from the hall. Garth said nothing at all.
"Whatever…" Raven took a deep breath and Robin moved behind her.
"That was one of the best moments of my life. I wish I had a camcorder." He wrapped his arms around her shoulders in a backwards embrace, rocking from side to side. It was surprising that she didn't push him away in her anger.
For all in the Orion Temple, remember, Senior Raven Roth is a force best not tampered with.
Okay I think this is going to be the last one of my pointless chapters. The heavy subjects come out next time.
The following is very important: I AM ON THANKSGIVING BREAK ALL THIS WEEK, BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN UPDATES! I HAVE A LOT TO DO FOR MY FAMILY THAT'S COMING. SO I MIGHT FORGET!
AIM ME IF YOU WANT AN UPDATE. I NEED A REMINDER!
Raymondhssucks07
Amber Myst- I'm so glad you reviewed! And thanks again for what you said about my story. You're jealous of my writing? One word… why? You're extremely talented and nothing short of incredible. So… Johnny Depp's your husband? Why did I not get an invitation to the wedding?
Aurora Mikayla- He grew a pair! Isn't that awesome? I'm glad you liked the way I brought in Slade. Thanks for everything!
The Blackest Darkness- Thank you! I sped up their relationship. It was really starting to bug me when I drug it out like that. I had a plan but I'll just have to alter it.
Iris Night- I loved writing that fan club scene. (an idea from Hound Archon) I couldn't do Starfire that way so I had Raven exclude her from the embarrassment. Thanks!
Delirium24- …thanks…
Monchhichi- The fan club was so unexpected and random. (Hound Archon's idea) Slade will always in some way be in my fanfics. I thank you dearly.
raerob4ever- I felt evil for letting Raven fall asleep but I'm happy you like it!
AlyRaven- Kitten was, is, and will always be stupid. Thanks for saying that!
Tecna- I no longer pass the sword of torture upon you! I hope you liked it! Not much of the interaction I wanted but there will be more. Thank you, my amazing reviewer!
Hound Archon- Comedy is not a trait I see within myself or my writing so thank you for seeing it.
alena-chan- Hilarious? Thanks! He finally confronted her and I think it may have been a little to easy but seven chapters is a long enough wait. I love having Raven and Richard frightening people. They're just perfect for the job.
The Komodo Dragon Phoenix- You're my friend? Wow! You just rock for saying that. I'm your friend too! I will not abandon my story! In the unfortunate and very unlikely case that I do, I will write an e-mail to every single person who ever reviewed to apologize. I get high of music too! I am right now. Audioslave and Korn does that to me. Thanks so much!
Dark Shadows 01- At times I can't believe the extremes that a girl would go to over a guy. As soon as I finish this, I'm going to be reading and reviewing your fic, so look for a few words from me. Thanks!
Raven1777- Kitten may or may not be expelled. I'm not sure… you know what? I'll do a vote on that. Thanks!
pinkprincess- They're going out now so I hope you like it. This chapter had a small bit of humor but from now on the only humor that will be in it will be very limited. The only time when I allow someone to call my things adorable is in a review so I'll let it pass. I'm only joking. Say whatever you want as long as you review!
Aero- Terra will be back!
Cherry Jade- You Rock More! I love your reviews, your stories, and you of course. Protective Robin is just so… natural. I can barely imagine him not being so. He's very protective in "Beauty Within" as well, which I find very humorous. Raven and Robin's chemistry is… well I no nothing about chemistry but you say I've captured it so… yay! Slade is like the ultimate villain and it's so hard not to like his demeanor and personality. Thank you so much and again… YOU ROCK!
READ THIS! People, I need help with what will happen with Kitten. She can either: never return into the story or remain. Tell me which!
Write and Protest People! Teen Titans must continue!
A authoress who waits for your reviews,
BirdsOnTheBrain