This chapter is dedicated to my first reviewer: Elena. Thanks for the review!

After a few moments of deafening silence, Professor Kain spoke in a deep, smooth voice.

" Miss Kuroi," he began, " When your school was tested a few weeks ago I was looking for specific results. In truth the testing was not for the physical vision and hearing of normal humans. Without a doubt your results were exactly what I was searching for."

Raven gave him a blank stare tinged only slightly with puzzlement and distrust.

The professor continued, noting her only faintly veiled expressions. " The pilot study performed was in actuality a test for something a little more…special."

Raven suppressed a shudder and warning went off in her mind. The professor has an odd glint in his cerulean eyes that seemed to hint at insanity.

" When I reviewed the results of your tests I realized that you harbor a vast amount of power within you. A power that if used correctly could accomplish great things and of course if used incorrectly could have just the opposite effect even to the extent of destroying the world as we now know it…"

Again Raven felt the surge of a warning brush the tips of her consciousness as that glint returned to his eyes.

" Of course," Professor Kain went on, " I hope to have my school aid you in using your powers correctly, and to help you to control them. I would enjoy watching your progress at my school, that is, if you are willing to except the scholarship that I am offering."

The professor looked at her in anticipation waiting for her response. Raven sat there quietly for a moment debating how to answer. A new school in a new city meant that people wouldn't know about her past or…what she could do. Still, it also meant that it would open up a chance for her betrayal. If the people were to find out about the power she possessed, what would they do? How would they react? It was a risk the Raven wasn't willing to take.

She'd had countless chances for "new beginnings." Being a foster child she was always moving around to new foster parents and new schools where, at the beginning, she was merely thought of as odd because of the color of her eyes and hair. Being thought of as just odd was a blessing to her and she'd relish the privilege. But eventually something would go wrong. Each time her powers would always slip free from the tight reign of her control and permanently destroy the haven she thought she had. It was Hope that she'd been holding on to for so long. A hope that she'd be thought of as only 'odd'. And that she wouldn't be discovered to then be hated and feared. Hope. She hated its very existence.

And so she squashed it down deep and buried it. But no matter how many times she'd buried that insignificant seed of hope it always grew to a tiny sprout of a plant raising it's leaves to a small stream of sunlight. And once again it had unearthed itself. So she dug a deeper hole and dropped Hope into its dark depths and, closing the hole, she made her decision.

"As much as I…appreciate your offer, I am going to have to decline." She stated simply. Emotionlessly.

There was a momentary silence in the room before the shrill sound of the school bell sang out from the ducane system. At long last, the torture facility known as School had ended.

Standing, Raven started for the door of the office knowing that she couldn't be forced to stay a moment longer after the bell. As she opened to door to leave her eyes met that dark stare of the boy still leaning against the wall. Tearing her gaze away she stepped out of the office, the door closing behind her with a resounding slam.

Richard Grayson watched detachedly as the girl, Rachael, exited the room. To tell the truth he was shocked at this girl's decision. It was fairly obvious that she hated the life that she currently was forced to live. He'd been enraged after only five minutes of seeing the way she was treated by those around her. And he knew that she'd had to deal with it her entire life. Thus his confusion at why would she not jump at what may be her only chance to be free of this hateful city. Would it not be for the better to live around those who would befriend and accept her for who she was? So why throw away the opportunity? Was she simply being stubborn? Was she afraid?

Sighing Richard pushed away form the wall his gaze falling to the professor. He knew well that the professor would not stop here. When Professor Kain was determined he usually got his way. This girl Rachael would most likely be joining the School For The Gifted very soon.

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Whew! Finally got that done. Actually I've had this chapter written since the first chapter was done. However, due to my 'slower than molasses' typing skills, I am just now getting to posting it. If you have read this PLEASE REVIEW! Even if it's only your pin name saying that you've read this and liked it. I need encouragement to go on so that I know that I'm not just writing to nobody here. Anyway Ta Ta. It's 11:06PM and I'm tired! ……….

-Dreaming Fae