Streams of green and blue light flashed across glass, refracting in each direction and glossing over the fearful green eyes of the young alien man. The silver sheen of the watchtower filled the open void as three large battleships fought against it. Green suited men darted around each as they sought to overthrow it, caught in the midst of battle.

The young man knew now, that his passengers could be no mere travelers, but war bringers. He nearly jumped at the sound of footsteps behind him but he kept his ground, turning to fact the three men.

"We're here."

He said as plainly as he could, fighting to mask his emotion. A smile appeared on the first man's face.

"Good. Take us down."

He nodded at the command taking his seat as he guided the small freighter down to the earth. The ship skidded across the thick atmosphere a few times before finally breaking through and plunging through the stratosphere. Heavy clouds sat thick upon the sky as Jebediah skillfully steered through the mist and down through the fog that lay beneath before finding a place to rest in the midst of a large grass clearing.

As the ship gently touched down on the soft ground. The grass tipped with frost and covered in patches of snow. As the hatch opened and the walkway extended the three brothers were quick to make their way to the ground. As the first sunk his boots into the earth he took in a deep breath.

"As wretched as the day we left."

He spoke with disdain.

"I can't wait to smell the burning flesh."

Another brother spoke earning a grin on each of their faces. A clicking sound caught their attention as they turned to see the horse they rode in on begin to lift off.

"Not even a goodbye? How uncouth."

As he finished his sentence his eyes burned red in concentration. After a moment on of the ships engines began to sputter and the fiery exhaust cut out causing it to spin uncontrollably. It crashed into the ground sending a shockwave into the sky, cutting through the thick smog.

As the air cleared, skyscrapers and towers lined the horizon around the small park. Snow began to lightly fall around them steaming off their heavy plate armor. One brother stepped forward to the eldest.

"This is not Polydroso, brother."

He looked to his younger sibling of mere minutes and smiled.

"No it is not, but I sense we will find what we've come for."

—

"So.. I get that we need to be 'discreet' but we couldn't have brought a car? Or even your motorcycle?"

The two young birds walked along a dirt path covered in a thin sheet of snow as the sun dipped beyond the peak of mount Parnassus.

"Wow, you'd actually prefer my motorcycle to walking?"

He laughed a bit as she glared back at him.

"It'd get us out of the cold faster. Since when was Greece this cold?"

Robin continued to laugh for a few moments longer to which she responded by punching him in the shoulder with her good arm.

"Why didn't you think it would be cold?"

Robin asked rubbing his shoulder in mock pain. Her glare continued as she spoke.

"I don't know, I guess when I think of Greece I think of the Romans and based on all the movies Cyborg watched last summer they were all burly men in skirts, robes, and weird-ass hats. Kinda figured to wear that kinda shit it couldn't be too cold."

Robin smiled at her response but stifled a laugh knowing it would earn him another dead-arm.

"You actually watched those with him?"

Raven sighed.

"I caught glimpses here and there while I was reading. I'm sure we all did the way he was marathoning them."

Robin could hold his laugh no longer and let it loose yet again though this time Raven began to smile.

"He had to have watched Ben Hur like 3 different times. Do you have any idea what got him on that kick."

Raven shook her head.

"Whatever it was I'm glad it's over. I don't ever want to see another man in a skirt."

Robin chuckled.

"What, you're not into seeing big burly man legs?"

Raven shook her head again allowing a short laugh to escape her.

"Yeah, I'll pass on that."

Robin laughed.

"Alright, so did you bring an actual jacket or is that all you have?"

He gestured to her outfit consisting of black skinny jeans, a grey sweater, and a navy pea coat. Raven glared back at him her eyes threatening to turn red. Robin held his hands up in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright. Come on, we're almost there, should be just over this next hill."

The two picked up their pace ever so slightly as they reached the crest of the hill. Sure enough, beyond a plot of crops stood a lone cottage glowing against The quickly dimming horizon.

Robin turned to look at Raven as she pulled at her coat with her left arm, wrapping the already tightly fitting clothing even closer to her body. Behind her scowl he could make out the faint sound of teeth chattering every few seconds as the lack of sunlight stole what little semblance of warmth still existed in the air. Despite how warm her coat looked, it was made for California winters and she was definitely cold.

"Come on, lets get you inside."

He said as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders trying to offer whatever warmth he could. The notion warmed her spirit but did nothing to stem the tide of chilling air against her body. Goosebumps continued to cover her but a small smile played against her lips for a brief second before she wiped the expression away.

Within a few minutes they found themselves on the porch of the small two-story cottage. Robin left her side as he stepped forward and brought his hand up to knock. He hesitated for a moment, looking back at the shivering girl just behind him before proceeding.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

A moment of silence passed like an eternity before they could hear shuffling behind the door. Robin was sure he could hear Raven swearing beneath her breath. After another brief moment the door finally clicked and slowly swung inward to an older, yet fit man.

"Hello there. . ."

Robin gave a warm smile extending his hand in greetings as he looked the man over.

He stood just under 6 foot with a thin frame. His grey hair and stubble told the tale of age but his body still seemed quite strong from the look of his muscles filling out his white button up shirt.

The man took a moment to size up the two individuals on his porch as well, eyes lingering on the young girl. An eerie feeling came over him but he pushed it to the back of his mind as he looked back to the young man.

". . . I'm assuming you to be Richard?"

His voice was kind and proper speaking in perfect English. Judging by his complexion and facial features he was most likely English in descent as well.

"Yes, that's right. It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Dorian."

He nodded to him with a weak smile taking Robin's hand in a firm handshake. His eyes once again drifted to the azure haired girl who shied away from his gaze.

"And this is?"

Robin followed the gaze before remembering his manners.

"Oh, yes! I'm sorry. This is. . ."

"Rachel, my name is Rachel Roth."

Raven looked at Robin as she spoke and extended her hand to shake with the old man. Robin looked back a little wide eyed and surprised by her assertiveness. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind he focused on the older gentleman once again.

"It is lovely to meet you, Ms. Roth. Now both of you please, come in. It is getting quite cold out here."

The man stepped to the side a hand outstretched toward the inside of the house to invite them in. The two birds quickly accepted, even Robin starting to feel the effects of the cold air, reminiscent of his younger years. The front door gave way to a small entryway consisting of a decorative table and coat rack populated with a few heavy coats. Robin began to shed his own coat as Raven took in the masterful handcrafting of the wooden furniture and moldings. A sudden feeling against her shoulders nearly made her jump, but upon looking back to find the old man chivalrously attempting to take her coat. She calmed her nerves and let him begin to peel the coat off of her. Only a slight pain registered in her mind as he did so. Once it was removed he placed the coat on the rack next to Robin's and turned to lead them into the next room.

The entryway led into the corner of a small common area. To the right against the wall was a small entertainment center complete with a fairly large TV. Directly across from it on the opposing wall sat a beautiful light brown leather couch. Bars ran along the back wall showcasing the stairs that lay behind it leading to the bedrooms of the small cottage.

The old man ushered them in to sit upon the couch for a moment as he sat down in a similar looking armchair adjacent to them. The two gladly took their seat on the comfy loveseat as the old man began to speak.

"I was getting worried you may have gotten lost."

Robin laughed a slight bit.

"Sorry, I'm not really used to navigating the countryside so it took a little longer than expected."

The man nodded.

"I'm sure it was a long trip, coming from America. Can I get you anything? Tea, or perhaps coffee?"

Ravens brow quirked up at the thought of tea but she decided to stay quiet. Her desire to sleep stronger than her need for a soothing cup of warm liquid. Robin looked to Raven for her answer which he read from her expression quickly and responded.

"I think we'll be fine. But thank you."

The old man nodded and smiled. He looked over his left shoulder at a clock on the wall then back to the two birds on his right.

"I'm glad you made it before the sun was down for too long. It can get very cold at night in the shadow of the mountain. Now you said that you were working on a film?"

Robin nodded glancing at Raven as he spoke.

"Yes, that's right. We read about the strange events that took place just west of here and wanted to make a documentary about it. As such we thought it best to come and talk to the people who were here when it all happened."

The man slowly nodded.

"Well you won't find many people that are willing to talk about it I'm afraid. Growing up in a small village like this breeds it's fair share of superstition. You're just lucky I wasn't born here."

Robin nodded.

"That's what I gathered based on the articles I read. Thank you again for your willingness to help us."

The man nodded courteously.

"Of course. For now, it is far too late to speak of such things so please, allow me to show you to your room."

Raven glanced at robin as the man stood, her mind now focused on the singular noun "room". Robin ignored her gaze and followed the old man as he lead them around and up the stairs. They walked down a hallway before the man opened a door at its end revealing a small guest room. Two windows lined the back wall overlooking the fields and a door on the right lead to the bathroom. On the left was a fairly decent sized sliding door closet with a dresser against the wall. In the center of the room against the back wall stood a single queen sized bed.

Raven again tried to steal a sideways glance of disapproval but he continued to ignore her instead focusing his attention on their guide.

"The bathroom is to the right and you may use the shower but please be mindful of the limited hot water. I will be down the hall should you need anything."

With that Robin offered his thanks and the old man closed the door as he left. Now alone, Robin turned around to a very concerned Raven. Looking behind her at the single bed he quickly pieced together her dilemma and offered a solution.

"You can have the bed, I'll take the floor."

Raven opened her mouth originally wanting to yell at him for not being more prepared and getting separate rooms for them but as he got to work taking surplus pillows and blankets to make a bed next to the closet she felt slightly guilty for not offering to take the floor first.

"Are you sure?"

The only question she could think to offer and the delivery was weak with intent. He nodded with a smile as he looked back at her. She gave quiet thank you before shouldering her bag and walking into the bathroom.

She closed the door behind her and set the bag down on the counter taking a moment to look herself over in the mirror. Her skin was an ashen grey and dark circles gathered beneath her eyes. The light and life of her violet eyes was completely gone and masked by pure exhaustion. Her hair fell hap-hazardously around her face in its bluish tone sitting slightly longer than she normally kept it thanks to her lack of care. She ran her left hand through the azure lochs soothed by the softness of it. Despite not sleeping well she'd be damned if she didn't keep up with her hygiene.

That thought in mind she quickly produced a toothbrush from her duffle bag and began to brush her teeth. After finishing she shuffled through her bag to pull out a black tank top and a pair of thin shorts. She set them on the counter then looked at the door behind her remembering that she would be sharing a room with her leader. She looked back at her pajamas of choice and sighed.

She kicked off her black combat boots and slipped her jeans off of her legs piling them on top of the boots. Standing up straight she took a deep breath before trying to pull the sweater off and over her head. A task that would normally cause her enough pain to yell and cuss was surprisingly less uncomfortable. A few winces later and the garment was discarded to the pile beside her.

She inspected her wounded wing and found a surprising amount of control restored. She could wiggle her fingers now without pain though bending at the elbow still elicited a sharp searing sensation. She leaned against the counter and sighed again.

She took another moment to look herself over, her eyes catching on the outlines of her ribs barely showing under her skin. She was not underweight but her nightmares and sleeplessness had certainly caused her body to become more frail. Her arms were thinner than normal and her legs had lost some of the definition they'd held. Vanity would gain her nothing but the look of her physical form could tell her what was in good condition or not. Her current state of health and lack of strength concerned her but she knew there was nothing to be done for now. She quickly slipped on her pajamas and gathered her things to bring back into the room.

She opened the door slowly as to not grab Robin's attention, oddly hyper aware of how little clothing she had on. She peeked her head out before she fully exited the bathroom and saw Robin knelt down next to his makeshift bed fluffing the pillow and laying a sheet across the heavy quilts that now made his mattress.

She opened the door fully and began to make her way to the bed, her eyes not leaving him. She placed her bag and clothes on the ground next to the night stand and upon standing up was caught by the sight of her leader removing his long-sleeved shirt and tossing it the wayside. Under the low light of the singular lamp in the room it was hard to make out, but Raven's eyes traced each line of his torso against her own will and better judgement.

He continued making ready for bed as she examined each of his movements carefully watching the way his muscles would tighten. Her mind finally snapped back into place just in time to evade an awkward situation as he looked back at her and she made herself busy getting into the bed and pulling the covers up to shield her body from his prying eyes though the thought did not elicit discomfort.

"Ready for bed?"

He asked as he too began to slip beneath his covers. Raven's mind drifted to the idea of sleep and the thought of what her dreams may bring her. She looked back to Robin, now staring at the ceiling. Somehow his presence made her feel more at ease but still the thought of haunting dreams plagued her.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

She said quietly. She closed her eyes and within moments she began to drift off into sleep. Robin frowned at the comment knowing full well the meaning. He too closed his blue eyes and allowed sleep to consume him.