Gosh...This chapter is so late. I don't really expect you to forgive me. But here it is and I hope that you will be satisfied.
I always make the mistake of reading my stories...then I find stuff that need to be re-written, and spend most of my time doing that, instead of writing the new chapter. I apologize for my impossible quest of perfection.
Chapter 17
Disclaimer: Look at Chapter 1
Song in Chapter is Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift(feat. The Civil Wars). I do not own it.
A good kisser.
Raven didn't know what that was or how to describe it. Was Robin a good kisser? Raven wouldn't know. His kisses were sweet, innocent and nervous. Was that a good thing?
Then there was Malchior, whose eyes stirred hidden passions within her soul. Malchior was dangerous and rough. His kisses were just as fierce, the kind that left you dizzy and breathless.
Was that good? Perhaps it was her demon side that liked things rough.
And Gabe...forbidden Gabe. His kisses always tasted like melted brown sugar. Perhaps as forbidden fruit, he was meant to be addicting. When Gabe kissed her, fireworks exploded in Nevermore. Emotions ran wild, Lust leaped for joy and Knowledge brooded with pessimistic fear.
Derek.
How could Raven describe Derek? Seductive? Well-trained in the art of kissing? Or was she just being a silly fan-girl again? His kisses were hot...tantalizingly hot, wet, full of tongue and chocolatey. Maybe that came off as a little perverted?
Some people don't like wet kisses. They find them sloppy. So, did that make Derek a bad kisser? Lust seemed to enjoy them. But then again, that emotion lived up to her name She enjoyed anything sexual.
Others might like the dry, chaste, innocent kiss, like Robin's. The hopelessly romantic ones, would swoon at Malchior's passionate, erotic kisses, or Gabe's hesitant, addicting smooches.
But not everyone was a hopeless romantic.
Perhaps a good kisser was in the eyes of the beholder. Maybe that was why she and Derek were sitting here, getting an earful from the Boy Wonder about 'unrestrained public display of affection'.
It wasn't like he was out of line...sure she wanted to keep the gossip out of the magazines, but Raven couldn't help tuning the leader out. How was she expected to concentrate, when her mind was still reeling, and her lips were still tingling from Derek's "indecent behavior"?
Robin, and her dignity were the last thing on her mind.
The sorceress turned slightly, watching Derek through lowered eyelashes. He'd been staring down at his guitar the whole time, gently strumming a silent tune. Although he seemed straight-faced and solemn, his eyes twinkled with unbridled amusement and his eyebrows rose in astonishment.
So he found this whole ordeal funny?
Raven didn't blame him. It would be rather amusing for a twenty-four year old man to be chewed out by an annoying teenager. Perhaps it was better that Robin caught them. Had it been Cyborg...a fight probably would have broken out by now.
Raven sighed inwardly, staring in boredom at the chipped lavender nail polish that adorned her neatly trimmed finger nails. Robin shouldn't be worrying so much about her. Not when Starfire was teetering on the brink of insanity. Raven couldn't help feeling guilty for being so...detached and uncaring at the whole situation. But what was she to do? What was she going to say? Was it for the best to lie and say that Robin would forgive her actions?
How could she console her friend without appearing...haughty and boastful? How could she be a good friend when the only words in her mind were I told you so?
What a horrible friend I am, Raven thought with disgust.
The sorceress stood, reaching out, gently silencing Robin with her palm. Her violet eyes had taken on a sorrowful hue, something not lost on the guitarist beside her.
Raven bit her lip, then spoke hesitantly. "Robin, I think we get the point. Go, talk to Star...she really needs you. And please, leave Speedy alone? He's got enough on his shoulders as it is. Don't waste time passing around blame." Raven forced herself to smile, she could only hope it was reassuring.
She wasn't ready for the vise-like grip on her wrist. Biting her lip once more, Raven stared into the dark glasses of her leader. Was he that adamant about avoiding the alien? Wouldn't it be best to get things over with?
Raven continued to eye him warily, saying nothing as he bent down as he whispered softly into her ear. Was he trying to scare her?
Perhaps.
Why else would he threaten her...why else would his death-like hold on her wrist tighten even more? The sorceress knew what he was trying to do. Why else would he bring up the past? Why else would he mention her addiction to sleeping pills? Why else would he mention her alcohol problems?
Raven wanted to laugh. As if such petty things could bring her down. Violet eyes narrowed and Raven pushed him back, a snarl on her ruby red lips. "So you resort to this? Robin, do not make me lose my temper. I will not be controlled by you. You do not scare me."
Robin forcefully pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her slender body. His cold fingers dug painfully into her waist, and Raven bit back the urge to wince. She couldn't let him see that she was in pain...it wouldn't do to admit defeat so soon. So the sorceress said nothing as she glared, listening to his menacing whisper once more.
Raven let out a mocking laugh. Robin was such an amusing human at times. "Robin, read my lips. I belong to no one. Not you, not the mayor, not Justice League...no one. Being a member in Teen Titans does not mean you own me."
Robin released her slowly. "Fair enough. But don't tell me how to handle Star. And don't mention Speedy to me again."
Raven shook her head. "No, you need to leave him out of this. Why are you acting like he planned the whole thing? You've known him longer than I have. Whatever Star told you is a lie. You know that, right?"
The Boy Wonder looked away, fists clenching in anger. Raven said nothing, her eyes blank and strangely without compassion. He knew the truth. He wouldn't be Robin if he couldn't figure it out.
"Robin, you have to forgive her. Aren't we just as guilty for covering up our own mistakes?" Raven questioned softly. The sorceress bit her lip as the once hushed strumming behind her escalated slightly, the tune giving of an angry vibe. How does Derek do that? One minute the guitar was happy, the next irritable and annoyed.
Was it the change in chords? The speed of his fingers? Maybe another of his strange 'gifts'?
"Rae, don't bring that up. Just don't." Robin's frustrated voice drew the sorceress back from her musings.
So now he wanted to bury reality? What good will come of denying what happened between them? If they had been caught, wouldn't he want forgiveness as well? "So what, just deny the truth? Do you really think it's something you can carry to the grave? My tongue won't stay silent forever." Raven intoned menacingly. She didn't want to threaten him. But what else could she do? They couldn't function as a team if Robin and Starfire continued in this manner.
"You're threatening me?" The leader snorted, sounding rather skeptical. "You think she'll just let you off the hook?"
A wicked laugh escaped Raven's lips. "Was I the one plagued with guilt? Did I beg and plead for our actions to remain a secret?" What makes you think I even care about Starfire forgiving me? You're the one feeling horrible about it. You're the one who can't sleep at night."
"Why are you like this, Raven? You can't be serious, can you? Do you really expect me to believe that deep down you don't care?" Robin scoffed. "I'm not falling for that."
Raven smiled knowingly. "You think you have me all figured out, don't you? You forget one thing, Robin. I am not human. This guilt...why should I feel it?" A malicious light entered the sorceress' eyes. "It was your fault, was it not? You started it, you ruined my life...shouldn't you take all the responsibility?" A sadistic laugh escaped her upturned lips. "Robin, the Boy Wonder! Just imagine the headlines! But...what would you call it? Assault? No, it would have to be statutory, cause you took advanta-"
Robin's shaking hands clamped down on the sorceress' lips. The violet haired titan continued to stare at him, her eyes glittering with insanity. She pushed Robin's hand away and began to laugh hysterically, staggering backwards into a nearby chair. Poor Robin! Poor, poor Robin. So frightened and uneasy! Was this what they meant by 'be sure your sins will find you out'?
Raven sighed, her violet eyes still trained on the Boy Wonder. It was the only way...he needed to talk to Starfire. And if she had to threaten him, so be it. "Robin, talk to Star...she needs you. Leave Speedy out of it...he's just as sorry as you are."
Raven stood, her face stoic and uncaring, eyes now passive and nonchalant. "And forget about me...I may have been worthless to you, but I still have my pride."
oOoOo
Golden eyes stared at the sorceress, noting the unusual stiffness of her back, and the awkward slant of her neck. The man turned, staring at the Titan leader, mouth twitching as he took in the teen's shaking hands and heavy breathing.
The boy was frightened.
Derek smirked. What was it that could scare him this much? Was Raven really that frightening? Or was he finally catching on to the fact that Raven was slowly slipping away, slowly becoming someone unrecognizable. Did he not know? How could he be so blind to the facts?
The signs were all there, right? Surely he noticed the strange mumbling, the random outbursts and insomnia? Derek pushed his hair from his eyes and began to strum softly. "Frightening, isn't she?" He stared with curiosity as Robin whirled around, a strange twist on his lips.
"Do you really think she meant everything she said?" Derek questioned, his golden eyes staring at the guitar in his hands. He had to know what Robin thought. It was simply to...ludicrous. Wasn't he trained by Batman? Shouldn't he have caught on already? How could someone claim to be a leader and yet be oblivious to the fact that their teammate was...mentally unstable.
Robin sighed tiredly. "What's your point?"
Derek stared at the boy, a dangerous look in his eyes. "Aren't you her best friend? Why can't you see she's dying inside?" An exasperated laugh escaped the man's lips. "You think I didn't know about the alcohol and pain meds?"
Robin stiffened, a look on shock etched onto his face. "You know? Since when?"
Derek raised an eyebrow, his golden eyes now beginning to glow with an eerie light. "Does it matter? Everyone has their reasons. Did you ever stop to find out hers?" Derek tilted his head slowly, his odd colored eyes focused intently on the teen before him.
Robin continued to stare back, his jaw set in defiance and his hands stiffly resting at his sides. It was clear he wasn't going to back down. Silence filled the room, the tune of instruments suddenly disappeared. A strange tension began to hover over the room, as Derek stared into the boy's darkly tinted glasses.
Robin paled and stumbled back, his trembling fingers rising up to clutch feverishly at his head. The Boy Wonder screamed and fell to the floor, his tortured cries echoing across the theater.
Derek stood, staring down at the writhing boy before him. A tiny smile graced his lips. "Hurts, doesn't it? Imagine living like this for several months...horrible, non?" The man smirked, a sadistic glint entering his glowing golden eyes. "Shall I stop? Have you learned your lesson? Perhaps another demonstration is in order?"
"No!" Robin shot out his hand, fingers grasping blindly before him. "Stop! Please!" The Boy Wonder gasped out, breathless and afraid.
oOoOo
"Derek, suffit."
The man turned at the sound of Raven's voice, the strange glow now absent from his eyes. His face was strangely blank and empty, as if he was not aware of his actions. Perhaps unaware wasn't the right term. The man seemed...disappointed.
"He cannot endure such pain, Derek. He is only a human, after all." Raven uttered calmly, an empty expression on her face, voice devoid of emotion. It was as if she didn't care.
Robin choked, as he pulled himself from the floor, the taste of blood filling his mouth. His head hurt, his throat hurt...every muscle in his body hurt. A couch racked the teen's chest, why was it so hard to breathe? The urge to puke overwhelmed the Boy Wonder as he lay on the floor, squinting against the painful theater lights.
What did he do? What kind of magic was this? Derek had powers? Was he one of those vampires like Gabe? How else was he to explain the glowing eyes, and the strange glimmer of retribution and judgement on his face? No, it was more than that. He wasn't a vampire...Raven wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
Then what?
Robin's fingers clenched the chair beside him as the Boy Wonder tried to stand on his shaking knees. His head swam, the pain was unbearable. An agonizing groan escaped his lips. Damn it! Robin stared angrily at the man. "You-you monster! Monster!" An eerie silence enveloped as Robin's voice echoed out in the theater. His ice blue eyes glared in anger and resentment. His fists clenched tightly, as if ready for another fight. Robin was ready for anything.
Just not this.
Robin blinked, confusion etched across his face. What kind of reaction was that? Shouldn't he have been angry? Annoyed? Irritated? What was with that look? Robin's stomach sank as he stared into the man's golden eyes. He stared in horror as Derek's eyebrows rose and his jaw clenched tightly.
The Boy Wonder couldn't help but flinch in anguish as he watched the antique-looking guitar slip out from Derek's fingers and hit the floor with a sickening thud. Robin opened his mouth, then bit his lips in regret as Derek turned left the room. Why did he look so...dejected? Why did his eyes look so...tortured? The Boy Wonder collapsed to the floor, the pain in his head now filling his stomach with dread and guilt.
What had he done?
Raven bit her lip, wondering what to do.
She stared down at the guitar in her hands, thankfully, it was unharmed. The teenager shifted her weight to her other leg and knocked on the oak colored door in front of her. Her eyes closed once more, trying to quell the annoying fluttering in her stomach.
It wasn't the first time she'd visited Derek's apartment.
Raven smiled slightly as she remembered the trip to the aquarium, their midnight bowling escapade, and playing video games at his house till morning. Her powers had waned that night...as it had been a full moon. She returned to the Tower the next day and was punished by Robin for drugging him.
A dry laugh escaped the young woman's lips. She'd come over another time as well, and ended up watching cheesy chick flicks with Jessica, his cousin. Derek must have been annoyed, Raven thought with a chuckle.
Today was a different story though. She wasn't supposed to be happy-go-lucky or reminiscent. No, on the contrary. This was a serious mission. Raven needed to understand what went wrong. The door opened, and Raven fount her self staring into the bright blue eyes of Jessica. The sorceress smiled invitingly. "Hi. Derek is home, right?"
Jessica tilted her head slightly, eyes taking in the guitar with a suspicious glint. "He's home." The teen opened the door and ushered Raven inside. "Just not in a good mood. Did something happen? He doesn't usually forget his guitar."
Raven nodded, her eyes resting on a photo propped against the wall. This picture hadn't been there the last time she visited. "Is that Derek?" Raven questioned, a curious look in her eyes. He looked younger in the picture...maybe ten or eleven. His face was rounder then, but she could still see the narrow slant of his eyes and jaw.
Raven smiled as she studied his furrowed brows and close eyelids, marveling at his long defined eyelashes. So they were always that long? What event was this? Considering the suit, it must have been important, like a school concert or something, Raven mused. But, gosh! He looked so cool! "He plays the violin too?"
A look of caution flitted across Jessica's small face. "He can. Just chooses not to." The young girl turned and continued packing a light blue book-bag with several school books. "I'm going to study with a friend, so I can't keep you company. If you are in a hurry you can just leave the guitar on the counter."
"Um, Jessica. Does Derek know you are leaving?" Raven questioned, unsure of whether she should walk the girl to her destination. Derek was slightly protective of his cousin...and Raven didn't want to be blamed for negligence.
The girl bit her lip. "Yes and no. No because he's probably drunk right now. I wouldn't really want to be around Derek, he has a whole case of beer in his room...now."
Raven's eyes narrowed slightly. What was she insinuating?
Jessica smiled politely. "If it'll make you feel better; Derek, je pars maintenant! Au revoir!"At this loud farewell, the blonde haired girl jetted out the door, her forest green phone now glued to her ears.
Raven blinked, the smell of cherries still lingering in the hallway. A whole case of beer? The sorceress briskly walked down the hall and halted in front of Derek's room.
Pale fingers froze before the brass knob...was this the right thing to do? Raven held her breath, opened the door and entered the dimly lit room, violet eyes roaming until they spotted the man against the wall, an empty bottle dangling from his fingers. She swallowed tightly as the man tilted his head in her direction, golden eyes slowly appraising her figure. Raven bit back the shiver that crept up her spine. His eyes were so intense!
"Go home, Princess."
Raven pursed her lips in defiance. "No. Not until you tell me what's wrong." She entered the room and sat down on the floor beside him, her posture like that of the perfect Japanese seiza. The man raised an eyebrow, the bottle in his fingers swaying precariously. Silence filled the room. Suddenly, the bottle flew from his fingers, shattering loudly as it collided with the wall across from them.
Raven couldn't help the muffled scream that tore from her lips. Nor could she help remembering Erik's cold, ice-blue eyes and cruel taunting smile. Violet eyes flickered with suppressed fear as Derek picked up another bottle, his golden eyes strangely inquisitive. He swung the bottle between his thumb and forefinger once more, and then threw it against the wall again.
Raven screamed again, her folded hands clenched together as she remembered the cold examination table, Erik's cold ice blue eyes and the terrifyingly long needle he eventually plunged into her stomach. Why was he doing that? Was he trying to scare her on purpose?
Raven cringed as Derek's hand reached out to touch her cheek; only to yelp in surprise as the man playfully flicked her nose.
A grin spread on Derek's face. "My Princess scares easily, doesn't she?" His hand closed around the teen's slender wrists and swiftly he pulled the girl into his arms.
Raven inhaled sharply as Derek's arms wrapped around her and a rosy blush colored her cheeks. My princess. Somehow, those words pierced Raven's heart. It was like the feeling of the sun after being trapped in a cold building. Warm, content, safe.
He was Red X. He was on the wrong side of the law, he was her enemy and yet...somehow, being here like this felt right. Raven felt wanted...she belonged here, in his arms.
"Will you tell me what's wrong?" Raven whispered, afraid to tarnish the peaceful silence. Her fingers gently clasped the man's shirt, the calming scent of chocolate and hazelnuts wrapping around her. Leaning against his chest like this, Raven could hear his steady heartbeat, and feel the rise and fall as he took each breath.
The sorceress' eyes fluttered shut, as a wave of emotions flooded her mind.
Anger, frustration, immense sorrow. Raven could feel them all, could taste the bitterness of sorrow, the tang of frustration, the velvety smoothness of anger. She dropped her barriers, let his emotions destroy the perfect order of her mind. Raven wanted to understand, needed to understand this man.
The man she loved so much.
"No one's called me that in a long time...I'd almost forgotten what it felt like." Derek whispered softly, a subtle anguish evident in his quiet voice. "Having powers that are uncontrollable...frightens people. Especially when someone gets hurt 'cause of it. You get treated like some evil person, like a monster."
Raven bit her lip. Yes, she knew the feeling all too well. The pain of of abandonment, the sting of shame. The self-hatred and anger. Being forced to live with unwanted powers, uncontrollable powers...it was a curse. A curse you dreaded with each rise of the sun, and tearfully plead for its disappearance each night.
Derek laughed sadly. "Having your own father call you a heartless monster really puts things in a different perspective. Somehow, everything's your fault. You get blamed for everything. The night my mother died, somehow it was my fault." A tense silence filled the room as the man paused, his labored breaths betraying the calm facade in his voice.
"She died, cause of me..." The man's quiet voice broke, as a pain filled groan escaped his lips.
Raven sat up, her violet eyes filled with sorrow. She clenched her fists as she watched Derek grasp his dark hair in frustration. The teenager bit her lip in worry as she watched the silent tears slip down his narrow face. Her heart cried out as she watched him gritting his teeth, trying desperately to stop the tears.
His pain...was too much.
Raven's stretched out her hand, slender fingers gently drying his tears. "Derek, don't. You have blamed yourself enough. You don't have to do that anymore! You have the chance to be yourself...to shine!"
Chance.
It was something Raven never had. The chance to throw everything away, to start anew. Derek was innocent, he had no blood on his hands. Nothing stopped him from living his life. He wasn't held down by guilt. "You are not a monster, you aren't an evil person." The sorceress lowered her head, a faint blush spreading on her pale cheeks.
"You're my angel."
Derek looked up, a glimmer of amusement in his moist golden eyes. A wry smile spread on his face as he questioned, "Why an angel?"
"Why am I a princess?" Raven questioned, a tiny smile gracing her lips.
Derek shrugged, reached out and picked up his guitar from the ground. A peaceful look filled his golden orbs as he strummed the instrument softly, piecing together a strangely familiar tune. Old, and southern sounding. As if it came right out of the Civil War era. And so very sad. Raven's eyes widened, she'd heard this before! Where had she heard this tune? Wasn't it from some movie Beastboy had dragged her to a week ago? The song that engraved itself in her memory and wouldn't leave until she looked it up?
What was the name again? Safe and Sound, wasn't it? It was such an eerie tune...so ethereal and ghost-like. And the lyrics were so beautiful, bittersweet and enchanting! Raven closed her eyes and began to sing softly, her voice filled with unspoken sentiment.
"I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, "I'll never let you go"
When all those shadows almost killed your light.
I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone"
But all that's dead and gone and passed
Tonight...
Confidence. Raven could hear her voice, filled with this new-found feeling. This empowering emotion she couldn't understand. Why was she confident? Why did she sound so sure, so determined...so hopeful? Raven didn't want to be hopeful, she didn't want to be confident!
But what choice was there? Raven needed hope, she needed to have confidence. For Derek's sake, she needed to be strong. It was the only way...the only way for them to be together.
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound..."
oOoOo
Her voice...
Derek looked up, eyes wide with astonishment. Why? Why was it always like this? The man's eyes fluttered shut, pain filling his chest at the young woman's breathtaking voice. His fingers were now moving on autopilot, he didn't even know what he was doing anymore.
Why did he even play this song? Derek couldn't forget the strange sensation that filled him the day he heard the tune. Once again, Jessica was to blame. If she hadn't forced him to go to see that movie, if she hadn't insisted on finding the song the next day, he wouldn't have this problem. That tune wouldn't have haunted him, forced him to play it out, to memorize it.
And now he was here, fingers playing of their own accord, while his heart ached at the raw passion in the woman's beautiful voice.
"Don't you dare look out your window
darling everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold on to this lullaby
Even when the music's gone
Gone..."
Derek inhaled sharply. Raven, why? Why must you do this? To someone who doesn't deserve you...someone who isn't allowed to be with you?
He wasn't supposed to feel this way, he wasn't supposed to feel reassured, wasn't supposed to be so trusting...He wasn't supposed to believe all those words. It was just a song. It wasn't supposed to mean anything to him. Words couldn't describe the love he had for the sorceress, his fondness of her. She made him feel...complete. Somehow she understood. And now this. This stupid song that he couldn't get out of his head. This stupid song that she happened to know the lyrics to.
This stupid song that crumbled the last of his restraints.
"Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound..."
God! Why was she so moving, why did her voice fill him with these emotions? How did she do it? How was she able to express so much feeling in her voice? He felt everything, saw everything etched onto her beautiful face. Derek could feel her anguish, could sense the longing in her voice...could taste the odd sweetness of hope. They washed over him, consumed his mind, comforted his soul.
Why?
"Just close your eyes
You'll be alright"
Derek didn't want to feel this way, didn't want to succumb to his desires. He promised himself, that she was off limits. Promised to only look and not touch. Promised not to hurt and corrupt someone so young and innocent. Funny how easily one's resolve crumbles.
As it did now. Now Derek wanted nothing more than to touch the beautiful woman sitting before him, to caress her pale unblemished skin, to revel in her peachy taste...to claim her as his own. "Raven, I don't want to hurt you."
"Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound..."
He believed every word.
Gotham City.
A place filled with memories. Some good, some...unpleasant. Robin wasn't looking forward to traveling to Gotham, nor did he have any desire to stay there for a whole week.
A sigh escaped the teen's lips as he stared at several files. Two more people were found dead in Gotham, bringing the grand total to seven deaths. And on each body, that strange ankle tattoo. Robin sat back, in his office chair and began to spin slowly. Raven had a tattoo like that...in fact it was the exact same. Was it some sort of Gotham fad these days? It couldn't be...seeing as most of the dead victims were illegally brought into the country. Then some sort of tracking device?
But why would Raven have something like that? How could she have gotten it? Somehow, Robin felt that Raven was connected to everything. Her odd association with that vampire from Gotham and his blind daughter. The weird fearful vibe he'd been feeling from her ever since plans were made to travel to Gotham.
Raven always seemed to be in the middle of everything.
The teen bit his lip. Where was Raven by the way? She'd been missing ever since the charity concert. Ice blue eyes closed, and the feeling of dizziness faded from his stomach. Robin kicked his leg against the edge of the desk, a silly grin spreading on his face as the chair began to spin faster.
At least the charity concert went well. Raven did deserve a vacation, wherever she might be. Somehow, Robin never knew the sorceress was that good at singing. It wasn't that he doubted her abilities...she just didn't seem to be the concert type. Neither did Derek for that matter.
Robin still couldn't fathom the idea of Derek playing the violin. Guitar yes, but definitely not violin. And he was so...good at it, too. Robin couldn't help but feel very envious.
Was envious the word? How could he describe it? Derek seemed to be good at everything. A musical genius with an uncanny technological talent. Cyborg had been extremely impressed with the way the man upgraded the T-car. And Raven was his. The one thing Robin wanted in life, Derek had. Raven chose him.
In his mind, Derek seemed...perfect.
"Robin. Smile anymore and I'll think you've been replaced."
Ice blue eyes opened at the voice and Robin stopped the spinning chair with his feet. "Rae, you've been gone for three days. I have something to tell you." His hands clenched in his lap, as a feeling of unease washed over him. "I'm sorry. For everything. I-I've been such a jerk, haven't I."
A sad chuckle escaped the sorceress lips. "I actually came to apologize as well. I've been a jerk too." A sigh of resignation escaped Raven's lips. "Guess that makes us even?"
Robin looked at the young woman, noting the apologetic look in her violet eyes. He also noted, with an odd sense of annoyance, the deep purplish-red mark at the base of her neck, and the over-sized red button up shirt she currently wore. She'd been with him these past three days? The Boy Wonder clenched his fist, swallowing back his question. "Um, the concert went well. I was surprised you could sing so well."
A light blush colored the teen's pale cheeks. "I hadn't planned on singing. Derek thought it might be a good idea. Uh, about Gotham...we shouldn't go. I have a really bad feeling about all this."
Robin's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Another vision?" He prayed it wasn't the case. The last time Raven had a vision, she ended up bedridden for six months. Even if she did; it wouldn't be possible to cancel the trip. The Justice League gave them orders...orders to investigate this Erik person.
One doesn't just disobey the Justice League, at least... not without consequences.
"No, not a vision. Something bad will happen. People will die if we go to Gotham. Innocent people." The sorceress uttered, her voice a quiet, eerie whisper.
"Raven, what are you not telling me?" It was obvious the young woman knew more than she was disclosing. Robin just didn't understand why she kept mum about it all. Wasn't it better to have as much information about their opponents rather than to blindly rush to the battle? Didn't she realize that as a team, everyone had the right to know the risks?
"I must not speak of the atrocities. I cannot divulge his secrets. Innocent people will die." Raven intoned once more, violet eyes strangely blank and empty.
Robin bit his lip, trying to hold back his anger. "Then can you at least tell me about these tattoos?" The young man held out several photographs of the growing number of victims, each one bearing that strange ankle tattoo. Ice blue eyes watched his friend's face intently, hoping to see any sign of recognition. He wasn't expecting her to laugh softly.
"Robin. These are not tattoos. It's a brand, a bar-code...shackles?" Raven's voice trailed off and an odd look of realization entered her violet orbs. Her hands gripped the corners of the oversize shirt, fingers pale and trembling.
The Boy Wonder stared at his friend, a look of horror etched into his ice blue eyes. A barcode? Shackles? "Then w-why do you have one?!" It was more of an accusation than a question; his voice filled with a chastising and angry tone.
"Because..." Raven's shaking knees finally gave out, and the teen crumpled to the floor, chest heaving rapidly. "Because..." The young woman clutched at her chest, a look of anguish flooding her features.
"Raven! What's going on? You have to tell someone! Let us help you, please!"
The sorceress' hands dropped limply and the room stilled at the absence of her frantic breath. Raven seemed so...lifeless. The way her body swayed, ready to fold at the slightest touch, the awkward angle of her neck, and the eerie stillness of her chest. Did she really stop breathing? Surely it was some sick joke, right?
"Raven." The titan leader slid off the chair and crawled towards his purple-haired friend, fighting back waves of nausea. "Raven! Answer me!" He raised his shaking fingers to her pale throat, gently brushing the discolored bruise. Robin's heart sank...he couldn't feel a pulse. "Raven, what's going on? Why do you have that tattoo?"
Violet eyes stared emptily into his mask. Robin fell back, stunned, frightened but relieved. Raven was ok. A sigh escaped the Boy Wonder's lips. "Raven, you're not alone anymore. I'm here to help. Here to stay."
"Terra!" Beastboy's voice ricocheted as he dashed into the room anxiously. "Have any of you seen Terra? She didn't come home last night." His jade green eyes glittered with worry, and the boy was gnawing on his lip nervously. "She didn't leave a note."
Robin swallowed. How was he going to say this? "Beastboy, Terra's in Gotham, on a mission. We're joining her tomorrow." The titan leader rubbed his neck awkwardly. "I thought Cyborg told you the plan."
"Why did she go alone? How come this was decided without me?" A strange look of horror was painted on the boy's face, why was he acting like the geomancer was sent to her death?
"Terra's the best person for reconnaissance, legally, she doesn't exist. It's impossible to trace someone who doesn't exist, right?" Raven answered the boy, a dangerous glint in her violet eyes. Her voice sounded patronizing and condescending, as if she was speaking to a small child.
Robin stared silently, marveling at the sudden change in the sorceress. Wasn't she at the brink of death a few minutes ago? How could she stand there, so poised and professional...so emotionless and uncaring? Unless...Robin's eyes widened beneath the mask. She couldn't have...planned this out. How could she have anticipated this mission, a year before it happened? How could Raven have known that Terra would be needed so far into the future?
"You-You planned this, didn't you!" Beastboy screamed out, voicing Robin's fearful theory.
Maybe these deaths were vampire related. Maybe this Erik was a vampire, and Raven was trying to hide from him. This Erik person probably had powers, too...which explained the pain killers and sleeping pills. Terra could be immune to the mind-reading powers, seeing as she was a resurrected being. Raven must have anticipated this, and freed Malchior as well. The Boy Wonder clenched his fists. She'd been playing them all...just like Slade.
"How dare you! How dare you use Terra like this!" The shape-shifter screamed, jade green eyes filling with angry tears. His shoulders were shaking with anger, and fingers clenched in rage. "How could you be so...so evil, Raven!"
Raven scoffed. "Evil, me? Terra chose to go of her own free will." Raven's lips twisted into a strange smile. "I did warn her. I told her about the risks...and her consent was fully informed." The sorceress tossed her purple hair in an oddly haughty manner. "Besides, Terra is smart woman. She'll survive."
"You didn't really think I brought her back for your sake...did you? I'm a selfish, heartless bitch, after all."
Derek is a strange character. I don't really know how to write in a man's perspective, so at times he comes off as very sensitive and emotional. Maybe 'overly intuitive' is the correct term. Would a guy really think like Derek is doing now? Probably only in the mangas.(I read too much of those.) Anyway, please look up Crystallize by Lindsey Stirling. It's this really awesome dub-step violin single.
And yes, Derek is that good.
Raven's not really a selfish, heartless bitch. Though Beastboy did called her selfish in a previous chapter... I guess when someone is desperate, they might do things that seem unscrupulous.
Please review...I need them dearly. Your reviews are great pointers when writing. I've read them many times.
~heartless16