I was so lost on what to write next...I hope it suffices. Once again, forgive me for the late post. This was my last year in college so things were really, really tense...
Chapter 20
Disclaimer: Look at Chapter 1
A cold wind scattered fallen leaves as the group slowly made its way up the walkway of an enormous mansion. The sun was slowly setting, and the eerie orange glow cast frightful shadows across the wilting lawn. Starfire tapped her fingers nervously on the pendant resting on her throat as she stepped through the doorway of the elaborate mansion and was relieved of her coat by an impeccably dressed footman.
This place is beautiful…
Starfire couldn't help but admire the smooth shining wood flooring, the large and elaborate foliage standing in the entryway, and, in the distance, a grand pine tree decorated in the finest tinsel. Why do all the villains have such...such class?
When the sound of a piano entered her ears, Starfire turned at the sound, eyes glancing from the ball room to the young man now clutching her arm in surprise. He'd seemed rather uncomfortable with the idea of posing as a couple to gain entrance into the house and search for Raven. In fact, he'd barely said a word to her during the drive to this secluded mansion. Now he was clutching her arm like a life-line? She stared into the man's unnerving golden eyes trying to decipher the odd flicker of emotion.
"Raven's playing the piano." Derek muttered quietly, his voice tainted with wonder.
Starfire stared back blankly. "How do you know?" The teenager listened intently as they entered the room and made their way through the crowds of richly dressed party-goers. Was it possible to tell? Perhaps he'd heard this song before…what was it called?
Ah! Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
Quietly she took two flutes of champagne and pressed one into Derek's hands, ignoring the look of exasperation on his face. "We have to blend in…and I've never tasted champagne before. Swiftly, she gently tapped his glass and turned towards the stage. "Cheers!"
The poignant piano piece quickly sobered up the titan's mood and she pursed her lips anxiously. It really was Raven on stage…and what was with that look on her face? The alien moved forward as far as Derek would allow, trying to read between the blank look plastered on Raven's features.
Starfire watched as Raven's fingers danced across the keys, the eerie tune floating out across the large room. The teenager couldn't help but hold her breath as her friend's eyes fluttered shut, as if in a trance. Could she really play without looking? Starfire turned to Derek seeking an answer to the unvoiced inquiry. Jade green eyes darted back and forth animatedly as she took in the man's conflicted facial features.
The young man opened his mouth to respond, and then pursed his lips in uncertainty. Fumbling nervously with the cuff links on his suit, the man finally spoke. "It's hard to explain…but she's not playing from memory."
The Tameranian nodded. "It is like how you can somehow play a song perfectly after hearing it once?" The alien raised an eyebrow at the strange look of self-consciousness that flitted across his features.
Was he not proud of his ability?
"I saw you at the theater with your friend. You played that song perfectly the first time…" Starfire's eyes glittered with admiration and she clutched her heart in what seemed like an exaggerated gesture. The alien decided it wouldn't do to mention the tear he shed during his passionate recital. "It was such a beautiful performance!"
The young man could do nothing but tug at his suit collar in agitation, empty his glass of the alcoholic beverage and promptly reach for another as a waiter passed by.
"Ah! See there, beside the stage?" Starfire pointed discretely, not wanting to draw any unwarranted attention. Turning to the small clutch purse in her hands, the young woman opened it and peered inside, whispering in suspicion. "I thought Robin wasn't coming in…"
Derek froze and rapidly turned the alien in the opposite direction, fingers wrapping around the teen's arm in a vise-like grip. Calmly he steered her in the other direction, muttering under his breath. "That's not Robin."
oOoOoOo
Sunlight streamed through the shuttered blinds, scattering pockets of brightness across the room. Shifting slightly, the teenager turned away from the offending light, a soft moan escaping her lips. Violet eyes peeked through dark lashes at the arm resting casually across her waist. She traced the length of his arm, taking in copper toned skin adorned with random scars.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she studied the odd pattern of scars on his shoulder…why did they look like puncture wounds?
Cold fingers traced slowly over the man's warm skin, eyes flickering in curiosity. She took in the faded red streaks in the man's hair and another set of odd blemishes on the side of his ear. Reaching out, the young woman traced the contours of his earlobe, halting in surprise as the man captured her wrist in an unyielding grasp.
The sorceress couldn't help the sharp gasp that left her lips as she beheld terror glittering in the man's golden eyes. "D-Derek!"
She watched with concern as the haunted look in his eyes melted into frustration. The young woman swallowed the grimace of pain and bit her lip. "Sorry…I-Are you OK?" Violet eyes couldn't help but widen in surprise when the man pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face against her neck.
"Je suis désolé…" He pulled back, pressing a soft kiss to her aching wrist. His golden eyes flickered with a turbulent light as if conflicted with many emotions.
Raven placed a hand softly against the man's chest, letting his emotions wash over her. The strong chill of fear, the sting of anger and resentment….but why? "You'll be fine, right?"
A wry smile pulled at the man's lips. Kissing the young woman gently on the cheek he sat up. "I don't really have much of a choice…"
The sorceress laughed softly. Her fingers trailed absently over the blanket clutched about her petite frame as she pondered what to do next. Should she stay here…or head back to the tower? Would staying out another night even matter?
"You don't have to leave, princess."
Violet eyes glanced across the room, marveling at the way the sunlight danced across the man's tanned skin. She pursed her lips thoughtfully…what would it be like? Living like this…a normal life, with him? Not having to worry about fulfilling an impossible duty as guardians of the city, relinquishing the task of crime fighting to someone…anyone else?
Should she do it?
The young woman shifted further on the bed and adjusted the blanket. A small laugh left her lips. Sometimes it seemed that becoming a titan was a life contract. Would crime stop simply because they grew up? Settled down with families, jobs or hobbies? It would always be there…the only constant in life.
Raven pulled back the covers and stood, reaching absently for the guitar still resting on the floor by the wall. Her hands hesitated for several long seconds before she pulled on Derek's red shirt and focused her attention towards the guitar in the corner. A shiver washed over her as she glossed her fingers over the smooth wood and peered at the unique carving on the back of the acoustic guitar.
This feeling of déjà vu….what did it mean?
The sorceress strummed the guitar slowly, the chords of a song suddenly entering her mind. Violet eyes clouded with emotion. Was this her chance at freedom? What would the others say? Would they even understand?
Her fingers halted their movements when Derek reappeared in the room, thumbing through a stack of papers. The young woman followed his movements closely, as she placed the guitar back on the stand and curled herself between the bed-sheets.
Golden eyes slanted in her direction. "You can use it…I don't mind." The man picked up his backpack and turned fully, a smile on his face. "Keep the shirt…red looks really gorgeous on you."
Raven froze, biting her lip harshly and turning away, desperately trying to hide the unnecessary fear springing up within her mind. Those words...she'd heard them before. And nothing good ever followed them. Taking in a deep breath, the sorceress slid her shaking hands under the blanket and only nodded.
Violet eyes continued staring as the man stepped closer and bent down, his golden eyes now level with hers. She watched his lips open and closed…what did he want to say?
Slowly he closed the distance between them, his nose brushing gently against hers. "Raven, I…" An unbearable silence filled the room. The sound of his nervous breathing tickled her ears and the scent of mint toothpaste teased her nostrils. The teen leaned forward ever so slightly, her lips begging to savor the cool mint aroma.
The hand Derek placed against her neck tightened ever so slightly. A soft sigh escaped his lips. "I'll come back as soon as I can, okay?"
The sorceress couldn't explain the pain that blossomed in her chest when he pulled away. What was he going to say? "Derek? I…" Violet eyes flickered with longing as he turned around, an expectant look on his face. Should she say it? Could she say those words…that sentence that could change everything? Might ruin everything.
"Um…I'll be waiting."
As the door closed softly, the young woman's shoulders slumped and she buried her face within the palms of her hands. Quietly, Raven mumbled to an empty room. "I love you… Derek."
oOoOoOo
Derek tightened his grip on Starfire's clammy, cold hand as they tiptoed through the long hallway, following the sound of a heated argument. It seemed as if a million thoughts floated in his head as they walked down the soft carpeted floor.
These memories…did they even belong to him? The brief flashes that pierced his head as his fingers brushed the walls and doors. This unbearable wave of nausea that threatened to drive him too his knees with every step down this accursed hallway…The heavy feeling of dread was weighing down his shoulders…an emotion that didn't seem to belong to him.
Whose was it? Raven's? Maybe one of the many spirits that wandered this haunted building? A scream of frustration echoed across the empty hallway, the sound halting Derek's footsteps. Raven's voice…
Starfire's chilled fingers clenched. "She's not hurt…right?" The titan halted in her steps, long red hair swishing against Derek's back as she turned suddenly. "Perhaps we should wait for Robin?"
The young man pursed his lips, golden eyes taking in the apprehension written across the Tameranian's face. Funny, a couple of weeks ago the two had been sworn enemies…What did this woman say to anger Raven so? The question bothered him longer than he would like to admit. Starfire really did care….all the titans did. But was it really wise, waiting for Robin?
Wouldn't the titan leader be more interested in directing the law enforcement?
After all… Robin was Batman's protégé and protégés always follow the rules…no matter the price. Involving Robin would ultimately bring in the Justice League; people who wouldn't think twice about locking Raven up again. No, he couldn't bring Robin into this. It wasn't worth losing Raven's freedom. That was something he couldn't bet on.
Derek clenched his jaw. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't let Raven suffer…enough was enough. "We can't wait for Robin…it's too late to change plans now." Derek's golden eyes took on an eerie glow. "Cyborg's counting on you. Don't let him down."
oOoOoOo
The smell of sweet potatoes roasting in the oven filled the small apartment, its tantalizing aroma doing nothing to diffuse the tense mood of the occupants. The couple stood on opposite sides, faces angry and fists clenched…this fight was far from over.
"I don't expect you to understand, Derek. Just know…I'm doing this for your own good. Trust me." Raven's violet eyes flickered with an emotion that the young man couldn't place.
His disbelief slowly boiled into a frustrated rage. The man dragged his shaking fingers through already mused hair with a huff of annoyance. "For my own good? You're breaking up with me? And what, I'm just supposed to sit back and agree with you?" Derek slammed his fists against the table, the glass plates clanging against each other fearfully. "Why do you always do this? Why do you always push me away!"
Raven's eyes glistened with un-shed tears. "You should know I want nothing more than to stay…but it's too dangerous. He's completely invaded my mind…I shouldn't even be here."
Another uncomfortable silence filled the air between them. The young man stared at his girlfriend, the titan...this person who was supposed to be so powerful and strong. This person who had saved them countless times from enemies one could only dream of...this person who couldn't save herself.
And instead of reaching out, instead of asking for help...this person decided to push everyone away and suffer her fate alone. Why couldn't he convince her otherwise? Why couldn't she trust him...trust her friends, those she cared about? Frustration and rage began to bubble up within Derek's mind and he clenched his fists.
Was there really nothing he could do? Did this problem truly have no solution? Derek turned away, hoping to hide the look of helpless wrath that blazed in his eyes. "Then why are you here, Raven?"
Why indeed.
Was she only here to drive this painful stake that was reality further into his chest? The young man bit his lip in anger...there was nothing he could do. Nothing he could say to persuade her otherwise. She would leave him, just like that, and fade from his life into memories. She'd become nothing but pictures on the wall, murky recollections, a familiar face lost in time...
Heavy silence filled the room and the young man turned slowly, his golden eyes meeting suddenly with tearful violet orbs. An excruciating pain settled in his chest…pain that wasn't his own.
Raven opened her mouth. "I just wanted to…to tell you goodbye. A-and that I-I…"Her soft voice faded out across the quiet room.
Derek stared helplessly as she turned around and wrapped her trembling fingers around the door knob, pulling it open slowly and laboriously. A pang of desperation echoed in this mind. "Princess…d-don't go."
"I… love you Derek." The sorceress whispered as she slipped out the door, the soft sound of the door clicking shut ringing in the room like a death sentence.
Derek sank to his knees, doing nothing to stop the tears as they fell from his eyes.
"Don't go…"
oOoOoOo
How does one fight a vampire?
A being that cannot die…that does not fear death, pain or agony. How does one defeat such a creature? This question floated throughout Starfire's mind on an endless loop, and she wondered what possessed her to even agree to Derek's crazy plan. Jade green eyes slanted in the direction of her partner, and she took in the tense look on his face and clenched fists. So the man was mentally prepared for whatever lay ahead.
But what about physically? Was he even armed?
Starfire peered once more into the oddly decorated sitting room, noting with curiosity the broken glass that littered the edges of the walls. What on earth happened to create such a mess?
And the television!
Would it ever stop talking? Everything in this house seemed so repetitive, the hallways all looked identical; at every third wall panel was a lamp, the carpet colored faded from beige to white at exactly the sixteenth step (Derek so graciously expounded such meaningful wisdom) and there was a small table with a telephone that rang every fifteen minutes.
It was like living in an alternate dimension or an endless time loop from the nineteen thirties. No wonder Raven behaved insanely…could a person retain any sense of reason in such a warped place?
Inhaling deeply, Starfire stepped over the threshold cautiously; jade green eyes filling with indignation when she spotted her friend.
"Raven!" As quickly as her ball dress would allow, the alien rushed to the fallen titan and crouched beside her, wringing her hands in despair. Letting out a hurried breath, the alien pulled out a handkerchief and began to wipe the blood pooling against Raven's neck.
A gasp escaped Starfire's lips. These puncture wounds…no not puncture, bite wounds. "Derek…I don't know what to do. She's lost a lot of blood." The teen pressed a finger into the carpet, withdrawing in horror at how soaked it was. "Why is she not healing?" The titan withdrew a handkerchief from her small clutch bag and wrapped the wound tightly. "Raven you must apply pressure...you've lost too much blood already. Can you hear me?"
"She's been poisoned." The young man hissed angrily, his eerie eyes beginning to glow. Turning away, the man clenched his fists. "Radio Cyborg…tell him it's urgent."
"W-where are you going?" Starfire asked a suspicious tone to her voice. She couldn't have him go off on his own...it was already dangerous for someone with abilities...this man didn't have any sort of powers to defend himself. And was he even armed? They were so deep into the enemy territory...and she had yet to see the man pull out a weapon! How could she protect them both?
Derek turned sharply, the angry glow of his eyes making the Tameranian flinch unconsciously. "I'm going to find Erik."
"No!" Raven's terrified voice rang across the silence.
Breathing heavily, the sorceress painstakingly tried to lift herself off the floor, but her weakened limbs could not complete the daunting task, and with a moan of pain, she slumped into Starfire's arms. "I-I told you not to come here, Derek." Raven whispered with a shaky voice. Her hands were trembling violently, and her whole body was very cold to the touch. Was this a symptom of the poison?
Tenderly, the young man grasped the sorceress' quaking hands in his own, brought them to his lips, hoping to breathe some warmth to the frigid fingers. Derek closed his eyes with finality. "I will not abandon you."
No one in the room had been prepared for the cold voice that cut across the room. "Splendid. Then you both shall be together…in death."
Erik Greyson
Starfire tensed as she gazed upon the vampire responsible for this whole situation. A shudder raced across her frame as she took in his Robin-esque look. The resemblance was too close to disregard or pass off…it was as if the two were twins.
From the darkly spiked hair, to the pale white skin, thin lips that seemed permanently etched in a frown and ice blue eyes that chilled to the bone with their cold inhuman appearance. A groan of disappointment escaped her lips without permission; he wasn't even sparkly! Stephanie Meyer lied!
The alien gently eased Raven into a comfortable sitting position against the wall and rose to her feet, hands beginning to glow with an eerie green color. The young woman's eyes flashed with righteous rage and she pointed a gleaming fist at the vampire. "This is the day you shall meet your end, foul monster!"Starfire aimed and fired a barrage of bolts at the vampire standing arrogantly on the other side of the room.
How does one kill a vampire?
How do you kill a creature that has lived for centuries? With a stake through the heart? Maybe by beheading it? Starfire pondered these questions as she ducked and dodged the punches and kicks of the fast-moving creature. Twirling suddenly, she fired off a heated bolt and watched as it caught the man in the chest and sent him hurtling into a large bookshelf.
Fire.
Was fire the key to defeating him? Starfire eyed the man as he pulled himself from the pile of books and laughed in amusement. What was so funny? The alien sneered angrily and released a steady stream of energy from her eyes; stalking closer and closer to the villain. "Laugh now. But you shall pay for the evils you have committed during your miserable lifetime."
Starfire floated into the air, her hands charging a heated green sphere of energy. From the corner of her eyes, the titan vaguely registered Derek as he came closer and closer, his hands outstretched menacingly and eyes now glowing with an eerie light. Once again, the alien couldn't help but question the man's humanity. What was he?
The green bolt left her hand, hurtling across the room towards Erik, whose face still held a look of amusement. She wasn't expecting fire to arch from Derek's fingers. But it happened. And the teen could only watch as it collided with the green energy bolts, hit the vampire and explode in a brilliant flash of light.
Starfire stumbled back, breathless. Jade green eyes were wide and filled with awe. But then she heard it. And the alien froze in terror as the sound of a gunshot echoed across the empty room.
Starfire and Derek make an awesome team...
I wasn't too sure about the flashbacks in this chapter...but the first one shows where Raven was after the incident in the theater. (See chapter 17) The second flashback should fall between the time she disappeared in Gotham and when Derek showed up at the tower in chapter 19.
Still debating how Erik should die...ideas anyone?
Review please!
~heartless16~