Uhm…I plead the 5th. Really though, I've had major issues with this chapter, so don't get too mad at me. Oh, but I did post a one-shot the other day, called Melody. Please read it, 'cuz it only got three reviews, and I'm really bummed. It's sort of a Raven X Jericho fic, and I know most of you are BBRae people, so…Anyway, I'm sort of…in love with Jericho. Okay, maybe that's an overstatement, but he's officially my new obsession. Lucky for him I've already used the whole "slice off a limb plot," but I'm sure I can find something equally bloody. Hehehe…naw, the one-shot I posted is tame, along with the one I'm going to post after I get this chapter up, so he doesn't have anything to worry about…yet.
Since I'm already off topic, I guess it wouldn't hurt to go a step further and say I was really disappointed with "Things Change." I mean, I understood and appreciated how mature the episode really was, but after an entire season focused on unity, it was sad that the Titans didn't even spend the last episode together. I'm pretty much wishing they ended with "Titans Together," but hey, there's always fanfiction. 'Course, I've got this sinking feeling the TT section is going to be plagued by a BBTerra/BBRae war after the last episode, but then again, that might be entertaining. Although this story is pretty much a BBRae (just without the fluff and mush), I don't particularly care about pairings—but Raven X Jericho is growing on me. In fact, Silver Wing was originally a RaeRob. Betcha didn't know that handy fact. In case I ever end up famous, maybe that'll be a question on Jeopardy, and you'll know the answer. Or maybe not…
Okay, now I'll get on topic. Nobody really had anything to say about the forum idea, so that appears to be nixed. This chapter is focused on James and Lucy, who is really Raven. From now on, any Lucy that I refer to (unless otherwise noted) is Raven. I really hope that makes sense. Raven (as Lucy) makes a return in this chapter, complete with POV and a dream sequence (in italics). As for the rest of the Titans…well, they'll be back next chapter, I promise.
DISCLAIMER—I do not own Teen Titans, although I've got my eyes on Jericho, in all of his adorable glory. Sadly, I spent an entire night trying to find a way to sneak him into this story, and couldn't think of one that wouldn't screw everything up. Anyway, I also do not own Porphyria's Lover, by Robert Browning. Lines from the poem are bolded, and yes, I actually put one in this chapter.
Porphyria
Chapter 6—Awakening
It was dark.
That one thought permeated her entire mind, waking her from her slumber.
It was so very, very dark.
It was distracting, this darkness. Part of her knew that something was amiss, but the rest was fixated on the undeniable blackness. It was everywhere—up, down, left, right; she was even shrouded in it. With a sinking feeling, she realized there was no way to escape.
Then, without warning, there was a change, a pinpoint that was different from the ebony all around her. Not light, just a slight variation of the consuming darkness; slight enough that she almost mistook it for just another part of the void.
But then the dot rushed towards her, magnifying until she had passed through it and glimpsed the world beyond.
She only saw a snapshot of flaming red hair and piercing jade eyes before oblivion swallowed her once more.
00000000000000000
"You are not to wake her," the Shadow Man instructed. "She will do so on her own."
James nodded in understanding, but could not tear his eyes away from the sight before him. He hadn't seen such perfection and beauty since his beloved left him. James quickly corrected himself—this was his Lucy now.
"As I said before, she will know nothing of her past," the Shadow Man continued, his tone even. "Keep it that way. Tell her whatever you wish, as long as none of it concerns her true identity."
Once more James nodded, still too enraptured to turn away. Her hair fell short of her shoulders, the lilac locks mused, and her pale skin was soft to the touch. What had sealed the deal, however, was not her beauty, but her mind—a canvass, and James the artist. He could create her any way he liked.
"This is her identity now," James murmured, watching his Lucy breathe.
"Good," the Shadow Man said softly. "I will send my assistant in two days to check on you. She will awaken by then. And one last thing," here the Shadow Man extended a small case of pills, which James accepted. "She must take a pill every day, or else all of our hard work will have gone to waste. We both know you would regret that."
His message conveyed, the Shadow Man took his leave. James was grateful—now Lucy was his and his alone. No one could separate them now.
James took a seat on the bed beside his Lucy, grasping her hand in his own. She was the picture of beauty, his Porphyria.
"Her cheek once more blushed bright beneath my burning kiss," James murmured before leaning over and pressing his lips tenderly against hers.
To his surprise, she stirred at his touch, and her eyes fluttered open. He pulled away, and had less than a second to take in her eyes before they closed. In that brief time he saw everything he needed to see—her strength, pride, beauty, intelligence, and also her weakness, hopelessness, and vulnerability.
And all of it was his.
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"Lucy? Can you hear me?"
The voice was calm and gentle, but beneath that there lay a sense of urgency.
"Lucy?"
Now there was a slight tingling sensation as her nerves sprang to life. She could feel her hand enveloped in the firm grasp of another.
"If you can hear me, Lucy, just--"
Her eyes shot open and she gasped, as if she'd been holding her breath. After an eternity in darkness, even the dim lighting felt like fire on her eyes, but she refused to let her lids slide shut. Bracing herself she turned her gaze to meet a pair of piercing green eyes.
She studied the face of the man beside her intently—he was handsome, with curly red hair and thin lips that formed a crooked grin as he watched her wake. He wouldn't have been at all alarming, except that the longer she stared, the more she felt she was seeing his face for the first time.
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, tenderly reaching out to brush away a lock of hair that had fallen across her face. Instinctively she tensed, and the stranger paused.
"You don't remember, do you?" His voice was infinitely sad. She showed no intention of answering, so he continued. "He warned me this might happen, but I didn't think…" he trailed off, looking away.
"Who?" she was surprised to find her voice raspy from disuse.
He looked back at the sound of her voice. "Dr. Wilson. You've been sick, Lu."
This was all too much for her to handle. She was lost—this room was strange, her companion was strange, and she had no idea of where she was or how she got there. Most of all, she was afraid, and afraid to be afraid.
Apparently noticing her distress, the young man leaned forward and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay, Lucy," James said warmly. "I'll help you."
Right now the last thing she wanted was to accept help from this stranger, who obviously knew more than she did, or at least pretended to. But she was confused and afraid, and he seemed genuinely worried about her. Besides, what could she even do if he was lying?
Left with few options and too stunned to dwell on unanswerable questions, she nodded, evoking another crooked smile.
"How long?" she asked, despite feeling like her throat was coated with sand. In an instant James extended a glass of water and a small, round, orange pill, which she took, albeit hesitantly, doing her best to control her trembling hands.
"Over two months," James explained once she'd finished. "I was worried you…" once more he trailed off, and then shook his head. "It doesn't matter now. You look better already."
He traced her jaw-line with his thumb, only this time, Lucy felt no urge to recoil. In fact, she felt much calmer than she had been. Now that she actually thought about it, James had no reason to harm her. If anything she felt tinges of guilt for doubting him—all he wanted was to help.
James smiled once more as he watched Lucy, sensing the small battle raging inside her head. "There's no need to worry, my Lucy," he said gently, his voice caressing her. "I love you, and nothing else matters."
Lucy looked at him, nodding slowly as realization dawned. She was safe, she was loved. Nothing else was important.
TBC
Well, there you have it—chapter six. I'm pretty much happy with this, 'cuz it's been a pain to write. Actually, this chapter is mostly based off the beginnings of a story I first started over a year ago, with the whole James and Lucy plot, sans the loss of limb.
So…hopefully you're not too confused, and you liked how this turned out. It's really important—pay attention to even minor details, 'cuz it all has a purpose. Oh, and the line about the kiss was from Porphyria's Lover in case you didn't notice the whole bold/drawing attention thing.
Ah, and if you'd like a cookie, find the chapter of Silver Wing that I stole the format for this chappie from. But you have to review to tell me. Mwahahaha…shameless plan to hike up the number of reviews…
Okay then, I've got to be going, because my sister, the eternal BBRae shipping fanatic, is bugging me to finish up and let her on. She's probably going to read a bunch of fluffy stuff and…--shivers--. Anyway, thanks for reading, and please review!
Child of a Pineapple