Different

Chapter Five: Rats and Stories

Man, this has gotta be my fastest update ever. For the next chapter, I'm going to jump ahead a month into their lives. It's important, I really dislikethe writing day by day gradually falling in love (this IS BB/Rae, after all) proccess. But don't you worry, that's why I'm skipping ahead a month!

Full speed ahead to chapter five!

And how could I bring the country to its knees? Did he mean that I'd topple the government, destroy all that the working people worked hard to build? And the full extent of my powers? What did all of this mean?

The light overhead popped and blew out, leaving me in darkness.

I woke up the next morning with a start, hearing two snores from the next room over. I sat up, discovering I had –literally- fallen asleep in my soup. Making a face, I extracted some hair from the bowl. At least it was partially empty.

I cautiously crept past the living room, and found my father and Slade snoring in their chairs, obviously having drunk them into a stupor. Feeling slightly safe, knowing that they'd maybe snap to consciousness if the roof fell in, I clambered up the stairs and took a quick shower. Hair smelling like soup is by no means a good quality. Unless the soup smelled really good.

Ten minutes later, having done the morning routine in record time, with still- wet hair and a few pieces of toast in hand, then remembering with a start that it was Friday, my most favorite day of the week.

I was really not looking forward to the weekend.

Kori assaulted me before I could even get to my locker.

"Good morning, Friend Raven!" Kori said, way too happy for someone this early in the morning.

"Morin' Kori." I mumbled.

"Did you sleep well?"

Pretty well, considering I blacked out and fell into my soup, thank you very much.

I just sent her a look instead.

"Oh." Kori's face fell slightly, and then she suddenly brightened. "I shall just make the Pudding of Restfulness for you!"

I recoiled, remembering what the "Pudding of Happiness" had looked like.

"No thanks," I said, politely declining, "I'll just stick with calming music instead."

A few rounds of sad Evanescence songs did it for me.

I had barely gotten to my class when Gar stopped me in the hallway.

"Hey, Raven."

"Hi, Gar."

"See ya later, k?"

I mumbled something back at him.

Half-listening to what my science teacher was rambling on about (Newton's Third Law of Motion- something about every force has an opposite, yet equal, reaction force), I pulled out my book of poetry and began scratching again. After reading it, I titled it "What I Dream". Pleased with what I'd written, I packed my pencil away and watched another volunteer make a fool of themselves, having to punch a wall to explain the Third Law to the class.

(A/N: Hey look, my first A/N ever! –Clears throat- Since most of you liked my poetry, I'll be randomly adding some in, but this one won't show up until the final chapter. Sorry)

I was walking to P.E. with Kori, her class being only down the hall and to the right from the gymnasium.

"Friend Raven, one day you must come to my home. You would find it most relaxing. Galfore is the most wonderful cook ever! You would truly enjoy his food; it is most excellent!"

I hoped that his culinary skills greatly exceeded hers.

"Isn't Amanda your sister?" I asked, bracing for the response.

Kori sighed slightly. "Do you speak of Kormand'r? She refuses to take her proper name, claiming it is not "normal". I proudly stand by the name my parents gave me."

"She hates me. It'd be World War Three if I came over."

"You need not worry. Amanda is always "out" with her friends. I fear what they are doing is illegal. I still care for my sister, even though she does not care for me."

I smiled sadly, then my eyes opened wide, noticing the big "Wet Floor" sign she seemed to be oblivious to.

"No, Kori, -wait- don't step there-"

"EEEEEEEP!" She shrieked, skidding across the wet floor, and straight into someone.

She crashed right into a guy wearing jeans and a green t-shirt. What I found odd was he wore sunglasses indoors. Kori looked up at him, dumbstruck. Then she snapped to life.

"Oh!" Kori jumped up and began brushing off his shirt. "I am most sorry for my clumsiness, I did not mean to bring you harm…"

"Whoa, calm down… err…." He trailed off, not knowing her name.

"Koriand'r. Call me Kori, please."

"Right. Kori. Don't worry; I'm not hurt by any means." He smiled. "My name is Richard, but call me Rich, please."

He said it in such a nice way that I was sure that he had wanted to make Kori feel better.

Kori stuck out her hand, and Rich shook it. "Thank you, Rich." They both smiled at each other, and neither noticed that their hands were still bobbing up and down, whilst they stared at each other…

Until the bell rang.

OH!" Kori suddenly broke apart from him, and quickly apologized for making him late to class, while she sped off down the hall.

I shook my head, smiling a little again. Kori'd just made herself a friend. And made me late for class.

After lunch, with a slightly pounding head, due to a rather violent discussion with Gar and Vic, I went to my locker and opened it, not expecting anything remotely interesting.

Instead, a note fell out of my locker. It had To Roth Goth written on the folded paper. It was probably from my fan club.

Roth Goth-

Get away from my sister. Get the hell out of my life. Leave us the (word I shall not mention here) alone. Terra is going to go after Gar again. Don't interfere.

I practically had to lean against the locker to support myself. I couldn't help it; I was laughing. This was so ludicrous, so… so… stupid! Many people sent me strange looks as they saw me leaning on the lockers, cracking up, with a note in hand.

That was, until I saw what was wedged in the back of my locker. I tore it out, and when I looked closer, I saw what it was. A dead rat was stuck back there.

Needless to say, I freaked. I probably shrieked louder than Kori. Gar had happened to overhear my scream, and he rushed to my side. The lights flickered all throughout the hallway.

"What is it?" He asked worriedly.

I was too shocked to string a sentence together. There was a dead animal in my locker! You couldn't blame me for being shaken. Instead, I pointed, stuttering.

Gar leaned closer and went "Is that a rat?"

"No stupid," I said, my voice still shaking, "It's a chicken!" The tremors moved from my voice to my entire body.

Eventually, he had to go get a custodian, seeing as I couldn't trust my legs to support me. The custodian muttered something about our school's pest problem, and he had no idea how something bigger than the holes in the back of my locker could get through. But I knew.

It was Amanda.

After school, I ran straight to Kori's locker, and Vic's happened to be right across the hall from hers.

Kori took one look at my face, and immediately asked, "What is troubling you, Friend Raven?"

Vic looked over at me and whistled. "Girl, you don't look so good. What happened to ya?" He walked over, standing next to Kori.

"…A dead rat was found in her locker." Gar shouted as he ran over. He made it, and put his hands on his knees, panting.

Kori's eyes widened. "Was it horrible?" She inquired fearfully.

"Well," Gar said, mocking thoughtfulness, "It was dead for starters…"

"Shut up, Gar." Vic grumbled.

"Who had a rat in their locker?" A familiar voice asked. I saw who it was as soon as he emerged from behind Vic. It was Rich.

"Me." I said.

"I'll tell Bruce." Rich said, seeming slightly mad.

"Please tell," Kori began, "Who is this 'Bruce' that you speak of?"

Rich smiled. "My guardian."

"Oh." Kori said sadly. "Did something happen to your parents?"

Rich quieted and didn't meet her eyes.

"Do not be saddened," Kori whispered, laying a hand on his shoulder. "My parents have been… in a better place… for quite some time…" She trailed off.

It turned out; Rich wanted me to come to his house to talk to Bruce about the rat found in my locker. Apparently Rich had gotten his fair share of unwanted visitors in his lockers and classrooms.

Eighteen minutes later, all of us, Gar, Kori (seeing as she had Fridays off), Vic, Rich and I, were staring at the huge gates of the Wayne Mansion.

Vic let out a low whistle as we walked into the hallway. It was HUGE. It was marble, white and decorated with paintings.

"You live here?" Gar asked incredulously.

"Nah," Rich began, "This is just the vacation house."

Vic and Gar almost fell over.

Rich started to laugh. "No, I'm kidding. I live here year round."

Vic and Gar looked at each other, and then started laughing.

While we walked through the hall with two idiots in tow, Rich explained some of the paintings to us. Apparently, they were from Bruce's girlfriend, Selina Kyle (A/N: TEN POINTS TO ANYONE WHO CAN TELL ME WHO THAT IS!).

We took a few turns, met the butler, Alfred, who had snacks prepared for us. It was quite good, with grapes and apple slices. We snacked and talked, as we went up to Rich's room.

It was painted green with black trim. There was a computer in the corner, and he had various electronics on the shelves. Not only that, there was a black belt that hung on a peg by the window.

Gar leaned in close and inspected the belt. His brows furrowed as he looked closer at it. Finally, he spoke. "Do you go to Hempen's Taekwondo?"

Rich stopped talking to Vic about video cameras and cars, and turned to look at Gar. "Yeah," Rich said, "Why?"

"Do you know Jo Logan?"

Rich smiled. "She's as funny as hell. A good friend of mine. And you're asking why?"

"She's my sister."

"So you're Gar Logan, then?" Rich repeated.

"That's me."

"Do you know your sister is planning a dance?"

Gar almost stopped short. "I didn't think that she was into dances! Why's she planning one?"

"Jo's gotten mad at the Student Council, since they started talking about banning dances, because of the behavior that goes on during them. So, she wanted to know where she could hold one, because, well, that's Jo for you…"

Gar looked amazed. "And I thought she was kidding… So. Where's she gonna hold it?"

Rich spread his hands apart. "At my house. Here. In the basement."

"Oh." Gar still looked amazed. "When's this happening?"

"In about a month or so, on the date when the actual dance would have been."

They continued talking, and everyone but me joined in. I was still too shaken from Amanda's "gift" in my locker. She was serious. I couldn't let this drag me down, though. I just needed some time to regroup.

When I got home, I was loaded down with herbal tea that Rich had found in the pantry. I couldn't hold off the trip to the supermarket anymore, so that's where I went after dinner at Rich's. The cooks couldn't compete with Mrs. Logan's cooking, though.

The day had gone downhill after the rat was found. Now, at around eight thirty, I was with Kori, wheeling a shopping cart with a rusted wheel. I got everything on the list, and some miscellaneous items Kori insisted on picking up.

I had to get home to drop some stuff off, then I turned around with a pillow, some fresh clothes, a toothbrush, and I headed to Kori's, ready to spend the night. Thankfully, Amanda was out with her friends and wouldn't be back until tomorrow morning.

"…and, Princess, you've already had dinner?"

"Yes, Galfore; it was most delicious! Richard Grayson is a very nice person. He did not mind my culinary differences, or the excessive amount of mustard that I used."

I listened to Galfore's and Kori's conversation with slight interest, sitting at the counter with a cup of steaming herbal tea. I sipped it slowly and occasionally joined in their talking.

Despite everything that had happened today, Kori, in some weird way, was cheering me up, with mustard ice cream and all. She was a good person at heart, and it was a shame that people dismissed her before they got a chance to know her. Kori was just different, like me.

It was late at night, and we were both stuffed with popcorn, ice cream, and various junk food items. Now, we were half-watching Meet the Parents, and talking at the same time.

I was struck by a sudden thought.

"Hey, Kori?" I said, staring at the ceiling.

"Yes?"

"What happened to your parents?"

Kori breathe in sharply. "I do not like talking about it. But I shall tell you, Friend Raven, because I trust you."

"Kormand'r and I were little. At first, Kormand'r was the best big sister anyone could have. She used to beat up people who made fun of me. Galfore was a family friend, and he both loved us to pieces. We both looked forward to his visits, as they were most often accompanied by gifts from places such as Madrid and Hawaii. He was always traveling."

Then, I was struck by the most horrible feeling, which seemed to come off of Kori.

"It was raining."

"Someone… tampered, I believe the term is, with their car. The roads were slippery and it was raining very hard. Their brakes didn't work. They were coming along a fairly sharp turn, and they were up in upstate New York, doing business in Jump City. They hit the brakes… and nothing happened… the car went over the incline. They were killed instantly."

I sucked in my breath. "Oh, Kori, I'm so sorry."

Kori went on as though she didn't hear me. "Galfore came in through the door. We both attacked him, going through his pockets to see if there was something for us. But… there wasn't. And then he told us. I was eight. Kormand'r was going to turn nine."

"Oh my God, Kori," was the only thing I could say, "Did they ever catch the person who… you know…"

"Yes, they did. It was a year later. I don't think that my sister ever got over it. She was eleven, and Kormand'r started causing trouble at school. Eventually, we moved back into this house, which was the one we grew up in, and Galfore became our guardian. Now, I'm fifteen, Kormand'r just turned sixteen, and I am being forced to do her homework, or else she will tell!"

was startled by the vehmancance in her tone. "What'll she make you do, Kori? What is it?"

Kori sat up, and faced me. "It was just two years ago. Kormand'r and I were both fourteen, her birthday not being for two months."

"How far apart are you two?"

"Thirteen months. Kormand'r went to kindergarten late."

"She said that we could take Galfore's car to the supermarket. It was very late at night. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen. She threatened me into going with her. To shorten this story, we wrecked the car. I got out and ran home, and told Galfore that Amanda was in trouble. She had run into a telephone pole. Nobody knew that I was in the car with her. And she says that as long as she says that I keep quiet about the real reason we were out there, she won't tell anyone that I was in the car with her."

Before I could ask why they were out there, Kori hissed: "And all she wanted was some 'weed' as she called it. Now, I have to keep quiet about that, too. And she says, 'or else'. And Raven-" I looked up, watching her face, "Your "or else" wasn't anything in comparison of what she could do."

Kori stopped talking then, and the sugar she was running on must have been cut off, because the next thing I knew, she was fast asleep. I was just as tiered, so I turned off the light.

I woke up Saturday morning to the smell of pancakes. Kori was just stirring as I was brushing my hair out and pulling fresh jeans on.

"Morning, Raven." Kori said, stretching, her hair tousled from sleep. "You dressed already?"

"Mmhm." I answered.

"Friend Raven?" Kori asked, "Is this yours?" She held up something that I had been missing for a long time. It was a red gem on a silver chain.

"Yes," I said, taking it from her and fastening it around my neck, "Where'd you find it?"

"One day it fell off your neck and onto the floor. I held onto it until I could catch you. I finally remembered that I had it."

"Thanks, it was my mother's." I said.

Kori grabbed her clothes and walked into the bathroom.

In about ten minutes, we both walked downstairs and had a delicious breakfast. Galfore had gotten creative, and had added food coloring to the pancake batter. So, now we had teal pancakes.

After breakfast, we both got out bikes and trekked to the park. We spent until lunchtime there, talking and laughing and making predictions about where we'd be in ten years (Kori would be a fashion designer and I was a lawyer). Eventually, our rumbling stomachs forced us to part, promising to see each other Monday.

I took out my key from the duffel bag, and I unlocked the house. Instead of finding an empty house, my father was standing at the foot of the stairs.

"Where the hell were you?" He asked.

"I was out," I answered. I had escaped "punishment" for too long. I knew what was coming for me.

"Out where, spawn?" When I didn't reply, he became aggravated. "ANSWER ME!"

My father lunged for me, grabbing hold of my shoulders and shaking me so hard that I got an instant migraine.

The next thing I knew, I was heading for the wall. Something snapped inside me. Not this time.

The next thing I knew, I couldn't see straight. I felt red-hot rage coursing through me, and I felt the grip on myself spinning out of control.

Then, I noticed that my father no longer had a grip on me. Instead, he was floating in the air, surrounded by black energy. That's when I realized that I was reaching "the full extent of my powers". And then, I almost lost my mind with anger.

"Do you even realize," I asked in a voice I did not recognize, "What you've done to me?"

I swung him over to the wall and made sure he bashed his head very hard. Next, I swung him the other way and bashed his head again.

"Stay away from me!" I screamed, and threw him against the wall, and then headfirst onto the floor. My father was knocked unconscious.

Still shaking with rage, I took a few calming breaths to control myself, and I absentmindedly stroked my amulet that I hung around my neck. I was losing control, and it was happening fast.

That night, I didn't sleep at all.

Reviewer Responses:

Sangofanatic: Sorry if I took too long… life and writer's block…

Darkest Midnight: Here's the update! Hope ya liked it!

Eva: Hope you liked it and are still interested!

Lupine-Spirit: As for the DCC, read the notes at the end! I'm doing the bonus chapter cuz it's gonna be fuuuuun!

blackmagic111090: Hey Katie! If you do that again, I won't update until the year 365789424257456520! loove ya! (Don't ask everyone…)

soaring-bright-flame: Nope. I was waiting for the "opportune moment"! And here it was, with Kori and her klutziness!

Master of the Skittles: Wow… I'm so flattered –blushes- hope you review again!

cRiTic123: THANKS! Read the DCC note, too!

Martson: Hmm… terrorist organization? I could use that. But, no, he's in the real estate business. Just think: He takes away the natural wildlife and builds chain malls on it and such. Anyone thinking that this could be the AU Trigon?

fgnbgfn: Interesting name. I'm gonna keep it up; I love it too much to leave it!

dana13: And I'll keep writing if you all keep reviewing! I love the idea of things reacting to her emotions… stuff blowing up this early is a little too extreme.

moonarcher: If I tell you then it won't be a secret anymore! But I'll tell you someone will find out…

Yaa: This soon enough for you?

moo: thanks for the extra smiley. I'll give you a ;) for making me smile.

Black Raven: I'm so glad that you love the story!

iamhollywood: thanks for understanding that life (and writer's block) is my greatest obstacle in writing fanfiction. Did you get my email:)

Me: Wow, you like the BB/Rae already although there hardly isn't any yet! But don't you worry, next chapter there will be the start of a new era…

Ryuu No Taiyo: Did I tell you your stories ROCK? Especially the new Danny Phantom one you've just started writing? And I've updated!

The Last: Oh yes, your stories ROCK! And do you know how the bargain worked on me? As soon as I read it, I immediately started writing!

WandaCarla: Don't worry, one day I'll get to Hiccups. I've read the summary and it sounds interesting. I'll get to everyone's stories some day… But it'll take away time from Different!

Sarah1218: hey, you changed your penname back! As I said before, the instances before never held the right feeling to introduce him… except for now!

Samster the Hamster: -giggle- cute penname. Thanks for liking the Logans! Everyone does! And special thanks for liking Jo! She's my favorite too. She'll play a pretty big part in this story!

scathac's warrior: May I tell you that I loved "Conditional"? And that I can't wait for the debut of its sequel? And that I appreciate that you like my story, too!

TO THE REVIEWERS INTRESTED IN THE DCC: Here's all you'll need to know about it: You help me make decisions, you'll get spoilers from time to time, and you'll get a character. Oh, and you get to talk during the bonus chapter, too. The requirements: An email address. I'll need to be able to reach you. If you don't have one, give me one where I can reach you. Also a fanfiction account: You need one of these, okay? If you're an anonymous reviewer, without an account… GET ONE! Fanfiction is fuuuuun!

TO ENTER THE DCC: Send me an email, explaining why you want to be in the DCC. I'll take any answer, from my story rocks to glompers to just for the hell of it. The same reason goes for: If you were going to write a chapter, what major events would you include in it? I'll take serious, funny, angsty, general… EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOR FLUFF!

Even if I've emailed you before, still write to me! I have a few in mind that I want to be in it (there are around five) and if anyone else writes me I'll take you into consideration!

Review for the sake of my sanity, ego and pride.