Yet another chapter complete and I am back from my trip to Rome... Much warmer than Sweden, much better food too. But nothing is like home, right? Anyway, I will do my best to keep the updates somewhat regular but I will not promise anything, I have an incredible workload I have to deal with. Not too mention I am also trying to get my driver license... Anyway, here it is and thank you for the reviews! If you would like some kind of pairing do not hesitate to leave a note, and perhaps I will consider it...
Enjoy!

The Bird and The Firefly

Chapter 03 - Broken

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Robin hugged Star and she felt a rush of joy.

"Oh Star! What would I do without you?"

She could hear his excitement, like he was an impatient child and she smiled. He let her go, beaming at her.

"I'll talk to you later!"

He rushed inside and she danced a little dance of joy… He loved her! He loved her and not Hotaru! Suddenly everything seemed so wonderful again, the last weeks had disappeared in a flash! She didn't know how long she was on the roof before she went back inside. She decided to go to her room and change to something lighter. She stopped dead in her tracks when she heard Robins voice coming from his room.

"Hotaru we need to talk."

She smiled broadly and lost herself in thoughts about her and Robin and was again overwhelmed with joy. She sneaked closer to the door, she had to hear this! The mean part of her wanted him to ditch her so her victory could be complete. He loves you and not her! Now you can be friends with her! She couldn't hear them anymore and carefully peeked inside the room.

Starfires world instantly shattered. She froze in her place, completely in chock. The image burned in her mind forever. Robin kissed Hotaru. She turned and ran, tears streaming down her face. With a broken heart she fled.

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At dinner, Raven noted that Hotaru was beaming with a hidden happiness. Her whole being was radiating. She smiled to herself as she glanced towards Robin, and her suspicions where confirmed. He had a very hard time concealing the smile he had on his face. Cyborg was eyeing him, trying to figure out what had made him this happy so suddenly. Beast Boy was to busy stuffing himself with a tofu sandwich that he failed to notice anything else.

"I take it you two have finally accepted your feelings…"

Hotarus response was a faint blush and Raven smirked. She used her powers and poked Robin. He was startled and blinked at her.

"Got lucky recently? You look a little flustered…"

Cyborg laughed and dunked Robin in the back before he could answer her.

"Booyahh! My Robin has finally grown up! So who's the lucky girl?"

Robin and Hotaru blushed and Cyborg blinked. Duh, it was obvious but hey who can resist?

"Damn, should have seen that one coming."

He turned to Hotaru and blinked at her. His feutures turned into a twisted grin and he grabbed himself more food.

"You're kinda hot, no wonder he fell for you."

He used his sugary voice and waved at Robin with some chicken.

"Oh, Robin! I'm so jealous…"

He received a potato in the eye for that one. Beast Boy who had finally finished his gigantic sandwich smirked at Cyborg. Raven sighed and looked around the table. Starfire had not shown up yet. Hotaru rose from the table, still blushing from all the attention.

"I'm going to get some air."

She hurried out and Robin cast a worried glance after her. Cyborg put a hand on his shoulder, still smiling his horrid smile.

"Don't worry, she won't disappear on you."

Robin nodded a thank you to his friend, dismissing his grin and continued to eat. Raven had long since finished her meal and was now drinking her usual green tea with a lemon slice. Her thoughts wandered, but was suddenly interrupted as Beast Boy suddenly piped up.

"Where's Star? Has she eaten already or what?"

Robin stiffened and stood up. Raven felt a chill down her spine as she saw his frightened face. She knew of Starfires anger when she became jealous, she had seen it before when Kitten almost had kissed Robin.

"Hotaru!"

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Starfire blasted the box with all her anger burning inside and the result was catastrophic. The only thing reaming of the box was a black mark and some smoke. Tears streamed down her face again and she sank down on the ground. Why? Why did he love Hotaru and not her? Hadn't she done everything for him? Hadn't she been by his side every time Slade attacked?

Her inner self was a turmoil of feelings. A burning hate for Hotaru, hurt, love and a small bit of guilt that she felt such hate. She held her head and tried to think straight. Why? She felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up. Hotaru was starring down at her, with a worried look in her eyes.

"Are you okay Starfire?"

The friendly Star had hidden herself deep within, and a dormant side of her that was tamaranian had awaken. It had been an ancient tradition for females to fight for their chosen mate, but it had long since been banned since it had caused so many unnecessary deaths. Still, it had added to the instincts of her people. Had she still been at home, elders could have tamed her anger. But now, she had none such support and she was seeing red.

Slapping the hand away she stood up, her green eyes glowing.

"I won't let you take my Robin away from me!"

Hotarus eyes widened and she jumped just in time as Starfire tried to fry her with her beams. She landed gracefully and took a defensive position. Hotaru really felt with Star, she knew she had hurt the alien girl but it had never been her intention to do so.

"I'm sorry Starfire. I didn't want to hurt you, and I never wanted to fall for Robin but I did. Hate wont solve anything! You of all people should know that… You have fought Slade and others…"

She jumped again, avoiding the beams. There was nothing she could do to stop her, she was too absorbed in her instincts.

"I hate you! I wish you never had showed up here!"

"STAR! STOP IT!"

She gasped and froze as Robins sharp voice cut through her like a knife. He ran over to Hotaru, gently hugging her. He knew they would solve this, Star just needed some time to heal her broken heart. She couldn't help how she were, it was the nature of her people.

"Are you alright?"

She whispered a yes and he let her go with a relived smile. Hotaru was a strong young woman and he could se the understanding look in her eyes. Then he hurried over to Starfire. When she saw the hurt in his eyes, she completely snapped out of it and broke down crying. She slumped to the ground. Robins features softened and he bent down, gently stroking some hair out of her face. You will get through this Star, we will support you no matter what.

"It's going to be okay Starfire. You will find someone else that deserves you and he will be a lucky guy. We just were not meant to be. I'm sorry."

Hotaru walked over to them, and put a hand on her head. She was feeling very bad for Starfire and decided that she at least could do something to repay the pain she had caused the alien girl.

"I will help you Starfire. Just relax…"

Her hand glowed in purple and the alien stopped crying as she gently fell asleep. Suddenly, Hotaru gasped. She stood up and leaned against the wall. A sensation had passed through her body, like… Like something had been broken. A tear fell from her cheek. She couldn't understand why, only that she was felt a sudden sadness. Robin hugged her from behind and she absently let him.

"Why are you crying, is something wrong?"

She tried to smile. She just couldn't say anything to him right now, he would just worry about it. Starfire was important now, she needed rest and lots of support. I won't take that away from her too. Hotaru decided that she would find out what had caused that sensation on her own.

"No… I don't know… I just… It's probably the magic…"

They carried Starfire to her room and gently placed her on the bed, making it comfortable for her. Robin decided that he would make a call to Speedy and ask if he could fill in for Starfire during her 'healing'. Hotaru agreed, Star wouldn't let herself rest otherwise. She was a very kind person and really wanted to contribute her share of the work and Hotaru found it very admirable in a person. After the call to Speedy, Robin explained the situation for the others. Raven just shrugged, it had been obvious from the start that Starfire was in love with Robin and she knew that she would get over it somehow. Cyborg glanced at Beast Boy and nudged him. He discreetly pointed at Raven and grinned at him. Beast Boy didn't trust himself and only growled at Cyborg in response.

Hotaru decided that she would take a stray around the city to find the source of her sensation or at least clear her mind. It had been really stressful and she really needed a breather. She sneaked through the big living room where Cyborg and Beast Boy where engaged in a furious battle game. Beast Boy was in the lead but Hotaru could see an evil grin taking shape in Cyborgs face. Slipping through unnoticed, she hurried out of the tower. She took off into the air, using the silence to fly over the water towards land. Hotaru had tried to help Raven some nights and done some practice with her, in which they both used their powers to gain even more control. Raven had come a long way in controlling her demonic side, but Hotaru hadn't progressed at all. She felt like she still couldn't touch that spark she always felt inside of her, like an untouched source that only waited to be opened up and used. The only thing she had managed was using her powers more and more outside her henshin. Gliding quietly over the city had a calming effect on her and she almost forgot why she was flying around.

Heh, should do this more often. It's so peaceful up here…Suddenly she spotted something that made her heart jump and she dived towards the earth. She landed elegantly on the ground and stood up, looking around with a feeling of recognition. She was standing in the park she had ended up battling Robin when she had come to this dimension. Maybe I even liked him then… I remember that I wondered who was behind that mask of his… She sat down on the nearest bench and starred up into the sky.

Maybe it was the homesickness… She really missed Setsuna, Haruka and Michiru… But she felt so at home here… Although, she had a duty…. But she loved Robin! Damn, to hell with everything! Whoever sent me here surely didn't like me that's for sure! I'm so confused…

"Nice clothes, never seen you around here before… Depressed or something?"

Hotaru looked up and for a moment, she thought she saw Chibiusa. This girl had pink hair with a weird hairstyle thet matched that of Chibiusa. Her clothes had a slight gothic style to them, and her eyes were definitely unique with the same pink as the hair and catlike look. She was emitting an aura of magic, but far from Ravens level. Still, it was high. The girl seemed honest, but she decided to take it easy just in case.

"Nothing you need to worry about. I'm a bit tired that's all. Thanks for the comment though."

The girl smiled mischievously.

"I didn't say I was worried, just curious that's all. Name's Jinx."

Hotaru couldn't help but grin back, the girl had an attitude that reminded her of both Minako and Rei.

"Let me guess, it's because you do magic right?"

Jinx blinked and seemed surprised but nodded lightly. Then, her eyes thinned.

"You're not a new titan are you?"

Hotaru laughed at the suspicion in Jinx voice and shook her head. I wonder…

"No, I wouldn't say I am. At least not yet. Why, you in trouble with them?"

Jinx got a distant look in her eyes but shook her head.

"Before I meet a certain person, I was a criminal… I did help them once though… But I could not bare to face them again. It would be to awkward. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some weak bitch… Anyway, what's your name?"

"Hotaru."

Jinx sat down beside her.

"So, can you do something more besides flying?"

Hotaru gave her a look and quirked an eyebrow. Jinx threw her hands up in the air.

"What? You were kinda hard to miss…"

Hotaru shook her head and leaned back. Her thoughts wandered back to Robin for a minute before she spoke again.

"Who was that person that made you change?"

Jinx blushed slightly and dreamily looked down at the ground.

"He's a really fast guy. He calls himself Kid Flash. We've been hanging for some time now..."

Hotaru just smiled. Jinx really liked the guy, it was quite obvious and she couldn't help herself.

"I meet someone too… And I think that I really love him, it felt so right…"

Jinx jumped up, startling Hotaru and began to stretch and moving her body.

"I get so stiff sitting around… And I'm not too comfy talking about feelings either… You seem nice though, maybe we can meet up some other time? Gotta go!"

Waving she hurried away, leaving a stunned Hotaru left in the park.

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Beast Boys scream of victory startled Robin as he leaned against the fridge, choking on his soda. Cyborg was to chocked to move, and only starred at the screen with his mouth hanging open. The green teen jumped up and did an inappropriate dance of victory.

"In your face! In your face!"

Robin opened his mouth to say something sarcastic but almost dropped his soda as Raven appeared beside him. Clutching his heart, he put his soda down on the bench.

"Geez Raven don't do that."

Ignoring the comment, she gave Beast Boy a look and quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Do I even want to know?"

Cyborg quickly turned around at the sound of her voice and his face lit up. He smiled evilly.

"Watch out Raven, Beastie here is performing his mating dance. Better run while you got a chance."

Beast Boy froze at the comment, and Cyborg broke out laughing at the embarrassed teen. As immature as usual… Raven shrugged and prepared her typical tea. Robin took his chance, drank from his soda, and glanced at the clock. Speedy would arrive any minute… Damn, I forgot! Where the hell will he sleep? He found himself slightly embarrassed at the thought of him forgetting such an detail. He turned to Raven, who where now drinking her tea she had made. It smelled of lemon.

"Raven, could you and Hotaru fix Terras old room up? Speedy needs a room."

She gave him a grin, and he glared at her.

"Yeah I know… I worried for Starfire that's why I…. Forget it."

She chuckled and he wondered again at the change he had seen in Raven. She had become more open and… human. She was showing more and more feelings openly, and she could even control them! He knew that Hotaru had helped her and that Raven had helped Hotaru too, but it had been more apparent in Ravens case. I don't know the extent of Hotarus power yet… It was a positive difference and he was really glad for her sake. The thought of it made him realise that he didn't know where Hotaru was right now.

"Where is Hotaru? Is she with Starfire?"

Raven shook her head while she cleaned her cup in the sink. She always cleaned her cup, since everyone dreaded the kitchen duty. She was especially picky with it if it was Beast Boys turn and always complained that he never took care of the dish.

"I don't know, and she isn't in Starfires room. I was there a moment ago to check up on her."

A worried frown appeared on Robins face but he tried to keep his cool. She could take care of herself, but Slade was on the lose… And that weird guy with the staff that had threatened them. Yet another thing to worry about, and not to mention that he could outpower Slade.

"Someone called for a real leader?"

Robin grinned as he turned towards the familiar masculine voice. Speedy was standing in the doorway, lazily playing with one of his many arrows. He was the cocky type of guy, and with some right to it. He was good, almost even with Robin but never once had he managed to beat him. In many ways actually, they were a lot a like even on the outside. They had developed a friendship over the friendly competition on who were the best, although there were sometimes when they had little "argues". Robin went over to great him.

"The seats taken, but we do need a cheerleader."

Speedy grinned back and put the arrow away as he advanced towards the fridge, pretending he hadn't heard it.

"Man, do you have something to drink? I need a cooler."

Grabbing himself a soda he then advanced towards the couch to join the gang, currently playing Mega Turbin Motors. Raven threw her hands up and walked out of the room, muttering something about men. No one seemed the least bit normal, well Robin was descent enough, and she could stand Cyborg but Beast Boy… And now there was another one. Massaging her temples, she headed towards her room. I really need a break…

As if on cue, her communicator went of and she fumbled to get it up.

"Raven? Are you there?"

She sighed in relief at the sound of Hotarus voice. At least there is one person who is sane around here, thank zinthos for that…

"Yeah its me, where are you? Robins worried and Speedy has arrived."

There was a brief silence for a moment.

"I don't know the name but… Could you come to the highest building?"

Was her voice trembling a little? Raven hesitated for a moment, could it be a trap? No, it wasn't her deal to worry and being overly serious like Robin. And the thought of getting out of this place for a moment seemed very tempting…

"I'll be there in a moment."

Concentrating on her power, manipulating the darkness it surrounded her and she vanished into thin air.

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After wandering around the city for an hour after Jinx disappeared on her, Hotaru had tried to get to know Jump City and was fairing rather well. At least, two blocks and considering that, even a child would manage that. She had been carrying a feeling of unease ever since that sensation and it was growing. She didn't know what to do with herself, and walking seemed the best option for now.

Was it Robin that had made her feel like this? Where they not meant to be? A doubt had started to grow inside of her as she felt more and more confused. She took a deep breath to calm herself. They still had not opened up for each other, they were still in the beginning on their relationship. She hadn't told him about her identity as the solemn senshi of silence. But on the other hand, he had not revealed his identity to her either.

She stopped, and cast a look at the shop she was standing before. It was a small bridal shop, with the window full of creamy wedding dresses in different cuts and designs. She smiled, remembering Usagi and Mamorus wedding. It had been a great day, even though it had rained and the cake had been ruined. Makoto had made a spare cake just in case, and it had been delicious. Is that it? Am I just worried about the others? I hope you are all ok…

All of a sudden, a paralyzing feeling crept over her petite body and she shivered in the strange coldness. A sense of timelessness had gripped her, and she felt a pang of fear. Someone was standing behind her, and she swallowed as she recognised the sensation she felt before. And suddenly, it clicked. It was Tristan. She looked at the window. A young man with a strong face and sharp features was starring at her with dark blood red eyes. His hair was untamed, almost falling down over his eyes. He was good looking, no doubt about it, and very dangerous. She gasped as he breathed her on the neck, whispering in a mysterious voice.

"The Bird and The Firefly are not meant to be together, as dictated by the gods. Messiah of silence, you will be at my mercy."

Slowly, he stroked her jaw line with his finger. Hotaru wanted to slap his hand away, and cut his head of with her glaive, but her body did not respond. Instead, she slowly tilted her head, responding to his touch. Couldn't control herself. With all her might, she glared at his image in the window. He grinned.

"I sense your feelings, but don't worry. That will pass and you'll want me. I know you will. Deep down, you want my touch."

She relaxed and called her power for strength. Her eyes glowed when the power surged through her body.

"Touch me again and I will obliterate you."

Letting her go, but not dropping his power, he laughed.

"That's why I will do it, my firefly. Who knows, maybe I could convince you? Seek out the highest tower. Perhaps it would persuade you I am not as helpless as that Galaxia."

And with that, he vanished into thin air, leaving a shivering Hotaru. She sank down on the ground, taking deep breaths to calm herself down. Her head was spinning from all the power surging through her and after a couple of minutes she had herself under control. Feeling humiliated and disgusted, she hit the ground with her hand. I… must get Raven… When she had contacted Raven, she felt all her feelings turn into that of anger and she shoot up through the air with high speed. I'll kill you fucking bastard! I'll make you suffer the worst possible way…

The power flowed through her again and each breath made her feel like she would explode. Her hands began to glow in a faint black light, and she flew towards the highest tower.

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Raven breathed out as the darkness vanished and she was standing on top of the tower. She was facing the city, shortly casting an eye at the Titans tower. Sighing, she turned around. Nearly chocking, she gasped, as she was meet by a gruesome sight. Her eyes went wide, and she paled.

"Oh my god…"

A body was crucified to the wall with large spikes, and the head had been ripped off, lying towards the wall under the body. A large knife was stuck into the stomach, blood still seeping from the fresh wound. Blood had been running down from the body, making the wall shine in the elixir of life. The head was almost swimming in the pool of blood. Raven had seen bodies far worse than this, but still she could not help herself from shuddering.

There was something eerie about the corpse, and she hesitantly walked closer to examine it. She cast another horrified glance at the head, and gasped as she stepped back.

"Slade!"

At a closer look, there was no doubt about it. The mask was still on. His only good eye had been cut out, leaving a bloody hole and she turned her head to the side. Hotaru was sitting on the ground, starring at the head. Her face was white as a ghost, and she was holding a piece of paper in her hand. Raven ran over to her, grabbing her shoulder.

"Hotaru! Hotaru!"

Her eyes had a hollowed and haunted look.

"Hotaru, please."

She broke down crying, and Raven held onto her. She didn't know how long she sat there, but it didn't matter. For the first time in a long time, Raven felt like someone needed and depended on her. Although she didn't know how to comfort people and had a hard time to be understanding, it felt really good to help someone else. Hotaru had been through so much in her life already, and know all this… It would take a toll on even the strongest mind.

Pouring all out, Hotaru cried for a while until the tears would no longer come. She pulled away from Raven and turned her back against what had once been Slade. Raven sat down beside her, knowing she had to do something quick so Hotaru wouldn't end up like Starfire. It was the last they needed right now when Tristan was on the loose. Damn, it must have been Tristan who did this… If so, he is ten times more dangerous than Slade ever was…

"Hotaru, you have to tell me what the hell happened!"

Her voice was stern and commanding, she had to make sure that Hotaru would listen to her. The violet eyed girl was silent for a few moments and just when Raven thought that she wouldn't answer, she whispered with a melancholic voice.

"He touched me. And then, he told me I wanted it."

She clenched her fists, and Raven shivered.

"He also told me that if I needed to be convinced, I would seek out the highest tower…"

Her voice broke and she looked away. Raven sighed and stroked some hair out of her face. This would certainly complicate matters.

"Don't tell Robin. Remember what I told you about his obsession with Slade? He is smart and has a strong mind, but he would be furious and loose all good reasoning in one blow. Don't tell him anything."

Hotaru shook her head wildly, holding herself back from breaking down. She began to breath slowly and regain her composure.

"I think we should head back, you can stay in my room for awhile if you want."

Hotaru gave her a stern look and Raven almost flinched at the intensity in her eyes. They were so dark, and seemed like an bottomless ocean were one could easily drown in… silence.

"No. Slade is dead because of me."

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He had to admit it, but the original were the best. Titan's tower were definitely better than their own back home with the titans east. Relaxing, Speedy leaned back as he sat between Cyborg and Beast Boy who were engaged in a fierce battle, although it was of slow proportions. He studied the game, and quirked an eyebrow.

"Hey, what old game is this? Kinda sick to get the idea of worms declaring war against each other… Neat though…"

Beast Boy never took his eyes away from the screen as he tried to give an explanation.

"It's worms dude."

Speedy gave him a look and shrugged, opening another soda. He knew there was no way to get anything useful out of them both when they were playing, but he was bored and wanted to talk about something, anything. He chose the first thing he came up with.

"Yeah… Hey, any couples in the house yet?"

Speedy could have swore that Beast Boy flinched but he was absolutely sure that Cyborg smiled evilly towards Beast Boy.

"Not yet… Beastie here is…"

He ducked when the remote came flying and he laughed so hard that he dropped his control. Speedy sighed and slapped his forehead.

"Right… How's Starfire and Robin? Have they hit the sack together yet?"

Cyborg laughed again and slapped Speedys back as if it were a joke.

"Are you kidding? He's got another girl now, Hotaru. She is kinda hot. Didn't he tell you that? That's why Starfire is resting now and we needed some backup. She really had it in for him."

He blinked as he processed the facts in his mind. Starfire where available, since Robin had no interest in her… This would present an opportunity… Not to arouse suspicion, he remained in the sofa for a awhile, pretending he was enjoying the game which he would have if his mind wouldn't been occupied by dirty thoughts. Sure, he was a nice guy, he just happened to think a about certain objects a lot. He slipped out of the sofa, unnoticed, heading towards the corridor to find Starfires room.

He had laid his eyes on her the first time he had seen her, but realised that Robin would have been to hard to compete with. It had been a stab to his self esteem, that he had to admit but his despair had turned to a slight hope when Robin and Starfire never confirmed that type of relationship. Many had believed that they had a secret romance because they were the image of the ideal couple.

There was one thing though; Robin had a darker side to him, a deeper, undiscovered part that Starfire would ever be able to comprehend. She was too innocent, to light. She was that kind of girl that needed a shining knight to be there by her side. Speedy knew he could fill that role, and play it very well. It fitted his personality, the constant need of confirmation to his ego.

Perhaps it was her personality that would fit so well with him and not the looks that had attracted Speedys attention. Stopping abruptly, he found himself outside Starfires door. Taking a breath to calm himself, he knocked.

0 0 0 0 0

Hotaru handed Raven the note she had kept in her hand. Raven blinked in confusion as she read it:

"Messiah, he knows."

She gave it back and gave Hotaru a questioning look. Hotaru shivered and stroked some hair out of her face, trying to clear her head.

"He means me, and that Tristan knows about dimensional travel. I should have realised it right away, he even told me… It doesn't matter know, does it?"

An uncomfortable silence fell over them as they sat on the roof, beside the corpse of the former villain. They flinched when cold raindrops hit their skin, but none bothered to move. The blood was dissolved into the growing pool of water under the head, making the water shimmer in a slight pink colour. Hotaru glanced at it and grimaced as she looked away. Raven found herself at a loss at what she should do.

"Messiah… Does he incline you as the messiah of silence?"

Hotaru smiled a fake smile.

"I guess… He knew something, but what I don't know. He never told me anything."

Raven stood up, casting a glance at the head. The mask was shining slightly in the rain, which only seemed to make the fact that Slade was dead even more tangible. In a twisted way, it was somewhat beautiful. I never believed that you would end like this Slade… Raven grabbed Hotarus shoulder and let the darkness flow around them, transporting them both back to her room. Hotaru was startled when she found herself on Ravens bed, which made her realise that she had been very thoughtless.

She had been a very easy target, mentally unstable and unprotected. Hotaru cursed her own stupidity, and sighed in frustration. She couldn't afford to be careless now, Tristan had proved that point and she had to stop him from whatever he had planned.

"It must have been Tristan that brought me here but why?"

Raven felt herself let a breath out she didn't know she had been holding. Hotaru seemed to recover and that was good, she had to admit she had been worried… I should get her thoughts off that for awhile, she reminds me of Robin when he was obsessed with Slade… She mentally grinned and opened the drawer in her night table. Hotarus eyes widened when she held up a dagger. The silver, glimmering in the light, was a beautiful contrast to the black polished opals that was engraved in the handle.

It was a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship and Raven smiled when she saw her expression.

"It was given to me by my mother after my birth. You could call it a gift if you will, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it so. More like a necessity. It is used when you do sacrificing rituals or certain spells that require blood."

Hotaru took it and examined it, completely forgetting about Tristan for a while. She gave Raven a questioning look.

"You told me that you would show me how to use my subspace pocket. I would very much be able to carry this with me all the time; you never know when it could be of use."

Hotaru smiled a tired smile and handed it back. Already in a better mood, she explained what she had told Raven before.

"Like I said before, every person has something called a subspace pocket. I don't really know how to explain it but it's like a space in your subconsciesness. Because it is, in a sense, in your mind you can store how much materiel you wan't there. The catch to it is that you must remember it, or it will be lost and could cause severe headache. That is the basic to it. You just have to picture it somewhere in your mind where you will store it. Some senshi like myself are naturals, others have to train for years and even then they can't store anything bigger than a ring."

Raven shifted her position on the bed and nodded towards Hotaru.

"Thanks to you, I don't think their will be a problem on that front. My mind isn't nearly as chaotic as before…"

They went over some simple tasks, gradually making it harder and harder. Raven thankfully seemed to have a knack for it and only after an hour, she successfully stored her dagger in her subspace pocket. The pair couldn't help but laugh in joy, and Raven felt herself happier than ever when she didn't have to worry about her demonic side. She could relax, not constantly worry about what she would blow up next.

Hotaru sighed as she felt herself relax and slowly letting her mind ease it self. I must take it more serious and not screw up, even if it means taking it day by day. I know to little yet to be able to do anything right now… Or… She sat up and grabbed Ravens arm. The empath was startled out of her thoughts and tensed up when she saw Hotarus face.

"Have you researched all your books on mythology and legends yet?"

Raven shook her head, and Hotaru jumped off her bed.

"Mind if I borrow some of the books you haven't searched yet?"

Raven hid her smile under her hand, she was very much like Robin indeed. She slid of her bed and walked over to a pile of books she had on the floor.

"I'm searching these right know, you can take these."

She lifted up five books in different sizes and colours and handed them to Hotaru.

"I'm going to include myself in the search as well since Slade obviously had access to some kind of information regarding myself as senshi thus these books. Besides, I could learn a thing or too."

Raven nodded, she recognised the enthusiasm for books in the dark senshis voice. Her eyes had that same sparkle again and she felt relived yet again.

"Will you be alright now?"

The question startled Hotaru but she quickly recovered and smiled.

"I'm gonna dump these in 'my room' and start right away. See you later."

She turned in the doorway and bowed. Raven quirked an eyebrow.

"Thank you."

Before Raven could reply, Hotaru walked towards Robin's room. Her mood was much better, even though she still felt shivers thinking about Tristan. There was something about him that really disturbed her, something familiar and yet something completely different. Really not wanting to go deeper on that subject, she tried to find something else that wouldn't make her upset to think about.

Suddenly, something grabbed her from behind and she dropped her books in fright. She gasped as she felt a breath on her neck and she felt like screaming when fear overwhelmed her… She was trapped.

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My favourite band is Iron Maiden, so of course I have to recommend them! My favorite is "Virus". It's always giving me the chills when I hear it... It's so awesome... If I would use a song to describe myself I would use that one. The singer is Blaze Bayley, damn I really like his voice...

Hang on for the next chapter!