The Chronicles of Raven: Second Coming

by BiscuitReloaded

Raven's revived from a horrid end, beginning a quest for answers and truth behind her legacy.PART 2 OF 3 MUST READ TCOR: PAINFUL BEGINNINGS TO UNDERSTAND

23. Chapter 12

"I-is it true?" Raven called out at what was before her, more than hopeful at what she took in.

It was the Tower, plain as day, as if nothing had changed in her absence, gleaming perfection in the sunlight of high noon. The door almost begged her to approach, and she followed the calling.

"I'm finally home," she smiled, voice quivering as her eyes welled up with tears of utter joy. "It never seemed possible…but I'm home."

The doors slid open, the more than shocked visages of Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, and most of all, Garfield, appeared, unable to contemplate words upon the very sight of Raven.

"Raven?" Garfield questioned unbelievably, Starfire fainting out of sheer surprise as well.

He rushed forward, shedding tears of happiness that his prediction was indeed correct…that Raven was alive, and she would return. Raven advanced the same, meeting him halfway essentially. The duo embraced in a hug, literally intertwining one another.

"Oh my God, Raven, h-how is this possible?" Garfield managed through his sobs.

Raven merely took him by his head gently, placing a well-waited for kiss upon his lips, causing him to be more than obliging. She slowly released him after a moment.

"There is so much to tell," Raven informed, "but it can wait, I have missed all of you so…especially you, Garfield."

"I promise you, Raven, I will never let go again."

Raven's eyes snapped open, the thatched roof of the bamboo hut filling her vision.

"Damn, not again," Raven cursed to herself in the early morning, seeing that she was back in the hell of a life that she had lived for the better part of the past three years. Thought there were moments present that she enjoyed, they were seriously outweighed by many negative, even deceitful ones. So close to her goal and the ever present possibility that she could return home had shifted into a reality fueled her ambitions that much further. Not being one to admit defeat so easily, or give up, Raven was going to be as stubborn as she possibly could be when it came to the facts, as the odds were stacked against her. Yet…it was early, 5 more minutes couldn't hurt.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Gecko's voice greeted, immediately getting her eyes to shoot open, rolling in bed to face him.

He stood at the end of the bed with what appeared to be a folded karate gi before him, an unseen grin accompanied it.

"Awfully early, isn't it?" Raven questioned as she stretched, looking between the slats of bamboo, seeing the sun was just breaking the horizon.

"That's how we are going to being every day," he cheerily informed, "I've brought you your training attire, as well as our needed supplies for the day."

Sure enough, he held up a small, leather rucksack, apparently packed with whatever he deemed important for their use.

"Now hurry up, we're wasting daylight, the sooner we get started the better," he added as he exited the hut. "I'll wait out here for you."

Raven slowly stood up from the bedding, stretching as she did so.

"Alright, Raven," she told herself, "it's time to see what you're really made of."

It only took a few minutes to dress herself, but Raven was slightly taken back by what she wore. Though a normal gi or what was considered normal, the neckline of it cut low enough to show her scar where Slade had run his sword through her body. She gingerly brought her hand up to the scarred region, emotional pain immediately beginning to set in as the dark past reared its ugly head.

"Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Slade's eerie voice questioned within her subconscious.

Raven almost allowed fear to overtake her like it did in the past, but she had changed, and wasn't about to let him control her any longer.

"What happened in the past is the past," Raven gingerly replied, unmoved by his presence in her mind. "It will remain that way now and forever. Nothing can be done to change it, nor manipulate my future. Not now, not ever. Slade, you lost control long ago and you are now just finding that out? You really are dense, aren't you?"

"You can't just ignore me, whelp!" Slade nearly screamed, infuriated by her insolence towards him. "I am a part of your very being, you need me to live!"

"Watch me, besides, who cares if you are a part of me? I don't, and I've learned to live with it. You're the one that needs to get over yourself and quit living in the past, you senile excuse of a human."

"When you least expect it, Raven," his voice nearly whispered, attempted to sway her rock-steady courage, "when you least expect it."

"I'll be waiting," Raven challenged, knowing he was done ranting in an attempt to control her again. It happened once, and she wasn't about to let it take place again.

"Raven?" Gecko's voice broke her waking nightmare. "Are you ready yet?"

"Yeah," she quickly added, appearing, tugging at the uniform, "white's not exactly my thing, but I'll manage."

"That's all that Master had, otherwise I would have brought you something different," he added, nearly apologetic. "It will make due, will it not?"

"Yes, David, it's fine," Raven informed with a grin, "It will serve its purpose."

"Good, I'm glad that you're willing to keep it," he smirked, "but we must hurry, your first leg of training is at the base of the mountain."

"Wait, what?" Raven quickly questioned, knowing how large this elevation indeed was. "Why do we have to go all the way to the bottom?"

"Well, that's where we are going to begin our training," Gecko matter-of-factly informed, "I noticed you do posses strength, a very admirable amount at that, but you have no focus on controlling it. This training that we are going to do will help you learn that. Strength is indeed a necessity, and can decide the victor in battle, but control is much deadlier. Even those with little strength can focus what they have to match someone who is clearly stronger. I know it sounds confusing, but it is the truth."

"I understand," Raven replied, nodding her head, "I'll try my hardest, that's all I can do, right?"

Gecko chuckled as he nodded in agreement, walking her down the path.

"I will admit though," He began after several moments of silence, "you know your way around a sword, but seem to be missing the finesse styling accompanying it. If it is this master of yours that taught you this, how could he have developed you into such a swordsmaster? Granted that you are by no means a master, no offense, but you know how to use one."

"I really do apologize about that," Raven embarrassingly replied, "I was frightened and confused of my surroundings, and you wearing a mask didn't help matters any. Yes, my…master did teach me how to wield a sword, nothing spectacular, just the basics."

"I noticed," Gecko added under his breath, even though he knew Raven heard him.

"I'm baffled though," Raven stated, "how were you able to stop a razor sharp edge swung with that much force with only two fingers, and not have a mark or anything from it?"

"Chi, Raven, it was all chi," Gecko admitted, holding his fingers up to show her he was telling the truth, "when you are able to focus your inner energy to such a degree, outside forces of any kind can be blocked, hence, the sword's edge. It doesn't make someone invincible by any means, but it does open your options and gives you an advantage over your opponent. You see, many think fighting is all about who is stronger, which is on the contrary. Though strength is a factor, like I stated, it is only one of many different facets of a warrior. In order to effectively use an art, one must be in tune, mind and body as one with one another. On the outside, you may have the abilities, but you must ask yourself, in heart and mind, do you have what it takes?"

"So you're essentially comparing this to me?" Raven queried, pointing to herself, "I may indeed be strong, as well as somewhat skilled, but it is because of what I lack on the inside that is proving to be my Achilles' heel?"

"Essentially, yes," Gecko replied, uneasy about talking negative about her, "you lack focus, without focus, you lack concentration, without concentration, you lack strength. Without strength…you are nothing. Don't let this get to you though, Raven, as I am here, and I will do everything in my power to help you overcome this."

"I appreciate it," Raven stated, "but it does help though. If you have learned yet or not, I'm stubborn, and I don't know when to quit. Your words of truth only fuel my will to continue with this that much more. So, by all means, insult away."

"You know I didn't mean it like that Raven," Gecko explained nervously, not too sure if she was kidding or not.

Raven merely turned to him as they continued down the path through the jungle with a playful smile.

"I know, it just kills me that you're too innocent for your own good," Raven complimented, "in my travels, I've indeed met nice, caring people, but you are by far the nicest one yet."

"I would go to the ends of the earth for you, Raven," Gecko seriously added, "for someone such as yourself to experience what you have thus far in life is too much to bear to even imagine. Not to mention the fact that you've had such negative experiences overall to cause you to think of taking your own life like I had found you is just…sickening. If there is anything that you ever need or want, I will provide for you."

Raven was clearly surprised by the sheer ambition that he shared for Raven in general.

"I'm very grateful, David, you can't even think to measure that," Raven added in near awe of his caring disposition. "I haven't had someone even care about me at all since…"

"Since when?" Gecko questioned, more than eager to hear about Raven.

"Nothing," Raven quickly replied, covering up what she was going to say, knowing that a reference to Garfield may bring up a flood of other memories she didn't want to experience, let alone share with him right now. Maybe later, but not now.

"I see," Gecko respected, "that's understandable, well, if you ever need to talk to anyone, I'm here for you."

"I'm more than thankful for that as well," Raven replied with a smirk, seeing that the trail had leveled out, and they took a meandering curve that led into a clearing. The clearing expanded exponentially, revealing a beautifully crafted bridge that was raised, not allowing anyone across the lake that stood between it and the ascent up the mountain. Apparently, only Gecko knew of the secret passage through the jungle that led up and down the mountain. Raven also took notice that their trek had taken a noticeable amount of time, as the sun was clearly in the sky of the early morning, shining to its brightest magnitude. Built into the hillside next to the bridge's approach was a cave entrance that was as highly decorated as the bridge itself. The entrance's sheer size allowed Raven to think for a moment.

"Ursa-san!" Gecko called out, hearing his voice echo off of the walls of the darkened cave.

Within mere moments, the vibrations of thunderous footsteps were felt by Raven, a shadowy figure appearing from the cave's entrance. Quite possibly the largest bear that Raven had ever laid eyes on emerged, wearing what appeared to be some kind of chest armor with a large, red paw print of his own upon it. Thick, brown fur that was free off mats gently swayed in the morning breeze. The massive beast stretched, allowing for a grand yawn, and bearing all of his razor-sharp teeth in his mouth.

"Gecko-san? What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" A booming voice emerged from the animal's throat, plain as day, Raven was absolutely dumbfounded. "You do realize that is rather early, and I am usually not awakened until later?"

"I apologize, Ursa-san, but I have a…favor to ask of you."

"A favor?" The bear second-questioned, even arching his brow like a human would, "what could you possibly ask of my assistance for?"

"D-did that bear just talk?" Raven asked of Gecko, getting both of their attentions. "I could have sworn I just heard it talk."

"Yes I did, little girl, what of it?" The bear questioned of her, looking intently at her.

"Easy, Ursa-san, she is the reason why I need this favor from you."

He huffed a laugh at them.

"What is she, your spouse or something?"

Both Raven and Gecko clearly blushed embarrassingly.

"No, no, no," Gecko assured, "she is only a friend, please, just listen."

"You have my attention, Gecko-san, speak." Ursa-san informed, crossing his massive arms before him, tucking his claws. "I don't like to be disturbed for no reason, mind you."

"Of course," he assured, "I wish to know if you will aid me in training Raven."

Ursa-san looked at Raven with an unimpressed scowl of sorts.

"You're still in training yourself, Gecko-san, why are you helping this frail female?"

"Frail?" Raven challenged, seeing Gecko's hand shoot in front of her to stop her from retaliating.

"As I said, it is a favor, and I wish to help her. You do this, I'll help you out. What is your price?"

"Very well then," Ursa-san obliged with a devious smile, "fetch me my morning catch from the lake every day, consisting of 3 fish of ample size, and it is a deal. I will do it for nothing today to see if it is even worth my time."

"I thank you, Ursa-san," Gecko bowed, turning to Raven, "he's agreed to help aid in your training."

"I'm actually fighting him?!" She questioned unbelievably, seeing the sheer size of the animal before her that had the intelligence of a human.

"Yes, why do you act so surprised?" Gecko nonchalantly replied, setting the leather rucksack down.

"He's a bear, Gecko! Did you miss that part?! Not only is he hundreds of pounds larger than I am, but he has inhuman strength…seeing how he is an animal."

"Remember what I told you about strength and focus?" He asked of her, getting a nod, "Well, you're going put that to the test. You try whatever you want your way, then I will help, how's that sound?"

"What if my way isn't the right way?" Raven seriously asked of him, not wishing to anger her opponent, seeing how he could literally rip her limb from limb.

"Just relax, I'm here, and everything will be fine," he informed, "Ursa-san knows that you are inexperienced compared to him, so he will…go easy on you. I'll let you know now that he's more of a defensive fighter, and will wait for you to attack first."

"Like Master Chu-Hui?"

"Exactly like Master Chu-Hui."

That alone empowered Raven to try. One thing she had to do was prove to her that she was actually something and worthy of her training, so starting with this animal was only a step forward in progression.

"Very well then," Raven announced, turning to find the animal still standing on its massive hind legs, literally towering over her, even casting a shadow of the early morning light over her. "If Ursa-san is ready, then so am I."

The mighty bear bowed towards Raven, claws clasped before it much like a martial artist would.

"Whenever this…girl is ready," he stated in a smirking tone.

"Think before you act, Raven!" Gecko called out to her, standing a good distance away to allow them room to train if need be. "Don't let him read you!"

Raven nodded, taking up stance, but instead of tensing up like Slade had taught, she followed Gecko's instructions. She wasn't about to let herself repeat the same mistakes that she had made against Chu-Hui happen again. Raven's battle was not with the one known as Ursa-san, but with herself.

"Like water," she thought, eyes closed; literally feeling her muscles almost convert to an uninterrupted state of feeling, much like water. Raven's eyes slowly opened, taking a calming breath as she did so, seeing the bear's legs were spread apart for a powerful defensive base. Gecko's information held true, she was going to have to strike first. In her calm state, Raven prepared to strike, but also wished to avoid signaling when and where she was to strike, as well as what with.

"Today, girl," The bear growled, "You've called me from my cave for this?

I am growing impatient."

Without warning, Raven's form leapt through the air directly at Ursa-san from her stance, right foot extended. Quick indeed, but Ursa-san was able to apply defense to the situation before connection was made, crossing his massive arms before him, the force of Raven's kick landing squarely upon them. Ursa-san didn't budge an inch, the force from the attack expelled around him, even moving the dirt upon the ground. To her surprise, Raven found herself stopped dead in her tracks, falling to the ground before him. Dazed, but clearly there, she heard the vicious roar emit from the animal's throat, instinctively rolling away and to her feet, just in time to avoid a downward strike of the bear's claw. His claw broke the soil, even sending out a spiderwebbing of fissures from the sheer force of the impact.

"I thought you said he was going to go easy?!" Raven yelled to Gecko, remaining focused on Ursa-san.

"This is easy, girl," Ursa-san himself informed, "and you're going to have to do better than that if you have any hope of knowledge, let alone victory."

Raven thought on her feet, attempting to find a solution to her dilemma. It didn't take a genius to figure out frontal attacks were not going to work against this behemoth of an opponent. One of the few things she did appreciate from Slade's teachings was her ability to dissect an opponent strategically and find the best way to attack. It was a system of trial and error, hopefully with fewer errors than trial was more inviting, of course.

"Let's try the back door," Raven thought, slowly walking around in a radius in form, remaining as fluid as she possibly could be. "He's big, strong, and tough. One thing big guys like him don't have is speed. I out-maneuver him and his advantages become his disadvantages. Here goes nothing."

Lacking hesitation, Raven bolted forth, sprinting towards Ursa-san. Out of reaction, the bear braced once more, ready to block whatever Raven had to throw at him. To his surprise, instead of expecting the same attack or a similar one, Raven dropped to the ground in the middle of her run, sliding across the dirt beneath the animal and between his legs, instantly confusing him. Before Ursa-san could react, Raven's slide ended with her jumping to her feet, stopping in form upon them, and bringing her leg up for a quick, sharp kick to the animal's torso from behind.

"Got you," she confidently thought, even cracking a smile, as her foot sped towards the unprotected spot.

A large paw grabbed her ankle just as it was about to make contact, Raven's eyes shrinking in surprise. Ursa-san's grip tightened, literally picking Raven up by her ankle with ease, swinging her quickly around to have his face in her inverted visage, eyes meeting. A set of blade-sharp teeth snarled with a growl.

"Oh, I can't watch," Gecko commented to himself, peeking through his hand as he covered his eyes, fearing for the worst.

"Attacking me from behind, are you?" He questioned in his growl, getting a meek smile from Raven's upside-down form. "You have much to learn, girl."

Before Raven could deliver a rebuttal of any type, she felt her body be slammed into the earth at the animal's feet with tremendous force, but not before experiencing a whiplash effect from being thrown by her ankle, body following the motion.

"Ouch," Raven groaned, rolling over to her stomach, preparing to lift off of the ground, only to feel Ursa-san's form actually come down upon her body, sitting.

"I actually thank you for awakening me, girl," Ursa-san taunted while he sat upon her body, feeling her struggle beneath it, "It has been awhile since I've embarrassed yet another "artist" such as yourself. I do truly commend you."

"You okay, Raven?" Gecko asked, wondering if he was going to get an interesting answer or not.

"Does it look like it?!" She strained beneath the bear's crushing weight, continuing to struggle. "Or am I the only one that noticed this bear sitting on me? Might I add that it hurts…a lot?"

"Remember, Raven, focus, like water, find your inner strength, use it," he coached, unfazed by her reply. "If you wish to learn anything, you must overcome the obstacles. This is only one of many. Fighting isn't done with just your body, but your mind. You must outthink your opponent in order to defeat them."

Raven listened, attempting to focus her breathing beneath the massive weight of the animal upon her, and not hoped, but thought of a solution.

"Strong I am, but strength I lack, huh?" Raven thought, finally realizing the old woman's words, as well as Gecko's information, and combined them to a solution. "Outer strength I have inner strength I lack. Combine the two, and what do you have? The answer."

She closed her eyes, placing her palms flat upon the ground beneath her chest, slowing her breaths once more. With focused energy, Raven pushed as hard as she possibly could, straining. Her labor seemed to be paying off, as the beast's form began to rise with her.

"What the-?" Ursa-san commented, looking down at Raven's straining form. Slowly, inch by inch, Raven lifted the massive animal; clearly trying as hard as she possibly could, gritting teeth and all. With a final thrust of maximum physical exertion, Raven pulled her body free, allowing the beast to fall to the ground, free of her person. Before setting down, though pained by the bear's action of sitting upon her, Raven brought her knees to her chest while standing on her hands. With superb grace and balance, Raven's feet shot out in tandem, striking the animal squarely in the chest. Raven's focused strength clearly flowed through her strike and into her opponent, sending the bear rolling end over end in quick succession. Raven set her feet down, turning to see her opponent still rolling, but the bear's front paws lashed out, stopping the inertia he had gathered. His razor-sharp claws dug into the slats of the bridge, snapping them as he slowed. Ursa-san's head reared up, bearing his massive jaws full of teeth, bellowing a primal roar as he prepared to charge Raven. Quicker than her adversary, Raven was already in motion, taking notice to a small, decorative entrance that was overhead at the beginning of the bridge. Using her wits, she leapt, grasping the supportive pole beneath the actual decoration, using her own inertia to swing through the air at Ursa-san. A shocked look graced Ursa-san's face, unable to react in time to what had happened. The only thing that he saw before him was Raven's black-slippered foot, speeding ever so closely, and finally colliding with his muzzle, taking him off of his feet. Ursa-san's body flew off of the bridge, suspended in the air, and fell. The only thing breaking his fall was the water below, creating an enormous splash, accompanied by a matching plume of mist. Raven landed, still in form as the cloud of mist subsided, the bear lifting his head to break the surface, more than drenched.

"Not bad for a girl, huh?" Raven quipped with an arched eyebrow at the animal.

Instead of getting the expected show of rage from him, Ursa-san threw his head back, letting out a hearty laugh.

"Not bad at all," he commended, "you are one of a very few that has bested me. Indeed I wasn't trying, but for a beginner such as yourself, you have potential. I will look forward to this every day in the future, Raven."

Just hearing him actually use her name made Raven feel like she had accomplished something. In truth, she had. Raven earned his respect, and also finally laid the groundwork of finding her inner strength. Her feeling of victory quickly subsided into one of reality, as pain and soreness took over and dulled her senses.

"Way to go, Raven," Gecko congratulated, patting her on the shoulder gently, shaking dirt free of her white outfit. Raven merely smiled, coughing slightly from the dirt he managed to dust off of her clothing. Gecko turned to Ursa-san, who had made his way to the shore, standing on all four limbs, and was shaking the water from his fur.

"Ursa-san, is Raven permitted to advance up the mountain or do you wish to train with her more?"

"She is more than welcome to continue," he informed with a smile, looking at Raven, "I won't go so easy on you next time…Raven."

Out of sheer respect, Raven bowed to him, getting one in return. The bridge actually managed to deploy, the missing section lowering from the other side, but she was unknown to who had thrown the switch. Just like everything else around here, it was different. Though, different seemed to be good lately.

"Not bad for your first time," Gecko complimented, digging in the leather satchel as they began their ascent up the path that wound up the mountain before them. Raven's incursion with Ursa-san didn't seem to last too long, but the sun was indeed noticeably higher in the sky at this point, the birds themselves finally announcing their waking from sleep. "A little shaky, but not to bad at all, Raven."

"Thanks," Raven managed, holding her lower back as they walked, still feeling the pain from having the animal actually sit on her body. It was tolerable, but the ache was definitely hampering to a degree in terms of movement and flexibility.

"Now, are you happy that he actually held back like he said he would?" Gecko asked of her, producing a black cloth, awaiting her answer.

"Held back? He nearly crushed me," Raven informed flatly.

"Exactly, nearly crushed you. He was more than capable of completing such a task," Gecko added. "It was enough to provoke you. Wasn't it?"

"I suppose," Raven huffed with a laugh, taking notice to the cloth, "what's that for?"

"This," he answered, folding it over as they continued up the trail, Ursa-san's den growing out of sight, "is a blindfold."

"Blindfold for what?"

"For you."

"Say what?" Raven cautiously second questioned of him. "Why do I need to be blindfolded?"

"Training," Gecko coolly answered, handing it to her, "here, put it on; tie it tight enough for it to be snug."

"What, now?" She unbelievably asked, "Not that I don't trust you or anything, but we are on a rather steep incline, and if I make a one false move, it could, well, hurt."

"I assure you," Gecko stated, clearly smiling beneath his cover, "you're in good hands. Besides, I'll catch you if you fall."

Raven couldn't help but smile at his innocence. With slight hesitation, she placed the blindfold upon her eyes, making sure she couldn't see. Out of instinct, she stumbled as she walked, attempting to feel with her hands in front of her.

"Okay, I'm officially blind, now what?" Raven jested at the situation, still stumbling, but remaining on the path and keeping pace with Gecko.

"Just relax, don't rely on your eyes," Gecko informed, walking backwards in front of her to assure her path was true. "When one sense is removed, it heightens the others greatly. Have you ever noticed that a blind man has excellent hearing or a deaf man vice versa. At this very moment, your hearing, smell, touch, even taste is more sensitive to make up for the loss of sight. Finding how to use this to your advantage is what you need to focus on."

"I understand the concept," Raven assured, following the sound of his voice to the best of her abilities, "but how will this prove to be helpful. Don't I have to be able to see my opponent to effectively combat them?"

"Not true, Raven," Gecko corrected, "haven't you heard tales of blind samurai able to combat the best of their time? Without eyesight, many artists become useless, and I am helping you to get around that obstacle. A disadvantage to others becoming your advantage only turns the tide of things in your favor. Better odds only ensure your victory. Basic principles really."

"Makes sense," Raven agreed with a shrugging gesture of her shoulders, nearly losing her balance as she did so. "So, how do I effectively learn to harness this for myself?"

"Using your other senses, of course," he answered, moving away from her slightly, "here, Raven, since you can hear me, try to follow my voice for one. Point to where you think I'm at."

Raven raised her hand, pointing just to the left of him, but not far off.

"Close," he commented, moving once more, "now where am I?"

Once again, Raven attempted, completely off target.

"Not so close that time."

Her finger quickly snapped right to him that time from hearing his voice once more.

"I think I'm getting the hang of this," Raven announced with a proud smirk.

"That you are, but it takes practice to truly master it," Gecko pointed out, "a good start, nonetheless. Just keep using your other senses and eyesight will no longer be required, but optional."

"Sounds good," Raven added with a laugh, reflecting on her current situation. "So, what's my next challenge? I know it has to do with this, but could you possibly elaborate upon it?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Gecko replied slyly, "let's just say that your next opponent has…serpentine tactics."

"So he's slippery, hard to hit?" Raven attempted to decipher, still blindfolded, but managing to walk better. "Good, I like moving targets, they are more…entertaining."

"You can say that," Gecko informed, making sure that Raven was safe on the mountainside path as they walked up to what was to be Raven's next "assignment".

It wasn't long before the two of them came to an opening in the mountain where the path passed through. The opening itself was more than just that, but an actual cavern. Sunlight quickly faded as they entered, the sudden change in scenery wasn't seen by Raven, but she sure felt it.

"Wow, it got cold quick, didn't it?" She stated, rubbing her arms as they were crossed before her.

"We're in a cave, which could be why," Gecko informed, "no sunlight in here. Do watch your step though; it's rather slippery in here."

"Please, I'm more than capable of watching out for my own well being," Raven assured, only to lose her footing for a moment, but quickly regained it. "I do now anyways," she added, slightly embarrassed, hiding it with a meek smile.

"You know, Raven," Gecko began, feeling along the wall, making sure she wasn't going to run right into it, "its okay to ask for help when needed. I understand that you would rather do things on your own, but every now and again, everyone needs help."

"I understand," Raven replied, still focused on moving while blind to the world, "I just feel like everything that I undertake, I have to do on my own. Call it a personal vendetta against life, if you will. I know it's confusing and all, but what I'm getting at is that I can't take handouts in life, and everything I do must be done on my own. I don't know how else to put it, so I hope you understand."

"You make perfect sense," Gecko reasoned, "and I completely respect that. Though, if you are ever in mortal danger of any kind or someone threatens you again while I'm around, I'll do more than put a stop to it."

"Well…thanks, I really appreciate it," Raven managed with a smile, more than pleased that he would put himself in harm's way for her, even though they had only met, let alone knew each other. Raven could already tell that there was…something between them. Not in a loving way, but their friendship thus far had solidified rather quickly, and paved way for even more. "I know it sounds like I'm repeating myself, but it's been quite a long time since I could safely say that I do feel…safe."

"More than coincidence, you know," Gecko added with a smirk, attempting to focus on navigating the pitch-black darkness of the cavern.

"Yeah, I know," Raven replied, but quickly checked her tone, "I mean, of course."

Gecko only gently shook his head at her. Even to him, it was obvious that they seemed to take to each other as friends. He seemed to have quite a few other thoughts amongst himself though. It often proved to be distracting at times as well. In their reveille, the duo finally approached a lighted area of the cavern, the source coming from a single, lit candle.

"Ah, here we are," Gecko announced, looking towards Raven, watching her come to an abrupt stop, "you can take the blindfold off now."

"I thought it was for training," Raven replied as she lifted the black cloth from her eyes, but keeping it placed upon her head much like a headband.

"It is, the training hasn't started yet, I want you to meet someone first," he informed, turning back towards the light, looking at it.

"Sune-Ku, I know you're here, this is where you live," Gecko stated out of the blue, his voice echoing off of the damp walls of the cavern, "I need to speak with you for a moment."

The sound of something…slithering, rather quickly at that, approached him. The figure manifested into a serpent-like animal, larger than any snake that Raven had ever seen in her life, albino as white could be. It also appeared that the animal was blind, its eyes long-since lost their usefulness in the cave. Raven jumped as it appeared out of nowhere, only inches from Gecko's face.

"Yesss, Gecko-sssan?" he greeted, his forked tongue emphasizing his vocabulary. "What isss it that you want?"

"Hello to you to, Sune-Ku," Gecko replied, feeling slightly offended by the snake's matter-of-factly attitude towards him, "what's the matter, wake up on the wrong side of the nest this morning?"

"Alwaysss with the jokesss, you are," Sune-Ku nearly chuckled, quickly darting his head in Raven's direction, "I assume that what you request of me hasss sssomething to do with her?"

"Ho-"

"Trust me," Gecko interrupted Raven, "he just knows. I said you didn't need sight to be an effective combatant, now do you believe me?"

Raven stood, wide-eyed and shocked, but nodded, still unable to believe the sheer ability of Sune-Ku.

"Yes, Sune-Ku, it does," Gecko informed, "I have taken Raven, the girl as you put it, under my wing, sort of speak, and I am going to train her. Not fully, only enough so Master Chu-Hui will further her teachings. I'm essentially giving her a crash-course so she can catch up. This is the first of many, Sune-Ku, and I ask if you will aid me in her teachings. Ursa-san has obliged, now it is your turn, do you accept?"

"I sssee," he hissed, rubbing his jaw with his tail in a thoughtful matter, exhibiting intelligence on par with a human, much like Ursa-san did, "I do admire you, Gecko-sssan, and you have done nothing but good in the past, so I will oblige."
"I am most humbled in your acceptance to this, Sune-Ku," he bowed, "what do you wish for in return of your services?"

The snake merely grinned, his fangs more than present within it.

"Nothing at all," he informed, "but, if she isss unworthy of my assistance, I will eat her."

Raven's pupils shrunk quicker than no other.

"That's acceptable," Gecko replied without hesitation, causing Raven to become even more perturbed over the situation.

"What do you mean that's acceptable?!" Raven asked of him, only to see him place a finger over his own mouth, giving the all-knowing sign to be quiet.

"I assure you that you will do fine, trust me," he replied with a masked smile, sounding more than confident in her abilities. "Remember; see not with your eyes. Besides, I'll be nearby if anything happens. Between me and you, he's only joking…or I hope he is anyways."

"Yeah…sure," Raven unsteadily replied as she placed the blindfold back over her eyes. After a deep breath, she stood there, slowly sliding into her beginning stance.

"I'm ready whenever you are," Raven announced, remaining as calm as she possibly could be under the circumstances. Gecko seemed to know the cavern like the back of his hand, seeing how he had probably had to have trained in a similar manner beneath Chu-Hui. He took several steps backwards away from Sune-Ku and Raven, once again, allowing room for unrestricted training.

"Ssso be it child," Sune-Ku replied with a hiss, quickly snapping his tail through the air over the candle, the flame quickly going out, bathing the cave in nothing but utter darkness. "It hasss begun. Your objective is to make contact while avoiding my attacksss. Eyesight is for the weak, you're about to find out why."

Raven remained still as she possibly could be; focusing everything she had into her hearing. Besides her own breathing, as well as the occasional moisture dripping from the cavern walls, there was utter silence.

"Okay, remain calm," she thought, only to audibly pick up slithering, quick slithering at that. "Here he comes."

Sure enough, Raven wheeled around at the sound, striking, and in her blinded state, only finding the solid cavern wall instead of Sune-Ku. She let out a yelp of pain, quickly retracting her hand, attempting to shake the discomfort away.

"Don't completely rely on hearing, Raven, you have to feel him as well," Gecko's voice echoed throughout the cave, and seemingly in her head.

"No matter what you do," Sune-Ku hissed in the darkness, followed by a darting slither, causing Raven to jump, "you will never find me. Am I over here…or here?"

Raven's pulse raced as adrenalin began to flow through her veins, unable to control it any longer. She was this serpent's prey, and it was nearly impossible to seek him out.

Once more, Raven turned at another sound, but instead of striking in the darkness, she kept ever-vigilant. Vigilance only took one so far though. It was only a split-second later before Raven felt the rippling mass of the snake's tail make contact with her body, sending her through the air for a short distance, crashing through one of the cavern pillars that were naturally made by erosion. She rolled to a stop, jumping to her feet, ignoring the pain in her side. Ever since her confrontation with Slade, her sides had always plagued her and seemed to be more susceptible to injury, and this was no different. Though nothing was broken…from what she could tell, it still hurt more than it normally should have, and Slade was to thank for it.

"Is…that all you got?" Raven challenged through a cough as she regained control of her breathing. "I know girls that hit harder than you." She added…not far from the truth.

"Taunting me will earn you nothing," Sune-Ku informed, "unlessss becoming my next meal is what you wisssh, then you are well on your way to it."

"Keep talking," Raven thought, finally able to zero in on him, focusing everything she had into doing so. She could almost imagine what Sune-Ku was doing in her mind, as if she was indeed seeing it, but her blindfolded state was unable to permit that. Even without eyesight, she saw him. Clear mind and ready for anything, Raven snapped into her stance once more, awaiting the snake, as she had learned it wasn't all about offense anymore.

"She's learning quick," Gecko thought to himself, "she's tough, too, I'll give her that. I've never seen a martial artist of her caliber, let alone gender, take blows like that as if they were nothing. Her chi is phenomenal, but she doesn't know how to focus and control it. With my help though, I might be able to change that."

"Wait for it," Raven told herself beneath her breath, still focused on Sune-Ku, who seemed to be slithering towards her in a regular patter, strafing from right to left in even intervals. Able to essentially "see" what was before her with her other senses, Raven prepared for the snake's next attack. Changes in the still air of the cavern atmosphere signaled Sune-Ku's attack, similar to his last, quickly snapping his tail in a whiplash manner. Once more, it sped towards Raven, appearing as if she was going to meet a similar fate as she had done only moments before. At the last second, she leapt vertically, the tail missing her easily, and crashing into the cavern wall, sending rock and debris forth. Not to be made a fool of, Sune-Ku lunged for Raven, mouth agape, fangs bared. It appeared he wasn't lying about making Raven a meal. Her heightened sense foretold this well before it became a threat, allowing Raven to jump forward, behind the snake's head as it lunged past her airborne person, and delivered a precision kick to the back of its head, near the exact center of the skull. Sune-Ku slammed into the ground, sliding to a halt, dazed for a moment.

"I did as you instructed," Raven announced in the darkness, hearing the snake slowly rise, slithering towards her, "this contest is done, is it not?"

Kune-Su's carnivorous, rancid breath bathed Raven's face, the stench nearly gagging her.

"Well?" Raven gulped, lifting the blindfold, and even in the darkness, she could see the glow of his white eyes directly in front of her. She stood her ground, not backing down from the beast one bit.

It appeared as if the snake just smiled at her.

"Yesss…for today," Kune-Su replied, clearly sounding upset by Raven's attack, but knew now that she was quite resourceful. "I know what my adversssary is capabale of now…do not expect me to go ssso easssy on you next time."

"I look forward to it," Raven replied confidently.

"Ssspirit is sssomething you are not short in, that isss for sssure," he hissed, "you are permitted to advance. As I said…Raven, tomorrow won't be ssso easssy."

Raven just smirked as she did before, trusting in her abilities enough to know she was prepared for nearly anything now.

"Tomorrow it is then," Raven replied, giving a respectful bow, quickly running towards Gecko afterwards. Even though it was pitch black, Raven had managed to pick up the ability of "seeing" in it. It was indeed going to take time to master, but time is all that she had left anymore.

"Raven, be careful," Gecko cautioned as he sensed her pounding footsteps against the cavern floor, "you might trip-"

Her body crashed into him, but his quick reflexes caught her in his arms.

"-and fall."

Even in the darkness, Gecko could see into Raven's eyes at the moment.

"Uhh…clumsy me?" Raven replied embarrassed with a faint laugh, standing up. Even though it was only for a split second, the embrace that she felt of Gecko's presence made her feel…protected, safe, something she hadn't been in ages.

"It's no big," Gecko chuckled at her, clearing his throat, "so, you ready to move on?"

"I'm more than ready, I can do this all day," Raven ecstatically replied, but it quickly subsided as her side sent a shockwave of pain through her already battered body.

"Are you sure? Look's like you've had about all you can take for today," Gecko commented, only to get a somewhat stern, icy look from Raven, as if he had insulted her.

"I'm more than capable of finishing whatever you have planned for me," Raven challenged, "I've been through far worse than what I've experienced today. It will take much more to make an impact that will inhibit my abilities."

"Okay, okay, sorry," Gecko replied apologetically, holding up his hands in surrender of the moment, "I was just making an observation, I didn't mean to offend."

She realized the tone that she took with him.

"I didn't mean to…snap," Raven informed, "look, I just don't like it when people undermine me, even count me out without giving me a chance first. Yeah, I will admit, this is challenging, but I'm not about to give up, okay?"

"I completely understand," Gecko answered, walking into the light of the cavern entrance, enjoying the sun's warmth once more. "You and I aren't so different."

"How so?"

"Let's just say that I feel the same way. You're very ambitious, somewhat stubborn, and true to the end. Honor and respect are amongst the most prized things I posses for others, and you do too for the most part. Definitely most good company to say the least as well, as I can't deny it, Raven, you're a very interesting person to be around, no matter the occasion."

"Heh, thanks," Raven replied, more than flattered that he would go to such an extent to describe her. "I pretty much agree with everything you said, so, no arguments from me." She added, feeling the warmth of the sun kiss her slightly-toned skin. It appeared as if it had grown a shade darker, nothing drastic, but all the time exposed to the elements had seemed to do positive wonders for her skin.

"If you don't mind me asking," Gecko began, looking at her as the duo continued up the path, beneath the shade of the trees, yet, filtering rays of sunlight through them in a nearly divine manner. "What is wrong with your side? I understand you took a rather hard blow, but it looked as if it pained you greatly, more than it normally should have. If it's something serious, maybe you should have it looked at, maybe even stop for today if we have to."

"No, no, I'm fine," Raven assured, gritting her teeth with a forced smile though it, even though it hurt to breathe. "It's nothing, I assure you, I just had a…accident a couple years ago and it never really healed properly. Nothing much I can do and it isn't anything serious. I'll make due, besides, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?"

"Correct, I suppose, so what happened to cause that?" Gecko requested out of curiosity, wishing to know more about her, even see if he could make accommodations for her.

Raven's mind quickly conjured the image of Slade within it, but she shook the painful memory free of it.

"So, what's next?" Raven rapidly replied, changing the subject, "so far, challenging, but I'm far from finished."

"That's good to hear," Gecko added, clearly knowing that Raven didn't wish to dwell upon the past with him…yet. It was going to take time, but he was almost certain that she would eventually come around and share. Just like her, Gecko had his own past that seemed to plague him, but it was irrelevant, he refused to let her see this weakness within him. "Your next challenge will be the most grueling, more than the past 2 combined. A test of speed, agility, and dexterity, as even I have struggled from time to time on this next passage."

"I'm more than ready for it," Raven said confidently without hesitation, not giving up, not now, not ever.

"I expected as much from you," Gecko commented with a smirk, gently tapping her on the top of the head, "by the way, tag, you're it."

Raven was confused, watching Gecko's smirk turn into big grin as he picked up speed, taking off. It didn't take her long to figure out what he was up to.

"A game, huh?" Raven thought, smiling, giving chase. "Why not? I haven't had fun in awhile."

She sprinted, pushing as fast as her legs would carry her up the incline. Gecko had already gained a sizable lead from starting before her, but he continued to pull away with ease. With a burst of energy, she managed to close the gap, enough to not quite catch up with him, slightly behind.

"Wow, he's fast," Raven thought, struggling to keep pace, even though it wasn't with him, "must be all of that training that Chu-Hui bestowed upon him or something. It doesn't matter, by the time I'm done here, I will be that fast, if not faster."

Raven's eyes grew wide with surprise, as well as astonishment at Gecko, as he continued to keep his break-neck speed, but spun around, and began running backwards. Everything was already a blur all around as they made their way up the relatively gentle incline, jumping over ledges, as well as local fauna, ranging from flowers, anywhere to small trees.

"You're pretty fast," Gecko commented, not caring to what was in front of him as he ran backwards, as if he knew the terrain like the back of his hand. "I've never met anyone to keep up like you are. Question is, how long can you keep it up?"

"As long…as I need…to," Raven managed through her heavy breaths as she continued forth, relentless, and pushed any pain out of her mind, despite its bothersome nature. Yet, it was becoming quite apparent that she wasn't going to catch him at this rate. Slowly, inch by inch, Raven drifted farther and farther away, losing ground just as she had gained it. It didn't take long before she was completely out of contention. Luckily, Gecko had turned around and continued on his way, not seeing Raven begin to fail to keep up with his nearly inhuman speed. The incline leveled off to a small clearing just before what appeared to be a canyon of some kind. Though it wasn't very wide, its depth was hidden by a hanging mist. Gecko slid to a stop, barely needing breath, turning to expect Raven behind him.

"Hmm, where is she?" He thought, putting his hand over his eyes to see better, finding Raven's form still behind him, just a little too much. To his dismay, she was barely within sight, still trudging up the slope. It was evident that she was nearly exhausted from attempting to keep pace, but he could tell that her ambitious nature wasn't about to let her quit now. "At least she tried, that's more than most would have done." He added as a compliment, "though, I can't really say anything, I understand that I am quite fast. Not to gloat or anything, but there isn't many on this earth that can keep up with me…and she's the first to come so close. It will only be a matter of time before she does."

Out of nowhere, a white-furred monkey leapt from the tree nearby, apparently his target was Gecko. Screeching as he did so, it was more or less a signal of his attack. Gecko merely outstretched his hand behind him, grabbing the animal by the tail, holding him before him.

"Alert and quick as ever, I see, Gecko-san," he nervously stated with an uneasy smile.

"Hello to you to, Onagazaru," Gecko flatly replied, looking at the small monkey, "when will you learn the same trick doesn't work twice? You tried that the first time I came up this mountain, and since then I've caught you every time."

"What can I say? I'm sentimental," he laughed, "Could you be so kind to-"

Gecko dropped the animal, causing him to land on his head, only to quickly come to his feet, rubbing it.

"Release you? Gladly," Gecko joked, quickly getting to the point as the animal quickly climbed up his back, sitting upon his shoulder, "I'm not here today to play games with you though, Onagazaru-san."

"Oh? What could be so important that could not allow for a friendly game of tag?" He requested, still seated upon his right shoulder, as if he was accustomed to doing.

"I need your help, and wondered if you were interested," Gecko replied, looking at him, "I don't know if you've heard or not, but I stumbled across a stranger in the jungle. Apparently, she was looking for Master Chu-Hui, so everything played out well. Only problem is-"

"Is that Master will not train this female because she is not skilled enough to utilize her teachings?"

"Exactly, and I plan on fixing this little problem with your help. Ursa-san and Sune-Ku have already agreed, you're the only one that remains. I wish to take her under my own tutelage to teach her what she needs to know in order to receive Master's training."

"Is that all, Gecko-san?" Onagazaru quipped, cocking an eyebrow, rubbing his chin, "it appears with the given information, you wish for…more. You wouldn't do this for a complete stranger normally. This female…she is beautiful, is she not?"

Gecko knew exactly what Onagazaru was getting at; sad thing about it was it was the complete truth.

"That's…not it," Gecko defended, though it was in futility, seeing how much the animal was prying, "okay, I won't lie, yes, she is extremely beautiful, probably the most that I have ever seen. Onagazaru-san, she is like a goddess, I lie not to you."

"You have never been one to lie, I believe you," the monkey added, "so, what is the name of your beautiful goddess?"

"She isn't mine," Gecko quickly replied, making it clear, "but…her name is Raven."

"Raven? That's a very interesting name," he commented, "just from the way things sound, Gecko-san, it sounds as if you have feelings for her, do you not?"

"Well," Gecko thought for a moment, not really knowing what to say under the circumstances, "sorta. I just met her, but I don't know what to do yet, so, please, don't do anything embarrassing, I beg of you."

"Very well, a favor for a friend I will do, I'll help you train Raven." Onagazaru respected, "as for anything in return, I ask nothing. You always think that you must repay them with something. That is not always the case. You are a friend, and a friend in need. You need me, so I'm here for you, Gecko-san, no worries."

"Well, should a future obligation comes up, I will sure to be to repay this favor, I assure you," Gecko continued to hold up his honor.

Onagazaru merely shook his head at Gecko's ways. He always seemed to be true and virtuous to the end, no matter what. Not many held that quality in today's day and age, as it was indeed a prized commodity.

"Speaking of this Raven, Gecko-san," Onagazaru finally broke the silence between them, "where is she?"

"She's coming, don't worry," Gecko assured, seeing that Raven was now easily within view, and her run had turned into a walk….a walk of dragging her feet. Fatigue was quite evident, and close to the point of exhaustion, he didn't know if it was safe to let her continue to take part in this training regime for the day. Attempting to tell her otherwise was futile though, and Gecko wasn't about to waste breath trying.

"I…told you…so," Raven managed, hands on her knees, heaving for breath as sweat dripped from her face. The sun finally climbing into the sky allowed for the temperature to rise, which didn't help matters any at all. To top things off, even though Raven had searched high and low in the mountains for months, the lower amount of oxygen was definitely beginning to make itself noticed as she breathed.

"You okay, Raven?" Gecko questioned, caring for her well-being.

"Yeah…just let me…catch…my breath," Raven managed, still doubled over, but her breathing pattern had slowed from its erratic pace, so what she spoke of was indeed true. After a few minutes, though still fatigued, she was able to stand erect, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"Alright, I'm good," Raven informed, still gaping for air, but nowhere near as bad as she was only moments before.

"Okay," Gecko replied, "Raven, this is Onagazaru," he added, pointing to the small, white monkey perched upon his shoulder.

"H-hello," she greeted, still unaccustomed to these humanoid animals. She had seen many strange things in her life, but this ranked up there quite high as a whole. "Onagazaru, was it?"

"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, Raven," he replied in his usual tone, leaping from Gecko's shoulder onto hers in a flash, circling around her neck to the other, "I've heard much about you from Gecko-san already. He's informed me you seek training, do you not?"

"I do," Raven calmly replied, yet, the animal's antics were testing her patience, "the sooner I am able to complete it, the better."

"Why are you in such a hurry, my dear?" He questioned, still traversing Raven's shoulders, even crawling down her back from time to time. "I have all the time in the world."

"I don't," she nearly growled, "I do not wish to be rude, but I'm in no mood for your games, Onagazaru, please."

"Why not? Games are fun, and fun appears to be something you are lacking."

It was evident that this animal was testing Raven's last nerve. Gecko could even notice, but he stood idle, knowing that it was for the best.

"I'm not here to play games," she finally snapped, staring directly into the animal's eyes, "if you are to train me, then so be it, that's all I'm here for."

"Oh, I see," Onagazaru continued, unfazed by Raven's irate attitude of the moment, "all business, are we? Very well, training you is what you want, training you shall receive."

The monkey leaped off of her shoulder to the nearby tree overlooking the canyon before them shrouded in mist. Though it appeared he had done nothing, the ground began to rumble, more than enough to be noticed. Raven quickly adjusted her footing to keep herself from falling from the sudden, and surprising, force that shook the earth she stood on. Though, her eyes adjusted to the sight, and through the think, lingering mist quickly shot up numerous shoots of bamboo, too many to even contemplate upon counting. The animal jumped from the tree upon a shoot of bamboo, hoping from one to the other upon his hands and feet, even adding a somersault into the mix.

"Your training is a game though," Onagazaru pointed out, standing upon one hand, his body vertical in the air with ease. "You must catch me."

"Sounds easy enough," Raven thought, boldly stepping forward. Her courageous attitude quickly subsided as she set foot upon the first shoot of bamboo. Though they varied in length and were spaced amply about, it was still nerve-racking as it bowed under her weight, giving her an immediate feeling of vertigo as her vision peered into the mist below her.

"Careful, Raven," Gecko warned, keeping ever-vigilant, "I'm not too sure what's down there, let alone how far down it is."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," she sarcastically thought as she stretched her foot out towards the next.

Much like the last, the bamboo bent beneath her, enough to cause her to lose her balance, nearly falling, but quickly regaining her balance.

"Damn," Raven cursed as she steadied herself, watching the headband that she had fashioned as a blindfold only moments before fall into the mist, disappearing from view, doomed to flutter downward for what seemed like an eternity.

"Well, what is it going to be?" Onagazaru teased, easily transferring from one to another, toying with her, "are you going to give chase or am I to play by myself as I usually do?"

"Oh, don't worry," Raven replied, steadying her frustration, "I'll play alright."

"I'm looking forward to it, sometime today perhaps?" He taunted, only causing Raven's blood to boil. Being made a mockery of was one thing she wasn't about to put up with, especially from a monkey.

"Remember Raven," Gecko called to her from the cliff's edge, "this is about balance and agility, using those in conjunction with one another will be the only way to give you a remote chance of catching him."

"Agility and balance, huh?" She thought, still level upon a single shoot bamboo with tip of her foot. Though physically demanding, it was the least of her worries at the moment, if anything, that was the only plus to it for her. With Alexa's help not so long ago, Raven's endurance and physique were unparalleled, more than what she had ever possessed before or even thought of doing. If it wasn't for her, Raven would not only be in trouble at the moment, but would have long given up hope. Alexa and Hans managed to open Raven's eyes to something far grander…confidence. With that, she refused to give up, no matter the obstacles…no matter the cost. "Being fast and staying on my feet are a couple of things I'm good at." Raven continued within her mind, smirking, getting an arched eyebrow of an expression from Onagazaru.

"This should be very interesting," Onagazaru thought exaggeratedly at her changed expression.

Without warning, Raven took off from the shoot of bamboo, causing it to reverberate from the sheer force of her leap. Just as she closed the gap between her and Onagazaru, the animal gracefully vaulted over Raven's charging form, basically changing positions.

"You're so simple to read," Onagazaru commented, appearing as if he didn't consider Raven a "threat" in their game, "without finesse, it is but a madman's dream to catch me in our little game."

"I've got your finesse right he- "Raven attempted to reply, almost losing her balance, only to gain Onagazaru's laughs.

"Remain calm, Raven," Gecko warned, seeing she was clearly becoming upset and losing what little concentration she had retained against Onagazaru's onslaught of taunting, both physical and mentally.

"He's right," she thought, wobbling in place from the instability of the bamboo shoot, "All I need to do is focus, yet, it's a little harder than it seems. Not only to I have that fleabag nonchalantly playing me for a fool, but being at a dizzying height shrouded in mystery upon one of the most unsound things in existence only adds to this "experience".

Raven took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart as well.

"That's it," Gecko encouragingly thought, watching his impromptu student of a day thus far attempt to focus in her attempts to catch Onagazaru. "She's progressed well thus far, I don't see any reason why she can't overcome this obstacle as well."

"If you are finished," the monkey began, still balancing on one hand, upside-down, "then may I possibly get back to doing what I do best, nothing?"

Her reply wasn't verbal, nor vocal, but the sound of her body cutting through the air with little resistance, leaping just above the bamboo, directly headed towards Onagazaru. Just as he began to find a way to distance himself from Raven by jumping in a strafing manner to the side with unparalleled agility, she responded with equal gusto, to his surprise to say the least. Once more, he quickly changed directions, Raven following suit, keeping within contention of possibly catching the animal on the run. Onagazaru merely looked into Raven's determined eyes to see that she was no longer messing around, which proved true for him as well. If he wished to keep away from her, he must be serious and treat her as such. Leaping from shoot to shoot, quickly changing directions, even attempting to flip over Raven as he had done before, but it was proving to be no avail, as it appeared it was only going to be a matter of time before she was to catch up with him. Onagazaru's cool, taunting demeanor had quickly shifted to one of scramble, attempting to remain just out of Raven's grasp.

"The girl is most impressive indeed," he thought, continually dodging Raven's attempts to lay a finger upon him in hopes of winning their little game, and each pass had managed to grow closer. "One false move and she has me."

Just as he contemplated the situation, he was airborne, setting foot upon the shoot of bamboo, just like before; only his weight wasn't distributed evenly, causing him to slip, nearly falling. Even though it was barely noticeable, it was enough to allow Raven to close what gap remained, jumping overhead, somersaulting in the air. As she passed over him, she tapped him hard enough on the head to make it felt, as well as wearing a smirk of satisfaction. Stunned by Raven's sheer agility and response to his miniscule error, Onagazaru sat motionless as she landed, back facing him.

"Tag…you're it," Raven announced, more than happy with herself at the moment, but clearly exhausted from the experience.

"Congratulations," Onagazaru admitted with a smirk, seeing he was indeed bested at his own game. Whether he was truly trying was not the question of concern, but the fact that Raven managed to "capture" him on only her second true try of their first meeting was absolutely amazing. "A great martial artist you will be one day, but you still have much to learn. Don't expect me to go so easy on you tomorrow, girl."

"I look forward to it," Raven beamed, proud of herself, looking over at Gecko, who was just as ecstatic as she was for completing the task without injuring herself, nor putting herself in harm's way. "You are right about one thing though, I am going to be a great martial artist, you can count on it."

"As do I, Raven, as do I," Onagazaru agreed in her innuendo challenge of not only besting him in a game as part of training form now on in, but to indeed become a force to be reckoned with. "So, as with the others, am I permitted to continue up this mountain after gaining victory over you, Onagazaru-san?"

"No need to ask, girl," he laughed, flipping about, pointing across the expanse of the canyon that was filled with the bamboo shoots, "there is your destination. I'll await you tomorrow now that I have something…interesting to look forward to everyday."

Raven nodded out of respect, keeping a smirk to herself. Indeed her confidence was present, but she didn't want to be rude. The last time she was remotely rude granted her the "honor" of sparring with Chu-Hui. If sparring involves being made a fool of and incapacitated, then that is what it was. Raven's fist tightened at the mere thought of the mockery that was displayed upon her behalf in that moment. She refused to let it happen again, not now, not ever.

Even after her display of superb grace and concentration, Raven took a step in her destined direction, only to slip, losing her balance, and found nothing to grasp on to. Panic swept through her mind as her heart frantically beat within the confines of her chest. All seemed lost as she stared wide-eyed into the mist, only to see a shadowy blur out of her peripheral vision, and her person stopping in midair. After a relieved, as well as much-deserved, breath, she studied what held her, and found it to be Gecko, supporting her with ease upon the already challenging bamboo shoots. Raven looked up into his eyes from her cradled position.

"Watch your step," he gently cautioned as he continued to hold her, "don't need anything terrible befalling you, especially beneath my watch."

"That's very noble of you," Raven replied, smiling, "you seem to care a lot about others."

"You have no idea," he thought, seeming to enjoy a passing thought that happened to turn into a daydream of sorts.

"Uhh…David?"

"Yes, Raven?"

"Could you possible, oh, I don't know, set me down," Raven politely requested, still in his arms. "Not that I don't appreciate it or anything, but I really wish to keep going."

Gecko's focus snapped back into real time, more than slightly embarrassed. Even though his mask covered the lower half of his face, it was obvious his cheeks were flushed from blushing to his own innocent blunder.

"Oh, right, yeah…uhh," Gecko stammered, setting her down, and allowing her to find footing upon the bamboo. Just as he released her person, Raven took hold of his hand, keeping it within her grasp as support and guidance. To Gecko, it seemed more than that, and he hoped. There was only one way to find out, but yet, it was still too soon.

"Some day," He whispered out loud without realizing it.

"What was that, David?" Raven requested, thinking he was talking to her.

"Oh, heh, nothing," Gecko quickly covered up as the duo walked, leaving Onagazaru behind.

The animal only stood there, arms crossed, and shaking his head with a smirk.

"Oh too obvious, Gecko-san…" he taunted to no one in general, "oh too obvious. I do wish the best of luck to you though. You've found the chance, so take it. Pass it up, and you will regret it.?"

Gecko and Raven finally made landfall upon the other side, leaving the dreaded faux pa flooring of bamboo. She even let out a sigh of relief at the feeling of unmoving earth beneath her feet.

"You weren't kidding when you said that was difficult," Raven commented, "I actually missed the feeling of solid ground under my feet for a moment."

"I told you, "Gecko laughed, "you did well though, I'm impressed. I was thinking I was going to have to rescue you from falling sooner."

"I caught him, didn't I?" Raven protested out of play, "you said all I had to do was catch him, and I did."

"At the risk of falling, and if it weren't for me, you would have been in a world of trouble," Gecko corrected in a similar manner, seeing it was all in fun.

"I suppose, I'm just glad that you were there," she informed, looking down over the canyon as the walked up another inclined path. Her sight wandered over at Gecko's person, seeing he appeared to be smiling, rather proficiently at that, beneath his mask. Raven looked down, seeing that she was still holding his hand, even long after they had left the bamboo canyon that belonged to Onagazaru. Not in a rude manner, but Raven released it, retracting it to her own side. To her surprise, he did the same, almost in a mimicking fashion. Silence fell between them soon after, providing nothing more than an uncomfortable feeling that she dreaded, and knew to be true for him as well.

"So," Raven finally spoke after what seemed like eons but was only seconds in reality, "what's my next challenge? Possibly a test of wits against an highly intelligent owl? What about swimming against a fish? Oh, I know, a balancing act pitted against a-"

"Actually, Raven," Gecko interrupted, more than amused with her ideas, "training is over with for today."

"Really?" She quickly replied, unable to believe that it had finally come. "I don't know if I could have continued with anymore of this. Each was all extremely testing upon my person, and I'm sure that I'm officially exhausted for today."

"That's good," Gecko replied.

"…Excuse me?" Raven asked, completely perplexed by the situation.

"I said that's good," he reiterated, looking at her, "that means you worked as hard as you possibly could, and it's a sign of a job well done. Only those that are exhausted at the end of the day truly put forth all of their potential, giving all that they had to give. I believe you fit the niche well."

"Thanks," Raven huffed, straining as her muscles screamed out in pain from today's adventures, "I've been sore and hurt before, but this is something else. Death might be more enjoyable than what I'm feeling at the moment."

Gecko's eyes grew of concern, as she too realized what she had said. Even though it was hastily conceived and performed, Raven still attempted to do the unthinkable, and amongst all people she thought of it ever happening to, it was herself. That was one thing that she wished to never experience again in the remainder of her life, no matter how long it be.

"Look, I didn't mean it like that," Raven attempted to correct, "there's no need to worry about me, I assure you."

"I know, but," Gecko began, still retaining the look of concern as the slowly walked, "I don't know what it was that forced you into such a hastily made decision, but whatever it is that you have experienced thus far is the past, and I wish for nothing of the sorts to ever happen to you again. The scars upon your body only solidify what I speak of. Someone such as you shouldn't have to be put through living hell no matter what. As long as I draw breath Raven, you will be safe, I assure you. I dare anyone to speak otherwise."

"That's very considerate of you, Gecko," Raven replied, almost relieved, knowing that he was true to his words just by his nature. She surprisingly wrapped her arms around him, embracing him in a hug. "I indeed have nothing to fear with you as my protector."

Gecko eagerly accepted her warmth upon his own person, smiling. Even after everything seemed to have been taken from him in life, he finally had something to look forward to, something to protect. Something to…love.

"I do have a solution to your muscle pains though," Gecko finally stated in their enjoyed silence, releasing one another. "There's a hot spring not far from your, er, I mean, my dwelling that I use every day after a hard day's work. You need it more than I, but it's quite relaxing."

"Lead the way," Raven eagerly replied, more than ready to feel the soothing, even medicinal, waters of the naturally heating springs.

Within a matter of minutes, and a visit to Gecko's dwelling to change, they found themselves at the hot spring that he had mentioned. To Raven, it appeared to be similar to the one that she found in the clearing in the jungle, but this appeared to be of better upkeep. Not only did it posses a wide rim of stone around it, the surrounding foliage provided more than a beautiful scene. As Raven took in the sights, she finally noticed Gecko had disrobed to nothing more than his undershorts, displaying his nearly inhuman perfect physique, allowing the filtering sunlight of dusk to dance across his toned body. He gingerly slid into the water that emitted steam naturally, drifting across the shallow pool away from the stepping stones that led down into it. Gecko turned back, seeing Raven was still bundled up in her robe, the very same that Hans had given her as a gift. She seemed to have knack of finding more than one use for items.

"Come on, Raven," Gecko motioned with a smile, "don't be shy, besides, you need this, trust me, you'll feel a lot better after you submerge yourself."

"Well…if you insist," she managed, nearly embarrassed, hesitatingly undoing the knot in the robe's belt. "You do seem to know best, after all."

One arm after the other, she slowly removed the robe, revealing her own person, covered by a black two-piece swimsuit. Apparently, she had managed to pick it up somewhere along her travels, more than likely when she was Alexa's roommate. It showed off her own physique, as well as the scars Slade etched into her forever, easily. Though slightly more tanned, Raven's skin remained an off-shade, extremely pale and still retaining the grey hue to it. Yet, to Gecko, Raven was quite possibly the most beautiful thing he had seen in…ever. As he looked her over as she entered the pool of soothing water, he lowered his own head, nearly submerged besides the top of his head and eyes. Raven finally looked up at him, seeing him in his unnatural position.

"Gecko, what's the matter?" She beckoned with a smirk, amused by his nature.

"Oh, me?" He replied, lifting his head up slightly from the water, "it's nothing, I was just taken back for a second, that's all."

"I see," Raven added with a cocked eyebrow, knowing good and well what he was getting at. "What exactly were you taken back by?"

"Oh, uh…heh, um," he stammered, clearly becoming flushed in the cheeks, and it wasn't from the water.

"Gecko?"

"Y-yes?"

"Just say it," Raven informed with a smirk, "look, no matter what you are going to say, I will look no differently upon you, I assure you. Besides, we need to be open with each other, right?"

Gecko nodded in agreement, lifting his head free from the water completely, sitting up normally.

"Okay," he huffed as he began, still trying to find the best way to say what he was thinking of her, but it turned out that the simplest approach is the best, "Raven…I think you're…beautiful."

"R-really?" Raven questioned, caught off guard at the moment, as well as allowing her own embarrassment to show. It was just so…different for her. Even though Garfield had said he loved her and did indeed show true to his word, he never said she was beautiful. Circumstances or not at the time of Garfield's confession of love, no one had ever called her that. David's innocent nature and inert need to protect everything that he cared for only forced his words farther home. "Y-you really think so?"

"Think? I know, Raven," Gecko replied, more sure in his words this time. "Granted I live with a woman older than dirt, but that's beside the point. The point is that a man would have to be a fool to not realize that. I am no fool."

It was clear as to how serious he was in his words, and Raven was more than accepting of them.

"I'm not tha-"

"Yes you are," Gecko interrupted, grabbing her attention even further, "don't be so modest about yourself. On top of being one of the most precious girls I have ever laid eyes on, you have a personality that is unrivaled by anyone else upon the face of this earth."

"Please, Gecko," Raven managed, still embarrassed, but enjoying his compliments. "Thank you, but I'm not that great." Raven lowered her head slightly, "…not if you knew everything."

"I'm here for you," he returned, inching closer to only a mere foot separated them to prevent her from having to raise her voice across the hot spring, "if you want to talk about it, that is. It could possibly help you feel better about it."

"I don't know," Raven semi-protested, letting out a sigh, clearly distraught, "no matter what I do or where I go, these things will plague me the rest of my life. I have to live with my mistakes."

Gecko reached out for her hand beneath the water, taking hold of it gently.

"If you don't wish to tell me, that's fine, I understand," he informed, "but I really dislike seeing you in pain, physically or mentally."

That was the last straw, whatever inhibitions against telling her past to him were broken. He was correct in the logic of getting something off of one's chest, but, with her, no matter what she did, it would be with her for the rest of her life.

"I'll…try," Raven finally managed, getting his attention once more, "I hope you won't look upon me any different once you hear the truth."

"I promise, Raven," Gecko assured, displaying the truth in his words that he had always done before.

With that, Raven began the tale of how she came to be. Even though it was so far-fetched and unbelievable, it was true. No one but Raven would really ever know how true it really was. Though, this time, she left the mentioning of Slade outside of it, not wishing to utter his name ever again, especially after what had happened in the forest, even though it was only a dream. With Raven, that was all it took. The rest of the story would be told some other time, but not now. Even though she trusted him greatly, he was only an acquaintance, and it would be some time before she befriended him to the point of hearing the rest.

"…and that's how I ended up here, I think," Raven finished, revealing nearly all of her past from the previous 4 years or so.

Gecko looked on in disbelief, at more than one thing at that. Yet, there was one thing that stayed in his mind.

"Wait, wait, wait," he uttered, still in disbelief, which was to be expected, "You're telling me that you're a Titan? As in superheroes against villains in the world Titan?

"Yes," Raven calmly replied, "in fact, I was one of the founding members upon the team of Titans West, more formally in Jump City in the United States."

"No…way," Gecko added, wide-eyed, "I've been looking for you guys like my whole life. I've always wanted to be a Titan. Help others in need and everything, but part of the founding team, wow, that's amazing. So I assume you know Robin, don't you?"

Raven remembered how he had come through to the True Master years ago, so she must have told the story to Gecko of Robin.

"Yes, I do, just like the others; he's one of my best friends, even family if that's how you wish to look at things," Raven explained, noticing that the afternoon sunlight had faded into twilight, only the surrounding torches illuminated the area. "I've never had any friends or true family before them, so they are all that I have in the world."

"Since you're a superhero, you must have powers, don't you?"

"I…did," Raven painfully admitted, "because of the one that gave me these scars, it appeared that I was injured enough to lose control, even the very feeling of them. I may still have them, but I can't use them any longer. That's why I sought out this quest to find help, to return home with something of use to my teammates."

Gecko was clearly becoming upset. He stared into the water, his fist clenched.

"Whoever did this to you doesn't deserve to live," he uttered out of anger, making eye contact with her once more. He was upset not at her, but at Slade, even though he was unknown to it. Gecko already witnessed Slade's atrocities, and now unknown to him, two people close to him that was taken or affected by his vile hand.

"I assure you, he won't be hurting anyone else ever again," Raven stated, avoiding the use of his name. "but the damage has already been done. I suppose I consider it a curse for what I willingly did to my own…family."

"It's not, don't look at it that way," Gecko attempted, "things happen, sometimes out of our control. This happens to be one of them. You know what though?"

"What?"

"I think this was all destined to happen. I think you were destined to come here as well," Gecko explained with a smile in hopes of brightening her spirits somewhat. "You were destined to…meet me."

Raven thought for a moment. From what her mother had said long ago, it was true. Her entire life was scripted, and things were prophesied to happen. Thus far, it appeared to be living up to its words.

"You know what?" Raven added, "you're probably right. Would I do it all over again? You bet I would."

"Why, it sounds like this is the worst thing that's happened in your life, why would you relive it?"

"Just so I could meet a nice and caring person….just so I can meet you."

She embraced him in a hug, this one seemed to be more caring than the last, as if he could actually feel her own natural energy flow within him and intertwine with his own, making it a lasting moment. Raven finally released how long she had embraced him, quickly releasing out of embarrassment.

"So…best be getting some rest for tomorrow, I suppose," Raven finally admitted, preparing to exit the spring.

"That sounds like a plan," Gecko replied, preparing himself as well as his clothing to rest in the tree once more.

"Gecko?"

"Yes, Raven?"

"You can stay in your own living quarters, after all that I have been though, it doesn't bother me any. I trust you enough. Besides, how can you protect me how you wish to do from all the way over there?"

A rush of happiness overcame him, knowing that he was going to spend the evening with Raven…well, sorta. It was all that he needed, either way; her presence was just that enjoyable. Even if it was merely rest.

"I'm happy she's actually trusting of me to this extent," Gecko thought as he walked contently beside Raven, "and surprised really. My feelings weren't…cordially accepted, but she didn't push them away. As I predicted, all I need to do is give it time, and everything that I am working towards forming between us will come true. Becoming friends is a must, but being together is a dream. It is a dream that I truly do hope to fulfill."

Gecko smiled to himself.

"She is right though…I couldn't possibly protect her from that distance. She's trusted me with her safety, even life in need be. I'm not about to fail her now. Not now, not ever."