Days turned to weeks, weeks into months, expanding across a time that nearly encompassed a year. The seasons came and went as usual, even in the mountainous lands of Southern China, they were noticeable. From the extreme winters that fell snow by the foot for days that dared any sane soul to set foot into, spring months allowing rain to fall like no other, summer days that literally climbed to scorching triple digits at times, despite the cross winds of high elevation. If any season was the most tolerable at times, it would be autumn, as the leaves gently swayed to the ground by the cooling breeze, shortening the day's sunlight slowly every day, providing for an absolutely beautiful environment to indulge one's self in. Each and every day passed the same, beginning with the Bear, Snake, and Monkey, and finally ending in a much-deserved dip in the naturally occurring hot spring, providing a time to relax and kick back. Raven's training with the animals is still fresh in her mind, as it has only been a mere month since she had finally converted to training directly under Gecko in order to continue advancing in her abilities. Not that the animals had long since lost interest, but the fact that she was more than able to defeat them with ease was proving quite useless to training. Today was no different, as Raven and Gecko were on the grassy lawn that she had first learned how to imitate water in her forms so long ago, learning how to focus inner energy. Yet, at this moment, it was more or less being friends than training, but they didn't mind.

"I've been meaning to ask you something, Rae," Gecko questioned of her, using her shortened name, much like a close friend would. He sat cross-legged next to her as they faced the cliff's edge, overlooking the valley.

"What's that?" Raven replied through closed eyes, still concentrating.

"You remember those glove things I found that fell out of your bag earlier today, just before we "played" that little game of hide-and-seek?"

"Yeah, what about them?" Raven continued politely, seeing he was curious. She remembered the "game" though: With use of agility and speed through the tree tops to see who was the fastest, as well as the use of surrounding terrain to blend it with. Even though Gecko took it easy on her, Raven still proved quite resourceful and came out as the victor overall. Besides, he enjoyed seeing her happy when she won.

"I have a pretty good idea about them, but what are they for?" He continued.

Raven smiled, letting out a huff of a laugh, getting his attention.

"You'll think it's stupid if I told you," Raven began, relinquishing in her memories of Alexa and Hans at the moment.

"Of course not," Gecko assured, "so what, were you like some kind of fighter for a while or something? Not that you aren't, I mean, you have a spirit worthy of any warrior, but I mean as in sport. I've never meet anyone that engages in a fight for…fun."

"Yeah, sorta," Raven replied at his general demanor, "I had this…friend that taught me how to box. I liked it, and not to mention it got my confidence back. Before that, I didn't know what I was going to do. I was surprised with myself to say the least, I mean, me of all people, taking part in something like that. Trust me, I wasn't always like this. I don't think you would have liked the old me."

"Nonsense, Raven, how could I not like you? You're one of the few people I know in this world, not to mention amongst the most cherished," Gecko stated, still showing interest in her tales. "So, I suppose that's what explained your seemingly inhuman stamina and strength, unfocused or not. You said boxing, correct?" Gecko pointed out, getting a nod in agreement from Raven. "What kind of boxing? Like kickboxing, Muay Thai?"

"Just the normal kind, I guess," Raven corrected, "just the hands." She added, holding her gently made fists up in a fighting stance of sorts.

"Oh, I see," Gecko added, "Interesting to say the least. At the risk of sounding stupid and not to insult your abilities…were you any good at it?"

"Was I?" Raven jested with a laugh, "Before I continued on with my travels, I managed to close out my short "career" if you will with a total of 11 wins, 1 loss. Of course, my last bout was the loss"

"Impressive to say the least," Gecko congratulated, "I've never seen a fight before, well, that way anyways. What's it called when you knock them down for the win for what is it..10…20 seconds, something like that?"

"It's 10, David," Raven corrected with a smirk, "and it's called a knockout."

"Ah, I see, yes, how many knockouts did you get?"

Raven smiled.

"11," she calmly informed. "Just to let you know, that loss I told you about? I wasn't knocked out. That came by a split-decision that was entirely unfair in my opinion. I knocked one of her teeth out in that bout."

Gecko's eyes went wide.

"Wow, that's how all your wins came by?"

Raven merely looked at him slyly.

"I thought you said you didn't doubt my abilities?"

"Oh, trust me, I'm not," he defended, playfully nervous, "Now I know where your stubborn attitude to nearly anything comes from, but in a good way. You never give up, always keep going, no matter the cost. No pun intended, but you always get back up when you get knocked down. From what I can tell, Rae, you truly are a warrior at heart, and always have been, all you need was to unlock the potential, which required a little…motivation. Why didn't you stay with it?"

"I had to move on," Raven informed, unfolding her legs, looking across the midday expanse of the valley, "came out this way and whatnot. I do miss the feeling though. Knowing that it was only you and your opponent, only one could walk away the victor. I always frowned upon it when I passed it on the television, but when you're there in it, it's a whole new world. There's a lot of skill, effort, concentration, just all kinds of things that I didn't think was possibly involved in it that were and are vital. If I had decided to stay, I would have never met you."

"Ah, I see," Gecko commented.

"You remember that whole destiny thing you told me about awhile back?"

"Yeah, what about it, Rae?" He stated, following suit of Raven's posture, relaxing.

"I think you were right," Raven informed, looking over at him, "we were destined to meet, you were to help me, all of it."

"If you believe in fate," he added, standing up, Raven following suit.

"Do you even need to say that?" Raven questioned, cocking her brow.

Gecko smiled, looking into her eyes.

"Of course not," Gecko gestured, "I already knew."

"Even though I'm not the one that usually says this," Raven began, looking around, "but are we going to get started on any more training today?"

"Soon, just enjoy the rest though," Gecko assured, "strong and willing or not, my training's a little tougher than fighting the animals."

"Nothing I can't handle," Raven replied confidently, "I've prevailed thus far, so what is there that will prevent me from pushing forward?"

"I didn't say that you couldn't," Gecko pointed out, "I'm just merely informing you that your training has become more difficult, testing both your physical endurance, as well as your mentality in situations. You have the potential, we just need to unlock it."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Raven ushered, "Let's go find that key and unlock my so-called potential then."

Gecko merely laughed as Raven playfully pushed him along the gentle downgrade of a path. The duo came upon an outcropping of boulders ranging in various sizes.

"Stop here," Gecko informed, getting Raven to quit pushing him.

"Why? It's just a bunch of rocks," Raven pointed out, not understanding what his reasoning was behind their halt.

"I think it's time to show you a new trick," he smirked, "now that you can control your inner energy expertly, it's time to put it to use by using it as a weapon."

"Haven't I done that before?" She quizzingly added, confused.

Gecko's lips curled into a devious smile.

"Nothing like this," he assured, picking up a softball-sized rock, holding it with his palm out stretched skyward. "Now watch closely. You know what this is don't you?"

Raven looked at him with a cocked eyebrow.

"It's a rock…isn't it?" Raven replied, knowing Gecko, really unsure of his motives.

"Right, but it isn't a rock, it's the enemy," he corrected, pointing at it. "With that being said, I am going to show you how to turn the "enemy" into dust."

Gecko widened his stance, gripped the rock, and made a fist with his other hand. With unmatched speed, he brought his fist down upon the rock, and like he promised, instead of merely crumbling or shattering into numerous shards, the rock exploded into nothing more than a fine powder, drifting away into the wind.

"Wow," Raven said wide-eyed, "breaking it was one thing, but it's completely destroyed, h-how did you do that?"

"Don't worry, I'm going to show you," Gecko assured, "It takes superb concentration and focus of your inner energy. Now that you've managed to build it up since you've been here, you may possibly be able to do this. Don't get discouraged though, it takes practice. What's happening when you make contact is that you're not striking with your strength, but your energy."

"My…energy?" Raven second-questioned, dumbfounded.

"Yes, your using your energy, your very lifeforce as a weapon. A very potent and lethal one at that," he informed, hefting up another about the same size, placing it in Raven's hand. "As I said, don't get discouraged, it took me nearly a year to perfect this technique, yet, I'm still not a master at it."

Raven nodded, taking into effect what he was getting at. Raven's mind seemed to operate in such a way to where things seemed to come easily to her, but if a challenge presented itself, daunting or not, she'd take it head on. Now, completing said challenge was another story. In a similar manner after a concentrated gathering moment, Raven mimicked Gecko's form, bringing her fist upon the rock with equal force. Yet, the rock did give under her strength, but only shattered into shards and fragments, some even sticking into her hand. Raven quickly retracted her fist out of pain, watching blood begin to seep from the minor cuts, pieces of stone lodged in between her knuckles.

"Ahhh…," she groaned in pain, shaking her hand as it continued to bleed, "I don't think I did it right."

"Close though," Gecko attempted to confide, even though it was in vain in comparison to Raven's string of hushed obscenities as she picked the fragments out of her hand. "Your form was correct, but you are still in the mindset that you much make contact with brute force."

"If it…doesn't make contact," Raven replied in between picking shards out of her knuckles, "then how will I…obliterate it like…you did?"

"It's the energy, not the contact; you must transfer the energy without making true contact. Here," he handed her another rock, slightly bigger, "try again, but this time, try to stop your fist just as it makes contact, and allow the momentum and energy to continue through. If possible, keep your hand loose when you strike, but just as it makes contact, tighten it. It's all about timing, but trust me, its well worth it."

"I'll try," Raven steadied, looking at the rock resting in her palm, "I still don't see how it you did it though, who taught you this?"

"I'll tell you as soon as you get it right," Gecko played with a smirk.

Raven nodded, even though it was merely out of amusement, she took it as a challenge. Similar to before, Raven forced her fist forward with the same speed and angle, only this time she did as he instructed, attempting to stop the inertia just as it made contact, hopefully allowing the energy behind her attack to do the work. As predicted, she strained against the turbulent force that bore down upon her arm as it contacted. She immediately noticed a change in the feeling of her attacking hand as the energy surged through it and exited on the continued path, into the rock. As if it were an alien force of unknown origin, Raven felt the energy transfer from her fist into the rock, instead of cracking it into multiple, and painfully sharp, sharp shards, it instantly exploded into a minute cloud, drifting away in the wind in a similar manner as Gecko's. Raven looked up with a proud smile upon her face, Gecko's distorted into one of sheer astonishment.

"You just performed a technique that took me a year to learn in a matter of minutes," he managed, still dumbfounded by Raven's abilities.

"Is that good?" Raven questioned, knowing good and well what the answer was, only getting a laugh out of him. "So, I lived up to my part of the bargain, now it's your turn. Who taught you how to do that?"

Gecko looked out across the canyon, taking in the last rays of the setting sun, feeling the wind whip across his tanned face.

"My master did," he began, still studying the dusk of day before his eyes, "He taught me nearly everything I know. Well, enough about that, I doubt you want to hear about that. I know how people feel about indulging in the past, taking the proverbial "trip down memory lane" kind of thing."

"Please do go on," Raven persuaded, "I wish to hear more about you and your past. Even after the year that I have been here, I know so little about you. I'm sure that an innocent and caring individual such as yourself has much to tell. I want to hear all of it."

"I warn you, it's not for the faint of heart," Gecko stated, "I don't wish to upset you in any way, shape, or form."

"After what I've been though," she assured, "I don't know if there's anything left that could do that. Besides, I'm a big girl, David, I can take it."

He meekly smiled at her antics around him.

"Well, for starters, you probably already knew that I'm not from around here. I'm not what they call "indigenous"."

"I…knew that already," Raven pointed out, "I also know what "indigenous" means, David, I'm not stupid."

"See, what I tell you?" Gecko laughed, "Seriously though, I am originally from Mexico, or at least of Mexican heritage. I say that because I only lived there for the first 5 years of my life, nothing major. In any case, here's the interesting part. My parents were what I guess you'd call "normal". Well, one of them anyways. That would have been my father. My mother was, well, how should I put this, you'll probably think that I'm making this up, but she was a demon, a reptilian demon to be more specific."

"Okay," Raven commented, not at all surprised.

"What? That doesn't even seem the least bit surprising, let along believable to you?"

"It's a perfect explanation to your abilities for one, and the fact that you call yourself "Gecko" only makes it kind of obvious. Besides, I know of demons, and I know they exist. I'm one of the few "intelligent" people when it comes to that kind of thing," Raven explained, content with his story thus far, "do continue."

"Oh, well, okay," Gecko managed, surprised on how well she was accepting to the idea that his mother was a demonic being of otherworldly origins. "My mother was a demon. My father always told me that she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen on the face of the earth."

"Didn't you think that yourself, well, from a child adoring their mother of course," Raven questioned.

"I wish I could have seen her, but sadly, she…died giving birth to me."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Raven apologized, not having a clue as to the tragic fate of his mother, "I didn't know."

"It's okay," Gecko managed, resting a hand upon her shoulder, even though he was emotionally upset to a degree. Raven could tell, but he was fighting to contain them. "I lived with my father alone for those 5 years, until cruel fate decided it was time for Death to visit my life once more. My father contracted an incurable disease that he continued to fight for months, but it was inevitable, as he passed away as well. So there I was…orphaned…alone in the world. Luckily, shortly before that, I had begun training in martial arts beneath a master known as Yamori Hui, Master Chu's brother. Older brother I might add. He took me in as his own while under his teachings."

"Wait, you're saying that old crow had an older brother?" Raven commented, making sure she wasn't around or even possible to hear her.

"Yes, funny thing was he looked much younger, he was the stronger one of the siblings. In any case, I was beneath his extraordinary teachings in the arts for 8 years, he essentially raised me as his son, and fulfilling my father's…dying wish."

Raven noticed his voice began to break at the very end as he trailed off. Knowing him to be this powerful, brave warrior for good, it was different to see him this way, yet, to her, it didn't make her think any different of him. It only proved that he was human, just like her, and cared for others.

"Just as I managed to find peace in my life," he continued, finding it even harder to continue, "this…vile…monster of a human being entered my life, demanding possession of my sword, the very same that possessed my father's very spirit. He wanted it for his own evil agenda, to use its ability to sever anything it made contact with, no matter how strong of a material it be. Master Yamori and I attempted to resolve the situation peacefully, but it was not to happen that way. This evil creature didn't even hesitate, attacking Master Yamori and I, managing to get the sword."

Gecko's hand was balled up in a fist, the veins upon the back of his hand beginning to become visible as his anger flowed through his body.

"He attempted to strike Master Yamori down with it, but I wanted to protect the only father figure I had left in the world, so I put myself before him. Even with my speed, it wasn't enough. Master...Master Yamori still suffered an injury that proved to be fatal not much later, while I received this as payment for my futile attempts to save him." He motioned towards his scar over his eye, "I was lucky enough to retain sight in it, but after that happened, I…lost it, I charged him with everything I had, knowing that I was nowhere near strong enough to fight him on my own, so I did the only thing I could think of, I merely took the sword away from him. Surprised, and seeing something that frightened him, he fled, but I was more focused on Master at that point to give chase. I did notice that my hand had turned a dark green color, even what appeared to be scales had begun to form upon the back of my hand. Later, I discovered that this must have been yet another gift that mother had given me, and I thank her for it. My curse is other's salvation, and I plan to use it to help others. Though, shortly after that incident, Master Yamori fell victim to that monster, and it was I that put him to rest."

There were tears in Gecko's eyes, yet to have fallen upon his cheeks.

"You don't have to continue if you don't want," Raven consoled, "I don't like seeing you upset like this."

"I…need to, it helps me accept it and fuel my ambition to prevent others from even thinking of going through what I have been forced to suffer."
Raven knew exactly what he was feeling as she could completely relate. Yet, there was something about this "vile creature" of a man that seemed…familiar.

"I found that he had left me a gift that he had planned on giving to me as I was to graduate from his teachings and tutelage. It was these very clothes that I wear, a mix of martial artist garb and my Mexican heritage, mainly focusing on that of wrestlers, "luchadors" as they are better known, nothing like what is in America."

"So, then what?" Raven respectfully requested, still cautious as to where she wished to tread upon his past. "After that, what did you do?"

"I wished to help people, to be a hero, to stop the kind of evil that ruined what life I had managed to make. I sought out this organization that is world-renown for just that, heroes, well, superheroes that is."

The gears within Raven's mind began to turn as she put two and two together. She was still thinking of the villainous man that he had mentioned earlier, but also a superhero group, and the fact that he was about 13 around the same time only made it that much more possible.

"What's the name of this group?" Raven questioned, adding everything up.

"I'm not sure, I don't remember, I found my Master's younger sister and continued training under her during my search for them, but I think it was something like the Titans…yeah, that's it, the Teen Titans."

The proverbial lightbulb illuminated within Raven's head, as an idea formulated.

"The Titans?" Raven unbelievably questioned, getting a nod, "I'm a Titan. Well…sorta."

Gecko's attention was immediately grabbed.

"You are? Wait, I know you haven't lied yet, but how can I believe you? You don't have any powers that I can see, but you can fight. Master Hui had a student that was a Titan…Robin I think it was or something like that. Long before I came here."

"Just wait here, I'll be right back," Raven assured with a smile, standing up, and bolting up the path, apparently heading back to her living quarters, which had managed to be constructed not far from Gecko's own. Within a matter of minutes, she returned, cradling something wrapped up in her hand.

"Here, you don't believe me," she began, unraveling the cloth, revealing her inert Communicator in dire need of repair, "that's a Communicator."

Gecko's face lit up as he picked it up from her hands, inspecting it as he opened it, taking it in.

"What an impressive piece of technology. If you're a Titan, then why haven't you called your friends for help? It's only sensible."

"Trust me, I would if I could," Raven replied taking the Communicator from him as she looked at it, "this thing managed to get fried because…, well, it's a long story."

"I'm all ears and I've got plenty of time," Gecko stated, "I'm more than eager to hear of what you have been through, possibly shed some light on the mystery that is Raven to me."

She merely laughed as he was just like a student willing to learn, all Raven had to do was reveal the information for him to learn of. Though, complications arose with that.

"Even if I did tell you some things about me, you'd probably think different of me than you do now, and I wouldn't blame you one very bit," Raven commented, folding the Titan Communicator back up, even though it was useless, it was still hers, essentially a badge proving to the rest of the world that she was indeed a Titan. A very misplaced and powerless one, but a Titan no less, and all of that would change…someday.

"How could you even think that," Gecko pointed out, "we have lived by one another for nearly a year, and compared to what I've lived through thus far, I'm more than positive that it will not be any worse than that."

"I am part of the original team of Titans located in Jump City. You know where that's at?"

Gecko shook his head.

"If I knew that, I would have been there already," he laughed light-heartily.

"It's on the western coast of the United States, in California to be exact. In any case, that is where the Titans originated from several years ago. You've already heard of Robin, our leader. There's Cyborg, part man, part machine, and highly intelligent to boot. He has designed and built everything that has to do with technology for the team, from the communicators, even building the Tower, our base of operations, from the ground up. Then there's Starfire, an alien princess of the world of Tameran, seeking refuge upon earth from slave-trading aliens, essentially the reasoning of all of us meeting. She's very beautiful, but she seems to lack in intelligence. Not that she isn't, it's just the fact that she struggles with comprehending the languages of the world. If you're looking for a fierce warrior at heart, that's where you need to turn to. Her entire species' civilization is that of one that rivals, if not surpass, the achievements of Spartans in Greek history. Last but not least, there's Beast Boy, shape-shifting master of the animal kingdom, granted and cursed with the ability to morph into any animal on the face of the earth, as well as some that are, well, alien. Usually immature and obnoxious, between horrendous manners to practical jokes, he's just seeking attention to cover all the pain that dwells within him from his parent's passing at a young age. These heroes, and myself, have protected Jump City from irrefutable evils, such as Brother Blood's first H.I.V.E. Academy, to the inter-dimensional warped world created by Johnny Rancid, even to the darkest day in history that will never be surpassed by the hand of man, the coming of Trigon."

"Trigon?!" Gecko questioned unbelievably, the name synonymous with pure evil, "why, no-, better yet, how did he appear in this realm?"

"Through The Portal," Raven informed, the horrific images of the wishfully forgotten past resurfacing in her mind once more. "Trigon bore offspring in the form of a daughter. That daughter was to be The Portal for his ascension to the realm of mortals. I was The Portal."

Gecko looked on with wide eyes, unable to believe what he had heard.

"You're Trigon's daughter?"

"Yes," Raven managed, "but he failed in his misguided attempt to rule, my friends and I defeated him and sent him back to whence he came. He shall never threaten the realm of mortals again."

"That's good," Gecko commented in a considerate way, only to see Raven's face not ease up in its tightened nature, but grow more distraught.

"Yet, even that was nothing compared to what has happened to me as of lately in my shamble of a life."

"What could possibly be that much worse than the greatest conceivable evil in existence wreaking havoc upon the world?" Gecko seriously asked of her.

"A soulless void that retains the vessel of a human, but it is only a mere husk of what remains. All feelings, any compassion for other living things, absent, and all it cares about is its own personal agenda. This…inhuman monster manipulates and contorts everything around it, even people. I was one of the unlucky ones.

Gecko's attention was grabbed just from the mere description of what was to be far worse than Trigon.

"I had taken somewhat of an absence from the Titans. I was homesick, missing my other dimensional world of Azarath, as well as my mother. She seemed to be the only one that ever showed me compassion, until I met the Titans anyways. In any case, I took a leave of sorts to make the spiritual journey back to Azarath, so I required solitude and utter concentration to make the ascension into the astral world. While I was miles away from my friends, as well as any help, I was attacked by this monster's mechanical minions. I attempted to flee, even with my powers to protect me, it wasn't enough. They captured me, and brought me before their "Master". A long time nemesis of the Titans, he issued an ultimatum upon me: Join him as his Apprentice, or thousands, including the Titans, would perish in the blink of an eye. I made the only sensible choice at the time, even though I rebelled at first. I had become this monster's Apprentice, heeding to his word, obeying every order, even aiding him in committing the very crimes and atrocities that I had became a Titan to prevent. This went on for what seemed like an eternity, and his manipulative ideologies finally corrupted what sanity remained within me. I had become just like him."

Raven's fist balled up as she explained, Gecko taking notice. It pained her greatly to recollect the events, and did all she could to avoid his name. It had become synonymous with everything she stood against and detested with every fiber of her being. She was tempted to lash out in anger, much like she had always done before, yet, she held herself back, mainly due to her teachings beneath Master Hui and Gecko.

"In my corrupted state, my emotions fragile, and my powers dangerously out of control because of it, I heeded his word with utter loyalty, without question. He decreed the order to eliminate the Titans…my friends, and I willingly accepted. In that confrontation, I was discovered, and they were shocked, needless to say. I didn't blame them. Even after I had nearly killed them with my own hands, they wished to give me a second chance. It was their friendship and the bond that we shared as family that drove this ambition to form a task force to make an assault upon where I had called home for so long to break me free of the chains that bound me to him. In that heated battle, I made the choice to protect what I held dear in a time of crisis, and turned on the very thing that was forcing his own ambitions upon me. It was in that duel, I destroyed what had required me to emulate him. This battle…was the end. Because of my telepathic nature, well, former nature, I was saved from certain death by my mother and the leaders of my homeworld. They saw it fit that I be given a new lease on life, and after all my travels, it has brought me here…to you. If you have a different opinion of me, I don't blame you. I'm not the innocent girl you thought I was."

"No, Raven, you are," Gecko assured gently, "under the circumstances, there was no other choice, you did the only sensible thing at the time, and it affected your subconscious. No one is to blame, especially not you. It was either that or watch thousands of innocent people perish before your very eyes. This…monster that you served, is he the very same that has given you these scars?"

Raven's lip quivered out of pain and sorrow upon recollecting what had happened to disfigure her face and body for life.

"Yes," she managed with a broken voice. "That last battle, the one to save my friends is when it happened, and I essentially sacrificed myself for them. I can only hope that they forgive me for the horrible atrocities that I have committed in his name. I can barely do that for myself."

"I'm more than positive that they have, if they are as close as you described them to be to you, and besides, they are the Titans. They are more than understanding of the situation." Gecko replied, coming to her aid in a sense to console her. "I will see to it that you are never harmed again by him, not anyone, ever again. I vow that to you."

"You don't have to worry about him," Raven added, "I made sure he met a fitting end before I was to, well, in a sense. Out of curiosity, I hope it doesn't upset you too much, but what did the figure that slain your master look like?"

"For you, anything," Gecko smiled, even though it hurt, he put in the back of his mind, "I will never forget him. He just gave off an unmistakenably evil aura from his tall, muscular frame. A heart black as coal rested inside of his black-draped body that had metallic armor upon his forearms, shoulders, thighs, and shins. It was a cross of modern contemporary design and old-world majesty of a knight's armor. Menacing in appearance, the coup de grace to top off this utterly disturbing individual would be his mask, shrouding his visage in mystery as dark as he was."

Raven knew the similarities were too close; there was some kind of connection.

"Metallic in nature, gleaming sunlight off of it as if it were repelled by his dark soul, half black, the other bronze, a single, penetrating eye visible, staring into one's soul with such intense hatred. His name is something that will never be forgotten either. This vicious being of a man was known by one name and one name only, S-

"Slade," Raven interrupted, surprising Gecko to no other as he uttered his name as well. The fact that they said his name in unison was all too coincidental.

"H-how did you know?" He requested, surprised at her knowledge of him.

Raven's eyes welled up with tears.

"Because he was the one that did this to me, Gecko. Slade ruined my life. He force me to do his bidding, to harm my friends, all of it. He was behind it all. He ruined my life…much like he did yours."

Gecko went to her side, wrapping his arms around her gently as tears fell from her cheeks at just the mere remembrance of him.

"Even though he's gone, David, he still torments me, I will never be rid of him. His image has been forever etched into my subconscious…he's a part of me now," she sobbed, "no matter what I do, he's always there, and I regret everything that I did in his name."

"It's okay, Raven," He gently replied, embracing her, "whatever past mistakes that you have made are just that, in the past, there are no worries now. Your friends are more than forgiving, I know it, they do not look down upon you as they once did any longer. Nothing bad will ever happen to you ever again, I promise. I will protect you; give my life if I must. I have sworn an oath to do so. Even though he is gone, he is lucky."

"Why do you say that?" Raven managed, wiping her eye, slightly confused.

"He never has to face my wrath, a culmination of intense hatred and anger from the slaying of my master, to the pain he has wrought upon you. I would have personally slaughtered him like an animal with my bare hands just for laying a hand on you in a threatening manner. So I do have to say he is lucky."

Raven meekly smiled at Gecko's…insightful words. That was the only thing that she could possibly reflect upon with relief was the fact that Slade was indeed gone for good, and wouldn't ever hurt anyone ever again.

"I really wish I could have prevented what had happened to you," Gecko informed, "I know it is only my principles telling me this, as well as my heart of course."

Raven still welcomed his warm touch.

"What's in the past is in the past," Raven quoted with a smirk from him, "all I have to look forward to is the future, and I'm just glad you're in it."

Gecko smiled, looking into her deep violet eye, taking in her beauty much like he had done before, except this time, he almost felt as if she had…welcomed it.

"Fate has disrupted our lives," Raven commented as she looked over the valley, watching the setting sun, nearly non-existent behind the adjacent mountains, shrouding the depression between in darkness of twilight. "This fate affects both you and I, and it has in such a negative manner. If not for fate, we would be living normal lives much like we were before. Yet, without fate, we would have never got to know one another, ourselves, if not for fate, we would have never met. If I was to be questioned to do it all again…"

"Would you?" Gecko inquired, enjoying the moment they were sharing.

Raven's eyes drifted to Gecko's own emerald, yet innocent, eyes that shimmered in the limelight of dusk.

"Yes," Raven replied with a smile, "if I knew all of that hardship, all of the pain, would have brought me here…brought me to you, I'd do it all over again."

Gecko was now more than certain as to what course of action he was to take. It may have taken little over a year of bonding and trust, but it was well worth it. For her, he would wait a millennia, even until the end of time if need be. The two of them sat there in silence, embracing one another out of consolation, as well as care, watching the last sliver of daylight disappear from view to allow night to take over.

"Tomorrow," Gecko thought, "it's now or never, but I will find out tomorrow."

The next day came as promised; much like all the others had done before for hundreds of millions of years. Nothing special there all in it's own, unless you were to ask a certain ninja. Yet, to David, it was his hour, now or never. Now was the time to find out if Raven shared the same feelings as he did for her. He only hoped that he would receive the same from her. Other than these fleeting feelings he held dearly for her, the day went on as normal.

"Have you ever done any weapons training?" Gecko questioned of her as they approached the courtyard in front of the pagoda.

"Not much," Raven semi-truthfully replied, stopping "why, what do you have in mind?"

Gecko stopped not far ahead of her, picking up what appeared to be a staff. He tossed it through the air, Raven catching it with ease.

"I'm going to show you how to use a staff," he informed.

Raven deviously smiled on the inside, as she was more than skilled with a staff. That was one thing she was actually proud of when it came to martial arts. Robin couldn't even stand a chance against her with a staff.

"Okay," Raven toyed in her tone, holding it up. She appeared to be truly novice as she stood there, but Raven felt as if she was ready for nearly anything Gecko could throw at her.

"Just the basics for now," Gecko informed, taking his up as well, "I just want you to block this, okay?"

Raven nodded, gripping the staff tighter as she prepared for his attack.

As promised, Gecko sped forward, nowhere near as fast as he could, but enough for a learning pace, or so he though. Raven not only blocked the overhead strike with ease, but parried it, and brought the other end of her staff up to his chin, stopping it just as it touched. Gecko was more than surprised at the sheer speed she exhibited.

"Was that good?" Raven naively commented as he stepped back.

"You've used a staff before, haven't you?" He questioned, smirking.

"Maybe," she added in a similar tone, deviously grinning. "Question is, can you keep up?"

"Can you?" Gecko challenged, quickly getting back into stance, "just don't hurt me."

"Okay, I'll try not to," she laughed, "…can't promise anything though."

Gecko knew she was only joking, but she was indeed dangerous, if not lethal with the weapon.

Once more, Gecko leapt into action, using full speed this time. His attack was blocked, but before Raven could parry it again, he followed up with the other end of his staff. Unable to block the follow-up attack, she ducked, but wasn't completely caught off-guard. Raven's staff swung in an uppercut manner, causing Gecko to place two hands upon his staff to block it from smashing into his chin. Raven's attack did throw him off balance somewhat from the sheer force of the impact, causing him take a step back to regain his footing. That's all it took for Raven to go on the offensive. She followed through instinctively with an overhead strike, Gecko dodging, unable to block it. Just as he returned to his stance, Raven let loose several sharp, jabbing strikes with the end of the staff, forcing him back once more, managing to block a few of them, but dodged most. Even though he had a good feeling that it was coming, he didn't have enough time to prevent it. Raven's staff went down, arcing next to the ground, and coming up with tremendous force. Blocking or not, it broke through his guard, putting him in a very bad spot in terms of defending himself. Even though it felt normal to them, they were both moving at amazing speeds, even for martial artists. Many motions had become literal blurs to eyes that were not trained to see them. Yet, Gecko couldn't even see the next attack, only to feel contact be made with his lower leg, and both of them being swept out from underneath of him with ease. Just as he landed on his back, Raven spun about, forcing the end of the staff only inches from his face with a grin on her face. He was more than surprised, let alone impressed with her skill.

"To answer your question, David," Raven, commented with a laugh, "I do know how to use a staff. It's one of the few things I'm good at anymore."

"That you are, impressive to say the least," he commented, picking himself up. "I suppose there's no need to go through teaching how to use one then, it seems you've already got the basics, as well as pretty much the advanced maneuvers down as second nature."

"What can I say?" She added, twirling her staff about with ease, "I'm a natural."

Gecko merely smiled at her personality, setting his staff down, yet reaching for what appeared to be another pair of wooden practice weapons.

"You may know your way around a staff," Gecko commented, picking them up, tossing one to Raven, allowing her to drop the staff to the side. "Let's see how well you wield a sword."

Sure enough, the wooden weapon in her hands was shaped in the form of a sword, very similar to that Gecko possessed. Slade may have taught her the basics, but she knew that this was a far different playing field against Gecko. They both snapped into attacking positions, staring one another down as if they were truly dueling to the death.

"Trust me," Gecko informed as they slowly circled, awaiting the other's attack, "I'll take it easy on you, and adjust my own skill to yours."

"It's good to know that," Raven cockily commented with an arched eyebrow.

Just as Gecko had predicted, as well as expected, Raven was the first to attack, seeing how she had less patience of the two. Using the most basic lateral strike that Slade had first instructed her to perform was easily blocked by Gecko's reflexes, stopping Raven's sword dead in its track with his own. He parried the weapon away, attempting to make an opening for an attack, but Raven reacted, snapping it into place before her, Gecko's edge resting only inches from her torso. With a surge of strength, she pushed him off, giving her some distance to safely think of another plan of attack.

"Not too shabby," Gecko complimented as they continued to encircle one another, reading each other's moves, "You're pretty good."

Raven quickly rushed in once more, bringing her wooden sword down with a two-handed overhead strike, similar to that of the staff she was using moments before. Gecko blocked the powerful blow with ease and little effort, allowing the weapons' edges to grind against one another, staring into her eyes.

"Not good enough though," he commented, shoving her off, and going on the offensive. An angled slice from the right to the left quickly followed, nearly hitting an exposed Raven. If it were not for the weapons of practice nature, any closer would have proved to be lethal. Raven countered with a fast stabbing strike, watching Gecko side step it, and bring his sword up in a similar direction as before in reverse with blinding speed. Raven watched the incoming attack with surprise written all over her face, pupil shrinking in response. Instead of feeling the intense pain from the blow of the wooden sword lodging itself into the bottom of her ribcage on her upper torso, it only made gentle contact, as Gecko stopped it as it did so. They stood there, frozen, as the duel had come to an end, and Gecko proved to be the victor.

"A deep, angled slice in the upper torso, just below the ribcage," Gecko coolly commented while he remained in position, Raven as well, "definitely inhibit, if not incapacitate your enemy. Death depends on depth and length of the wound. You may know a thing or two about the staff, Raven, but swords are a whole different story."

"I can see that," Raven replied, stepping back, dropping her arm, sword in hand, to her side. "I didn't even see that coming until it was too late."

"Though you do know how to wield a sword," Gecko began, "you lack technique, just like in your fighting styles. Practice makes perfect, so no worries. By the time we're done, Rae, you will not only be a swordsmaster, but possibly better than me."

"Might as well dream big, right?" Raven joked, smiling a little. "So is that it for today, or is this just a sample of what's to come in the future?"

"For today, but be ready for tomorrow though," Gecko led on, "I'm going to step training up with weapons quite a bit. I find it very important as a whole, so I want you to be able to do the techniques correctly without a flaw. By the time I'm done, it will become second nature, no longer having to even think of performing your next move."

"Sounds interesting to say the least," Raven admitted, handing him the practice weapon once more, "Can't wait for it."

The day ended as usual, leading the duo of martial arts students to the rehabilitating waters of the hot spring. Its mysterious ways seemed to work wonders on whoever submerged themselves into it. No matter how hard and trying a day's training was, the pain and aches were always relaxed away in a sea of tranquility. The soothing nature was more than welcomed by both.

"Raven, I do admit one thing about you though," he began, resting against the edge of the pool, attempting not to stare. Even though he had seen her day in, day out, she was still a sight to behold during the time they were together, let alone in the hot spring.

"What's that?" She queried, not across the pool, but to his side, a mere foot separating them.

"In the time that you have been here, you have progressed so far, and learned so much, it's simply amazing," he complimented, seeing her pale cheeks blush ever so slightly, even in the heat of the water.

"Thank you," she replied, "but I still have much to learn. I don't want to get too full of myself now."

Gecko huffed a laugh at her nature.

"You're too modest for your own good, too," he chuckled, "every now and again it's okay to brag, but in moderation of course. Just don't doubt yourself. You're more than capable of doing…well, anything, especially after all that you've been through thus far and so early in life."

"I do suppose you're right," Raven added, seeing he did speak the truth, from the heart at that.

He watched her push a lock of her violet hair behind her ear, taking in her stunning visage.

"It's now or never," Gecko gulped to himself, his thoughts becoming more than jumbled, not helped by his racing heart at all. "The only way to find out if she feels the same is to make the first move. I just do not wish to risk losing such a close companionship over my actions. Well, here goes nothing."

"You know, Rae," Gecko began, secretly inching closer to her without alerting, "all the times I've said that you were the most beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on, and the fact I live with an old bat doesn't matter. Every single time I mentioned it, even alluded to it in mere conversation."

He moved ever closer, closing the distance in half, nearly face to face.

"Yes…Gecko?" Raven questioned cautiously, but she felt extremely comfortable. "What do you mean by it?"

Gecko's head bowed in slightly closer, Raven looking into his eyes.

"I meant just what I said all those times. Raven, you truly are a goddess sent to me, destiny has had this special treasure for me for some time, and decided it was now my time to be rewarded…to be reprimanded in a way for all the tragedy and heartache I have suffered thus far. When I'm around you, everything seems just so…perfect, peaceful, call it what you will. Raven…you're the answer to everything that I have wished for."

She was more than taken back by his beautiful words to her. No one, not even Garfield, had ever spoken to her in such a way. They were so much alike, both suffering tragedy at the hands of the same monster. As Raven always spoke of, destiny changed their lives, and destiny brought their souls together. It was up to Raven to decide if destiny was really true to its word thus far. Raven continued to look intently into his deep, emerald eyes that shimmered in the moonlight. They reminded her so much of Garfield's caring and trustful eyes that there was no mistaking that Gecko shared that same kind of persona within his vessel. Yet, Gecko seemed so much closer to her in so many different ways. Her lips quivered into a smile as a single tear rolled down her check.

"Why are you crying?" Gecko questioned, fearing he had upset her.

"It's okay," she managed, wiping another away, "it's just that…just…"

"Yes?"

"It's just that…no one has ever spoke such words of me ever," she continued, "and I never thought I deserved them. David, these are of joy, not sorrow. It's been so long since I've been so happy…and it's because of you."

Gecko was more than certain he had managed to do things right in a since. He closed the remaining gap between them, Raven meeting him halfway, and embracing him in a deep, passionate kiss that finalized the bond they shared between one another through both grief and happiness. For what seemed like an eternity, they remained locked together, all around them had faded to nothing, as all they could focus was the deep feelings and love they held for one another. Though it was welcomed in unison, the engagement was finally broken in a similar manner, still looking intently into one another's eyes as the held each close to the other.

"That wasn't too…cheesy, was it?" Gecko questioned in their time together, "I did mean every word of it, I just didn't want to be…overly dramatic."

Raven laughed as she nuzzled closer.

"It was perfect," she complimented, "you really know how to sweet-talk a girl, don't you?"

"Heh, I try, I guess it comes naturally," he playfully boasted, even though it was a complete lie. Even she knew that.

Yet, unknown to them in their blissful happiness, something…sinister lurked nearby, something so evil, a soul so tainted; it made many of the world's most violent criminals and other slime look like children. It had been a long, tedious, and grueling trek, even for him in his current state, but after what seemed like eons, he was finally within striking distance. Instead of an entire world separating them, he was only miles from her. The once vessel of a man had now subsided into an entity of vengeance and rage, fueled by long-forgotten ambitions and vendettas against the one that ended it all for him. Granted access to multi-dimensional powers at will only added more fuel to the proverbial fire, and in this instance, literally. The powerful figure stood atop an elevated hill, looking across a darkened mountain range, almost as if he was lifting his nose into the air. A hidden smile crept across his face beneath his mask as he let out a low chuckle that would raise the hair on the back of anyone's neck out of sheer fright.

"She's near," he commented, looking around, "I can smell her. A combination of regret, anguish, fear, and most-telling of all, rage in need of being released. In our time apart, you may have grown stronger, but it is I that has ascended many levels of power beyond her comprehension. These…powers that have been bestowed upon me make her look defenseless. Her, reduced to nothing more than a mortal, will make for easy prey. Yet, I will see to it that my revenge will be slow and most painful for her. By the time I'm done, she will beg for death. No worries though, I will grant it. It has indeed been a long time…Apprentice, but fear not, your…Master is on his way. It's time for one…final lesson, child, and I'm afraid it will indeed be your last. Trigon will get his wish, I will get my revenge, Raven's earthly bounds are severed…everyone wins."

A fireball ignited in his palm, illuminating the sight of a perfectly-polished mask of bronze and black, the Mark of Scathe ever evident, and a single, penetrating eye full of fury, accompanied by a devious chuckle that grew in a crescendo manner in both volume and intensity, on the brink of insanity. The fireball that shone upon Slade fluttered out into nothingness, accompanied by silence.

"Soon, child," he warned in his cold, inhuman voice, almost foretelling, and truly thought Raven could hear him, "very soon."