I don't own TUC only my OC's.

Chapter 13

Peter

I began to explore the palace, leaving the others to their own devices. I went down one hallway after another not really paying attention to where I was going. I could always ask for directions if I needed to. Suddenly I heard people arguing. I stopped to listen even though I knew I shouldn't have.

"Don't you see Raven? This could have been a total disaster. They could have killed you. What were you thinking?" a man whom I assumed was Matthew asked exasperated.

"Please Matthew listen! They are not like the others, and I can take care of myself." She shouted at him.

"No you can't Raven. They were not your responsibility, not your concern. Someone else would have found them, and we would not be having this conversation. You were way too reckless." He snapped back then sighed tiredly, "I've told you before, there's nothing you can do to change what has happened. You are a Keeper Raven. You can't keep running off just because you feel like it or because you want to defy me."

"Maybe I don't want to be one." She said coolly.

"I chose you for a reason and sooner or later you'll finally realize why, but until then you are not to leave the Grand Palace without my permission." I heard Matthew's footsteps coming my way so I quickly hid behind one of the draperies. As soon as he was a safe distance past me I exited my hiding place and crept closer to the room Raven was in.

She was sitting on the floor with her head in her hands. "Raven?" I asked carefully. Her head shot up and her face instantly contorted with rage.

"Get out!" she shouted. I stared at her not moving. "I said get out."

"I'm sorry if we cause you any trouble." I said softly trying to calm her. She sent a glare at me.

"Why did you really come?" she asked angrily.

I entered the room cautiously. There wasn't much too it, just a trunk in one corner, a mat in the center of the room, and a small desk and chair. There was a blanket folded neatly on top of the trunk, and two torches stuck to the wall with clay.

"I came because of the prophecy." I said trying not to give away the entire reason, but Raven seemed to be able to see right through me.

"You're lying." She accused.

"It's the truth." I said defending myself.

Raven stood up, and came forward slowly. She stopped just a few inches from my face. "I do not like being lied to." She said quietly. I swallowed.

"It really is the truth. Just not the entire truth." I admitted. Raven took a step back and folded her arms across her chest waiting for me to continue. "My mother was taken by the stabbers when I was ten. The other reason I came was to find her and bring her home." Raven's face softened, but she still held her ridged stance, "My father needs her. He's battling against himself for his sanity, my mother kept him safe. I'm not sure exactly how it happened no one will tell me."

Raven looked almost ashamed. "It is not right for me to be angry at you. Not for a reason like that. I… I am sorry for my outburst."

"It's fine. I guess I don't really understand why you were so angry." I said hoping I could get her talking.

"You probably would not understand." She said slowly relaxing.

"Try me." I grinned at her. Raven pursed her lips and glanced at the doorway.

"Follow me. I do not wish to talk in public." I saw a corner of her mouth twitch up. "I am not allowed to leave the place so I must ask for forgiveness now if I do something that is not…" she struggled to the word, "right."

"It's fine." I shrugged, "Lead the way." Raven took hold of my arm, and I couldn't help but notice the way her skin felt so warm where she touched me. She led me down secret passageways, and cramped tunnels that led out of the palace and into the city. Or so I thought.

We stopped by a crevice in the wall and Raven motioned for me to enter. I slid through the tight space and into a smallish cave. Raven entered a moment later and lit a lantern hanging from the ceiling. She sat down on a mat below it, "Now we may talk freely." I sat down across from her and stared at her intently. Her eyes darted from place to place as if to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary. "I will try to explain it as best I can in human tongue. I am sure you have noticed that we have our own langue here as well as the one that comes naturally to us." I nodded and she gave me a small smile. I had a feeling that she was a bit nervous. "I am one of the Keepers, or rather Keeper in training. I will eventually take over for Matthew, but as far as I can see it is in the far future."

"You're a Keeper?" I asked amazed. Nodded and glanced at the crevice in the wall almost afraid that something was going to jump out from there. I glanced too and saw nothing.

"My parents died a few years ago mysteriously. I have theory that includes some information that you have brought. Poisontip is hiding something that has to do with their death. I know they were on to something before they died, and I am almost positive it has to do with him but I am not sure what exactly."

I scooted closer to her, "What's your theory?"

"I think they are planning something. For more than a year now the older stabbers have been acting strangely. They do not interact with the other species as much as they used to. Sometimes I hear noises at night when I am supposed to be in bed. It sounds like they are training." Raven grew silent. A few moments later she said, "My parents died while on patrol duty. I found them the next morning slaughtered. I am an outcast among my people because none of the others have lost a parent like that. There is only one other child who lost a parent to sickness. She still has the other though, while I am an orphan."

"I know what it's like to feel that way. No one understands what you're going through, but I do. I'm practically an orphan now."

She looked up at me, "I am not quiet sure why I am telling you this, but for some reason I get this weird feeling that I can actually trust you."

I smiled at her. "Of course you can. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to protect you."

Raven gave me a small smile and stood, "Come, it is time to you're friends for lunch." I stood as well and she extinguished the lamp and I followed her silently out of the cave.

Quick question, who do you think Peter will end up with? Just wondering, I know but what do you think. Thanks for reading!

~chocoyum4~