Disclaimer: I own nothing but the storyline and any original characters. Everything else belongs to DC Comics.
Chapter Seventeen
The tension is similar to that of a world war brewing. Raven, Malchior and Rorek all stand in Wisdom's realm in Nevermore. The two dragons face off against each other. The sorceress stands between them. "What are you two doing?" She demands in a hiss. Malchior takes a step back, his eyes trailing over his woman. Rorek places a possessive hand on her waist in response to Malchior's gaze.
"You have to make a choice, Love," Malchior says. "Dragons are far too territorial to share."
Raven swallows. "Explanations. We need to sit down, and discuss all aspects of the story." Slowly, both of the dragons nod. "That may be an intelligent idea," Rorek admits. He's mildly ashamed of not having that thought before.
"Where do we start?" Raven asks quietly. She's thinking about the past, and all that they've been through. How do they begin to discuss everything?
"The very beginning," Malchior tells her, "we start with me taking you on as an apprentice. You were struggling with your magic, and Arella knew you would end up betrothed to either Rorek or I."
"So she asked you to take me on as an apprentice, and you taught me everything I know," Raven whispers. "Everything was fine. Except that I was falling in love with both of you for completely different reasons." Guilt tinges her voice and she takes a step away from the men. "But then you, Malchior, you heard the prophecy, and you decided I was better off dead than becoming a portal."
Malchior's pleading gaze meets Raven's scared stare. "I knew you would be better off murdered than committing suicide. I know you, Rachel- and yes, your name is Rachel. I know you would've chosen death for yourself rather than condemning an entire dimension."
Rorek's eyes flash murderously. In one swift movement, he has Raven in his arms. "It should've been her choice, and you didn't know the circumstances!"
"Lorna was not born at this time! Raven's destiny wouldn't have passed on to her," Malchior protests. "And it's not as if she didn't retaliate."
"But I never truly got along with you to begin with, did I? And you tried to kill me. Why would I not retaliate? Even under the circumstances, Malchior, you shouldn't have attempted to take my life, and I should not have banished you."
"The banishing," Malchior begins. "Where did you learn that spell?"
"The one that bound you to the book?" She asks, though she knows that's the one he wants. "Arella taught it to me. She's a pacifist, so when I went to her seeking a spell that would allow me revenge she taught me one that wouldn't harm you physically."
"Why did you do that?"
"I wanted you to be lonely." Raven can barely meet his gaze. She hates herself for doing that to him. He spent centuries in a dusty tome because she cursed him. Centuries in which his only contact with the outside world was Raven opening the book demanding to know why he hurt her. "I thought that you betrayed me, so I wanted you to know how it felt to be betrayed by your friends."
Malchior nods in acknowledgment. Somehow, the situation isn't as bad once he knew the reasoning. Not that he forgave her entirely, just as she hadn't totally forgiven him for trying to murder her. Oddly enough, the two considered each situations to be equal in hostility and cause for anger.
"So the animosity here stems from Malchior trying to kill you, and you banishing him to the book," Rorek muses. Malchior scowls. "You're not off the hook either. If I remember correctly, Raven broke off your engagement, so you obviously made a mistake somewhere. And what was that heart-to-heart you had with Starfire, Raven?"
"I love Rorek," she says softly, "but I am not in love with him. You're my best friend, Rorek." Raven shakes her head, trying to gather her thoughts.
"Stop," Rorek orders. "You said you were falling in love with both of us, but now you say that you are not in love with me?"
Raven shakes her head, confusion taking over. "I don't know! I'm not... I don't understand this stuff. The only feelings of love I can identify come from other people. I know that Cyborg loves me platonically and it is similar to how I feel for Rorek. I know that Robin has strong feelings for this new vigilante I've yet to meet, and it's similar to how you both feel for me. But I don't... I can't differentiate. I think I love you, Rorek, platonically. And I think I love Malchior romantically but... but that doesn't always matter. I would be content with Rorek, maybe even happier, because he's never hurt me."
Malchior opens his mouth, ready to object to Raven's statement, but Rorek cuts him off.
"'I can only ever love you'," Rorek quotes Raven's words. "Did you lie to me, my Raven?" He's getting defensive, not because he doesn't understand Raven's confusion, but because he doesn't want to believe his relationship with her was a lie.
"I don't know, maybe. I do love you, and I didn't know at the time… I'm sorry, but none of that matters at this point does it? Rorek has to stay on Azarath to assist in the war, and Malchior has to stay with me because I lost that duel, right?"
Malchior smiles softly. The tall, lithe man steps forward. He brushes a piece of her hair back behind her ear. "I will leave you, if you want. Arella and Rorek have vetoed my banishment. We could switch places. Rorek could be with you on Earth while I assist on Azarath. But I will not leave you alone on Earth. Your birthday approaches, Love. You need someone to support you."
Azar, what am I supposed to do now? When did things become so complicated? How can I do this and not hurt either of them? I did break off Rorek and my engagement, but I don't want to be bonded to Malchior either. I don't think I ever want to be bonded with him. He's hurt me too many times. But I do have a bond with Rorek. It's Rorek that's always supported me. It's Rorek that fights for me. It's Rorek that knows me inside and out.
So does Malchior though. I said it myself, didn't I? That Malchior completes me? What do I do? I need your help.
Then Raven collapses.
"You asked us for help, my dear?" Azar smiles at her protégée. "Yes." Raven bows her head. "I need assistance. I can't choose between Malchior and Rorek, and I obviously can't have them both. What am I supposed to do?"
"You have to make that choice on your own, but I can ask you questions to help you along the way." Raven nods, eager for any help she is allowed to be given.
"Who supports you?"
"Rorek."
"Who is your friend?"
"Again, Rorek."
"Who do you love?"
"Still Rorek."
"But who are you in love with?"
Raven sighs in resignation. "Malchior- I think."
"Who completes you?"
"Both of them, I guess, but in different ways."
"Hmm, explain."
"Malchior is dark, like me, but he's dark in other ways. He's much better at hand-to-hand combat than I am. My strengths are his weakness, and vice versa. Rorek is different. He is everything that is good. He's the light to my darkness, the good to my wrongs and the bravery to my fears."
"I think you have your decision, daughter of Trigon. I pray that the one you make is the right one."
After the vision conversation ends, Raven finds herself in the arms of Malchior. They're sitting on the ground, Raven on his lap. It doesn't take her long to scramble to her feet.
"How were you fading?" Raven demands suddenly, looking at Rorek. He drops his head in shame. "I was injured by a blade of iron. It severely depleted my magical core. Your mother healed me most of the way. After all, I was able to be involved with your rescue team." He shoots a hard glare at Malchior. "The wound needs occasional healings. It's nothing a few herbs can't handle."
Raven smiles softly, and places a hand on his cheek. "Wisdom?" She calls out. The emotion manifests before them. "Your conversation with Azar was very enlightening, Raven," Wisdom says.
"I know, but I am still unsure."
"You've made your decision. Which is better? The man you're in love with, or the man you'll be happy with?" Raven swallows. Malchior and Rorek are standing behind her now that she's moved to stand with Wisdom. They're watching the interaction carefully, wondering which one of them will get the war.
"Rorek is injured," Raven murmurs. "He's not going to be as much a help to Azarath as he was before. Malchior isn't injured, there's a lot more he could do for my home."
Malchior's body sags with resignation. He should've known. He's made too many mistakes at this point.
"I'm not making… I'm not making promises with my heart. I can't do that to either of you, not when I know what will happen on the day of my birth, but I want Rorek to stay in Jump City."
Tears well up in her eyes as she says this. She knows this will be the last time she sees Malchior- unless he chooses to renege her decision and invoke the Old Laws. She knows she's hurting him by having Rorek stay, but she has to make the right decision for her home. She also knows that this will be the last time she gets to show emotion like this.
Contrary to what may be popular belief, Raven does have emotions. It's simply her powers that keep her from showing them. Malchior, so far, has been the only mage with enough power to suppress Raven's own. By sending Malchior away, she loses the ability to show her emotions on that scale.
"I'm so sorry," she whispers. Silent sobs rack her body and Malchior immediately slams the guards that keep her powers under control down. Rorek holds her against his chest, gently playing with her hair while Malchior hugs her from behind. "It's okay," he tells her. "I understand."
Rorek looks at Malchior with something akin to gratitude in his eyes. Gratitude that Malchior isn't invoking the Old Laws. Gratitude that Malchior has given Raven the chance to be herself for a while- even if it was a short while. Gratitude that his brother has been there for Raven when he himself wasn't able to.
Malchior nods once. It's obvious what he's thinking. I didn't do it for you, brother. I did it for her- the girl we both love.
Rorek smiles in response to the unspoken thought. She deserves better than me, better than both of us actually. But thank you for taking care of her.
Again, Rorek, I didn't do it for you.
AN: So, did anyone see that coming? This chapter should explain everything with Malchior/Raven/Rorek though I think it was explained pretty well in other areas of the story. There will be no more explanations of her past relationships with either of them so if there are any questions, ask them in a review or pm me. Massive thanks to Elite Warrior, Divergent4mockingjay, Nega20 and twitchet66 for following the story- I really appreciate it. Also, thanks to DarkGirlRavenGrayson for favoriting and reviewing like every update.