Caged Wings

Chapter Thirteen: The Birth of Retribution

The group arrives at City Hall. They all walk in to the front desk. Raven then says, "We're here to see Mayor Gradlock."

The secretary then looks at the group and then at Raven. She finally says, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid he's busy at the moment."

Raven smirks as she places the flier that Hikari gave her on the table, "Would he be too busy to find out that we exterminated the Rock Golems for him?"

The secretary's eyes widened. She then picks up her phone and dials a few numbers, "Sir? There's people here to see you. They claim they disposed of the Golem problem."

The secretary then says, "Alright."

She then hangs up the phone. She then says, "He'll see you on the second floor."

Raven nods, "Thank you."

The group then walks up the stairs to the second floor. The place was big. Had a huge fountian with desks, a window on the ceiling, and a nice balcony to look down upon the first floor. The second floor was nothing but offices. They finally stop at an office that read Mayor.

Raven knocks. The group here's a coughy voice, "Ahem! Come in!"

Raven slowly opens the door. Raven walks in to see a cyclops that was fairly built. He wore a grey business suit with black shoes. He was sitting in a big gold chair, being fanned with big feather fans by two blue, devil girls. They smirked as Raven and the group entered the room. The cyclops was smoking a cigar and had his legs crossed. His hair was a spikey, brown mohawk with a long braid at the back. He also had a darting, cold hazel eye. He takes a puff of his cigar and smirks, "Come in."

Everyone then walks into the room. He blows smoke from his mouth as the devil ladies kept on fanning him. He then says, "So......you killed the Golems in the Western Area, huh?"

This cyclops was definately Mayor Gradlock. His voice was deep and grimacing. Raven then nods, "We did, Sir."

He smirks and chuckles, "Nice first impression. I like that. It's hard to believe a lot like you took out an army of Golems."

He then shakes his head and takes another drag of his cigar. After he breathes out smoke, he then says, "Well....seeing as you're here, why not state your name and profession?"

Raven steps forward, "I'm Raven Corvinous. I am a Shaman and a Fighter."

Gradlock's eye widened. He smirks, "Corvinous? I heard of you. You're quite famous down town. I'm starting to believe you really can take out Rock Golems. Next."

Sith then steps foreward, "Sith Corvinous. Soul Hunter and Reaper Tracker."

Gradlock's eye widened once more. He smirks, "Both siblings? In my office? Now this is getting interesting. Next."

Zero steps foreward, "Zero Amano. Martial Arts Master and Spellcaster."

Gradlock sighs, "Not very impressive. Next."

Hikari steps foreward, "I'm Hikari Grimwood. I'm just a Witch."

Gradlock's eye widened once again. He takes another drag of his cigar, "Grimwood? Agatha Grimwood had a daughter?"

Hikari shakes her head, "No. I only changed my last name to hers in her honor. I was her apprentice though."

Gradlock smirks, "Interesting. I didn't think Agatha would ever allow someone to know what she knows. Interesting indeed. Next."

Pheonix then steps foreward, "Pheonix Oden. Master Elementalist."

Gradlock just nods, "Okay, next."

Serenity steps foreward, "Umm....Serenity Umber. I'm a Pyromancer."

Gradlock takes another drag, "Next."

Evan then steps foreward, "Evan Trails. Demon Hunter."

Gradlock sighs out of boredom, "Next."

Coslotus was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He didn't bother to step foreward. He then looks at Gradlock. He then says, "Coslotus Umber. I have no profession except for slaughter."

Gradlock smirks, "I like your attitude, creature. I like your attitude."

He then says to one of the devil girls, "Are they lying? Is it true they took out the Golems?"

The devil girl looks at the lot and smirks. She whispers in a slithery voice, "Don't worry. They did. They would never lie."

Gradlock smirks, "Excellent. I suppose you want your reward now?"

Raven nods, "It would be much appreciated, Sir."

Gradlock then gets up, "Follow me."

He then walks out of the room. The group follows and is lead to another office. Gradlock then puts his cigar out and gets out a check book. He then gets a pen and begins to write in the book, "How does $5000 sound to you?"

Raven nods, "Great, Sir."

Gradlock then hands the check to Raven. He smirks at her, "Do you guys have a name for yourselves? I might recommend you to other people."

Raven's eyes widened, "Umm......"

Raven then says, "We.....we don't have one.....yet."

Gradlock smirks, "It's too bad. We could use help like you. Especially if they're professional."

Raven then says, "Uhh.....give us a few minutes. We'll get back to you."

Gradlock grins, "Take as much time as you need. I got all day."

Raven then turns to the group. They all huddle together. Raven whispers, "Okay. We need a name for us. Something that means something great."

Sith says jokingly, "What about the Super Dudes?"

Raven sighs out of frustration, "Gee, Sith. Nice movie quote. NO!"

Sith had got the quote from the movie Mystery Men. Thinking it was funny, he randomly said it. Serenity then says, "What about the Team of Peace?"

Raven's eyes squinted at the idea. Raven shakes her head, "No. We're not hippies!"

Some of the group chuckled. Zero then says, "How about the Team of Epicness?"

Hikari's eyes widened, "NO! NOT THAT!"

Raven shakes her head, "Don't worry, I don't like it either."

Zero then says, "Alright, Hikari. You have a better name?"

Hikari then says, "Yes I do actually. The Night Watchers!"

Zero then says, "Gee....that is a better name."

Pheonix shakes his head, "No. It's too.....it's too......well....it's not quite there. Something's missing."

Raven then says, "Yeah. Our name has to be at least as good as League of Extraodinary Gentlemen."

Evan then says, "But that's only a movie."

Raven shrugs, "So? The movie was still kickass."

Pheonix then thinks for a moment, "I think I know the perfect name."

Pheonix then says, "Do you remember Watchmen, Raven?"

Raven smiles, "How could I forget?"

Pheonix then quotes, "Watchmen are over. What do you suggest we do about it?"

Raven and Pheonix smirk at one another and say at the same time, "Retribution!"

Pheonix and Raven then say at the exact same time, "The League of Retribution!!"

Pheonix jumps, "AH! Orgasmic!!"

Raven smiles, "Definately!!"

Pheonix and Raven grab each other's hands and jump up and down. Everyone raises an eyebrow. Zero mutters, "What....the...fuck?"

Raven then asks the group, "What do you think? The League of Retribution! A.K.A......us!"

Hikari smiles, "I like it! It sounds cool!"

Zero nods, "Yeah. That sounds epic."

Evan nods, "Yeah. I like it."

Serenity then said, "Yeah....that sounds cool."

Sith then says, "That sounds like we're gonna kick some ass! Okay, let's use it!!"

Raven nods, "Okay. We're now, as of this moment, The League of Retribution!"

Raven then turns to Gradlock, "Okay we have a name!"

Gradlock chuckles, "Okay. What can I call you guys?"

Raven smiles, "The League of Retribution."

Gradlock smirks, "The League of Retribution. Welcome to the services of Grimstone."

Gradlock and Raven then shake hands.

That day, everyone brought all of their stuff from their old homes over to their new home. Zero then puts his house on sale after fixing his door. Hikari then put Agatha's house on sale as well. Coslotus just tore down his and Serenity's hut with his bare hands.

After load after load of stuff, mostly from Zero and Hikari's houses, they all sat down from near exhaustion. Raven wipes her forehead, "Man, you guys have a lot of stuff."

So far, Zero's couch was put in the livingroom, while everything else of his was either in his new room or the hallway. Zero sits on it as he knew Raven was referring to him and Hikari. He sighs and says, "What do you expect? Me and Hikari had our own houses to live. Heh heh, you and Sith didn't have any."

Raven chuckles and playfully pushes him, "Shut up."

Hikari laughs, "I only have a lot of stuff cause I'm a Witch."

Zero shakes his fist and says jokingly, "Damn you, Witch!"

Everyone laughed. It was starting to get dark. Everyone who didn't have a bed brought sleeping bags to the livingroom, which was Evan, Raven, and Sith.

Sith ended up stealing the couch. Sythe came in and slept beside Raven. Evan sighs. Raven looks, "What's wrong?"

Evan shakes his head, "I'm still thinking about last night."

Raven smiles, "Don't worry. It won't happen again. When it does, I'll lead you away alright?"

Evan smiles, ".....thanks."

Raven smiles, "No problem. Now get some sleep, we have a shit load of work tomorrow."

Evan nods, "Yeah. I'm beat."

Sith then says, "Night."

Raven says, "Night."

After everyone fell asleep, Raven woke up to something she heard. She looks to see Sith and Evan fast asleep. She then gets up and goes into the hallway. She hears the sound from her room. It sounded like a whisper. She opens her bedroom door and sees Dimus sitting in her open window. Raven's eyes widened, "Dimus...."

Dimus smirks, "Hello, Raven. How are you?"

Raven smiles as she closes the door, "I-I'm fine. And you?"

Dimus grins, "I'm fine. Just been lonely without you."

Raven giggles, "How'd you find me?"

Dimus smiles, "Your scent. I tracked it."

Raven nods, "Oh. I see."

Dimus nods. He then looks at Raven as he steps foreward to her, "I had to see you again."

Raven smiles, "And I've been wanting to see you again too."

Dimus then places a cold hand on the side of her face, "I've missed you."

Raven places a hand on his, "As have I."

Dimus goes in closer to Raven. He whispers, "Wanna get out of here?"

Raven looks around, "B-but....I'm in my pajamas."

Dimus looks her over. She wore loose, blood red, pajama pants with a tight black tank top. She was in her bare feet as well. He smirks, "It doesn't matter what you wear when it comes to fun."

Raven smiles and nods, "Well......okay."

Dimus then says, "I want to show you a few things anyways. Things I've shown no other."

Dimus then takes her hand. He leads her out the window and into the night. Raven steps onto the cold soil of the ground. Dimus then walks behind her. He begins to touch her arms, "This...maybe overwhelming at first....because you're a mortal."

He then runs his fingers through her hair, "Would you trust me.....if I had your life in my hands?"

Raven turns her head slightly to the side. She says softly, "....y-yes."

Dimus smirks, "Relax and hold on to me."

Dimus goes in front of her. He then puts a hand on her lower back. He pulls her close.....really close. Raven then wraps her arms around him. Dimus whispers, "Hang on tight."

Raven holds on a little tighter as he places both hands on her lower back, holding onto her tightly. A strong wind was felt all around them. They begin to descend into the air. Raven looks up and sees they were flying in the air. Raven looks down and holds onto Dimus even tighter. Dimus smiles at her reaction. He then looks up as they fly into the skies. They both could see all of Grimstone. Pretty lights and high buildings were seen.

Raven looks from the city to Dimus. It now seemed like he was on top of her in the air. Dimus looks down at her. His eyes showing passion at the same time as great restraint. Dimus smiles at her as they were flying lower. Raven smiles back at him. Dimus and Raven finally land. Dimus still held her in his arms as their feet were on the ground. Raven whispers one word, "Wow...."

Dimus smiles, "It was marvelous wasn't it?"

Raven nods, "Yeah. I've always wanted to fly."

Dimus smiles more, "Well you just did my dear."

Raven bites her lip and smiles at him. She then realized they were at the top of the highest building in the city. Raven gasps at the sight of the city, "Wh-where are we?"

Dimus smiles as he stands by her side, looking at the sight as well. Dimus then says, "On the top of Green Hill Apartments. I always come here to look upon the city when I'm saddened. I never brought anyone here.....except for you."

Dimus then looks at Raven after he said that. Raven's eyes widened and she looks back at him. Dimus smiles, "You're the first one I took to go flying with me as well...."

He then runs his fingers through her hair. Raven closes her eyes and feels warmth overwhelm her. Raven whispers, "Why me?"

Raven opens her eyes and looks at Dimus. He peers back at her. He smiles, "Why not you? When I look at you....I see the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. When you talk to me, I feel as if I could do anything for you. When I'm around you.....I'm content. When I'm not......I go crazy and almost lose it."

Raven's eyes widened even more, "So....wh-what are you saying?"

Dimus grabs her shoulders, "I love you! I love you, Raven! I've known it from the first time I sensed you. I just knew right away that you were the only one for me!"

Raven's eyes widened at his words. She then says, "H-how can you love me? You barely even know me. What do you know of me?"

Dimus sighs and lets go of her shoulders. He then says, "I know enough. I've been watching you from afar for a long time. Since you were seventeen."

Raven's eyes widened even more. She then backs away from him, "Y-you've.....been watching me....since I was seventeen??"

Dimus nods, "Yes. Ever since I felt your pressence, I had to be near you somehow. I was petrified of approaching you. So I had no other choice......I entered your dreams. Talking to you and seeing you. I'm sorry if you're angry at me. I don't blame you. Your generation would consider it stocking. I consider it as an obsessive love."

Raven was indeed angry at him for what he'd done. Her anger then goes down after hearing what he'd just said. She saw that Dimus meant every word. She didn't know what to make of it. She then looks to the ground, not knowing what to say. Dimus steps closer to her, finally breaking the momentary silence, "Do...do you love me?"

Raven's eyes widened and she looks to Dimus, "W-what??"

Dimus then goes even closer to Raven. Now face to face, Raven could see herself in his eyes. Dimus repeats himself, "Do you love me?"

Raven couldn't believe what was being asked to her. She felt put on the spot. She blushes a little. She starts to quiver a little. Dimus walks closer as Raven walks backwards, "You're....quivering."

Raven replies, "Nervous."

Dimus causes Raven to back up against a wall. Dimus whispers, "Still nervous?"

Raven nods, "Y-yes."

Dimus then puts a hand on her stomach, "You didn't answer my question. Do you love me?"

Raven blushes again, "I....I don't know. I only met you yesturday."

Dimus smiles, "You said so yourself....it feels as if you've known me longer."

Raven nods, "And I meant it."

Dimus' smile fades, "I....I'm sorry. I'm pushing you. The more I push, the more you drive away. I don't want that to happen. I apologize."

Raven nods again, "It's okay. It's no problem."

Dimus then looks at her, "Let's get you home."

Dimus then flies her home. They land on the front of the property. Raven then goes behind the big, barred fence. Dimus and Raven look at one another. Raven whispers, "Thank you..."

Dimus nods and whispers back, "My pleasure...."

Raven grips one of the bars. Dimus puts a hand on hers. They couldn't stop staring at one another. Raven was drawn in completely. Dimus was drawn in as well. They were now face to face from behind the fence. Dimus whispers, "Let's find out if you love me now."

He then leans in towards Raven. He places his lips upon hers from behind the bars. Raven's eyes widened. She then closes her eyes and kisses him back. Dimus holds the kiss for a good amount of time. It was tender and gentle. Dimus felt Raven's warmth and Raven felt his coldness. But she felt the warmth he brought to her from within herself.

Dimus finally parts the kiss. He whispers, "Good night.....my lady."

Raven was in a complete daze. Before she could react, Dimus left. Leaving her in a hypnotic daze. She had just recieved the best kiss she'd had ever gotten.