"Raven, I have waited for this moment for so long. It is your time to shine and claim the throne that was stolen from you by the false King Adam. You must defeat Slade and take back what's rightfully yours."

Since that talk with her mother, Raven began to gather her own army. She was given soldiers from the Jump and its allies. She spoke to commoners about fighting the horrible conditions forcefully set upon their neighbors and acquired more people for her army from the refugees and nomads (A/N: A nomad is someone who travels from place to place and never permanently settles in an area). When all was said and done, she had an army roughly the size of 250,000 people.

With the manpower she needed, Raven began to plan her ambush on Slade and his heinous kingdom.

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The night before the invasion, Arella began to have problems breathing. Raven ran to her mother's side, trying to use her medical knowledge from training with Roy to save her mother. But no matter how many herbs and medicines Raven used, her mother continued to have respiratory problems. After a few hours (A/N: the mom had her own powers too, chapter one), Arella finally couldn't withstand the pain and she died.

Raven was disheartened when she couldn't save her mother. She began sobbing and planned to move the day of the invasion so she could honor her mother's passing. However, Roy convinced her to continue on with the plans she had set. He encouraged her by reminding her that her mom was in favor of the invasion and that to kill Slade would bring her mom the greatest honor.

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Richard

Richard, having been with the evil king, Slade, for 10 years was now 19 years old. While serving Slade, Richard was always aware his findings, storing away his knowledge in the filing cabinets of his brain.

Flashback

Richard was 11 when he wandered into Slade's office. In the office, he saw poisonous snakes and cooing owls (A/N: snakes symbolize evil and owls symbolize death) loose in the office. While this scared Richard, he continued to look around for anything helpful. He wandered over to the biggest balafon (A/N: its an African instrument that resembles the xylophone) he'd ever seen. He remembered how the balafon was the national instrument of Azarath. Upon seeing this he despaired for he realized that he couldn't fulfill his duty and teach Raven.

Richard began playing random notes on the balafon, only to notice that this instrument calmed the snakes and owls and even charmed them.

"Boy, what are you doing in my office?!"

Slade's harsh voice tore Richard from his thoughts.

"I was just preparing an honorary song for you on the balafon," Richard lied.

"Lets hear it then, and it better be good," grumbled Slade.

Richard, playing to Slade's ego, composed a magnificent song right on the spot. Needless to say, Slade was amazed with Richard's skills.

What Richard didn't count on was what Slade's next move would be.

"From now on, Richard, you will be my griot and my apprentice."

End Flashback

Richard was ashamed to be working so closely with such a disgusting man, but the position did prove to be useful.

Richard was able to deduce that Slade's powers were derived from the dead. Richard knew that this information would be helpful to Raven, who according to the prophesy, would be the one to fight against Slade. But he had no way to communicate this to her…

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Raven began her long march to Azarath, packing the necessary food provisions for herself. She also announced to her army to make sure they were adaquately prepared for the long trek back to Azarath.

On the way back, Raven's army grew even more from those in other kingdoms who wanted to join the cause.

In the city of Tabon, in the outskirts of the Azarathean region, Raven's army encountered some of Slade's forces. However, the element of surprise gave Raven the upper hand in the battle and after a few hours, Slade's faction was retreating. Raven quickly assigned griots and witches to help heal the wounded as quickly as possible.

Because the battle was over quicky, the casualties were minimal and Raven's army was able to continue onward after an hour and a half of resting. With incredible speed, Raven's army continued into the heart of Azarath, knowing what they'd have to face.

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Hey i'm back!! This story is probably only going to be one or two more chapters so I hope you've all enjoyed it so far!!

I know ive been bad about updating, but I for got my password, i moved again, and ive been terribly busy (please dont kill me :( )

haha but Im definitely going to be better this time around, I've already began working on Chapter 5!! SO please review if you have the chance and chapter 5 will be up soon!!

~Rukiarae