Nothing but darkness surrounded me but the dark and lonesome darkness that I had grown up with that darkness had long left me the day I defeated my father. This darkness that surrounded me now was warm and welcoming it was my darkness my own haven away from the world. I was in deep meditation not to control my powers like before I no longer needed to keep my emotions in check. Since the demon king's downfall I was set free of my chains I was free as the ravens that filled the blue sky. Mediation was my escape a method to help clear my head and figure things out as well as to help my stressed body and mind.

Through the vast darkness that surrounded me a soft male voice reached my ears." Raven, may I come in?"

Without opening my eyes I knew who the voice belonged to, Spiderman better known as the nosey photographer for the Daily Bugle Peter Parker, not moving from my butterfly mediation position in mid air I replied. "Why ask if you are already in my room?"

I could sense the shock coming off of him. So you thought just because I can't see you this very second I wouldn't figure out you were already in my room. A faint smile tugged at my lips at the thought. The young superhero fidgeted for a moment before finding his voice once more. "Sorry it's just you haven't replied to Star's letters or calls and she's gotten all worked up about it. Can you just call her back she's your friend and she really wishes for you to be at her side tomorrow."

My mind wondered to all those letters and voicemails left on my phone from the Tamarian Princess. We were friends yes but I still didn't think it was right for me to attend such an important day. Not because I didn't care for her, no that was not the reason for my hesitation and avoidance of her letters and calls the real reason behind my sudden disappearance into the dark depths was because of my last conversation with Kory. I had hurt her and have yet to apologize even though she seems to have already forgotten my words.

Setting a tray of fruits and snacks on the table I sat down across from my old teammate. We'd just recently gotten in touch again after I finally settle down in the city my mother had first called home, Gotham City. I thought it would be a fresh start instead of returning to Jump City. I found a nice cozy home in the suburbs away from the loud city life. Popping a grape into my mouth I stared at the fiery red head. "How have you been Kory?"

Like always she instantly light up with a smile that could be seen from the sky excitement mixed with childlike awe coated every last word. "Oh my dear friend Raven you won't believe the wonderful things that have come across me. Since your departure from the team I have learned what sorrow and misery mean but I've also learned the true meaning of love. Robin has taught me much about the love."

My heart ached at the mention of Robin and love in one sentence but I didn't allow myself to show it instead I forced myself to smile. "So Robin finally made his move and asked you to be his girlfriend?" It came out like a question than a statement.

"Yes and no." The young hero replied back. "At first yes he asked to take me out a few times but there was no spark not the spark that we both sought out. Then one day Flash stopped by and told us he ran into you. When Robin heard your name his entire soul lifted never had he been so happy with me."

Her words couldn't be true even if they were I could never accept them. "Kory enough, do not continue any further."

Her green eyes filled with confusion at my words. "But Raven you must go to him fix the broken between the two." The alien princess stared right into my violet eyes with those bright green orbs of hers. We were supposed to be here talking about her new love with a certain New York hero yet here we were talking about another hero one I wished to forget. One who haunted my dreams every night that I didn't need to discuss him any further with anyone even my old teammate, his true love.

Rising from the table I headed into the kitchen a nice hot cup of tea would help settle my nerves. "Kory things aren't that simple there was nothing there between Robin and me never was." I thought back to the all times I spent with the once boy wonder. He had always been there for me but never as a man who loved a woman but as a old brother would be there for his sister. The thought tore at my heart even though the pain coursed through me I didn't deny the truth. "He was always in love with you and I can bet my new found freedom to show my emotions that you are still the only female on this planet that bird will ever love."

Kory flew over to the kitchen perching herself on the island that centered my kitchen. "My friend Raven but he does love another. He told me himself he loves…"

My hand flew up to stop her words I couldn't bare to hear the name of the one who now held his heart in her hands. It was easy to picture him with Kory it would only tear me apart to think of another with him. "Please Kory do not continue any further. When I left the Titans three years ago I left all my past fears and what I felt about my father, myself including what I felt for our former leader behind. If you truly are my friend you will cease this conversation at once if you can not then I ask that you leave and never think of me again."

I could see the turmoil in her eyes she was waging a war within herself I recognized that look oh so well as that was the same look I found whenever I stared into a mirror. Patiently I awaited her response I had her backed into a corner I didn't wish to do this but I also could not continue to dwindle on the past I needed to move and start my own path. A path without a certain raven-haired male to break my new found understanding of love.

The seconds ticked by the two of us just standing in the middle of the kitchen. Kory looked like she wanted to both scream and cry as she tried to figure out what would come out of her mouth next. Finally she jumped from the island so that she was standing right before me. I titled my head back so I could stare up at her. "My dear friend Raven I wish that I could help you realize the love but I don't wish to lose you." I could see the pain in her green eyes. "Again." Guilt began to set in the pit of my stomach at the memory of the first time I left the Titans I hadn't contacted a single one of I had gone off on a journey of self-discovery. Once I did find who I was even though it took me two years I did reach out to them again. "There will be no more talk of the Robin with you."

Relief washed over me at her words losing Kory would have been more than I could handle at the moment. She was the only person other than Cyborg I was still in contact with since I left the Titans. I'll admit she was one of the few friends I had. Yes I had started making more but it wasn't easy adjusting to a new life where I was allowed to reach out to people without worrying that I may hurt them because of what and who I was. After all for the first sixteen years of my life all I had known was to keep my emotions under wraps. Hard to go from not expressing a single emotion to openly admitting when I was angry, sad or happy.

Reaching out I pulled the alien princess into a weak awkward embrace. "Thank you Kory for bearing with me for as much time as you have. I know that I haven't made being friends with me all that pleasant or bearable. Just as you are learning the customs of Earth I am learning the customs of expressing my emotions."

Kory being the over affectionate person she is wrapped her arms tightly around me to the point I could barely breath. This was one of the times in our friendship I was grateful for not being a full-fledged human or else she'd crush my bones into nothing but dust. Her childlike voice rang in my ear. "I know all about the emotions. I shall be the teacher my dear friend Raven."

Lately I had been more observant of my words and how they affected those around me but the thought of Kory being my teacher just didn't sit well with me. Before I could think my response properly I blurted out. "I'd rather eat one of your coma inducing home planet meals."

My words hit home I knew that I had hurt her feelings when her hands fell limply at her side. Her head ducked down so her fiery red hair masked her features from my view followed by a lifeless chill-curling whimper. "My apologies for not being a better friend."

The alien princess's words stirred confusion within my mind as well as stirring my emotions into frenzy. "What?"

"I get it now we were never truly friends were we Raven?" The weight of her words hit me with full force as if a semi truck was plowing right into me.

My voice was faint lower than the lowest frequency. "Kory…"

Slowly Kory raised her head so our eyes meet a forced smile failing at masking her hurt her green eyes gave away so easily. "It's fine friend…I mean Raven. As the earthling say see ya arounds."

Damn it! Do something you've hurt her! Even though Sympathy reached out trying to take control of my body I didn't allow her to. Might have been easier if I allowed her to she would have fixed this cleaned up the mess I had created but instead I chose to walk away not because I wanted to but because I didn't know what else to do.

"Raven? Raven, are you alright?" Peter's voice brought me back from my wondering down memory lane. My gaze wondered back to meet his brown gaze. "For a second there I thought I would have to take you to the hospital."

I laughed at his expression his brows were knitted together in worry his eyes darkening a few shades. "I'm fine Parker I just got lost in my thoughts as for talking to Kory I will when the time is right. I'd love to be there for my friend tomorrow but I must remind you I have a job that requires most of my attention I can't guarantee my attendance."

The young man dared to venture further into my dark room though it wasn't as dark as it had been when I was a teenager I still kept the heavy drapes over my window to block out the room. A single dark light being the only source of light to guide you through my room filled with books and magic supplies that I have yet to put away. He made his way over to where I was still floating in the air. "I know that very well we are all in the same field of work. Can you at least try to be there tomorrow as well give Star a call. She's already nervous and you not answering her has only made it worse."

Once more my stomach clenched with guilt. I was starting to miss when I didn't know what guilt even was. As my feet touched the ground I opened my eyes to stare at the spider hero. "If I tell you I'll make my appearance and that I'll call her later would you leave?"

Peter stared at me his entire demur becoming serious as he crossed his arms across his chest staring me down. "This isn't a joke Raven this is serious."

"Clearly you don't know me very well or else you would have figured out that I was being serious. I'll call Kory later on when I find some free time. Right now I have other things to attend to." Finished with what I had to say I headed to my closet digging out the clothes I would be, needing, shortly once the spider pain left.

"Star always talked so fondly about you that I thought you were more caring more compassionate about those you called friends. I guess the Raven she had painted for me was the old one not the one I see before me now." His words stung as much as they were dark ringing with truth or were they nothing more but lies.

Throwing my spell book on my bed I whirled around to face him. "You don't know me Peter Parker as I don't know you though I can say I do since I have access to plenty information on you yet I'm not judging you on this one moment. Take my response seriously if I say I will be there or do something that is my word and I will see it through." Using my powers I threw the door open causing the wood to smash against the wall. "Now get out."

For a second he hesitated as he stared back and forth between the door and me. I could see the regret in his eyes but that didn't matter now. "We'll see you tomorrow." As he stepped towards the door he stopped at the threshold turning to look at me. "Sorry for questioning your friendship with Star. It's just I love her and seeing her in pain hurts me as well."

"I understand that you love her and as her friend and I am glad she has found someone who can both love and protect her. I trust you to make her happy if not you will see what half demon princess can do." My eyes flashed red as my second pair of eyes opened to emphasize how serious I was. "Kory is more than just my friend she is like a sister a dopey one who is clueless about half of the things going on around her but she's still like a sister. I care for her deeply. I expect that you love her unconditionally and you ever become the reason for her tears I won't hesitate in tearing you apart."

Peter raised his hands up in the air. "There is nothing for you to worry about I'd never make her cry ever. Goodbye Raven." With his farewell he turned leaving my room and my home.

Letting out a tired sigh I let my body fall against my bed wasn't even midday and already I was wishing for nightfall so I could rest. Reaching out I grabbed for my phone that laid on my bedside table unlocking the screen I opened my messages searching out Kory. Not surprised I found over fifty messages awaiting me deleting them all I sent her one back. 'Hey Kory it's Rae I'll be there tomorrow so stop hassling Spidey. I miss you we can talk more tomorrow if we can find the time.' Sending the text I threw my phone back on the nightstand.

My thoughts wondered to the one person I was both dreading and wanting to see most I wondered if he would be there as well and if he would have some beauty draped across his arm. It doesn't matter remember you left you cut off contact with him. He can do what he wants you have no right to question him no right at all. Irritated with myself I quickly changed from my civilian clothes into my hero clothing it was time I went meet up with the rest of the team. Grabbing my communicator attaching it to my cloak I headed out.