Chapter Nine
Jinx walked back to the Titans Tower with Argent by her side and shopping bags decorating her arms. The air of mystery hung inside the Tower as the Titans racked their brains over the problem of Trigon and his request. Having enough of the tension, Jinx and Argent got permission from Cyborg to relax by going to the mall, as long as they returned in two hours.
Jinx let out a happy sigh. "I'm so glad that Cyborg let us go shopping. It really eased my mind."
Argent nodded in agreement. "You said it sister. All that stress just flew away. And we didn't even shop enough to be exhausted!"
"Ah, but that's what we should've done." Jinx argued. "It would have been like any regular day." She frowned. "Stupid Robin, being too uptight and all that. He really grates on my nerves sometimes, you know?"
Argent chuckled. "So it would seem. From the demonstrations you hold when the two of you argue, it seems that you can't stand each other. But you do, because you can both see each other's points and consider ideas with different perspectives that are helpful to the team."
Jinx rolled her eyes. "Not in this situation, it seems." She gave Argent a sideways glance. "And do not talk about Robin and me like that, it just sounds weird." She gave a slight shudder.
Argent only laughed. "But it's true!"
"Ugh, stop it. Now tell me if you think Wally'll like the shirt. Do you think he's okay with black?"
"Girl, he will like whatever you give him. Jeez, stop asking!" Argent gave her friend a playful push.
"He wears red just about all the time—a color change is in order, at least I think so."
The two chattered on comfortably on more topics as they headed back to the Tower. Eventually though, the conversation went back to the situation the Titans were currently handling.
"What do you think the book contains?" Argent asked, stepping lightly on the sidewalk.
"Obviously something important and destructive." Jinx replied, matching her steps to Argent's. "The question we need to be asking is how to find it."
Their thoughts went in different directions for a while, but Argent spoke again, this time more tentatively.
"Do you still have any connections with the others?"
Jinx sighed. "Don't think that I haven't considered that option. It's just that, well, you know Robin and how touchy he is on this subject. He really hates the idea, and I'm still a newcomer to the team. Seriously, it's safe to bet that he fears I'll revert back to the other side if I make contact with anyone from my old life, and then exploit you guys. But I won't do that!" Her eyes glittered dangerously. "And it's not just him—it's everyone, well some of them, whom I fought against in the old days."
"Its okay, Jinx." Argent gave Jinx a pat on the back. "I am your friend and forever will be, past or no past. You are who you are now, so you shouldn't be bothered by it. You have friends here and we will back you up."
Jinx smiled at Argent. "Thanks." She said, feeling a lot better. Talking to Argent did that to her, since the New Zealander always knew how to cheer her up and reassure her about her position in the team's group. "But, you know, I just don't want to bring anymore trouble, so I'm not going to mention it to him."
"How about to Wally? And Cyborg? They could propose it to Robin and convince him."
Jinx shook her head. "Nah. I just dunno. Well, I have mentioned it to Wally, and we did talk about it."
"And?"
"Just decided to wait for what the Titans could dig up. Save it for a last resort kinda thing."
"Hmm, I see. That makes sense."
They were in front of the Tower door now, so they steered their conversation to safer waters as they walked inside, even though their minds were still on the previous topic.
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Raven sat alone at the kitchen table with a cup of hot tea in her hands, blowing on the surface of the cup gently, distorting the steam that rose up from it. Everyone in the Tower was busy with something to do, still concerned about the Book. And all Raven could think about was her dreams… no, her memories, and what they meant.
'But that one earlier…it can't have been a memory—well it was a memory of dream I had in Azarath…Perhaps Elliot and I are connected in some way that allows us to share thoughts? I can think of no other explanation for seeing that when I obviously was not there.' Raven sipped her tea as she thought, alone in the quiet room.
But a moment later, it was interrupted by two feminine voices that Raven knew belonged Argent and Jinx. They entered the kitchen with shopping bags hanging on their arms and Raven observed them casually. Then, Argent's eyes locked on hers for a mere two seconds before turning to Jinx's and asking quietly, "What about Raven?" Raven's sharp ears caught Argent's words and Jinx's confused reply. "Raven? But-"
"What about me?" Raven asked, her voice cutting through their conversation like a knife slicing butter. They glanced at her and then back at each other, obviously debating on the idea. Raven, on the other hand, toyed with the idea of reading their minds…she often did not do so to her friends, but there were a few exceptions. But she let them decide by themselves, because Raven often pried little into the affairs of others, and valued her own privacy, guarding it possessively like a treasure and only revealing it if she felt like doing so.
The two returned Titans had reached a conclusion, and they sat down opposite Raven, staring.
In a hushed voice, Jinx said, "What do you think about me contacting some people to help us find this book?"
Raven blinked. "You mean the H.I.V.E.?"
Jinx nodded. "Yea. I'm not gonna betray you guys or anything. But I'm just tossing the idea out there, because we, I mean they, have a pretty extensive communications system. They know a lot of things that we don't."
Raven ignored her slipup, and nodded, considering Jinx's suggestion. "That's a possibility… however, how do you propose we contact them? I assume that you aren't exactly best pals with them anymore."
Jinx cast her eyes downward. "Yeah, I know that. Obviously they wouldn't just give me the information. But I have ways dealing with them… ways that will make them talk. And there's no torture involved… mainly threats."
"The only problem is Robin." Argent said, voicing their thoughts. "We all know how he thinks about the villains, and his pride as a hero won't let him consider working with enemies."
"What do you want me to do about it?" Raven asked, knowing where this was headed. "Surely you don't expect me to change his mind on this matter? If you wanted someone sympathetic to your cause, you should have asked a favor of Star. She would gladly have helped in any way she could."
"This is just an idea. I don't want to cause any more unnecessary trouble, that's all." Jinx scowled.
"Yes, an idea." Raven took another sip of her tea. "But that's all it is. Your relationship with the villains is assumed to be rocky after your betrayal, and though you have proved your worth as a Titan to us again and again, there are still some within the team that are wary of you and consider you a villain yet, unworthy of her trust."
As Raven spoke, Jinx felt herself wishing to sink into her seat. But she wasn't a wimp, and straightened her back, ready to defend herself. However, Raven continued to speak, cutting her words and Argent's off before they had the chance to form.
"You are who you are, and have proved yourself countless times, as I have said before," Raven said, her beginning words and eerie echo of Argent's own. "This idea of yours is an excellent addition to the team, but in order for it to withstand objection, you must be absolutely sure that someone out there is willing to trust you or give you information, regardless of your position as a hero. And that you can trust them—that is the most important part. I would suggest for you to begin contact with some, but to be accompanied by Argent, Cyborg, or another. Thus, it will seem less suspicious and troubling of you."
"You mean… you agree?" Jinx asked, astounded. Raven, for the most part, was her bitter rival when they were on opposing sides, and Jinx still caught looks of wariness from the other in her beginning days as a hero. That quickly evolved to no emotion when Jinx saw Raven, so the former didn't really know how well she was accepted by the latter. "But, won't Robin think-"
"What Robin doesn't know won't hurt him." Raven said, interrupting Jinx. "If it makes you feel any better, you can consider it a test or an assignment from me. If he so asks, I will confirm it. Don't concern yourself too much over the idea. He isn't exactly a person you need to waste unnecessary brain cells on. As a member, you will follow the leader. However, it is also your duty to make sure he does not stray on the wrong path, as well as the others. You know how much of a prick he can be. If this helps us in our mission, then I don't see why we can't give it a try, as long as we gain back some useful information and do not launch a harmful chain of events. Don't you agree?"
Jinx and Argent stared at Raven in amazement. It hadn't really ever occurred to either of them that Raven might be more accepting of Jinx and her ideas than Robin was, seeing as she was one of the founding Titans. However, Jinx's mouth slowly stretched into a smile, and a touch of excitement lit her purple cat-eyes. Yes, it was just as she thought long ago: she and Raven could be perfect friends if they were on the same side—they had been on a rocky start in the beginning, but Jinx knew that this particular path was smoothing itself out, and quickly.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do agree." Jinx gave Raven a happy grin. "Thanks for trusting me on this one. You won't regret it, I promise you." Her eyes glittered at the exciting thought of the challenge Raven had proposed to her. It would certainly be interesting.
"Indeed. Jinx is a great person, and I daresay that we will be able to accomplish this mission much faster." Argent said happily as she noticed Jinx's happy smile.
"What are you drinking?" Jinx asked curiously staring at the cup in Raven's hands.
"This? Tea." Raven replied after taking another sip from her cup. "Do you want some?"
"What kind is it?" Jinx asked curiously.
"Green." Raven replied.
"Really?" Jinx leaned back in her seat. "I don't suppose you have any jasmine tea? Sure, I'll have some." She turned to Argent. "Strangely enough, I don't feel like going for a cup of coffee." Jinx commented with a hint of a chuckle in her voice.
Argent snorted, giving a surprised laugh. "Really now? You don't? Seriously?"
"Uh-huh. I kid you not." Jinx replied playfully as Raven poured her a cup of green tea. She sipped it as Argent accepted a cup from the older titan and sighed. "Ahhh. This tastes really good." Jinx said with a happy smile on her face. "Reminds me of more peaceful days, you know?" She took another sip from her cup. "I must say though, Raven. You make one mean cup of green tea. Tastes a little bit like Elliot's now that I think of it." Jinx smiled fondly at the memory and downed her cup of tea, draining the liquid.
Raven froze, the emotion unnoticed by the other two while Argent teased Jinx. "What's this? Don't tell me you've got an affair with someone on the side, Jinx!" Argent said in mock shock at Jinx's statement. "Not after we spent the whole two hours shopping for your boyfriend, I'll tell you."
"Argent! No, of course not!" Jinx was somewhat offended by the statement, especially since Argent already knew who Elliot was, to begin with. "I'm in love with and dating only one boy and that is Wally. Elliot's just a friend, and you know it. Besides, I haven't seen him or the others in ages, so give it a rest." The more Jinx thought of it, the more irritable she got, somewhat souring her pleasant mood.
"I'm teasing you. Don't get upset—we just came back from the land of relaxation!" Argent said, trying to appease Jinx when she sensed her friend's mood change. "Here. Drink some more tea." She poured more of the steaming liquid into Jinx's cup and pushed it toward Jinx who downed it in one cup. The drink made an obvious change in Jinx, and both Raven and Argent stored a mental note in their heads for future use.
Cautiously, Raven started up the conversation again. "Who's Elliot?" She asked, hoping that they would tell her. She didn't want to have to use her powers and read their minds, but she would if she had to. Not that she wanted to, of course. She respected her friends' privacy and in exchange for that she got her own privacy. It wouldn't be good for her to damage the beginning bonds of trust between the three of them now, when it was just forming.
Jinx turned to Raven, her instincts suddenly alert to the subconscious interest that was in Raven's eyes. Carefully, but without seeming so, she replied, "Elliot? Just an old friend is all." Though the Titans had constantly pressured her to reveal many villain identities to them as means of proving her worth as a Titan in the first few months, Jinx had only relented a few names to them. This resulted in a further wedge in the relations between her and Robin, but Wally, Argent, and Cyborg had helped to defend her and her reasons. Evil or not, those were her friends, and only if it was urgent and there was no other possibility, then she would reveal names… She also made an exception if it was for their own good.
Raven didn't miss Jinx's shift in mood-her powers let her know that Jinx was suspicious though she had little reason to be. Her aura reflected some doubt, wariness, and caution, so she decided to back off for now, trusting that Jinx would tell her in time, but hoping that it would not be too late when she did. "Hmm." Raven drained her cup and stood. "Well, work on your idea and come to me when you've got something. I'm going now." She left the room.
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Walking upstairs, Raven entered the room where a few Titans had been analyzing the substance and words on the wall. Starfire was alone in the room, trying her hardest to decipher the message present on the wall. She turned when she heard footsteps, giving Raven a smile when she saw the indigo-haired Titan.
"Hello, friend Raven! Are you here to join me in the deciphering of this worrying message?"
Raven nodded. "Yeah. I thought that I would take a look at it." She glanced around the room. "Where's everyone else? I thought Robin had assigned more people for this job."
Starfire nodded. "Yes, he did. But they all left to take a break and I believe they will be back very shortly."
"I see." Raven moved next Starfire. "So, what can you make of our intruder?"
"Well, he's very threatening. And I believe that he may also be what you call a pessimist?"
"That's a dark message, so I agree. Obviously, the intent is to warn us to back off, and that there's no hope for the world. Any attempt we make is futile. Hmm, sounds a little prophetic." Raven noted.
Starfire nodded. "Indeed, that is where I agree with you." She moved to stand where the symbols next to the message was at. "Friend Raven, is it possible at all that you may understand this?"
Raven moved to stand next to her, studying the wall in front of them. The symbols before her did not even look familiar, and she opened her mouth to tell Starfire as much when suddenly, she was struck. For some reason, she knew what those symbols were, and what they meant, even though she had no clue a moment ago. She clutched her head tightly, brow furrowed.
Starfire looked at Raven with concern. "Raven? Are you alright?"
"Come." Raven said, through gritted teeth. "It says, 'Rescue me or doom yourselves. Girl. Boy. Come.'"
She fell suddenly, her knees weak and jittery for reasons she did not know why. However, Starfire was fast enough to catch Raven before she fell completely.
"Do you wish to be taken to your room, Raven?" Starfire asked in concerned tones. At Raven's nod, Starfire began to lead the other Titan away back into the latter's safe haven.
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Starfire was confused. Why had Raven not wished for her to tell Robin or the others? Surely the information was vital to their mission! But Raven had made Starfire promise not to say a word about the whole incident and as Starfire reluctantly agreed to it, she felt some of her guilt lessen when she saw how relieved Raven was. Perhaps it was because Raven didn't know how to explain it either, and did not wish to have the pressure of the team on her shoulders. Starfire knew how that felt, and though she still had some misgivings, she left Raven alone while resolving to stay by her friend's side. Raven always had been the mysterious one of the team, but she had her own reasons and good intentions. Hopefully, everything would turn out all right in the end, but Starfire could only hope that it would not be too late when this newly acquired piece of information was revealed to the others. In fact, Starfire desperately hoped that the situation would not be too vital like the time when Trigon took over the world and Raven sacrificed herself for them. Starfire knows that Raven has her reasons; so hopefully, things will turn out all right in the end.
Raven felt relief when she heard Starfire's footsteps recede from her room, but even as she got that feeling, she still felt unease within her. On the surface of her mind, she didn't understand it at all—yet when she really thought about it, she was surprised to find out that she did know, and understood how she knew.
Though it was a confusing thought, she could not ignore this simple fact. The Book itself was calling for her and the boy called Elliot, her father's apprentice. After Raven realized this, she noticed a strong tugging feeling from within her, urging her to follow the instruction left behind by the Book, compelling her to go . . . rescue it.
Raven sighed, and closed her eyes, willing for her body to fall asleep. Perhaps her past memories would reveal more of what she would need to know . . .
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A/N: Hello, my lovely readers! Here at last, after five months (wow, has it really been that long?) is another chapter of this story. I want to thank all of you who still stick around even after many, many, many weeks of no updates. I know I'm horrible with that, but I'm working with it, so please bear with me. Although this chapter probably isn't that long to satisfy you all, I still wanted to put it up due to the fact that New Years is tomorrow. When I have the time, I certainly WILL update, no matter how long (anyone who has ever read The Kunoichis That Didn't Belong while it was incomplete will know this) and I love all of you who still remained with this story. Unfortunately, I may not be able to update any sooner than I do now since I have to deal with the stress of college apps, but please bear with it if you can.
I know I was being repetitive, but hey-you readers deserve some praise for enduring the wait. Especially to my SUPER AWESOME reviewers: romancebookworm, GrathLongfletch, cschik83, deets1, and Sum1udunno!
Thank you all for sticking with me! I hope you enjoy this chapter and wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEARS! :D
(P.S. Since it has been so long, feel free to tell me about anything that seems off about the characters or confusing about the chapter in relation to the storyline. I will try to answer as honestly as possible in the next chapter. There will be no hard feelings from me because those kind of things are what improves an author. Thank you all for the encouragement and love for this story!)