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CookieSpells4: I'm glad you liked it. You'll just have to keep reading to find out what Diana does.

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Ch 9-Out on the Town

Narrator:

Lots of things are happening around the castle. Raven and Richard's relationship has been blooming nicely. Things might get even more interesting once Diana inserts her matchmaking skills.

Xxxx

Helen paced back and forth in her room. The past few weeks have been nothing but hell. Since there was no one to serve Komander and herself they have been fending for themselves. She couldn't believe that Raven would just leave them. It was bad enough that Kori left. Once she finds her Helen was going to make her pay. The only thing was to figure out where Raven went.

A thought suddenly struck Helen. There was another way to figuring out how to find her. It has been a long time since she went to go see him. There's no telling what he could do. The man was very powerful and could find anything.

Xxxx

Diana paced in her room. She needed to figure out how to speed up Richard and Raven's relationship. There wasn't much time left. She had a feeling that Raven was about to leave soon. There was no ways she was going to let that happen. The sooner Richard proposed the sooner she'd have grandkids. She was going to need help to set her plan into action. The only trick was figuring out who was willing enough to help. There weren't a lot of people to choose from. Most people didn't really approve of their relationship. A knock came to the door and Diana nearly had a fit from being interrupted. Opening the door Alfred stood there. A slow smile came to her face. Alfred became a little uneasy by the queens expression.

"Your majesty?"

"Alfred. Please…come in."

Alfred was a little hesitant. There was something in her voice that set him off. "Was there something that you needed?"

"I'm so glad you asked. There is something that I need your help with."

"And….what would that be?"

"Richard and Raven."

"What about them?"

"Now I know you've noticed the way they look and act towards each other. We need to find a way to bring them closer together."

"We!"

"Yes. You're going to help me create a plan to get those two married."

Alfred was completely shocked by this. How was it that he was always dragged into the queen's antics? He was getting too old to be doing these things. For the rest of the morning they both came up with ideas.

Xxxx

Terra was becoming jittery and anxious. What she found out about Raven was eating her up inside. Karen had basically dismissed her saying that she was crazy. She knew what she saw and she had to warn people. There was no telling what Raven could do. There were lots of crazy people who dealt with magic and did some crazy stuff. 'Ok Terra…you need to calm down. There has to be a logical explanation for this. All you have to do is gather more information like Karen said.' With that in mind Terra was satisfied and not jumping everywhere.

Xxxx

Kori has been going over and over in her head what to do. There wasn't much time left before she had to go back to Metropolis. There had to be some way to hang out with Raven without her objection. It was going to be tricky trying to come up with something.

She hadn't spoken to Roy since their last argument. It really didn't make any sense why he hated Raven so much. If it didn't end soon she might have to do something drastic.

Xxxx

Alfred didn't know why he always got dragged into these things. Right now he was on his way towards Richard and Raven's rooms. Honestly! Why did the queen make him do this? He decided to go to Raven's room first. Knocking he waited until she opened the door.

"Yes," Raven replied.

"The queen would like to invite you to a night on the town and dinner tomorrow afternoon," Alfred said.

"….ok…"

Alfred then went to Richard's room.

"Hey, Alfred."

"Good morning, Richard."

"Was there something you needed?"

"Your mother wants you to join her tomorrow for dinner and a night on the town in the afternoon."

"Why?"

"I'm just the messenger. I don't ask questions."

"Anyone else coming?"

"She just told me to ask everyone."

"Ok. Thanks."

Alfred went about finding everyone and relaying the same message. It was real tiring going around the whole castle. By the time he was done he was breathing really hard and sat down on the nearest chair. It took a minute to catch his breath. 'This will be the last time I ever do something crazy from the queen.'

Xxxx

Garfield was in the strategy room going over the battle plans. He wanted to make sure that he didn't get anything wrong. The last time they did a trial exercise he forgot the most basic steps and the plans they had worked on. It was really embarrassing when you're being chewed out in front of your subordinates. He didn't want to be subjected to that humiliation again. When he had spare time he was always in the strategy room or doing combat training. He made sure to keep it a secret lest he be picked on by Victor.

Xxxx

Raven was in her room laying on the bed. Something was setting her on edge. She couldn't really explain it. She felt it the moment she woke up. Lately she felt drowsy and lazy. She hadn't done anything productive today. The only thing she did d was open the door for Alfred. Other than that she hadn't done anything. 'Maybe The Book of Azar will explain it.'

Getting up she walked over to the dresser. Pulling open the top drawer she moved some clothes around to reveal a thick leather bound book. Pulling it out she walked back over to the bed. Flipping through the pages she couldn't find anything that was of much use.

"Well that was a waste of time."

Tossing the book aside she flopped down on the bed. There wasn't much else to do. Going into her mind wouldn't do any good either. A knock came to the door breaking her out of her thoughts.

"Hey," Richard replied.

They both sat on the bed. It felt kind of awkward without them saying anything. Usually this wasn't a problem, but something seemed off about this situation. The feeling was intangible between the both of them. Raven couldn't really think of anything to say even after the date the both of them had. Richard's mind was going through turmoil. The reason that he came to Raven's room was because he could feel that something was bothering her. He didn't know how he knew that it was just something in his gut. It would probable sound weird if he voiced his thoughts so he didn't say anything. Now they were both sitting there with nothing to do or say.

"Ugh…was there something you wanted?"

"No."

Another period of silence engulfed them. Richard didn't know what to say. It's like his mind went blank when he saw her. He felt like an idiot just sitting there not saying anything. Raven was getting uncomfortable having Richard alone in her room. She never let anyone in her room let alone a boy.

"So…how do you like the castle so far?"

"It's nice."

"Ugh…what exactly do you do in here most of the day?"

"I meditate."

"Really! That's interesting."

"I guess."

"Are you going to dinner tomorrow night?"

"I wasn't planning on it."

"Why not?"

"I just don't feel like it."

"Come on. I'll be there and so will everybody else."

"That's not real comforting when no one else likes me."

"That's not true. There's me, my mom, Kori…"

"Wow! Only three people."

"I'm sure Karen likes you too."

"Correction four. That's not a whole lot."

"It'll be fun."

"Not likely."

"You're not leaving me by myself."

"I'm not. There are plenty of people who'll keep you company."

"You know what I mean."

"Whatever."

"I'll take that as a yes."

Xxxx

The next day finally arrived. The queen couldn't wait until this afternoon. Shopping sounded so much fun and then a dinner afterwards. This was sure get things moving for Richard and Raven. She was going through her closet trying to figure out what to wear. It shouldn't be too fancy but not too casual. There had to be something perfect to go with the occasion.

Bruce walked into the room and saw what his wife was doing. Honestly he didn't know why she bothered with all this. It was better to leave things alone and let them develop. Richard wasn't going to like this one bit. Of course it was useless trying to tell her that.

"What are you doing?" Bruce asked.

"I need the perfect outfit to go out in this afternoon. I just can't seem to find the right one."

"Just pick something. It can't be that hard."

"I can't just pick some outfit. This is a special occasion and it needs to be perfect. I already picked out your outfit."

"What?"

"You didn't think you weren't coming did you."

"No."

"Good."

He was beginning to understand how Alfred feels when he's wrapped up in one of Diana's plots. Shaking his head he walked over to the desk and pulled out some documents he left. He then went back to his office to do some work.

Xxxx

The afternoon came by slow. Diana had gathered everyone in the foyer. Nobody looked real happy to go with the exception of Kori, Terra, and Karen. They all headed out and into the carriages that awaited them out front. The girls shared one carriage while the men shared anther.

Karen, Terra, and Kori were talking about how much fun they were going to have. Diana was busy designing her next plot. Raven mostly stared out the window watching the scenery. She would have felt better just staying in her room and reading.

They finally made it to the shopping area. Everyone got out of their carriage.

"Now what do we do?" Garfield asked.

"Well shop of course." Diana replied.

"Where to first?" Victor asked.

"How 'bout that store over there," Diana said pointing to a store that was down the street.

Everyone made their way toward the store. The whole afternoon was filled with going from store to store. All of the men were stuck holding all of the bags while the girls shopped with the exception of Raven. She was just as bored as the men. She couldn't understand why women wanted to buy useless things all the time. 'And Richard said this would be fun. Yeah right. This is a complete waste of time.' Raven just followed everyone to each store not really paying attention to anything.

"Having fun Raven?" Richard asked when he sat beside her.

"Oh yeah. I'm just jumping with joy," Raven replied dully.

"No need for sarcasm."

"When are we leaving?"

"In a few then we're headed to dinner."

"Do we have to?"

"If you want to eat."

"Well I'm not hungry."

"Come on Rae you have to eat."

"Then can we go home."

"Yes."

The talked a little bit longer until everyone else was done. Diana was giddy with happiness. It was only a matter of time before she set her second plan in action. Since she was the first one out she headed over to where Richard and Raven were sitting. She only had one chance at this.

"Hey, you two."

"Hey, mom. Is everyone ready?"

"Yes they're just about to head out now."

"That's good cuze I'm starving."

"Why don't you two go ahead and I'll wait for the others. We'll just meet you two at the restaurant."

"Sounds good to me."

Richard and Raven headed towards the restaurant she told them to go to. Diana had already made the reservations. The only thing she didn't tell them is that she and the others weren't joining them. Sometimes she amazed even herself.

Xxxx

The waitress led them to a secluded area in the restaurant. Richard thought it was strange that they were being led in the back. He had a sneaking suspicion that his mother had something to do with this. It was just like her to come up with a plan to get them together. Why she couldn't butt out was a mystery to him. His suspicion was concluded right when the waitress stopped at s table seated for two. 'I'm going to kill her for this.'

"Nice place."

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"My mother planned this."

"Well…at least now I don't have to deal with the others."

"You're not mad."

"Honestly I think I was going to strangle Garfield. I'm happy to be away from them."

"That's good. I think."

The atmosphere was less tense than it was being around everyone the whole afternoon. Richard begrudgingly had to admit his mothers interfering did help for once. The both of them had a great time.

Xxxx

Helen was walking back and forth in her room. Raven still hadn't made an appearance yet. It was driving her insane. She needed to get Raven back and fast. There was only one person that can help her now. Komander was busy in her room so this was her only opportunity. Grabbing her dark cloak she wrapped it around her and left the house.

The road was dark with barely any light out. The carriage ride was silent. Helen made it on the outskirts of town where an old woods layed. No one dared to go into those woods alone since there was no telling who was in there. The trees looked eerie bending in different directions. A few noises could be heard all around and even some shuffling of the leaves on the ground.

Making her way further a clearing came into view. What stood in the middle was an old, rundown looking house. There were a few lights on inside. Helen stopped the carriage right in front of the house. Stepping off she made her way towards the house. Knocking Helen waited until someone came to the door.

"What do you want?" asked a gnarled, strangling voice from inside.

"I came looking for the dark sorcerer."

The door creaked open. There in the doorway was a short, beady eyed old woman. She stood hunched over with a cloak around her. Moving aside she let Helen in. they made their way towards the back of the room. A door stood before them which the old lady opened. The room was dark and only lit by candles. A table sat in the middle of the room. Helen sat in the chair offered to her while the old woman went to go get the dark sorcerer.

A man wearing a black robe walked into the room. His face couldn't be seen in the dim light. He sat across from Helen.

"What is it that you seek?"

"I need to find my foster daughter."

"You don't seem like the type to care about anyone, but herself."

"Trust me. If the girl wasn't so important I wouldn't be wasting my time looking for her."

"Does she possess some sort of powers?"

"Indeed she does. She's the daughter of him."

"Really!"

"Yes. You see now why she's so important."

"Indeed I do."

Xxxx

Narrator:

It seems like the queen hasn't lost her touch. There also seems to be some sort of mystery surrounding Raven that Helen doesn't want people to know. There's no telling what will happen next. Will Helen be able to find Raven? Is Raven going to leave the castle or will something else happen?

A/N: Sorry it's taking so long to update this story. I've been so busy with school. I should hopefully have the next chap up in the next two weeks.