Little One, Little Danger
(The Revision)
Chapter 27:
Raiden Arella Grayson
7 months ago…
An unnatural illumination dances through the weathered windows of an abandoned warehouse. Within resides some technical equipment that's been scattered about upon the moldy wooden floors. Plugged in cords through wall sockets that are nearly covered in rot and dust. Kida was situated on an iron cot that propped her upright while her heart raced. She was drenched in sweat, bound by thick leather straps that were attached to the cold metal and wrapped around her wrists.
Sierra stood by a flimsy metal table in which a laptop was resting and she entered some data within it, wiping her brow every few moments of her sweat. On the device's screen was an image of Kida's diaphragm highlighting different points that were situated around her being. Sierra lifted her gaze to the woman before continuing on and got the okay to hit ENTER on her keyboard. She initiated the experiment and moments later a piercing wail released from Kida's lips which startled Sierra but they both knew it was something that would happen throughout the process.
They had been at it all night but all their hard work was about to pay off, hopefully in the next hour or so. Maybe less. Kida only had to suffer just a little while longer, sacrificing some of her power so as to achieve her goal. What that goal was exactly was something she and Sierra had knowledge of. Once the plan was put into action…there was no going back. The illumination happened to be sparks of energy that would engulf Kida and the machinery, passing from one to the other. Her wails soon begun to die down to murmurs and then finally stopping altogether. The first phase was finally complete for the last time.
Kida felt lightheaded and she knew she would lose consciousness soon as the tension in her boy released. Sierra left her station and approached, "How do you feel?" She turned to lock gazes with her friend, her breathing heavy as she tried to compose herself and adjust to the sudden change within her body. Words wouldn't come out so to reassure Sierra, Kida gave her a half smile, but the woman saw right through it. She was in pain, but Sierra simply smiled back while Kida turned to look at the dark ceiling above. Sierra then removed her binds and the wires that had made up the trigger points around her body. Kida's eyelids were getting heavier and her breathing was finally slowing down. Soon enough she let herself drift off from the world around her.
~o~
Several hours later…
Kida slowly opened her eyes to see only darkness which startled her. She quickly sat up and the sudden movement caused some slight pain in her head. The woman winced a little as she placed her hand to her head wondering how long she had been out and where she was currently. However, the mystery of it all soon left after she illuminated her surroundings by focusing some of her energy in the palm of her hand and lifting it. She was in her bedroom back at the house. But how? There was no way Sierra was capable of transporting her alone, though she has surprised her on numerous times in the past.
The pain in her head dissipated and Kida took it upon herself to carefully swing her legs to the side of the bed. Placing her feet on the carpeted floor beneath, she stood and slowly walked out of the room and into the kitchen. A faint humming sound came from the direction of the living room so she headed there. As she entered, she saw Sierra, with her back towards her, sitting on the black leather loveseat, cradling something within her arms. "Finally awake?" Her voice startled Kida.
"Yeah. Though I'm a bit woozy." She walked around the furniture, "Is that…?"
Sierra shushed her which caused Kida's brow to twitch in agitation, "Yes it is."
Kida's gaze lingered on what was in Sierra's arms wrapped in a golden fleece blanket. It was the most beautiful and otherworldly thing that she had ever seen. A bundle of flesh as smooth as milk and as white as snow with locks darker than the midnight sky. Eyes closed as a steadied breathing indicated a sleeping state. Kida could've shed tears because all their hard work had surprisingly paid off. The experiment was a success and the aura she felt was powerful. "Is he supposed to be that small?"
Sierra rolled her eyes, "SHE, is going to be this size for about a month if my calculations are correct. This is the growing process that we implemented for the first six months of her life. Each month that passes will seem like a year to her body. Just enough time for her to obtain the age you need her to reach, memories and all, so that you can initiate phase two."
Phase two. It was the most critical stage of her plan. Getting through the first phase was difficult especially with combining two primary genes to form a living vessel of sorts through the use of her own power. It tested Kida's strength to great lengths in a way she never thought was possible. Now that they'd got through the first hurdle, a lot of preparation had to be made with the time that they had because there was not much. Not only that but it would definitely take a toll on her body.
Kida's gaze stand on the innocent life in Sierra's arms…so pure and perfect, not at all rotten by the world they lived in. "Can I hold her?" The question was to remain in her thoughts but it came out loud. Sierra turned to her with a raised brow and then sighed before carefully standing up. Kida immediately grew nervous as her friend stood right in front of her and told her to hold out her arms. She did and as Sierra begun to situate the child in her arms, Kida started to regret her want.
Throughout the years, she always had great control over her powers while in an awakened state, but she could still sense a lack of that control when it came to her emotions. When emotions stirred within her, bad things would happen to delicate things and the small being that's about to be in her arms was most definitely the most delicate and fragile thing she'd ever encountered. Kida pulled back but Sierra instantly grabbed her wrist to stop her. Kida's eyes were filled with worry and concern but Sierra's glare told her that she was not backing out after asking for it. She took a deep breath and Sierra slowly put the baby girl into her arms without waking her.
The manner in which she held the child was comic as she held her a foot away from her. A hand on the back of her head and the other on the bottom. Kida could practically hear the twitch of Sierra's eye before she scolded her in whispers on how to hold the child properly in her arms. After another moment, Kida held the girl in what Sierra figured to be the right way. She walked away from the two and plopped herself down on the loveseat with a sigh. Kida studied the baby in her possession…the life that was created a short while ago. Being that close, she realized the child was smaller and more delicate than she imagined. It frightened her. Though she was excited as well because the sensational feeling that came with such an experience was something she's never felt before.
Kida's gaze was fixated on the infant's face until its eyes fluttered open to lock with hers. She swore she could hear the chirping of a cricket as sweat ran down the back of her neck. Before she freaked out, she became mesmerized by the amethyst gaze that didn't hold any judgment on her. No fear. Kida's face softened and her lips slowly formed a smile to match as she uttered something without thinking, "Raiden."
"What was that?" Sierra yawned.
"Her name. Raiden Arella Grayson."
{ }
Month 1…
The wails of the crying child echoed through the house causing a hellish ringing in Kida's ears. She lacked sleep and the bags under her eyes were clear indicators. Her head throbbed from a headache as she tried calling Sierra who was currently at work. While the phone rang, Kida looked back at the girl trying to shush her but it only made the cries worse. The sound of the mirror in her room shattering could be heard, which was also a sign that she was under stress. "Hello?"
"Sierra!" Kida sighed in relief, "Raiden is crying nonstop and I have no idea of what to do! I've tried everything!" The woman wailed, almost matching the child's ones.
She could hear Sierra sigh, "Did you check her diaper?"
"Didn't need to, the kid's pretty smelly."
"Then change her! How would you feel if your butt was just marinating in crap?!"
Kida gagged, "Ugh, never say that again."
"Not only that, but it's probably feeding time. Just grab her tub from my bedroom closet and give her a nice warm bath in the kitchen sink. A fresh onesie and diaper should be resting on my bed. Bottles are in the fridge so grab one and warm it in a pot of boiling water. I do mean WARM it. Scolding hot milk is not the way to go with a kid. After that, just swaddle her and rock her to sleep."
"Uh…" Kida skimmed the living room, "…I should write this dow—"
"Bye!"
"Sierra wait!" All Kida could hear was the dial tone, "S-Sierra?" No answer. Sweat ran down the back of her neck as she slowly turned around to look at a very unhappy baby Raiden.
~o~
Kida situated the tub in the sink like she's seen Sierra done a few times and filled it with warmish water about shallow deep. She hurriedly grabbed Raiden and carefully undressed the child while wearing a gas mask. The clothes and dirty diaper went into a plastic bag and into the garbage outside. Raiden's cries didn't cease even when Kida took her time bathing her, to the best of her ability. Usually, Sierra would handle all of this but the hospital had been cracking down on her with overtime.
The girl's cries finally died down but were replaced by hiccupping soft cries which made Kida pass a soft smile across her lips; the kid was too cute. She picked her up and wrapped her in a large towel before laying her down on the couch while she grabbed the fresh diaper and set the bottle in the pot on the stove. As she dressed her, her cries had completely stopped to her relief. Kida grabbed the warmed bottle and put Raiden in her arms in the same way Sierra did when she would feed her. Once the bottle was in her mouth, it didn't take the child long to down half of the mild and burp on her own. The following forty-five minutes went by smoothly and Raiden drifted off to sleep in Kida's arms. She sighed in exhaustion, though as her gaze fell on the sleeping child's face…it was worth it. Her cell suddenly went off and she quickly grabbed it to answer,
"Yeah?"
"Hey Kida! I can leave in thirty minutes if Raiden is too much for you. Just would need to make up the time tomorrow."
Kida shook her head, "Don't worry about it Sierra. I can manage things on my own for a while longer."
"Huh? Are you sure?"
Kida smiled softly at the little one in her arms, "Positive."
{ }
Month 2…
Kida was preparing lunch in the kitchen, an apron around her waist and her hair pulled back into a ponytail. Raiden was seated in a highchair snacking on dry cereal pieces as she chatted on the phone with Sierra. Every once in a while Kida would give the toddler a piece of candy from a bag that was resting on the dining table. "No. Mhm. We'll be starting the next phase soon enough." Kida was chopping green onions on a cutting board that rested on the kitchen counter.
Raiden kicked her feet back and forth as she finished the last few pieces of cereal. Kida glanced her way and then cleaned her hands off on her apron before giving the girl another piece of candy. The child devoured the sugary treat and gave Kida a huge smile which seemed contagious to her. She rustled the girl's hair before returning back to her onions. Raiden looked at the bag of candy on the table, "Mm…kah…kah-n…dee." She banged her little hands on the tray of her highchair. "Kah-n…dee."
"Yes Raiden, can—" Kida stopped what she was doing and quickly turned to look back at the girl while Sierra was still rambling on the other end of their call. "Sierra be quiet!" She ran over to the girl's highchair, "Raiden? Raiden what did you say?"
Raven gave her another big smile and clapped her hands, "Kah-ndee!"
Kida thought she'd die from excitement, "Yeah! Candy!" She picked the girl up letting her phone fall to the floor, "Sierra! Raiden just said candy!" Though it was faint, she could her Sierra's excitement through the phone's speaker. Kida grabbed more pieces of candy for Raiden who accepted them happily while she clapped and continued to repeat her first word.
{ }
Month 3…
"Come on Raiden, come to Auntie See-See." Sierra held out her arms some feet away to the three year old, crouched down to her height. Raiden was holding onto the arm of the couch as she stood on her feet.
"No, don't go over there, come to Auntie Kee-Kee." Kida was across the way in the opposite direction.
The little girl looked at Kida and then Sierra before smiling. Sierra stuck her tongue out at Kida and continued to call out to Raiden to get her to walk. Raiden turned to her with a smile, "No!" Sierra's face dropped instantly; heart shattered causing Kida to burst into laughter. "Who taught her to say 'no'?" Sierra's eye twitched and she threw a pillow at Kida.
Raiden slowly let go of the furniture and stumbled in Kida's direction. The woman cheered her on while Sierra mumble "traitor" under her breath playfully. Raiden finally made it to Kida and fell into her arms. She picked her up and spun her around with the words "good girl". Sierra couldn't help but smile softly at the sight but the feeling didn't last long. Were they getting too attached? This wasn't going to last much longer because they'd be starting phase two soon.
{ }
Month 4…
They were two weeks into the second phase of Kida's plan and Raiden was seen in the lab every other night for the necessary treatments. This phase consisted of brain manipulation and fabrication of memories into the girl's mind that also had a parasitic effect on those who shared the genes she was created with. Meaning an impulse of energy would recreate these memories in both Robin and Raven because their DNA was used in Kida's experimentation. The designed aging factor would also be passed along for a better transference of the memories. All this was made possible because of the power Kida possessed, despite the toll it took on her body.
Raiden and Kida were hooked up to machines that were similar to the design used to create the girl. The procedures were hard on the four year old but even worse on Kida. After each session, she'd fall unconscious for hours and Raiden would worry. Sierra, however, would reassure her that Kida was fine and just needed rest. She was giving that same statement even now. Sierra took the girl to eat something and put her to rest in Kida's bed. She then returned to the lab to check on Kida's condition and the woman was just regaining consciousness. She slowly turned to her, "Raiden?"
"She's fine." Sierra handed her a bottle of water, "Taking a nap now. How are you?"
Kida sighed, "Exhausted, but not permanently damaged." She slowly sat herself up to take a sip of the water, "Only a month and a half left of this and—"
"About that." Sierra dropped her gaze feeling a bit saddened, "Kida…are you sure this is what you want?"
She groaned, "Not this again."
"I'm serious." Sierra could feel her heart ache, "You know that sacrifices that comes with these procedures. Do you really want Raiden to—?"
"Sierra would you stop. I have no choice."
She lifted her gaze a bit angry, "No choice? We ALWAYS have a choice!"
"You should get some rest." Kida ignored her statement, "I'll see you in the morning."
"Kida…" Sierra took a deep breath and exhaled before leaving her side, "Fine."
Kida watched as her friend exited the room. She finished the water and stared at the ceiling above deep in thought. Before any of this began, she knew the sacrifices that would be made, especially during the recent procedures. She just…never thought that it would pain her heart as much as it did. But in order to make her plan work, she couldn't be weak…there was no room in her being to be so. All those times she'd spent with Raiden flooded her thoughts. Memories…they'd all fade from the girl's mind and Kida would be the only one that would hold them…alone. She felt her chest and throat tighten. Perhaps it was okay to let herself cry one final time.
{ }
Month 5…
Kida sat on the floor within the living room with Raiden, a stack of photos between them. "Are you ready Raiden?"
"For what?" The girl cocked her head to the side a bit curious.
"We're going to find out how well your treatments have been going." Kida retrieved the stack of photos.
Raiden pouted, "D-Do we have to?"
Kida sighed, "I know it's hard right now, but I promise this won't take long okay."
"But there's a procedure scheduled for tonight, isn't there?"
"Yes, but they're getting better. We're just going to have a little review." The girl forced a small smile and then nodded. "Okay." Kida smiled and lifted one of the pictures,
"First one. Who's this?"
Raiden focused on the picture and pondered, "Um…Cyborgy?"
Kida nodded, "Yes, this is Cyborg. He's one of the members of…?"
"Uh…" The girl thought to herself, "…the teen…teen…"
"You got it. Take your time."
"The teenage mutant ninja turtles!"
Kida face palmed, "No. Close, but it's the teen titans."
"Oh, yeah." The five year old chuckled nervously.
The two continued on through the photos that consisted of the other titan members and some people that weren't too relevant. They finally came across the last two pictures that Kida was saving for last. She held up both, "Now, who are these two?"
Something triggered in Raiden's mind and she bit her bottom lip, gaze lowered, "Robin and Raven."
"And who are they to you?" She didn't want to answer the question. It wasn't true no matter what memories kept popping up in her head. Raiden remained silent. "Raiden. Answer the question."
"I-I don't know."
Kida sighed, "Yes you do. They're your parents."
"No."
"Excuse me?" Kida raised a brow.
Raiden could feel the lump in her throat, "No. They're not my parents."
"Yes they are."
"No they're not!" The little girl balled up her fists, "I don't know why you keep wanting me to believe that!"
"Because you'll be reuniting with them soon Raiden."
"I don't want to!" She began to cry, "I don't need them! I have you and Auntie See-See and that's…!" She choked with a sniff, "…that's good enough for me."
Kida could feel her heart ache, "You can't stay with us Raiden."
"But why?!"
"Because I am not your mother! You do not belong to me!"
The girl was shocked at the woman's outburst and her chest tightened, "I…I hate you…"
Kida's heart dropped; she couldn't allow herself to be weak, "Raid—"
"I hate you!" Raiden scattered all the photos and snatched the ones of Robin and Raven in Kida's hands to rip them up.
The woman simply watched the child throw her tantrum and her heart pained with every "I hate you!" that came out of her mouth. Several moments later, Raiden plopped down on the floor trying to catch her breath as tears continued to stream down her little face. She had tired herself out and wiped the tears and her nose with the sleeves of her shirt. Suddenly, she felt Kida's arms around her and the woman asked if she felt better. She ran her fingers through her dark locks and it made Raiden want to cry more. Though instead, she turned around and wrapped her little arms around Kida, burying her face into her shirt. Kida didn't stop her and held her close, murmuring reassuring words that things would be okay. She did this until the girl fell asleep in his arms. Their scheduled procedure was canceled for the first time.
{ }
Month 6…
Sierra got Raiden dressed while Kida packed the girl's mesh bag. Phase three was underway. Several days ago, they got in touch with an all too eager Mumbo and proposed an offer he couldn't resist. A clone serum that was infused within a crystal. The magician didn't ask any questions as they instructed him on how to use it with the planted idea of finishing off the titans once and for all. Too easy.
Raiden's last few procedures resulted in her losing her original memories on a great scale. She knew Sierra and Kida's faces and names along with the feeling that they weren't strangers but aside from that…nothing else remained. They were both still adjusting to the change but Kida knew it was for the best. "Are you ready?" Sierra interrupted her thoughts.
Kida grabbed Kida's bag, "As ready as I'll ever be." She headed towards the living room where Raiden sat in wait.
{ }
Sierra pulled their SUV up to the pathway that led to Titans' Tower. Kida was going to teleport her and Raiden over while Sierra waited. The two exited the vehicle but before Kida could make a move, Sierra got out and gave Raiden one final hug. Kida then took the six year old's hand and teleported them a few feet away from the entrance to the tower. Kida turned Raided to face her, "Ready?"
"A-Are you sure my parents are in there?" The girl lowered her head.
"I'm sure sweetie."
"B-But…do I have to leave you Ms. Kida?"
The use of the word "Miss" in front of her name tugged at Kida's heart but she needed to erase the last memories the girl had of her and Sierra. She retrieved the black knit cap that was in Raiden's bag and adjusted it on her head. "Yes, you have to my little Raiden." Kida crouched down, "You won't remember me, but the feeling of being loved won't escape you." The girl nodded and Kida gave her a weak smile before placing a hand atop her head. She transferred a remnant of her energy through and over Raiden, removing the last bit of memories. Doing so caused the girl to fall unconscious into Kida's arms. The woman embraced her for the final time but knew she had to act quickly because Raiden would make in a few minutes. She carried her to the door of the entrance and situated Raiden against it in a seated position. Kida squeezed the child's hand and kissed the top of her head before letting the little hand fall into her lap. She stood and walked away without looking back.
{ }
Present day…
Raiden had fallen to her knees, the palms of her hands pressed against the sides of her head as she groaned in pain. Beastboy ran over to her and placed a hand on each of her shoulders. The memories that had been erased from her mind were all rushing back to her and it was overwhelming. All those emotions coming back at once. Her eyes begun to glow white as the aura of her power surrounded her. Beastboy called out to her but his words couldn't reach her, nor the worried calls of the others. Suddenly…it all stopped. The images, the emotions…everything calmed but the missing pieces of her life had fit themselves into place.
"Raiden?" Beastboy's voice finally made it through and there was so much concern in the tone.
Raiden lifted her gaze and smiled at him softly, "Don't worry Garfield, I'm okay." She got to her feet and turned in Kida's direction with a sad expression on her face.
"You remember." Kida grinned.
"I'm getting really tired of your cryptic talk lady!" Beastboy pointed at her.
Raiden nodded, "Yes. I remember." Her reply got the confused attention of the others.
Robin gently placed Raven down and stood, "Remember what?"
"It doesn't matter Daddy, I'll handle it." She turned to him.
Kida chuckled, "My memory swipe might've run its course but the treatments are still rooted. DADDY?"
"No matter how I came about, they're still my parents."
"Raiden?" Robin approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "What's going on?" The girl opened her mouth to say something but couldn't find the words; she bit her bottom lip trying to hold back tears.
Sierra stepped forward, "I'd be happy to explain." Everyone focused their attention on her as she went into minor detail about the origin of Raiden's existence. She covered everything from the mix of Robin and Raven's DNA synthesized with Kida's power, the planted memories that had a parasitic effect all the way up to the moment the girl was left on the titans' doorstep. Those present took in the facts, a bit astonished by the entire process wondering whether the words spoken were true or not.
Robin clenched his fist, "Raiden."
"Daddy I'm sorry I…" She began to cry.
"She is OUR daughter. Raven and I." The girl's gaze went to the man a bit in disbelief of his statement. "Regardless of what you say or how she was created…our genes run through her. As for those memories that were transferred to us…tch…they mean nothing." He smirked, "Even though they were made up, the result they presented wasn't. That's the love I feel for both Raiden and Raven. Nothing can manipulate or fabricate that."
Raiden's tears continued though she could feel joy spreading through her, "Daddy."
Kida grinned, "How nice your words are, but they won't overshadow the bigger picture of what's at play here."
"That's why I'm going to stop you." Raiden took a step in her direction.
"Is that so?" Kida raised a brow.
Beastboy raised his hand, "Uh…stop her from doing what exactly?"
"Submerging the rest of the world beneath the ocean waters." Raiden gritted her teeth.
So that was it. Bruce's attention landed back to the woman, "Kida, you can't possibl—"
"I'm tired of you trying to reason with me Bruce!" She snapped at him, "Everything has been set in motion; there's not stopping this." Kida raised her hand, palm up, and she concentrated her energy within it causing that goldish glow that also appeared in her eyes. "All that's left is to get rid of the lingering pests." She manipulated her energy into a ball and then split it into six equal parts, sending them out to land at the feet of each one present, excluding Raiden and Raven. The team readied themselves as eight foot tall, shadowed creatures, rose from being conjured, laced with Kida's golden aura. Raiden focused on Kida while clenching her fists, her white aura emerging from her. The woman's eyes shifted her way as the teen headed in her direction.
"Auntie, it doesn't have to be this way." She used her telepathy to communicate with her.
Kida begun to levitate, releasing her golden aura, "You know exactly why it has to be this way."
"Things can be different. You can stop this."
"It's too late. They'll all perish. They'll all feel my pain."
"I will protect them."
"Then you will fall with them my little Raiden." The two soon flew in the other's direction and clashed at the same moment Kida's shadows made their move to attack the others.
{ }
The shadows were putting up a good fight, mimicking each attack that the titans and Aqualad threw their way with twice the power. Starfire fired starbolts while Cyborg shot his cannon, releasing rapid short shots in all directions. Beastboy cycled through morphs of prehistoric reptiles chomping at any shadowy moment. Aqualad chose to go with hand to hand combat. Bruce had more than enough experience with handling Kida's tricks so his shadow opponent didn't stand a chance. It let out a shrill as it dissipated in a smoke-like aura and Bruce caught the batarang that he used to finish the thing off. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his slack and headed in Kida's direction until someone stood in his path with a smirk. "I knew that puppet had no chance against the bat."
Bruce's gaze locked with Sierra's and the woman was armed with two double edged swords, one in each hand. He couldn't help but snicker beneath his breath as he thought that the woman reminded him of an almost sane Harley Quinn. The thought quickly left as Sierra got into a charging stance and he readied himself for an attack. Almost within a flash, the two clashed with Bruce blocking the blades of her swords with his iron bat gauntlets that happened to be hidden under the sleeves of his button down shirt. The force of the counter almost sent Sierra stumbling back but she held her ground with the grit of her teeth.
"Nice reflexes. I knew you wouldn't fail to disappoint when it came to giving me a challenge. Too bad I can't say the same for you making sure Kida stook around."
"Ignorance comes from those who make assumptions without knowledge of both sides of one story." He smirked.
Some feet away, Robin's face off with his shadow was coming to an end as he gave one final blow with his bostaff that sent an electrical surge through his opponent. He straightened his stance and scanned his surroundings to observe the battles of the others. His gaze soon fell on Kida and Raiden who were settling their differences in the air; a flash of light that shone brightly with each clash they made. By his observation, Kida definitely had the upper hand and it was mostly likely do to her experience in both combat and power control.
The girls flew across the room pass him and he ran off after them. Kida evaded Raiden's next attack with ease and responded to it with an attack of her own that the teen blocked with an energy shield. The force of the impact pushed Raiden back causing the shield she had created to disappear. Kida was a few feet away from her and noticed that the girl was struggling; the outcome of their match was already known. She reconstructed the aura of the energy that surrounded her into bracers that wrapped around her lower arms and wrists. Raiden braced herself for the woman's attack and she conjured her shield again, expanding its coverage. The glow in Kida's eyes intensified just before she charged towards the teen, unleashing waves upon waves of attacks. Each blow was more powerful than the one before it and Raiden blocked each one. But the girl knew that her shield wouldn't last much longer unless she did something fast. However, before she could think of anything, Kida released a massive surge of energy that shattered Raiden's shield upon impact. The teen went flying and within the blink of an eye, Kida had teleported behind her. She slammed into the woman who wrapped her arm around Raiden's neck and positioned the palm of her hand upon the middle of her back.
"Raiden!" Robin shouted.
Raiden felt the extent of her exhaustion for the first time since their fight started as she tried to free herself from Kida's grasp. Resisting, however, only made the woman tightened her hold on the girl and Raiden could feel her energy depleting. Robin also knew this as he watched his daughter's aura die down but he could also see it being transferred to Kida through the hand she had on the girl's back. That's what she did to Raven. Raiden's efforts to free herself stopped as her arms dropped to her side and she could feel herself losing consciousness. Robin gritted his teeth and readied himself to go to his daughter's rescue but something stopped him. A feeling he had that made him stay where he was in watch.
"I'm really sorry that it had to come to this." Kida spoke in the girl's ear feeling the last bit of her power being drained. At least until she felt a painful sensation that surged through her entire being causing her to release Raiden. The woman gritted her teeth as she felt like the breath in her was taken for a few moments along with the cease of her power. Raiden descended as Kida was engulfed with an electric shock and the wail she had been holding in was finally released. She too fell out of the sky in the opposite direction of the teen.
In the distance, Raven was struggling to stand on her feet, her arms outstretched and palms open in Kida's direction. Her pants echoed around her as she slowly lowered her hands and feel to her knees, "N-Never…touch my daughter."
"Raiden." Robin sprinted the girl's way as she collided with the ground beneath and Kida made her impact soon after a few feet away. Robin quickly crouched down to lift Raiden into a seated position, "Raiden? Raiden are you okay?"
The girl came to rather quickly, feeling the throbbing pain in her head and body. "I'm fine. Just a little…weak."
"Raiden?" Beastboy stood some feet away along with the rest of their group.
Robin raised a brow, "What happened to the shadows?"
"It seems that knocking out Kida took care of her goons too." Cyborg grinned.
Bruce folded his arms across his chest, "And her number one fan didn't put up as much as a fight as she thought." He pointed his thumb in the direction of an unconscious Sierra.
Suddenly, the entire facility begun to rumble and everyone tried to keep their footing. Beastboy ended up falling flat on his face. "What was that?" Aqualad readied himself for another fight.
"It's started." Raided slowly got to her feet.
Beastboy jumped to his, "What's started?! The genocide drowning the earth apocalypse?!"
A faint chuckle echoed through the space and they turned to find Kida who was propped up against one of the pillars in the distance. "You all had this…coming. No need…to fight it."
Quicker than anyone could see, Robin made his way to her, his hand around her throat, "You're going to stop this. NOW."
"Why?" Kida grinned, "It's what you deserve. Nightwing. After what you did…what you caused…"
Robin shook his head in agitation and confusion, "What're you talking abou—?!" Just then, another vision took over his thoughts…a little girl. She was the spitting image of the woman in his grasp, but he hadn't seen her before. Right? That growing feeling he hadn't been able to detect in a while, happened for the last time. Memories flooded his mind of what seemed to belong to him…or the older version of himself. There was a tragedy that happened so many years ago and his hatred for Kida faded in an instant. She was scared…young. He lost his parents long ago and she experienced the same. "Kida." The emotions felt in those memories had a bleeding effect on him and he could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. Robin loosened his grip on her, letting his hand fall, "I'm…I'm SO sorry."
The tone in his voice…his apology…he sounded exactly like the Nightwing she met that night. Kida gritted her teeth trying to mask the effect it had on her, "Don't pretend like you care! You took them from me!" A lump formed within her chest, "Both of them…"
"Kida I…HE…tried to help."
"I don't care!" She spat, "You could've stopped it! You should've…stopped me." Kida finally choked, seeing the pity in his eyes.
The others stood in silence, lost in the knowledge of the current conversation; aside from Bruce. Robin took a few steps back, "Kida, I know you're hurting and have been for years. But that wasn't ME. Though being connected to those memories because of your doing I can honestly say that he did everything he could. Sometimes we can't prevent everything that happens and accidents like yours happen more often than you think. I'm truly sorry for what happened to your parents, but you have to realized that…it wasn't your fault."
Kida's heart nearly stopped as the memory from that day played through her mind, "Yes…yes it was. I-If only I was stronger…had more control—"
"You were a child." His eyes saddened, "No one expected you to because such control comes with time and training. Something someone close to me knows all too well." Robin's gaze shifted to Raven who finally got to her feet to join the others.
"Kida." Bruce passed Robin and approached the woman, cupping her cheek within his hand to wipe away her tears. "Dick's right. You have to stop blaming yourself and innocent people for what happened. I know moving on isn't the easiest thing to do and I know I've had a hand in not helping with that. But I want you to know that I've always regretted choosing my work over you. At that time, you didn't understand what had to be done for Gotham to ensure its future and I should've been more aware of that. I didn't mean to neglect you and run you off." The facility rumbled again and came to a stop after several moments. "Kida, you have to stop this."
The woman finally lifted her gaze to meet his, "I can't."
"Excuse me?" Beastboy raised a brow confused.
"Bruce…*sob*…I can't stop it." Kida slowly slid down the pillar until she was seated on the ground. "I'm too weak and I have no will power to go on…I've given up on myself a long time ago."
"No." Starfire stepped forward, "That cannot be true. There has to be a way to prevent the catastrophe."
"There isn't." Sierra stood, grasping everyone's attention as she sighed, "The devices were made with Kida's power and some of her life force. That is fading away along with her will. The resulting side effect of the experimental procedures we did up until Raiden was placed on your doorstep."
Cyborg groaned, "Way to drag the mood down even more."
"The only thing I can do…" Kida lifted her gaze to the darkness above, "…is hold things off long enough to give you time to find shelter. Find a boat, submarine or anything to survive the waves."
Sierra gritted her teeth and stormed in her direction pass the others, "Have you lost your mind?!" She grabbed the woman by the collar, "If you think I'm just going to leave you here to die, think again!"
"Sierra—"
"You might not give a damn about what happens to you, but I do!"
Robin thought to himself, "There has to be another way."
"Maybe with combining the rest of my power with her, we can stop it." Raven suggested.
"No." Robin turned to her, "You're too weak in your state. Not to mention, you've been through enough in one night. I'm not going to let you risk your wellbeing any further."
"Then wha—"
"It wouldn't work anyway." Raiden's voice interrupted Sierra, gaining everyone's attention. "All this was done with Auntie's power and life force. It's the only thing that can stop it." The girl looked down at Kida and smiled softly. The woman knew what she was thinking and her heart pained at the thought in the same manner it did the day she let her go.
"Raiden…"
Raiden approached and crouched down in front of her, "Auntie Kee-Kee…we can do it together."
"Hold on." Beastboy ran over to join them, "What are the consequences of you helping to stop things?"
Sierra sighed sadly, "Raiden was created with some of Kida's life force as well. However, more of it than the devices so it would take a greater toll on her." Her heart begun to ache, "Worst case scenario would be…that she would cease to exist." Those words hit everyone hard, though Robin, Raven and Bruce knew already that that would be the case.
"No." Beastboy took a step back in shock, "No, there has to be some other way. W-We can all make a run for it like Kida said a-and find a little island off the coast somewhere put a dome around it and we'd be a population of maybe like ten…" He rambled on.
Raiden smiled softly as she stood, "Garfield." He stopped as she approached him and leaned in to kiss his lips softly. "It's okay." Tears immediately welled up in the corner of his eyes and he couldn't find any more words to say. The girl made her way to the others to say her goodbyes, until she stood in front of Raven and Robin. "Mom. Dad." Her heart was breaking and she didn't even try to hold back her tears as she rushed into their arms. They held onto her tight, "I love you."
"We love you too." Robin reassured.
"You'll always be with us." Raven chimed in.
Kida watched as regret begun to settle in. What would've happened if she hadn't run away from Wayne Manor? Would they still be a family? Her gaze shifted to him only to lock with his own, but neither made a move towards the other. The rumbling came back and Raiden gave her parents one final squeeze before teleporting to Kida's side. The woman was now standing and they exchanged a nod. They levitated back into the air as the others stayed at ground level to watch.
The noise of the rumbling grew louder, "Be mindful that with those two combining powers, things might get a bit dangerous! So be on alert!" Sierra shouted over the noise.
Kida and Raiden's auras emerged as energy flowed through them, shining more than ever illuminating the entire space. They placed the palms of their hands upon the other's, passing their power through and into one another. Debris begun to fall and the others took cover as Robin and Raven stayed where they were. Kida and Raiden's powers needed to completely merge and expand in order for them to stop the devices. They were almost there. Both girls subconsciously closed their eyes and rested their foreheads upon the other's.
"Please…forgive me, my little Raiden."
"You never needed to ask…Auntie Kee-Kee."
A soft smile presented itself across both their lips as their powers finally merged and a wave of energy spread throughout the area. Some of the titans went flying and the facility itself shattered like glass in an instant. The waves that had begun to submerge certain areas around the world came to a halt. It was like time had stopped. Water had filled the entire facility and the others were frozen submerged. Robin held Raven within his arms, her face buried in his chest. His gaze was lifted to watch Raiden and Kida who were still levitating in the mass of water that surrounded them all. The two shone light two distant stars whose light just kept getting brighter and brighter. Soon the light was too much for his eyes so he turned away.
"Daddy."
He heard Raiden's voice echoing in his thoughts and he forced his eyes open. The moment he did, time moved again and the water pressure rushed over both him and Raven. His chest tightened because he could no longer hold his breath as the beating of his heart slowed. It was as if he could feel each single beat as it got slower until he finally let himself drift off into a state of unconsciousness.