*This is a story that takes place in a different world but with the same characters. This is kind of a star-crossed lovers story.*
Raven’s POV:
The cold felt like ice hitting my face, and the moon was the only source of light for me. I was never one for cold weather (being raised in the hot desert with my father). Father is a very well-revered assassin and one may argue the best of the best.
I was a mistake and my father had never let me live that down, but as my skills grew, my father has kept me close to his side. He would never admit this, but I am almost as good as him in a fight.
That is why I was sent here. I was sent here on a mission to get into the heart of our rival assassins clan. Father knew that with my skill I would be able to break-in. Once I got there my next mission would come to me.
There was a faint sound from behind me, letting me know that someone was watching me. I smiled but soon composed myself. It was finally time to get to work.
“Hold.” A voice ordered.
I turned around and searched, putting on a scarred face.
“Who… Who is there?” I said, turning frantically to search for the owner of the voice.
“You are trust passing.” A stranger with a black mask came out of the woods, making himself known to me.
“Oh, dear!” I backed up. “I am sorry. I am terrible lost and have no clue where I am.” I fell to the ground and shivered.
“How long have you been in these woods?” He bent down beside me, feeling my forehead.
“I… I don’t know, sir.” I shivered.
“I will bring you back to the city, where the royals will settle your fate.” He then proceeded to pick me up. I shivered for special effect, and as we neared the city I knew my charade was working.
“Who is she.” Another guard stopped us at the gate.
“I found her wandering the woods.” The guard that was carrying me stated. “I am bringing her in and then the Royals can decide their fate.”
“Fair enough.” He said, letting us pass.
He walked is through the streets, guiding our way to the heart of the city. The castle. The “Impenetrable” castle that no one lives to talk about. And here I was, being escorted into it.
“Miss, I have to set you down now.” The guard told me.
“Okay,” I said timidly.
“It will be just a moment while I go to inform the royal guard of you.” He said, and I nodding in understanding. “When someone comes, you must not look them in the eyes.”
“Of course.” I nod rapidly.
Then he leaves me alone. I look around the small entryway where I had been left. The guard was kind enough to set me in front of a fireplace. The room was a calming tan and there was nothing of value in the room. It was smart. It looked intimidating.
There was a bustle of footprints that made me aware of people heading my way. I moved closer to the first place and leaned in, making myself shiver. It needed to look real.
“Miss,” The guard from before said.
I glanced up at him as the door widened for two men to walk into the room. One was in a royal blue robe, and I could only assume by the white in his hair that he was Bruce Wayne, the leader of the assassins and the head of the Royal family. The other wore royal green and was almost as tall as his father.
Though I wasn’t sure which son he was, I knew he was a Wayne because he shared his father’s looks. I remembered to make brief eye contact with the son and then bowed my head, awaiting the next move.
“What is your name, Miss?” The leader addressed me.
“Raven,” I said timidly.
“Raven, what causes do you have to be in my woods,” Bruce said in a stern voice, not letting his emotions showing through.
“I was on a walk. I was in my town of Lumba'r. I had gone into the woods early in the morning to pick flowers, but I heard someone following me. I had gotten frightened and ran. I became lost in the woods.” I looked down at my hands and shook my head, letting tears rolling down my cheeks. “I know I was out there for two days because that is how many moods I saw.”
“You are far from Lumba'r.” The son said.
I nod, not making eye contact.
“Do you know who was following you?” The head of the family asked.
“I didn’t see anyone. I just heard them. I don’t think they followed me into your woods.” I shook my head. “I am sorry.” I let the tears roll down my face in a show of remorse. Father had taught me how to fake cry on demand and it had become useful.
“Fear not, Raven.” I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You are welcomed in my house until you can rest and recover.”
I took the chance and looked up at Bruce Wayne. “Thank you, sir.”
“You may call me Bruce.” He nodded. “Now, let’s get you to your room so you may get some rest.” He offered me his hand and I took it.
“Thank you,” I said again.
“Please do not think anything of it.” He said, giving me his arm so I could lace mine through it for support.
He walked me down halls, and I shivered into his, which gained my sympathy. I looked around, making myself seem enchanted by the decor in the castle. When we reached a door, he opened the door for me.
“Do not be afraid. There will be a guard at your door all night and if you need anything let them know. A maid will come in the morning and get you ready. Tonight your meal will be brought to you, but you will attend our meals with my family while you stay here with us.” He said, letting me walk into the room alone.
“Thank you, Bruce.” I turned to him. “I do not know how to repay you for your kindness.”
“Just get better.” He said. “Goodnight.”
Then he closed my door and I heard it lock from the outside. I was in the castle, locked in a room. Father had said that it would take a few days for the orders to come and that I must remain in my charade until then. And that was my plan.
I slipped into bed, letting sleep take over.
***The Next Morning***
The door swung open and I fluttered my eyes open to look like I was asleep and had just woken up. The truth was I had been up for an hour, taking note of every nook and cranny of my room. I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes.
“Morning, Miss.” A young maid came through the door. “My name is Donna.”
“Morning.” I nod.
“I am told to get you dressed and inform you of your plans for the day.” She informed me. “I would like to start with getting you dressed.”
“Of course.” I slipped out of bed and stood before her. I looked around the room and then went to the chair where I had left my clothes. “I don’t have anything fancy,” I said picking up the blue dress I was wearing yesterday.
“Well, that will not do.” She said looking my dress over. “I will call for dresses.”
“Okay.” I nod. “I just don’t want to be a bother.”
“It is no bother. You are a guest of the Royal family.” She waved my worry off. “How about I draw you a bath while we wait for the clothes to arrive.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful.” I sigh.
She smiled and went into my bath that was attached to my bedroom. The bathroom had gold accents and white marble countertops all around. The tub was huge and the shower was beside it.
“Here, please call if you need anything else.” She said before closing my door.
I slipped into the warm water and washed my hair and scrubbed my body of the dirt and filth that I had accumulated over the past few days. It felt nice to wash it all off and refreshing to no longer smell of dirt.
Once I had felt like I was all clean, I got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around me. I peeked through the door and saw that Donna was hanging my cloak and dress in a closet.
“Is the clothes here?” I said, seeming innocent.
“Oh, yes. Your dresses have arrived.” She turned to me. “Would you like me to help you get dressed?”
“No, I can handle it,” I said, walking out in my towel. She handed me a lavender-colored dress and left the room so I can change alone.
I put on my slip and corset, careful to cut it enough to leave me movement while not making it look wrong. Then I put on my lavender dress, and put my hair half up and half down to look innocent. I put my blade in my shoe and then opened the door to my room and looked out.
There stood Donna and a guard, and they were talking. They noticed me and stood up straighter.
“Morning, Miss.” The guard nodded.
“Good morning.” I bow.
“There is no need for that, Miss.” The guard said.
“Oh, sorry.” I fumbled a bit and then looked up. “Donna, did you say there was a schedule?”
“Oh yes, Miss.” She said.
“Please call me Raven. Both of you.” I said to the guard too.
“Raven, we have breakfast starting in ten minutes and then you are to sit in with a few ladies of the courts for the morning. Attend a small lunch with the royal family and then there is a musician coming in for entertainment before supper this evening.”
“Oh, wow,” I said, sounding shocked. “I have never had the privilege of going to a musical performance.”
“It is quite wonderful. The staff is even allowed in the back of the room to watch.” She smiled. “It is going to be the event of the season.”
“Wow.” I smiled.
“Now, we must be on our way for breakfast. We can not have you tardy to meet the Royal family.”
I nodded and followed her down the halls. I was making a mental note of each step I took for a backup plan. I had always been taught to have an escape plan ready in case of something going wrong.
“Here you are, Raven,” Donna said as we neared a door. “Now we will seat you and I will stand behind you for the whole meal so you can tell me if you need anything.”
“Won’t you need to eat?” I asked.
“I have already eaten.” She answered. “Now, please.” She said and lead me through the doors. The table was already full of people and I was seated next to the end of the table, where the seat was empty. The chair across from me was also empty.
“Ah, you must be the fair lady who happened upon our doorstep.” One of the men said, slurring his words together. I found it odd that he was already drunk and it was barely even morning.
“I am.” I nod timidly. Just then the doors opened.
Bruce Wayne came in and sat down at the end of the table. “How did you sleep, Raven.” He asked.
“Quite well.” I nod. “Thank you again.”
“Was everything to your liking?” He said motioning for the servers to start.
“Oh yes. It is the most kindness I have been granted in a long time.” I nod. “You have been so generous.”
“So tell us about yourself, Raven.” One of the men at the table asked.
“Oh, I am terribly sorry, I have forgotten to introduce you.” Bruce interrupted. “My sons Dick, Jason, and Tod. Damian, the one you met last night, will be in shortly. Dick’s wife, Kori, and Barbra who is one of my most trusted advisors.” Bruce introduced everyone around the table in order.
“Hello.” I nod to each of them as they are being introduced.
“Everyone, this is Raven. She had the terrible misfortune to be lost in the woods and has ended up across our border. She will be staying here until she has recovered.” Bruce informed them all, giving them a scolding look.
“Nice to meet you,” Kori said to me.
“It will be nice to have another lady in these halls.” Barbra toasted.
“Shall we dig in?” Dick asked his father.
“Yes.” Bruce nodded.
The cover to my plate was lifted to show an arrangement of fruits, eggs, bacon, and sausage. I am actually a vegetarian and could not eat meat, so I decided to eat the eggs. When I had picked up the wrong fork, to through off suspicion, the door opened once again and the other son, named Damian walked in.
He took his seat beside his father and across from me. He briefly nodded in greetings but turned to his father before I could nod back.
“Father, sorry I am late.” He apologies to his father.
“Training again?” His father asked with a scolding tone.
“I had lost track of time.” He apologized again.
“We have a guest, and you were late,” Bruce said. “You will not do this tomorrow, understand?”
“Yes, father.” He bowed his head to his father.
I continued to eat my eggs and fruit and occasionally would be asked a question or two. I caught glances of Damian but when his eyes would meet mine I would look away. His green robe matched the green of his eyes and they were piercing into the soul.
“Raven, do you not like your sausage or bacon?” Bruce asked after I set down my fork when I had finished off the last of the fruit.
“I don’t eat meat.” I looked at him. “But the fruit and eggs were wonderful,” I added.
“Well, you can’t live off of fruit and eggs and especially if you are to recover.” He shook his head. “Alfred.” He beckoned over a servant that was standing behind him.
“Yes, sir.” He held himself with grace and pose.
“Alfred, can you please tell the chef to repair more food without meat for Miss Raven,” Bruce asked.
“Of course, sir.” He nodded and walked into the other room.
“I don’t want to be a bother.” I shook my head.
“You have to eat.” Bruce shook his head. “And it is already done.”
I nod, understanding that there was nothing I could do. In my father’s place, the cooks were kind enough to sneak me meal before breakfast so I didn’t have to eat the meat that my father was always trying to get me to have.
Father believe me to be weak when I didn’t eat meat, but he learned not to push it with me. It came as a shock to me that Bruce would order more food made just for me. He didn’t even yell at me.
The food was in front of me before I knew it. They had made me toast and gave me more fruit and jams. I spread the jam on my toast and talked with Kori and Barbra about a garden on the castle grounds. They insisted on showing me it once we had finished eating. I agreed, playing along.
I had finished my plate, satisfied with the food.
Once everyone had finished the plates were cleared and coffee was brought out to the men and Kori, Barbra and I took our leave.
“Where is it that you are from again?” Barbra asked.
“Lumba'r.” I answered. “It’s a small village.”
“Oh, I have heard it has the most beautiful flowers in bloom in the spring.” Kori smiled. “I have always wanted to go.”
“It is breathtaking,” I said. I had seen the flowers myself two months ago when I was scouting out Lumba'r. I agree that the flowers there were well worth the 6 days it took to get there.
“Oh, maybe sometimes we can visit you. After you return.” Kori smiled. “You could give us a tour.”
“I would love nothing more,” I said, knowing that by the time this is all over they won’t be able to find me again. What harm is a little white lie?
We walked outside and the warm air was amazing. It wasn’t hot but it wasn’t cold, and so we walked to the garden. They were right when they said it was a beautiful place. The fountain was made of marble and the plants were perfectly placed.
“This is beautiful,” I said to them.
“Damian’s mother had it made while she was pregnant. She was given little freeway with her life so she made this and it is the only thing left of her that stands.” Kori explained, receiving a scolding glare from Barbra.
“We don’t talk about Damian’s mother,” Barbra explained.
“Forgive me,” Kori said.
“I won’t mention it,” I said. “It is a wonderful location, and the sun just hits it perfectly.” I try and change the conversation. I was told not to dig too deep into Damian’s mother, because it would be a dead end. I had no reason to doubt my father on this.
“Indeed.” Barbra nods.
We walked around the garden and they explained each plant to me and told me the stories behind getting the invasive species of plants here. It was quite the story for each plant, but I must admit that this is one thing I would like to do when I get back to my father’s palace. It would be so peaceful.
However, my father would never allow this sort of thing in his kingdom.
“So, are your mother and father worried about you?” Kori asked.
“My mother died a few winters ago and I never knew my father.” I lied.
“Oh, I am sorry.” Kori put her hand on mine. “My parents died a long time ago in the war.” She said referring to the war of the assassins that happened over 24 years ago.
“I am sorry,” I said.
“So, who do you live with?” Barbra asked. Of course, it was obvious from the beginning that this whole gardening idea was just so they could get information about me and bring it back to Bruce, so I played along as if I didn’t know.
“I live with my Aunt and Uncle, but they have left for the season and won’t return until spring so I am staying with my cousin,” I answered. “He probably knows that I am gone, but I fear he does not like me so much so he won’t come looking for me.”
“Why doesn’t he like you?” Kori asked.
“He believes that I stole the attention away from him when I moved in with their family.” I shook my head. “I wish that we could mend that, be he has no interest in me.”
“I am sorry about that,” Barbra says.
We spend the rest of the time in the garden talking about the flowers and then we head inside for tea on a patio. It was nice and my maid Donna was with me. When I had the chance, I ask Donna how she had been.
“I am fine, Raven.” She smiled. “I think I am the one who is supposed to ask about you.”
“Well, you have been so kind to me that I want to see how you have been.” I smile.
“I am good.”
“Good.”
We drink tea and Kori fills me in on gossip that she had heard about some farmer’s boy who fell in love with a peddler’s daughter and had run away together. Barbra seemed uninterested in this news but I followed along, though I was bored out of my mind.
“Forgive us Raven, but Kori and I have pressing matters that we must attend to.” Barbra stood up after a while.
“Oh, of course.” I stood up and bowed to them.
“We will see you at lunch,” Kori said to me.
They left the room and I went over to Donna. She said we had about an hour before we had to go for lunch and suggested that I go and rest.
“I don’t want you to get too tired.” She explained.
“Yes, I think that is a good idea.” I agreed.
After she left me in my room I opened up a book that was on my self. I began to read it, laying in bed. A while passed as I became lost in the story of the book. I was brought back to earth when I heard a knock at my door.
I know I wasn’t paying too much attention to the time, but I didn’t think and hour had already passed.
“Come in,” I said continuing to read my book. When I looked up I saw that it was Damian Wayne standing at the foot of my bed. I stood up quickly and hid the book behind my back and bowed.
“I am sorry, I didn’t see you there,” I said, still bowing.
“You can rise.” He said in a cold tone.
I stood back up and he started to walk around my room. He brushed his fingers across the spines of the books on my bookshelf.
“What book is it that you’re reading?” He asked without looking at me.
“Diamonds and Pearls,” I said, bring the book in front of me again. “I am sorry. I had just seen it on the shelf and thought that I would read because sleep did not come to me.” I explained in a very good lie might I say so myself.
“It is fine. I haven’t read the book myself. Is it any good?” He glanced up at me.
“It is. If you like romance and danger.” I nod.
“How are you finding your stay?” He asked.
“It is more than I could have asked for. Your family has been so kind.” I say politely.
“Good. Good.” He nodded.
There was a brief pause where I waited for him to speak. It seemed as if he wasn’t but then he turned to me once again. “Shall I escort you to lunch?”
“That would be most kind.” I nod. “But I should tell my maid so she doesn’t worry.” I pause.
“I will have my guard find her.” Damian gave me his arm and I took it. I slipped my small hand through him and he walked me down the hall. He was taller than me and he smelled of pine needles and fresh air.
I walked beside him and took long graceful steps to keep up with his pace. When we walked into the lunchroom everyone was already seated at the table. Damian pulled out my chair for me and moved it back in when I had sat. Then he took his seat across from me.
“Alright, let us begin,” Bruce said, waving for the food to come out.
I glance up to see those mesmerizing green eyes looking at me.
“Exit on the third floor. Take a left!” Kori’s voice guided me on the intercom. I followed her directions and took a sharp left. I ran down the long hallway, the lights flickering as I went. “The door on your right!”
I swung open the door and chased down the stairs as fast as I could. I could feel it though. This place was about to blow and I was still in it. I couldn’t portal because I didn’t have the strength, but I ran with all my might.
I reached the first floor of the building, pushing the door open with all my strength. The light from outside blinded me for a few seconds, but I ran anyway. I got past a building and sunk into the alleyway.
There was a loud explosion.
I sank to the ground, keeping my back against the cold building. I took a few seconds to breathe and get my head on straight.
“Rachel!” Kori’s voice cried out in panic as she searched for me. “Rachel!”
“I’m over here, Kori,” I said weakly.
She rushed over to me and helped me to my feet. I put my arms around her for support as the tall Tamaran helped me over to the Titan car. Once we got close enough to the car, I let her go and climbed into the passenger seat.
“Kori, the next time you ask to have a girl time…” I turned to look at her as she started the car. “Remind me not to go.” I sank into my seat and clutched my aching side. Even though it was already healing, I was so weak that it would take time for this bruise to heal.
Kori chuckled and shook her head, as she started our drive home.
Kori had begged me yesterday to go for a girl’s day out. She had in shopping and spas in mind, not almost dying. I had said yes on a whim. I really don’t get to spend much time with other girls and honestly, I didn’t have anything better to do.
What started off with eating lunch on a nice pear, ended up being a chase down with some bad guys that robbed a bank. They ran from the bank to some wear-house, where we followed and caught them. Of course, they bombed the place and a few of them got away.
“Dick will not be very pleased.” Kori shook her head. “He had told me not to go on any calls today and enjoy the day with you.”
“Hey, we had fun.” I smile. “You kicking that ogre of a guy’s butt was pretty awesome.”
“And you are getting quite good at hand-to-hand combat, Raven.” She smiled at me. “You are right, it was a pretty good day.”
“But next time we should stay in and do a movie night,” I tell her, being completely serious. Today had been a close call and had drained me more than I cared to admit.
“You are right.” Kori gave a tired smile. “When we get home how about we watch movies. I can get the guys on patrol for the night.”
I forgot I was even on patrol tonight.
“That would be great, but I might fall asleep during the movie.” I chuckled. As I did that my side started to ache more so I grasped it with both hands. “And maybe some ice tonight?”
“How bad was it?” She gave a concerned look.
The ogre man had kicked me in the ribs and gave me a bad bruise. I am sure it is already purple by now. After the ogre did that, Kori came in like a badass and kicked his butt.
“I’ll be fine,” I said, trying not to worry her. “All I need is rest.”
She nodded and pulled into the drive of the Titan Tower. She opened the garage door and parked the car. When the car had stopped, I slowly climbed out of the car, holding my side. I let my cap fall over me, hiding my arms.
Kori and I walked into the tower together. When we stepped into the living room, the TV was on and showed us fighting on the screen. Garth and Jaime were commenting on something before they turned and saw us.
“Kori, Raven!” They jumped to their feet.
“You’re on TV.” Garth pointed to the screen.
“You did good work,” Jaime commented.
“Where are the others?” Kori ignored their looks. I did the same.
“Dick and Damian are having a training session.” Garth sat back down. “I am pretty sure one of them has killed the other by now.”
“I bet Damian killed Dick.” Jaime joked.
“Boys, have you don’t your homework?” Kori eyed them.
The boys stood up and slumped out of the room. I followed Kori to the training room.
“If they have been in here the whole time, there is a chance they haven’t heard.” Kori turned to me. “Let me explain everything.”
I nodded and followed her in.
Right away my eyes caught Damian slash at Dick’s feet. Dick jumped up and narrowly missed Damian’s sword. Dick countered with his bow staff, hitting Damian’s side with it. Damian hissed in pain and then swiped the feet out from under Dick.
“Do you yield?” Damian said with his sword to Dick’s neck.
“Yes.” Dick coughed and sat up. Damian put away his sword and offered his hand out to Dick for help. The brother took it and stood to his feet.
Both of them seemed to notice us standing there.
“Ladies.” Damian nodded to us.
“Hello.” Kori stepped forward. “I want to explain before you hear it on the news.”
Both of the boys looked at Kori. “What?” They both asked. Dick was confused and Damiana was a tad annoyed.
“Well, you see…” She turned to me. “We were going out to eat when we heard of a bank robbery.”
“You didn’t go… right?” Dick stepped forward, looking right at Kori.
“Well…” Kori backed away.
“We went,” I confirmed. “The bank robbers ran from the bank to a warehouse, where we caught up to them,” I explained to Dick. “We took care of it.”
“Took care of it?” Damian said, pulling up something on his tablet that he had grabbed without me noticing. “It blew up!” He handed the tablet to Dick. Dick started reading.
I was glad for my cap now. I knew that if I had shown any of the guys that one of us got hurt, we wouldn’t have heard the end of it. I stood up taller, trying to hide my injury. I wasn’t going to let them know.
“We hadn’t known it was more than just bank robbers,” Kori argued.
“And you didn’t call for help?” Dick said, handing back the tablet.
“We didn’t have time.” Said Kori.
Damian didn’t say anything. I turned to look at him while Kori and Dick squabbled. Damian’s eyes were on me as if he was searching for something. For some reason his eyes made me feel naked and exposed. I looked away.
“It says here one of the girls was injured.” Damian interrupted Kori and Dick.
Dick looked at Kori and then at me. I looked at Kori, pleading with her not to say anything. She understood.
“It was a lie,” Kori said confidently.
Damian looked at her. I prayed that she wouldn’t crack.
“Well then, if no one got hurt, why does Raven have her cloak on?” Damian didn’t turn from Kori.
“I am fine,” I say. I knew to sell this lie I had to show him, so I opened my cloak and held myself up, telling my hands not to reach for my side. When Damian seemed satisfied, I put the cloak back around me.
“Look, it was a small brawl and everything is fine now,” I assured them. “We just came here to see if you guys would allow me off patrol tonight. I am beet.”
Dick stood up straight and looked between Kori and me. After a second he nodded. “Fine. I’ll fill in for you tonight.”
“Thank you, Dick.” Kori smiled.
He turned to her. “I am still not happy neither one of you saw the need to call us.”
“We handled it,” I told him.
“The building was destroyed.” Damian stepped towards me. “If one of you had been in there, then this would be a whole different conversation.”
If only I told him right there that I only escaped by seconds. I could just see his whole head-turning red and steam coming out of his ears. But I won’t tell him. I mean what he doesn’t know won’t kill him.
Shortly after that, Kori and I went up to our rooms and changed into something more comfortable. I was already gaining my strength back, so I teleported downstairs and snuck up a cooler of ice.
Kori and I went to her room and watched The Office. Kori had shown me this show a while back, so now when we have girl bonding time, we usually watch it in silence. Kori and I shared the ice and nibbled on snacks that she hid up in her room.
“Damian was very angry when he read that someone had gotten hurt today.” She spoke while the show changed to another episode.
“He did?” I tried to focus on the intro of the episode.
“It was almost as if he cared one of us had gotten hurt?” She said in an almost suggestive tone.
I looked at her, and she was smiling back at me. “I don’t think…” I didn’t know how to play it off. Her gaze on me made me turn red with embarrassment. “He was just angry, there is nothing to it.”
“Hmmm.” She said and turned back to the episode.
I tried to focus on the show, but my face was still red. The way she made it sound almost like Damian cared, but that can’t really be. It was just an illusion.
We spent the rest of the night watching shows and soon fell asleep. I woke up around one in the morning and teleported to my bedroom for the rest of the night. I was already feeling better, but when I looked the bruise was still on my skin. The bad thing about bruises that even when my body heals, the bruising color stays on my skin for a while.
******
The Next morning I got up like normal and took a shower. I didn’t really feel up to an early morning training, so I decided to go on a walk around the grounds. It was a lovely morning with the birds calling and no one in sight.
I was past the gate before I even realized it. I turned back to look at the giant ’T’ in the sky. Titan Tower has been my home for many years now and looking back now, I was lucky to have Zatanna watching over me when I came to earth.
Zatanna was the first person to show me kindness when I came here. She was the one who saw the good in me and got me on the Titans. I owed her so much.
“Rachel?” A voice spoke out from behind me.
I turned and saw Damian in his workout gear. He lowered his sword that he was apparently training with and stepped towards me. I stepped forward, closing in the distance between us.
“Damian.” I nodded to him.
“What are you doing out here?” He put his sword into his belt.
“I could ask you the same.” I nodded to the sword.
“I was training.” He stood straight. “Now you.”
“I am going on a walk.” I stood straight to mimic him.
He nodded in understanding. I turned back, thinking the interrogation was over. I heard his footsteps behind me before I saw him. He was soon walking my pace by my side.
“What are you doing?” I gave him a sideways glance.
“I am walking with you.” He said, looking straight forward.
“Okay.” I nodded and continued on my path.
“Where are we going?” He said after a few minutes of silence.
“Not sure,” I say, brushing my hands across a bush on the path. It was the perfect time of year where the trees were turning green and it wasn’t yet too hot out.
He just nodded and we continued on our walk. Honestly, it was nice to have him walking next to me, and even though we weren’t talking, it wasn’t boring. If it was anyone else like Garth or Jaime, it would be a long and annoying walk, but with Damian I was fine.
“What are you thinking about?” Damian turned to look at me.
“Nothing.” I shrug.
“So are you going to tell me the truth about yesterday’s events?” He gave an all-knowing look. I tried to play it off.
“I am not sure what you are talking about.” I turn so I am not facing him.
“Raven, you are quite good at hiding things and lying, but you should know by now that I can read you. I have been trained by both the League of Assassins and my father. I know you’re lying.” He grabbed my arm and stopped me from walking anymore.
“Fine.” I turned to him. “There was a hick-up and someone got away,” I say, trying to avert his attention from what he was surely asking.
“Someone got away?” He stepped back.
“Kori and I have contacted the Justice League,” I inform him.
“If this was a normal bank robber there would be no need for the Justice League to be involved.” He looked me right in the eyes with his stern emerald eyes. “What are you not telling me?”
“Nothing.” I lie.
“Rachel.”
“Fine, it was a bit bigger of a situation that we ran into,” I tell him. “It wasn’t just a normal robbery and to our knowledge, they were working for someone high up than our pay grade, so we handed it over.”
“How much high up of a pay grade?”
“Lex Luther,” I tell him. “I mean it’s a guess, but that is who Kori and I believe it to be.”
“What makes you think that?” He tilted his head to look at me. He was adorable like this. Oh shut up mind!
“There were just a few boxes and things there that made us believe Lex had funded that place.” I shrug.
“What was inside the boxes?”
“Weapons.” I turn away. “As I said it was more than we bargained for.”
“And you didn’t call because…” He sounded annoyed.
“There was no time.” I turned to him. “Look, I know you don’t like that we stumbled on this for some reason, but it all happened so fast! There was no time to call for help.”
He looked at me as if trying to see if I was hiding anything else from him. I huffed and turned back to the path and started walking. Of course, he followed.
It was a while before he spoke up again.
“And you got hurt?” He said, taking me away from my thoughts. I didn’t answer him. “Look, I saw how you held yourself. Even with your cape, I could tell something was off in your walking.”
“I was hit by an ogre,” I say not looking at him. “It doesn’t matter now because I have rested and it has healed.”
“Even the skin coloration?” He asked.
How did he know that? I haven’t ever told anyone that I heal but the bruising color doesn’t go away. I mean a select people know, but none of them on the Titans. HE READ MY FILE!
“Your snooping now!” I turned to look at him, stopping him in his tracks.
“I need to know about everyone’s weaknesses and strengths on the team. You should too if you were smart.” His words cut through me.
I huffed and started fast walking away. Damian was close on my trail, following me every step. The faster I walk, the faster he did. When I knew I couldn’t outrun him, I knew I had to portal.
I stopped dead in my tracks and back kicked Damian in the chest. He stumbled back.
“Azarath Metrion Zinthos” I conjured the portal and stepped through, letting it close behind me. I was fuming now. How dare he impose on all of our privacy and then accuse us of not being smart to do the same.
I was in my room, pacing out my anger. I knew this was silly of me to let this get to me, but I couldn’t help it. How dare he call me dumb! He had no right to those files. They were only for Kori and any of the Justice League members.
Did Kori give him the files?
No, she wouldn’t have let that happen. She would have stopped Damian if she ever found out. Damian had to have gotten the passwords and stuff from his father. He was insufferable!
“Raven?” Kori’s soft voice took me out of my thoughts.
I walked over and opened the door to find Kori with a concerned look on her face. I let her in and closed the door behind her.
“I heard your footsteps in the hall. Are you alright?” She asked me.
“No,” I mumbled in anger.
“What happened?” She put a calming arm on my shoulder.
“Damian has access to all the files on every Titan.” I clench my fists together. “He has been reading on all of us.”
“He can’t do that. He doesn’t have the codes.” She tells me.
“He does too. He read up on all of us.” I look her in the eyes. “Those files have private things that I haven’t told anyone. He doesn’t have any right to read those.”
She studied my face. “Look, I will talk to Batman.” He gave me an encouraging smile. “But if he has read up on you, I think it only fair to read up on him.”
“What?”
“Don’t tell Dick, but on Tamaran, it is only fair that if someone has a one-up on you, that you even the playing fields.” She smiled at me. “If you wish, I can give you Damian’s file.”
“Really?” I wasn’t sure if that is what I wanted, but I was interesting.
“Yes, but you can’t tell anyone I gave it to you.” She nodded. “I will give you the file after breakfast if you wish.”
I nodded.
She left the room, giving me one last encouraging smile. When I closed the door I didn’t know if I felt any better. I knew that looking at the files would make us even, but it would also be something that my father would have wanted.
There was another knock at the door. I opened it a crack to see if Kori had forgotten something, but it wasn’t her.
“I am sorry.” He said, pushing the door open wide enough for him to step in.
“Come on in,” I said sarcastically, closing the door.
“Look, what I said… I didn’t mean it like that.” He walked over to my bookshelf and started to look at the collection of books I had created over the years.
“Damian, please go,” I asked him.
“Look, I am sorry. I was angry. I am not sure why, but I said those things from anger.” He turned his head to look at me.
“So it’s not true. You haven’t read all the Titan’s files?” I questioned.
“No, I have.” He nodded. “But you are not dumb for not looking at them yourself.”
“Damian, those files are only for the Justice League, they are not for you!” I came closer to him, giving him a piece of my mind. “There are things that some teammates don’t need to know about each other!”
“That is not what I was raised to believe.” He said a matter of factly.
“I don’t care if you were raised to kiss cows!” I point at him in the chest. “You making that choice to invade our privacy is not ‘cool’ and very unwelcome.”
“I am sorry…” He began.
“Save it!” I held up my hand, stopping him. “I don’t want to hear it. You are just like my father and invading personal space. If I wanted you to know something, I would have told you!”
I stepped back.
He stepped towards me. “That is not my intention.”
I turned so I didn’t have to look at him. I heard him sigh in frustration at me.
“Look, I am sorry. I did it a long time ago when I first join the Titans. I haven’t looked at them since. I do have picture memory, so I apologize, but I have changed from the boy I was when I first came.” I felt his hand on my shoulder.
I knew I was supposed to be anger at him and push away his touch, but his hand felt warm and welcome. I leaned into his touch for a moment before I realized what I had just done.
I turned to look at him, and our eyes met.
“Raven, I am sorry.” He bent down so our eyes were at the same height. “I only brought it up today because I wanted you to admit you were hurt, but I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I am not so angry about that as… mortified,” I admitted.
“Mortified?”
“You read my files. The things on there… They are…” I looked away. “My father was ruthless, and what’s on those files is proof that I am weak.”
“Weak?” He pulled my head up so my eyes met his. “No, Raven, when I read those files I was amazed by your strength. You stood up to your father even after all the things he had done to you. You could have easily been his pawn all your life, but you changed that.”
“No…” I began to protest.
“Raven, when I first came on the Teen Titans, the first real call was against your father and the entire Justice League. You stood firm and faced him.” His eyes were hopeful. “You are not weak and those files prove that.”
“They still have all those horrible things I had done before I took the leap to come here.” I protest again.
“Stop it!” He held onto my face, firm. “You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I don’t care what the file says.”
I sigh and lean my face into his hands. He is strong and holds me, and a feeling of safety comes over me. When I open my eyes again I give a small smile, which he returns.
“Breakfast?” I ask, pulling out of his hands.
“Yes.” He nods and follows me out the door. When we get into the kitchen we sit down and eat our meals in silence. Garth and Jaime are having a fight over who is the best hero to fight in the dead of winter. I tune them out and eat my cereal.
Kori comes in sometime later with a plain folder. She passes it to me when she sits beside me. I take it and hind it under the table. There was no need for Damian to find out about this folder now.
I ate the rest of breakfast in silence and when I am finished, I head up to my room with the folder. When I get inside I look down at the cover of the folder. I don’t really want to look at this now, but something is telling me to hold on to it.
I put it in the top of my desk drawer and put it out of my mind. Damian might have looked at everyone else folders, but I don’t want to be like my father and read it for vengeance. I don’t need to.
*********************************
Bonus (This takes place in the future of this same storyline)
I teleport into my room, exhausted from the workout Dick put me through. When I got into my room, there was a certain green-eyed boy in my room. I bushed my hand on his shoulder and went to my dresser for my clothes.
I pulled out some PJs and turned to Damian, who had yet to acknowledge me.
“Damian?” I stepped closer to him, looking over his shoulder to see what he was looking at. He had a yellow folder in his hands. Oh shit!
“What’s this?” He turned up to look at me.
“Um…” I was at a loss for words.
“This is my file.” He stood up and looked at me. I was mortified.
“Yes,” I said, not able to look him in the eyes.
“Why do you have my file?” He questioned. “How did you get this?”
“Well, um…” I glanced up at him. “Kori might have given it to me when we had that fight a while back about you reading my file.”
“That was like three months ago.” He looked down at the folder in his hands. “You read this three months ago?”
“No.” I look up at him. I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “I haven’t read it. I didn’t want to.”
“Why didn’t you?” He looked surprised.
“It would be something my father would have done.” I didn’t want to hold anything back from him. “I kept it for god knows why, but I promise I didn’t read it.”
He looked at me in silence for a minute, debating something. Probably to yell at me or kill me. Damian had every right to be angry, he did, but I hadn’t even thought about the folder in so long, and I was already so tired.
“Alright.” His voice pulled me from my downward spiral.
“Alright?” I asked.
He handed me the file. “You were quite angry about me reading your file. And I don’t want to hold anything back from you. You may read my file.”
I looked down at the folder and up to him. “What?”
“Raven, I don’t want to hide anything from you. I like you, and if you would like, you may read this file. I will answer any questions you may have.” He nodded and walked over to the bed, laying down.
I walked over and looked down at him. He looked relax.
“Why?” I didn’t understand.
He grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him. “I like you, Rachel Roth. I don’t care if you know what is in that file. I want to be honest with you.” He pulled me for a kiss.
When our lips touched it was like our first kiss all over again. I had been with this boy for a few months but lived with him for years and somehow this boy still managed to sweep me off my feet and surprise me.
This morning has been slow. Garth has been asking for everyone to go to the new circus in town. I couldn’t care less, but the others seem to want to stay home and be lazy.
I was meditating in the small garden outside when I heard the rustle of leaves. The intruders ora was excited. I couldn’t place where I have seen them from.
“Hello there, beautiful.” The voice sang as he came into view. I opened my eyes to see a boy, about the same age as me, with Superman’s logo on his chest.
“Who are you?” I said, levitating you the ground. I didn’t see the new comer as a threat.
“Where are my manners?” he bowed to me. “I am the new Superman.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “And who do I have the pleasure of speaking too?”
“I am Raven.” I took my hand back. “You seem young for a new Superman.”
“Age means nothing.” He stood up. I hit a sore spot.
“What are you doing here?” I stood.
“I am here because the President wishes to have the Teen Titans as her body guard.” He gave me a grin. “I am the Presidents personal body guard.”
“Did she just have the Justice League as her body guards?” I asked, remembering it now.
“Yes, but for public image, she has chosen the Titans as her new guards.” He gave me his arm. “Might I escort you back to the tower?”
“Fine.” I took his arm. “You will need to speak to Kori about all this. She is the one in charge.”
“Then I will do just that.” He smiled down at me.
When we were walking back to the tower, new Super boy tried to make small talk. He was annoyingly charming. Right as we got up onto the main floor, he told a joke.
“What do you call the sun when he’s had too much to drink?” He looked at me and I shrugged. “Moonshine!”
I couldn’t help myself and just as the elevators door opened, I laughed. Everyone turned to look at us. My arm was still wrapped around his and we were both laughing.
When we stopped, super boy released my arm and stepped forward. “Hello Teen Titans. I come here on behalf of the President. Might I speak with Kori?” He looked around for her.
Kori stepped forward and escorted him into a different room to talk. Garth came up to me.
“Who is that?” He gave me a look that I could not read.
“He is the president’s body guard. He says he is the new Superman.” I answered flatly. “What are you doing with your face, Garth?”
“I just think that maybe our Raven has a crush…” Garth smiled at me.
I punched him hard in the shoulder. Then I saw Damian stand up from the couch he was on. We looked at each other, but he turned away and stomped off.
What was his deal.
“I am sticking with my idea.” Garth said, rubbing his arm.
“Garth,” I looked at him. “Shut up.”
He laughed and walked back to the couch and started playing his video games again. I turned and went to my room.
It was about an hour later before there was a knock on my door. I opened it up and there stood Super Boy himself.
“Raven, might I ask for a tour around the tower?” He smiled.
“Sure.” I responded.
I started down the halls, telling him about all the rooms. “The girls live on this wing, and the boys live in the other.” I explained.
“Interesting.” He commented.
“I am sorry, but I can’t keep calling you new Superman. Do you have a name?” I asked. It was bothering me, not knowing what to call him.
“You can call me Conner.” He smiled. “So back to the tour… where do you train?”
“We train on the top floor.” I gestured to the elevator. We got in. “Why do you want to know all this?”
“Well, I have to stay here and brief you all on the plan. I want to know about the place I will be staying.” His voice was calm. It was kind of relaxing.
“Well, Conner,” I smiled. “In order to say you have stayed at the tower, I think it is only fair that you run through the simulator.” I joke.
He loved that idea. “Challenge accepted.” He smiled.
When we got on the floor I set up the simulation for him. Conner wanted me to put it on the highest setting, but I talked him down to the medium setting.
It started off slow and Conner got every machine that came at him. He did have all of Superman’s powers. I leaned on the monitor and watched him.
After Conner had taken down seven robots at once, he turned and winked at me. I blushed. It was about five minutes later that he got the last robot.
“That was fun.” He laughed.
“You did well. You almost beat the top time.” I read off the monitor.
“Who has the record?” He came over to look at the monitor.
“Robin.” I answered without thinking.
“I could beat that time.” Conner said.
“No, we should head back. We have supper soon.” I pointed at the clock. It was almost six.
“Maybe tomorrow.” He shrugged as we got into the elevator.
“Sure.” I said, knowing that as soon as anyone beat Robin’s score, he would beat theirs. I didn’t want to ruin Conners mood though.
When we got to the main floor, the pizza was already on the counter. Everyone already had their food, so I grabbed a plate and got two slices of cheese. Conner came behind me and got some all meet pizza.
“Hello.” Conner greeted everyone. Everyone mumbled back a response. Well accept for Damian who was glaring at Conner.
Did Damian not like Conner? Did they know each other? I would have to ask Damian later, I thought to myself.
“How was your tour?” Kori asked as Conner sat down.
“I had a wonderful tour guide. This place is pretty awesome.” Conner smiled at me.
“I am glad. Conner, when will we be briefed on the mission?” Kori asked.
“Orders come tomorrow at first light. If we could be ready to leave by noon, that would be ideal.” Conner said while ratting. “Make sure you pack for a few days. Maybe four.”
“Where are we going?” Garth asked, stuffing pizza in his mouth.
“DC.” Conner answered. “You will all be staying at the White House.”
“Wow.” Beetle sounded shocked.
“While you are there you will each be paid. For the four days you will be on patrol, and you will take turns around the clock.” Conner said, whipping his mouth.
“What would we be doing?” Damian said in a grim voice.
“You will be guarding her while the president meets with some tourists . She would like to make a truce.” Conner explained.
“Why is she doing that?” Kori asked.
“She doesn’t want anymore war.” Conner sighed. “She is trying her best, but also taking a huge risk.”
“So we are here because the Justice League can’t?” Beetle asked.
“No, she asked for you guys personally.” Conner leaned back.
“Wow!” Garth jumped up. “The president wants us!”
Conner laughed and agreed. He told us that at first light there will be orders, and that we should all get rest, because it will be a long four days. Kori agreed and told us all to get ready.
“Garth, will you take Super boy to his room?” She asked.
“It’s Superman.” He corrected her.
Kori nodded but I could tell she didn’t agree with the name. Garth led him to his room, and I started on my way to my room. I was alone in the hallway when someone grabbed my arm and pulled me into a storage closet.
“How do you know him?” Damian’s voice was stone cold.
“I met him outside.” I answered annoyed to be pulled away. “Where did you meet him?”
“What?” Damian spat out.
“You are constantly glaring at him. You have to have met him and disliked him.” I point at him. “How do you know Conner?”
“Conner? You know his name?!” Damian sounded livid.
“Damian calm down. I gave him a tour and didn’t feel comfortable calling him Superman.” I explained. “I am not sure why you hate him so much. Is he… bad?”
Damian looked at me for a second. “No. I just don’t trust him.”
“Okay.” I calmed down.
“Okay?” He looked puzzled.
“I just mean okay. I am going to my room. We have a busy day ahead of us.” I opened the door to the closet and turned around. “Are we still going to have tea tomorrow?”
“Yeah.” Damian answered and stormed past me.
I went in my room and got ready for bed. Before I went to sleep I packed some clothes. I packed six outfits just in case.
When I was content with my packing skills, I went to bed. I slept really well that night. When I woke up it was still dark outside.
I got dressed and made my way to the kitchen. Damian was already there, pouring two glasses of tea.
“Morning.” I said, walking over and taking a glass.
“Morning.” He grabbed his cup and walked over to the window.
I sat at the table, sipping on my tea. We did this every morning. We would get up before sunrise and make tea. We would sit in silence and watch the sun com up together.
“How did you sleep?” He asked, not turning away.
“Fine.” I answered. “And you?”
“Fine.”
I finished my cup of tea and before I could stand and get another one, Damian came over and grabbed my glass. He brought me back another cup of tea.
“Thanks.” I said taking it. He sat beside me.
We have been doing this so long that I think he just knows that I like to have two cups of tea in the morning.
“Did you pack?” He asked.
“Yes. I packed for six days.” I said, looking out the window at the rising sun.
“Smart.”
We watched as the sun started to spread over the buildings. It was beautiful and peaceful. I loved watching it.
“Good morning!” Conner came into the kitchen.
“Morning.” I said, not looking his way.
“The orders have arrived.” He went to the counter. “Where’s the coffee?”
“We don’t have coffee.” Damian said plainly.
“What is this?” Conner got up cup and tried it. He spit it out right away. “Yuck.”
“It’s tea.” Damian glared.
Conner poured the rest of the tea down the drain. “You guys need to get coffee. It tastes much better.” I stood up, making both the boys look at me.
“I am going to leave.” I turn to Damian. “I have to pack.” Damian knew that I was lying, but I didn’t think he would out me.
I left the room. A few seconds later I heard someone run up from behind me. When I turned Conner was behind me.
“So I have news! I talked with the president, and you have been invited to be in the room when we have their negotiation.” Conner handed me a piece of paper. “I will be there as well.”
“Wow.” I didn’t know what to say. I was going to meet the president.
“You are going to need to pack professional. Bring a few modest dresses and anything that looks like business. You don’t need to worry about fighting. Your there for keeping the peace.” He told me.
“I am going to have to look threw my closet and find things then.” I started to worry if I had nice enough clothes.
“I will leave you to it then.” He smiled. “I just came to give you the news.”
I smiled and walked into my room. I grabbed my bag and dumped it out. All of these wouldn’t be fit to meet the president. I grabbed my dress that I got when I was shopping with Kori. Other than that I didn’t have any other dresses.
I went to Kori’s room. “Kori, are you awake?”
She hummed and I opened the door. She was packing. She must have just gotten out of the shower because she had her hair up in a towel.
“Do you have any dresses I can borrow?” I asked, looking at my feet.
“Why?” She looked over at me.
“Conner said my order was to be in the room during the debate. I need to dress business like.” I told her.
“I have a few dresses that I grew out of. You can have them if you want.” She pointed over to a box in her closet.
I opened I up and found a gorgeous blue dress on top. I looked at the size and I was perfect. “Is this okay?” I asked Kori.
“That would look perfect on you. Please take it.” She smiled.
I drug through a few more. There was a nice purple one and red one that also looked good. I grabbed the ones and went back to my room.
I packed them as nice as I could. I didn’t want them to get wrinkled. After I got everything packed, I grabbed my bag and brought it to the living room. The boys where already there with their bags when I walked in.
“Did you find some good clothes?” Conner asked.
“Yes.” I nodded.
“When everyone gets here I will brief you all.” Conner turned to the guys.
I walked over and set my stuff on one of the couches. Damian was working on something on his tablet. He didn’t look up.
The Kori walked in. “Good morning everyone!” She cheered. Her energy was tiring.
“Just waiting on Wonder Girl.” Conner said.
As soon as Wonder girl came in Conner started the briefing. He told everyone their plan and station that they would be at. We would be taking turns and switching back and forth.
“Raven will be with me in the meeting.” Conner explained. “And when you see one of us come out of the meeting, be prepared to the meeting to dismiss.”
“What happens when they dismiss?” Garth asked.
“Then you have to watch. If one person acts out, then you take them. Your first priority is protecting the president.” Conner’s voice was firm.
“Ok.” Everyone agreed to the plans.
“There is a car downstairs that is here to take us.” Canned said. We all grabbed our bags and brought them down.
The guys loaded our bags. Conner was about to reach for mine when Damian stepped forward and picked it up.
“Thanks.” I say softly.
He said nothing, but I knew he heard me. After all the bags were packed, we loaded in. I instantly put in my earbuds and started listening to composers.
Kori sat on one side of me, pinning me between the window and her. Garth was asking Conner questions and the others seemed to either be sleeping or playing on their phones.
It was a three hour drive. I used the time to listen to Beethoven and other amazing composers. It was relaxing. I have always loved the classic composers.
What are you listening to, Raven?“ Conner asked.
"Beethoven.” I answered simply.
“Nice.” Was all he said.
I got a text on my phone.
What symphony? Damian had overheard.
I sent back the seventh one. When I looked up our eyes met and she smiled. He know the seventh symphony was my absolute favorite. I looked back down and the rest of the ride I had a small smile on my face.
“We are here!” Conner announced.
I looked out the window and there stood the White House. It was bigger than I pictured, but it was breathtaking.
“Wow.” Kori took the words right out of my mouth.
When we parked we all stubbled out of the car. I let everyone get out before me because of how crazy it was. When I stepped out I went to stand my Damian.
“It’s nice.” I said to him.
“Yeah.” He sounded unexpressed. “I’ve been here before.”
“Really!” I turned to face him.
“I came with father.” He looked over the house. “It was for a mission.”
“You should be the one in the meeting then. You already know the president.” I said, starting to get nervous.
“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.” He said, encouraging me.
“Thanks.” I gave him a small smile. He returned me with one of his own.
“You guys know your job.” Conner interrupted. “Girls rooms are to the right and boys to the left. Your schedules are in your rooms.”
Kori, Cassie (aka wonder girl) and I went to our shared room. There was three beds for each of us, which was a relief because I didn’t want to share beds.
I found the bed with my schedule and I set my bags on it. I sat down and studied it for a bit. I had a meeting with the president in one hour to meet her.
“Kori,” I walked over to her. “Can you help me get ready. I have to meet the president in an hour and I need to get ready.”
Kori has always been the closet thing to a big sister. I mean I have a sister but she wants to kill me, so I don’t feel she counts.
“Sure!” She got up and started going through my bag. She pulled out a nice top and black pants. “For the first meeting I think you should wear this.”
I took the clothes and changed in the bathroom. When I came out Kori and Cassie looked at me.
“Wow.” Cassie said dropping her clothes she had in her hand. “You look hot.”
“Um… thanks.” I said, unsure of what to say.
“She is right.” Kori smiled. “Here, lets curl your hair a bit.”
Kori grabbed my hands and walked me into the bathroom. She grabbed her curling iron and started to curl the ends of my hair. I looked professional, I thought as she finished.
“You look amazing!” Cassie said from behind me. “Here, I know you don’t like lip stick, but this is your tone.”
She was right. When I put it on it wasn’t too bad. “Thanks” I told both of them. “For helping.”
“It’s nothing.” Kori smiled.
By the time I was all ready, I had about ten minutes before my meeting. I opened the door and walked over to the meeting place. I was supposed to wait until Conner for the meeting.
“Raven?”
I turned and saw Damian. He was starring at me. “Robin.”
“What are you doing?” He came over to me.
“I am going to meet the president.” I explain. “Do I look okay?” I wanted to know his opinion.
“Yes.” He smiled. “Very professional.”
“That’s what I was going for.” I sighed.
“When is this meeting?” He looked at his watch.
“As soon as Conner comes, we will head to it.” I explain.
“Your spending a lot of time with Conner.” He leaned against the wall.
“Only because he and I are on the same detail. It’s just for the mission.” I leaned on the wall across from him.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
Then Conner came out of no where. “Raven, sorry I am late. We must hurry.”
I followed Conner down some halls and past many doors. I would so get lost in this place. Once we got to this big door, Conner knocked.
It opened.
*****
After meeting the president, I was tried. It was a two hour meeting of taking about what I liked and school. At the end we finally went over the plan for the next few days.
The president was a very kind women. She wanted to know my interests and hobbies. She didn’t judge me when I told her my father was Trigon. I enjoyed meeting her.
It was already eight when I got back to my room. The others were at supper, but I didn’t really feel like eating. There was a knock on the door.
When I opened it, it was Damian. “I saw you didn’t come for supper.”
“I was not hungry.”
“You should eat, Raven.” His voice was soft.
“I am fine, but thank you.” I smiled at him.
He stepped into the room. “Are you okay?”
“I am just tired. But the president was wonderful.” I sat on my bed. Damian came over and leaned against the wall.
“What’s the plan?” Damian looked at the huge painting in this room.
“She just wants us there to keep the peace and make sure no one loses their life. She wants this to go well.” I shrugged.
“Good.” Damian nodded.
I yawn. “Cross your fingers this goes all right.”
He laughed. “I’ll let you get some sleep. Are we meeting for tea?”
“Yeah.” I smiled and lead him to the door. “I’ll meet you in foyer and we can find a place with tea.”
“Ok.” He nodded. “Goodnight Raven.”
“Goodnight Robin.” I said then closed the door. I turned off the light and went to bed.
It was an hour before I heard rustling but it was just Kori and Cassie getting ready for bed. I went back to sleep.
*****
It was four in the morning when I snuck out of the room. I didn’t know how long it would take so I got dressed in my black dress. It was a summery dress, and went to my knees.
I stepped out of the room and closed the door. I quietly stepped in the foyer. I looked around for a second but didn’t see Damian.
Then someone touched my shoulder. I grabbed the hand and flipped the assailant. When I turned Damian was on the ground.
“Nice one.” He smiled and stood up.
“Sorry, you scared me.” I tried to help him.
“It’s fine.” He laughed. Then he noticed my dress. “You look nice.”
“Thanks. I wasn’t sure when we would be done and wanted to be prepared for today.” I shrugged.
“I looked around and there is a place we can try.” Damian held out his arm for me.
“Sounds good.” I took it and we walked. I wasn’t sure of where we were going, but I followed him.
When we got there I went to grab us a table and Damian went up to the counter and ordered. I found a nice place outside, with a umbrella to give us shelter.
Damian came over a few minutes later with two cups. He handed me one cup and sat in the chair across from me.
“Thank you.” I took a sip. It was amazing tea. “How much do I owe you?”
“I charged it to my father.” He took a sip.
“Oh.”
“He will be paying for our tea and anything else I want for a while.” Damian had a devious look.
“What did the bat do?” I smirked.
“He told me no.” Damian smirked back.
I laughed and sipped my tea. “Well thank your father for this amazing tea.” I picked my cup up and cheered.
“Hey, I was the one to pick the tea.” He laughed.
“Well you didn’t pay.” I mock him.
We laughed. He finished his cup and watched the sky. The sun was just coming up past the trees. I looked over at Damian and smiled.
“What?” He turned to me.
“Nothing.” I looked away.
“Do you want a refill?” He nodded to my empty cup.
“Yes.” He took my cup and went to the counter. When he came back he had a grim look on his face. “What happened?”
“The cashier wanted me to give you this.” He handed me a piece of paper with a phone number on it.
I laughed. “That is stupid.” And I tossed the paper behind me.
We sat there for another few minutes and I drank the rest of my second tea. Damian and I said nothing to each other, but we didn’t need to. The morning was lovely.
We headed back to the foyer together. Damian and I were both in better moods when we arrived. Everyone else gathered soon after and then we split up for our daily tasks.
Soon it was just Conner and I.
“Good morning Raven.” He smiled at me.
“Good morning.” I nodded.
I followed Conner to a building where the meeting would be held. We had an hour before the meeting would start so I did a scan of the room.
“Everything seems good. Nothing out of the ordinary.” I told Conner.
“Good.” He said playing on his phone.
He wasn’t really taking anything serious was he. How could he be the president’s body guard? I shook off the thought and continued to walk the room.
Damian taught me to always scan the room. I remember the day he insisted on teaching me. I had just failed a sneak attack simulation, and he spent the whole day teaching me how to avoid that again.
About twenty minutes later people started to file into the room. Conner left to escort the president in, while I helped the people get seated.
“Raven, aren’t you in the Teen Titans?” One of the people I was helping asked.
“Yes, but we also serve our president.” I answered how Conner taught us to.
“Amazing.” He sounded shocked.
Then the president came in. “Hello everyone!” She smiled. “As I am sure you are aware, the Teen Titans are here today. Can we all give them a warm welcome.” She started clapping and soon the entire room was.
“Raven over here is going to be joining us in our meeting. She has a bright mind, so if you could, no mean talk folks.” She gestured to me and I gave a shy wave to everyone who was staring.
“Alright, lets begin!”
*****
The first day of the meeting was rough. People were talking over people and names where called. I sank into the background and observed. No one seemed angry enough to fight, so all in all we had a good day.
I could barely stand on my feet by the time Conner and I were dismissed. All I wanted to do was sit down.
“How was that for a first day?” Conner asked, laughing.
“I don’t know how you can stand.” I sighed.
“I am going to tell you a secret…” he leaned towards me. “I flew for a bit to give my feet a break.”
“Now you tell me.” I laugh.
“Try it tomorrow.” He offered.
“Thanks.” I was so going to use that trick. Not only did I have to dress nice, but I was also wearing sensible heels.
As soon as I got to the foyer I headed straight to my room. When I got in Kori and Cassie where laughing.
“What happened to you?” Cassie asked as I walked through the door.
“I stood on my feet and watch grown ups call each other names for five hours.” I plopped on my bed.
“You where standing the whole time?” Kori asked.
“Yeah.” I mumbled into my bed.
“Wow. I couldn’t do that.” Cassie laughed.
The girls told me how there day was flying above the building while the boys took turns matching it. Garth was so bored he even took a nap. Well, until Robin woke him up.
“That sounds much better than my day.” I rolled over to look at the ceiling.
“But you got to meet the president.” Cassie argued.
“It’s so boring though.” I yawned.
“We have an hour before supper, how about you rest and we will come get you.” Kori suggested.
“Yes!” I agreed.
The girls left to talk with the boys. I was so tired that I didn’t even climb into bed. I just laid on the comforter.
An hour passed, and just like they said, the girls came and got me. We made our way out to the dinning room and got our food.
“Raven, how was the meeting?” Garth asked.
“I didn’t much care for it.” I sat down.
“What? Why?” Beetle asked.
“Watching grown men fight over who is better while calling each other names is not my idea of fun.” I looked at Beetle.
They all laugh, but I was being completely serious. I finished my meal fast, and then sat around to hear all about Garths dream he had while sleeping on the job.
He said that he saw himself as a goose and all the fish in the pond where following him. Garth’s dreams are always animal filled and meaninglessness, but many find amusement in it.
I sat down at the couch that was in the room, and soon everyone came and sat around. Eventually Damian came over and sat beside me.
I didn’t laugh at any of the stories. It was strange to hear everything that went on in Garth’s mind. He had an odd soul.
Conner walked into the room. “Hey guys, how did your first day go?”
Garth told him all about his dream, leaving out the part that he had it while on the job. And the. Everyone else was giving a run down of the day.
“Remember to fill out your report and turn it in before you leave for work tomorrow.” Conner handed everyone a piece of paper.
I looked over the paper. It was simple enough. I stood up and headed to my room. I wanted to get my report done before bed.
“Robin, where are you going?” Kori asked, making me turn around. Damian was behind me.
“I am going to work on my report.” Damian’s tone was glumly.
We walked together down the hall. Before I turned down my wing, I turned to him.
“Tea?” He asked.
“Yes.” I nodded and walked down to my room.
*****
The next day was much like the first. I used Conner’s trick of levitating right above the ground to save my feet the pain.
Five hours of boring debate later, I was finally free to go back to my room. Today I wasn’t as tired so I meditated on my bed until Kori and Cassie came back from their shift.
“How was your day Raven?” Cassie said when she saw I was done meditating.
“It was fine.” I got up.
“I think I might go explore.” I stood and walked to the door.
“There is a nice garden on the East end.” Kori recommended.
I nodded and walked out. I followed Kori’s instructions and walked to the East doors. When I stepped out, I noticed someone else was there.
“Damian?” I stepped forward.
He turned to look up at me. He stood up from the ground he was on.
“Raven.”
“I am sorry if I interrupted.” I started back inside.
“No, it’s fine.”
I turned to make sure it was fine. I walked over to see what he was looking at. There was this beautiful blue flower on the ground. It was strange. I had seen this before, but not on earth.
“This is a alien plant.” I mumbled.
“How do you know?”
“I saw this on a planet when my father still used me as a warning.” I bent down and touched the plant. “This isn’t supposed to be here. How is this alive?”
“I don’t know.” He bent beside me and got a soil sample.
I looked at him.
“What? I’m curious.” He shrugged.
Soon after, it was time to eat. Right after I filled out my report, I went to bed.
The next few days where the same. There was no purposed for us being here other than show. It was the final day. Conner handed us all a book.
“As a thank you from the president herself, here is a signed copy of her book.” Conner smirked. “The car will be here in an hour. Please know your checks will be following in the next few days.”
Kori said goodbye to Conner and we all grabbed our bags and brought them to the main area. I was reading a book when the car came.
Everyone piled in. I read a book and listened to music the whole ride back. Overall I think this mission was childish and worthless, but I can now say I met the president.
It was three hours before we arrived at home. We spent the next few hours unpacking and doing laundry. It was eight o'clock when I was finished with everything.
The next morning I woke up and got up like normal. When I went to the kitchen for tea, Damian wasn’t there. I decided to make the tea for us both.
“Morning!” I turned to see Conner.
“Conner?” I was surprised. “Is everything ok?”
“Yeah, I just came to see if you wanted to get coffee sometime?” He smiled and came closer to me.
“She doesn’t like coffee.” Damian stepped in front of Conner. “Why don’t you go and ask Lex Luther to get some coffee. You know as father and son.”
“What?” I didn’t know Conner was Lex’s son.
“He didn’t tell you? He was engineered to be Superman with the real Superman’s DNA and Lex’s.” Damian stared down Conner.
“What’s your deal man?” Conner was getting angry.
“I don’t like seeing you hit on Raven.” Damian poked his chest. “You should go now.”
Conner looked at me. “It didn’t matter what he thinks. Do you want coffee?”
“No.” I answered.
Then Conner’s phone started ringing.
“Daddy’s calling.” Damian smirked.
Conner looked at me and when he knew I wasn’t going with him, he left. He stormed away very angry. When I turned to Damian, he had a look of triumph.
“Tea?” I handed him a cup.
He took it and smiled. “Sorry I was late. Father was telling me about Conner’s background.”
“No worries. I thought I would make the tea for once.” I walked over to the table. Damian sat in the chair next to mine.
“This is good.” He complimented.
“It’s not as good as yours.” I said after I took a sip.
He grabbed my cup and dumped mine down the sink. Then he started making his tea. I sat back and thanked him.
“I’ll let you make the tea.” I said as he gave me a cup.
“Only if you choose where to sit.” He smiled. “Then deal.”
I have Just Finished Watching “Superman : Man of Tomorrow” and i gotta SayLOBO is just Pure GOLD & FUN thru out the Film
The Reactions Of Sups and Martian ManHunter is pure Bliss Here
He Could have Just Said a Simple “Goodbye” To his alien Besties but he just had to make it awkward
“Alright Ladies, Smell You Later ” MAN I LOVE HIM SO MUCH
AND SUPES WAS JUST FED UP WITH HIM BY THE END
All i am Saying is IF LOBO was a Marvel Property Kevin Feige wouldn’t Have Wasted him like how Dceu is doing right :( , He got his own Swagger and the drip, he is Funny and hilarious af , SEXY AND THICK , A Very interesting Anti-Hero and more importantly MF can Fight and is Immortal … i can go on and on and on but Dceu is incompetent af so it doesn’t matter ♂️
[Late Late Again] Day 7 of #DaminetteDec21 : Meeting
[After *Finally* defeating Hawkmoth & Mayura, getting the Butterfly & Peacock Miraculous back, Marinette decided that the Miraculous had spend too much in Paris so She wanted to leave France as soon as possible. After accepting a scholarship over to the States, she decided to accept Wonder Woman’s offer as well to join the Titans for furthering her Fighting skills & protecting her Miracle Box]
A couple more pick ups we did get a copy of The Batman on 4K. Which was and excellent movie. Also as usual we grabbed a copy of the recent DC animated thing Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse as we usually do when they release one.
