Fan Fiction ❯ Demon in Disguise: On Tamaran ❯ Chapter 8

Chapter 8

There is no need, Equinox began, as Starfire crossed to Raven's bedside. Metrion is sleeping.

Does Raven trust you more than I? Starfire asked the spirit.

No. Equinox answered.

Does she trust you less than I?

She trusts us both the same.

Did she cry herself to sleep?

Yes, Koriand'r, she did.

Why did you not comfort her?

For two reasons. One, because I cannot. Two, because I am not you.

Why are you not able to comfort one of your friends? Is it because you are like Metrion and rarely show your emotions? Or perhaps you simply do not care?

It is because I am dead.

What does being dead have to do with your inability to comfort? Kory asked, clearly confused.

Let me show you. Equinox said. Walk through me.

Huh?

Walk through me, Koriand'r and you will understand why the dead cannot comfort.

Starfire walked towards the spirit, then directly through her. You are warm! she gasped in amazement.

I am indeed. Now do you understand? I cannot touch anyone. I cannot comfort anyone physically. I cannot do anything.

That is not true! You are able to do many things! Starfire exclaimed.

Like what? Equinox snapped bitterly.

You are able to forge and fight with weapons which are rarely used on Tamaran. The weapons which you forge are some of the most beautiful and skillfully crafted pieces of weaponry that I have ever seen. You are able to teach your method of fighting to those around you, and have earned our respect and admiration. The redhead stopped speaking to regain her breath before continuing. You are able to heal many injuries, and can float through walls and other solid objects.

I wish I could not float through walls and other solid objects. I wish I were still alive. Equinox said sadly.

You wanna be resurrected, Equinox? Raven asked, sitting up. I'm sure I can make that happen.

You have the ability to do this, Metrion? Equinox asked with a faint glimmer of hope in her semitransparent eyes.

I don't, but Brother Sheng and Master Tsung, two of the monks on Altara Prime do. I witnessed this many times when me and Star were staying at their temple.

They would be willing to resurrect an individual unknown to them? Equinox asked.

I don't see why they wouldn't. I have a good relationship with them... and besides, they owe me a few favors. But I need to know one thing, were you buried or cremated?

I was buried beneath the very tree whose leaves took my life. Equinox replied.

Where's that? Raven asked.

This particular havafruit tree is located in a part of my quarters which I have not yet shown you. The leaves of the havafruit tree were rumored to have potent pain relieving properties. I had received some injuries from the Gordanians, which never fully healed until after my death. I ate the leaves of the havafruit tree in hopes of relieving my lingering pain. The spirit explained.

Havafruit? Raven asked.

I believe it would be more productive if I simply were to bring you a havafruit rather than explain one to you. I will return shortly. Equinox said, before floating out the door of the medical ward.

The spirit soon returned with a fruit in one hand and handed it to Raven. THIS is a havafruit.

Raven looked at the bright red pear-shaped fruit in her hand and felt a pang of hunger. Equinox, what were you planning to do with this fruit?

You may eat it if you wish to, Metrion. There are plenty left on the tree. Equinox smiled.

Thanks. Raven said gratefully, before sinking her fangs into the ripe fruit. Though the skin of the havafruit was bright red, the juice and meat were a dark blue in color. Tastes like a cross between an apple and a strawberry. The demon commented, after swallowing. She soon consumed the entire fruit, and spit the large round pit into one red hand.

May I have that, please? Equinox asked, pointing to the round object in Raven's grip.

Sure. The demon said, and handed the pit to the spirit.

Thank you, Metrion. Equinox said.

You're welcome, Equinox. Raven replied.

Kathrand'r, After seeing her friends looks of confusion, Equinox explained. Kathrand'r is my true name. Equinox was the nickname which my parents bestowed upon me as a child, and the name I took after escaping to Okaara. The two of you may refer to me as Kathrand'r if you wish to.

Does anyone else on Okaara know that Equinox isn't your real name? Raven inquired.

No, Metrion. They have no reason to.

Kathrand'r, your name means Miracle, correct? Koriand'r asked.

Equinox nodded, Indeed. After my mother gave birth to me, my immune system was extremely weak and I was not able to fight off even the most common illnesses. I contracted an illness which nearly cost me my life. And so, after it was determined that I would live, my parents named me Kathrand'r or Miracle. She finished. Metrion, what is the meaning of your true name?

Raven thought for a moment, then said, Metrion means To fear, or to be feared. And you know something, I think it fits.

How so? Starfire asked.

I am a person who is feared by most. Metrion answered. And for good reason. She added.

What is the meaning of your true name, Koriand'r? Kathrand'r asked the red-haired Tamaranean.

Koriand'r is the feminine version of Korithus, my grandfather's name. Both versions translate to Strong willed.

Six hours had passed, and Starfire was busy trying to disentangle herself from Raven's clinging grasp. Raven had just transformed, and even though her pain had subsided, she still needed the redhead's warmth - for it provided her with a sense of comfort and security.

Koriand'r, please don't go. The empath pleaded.

Metrion, I must go and greet the Titans. Star insisted. There is nothing to fear, I will return shortly, I promise. Stay here, please.

All right, Koriand'r, I'll stay here. Raven reluctantly agreed.

Kory turned to Kathrand'r's floating form. Kathrand'r, will you please watch over Metrion until I return?

Equinox replied in the Tamaranean tongue: Urcat, Koriand'r. After realizing her lingual error she quickly corrected it: Yes, Koriand'r.

Thank you, Star smiled warmly at her nonliving friend.

I welcome you. Equinox replied.

The redhead then left in search of the Titans, knowing that no harm would come to Raven while in Equinox's care. Converting /tmp/phpwIvzep to /dev/stdout