Fan Fiction ❯ Demon in Disguise: On Tamaran ❯ Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Well, Star, you look um... normal. Robin said, staring at his alien friend.

Yes, I emerged from my chrysalis at sunrise. Star explained, as she and the three male Titans walked towards the medical ward. The door to the ward opened with a hiss and they entered.

Hey Rae, how are you feeling? the Boy Wonder asked, walking towards Raven's bed.

Tired. Hungry. Raven said in answer.

Well I can make those hunger pains disappear. A familiar voice said cheerfully, and in stepped Lorn carrying a tray of food.

The Okaaran set the tray on Raven's bedside table, and Raven looked over to examine the food. Four goblets of the usual Okaaran breakfast beverage of sweetwine; a pot of herbal tea and a cup sat next to the goblets. A light flaky bread-like pastry accompanied by a sweet sauce vaguely reminiscent of honey sat on a plate along with five havafruits.

Thanks. Raven said, before reaching for the teapot. As her fingers wrapped around the teapot's handle she winced and immediately released her hold. The sorceress noticed her friends looks of concern and explained, Joint pain. Comes with transforming.

Metrion, may I pour you some tea, please? Koriand'r offered.

No. Starfire, I can do it myself! Raven snapped. She then uttered three familiar words: Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos! and the teapot lifted off the tray. It floated over to the cup and poured some of its steaming contents into it. The pot of tea floated back to its proper spot on the tray, and the cup was surrounded by obsidian energy and floated towards the sorceress lips, where the energy vanished and Raven began to drink the steaming brew. Suddenly Metrion's entire form began to shake involuntarily and the cup fell to the floor and shattered.

Raven, what is wrong? Starfire asked the sorceress, concerned.

Uh... Star, does Raven do this often? inquired the equally concerned Boy Wonder.

No. This is the first time to my knowledge that Raven has experienced this trembling. The Tamaranean replied.

No, it is not. Equinox quickly floated to Raven's side. Metrion has experienced this trembling in my presence once before.

You can, You know, snap her out of it, right? Cyborg asked, clearly unnerved by his purple-haired friend's behavior.

I shall, indeed. Equinox said.

Kathrand'r, comaran tareenien kloriken, comaran! Metrion begged in the tongue of the Tamaranean people.

Uh... what did she say? Beast Boy wondered.

She has asked for my help and I shall give it. Equinox replied. Turning to Raven, she replied, Urcat, Metrion. N'eeshi tekae'n tareenien tsuteen.

You will? Raven asked.

Yes. I just told you I would, did I not? Equinox replied. Control yourself Metrion. Control the anger which threatens to consume your very soul.

How?

Meditate with me. Equinox instructed.

And you'll what, Help me solve my problems, right? I've heard that one before, and you saw the results of that last night. Raven spat.

Metrion, look at me. Equinox ordered. Do I look like a piece of Gordanian filth?

No you don't. And your not. I'm just... Raven stopped speaking.

You are angry and afraid. Equinox finished.

The sorceress nodded. Yeah, I am. I'm afraid of being attacked again, and I'm angry because I was betrayed. Because I'm weak. And because... because... I disappointed you. I didn't defend myself like I should've. I didn't protect Starfire like I should've. I didn't-"

Hush! Equinox said sharply, then repeated softly, Hush.

Raven, you could not have prevented my capture and genetic alteration even if you had been conscious. Starfire soothed, pulling Raven close to her.

Metrion, you are not weak. In fact you are one of the most strong willed individuals that I have ever encountered in either my years of physical or spiritual existence. You do not disappoint me in the least. Metrion, you make me proud, and I am honored to call you my friend. Kathrand'r finished.

At the end of Equinox's speech Raven's eyes filled with tears... tears of both physical and emotional pain, and gratitude towards Equinox's words. No. I can't be doing this. Crying makes me weak. I must stop crying. Raven tried to stop the flow of tears, but her efforts were futile.

Raven, who told you that crying makes you weak? Robin hesitantly asked.

The monks in Azarath when I was a child. Aside from it making me weak, crying or any other emotion gives my father's influence a chance to take over. Raven replied.

Raven, find your center. Starfire instructed.

What? Raven asked.

You need to meditate. You have to meditate every day to keep your powers under control. And it will calm you. The redhead explained. Now, find your center. Focus your energies. And...

The two women began to chant. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos...

Starfire? Raven suddenly asked.

Yes? the Tamaranean answered.

After this, would you like to go and see the Titans spacecraft?

Mm-hmm. Star replied.

Then they took up the chant once more: Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos.

They meditated for two hours, until Raven, overcome with exhaustion, fell into dreams. Converting /tmp/phpCmHZC1 to /dev/stdout