As The World Caves In

ch. 13

After arriving back to headquarters, Raven separates herself from everyone, her mind drowning with her thoughts and feelings.

The younger woman stood in front of the punching bag, her hands clinging to her side. She curled her palm into a fist, the emotions coursing through her veins.

Raven throws an explosive punch, thrusting the bag forward. She breathes loudly, throwing multiple punches, a sense of outrage. The younger woman remembers of her petrifying nightmares, the knife clasping through her skin as the blood gushes out instantly.

Raven shuts her eyes close, her punches intesifies, not stopping to catch her breath. She does as much as she can, letting all of her gut wrenching feelings out. Raven throws one firm punch before throwing herself on to the floor, where she could finally catch her breath.

"Go to the location and you will know soon enough." Rao's voice echoed. "Just be careful with the answers you get."

Raven takes a deep breath, slinging her right arm over her eyes. Her stomach rises with each breath she takes, conflicted with the choice she made.

"I knew I'd find you here."

The younger woman looks behind her seeing Carol approaching her slowly.

"What has gotten into you?" She asks. "You haven't been your happier self since we got back."

"It's nothing." Raven replied nonchalantly.

"Come on, I know you." Carol disagrees. "There's something wrong and you could obviously tell me anything."

Raven contemplates as to whether or not she should tell Carol about letting Rao go.

"I feel like I could've done better."

Carol throws herself next to Raven, taking a seat next to her.

"Listen to me." Carol begins. "We did what we came there for. We destroyed all of their data and everyone came back alive. I say the mission was a success."

"It's my fault we didn't capture Rao."

"Like what Stark said, Rao probably escaped the second he disabled their weapon system." Carol insisted. "You couldn't control that."

Relieved that Carol didn't catch on what she implied, Raven laughs it off.

"Maybe you're right."

"Of course I am." Carol jokes around, bumping Raven's shoulder. "I like this better."

"What?"

"I like seeing you smile. It's bright."

The mood changes, Carol stares into her eyes.

"I should probably go." Raven says, retreating away. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Raven walks her way out of the training room, making her way back to her room. She throws herself in the shower feeling the warm water against her skin. Her eyes shut, she enjoys the relaxing feeling.

After her warm shower, Raven lays on her bed, staring deeply into the void of her ceiling. Instantly, her mind drifts to Wanda, thinking about her presence. The younger woman thinks of how she is the only person that could possibly make her feel better. With this thought, she teleports in front of her door, knocking twice.

Wanda opens the door, surprised at the sight.

"Raven?"

Raven slings her arms around Wanda, instantly feeling the relaxing warmth she has been craving for. Suddenly, all of the negative thoughts are fading away as if they never cease to exist.