Titans Genesis: Raven

17. Rachel Roth

Rachel sits on a rock near the pond, sniffling and with her hands to her face. She has never felt this humiliated in her entire life. Sister Ami, Father Torao and Father Yamada...Every one of them hate her now and she doesn't know why. And not even Harumi was of any help. Kiran is seated next to her, hugging Rachel in comfort. At the same time, they squeeze each other's hand. At least Kiran doesn't hate her. But how long will that? It will only be a matter of time before she ends up hating her as well. And there's a good chance Tamdin might hate her too. His brother is dead after all.

Hearing footsteps approaching, Rachel lifts her head and sees Mother Harumi approaching them. Her posture is poise and her face remains stoic. But Rachel can feel the fear and the anxiety in her. She doesn't know why but she can feel it oozing from every pour of her body, just like she can feel the disappointing rage in Kiran.

"I would like to speak with Rachel," Harumi says. "Alone."

Kiran glares at her. "Why? You people already made her cry."

"Now," Harumi says sternly.

Rachel sniffles and wipes her tears with the back of her hands. She then puts her hand on Kiran's shoulder and gives her a fake smile. "It's all right, Kiran. I'm fine." Even though, it's not all right.

Kiran hesitates but eventually sighs and gets up. "Call me if you need anything, all right?"

"Thank you," Rachel says.

Kiran glares at Harumi briefly before walking away, still not happy with how the elders treated Rachel.

Rachel and Harumi are finally alone. Harumi silently walks closer to Rachel and slowly sits next to her. Rachel remains silent and stares down, not wanting to look at her in the eyes. Harumi lets out a deep breath. She takes hold of Rachel's hand but the teen gently pulls her hand away.

Harumi sighs. "You must have a lot of questions."

"I do. Yet, I'm not sure if I want to know the answers to them."

"I'm not sure if I want you to know either."

Rachel turns her gaze to Harumi. "Is it true? Am I a demon?"

"I...I don't know what to tell you."

"How about you start telling me the truth? Is it true what Father Yamada said? Am I a demon? Is that why Sister Ami didn't want me near Tamdin? Is that why she fears me so much?"

"You mustn't listen to Father Yamada, Karasu. You know he will do anything to hurt you. Even lie."

"Mother, you're hurting me now."

"I would never hurt you." Harumi reaches to pet her head.

Rachel abruptly gets up and marches away from her, clearly angry at her constant lying. Harumi gets up and follows her.

"Rachel..."

"You're lying to me."

"I would never do this to hurt you. You must trust me."

Rachel stares at her in disbelief. Is she joking right now? "Trust you? How am I supposed to you when you won't even tell me the truth!?" she shouts.

Harumi remains silent. She knows Rachel is right, even if she won't admit it.

"Am I a demon or not?" Rachel asks once more.

"...Yes."

Rachel didn't know how to react. She expected a different answer. No, you're not a demon. You're just crazy. That's all. Just crazy. But now it's worse when even Harumi tells you you're not human.