definitely this time (e.p. fanfic)

Chapter 12

Trigger warning: mentions and brief descriptions of suicide.

Raina spent the rest of the day training with Coriakin. She soon got the hang of accessing her memories as a means of using her powers. She wasn't getting tired out, but she wasn't unable to tap into her powers of life, as Coriakin predicted. But she was getting her powers back as a result of tapping into her memories, which was a big deal. Raina mainly used angry memories, such as that of Miraz and Glozelle. Safe to say, she felt very strongly about them and it translated in her power. She started to feel more normal again.

'Oof. I haven't felt this exhausted yet exhilarated in a while.' Raina spoke, as she bent down, her hands on her knees, as she breathed heavily. She just finished smashing a boulder, summoning a large fire, extinguishing it with water, and creating a small thunderstorm.

'I can't believe I just controlled the weather!' She exclaimed as Coriakin chuckled, heartily. They were standing in the gardens outside Coriakin's mansion.

'I'm glad. Now, one last thing we need to try.' Coriakin stated, as Raina straightened herself and turned to him.

'Since the Umbra Regem specialises in using your mind and will against you, you must know how to do it right back.'

Raina's mouth fell open as she stared at Coriakin, doe eyed.

'Y-you want me...to mentally manipulate an ancient demon?' Raina stuttered out, enunciating the word 'manipulate'. Coriakin sighed.

'Our minds are powerful. Way more powerful than anyone could imagine. It could be our greatest strength, but also our worst enemies. The best way is to discover one's weakness and use it against them.' Coriakin explained, as Raina gulped.

'That's beyond cruel.' Raina replied.

'Desperate times call for desperate measures.'

Raina nodded.

'So what do I do exactly?'

Coriakin mulled it over for a moment.

'You need someone who volunteers to let you sort of invade their minds and find out their deepest fear. That's the first step. Once you know what that fear is, it's fairly simple how to exploit it. But the first step is to discover what it is.' He explained.

'I find it hard to believe anyone would volunteer to let me do that to them.' Raina sassed, crossing her arms.

'I'll do it.'

Raina and Coriakin whirled around to see Edmund standing there, hands in his pockets. Raina's eyes widened as she shook her head, profusely.

'NOPE. nope. I am NOT doing that.' She maintained. Edmund came forward, arms out.

'I'm fine with it. Do it.' He maintained a calm look in his eyes. Raina looked alarmed and still shook her head.

'Edmund no! I am not doing that to you.' She choked out, her voice cracking slightly.

'Your majesty, are you sure about this? I must warn you, it is a tumultuous experience.' Coriakin warned. Edmund turned to him and nodded, assuredly.

'I am.' He replied, as he turned to Raina, who was paling slightly out of fear. He placed his hands on her arms and looked deep into her eyes. She didn't look at him.

'Raina.' He said, softly. Raina slowly looked up, her eyes sparkling with tears. Edmund reached up and gently wiped them away.

'Trust me.' He whispered.

Raina was terrified, but she also realised that this might be her only choice.

'Okay.'

Coriakin stepped forward.