The Commencing

Chapter Eight

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Chapter Eight.

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One month later.

Alone at the kitchen table, Raven sat in the morning light, which cast a melancholic glow on her face as she stared blankly at her breakfast. Her fork moved mechanically through the eggs, the clinking sounds resonating in the otherwise silent room. She was troubled by the murderous nightmares that haunted her sleep, each one more vivid and horrifying than the last. Night after night, she found herself witnessing the brutal demise of her friends at her own hands.

The weight of her nightmares pressed heavily upon her, evident in the visible slump of her shoulders. The burden was taking a toll on her, knowing she couldn't continue to keep this secret from her friends. Yet, the fear of their judgment and the daunting challenge of articulating the disturbing visions that invaded her sleep created an emotional barrier that felt insurmountable.

Taking a seat across from Raven, Kori joined her at the table. The troubled thoughts of the young girl did not escape the notice of the redhead. "Raven, are you alright?" Kori asked, her voice filled with genuine worry.

Raven quickly shook her head, attempting to dismiss her unsettling thoughts. She looked up at Kori, her usual stoic demeanor strained. "I'm fine." She replied hastily. "Just a little tired."

Kori's concern deepened. "You didn't sleep well again?"

"I honestly can't remember the last time I've slept well." Raven confessed. In a gesture of comfort, Kori reached across the table, placing her hand on top of Raven's.

As Richard entered the room, his presence brought a temporary distraction. He grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl, his eyes scanning the room, immediately noticing the missing member of their group. "Where's Gar?" He inquired, noticing the changeling's absence.

"I think he's still asleep." Raven replied, rising from the table, and carrying her plate to the sink.

Richard sighed disapprovingly, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Let's hope he manages to get up before noon this time."

Unlikely." Raven dryly remarked, her attention shifting to the coffee maker. "You want some?" She offered, turning to Richard.

"I actually have a coffee date with an old friend." He answered, his gaze shifting to Kori at the table. "Kori, I was hoping you wouldn't mind leading the training session today in my absence." He said, a warm smile on his face.

Returning his smile, Kori felt a sense of honor that Richard deemed her capable enough to take charge of the team during training. "It would truly be my pleasure." She expressed with genuine gratitude.

...

The trivial café exuded a cozy ambiance as Richard entered, the small bell on the door chiming lightly as it swung open. Scanning the quaint space, it took mere moments for his gaze to lock onto the beautiful woman with long, dark hair and a striking red leather jacket. A genuine smile adorned his face as he made his way to the small corner table positioned in front of the window.

Catching her eyes, the woman reciprocated his smile, rising from her seat to greet him with an enthusiasm that mirrored his own. "Dick!" She exclaimed happily, enveloping him in a tight hug.

"It's nice to see you in person." Richard replied, returning the embrace.

"Agreed." Donna concurred, still wearing a bright smile as they settled into their seats at the cozy corner table. "I ordered your usual." She informed him, gesturing toward the steaming cup of coffee in front of him.