Tidal Waves

19. Reassurance

"The Gem was born of evil's fire.
The Gem shall be his portal.
He comes to claim.
He comes to sire.
The end of all things mortal."

Damian awoke in a sweat, startled by the demonic voice ringing in his ears. Beneath him lay a sleeping Raven.

The red gem dangling around his neck was glowing, and he presumed this was the source of the voice. Or, perhaps he was simply dreaming.

His eye drifted back to Raven, and he watched her calm expression for a moment as he questioned his ability to go through with this whole quest.

A sigh escaped his lips as he carefully reached a hand up and swept a few stray hairs from her sweaty face. The motion caused her to stir, and Damian relaxed, resting his chin back on top of her head.

As he attempted to drift back to sleep, one question ran through his mind; How could someone so innocent be fated something so evil?

Despite the doubts in the back of his mind, he decided that she was truly worth the hassle.

—

Once Raven recovered, her and Damian successfully delivered the herbs to the rest of their crew.

"I think with some rest, they'll make a speedy recovery," Kory spoke as she looked toward the other two. "Good job. You saved them."

"It was nothing," Damian responded and briefly glanced at Raven through the corner of his eye. "Glad to have helped."

Kory smiled before retreating to Roy and Jason's sides. While she was occupied, Damian urged Raven to follow him into the hallway.

"I'm going to start directing us toward your island,"
He informed her. "It's best to act now while Jason and his crew are out. Is that fine with you?"

"If you think that's the best way," Raven answered.

Damian nodded as he led her to the helm. Once he was in front of the wheel, he pulled out the red gem she'd given to him and used it to guide him in the right direction.

Raven gazed out at the sea, an uneasy feeling in her stomach. This is what she was here for, and yet she was nervous. No, afraid. There was no telling what was about to happen, or if she could even defeat her father.

The feeling of Damian's hand made her jump, and Raven glanced upward to see him using the backside of his hand to press against her forehead.

"You don't have a fever. Are you still sick? You don't look so well," Damian said as he removed his hand, confused by the flustered expression she wore.

Raven shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

"About?" Damian inquired, his gaze fixed on the clear sky above. His jacket blew in the wind as the ship picked up speed.

"It's nothing," Raven assured him. She didn't have the courage to admit her fear. "Besides, since when do you care about me?"

Damian raised his eyebrows at her remark, and his hands left the helm to cross over his broad chest. "What's your problem?"

"I don't have a problem," Raven quickly responded, "I was just—"

"No, you acted this way in Seattle, too," Damian pointed out. "Something is bothering you."

Raven inhaled deeply as she collected her thoughts. Damian watched, an eyebrow cocked as he patiently waited for her explanation.

"I'm letting my emotions get the best of me," She admitted. "I'm sorry. Let's just leave this topic alone. There's more to worry about than my silly feelings."

Damian continued to eye her, watching as her face reddened. "I'm quite offended that you don't think I care about you. After all we've been through, I assumed you knew by now. I apologize if it wasn't clear."

Raven gulped at his apology. "No," she quickly responded. "It really isn't you."

This confused him more. Then, it hit him, and he didn't hesitate to respond.

"Does this have something to do with Queen?"

Raven flinched at the dreaded question. Her reaction was enough to answer his question. A smile creeped at the corners of his lips.

"I didn't take you as the jealous type."

The remark caused her to scoff. "Don't flatter yourself. I was just... concerned about your interest in continuing to help me, that's all."

"Whatever you say, witch," Damian retorted before he brought his attention back to steering the ship.

An annoyed smile reached Raven's lips after she caught Damian's grin. Although she would never admit it, this interaction made her feel like a weight was lifted from her shoulders.