Raven's Return

Chapter Three: Memories.

...

When morning came around, Raven found herself moving slowly. Everything felt so new to her. And while she instinctually wanted to fall back into her past morning routine, the routine suddenly felt off putting and unnecessary to her. But without that routine, she wasn't sure what to do with herself.

She found herself staring at her closet for an exciting amount of time. She remembered always wearing her uniform, even when the others had dawned their civilian clothes.

But now, as she held up the black leotard and blue boots, it felt like they belonged to someone else.

She let out a heavy sigh. This was what the old Raven wore.

She slowly put the uniform back before turning to her dresser. She remembered having a few civilian clothes, and she was pleased to discover they were still there, untouched in the drawers.

The old Raven hardly ever wore anything casual, and she liked the idea of wearing them just to be different from her.

After She got dressed, she roamed the halls of the tower. Bits and pieces of her past life slowly came back to her with every familiar object, or recognizable room.

She stared at the remodeled kitchen, remembering all the times she and her friends came together and enjoyed a meal. She recalled the lighthearted arguing regarding what ingredients to use.

Victor always sought out a high protein diet, while Garfield insisted on a less carnivorous meal. And Kori would chime in with an outlandish suggestion, combining two completely different dishes altogether.

Raven opened the cupboards, pleased to see her tea mugs were in the same spot as before. She prepared herself a cup of tea before sitting down at the kitchen island as the elevator door suddenly opened with a quiet swish.

Kori walked into the room, her face immediately lighting up when she saw Raven. "Raven!" She said excitedly.

"Morning, Kori." Raven addressed.

Kori couldn't help but run up and hug her tightly. But then her eyes widened as she quickly pulled herself away.

"Sorry, I forgot you don't like to be embraced." She sheepishly apologized.

Raven smiled at her. "It's alright, Kori. I don't mind."

Kori smiled as she sat down on the stool beside her. "I'm sorry Richard and I couldn't help with showing you around last night. I hope you are settling in well?"

Raven glanced down at her mug. "There's still a lot I need to get used to." She spoke quietly.

Kori nodded her head. "Understandable. A lot has changed since you've been gone. But I hope despite the alterations done to the tower, you can still find it homey." She said hopefully.

"It's not just the tower that's different." Raven began. "You guys have changed a lot as well."

"I guess that's true." Kori acknowledged.

"I can overlook the new uniforms. But your faces are going to take some getting used to."

Kori looked at her curiously. "Are we really that different?" She asked.

"Yes and no." Raven responded. "When I look at you, I still see her friend, Starfire, the beautiful, joyful, happy girl. That hasn't changed. But your face looks so much more mature, womanlier. And your voice and the way you talk is more confident."

Kori furrowed her brow as she looked at her confused. "Raven, you said her friend?"

"I meant mine, of course." She quickly corrected. "And you aren't the only one who's changed. Victor's robotic alterations are slimmer and more advanced. Of course, Richard having his Nightwing transition has thrown me off. And Garfield's taller than me now."