A Tameranean's Raven

Friends...Kind Of

It took nearly a week before Blackfire regained consciousness. She expected to see anyone else other than the brooding half demon in the room with her. The pale skinned girl sat with her eyes closed muttering to herself like a lunatic, the ends of her fingers glowing a faint black. It was obnoxious to say the least.
"Do you have to mutter to yourself like that?" Blackfire demanded, her expression harsh.
"Oh, you're awake," Raven smirked ever so slightly, opening her eyes and relaxing in her seat. The moment the half demon's focus broke, an insurmountable amount of pain washed over the princess' body. It was so severe she fought to get a breathe into her lungs. After a moment or two the pain became normal, almost numbing.
"What did you do to me?" Blackfire grumbled, just now becoming aware of the plethora of bandages decorating her body and face.
"Nothing," Raven shrugged, standing and making her way to the door. Blackfire watched her closely, ready to defend herself if necessary but Raven left and all was quite.
"Star?" Raven called, gently nudging the sleeping princess awake.
"Hm?"
"She's awake."
"Really?" In less than a millisecond Starfire was barging into the room with a large smile on her face. "Oh sister! It is good to see you smiling."
"I'm not," Blackfire grunted, as she was tackled in a hug that was far from gentle. "Loosen up a bit. You're killing me."
"Right. My apologies." Pulling back, Starfire clasped her hands together as if she were praying. "Do you need anything? Anything at all?"
"Water would be nice," Blackfire admitted. Nodding, Starfire turned to leave.
"It's okay. I'll get it," Raven promised, already making her way back outside. Still smiling, Starfire hovered nearby gently taking her sister's hand in her own.
"You scared me," Starfire admitted. "You are lucky to be alive."
"What makes you say that? It's just a few bandages," Blackfire snorted, attempting to sit up better in bed. That proved to be a bad idea as she nearly blacked out again.
"Careful. Here." Starfire carefully picked up her sister and settled her in a more comfortable position. She took her time adjusting the pillows and doing what she could to make Blackfire comfortable. "Better?"
"Yeah. Thanks," Blackfire nodded.
"Raven managed to protect you before you made contact with the ship's weapon," Starfire explained, hovering in a criss cross applesauce position by the bed. "Her spell didn't prevent everything but it was enough to keep you in one piece."
"Why would she help me?" Blackfire asked, rolling her eyes.
"Perhaps you should ask her," Starfire suggested, glancing at the door as Raven returned with water as requested.
"Here. Sorry about the wait. It's easy to get lost in this place with everyone milling about." Raven handed Starfire the glass before heading back for the door.
"You can stay if you would like," Starfire offered.
"I'll pass. I know where I stand." Pressing her lips into a thin line, Raven retreated back outside. With a small sigh, Starfire focused back on her sister. She did her best to help Blackfire drink without spilling any water.
"What's the witch been doing to me?" Blackfire asked as Starfire set the glass aside.
"What do you mean?" Starfire frowned.
"She was in here when I woke up. Everything was fine until she left and then it felt like my body was on fire," Blackfire explained, her eyes focusing on the door as if she expected Raven to return. Much to her surprise the half demon remained absent. Maybe she wasn't summoned by her name after all. Perhaps she wasn't a true witch.
"She has been helping with the pain," Starfire explained. She did her best to relay what Raven had said the first time she'd used her powers to absorb Blackfire's pain. The eldest princess listened intently, her face scrunching up in thought and confusion. "The medicine does not do enough. She is trying to help."
"I don't understand," Blackfire grumbled. "She knows I hate her."
"Hate is a strong word. I do not think you really hate her," Starfire reasoned. She watched as her sister's features softened ever so slightly. "I know you are trying to protect me, but Raven never hurts the people she cares about. Not willingly."
"How can you trust someone like her?" Blackfire scoffed.
"The same way I trust someone like you," Starfire replied. Maybe she and Blackfire had grown closer with time, but she hadn't forgotten her sister's past transgressions. Truthfully, neither of them had. It would always be present in their relationship no matter how distant the past became. In the end, those things no longer mattered, but they were still key components of their sisterhood and the development of their familial bond.
"Whatever," Blackfire sighed, "where are the rest of your friends?"
"They went home. Earth is always in need of protectors. I did not wish to be alone so Raven stayed. I was worried what would become of you." Starfire did her best to keep her emotions at bay, but her throat grew tight and her eyes welled with tears. "I almost lost you. You are all the family I have left."
"What? Did you think I was actually going to let you do something stupid like that? Not a chance. I made a promise to mom and dad a long time ago that I'd take care of you. I've done an awful job of it so far. It was time to make good on that promise one way or another even if they aren't here to see it."
Despite herself, Blackfire felt her chest fill with emotion akin to regret and guilt. She'd never really felt that in the past, but the idea of Starfire not living another day hurt. If anything she herself deserved to die. Not her little sister who was pure and good hearted. The one who hadn't done all the horrible things she had.
"You know I love you, right?" Starfire asked, her eyes shining brightly.
"I know. I love you too," Blackfire sighed, the words feeling thick and strange in her mouth. She'd never really said them before, but they felt right in the moment.
"Sorry, but Dick is calling in regards to Silkie?" Raven's face was a mixture of emotions ranging from confused to appalled to slightly disgusted as she reluctantly stepped into the room.
— — —
After handling Silkie's latest mishap of eating the tv remote, Starfire left Blackfire alone for the time being as medics continued to treat the eldest princess. Instead, to help clear her mind she walked hand in hand with Raven through the lower markets of Tamaran.
Tables and stalls containing all sorts of food Raven had never seen before lined the streets. Little kids went about causing trouble and chaos while being scolded by parents or stall keepers. It was a nice sort of environment. One that Raven actually adored. It was very different from the loud and bustling atmosphere of Jump City.
Despite herself, she actually enjoyed a large amount of Tamaran and what it had to offer. Families were close and loving, and their culture was centered on a peaceful sort of emotional expression. Feelings were allowed to be explored by everyone. Even the large warriors were found laughing or crying without shame. It was refreshing and touching to say the least.
"What is it?" Starfire asked, having caught sight of Raven's 'thinking face'.
"Oh nothing. It's just nice here, that's all," Raven shrugged. "Your people are charming."
"You think so?" Starfire smiled.
"Yeah. It's similar but different to earth culture. I think we could learn a lot from your people if given the chance," Raven nodded. It took her a bit by surprise when Starfire wrapped her up in a bone crushing hug. Rolling her eyes, Raven hugged the princess back aware that her feet were no longer touching the ground. When Starfire got too excited, she had a tendency to pick Raven up.
"That is wonderful to hear!" Starfire laughed, setting Raven down and blushing as she realized how many people were staring. It was adorable as far as Raven was concerned.
"Are you the magic lady?" A little kid asked, running over and sparing Starfire from her embarrassment.
"Uh, yeah," Raven nodded, regarding the little boy with care. "Whose asking?"
"I am, obviously. I was wondering if you could do a little trick or something." The little boy looked up at the half demon with wide glowing eyes. As much as Raven wanted to say no, she found she couldn't refuse those wide puppy dog eyes.
"Sure, I guess." Turning to Starfire, Raven gave the princess an expectant look. "Wanna do the usual?"
"I would love to!" Starfire clapped. Laughing softly to herself, Raven created two small portals that floated near the little boy. Starfire fired off a small starbolt that bounced through each tiny little portal in a constant state of motion.
"What the Zornian Muck Beetle? That's so cool!" Cheering excitedly, the little kid waved over a bunch of his friends to look at the magical spectacle. Raven hadn't exactly planned on attracting an audience but at this point there was no going back.
"Uh, what do you guys keep as pets?" Raven asked, leaning in to whisper to Starfire.
"Zarnics are quite common," Starfire replied, carefully describing what the creature looked like. Nodding, Raven did her best to replicate it. Closing the two portals she stretched her magic into as specific a shape as possible.
"It's a Zarnic!" A little girl shrieked, clapping her hands excitedly.
"Can you make a Grisneck?" An older boy asked, raising his hand in the crowd.
"Sheesh, I don't know guys. I don't really know what those look like," Raven admitted, letting her imitation of a Zarnic fade.
"That's okay. This was cool!" The same little boy as before insisted. "You're amazing! Can you stay here forever?"
"Unfortunately my home is back on earth, but Tamaran is pretty cool. I don't see why I couldn't visit again sometime in the future," Raven shrugged. This seemed to excite the kids even more. For a moment, the half demon was afraid she'd be smothered by tiny individuals but they were all called back by their parents. Once the crowd dispersed, Raven caught sight of Galfore watching from afar.
"Those were pretty cool tricks," Galfore smiled, his arms full of some strange fruit as he approached. "Want a snack?"
"Yes please!" Starfire collected one of the fruits and happily took a bite.
"Why do you have so many?" Raven asked.
"Oh these are my favorite. I have to restock you know," Galfore admitted, looking a bit embarrassed. "They're really good. Oh! I did hear that Blackfire is awake. Is she doing well?"
"From what I can tell she is doing the great," Starfire assured.
"Perfect! I'll have to visit her later." Galfore made a move to walk past when Starfire offered to help him carry his large baskets of fruit. "The little witch won't get lost will she?"
"I'll be fine," Raven promised. "I'm just going to look around."
With a shrug, Galfore kept walking leaving the half demon behind to explore. Starfire walked beside him doing her best not to drop any of the fruit. Silence settled between the two in a comfortable sort of blanket. Galfore had a tendency to make others uncomfortable due to his sheer size, but he was all Starfire had known as a parental figure. She barely had any recollection of what her real parents looked like anymore. It was all so distant and cloudy.
"So, when is the wedding?" Galfore asked.
"What?" Starfire asked, her attention now drawn specifically to their conversation.
"Don't you intend on keeping the girl? She fits in nicely here," Galfore continued.
"I never thought of it before. It seems a bit sudden does it not?" Starfire asked, adjusting her hold on the basket.
"How long have you been in a relationship?" Galfore questioned, his gaze settling on Starfire.
"It is a bit tricky to tell if I am honest. We did not define it as a relationship at first. Then things got strange in the middle. If I had to pick an answer I would say for some years. Maybe two or three," Starfire shrugged, kicking aside a rock that stuck up in the middle of the path.
"Hmmm, I see," Galfore nodded. "Well, no matter. I like her."
"I am glad that you do," Starfire laughed. "She can be strange to people that do not try to understand her. She comes from a difficult family."
"All family is difficult," Galfore sighed.
"Hers is...special." Starfire paused before explaining all that had happened with Raven's father when they were much younger and later what had occurred with her brothers. "The only family she knows is with me and the boys. She will never admit it, but she cannot fathom losing us."
"That is good. She will protect you and all you hold dear. That is rare in earth culture is it not?" Galfore asked as they approached his house.
"In most cases it is but my friends are good people. They are the exception to most earthly rules. We all love each other and we do our best to look out for one another. They are a special sort of family. One I don't think I can ever give up," Starfire admitted. "No matter how much I love my home here."
"Do you think you could ever come to rule Tamaran?" Galfore questioned.
"I...I do not know. Maybe one day. Are you tired of being Grand Ruler, Galfore?" Starfire followed her caregiver inside and helped him sort the fruit into smaller baskets based on ripeness.
"In many ways, yes," Galfore nodded.
"Maybe it is too early to tell, but my sister has proven to be of better heart and nature. There is a chance she can fulfill her birth right," Starfire noted.
"Maybe. We will see," Galfore smiled gently. "In the mean time, she will rest and recover. I hope you are right though. I would love to see one of my littles girls on that throne. Properly too. Though it is a bit unconventional, you could take the witch as your queen. I do not see why anyone would oppose it given her aid in saving our planet."
"That would be up to Raven. As much as she gets annoyed by our friends, I think she would miss them. Especially Gar," Starfire reasoned.
"The little green one who irritates her?" Galfore asked, arching a thick brow.
"Their relationship is unique. I have never seen anything like it before. They despise each other yet they are very protective of the other. In a way, it's as if the only person allowed to bully the other is themselves," Starfire smiled. "I find it hilarious."
"It is a bit funny isn't it?" Galfore chuckled. "Well, I am glad you have good people to look after you."
"Thank you, but I will always appreciate you Galfore. You looked after me first." Starfire did her best to give the big old man a giant hug, but she was tiny in comparison to him. He seemed to enjoy the gesture nevertheless.
"That means a lot to me little one. You'll always have a place here."
— — —
"So," Raven sighed, having made her way back to the medical wing and into Blackfire's room, "I thought Galfore and Star would be back by now."
"They have a tendency to get distracted," Blackfire sighed, inspecting her fingernails on her good hand.
"I can imagine," Raven nodded, hesitating as her hand settled on the door knob. "Do you, uh, need anything?"
"Actually I do," Blackfire remarked, her dark eyes settling on the half demon.
"Oh. What is it?" Raven asked.
"I wanted to...say thank you. You know, for looking after me." Blackfire spoke slowly and with great difficulty as if she were fighting to force out her words.
"Don't mention it," Raven shrugged.
"No, I'm going to because I don't understand you," Blackfire huffed. "After everything I've done to you why would you help me?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Raven frowned. "My job is to protect people and in case you haven't noticed, Starfire loves you more than anything in the world. Maybe even more than me. You matter to her so you matter to me. It's as simple as that."
"Really?" Blackfire asked, her dark eyes softening ever so slightly.
"Yeah, and maybe I kind of think you're cool. In a different life I could see us being friends," Raven shrugged. "Under different circumstances."
"Right," Blackfire nodded as silence settled between them. "You know, we could do that."
"Do what?" Raven asked.
"Be friends. Not because I like you but because it would make Starfire happy," Blackfire explained. "It's just an idea."
"Sure, I'd like that," Raven smiled thinly.
"Good. Now get out," Blackfire ordered. Stifling a laugh, Raven left the room behind only to run into Starfire with Galfore in tow.
"You are smiling. What has happened? Is it a good smile?" Starfire asked, taking Raven's face in her hands and studying her partner's expression.
"Yeah, it's a good smile. Your sister is a little strange but she's kind of growing on me," Raven admitted.
"I knew you two would be best friends one day!" Starfire exclaimed, peppering Raven's face in a series of kisses that left the half demon quite flustered.
From behind her in the other room, Raven could hear Blackfire's muffled voice call out, "We're not best friends!"
"Just friends," Raven clarified. "Kind of."
Whatever the label was, it didn't matter. Seeing Starfire's brilliant smile was enough for Raven to warm up to the idea of maybe getting along with Blackfire. At least for the time being. Whatever that meant for the future she wasn't sure, but that just meant she had something to look forward to.