Devil in My Mind

New Shop

Morning, Raven is the last one to get ready to go, waking up after everyone else. No one minds it though. Before they head out, Dante finds her in her room, where he wishes to speak with her privately.

"Sorry for taking so long," she says as she finishes making her bed.

"Don't apologize. You needed the rest, you still probably need more. Can I talk to you about something?"

"Oh. Sure, of course."

She sits on the bed, expecting to be scolded for no logical reason. He smiles warmly, sitting beside her.

"Relax, it's nothing bad. Raven, you know I haven't seen this place. What do you think about it? Do you like it?"

"I think you'll enjoy it, yes," she gleams.

"But do you like it? Does it remind you of home?"

"Oh definitely. The lobby's pretty close to your style but the rest of it is a lot like here. So I know it's a safe place."

"And how are you feeling today, about your magic?"

She looks down, pondering, "I should be upset but I had a strange dream. A blue light filled me and I felt comforted. I felt safe, like I was right where I belonged. It felt like nothing evil could touch me, like I was protected. So, I'm not upset, even if I should be."

"Hmm. I'm gonna cut to it. I think you should live with me. You don't have to say yes or no right now, but I'm putting it out there. For you to think about. I'd like to protect you, keep you guarded, teach you new ways to summon weapons and magic. There has to be a way. You don't have to hide in your room and work it out alone, ya know? Here..."

He gets up and offers his hand. She takes it and stands, staring at him.

"You alright?" he asks.

"Yes," she says.

"Alright good, let's go."

"No. I mean, yes. I would like that. Is it really an option?"

"I wouldn't have offered if it wasn't an option."

"Then it's what I choose. My time with you is already limited and it could be taken away so fast. Yes. Please, yes. I want that. Really badly."

They take a second to read one another's eyes.

"So do I. But it didn't have to be this way. I never wanted you to make a sacrifice for me... but if it gives you a reason to need me, then the devil in me relishes what you did. I want this too, because I'm selfish."

She gently shakes her head in disagreement.

"No, my father, you're wrong. If I had known it would cost my powers to have you, I still would have wished for you. I told you, you're everything I wished for. So, powers or no powers, you're my father. You're my father and I love you. I'll always love you."

Before she can see him cry, he pulls her in and holds her, blubbering. Delicately, she scratches his back, providing the calming sound of her nails against the rounded textures of his jacket.

"Devils never cry, damnit!"

"Shh, no of course not, that never happens."

"You okay with having a Devil Hunter for a dad? Cause that's not gonna change."

"Mmhmm. I think it's really cool. You're my hero."

"Pardon my interruption," they hear Starfire politely say. She's been standing near the doorway, her friends only a few feet down the hall. Dante tries to hide his pulled his heartstrings, but they already heard it. Sweetly, with her fingertips, Raven wipes away his tears, as Starfire finishes.