2 Demons 1 Angel

Prelude. Mara: The Weapon

Prelude. Mara: The Weapon

Note: I know this conflicts with the comics. The comics with Damian and his original Teen Titans that he kidnapped. However, I believe this works better. That event still happened with the Titans, but you'll see how Mara lost her eye. I'm not providing an age for Mara in this chapter.

Third Person/ Mara

Ras Al Guhl was leading a child into the training arena.

"Mara, you are to practice with this child until one of the two of you have satisfied me. Is that understood?"

Mara nodded. I must please grandfather. He said I am destined to take the mantal of the demon's fist. I must show I am worthy. Mara's challenger was a girl who appeared to be about two or three years younger than Mara's age. In honesty, the two girls could have been mistaken for sisters. Both short for their age, same thin figure, tan skin covered in scars, emerald green eyes, and dark brown hair that could be mistaken for black. The two girls even had streaks of color on the left side of their hair, Mara's being blood red and her opponent's being pure white. Is she, my sister? Do I have a sister?

"Child," Ras' voice was clear and crisp, the girl stood at attention awaiting orders. "Maim" he pointed to Mara.

Both girls lifted their long, thin, curved swords. Katanas. They charged, meeting each other's blades full force. The challenger stomped on Mara's foot, Mara gritted her teeth, attempting to elbow the girl in the face. The move was anticipated, Mara's arm was caught and twisted. Grunting, Mara dropped her katana and went for a knife by her side. Mara managed to cut her opponent's arm, but the girl didn't even wince. Mara backed up, unsure if she could win. The girl had a constant blank expression.

Mara backed up into a weapon rack. She pulled a pair of Sai, a three-pronged fork with the middle prong longer than the other two, fixed to leather grips. The girl still swung her katana, Mara caught the blade between the prongs and pressed it back to the girl.

Mara decided a little conversation may save her skin. Talk to distract your enemy. That is a strategy that often works, if you could make your enemy frustrated, they would be thrown off their game. "So, you got a name? Or do you like being called 'Child'?" No response. Odd. Unless you call being at a momentary stand still a response. "Are you mute? I asked you a question. I am the heir to the Demon's Fist! And as a servant to the league, I expect you to answer me!" Still nothing verbal. Perhaps she is mute.

The girl suddenly dropped her sword and caught Mara's wrists with an iron clad grip. The nameless girl proceeded to kick Mara. Mara twisted her arms to get out of the vice-like grip. Mara managed to get to the side of the arena, picking up a pair of nunchaku in the process. She hated the weapon, but a weapon was better than no weapon. Mara turned and faced her challenger. The girl had picked up a new weapon as well, a kusarigama. A scythe blade attached to a foot long pole; the other end of the pole attached to a long chain.

Mara cursed. Kusarigama were great for reach; her nunchaku would not be able to protect her much. Well, if the girl knew how to use the weapon properly. Apparently, the girl did. Mara barely managed to stop the blow from the blade with the chain of the nunchaku. Holding her grip so the blade could not be retrieved, Mara glanced at her grandfather. He did not seem pleased.

In that moment, the girl threw a shuriken, a metal death star, at Mara's face. It caught her right eye. Mara screamed and buckled, landing on her knees, her right hand covering her injured eye. The girl was coming towards Mara, to finish the order.

"Child Stop."

The girl froze in place, standing at attention, looking at the wall. Grandfather made his way over to Mara; she hung her head in shame. She had failed him. She would be punished.