Raven and the Titans Vol. 1

"Down the Rabbit Hole" (1/4)

Chapter 3: "Down the Rabbit Hole" Part 1/4

Fa-father?!

Involuntarily, my tongue moves into the positions to vocalize his name; however, I can't find my voice to speak clearly.

"Trigon," I croak faintly that my ears are the only pair to hear my cry.

He's found me! How?!

I cradle my head between my arms and plunge to my knees as fear conquers my mind. I close my eyes in the false illusion he'll disappear.

It can't be true. He couldn't have found me. It's just a dream... It's just a dream... It's j-

"Ust a dream... just a dream!" I yell passionately as I rock back and forth.

He expels a hollow laughter that resonates through my torso.

"Fool! I'm partially within your mind," he sinisterly roars.

W-what if he's telling the truth? Get a grip, Rachael! How pathetic you shiver...

Endeavoring to muster all my concentration, I squeeze my eyelids tighter, place my palms above my ears, and repeat my mantra. I inhale and exhale profoundly to regain my calm, yet it was futile. I feel his stare piercing my body, and the fear never leaves.

Okay, okay. This will be a good opportunity to collect information over the prophecy because I know nothing. Nothing... First, it's essential to know how he found me so quickly. I don't even have a month here yet he's located me. Second, I'll have to get him to reveal information about the prophecy without him aware of my motive, but how? Hmm...

"No! I don't believe you! You couldn't have found me in such short time," I retort as I open my eyes.

I rise from the ground and levitate, so my seemingly brave face is at level with his eyes. I stretch to my full height and lift my chin. I firmly position my arms to my sides and clench my hands to hide the spontaneous tremors of my body. Even though my appearance is calm, I have adrenaline rushing through my veins with all the trepidation I'm feeling. His eyes of scarlet quake in rage at my provocation.

Trigon bellows with the intensity of thunder, "Insolent girl! How dare you challenge my power! Because of your useless human emotions over the same mortal, I tracked your demonic energy! You currently hide on Earth among the weaklings who need to be governed by me!"

My valor shatters with every word he pronounces. The breath I was suppressing escapes through my lips, and I fall to the ground. My feet touch the bottom, but in my state, my legs are made of jelly lacking muscle. My knees slam into the floor with my hands following. A small ache shoots up my arms causing my arms to collapse. My stomach lays flat against my thighs while my forehead is pressed against the floor. I stare stupidly at the swirling sable shapes, which I thought was merely darkness. I react by lifting my head and watch as they lick my clenched hands, wrists, forearms, and knees.

He knows I'm in Earth. He knows!

The fear doubles, and my heart throbs strongly and quickly like the wing's of a hummingbird. I can hear my pulse echo within my ears and each rasping breath I take.

"Now you're afraid! I can smell the rich delicacy emanate from your soul," he mocks.

With an ounce of anger, I close my eyes, hit the ebony figures on the ground with my fists, and shout, "It is not amusing! What do you want from me?!"

"I'll give you a chance to do this willingly, daughter of mine. In return, I'll keep you safe from the chaos that will be unleashed on Earth. Raven, will you become the portal?" he offers with a dead voice.