The Dark Apprentice: a teen titans fanfiction

Chapter Two: First impressions

Raven stared at the armored chest of the man called Slade, silently debating her options. Her gut screamed at her to get away from him, but her mind was curious. She eyed his belt looking for his weapons and saw he had none that she could see. So he wasn't armed, but still incredibly dangerous. Good to know.

"What do you want, Slade? How do you know about me?" Raven said, keeping her voice a low growl.

"It's my business to know what threats enter my city. I run a sort of empire here, and I keep tabs on anyone who interests me. You took first spot on that list the moment you came here. Any child of a demon would."

Raven's temper flared, her hands tingling as power surged through her veins. Black surrounded the man, throwing him back against the alley wall before crushing him instantly. The sound of screaming electronics caught her attention, and she walked closer to investigate. Slade was nothing but a robot under a mask. But how would he know about her heritage?

Raven ducked her head and ran out of the alleys, looking for a place for stay for the time being.

~~~2 weeks later~~~~

Raven cautiously walked around the book store she was in, scanning various authors and covers. The quiet room only had one other person in it, making it the ideal time for her to sneak in and grab a few.

Books have been her solace for the last 2 weeks since waking up in this city. She still had no idea where she was originally, besides Azarath. Her memories of her home returned about a week ago. She was lost in grief for hours, her powers lashing out and destroying everything around her until she got her emotions under control. The wreckage attracted the attention of the media, and the group of people she saw fighting when she awoke. She barely escaped before the found her.

'So many authors to choose from. I've already read a good portion of the books here. What next?'

A pile of books landed on the small table beside her, causing her to jump before looking sharply at who caused a disturbance in her thoughts.

"I thought you might enjoy these. I see you here quit a bit, and judging by what I've seen you take, these will be to your liking." His smooth voice echoed in her ears. Raven studied him for a minute, her eyes lingering on his oddly white hair and eyepatch. His voice was familiar, but he mentioned being here at the same time as her. She must have absently heard his voice prior to this.

"I can find my own reading. Thanks." She said curtly, turning back to her shelf and grabbing a random book to make her point. The man's eyebrow raised.

"Fifty Shades of Grey? Didn't peg you as a romantic smut reader." The chuckle in his voice was infuriating, cluing her in that he obviously knew she'd chosen at random to avoid him.

Her face blushed pure red as she shoved the book back into its spot. A low growl dragged through her throat before she spun on her heel and went to another shelf. She looked along the titles with an annoyed sneer, realizing she was now looking at children's books. With a sigh, she turned back to the man who was patiently waiting for her to concede.

"Fine. I'll look at them." She browsed through the titles, finding several authors that she enjoyed but hadn't seen in this store. Her eyebrow raised. "These aren't from here. You bought these somewhere else and brought them here. For me?" Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Maybe. Can't blame me for trying to please a beautiful woman." His smooth tone made her blush yet again. "My my. The blush makes you even more stunning."

Raven pulled her hood far over her face, embarrassed beyond compare at the awkward position she's been caught in. "Er. Thank you for the books. But I don't need anyone's help."

"Of course not. I didn't mean to imply that you did. I simply had these lying around my personal library and thought someone else could enjoy them like I did." He gave a small bow and gestured at the stack. "They're yours for the taking if you wish. Have a good evening." He mumbled before gracefully turning and walking away.

"Wait. If you have a personal library, why come here?" Raven spoke softly, curiosity prodding at her. She looked at her shoes embarrassed about asking anymore questions.

"How else would I find hidden treasures like yourself? No one thinks to notice the beauty's hidden among the dusty books. But you, my dear, are a true find. I'll see you around, Raven." Her head snapped up when he said her name, but he was gone.

"Oh, and one more thing." Raven spun around, finding the charming young man standing just behind her. "My name is Wilson. I'd love to see you again, if you'd allow me?"

Her mind swam with questions and tried to piece them together into a coherent sentence. Before she could ask anything, he spoke again.

"Meet me here. Tonight at 8, if you'd like. I'll be waiting." He said before disappearing through the front door.

Raven stared for a few moments before gathering the books he left and following him through the doors, heading back towards the abandoned warehouse she had been living in. She had no idea a man in a black and orange mask was watching her go.

~~~That night~~

'Ugh. It's 739. Should I meet him? Should I leave this city? No. I'm here for a reason. I need answers. Wilson may have some. He knew my name after all. How did he know that? I haven't told anyone my name. It doesn't make sense. I have to go. I have to get some answers.'

Raven snuck out of the warehouse, making sure no one was around to see her go. She kept her head down and hurried towards the book store, hoping he would be there. It took her a moment to realize she hoped he was there, not only for answers, but also another reason. She couldn't identify it, but apart of her was drawn to the man. He was so mysterious, but kind.

She paused in an alley across from the book store, looking at the locked front door. She saw no one there. A glance at one of the many screens across the city told her it was 7:59 pm. He should be here.

"Hello my dear." The voice was right next to her ear. Raven spun and brought up her hands, instinct preparing her powers for battle. Wilson stood a little too close in front of her, his spiky white hair catching the light. He chuckled at the display. "My my. For such a small woman, you didn't hesitate to prepare for a fight. I like that. Follow me." He said before spinning and walking back down the alley.

Raven narrowed her eyes before following, keeping a few paces between them. The sorceress had a sort of excitement running through her as she followed him into the darkness.

Raven saw a flash behind her eyes: a picture of herself in black and silver armor, a pair of armored arms wrapped around her shoulders. There was no face, as shadow blocked the man from the shoulders up. But she felt safe. Loved.

Raven blinked rapidly, her eyes going to the back of the man she was following. She hesitated, before continuing after Wilson. The young demoness knew better than anyone, that you couldn't escape your fate.