Titans Forever

Episode 1: A bird in her nest

Tower of Fate

The loud clack of wooden staffs echo throughout the air of the chamber. The sound generated wasn't that of combative intent, but instead it seemed to be in a more practical matter. Two women were centered on top of a lengthy stone slab. Light from the fireplace nearby illuminated the room so that the two could take part in these actions.

"That's it Rachel! Now counter roll!" Zatanna exclaims as she lurches forward with a jabbing motion. In response the other did just that. With bent knees the quick interaction with the ground was simple to execute. Rachel sticks the landing of the somersault before thrusting forward with her staff, sending off a resounding clack once forcefully being met at the center Zatanna's staff.
"Good! You're getting better at this!"

"Thanks- Zat-" Rachel grunts with little breath. "How long does that make now? Six hours?"

"Give or take a couple. Remember, this room contains a different time flow." Zatanna chuckles as she holds out her hand to Rachel. Once she makes it to her feet, Rachel bends over and grabs at her knees. It was quite obvious that she was winded.

"Great... Does that mean- break hasn't been earned yet?... I'm sort of dying over here.."

"Yeah I'll let you off easy for the day. Constantine should be back soon with dinner. Why don't you go wash up? You remember where the dining hall is right? Or should I expect that to be another thing you've forgotten?" Rachel rolls her eyes to the final portions of her companion's statement. She honestly hated it when Zatanna would go into mother mode.

"No... I remember where it is." She groans before tossing the training staff into the corner of the room where the light didn't reach. Zatanna gently sets her's down on the floor as the risen stone slab retracts into the ground, leaving them even with the rest of the floor. The two exchange eye contact that expressed different emotions. One being of annoyance, and the other being of compassion.

"You know you can tell me anything, right? You've been with us for three years now, I feel like we're practically family! You've been distant... More than you usually are. And it's frightening not only me-"

"I promise you it's nothing too big... I just.. I don't feel as though you trust me enough. Most of our lessons have been nothing but physical training. Why do you have me practicing my power so little?" Rachel states quickly as she runs a hand through her purple locks. With her bangs fully out of her eyes she is now able to see Zatanna's new expression. She seemed to have a saddened grimace.

"I'm glad you got that out of your system. Sorry that you feel this way and I hope you know that wasn't my intention. But I- we feel as though we need to keep that kind of practice on a low. We trust you hun, but it's the side effects that we've been noticing. Even in the tower of fate it seems as though signs of your father's being have been popping up."

Rachel's eyes widened with disbelief. This couldn't be possible... Could it? This news had brought on a horrowing blast from the past. The sound of thousands of screams begin to echo in Rachel's ears as she stares to the floor. That day will never be forgotten... Zatanna approaches her and gently rests a hand on upon her shoulder.
"Let's not speak of this now okay? Let's enjoy the night! Constantine's bringing back Chinese. I'm pretty sure that Kent is also joining us, I'm sure he'd love to hear of your progress." Zatanna smiles softly before stepping out of the room. The sound of her high heels soon cease, letting Rachel know that she was out of sight.