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Two black and white birds, resembling the yin and yang, fluttered enthusiastically as if it were some kind of amusing game between them; a little girl stopped looking at her reading and focused on those birds, she analyzed them until they left. Raven lowered her head in sorrow, she thought about how lonely she was, she could feel her heart squeezing when she remembered how the other kids her age ignored her, in worse cases they humiliated and discriminated her, just because she was different, she was "the weird girl" in Azarath and in spite of having her mother's company, she wanted more.
She wanted to play hide and seek like everyone else, she wanted to give and receive presents like everyone else, and above all, she wanted company and birthday parties like everyone else.
She thought about how interesting and beautiful it would be to have a friendship like the birds in the sky; but she also wondered if she would measure up, if it would be enough for someone to open their arms and accept her without prejudice.
The future heir of the League of Assassins was reading engrossed in the book he found in his mother's library, it was about ambition and betrayal, his mouth twisted when one of the characters who was the "friend" of the protagonist betrayed him to try to snatch the power, the protagonist turned a deaf ear to the traitor's pleas and ended up cutting his head off as punishment. Damian sketched a side smile, learning that he could trust no one, any carelessness could doom him in the end.
He looked at friendly relations with disgust, for the youngest they were all sheeps that would fall straight into the wolf's mouth at any moment; and he was not willing to be the sheep.
Years passed and things changed for Damian and Raven. Now she had met a group that without a second thought opened their doors and welcomed her into their nest, she could feel that warm embrace that no other person gave her except for her mother.
On Robin's part, his apathy for the world gradually disappeared, so that compassion and benevolence blossomed in his being.
It all began when the two made a mental connection and delved into each other's memories, forming a bond that they were unaware would grow and strengthen; although at first both birds were wary of each other, the bond prevented them from separating forever, beginning to share and learn more about themselves, eventually making their relationship unique and special.
It was so strong that they both decided to support, take care, protect and the best part: help each other grow as a person.
Raven was the cure to reduce Damian's temper and ego, when she perceived his unbridled emotions, she just by whispering his name caused a change in his erratic behavior.
Damian helped fill the emptiness in Raven's heart, when he noticed her dejected, when her low self-esteem caught up with her and sunk her to the bottom, Robin took it upon himself to be the light of strength, encouraging her by telling her how strong she was; every time she was victorious in a mission, those precious emeralds penetrated her with admiration. Raven could read it, always emanating satisfaction and fascination towards her, causing an affable feeling to appear in her heart and forcing her to smile.
Night fell and the little witch meditated in lotus position, being contemplated from a distance by the youngest Wayne, she could sense it and called his name, causing him to be startled and petrified, feeling a strange shame for having been discovered.
"I know you're still there, Damian". Her voice was serene, with no trace of annoyance at his audacity.
"I thought you were sleeping". He said trivially. Shrugging his shoulders, trying not to externalize his emotions.
He moved closer and she opened her eyes, searching for his face.
"I can say the same for you". She gave him a questioning look.
Damian just exclaimed a "TT" and decided to keep her company, crossing his legs as she did.
The silence was comfortable, as if it were a velvety embrace for the two teenagers.
Robin looked away from Raven and shifted his gaze to the gorgeous painted constellation in the sky. A memory crossed his mind and he sighed regretfully.
"My..." he began, capturing her attention. "My mother used to tell me as a kid that the stars were our descendants, I mean, when I'd died I was going to be immortalized as a star, like a God, but I could only be one if I succeeded in accomplishing her goals...as I grew up I knew it was a stupid story she used to manipulate me into committing atrocities for the honor of the league, the honor of Ra's Al Ghul". he finished grumbling.
Raven offered a compassionate gesture. Considering for a few seconds if it was safe to open up and also tell her experiences, however, this was her partner, her friend, she trusted he could be a good listener and have his lips sealed.
"When I was with my father in Azarath, I..." she took a moment before continuing. "I thought if I fulfilled his wishes he was going to love me...I know he is my mother's murderer, but I was just a confused child, naively believing I should belong to him because I was his daughter; he used me, every time he needed more power to conquer worlds, he said living beings were scum that deserved to be decimated and I just felt dirty with him and his hell. Before I trapped him in the crystal, I had a dream, I witnessed my mother devastated, she warned me of his manipulations, she said that everything I did for him would be in vain because he would not be able to return affection, she advised me to escape and start a new life far away...thanks to her I am here". she confessed sadly.
Damian rested his palm on her shoulder and rays of light eliminated the black clouds that floated over her head, thanks to the calmness that the robin provided.
Both remained seated at the top of the tower, opening their hearts and confessing their innermost secrets.
Like any friendship, they were not immune to arguments or tensions no matter how strong their bond was. Usually the witch was the one who got annoyed with him, due to that caustic side he had yet to learn to control; it almost always ended with him apologizing in his own way, or just seeing him repent like a sad puppy was enough to forgive him.
Once he surprised her by giving her that book she wanted so much, although her body was still, without showing emotions, her amethysts revealed her joy and he could notice it. Damian was trying to change, he hated to see Raven give him a dull and frustrated look every time he did something wrong, he loved to see her happy, she was his best friend, but he didn't realize that other feelings were arising for the girl.
A few months later Raven was walking through the streets of Jump City, distracted in the thoughts of how Terra had betrayed them, how Damian fell into the stone trap and was vilely tortured by the blonde and Slade; sunk in the regret of not having rushed before they hurt her best friend, she didn't notice when a small being rubbed on her leg in an affectionate way and uttered pleading whimpers, the teenager lowered her head and could see a stray puppy asking for her attention.
The empath raised her eyebrows in surprise, the jet-colored dog wagged its tail energetically, touching the half-demon who without hesitation took it in her arms, she could see that it needed a home and the little one had chosen her, not wanting her to leave it behind, in her head was projected the image of a certain boy who she was sure would take good care of it.
Raven found him on the roof of the tower and approached him, but not before hiding the puppy under her cloak; Damian was engrossed in the piece of cloth that represented the fall of his archenemy, he had finally finished a stage of his dark past and his best friend was about to give him a new one.
Raven pulled back her cloak to show him the little gift, Damian's heart melted like butter as he witnessed the small dog, he had a weakness for animals that very few knew about; he would say only Talia and Raven. The boy always wished to have animals of all kinds: dogs, cats, even cows, and maybe some exotic species; but the woman who gave him life wouldn't let him, for her they were a waste of time he couldn't afford, resigned he had given up that illusion, until everything changed thanks to Raven.
"It's yours now". she handed him the puppy and accepted it in confusion. The dog didnt take his big and tender eyes off robin. "You're going to Gotham and you might need some company". the sorceress clarified softly.
Raven saw the quick connection and was touched.
The car started its journey to the cursed and corrupt city called Gotham. Dick was being the driver while Damian was sitting in the passenger seat, he had his emeralds fixed on the puppy licking his hand, he began to pet him, causing him to relax like a lullaby and the canine gave in to sleep, sleeping peacefully in his lap. Damian sketched a sweet smile, Raven's reflection suddenly flashed through his mind and the curved line on his lips grew wider.
He thought how lucky he was to know her and muttered to himself:
'ant mumayaz.
ant mumayaz: you are special.