HOME | DD

Description
Like every year the Ashida family gathered in the kingdom's Grand Theatre to watch a performance. All were elegantly dress, appropriate for the occasion and place. The front line of seats were theirs, even Akira and Arizuela were here, despite the fact that Raven considered them too young to understand such a play. When everyone took their seats, the act started. Arronax arrived late as usual and the youngsters found it funny when he was scolded by Reavor.

The play started. After the first half, which was only forty minutes long the performance, which everyone awaited for had begun. The famous Vareos singer, Naesala who each year is a guest to the play. Once her concert ended, the play returned to their thrilling act of betrayal. The gun shot surprised everyone, as it sounded very realistic and the claps of amusement and admiration filled the room.

"Your grandmother loved this play." He smiled, as he took a deep breath. "I'm glad I was able to see it."

"She always loved these family events"

Reavor placed his right hand on his chest and watched the performance with nostalgia in his eyes. So many memories were created in this theatre, but unfortunately they were fading with time. Yet still, he felt at peace here because each time the family visits this theatre all that matters was now.

"You were always one of us, Treasure" He said, surprising Raven. The girl looked at him with wide eyes. "Why do you look so surprised?"

"Maybe because you always treated me like an enemy" She said coldly. "I'm aware of my mistakes, I don't need a reminder."

"I am harsh on you" He admitted, as he began breathing heavier. "I'm sorry if I made you feel that way...I never meant it...I treated you harshly, because someone needed to push you forward. You always seemed to understand my methods and concerns, that trait you took after me."

"I know" She sighed.

"You're not a weapon, you're my granddaughter" He said with an honest smile. "I couldn't be more proud."

Raven returned the smile, but as soon as she looked at her grandfather the smile disappeared. The oldest Ashida was leaning back with blood dripping from underneath his right hand. He was shot. The gun shot was real. The girl turned around to look at her younger brother with tears falling down her cheeks.

"Gramps...FATHER!" Yelled the young boy and drew everyone's attention to the wounded family member. Pettueve and Aluin were first to stand up and quickly appear near their father. Aluin pressed his hand on the wound to stop the bleeding, as his younger brother took off the vest and began tearing it into pieces to use as bandages.

"He's losing to much blood." Said Aluin.

"How did we not notice!?" Yelled Arronax, who began looking around. He quickly noticed a flash above the stage and ran down the audiences seats without wasting a second.

"RAVEN!?" Shouted her mother. "You must teleport us to the hospital! NOW"

The girl was suddenly snapped out of her shock and disbelief. Her head returned to what was happening and realized that she needs to make her move. Both Aluin and her father were to focus on stopping the bleeding and Arronax ran off. She's the only one after them with confident teleportation skills.

Raven jumped towards her grandfather, as she wiped her tears. She grabbed his shoulders and teleported them to the nearest hospital. But instead of appearing in the hospital, they found themselves in a park three streets further. Raven's father looked at her angered, as Aluin kept pressing on the wound.

"What the hell, Samusagi!?" He yelled in stress.

"I-I'm sorry" Raven took a step back, trying to fight the tears and clam her racing heart. "I-I-I...I didn't-"

"Never mind, go get the rest of the family. We'll take care of the situation from here"

Raven didn't reply. She only nodded and teleported back to the theatre. The rest of the family were evacuating the people, Beavara stayed with the children keeping an eye on them and waiting for Arronax's return. Raven walked to Melfara and grabbed her hand.

"W-We need to go." Her aunt looked at her concerned. "Father and uncle...Are at the hospital. Waiting for us"

"Treasure? Are you alright?" Asked Beavara concerned, when she drove closer towards her daughter.

"I'm fine" She lied.

"You should take the kids home, Beavara" Suggested Masami in a weak voice. "Melfara help your aunt."

"Yes, mother" Nodded the little girl and walked to Raven's mother. She grabbed the wheelchair and held it tightly, before vanishing in front of their eyes.

"Yes, let's not waste time then." Said Raven. "Arronax can join us later"

Once Masami teleported them to the hospital they ran down the hallways asking the nurses about their family member. Once pointed towards the operation room, they arrived shortly. Pettueve and Aluin were sitting in the hallways with their heads down. They were waiting. That's all everyone could do now. Wait.

And thus minutes turned into hours. Melfara and Beavara were amongst the family, trying to lift the spirits up. But Raven already knew the outcome. She was standing in front of the window with crossed hands, staring at the blood in the operation room. She began sniffing quietly, trying to hold back, but tears spilt over and flowed down her face like a river escaping a dam.

The doors opened. Normally people would instantly get up to hear the news, but the Ashida family already knew. Aluin and Pettueve didn't even look up. Beavara and Melfara took a step forward asking about the well-being of the eldest family member. The doctor only shook his head.

"W-Well...T-Thank you for your hard work" Said Beavara through tears, she turned to her husband noticing drops of tears on the floor. She pushed her wheelchair closer and placed her hand on his, before embracing him in a comforting hug. Masami did the same, comforting her grieving husband. Gut-wrenching sobs tore through Aluin's chest, as he was leaning his face on his right hand.

Suddenly someone grabbed Raven's hand. Little Melfy, who's lips trembled as she sobbed, trying to hold back her cry. Raven bent down and hugged her tightly, allowing her little cousin to cry out. Everyone was in deep sorrow. Reavor may have been the eldest and his time among them short, but he was taken away too soon.

When Arronax arrived amongst them, he saw pain and tears on their faces. Pettueve looked up wanting to say something but he wasn't able to find the words, nor the strength to speak up. Tears escaped Arronax's eyes followed by his fist meeting the nearest wall.

"I'm sorry" Finally said Raven. A great sob escaped her, and she covered her face with shaking hands. "I knew about it...But...I couldn't do anything...It was too fast..."

Silence. No one spoke. Only sobs and cries. The family just looked around each other, trying to find the one person strong enough to say or do anything. Arronax walked up to the girl and placed his hands on her shoulders. She could hold the heartbreak no longer and she wanted to drop to the floor in a dishevelled heap, but her uncle prevented Raven from falling and hugged her, as her grief poured out in a flood of uncontrollable tears.

After an hour. The family walked into the room. For a moment Raven found it hard to believe there was a man under all those sheets. She felt Melfara's hand grabbing her left and Pettueve grabbing her right. She had to do it. As painful as it was for her she let go taking a step forward and grabbing the corpses hand in hers. The girl's eyes glowed and her hair changed white, while her spirit left her body.
"Grandfather" Said Raven in a grieving voice, when she noticed his spirit wandering the hospital hallways.

"Your form..." He said in shock, when he noticed that Raven was reviling her banshee form. "I see...So I died."

"I'm sorry" She looked down, while fresh tears left her eyes once again. "I should've done something."

"It's okay, Treasure" Reavor walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "There's nothing you could've done. Death comes to all of us"

"It's too soon! We're not ready" She said whipping her cheeks every few words. "Things were going so well. They were going back to normal...This is not fair...There's so many things I wanted you to be a part of..."

"My time has come" He kneeled in front of her, with his hands still on her shoulders. "It's okay. I'm old and tired. The clan is in good hands and most importantly I've done my job. Both as a leader and grandfather."

"I'm supposed to be strong...yet you're the one comforting me"

"Isn't that what a grandfather's for? You'll survive" He smiled. "I know it, remember you're not a weapon, you're my granddaughter and no one can take that away from you."

"I will." She said.

"Promise me something"

"Anything"

"I want you to be who you want to be." He smiled, as he whipped her tears. "I know how much Arisa meant to you and what she's done, but you don't need to follow her path. Don't be who she wanted you to be, be yourself and never forgot who you are"

"I promise...I'll try" Raven reached out her hand and smiled through tears. "Come one...Let's not make grandmother's wait any longer"

Reavor gently grabbed his granddaughter hand with a smile. A bright light appeared at the end of the hospital hallway and they walked towards it. When they approached it, he saw the face of his wife with arms open. Raven couldn't remember when was the last time she saw him this happy. Raven started humming, dulcet tones creating a wordless melody, which turned into singing, low and rough. She sung in a brittle voice, fighting the tears.

Soon Raven let go and watched Reavor walk away, towards the light not realizing he was no longer holding her hand. The light turned out to be a glowing door frame and once Reavor stepped through it to embrace his wife, Raven's voice grew more powerful, deep and strong in a pleasant way. Her voice was smooth, clear and quiet yet powerful. Soothing, in a beautiful way. It was the promise of tomorrow. It was stunning, and she found herself wishing that she would never stop. She saw both of them waving to her and her eyes widened in surprised, but she didn't hide her smile. The girl waved back to them, watching them disappear. Her hand went to her heart and her head rose as she belted out the final notes.

Raven opened her eyes, returning to her human form. She looked around to make sure she was back among her family. Something surprised her. She realized that her father and uncles were holding Reavor's hand on top of hers. Raven looked down in silence. She knew her grandfather is at peace and finally met with grandmother, but not having him among them was still painful.

"H-He's going to be okay" She smiled, as a single drop of grief welled up from the corner of her eye. "He's at peace"

"I'm sorry for yelling" Said her father.

"It's okay...We both know I lost focus. Even if we got here in time...I think gramps was tired, that's why he didn't say anything."

"We should start organizing the funeral." Said Aluin in sadness as he turned to the rest of the family. "Let's all say our goodbyes"

Arronax grabbed Raven's arm and pulled her out of the room. The shocked girl gave him a judging look, as she crossed her arms. Her uncles looked around the corridor making sure no one else was around and showed her the bullet shell that he kept in his pocket.

"That's-" Started Raven. Golden shell and a black bird, that's similar to a crow or raven printed on it. "It's-"

"It's a 50 caliber ammunition 7.62×51mm. The exact same bullet you use for your riffle. Guess where I found it!?"

"Are you angry?" Raven looked down, avoiding his glare. Arronax only sighed and placed his hand on her head.

"As a matter of fact, no I'm not angry...Just annoyed" He admitted. "This is not how things were supposed to go"

Raven realized that her uncle was avoiding the pain of losing his father. He was trying to focus on his job or mission, instead of facing that pain. Something she often does as well. But that was their way of dealing with it and eventually overcoming.

"Tracing back a bullet will lead to Golden Raven, so I ask you. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to find the shooter." She said with confidence. "Will you help me? I need to work out how were they able to fire my bullets."

"Only if you're willing to work under my conditions." He warned. "My plan, my rules. No lone wolf hunting, got it?"

"Deal"

Description
Like every year the Ashida family gathered in the kingdom's Grand Theatre to watch a performance. All were elegantly dress, appropriate for the occasion and place. The front line of seats were theirs, even Akira and Arizuela were here, despite the fact that Raven considered them too young to understand such a play. When everyone took their seats, the act started. Arronax arrived late as usual and the youngsters found it funny when he was scolded by Reavor.

The play started. After the first half, which was only forty minutes long the performance, which everyone awaited for had begun. The famous Vareos singer, Naesala who each year is a guest to the play. Once her concert ended, the play returned to their thrilling act of betrayal. The gun shot surprised everyone, as it sounded very realistic and the claps of amusement and admiration filled the room.

"Your grandmother loved this play." He smiled, as he took a deep breath. "I'm glad I was able to see it."

"She always loved these family events"

Reavor placed his right hand on his chest and watched the performance with nostalgia in his eyes. So many memories were created in this theatre, but unfortunately they were fading with time. Yet still, he felt at peace here because each time the family visits this theatre all that matters was now.

"You were always one of us, Treasure" He said, surprising Raven. The girl looked at him with wide eyes. "Why do you look so surprised?"

"Maybe because you always treated me like an enemy" She said coldly. "I'm aware of my mistakes, I don't need a reminder."

"I am harsh on you" He admitted, as he began breathing heavier. "I'm sorry if I made you feel that way...I never meant it...I treated you harshly, because someone needed to push you forward. You always seemed to understand my methods and concerns, that trait you took after me."

"I know" She sighed.

"You're not a weapon, you're my granddaughter" He said with an honest smile. "I couldn't be more proud."

Raven returned the smile, but as soon as she looked at her grandfather the smile disappeared. The oldest Ashida was leaning back with blood dripping from underneath his right hand. He was shot. The gun shot was real. The girl turned around to look at her younger brother with tears falling down her cheeks.

"Gramps...FATHER!" Yelled the young boy and drew everyone's attention to the wounded family member. Pettueve and Aluin were first to stand up and quickly appear near their father. Aluin pressed his hand on the wound to stop the bleeding, as his younger brother took off the vest and began tearing it into pieces to use as bandages.

"He's losing to much blood." Said Aluin.

"How did we not notice!?" Yelled Arronax, who began looking around. He quickly noticed a flash above the stage and ran down the audiences seats without wasting a second.

"RAVEN!?" Shouted her mother. "You must teleport us to the hospital! NOW"

The girl was suddenly snapped out of her shock and disbelief. Her head returned to what was happening and realized that she needs to make her move. Both Aluin and her father were to focus on stopping the bleeding and Arronax ran off. She's the only one after them with confident teleportation skills.

Raven jumped towards her grandfather, as she wiped her tears. She grabbed his shoulders and teleported them to the nearest hospital. But instead of appearing in the hospital, they found themselves in a park three streets further. Raven's father looked at her angered, as Aluin kept pressing on the wound.

"What the hell, Samusagi!?" He yelled in stress.

"I-I'm sorry" Raven took a step back, trying to fight the tears and clam her racing heart. "I-I-I...I didn't-"

"Never mind, go get the rest of the family. We'll take care of the situation from here"

Raven didn't reply. She only nodded and teleported back to the theatre. The rest of the family were evacuating the people, Beavara stayed with the children keeping an eye on them and waiting for Arronax's return. Raven walked to Melfara and grabbed her hand.

"W-We need to go." Her aunt looked at her concerned. "Father and uncle...Are at the hospital. Waiting for us"

"Treasure? Are you alright?" Asked Beavara concerned, when she drove closer towards her daughter.

"I'm fine" She lied.

"You should take the kids home, Beavara" Suggested Masami in a weak voice. "Melfara help your aunt."

"Yes, mother" Nodded the little girl and walked to Raven's mother. She grabbed the wheelchair and held it tightly, before vanishing in front of their eyes.

"Yes, let's not waste time then." Said Raven. "Arronax can join us later"

Once Masami teleported them to the hospital they ran down the hallways asking the nurses about their family member. Once pointed towards the operation room, they arrived shortly. Pettueve and Aluin were sitting in the hallways with their heads down. They were waiting. That's all everyone could do now. Wait.

And thus minutes turned into hours. Melfara and Beavara were amongst the family, trying to lift the spirits up. But Raven already knew the outcome. She was standing in front of the window with crossed hands, staring at the blood in the operation room. She began sniffing quietly, trying to hold back, but tears spilt over and flowed down her face like a river escaping a dam.

The doors opened. Normally people would instantly get up to hear the news, but the Ashida family already knew. Aluin and Pettueve didn't even look up. Beavara and Melfara took a step forward asking about the well-being of the eldest family member. The doctor only shook his head.

"W-Well...T-Thank you for your hard work" Said Beavara through tears, she turned to her husband noticing drops of tears on the floor. She pushed her wheelchair closer and placed her hand on his, before embracing him in a comforting hug. Masami did the same, comforting her grieving husband. Gut-wrenching sobs tore through Aluin's chest, as he was leaning his face on his right hand.

Suddenly someone grabbed Raven's hand. Little Melfy, who's lips trembled as she sobbed, trying to hold back her cry. Raven bent down and hugged her tightly, allowing her little cousin to cry out. Everyone was in deep sorrow. Reavor may have been the eldest and his time among them short, but he was taken away too soon.

When Arronax arrived amongst them, he saw pain and tears on their faces. Pettueve looked up wanting to say something but he wasn't able to find the words, nor the strength to speak up. Tears escaped Arronax's eyes followed by his fist meeting the nearest wall.

"I'm sorry" Finally said Raven. A great sob escaped her, and she covered her face with shaking hands. "I knew about it...But...I couldn't do anything...It was too fast..."

Silence. No one spoke. Only sobs and cries. The family just looked around each other, trying to find the one person strong enough to say or do anything. Arronax walked up to the girl and placed his hands on her shoulders. She could hold the heartbreak no longer and she wanted to drop to the floor in a dishevelled heap, but her uncle prevented Raven from falling and hugged her, as her grief poured out in a flood of uncontrollable tears.

After an hour. The family walked into the room. For a moment Raven found it hard to believe there was a man under all those sheets. She felt Melfara's hand grabbing her left and Pettueve grabbing her right. She had to do it. As painful as it was for her she let go taking a step forward and grabbing the corpses hand in hers. The girl's eyes glowed and her hair changed white, while her spirit left her body.
"Grandfather" Said Raven in a grieving voice, when she noticed his spirit wandering the hospital hallways.

"Your form..." He said in shock, when he noticed that Raven was reviling her banshee form. "I see...So I died."

"I'm sorry" She looked down, while fresh tears left her eyes once again. "I should've done something."

"It's okay, Treasure" Reavor walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "There's nothing you could've done. Death comes to all of us"

"It's too soon! We're not ready" She said whipping her cheeks every few words. "Things were going so well. They were going back to normal...This is not fair...There's so many things I wanted you to be a part of..."

"My time has come" He kneeled in front of her, with his hands still on her shoulders. "It's okay. I'm old and tired. The clan is in good hands and most importantly I've done my job. Both as a leader and grandfather."

"I'm supposed to be strong...yet you're the one comforting me"

"Isn't that what a grandfather's for? You'll survive" He smiled. "I know it, remember you're not a weapon, you're my granddaughter and no one can take that away from you."

"I will." She said.

"Promise me something"

"Anything"

"I want you to be who you want to be." He smiled, as he whipped her tears. "I know how much Arisa meant to you and what she's done, but you don't need to follow her path. Don't be who she wanted you to be, be yourself and never forgot who you are"

"I promise...I'll try" Raven reached out her hand and smiled through tears. "Come one...Let's not make grandmother's wait any longer"

Reavor gently grabbed his granddaughter hand with a smile. A bright light appeared at the end of the hospital hallway and they walked towards it. When they approached it, he saw the face of his wife with arms open. Raven couldn't remember when was the last time she saw him this happy. Raven started humming, dulcet tones creating a wordless melody, which turned into singing, low and rough. She sung in a brittle voice, fighting the tears.

Soon Raven let go and watched Reavor walk away, towards the light not realizing he was no longer holding her hand. The light turned out to be a glowing door frame and once Reavor stepped through it to embrace his wife, Raven's voice grew more powerful, deep and strong in a pleasant way. Her voice was smooth, clear and quiet yet powerful. Soothing, in a beautiful way. It was the promise of tomorrow. It was stunning, and she found herself wishing that she would never stop. She saw both of them waving to her and her eyes widened in surprised, but she didn't hide her smile. The girl waved back to them, watching them disappear. Her hand went to her heart and her head rose as she belted out the final notes.

Raven opened her eyes, returning to her human form. She looked around to make sure she was back among her family. Something surprised her. She realized that her father and uncles were holding Reavor's hand on top of hers. Raven looked down in silence. She knew her grandfather is at peace and finally met with grandmother, but not having him among them was still painful.

"H-He's going to be okay" She smiled, as a single drop of grief welled up from the corner of her eye. "He's at peace"

"I'm sorry for yelling" Said her father.

"It's okay...We both know I lost focus. Even if we got here in time...I think gramps was tired, that's why he didn't say anything."

"We should start organizing the funeral." Said Aluin in sadness as he turned to the rest of the family. "Let's all say our goodbyes"

Arronax grabbed Raven's arm and pulled her out of the room. The shocked girl gave him a judging look, as she crossed her arms. Her uncles looked around the corridor making sure no one else was around and showed her the bullet shell that he kept in his pocket.

"That's-" Started Raven. Golden shell and a black bird, that's similar to a crow or raven printed on it. "It's-"

"It's a 50 caliber ammunition 7.62×51mm. The exact same bullet you use for your riffle. Guess where I found it!?"

"Are you angry?" Raven looked down, avoiding his glare. Arronax only sighed and placed his hand on her head.

"As a matter of fact, no I'm not angry...Just annoyed" He admitted. "This is not how things were supposed to go"

Raven realized that her uncle was avoiding the pain of losing his father. He was trying to focus on his job or mission, instead of facing that pain. Something she often does as well. But that was their way of dealing with it and eventually overcoming.

"Tracing back a bullet will lead to Golden Raven, so I ask you. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to find the shooter." She said with confidence. "Will you help me? I need to work out how were they able to fire my bullets."

"Only if you're willing to work under my conditions." He warned. "My plan, my rules. No lone wolf hunting, got it?"

"Deal"