Cubix

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

Since I'll be gone for a while, I've decided to post to keep Rhea in the loop :D

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

Isaac Grant. Rhea smiled as she said his name in her mind. One of these days, if she ever comes back from Hell, she might have to ask Isaac if ever he had mind-reading abilities; coincidentally, she'd been wanting to know his real name just quite recently. She couldn't help but chuckle at how ridiculously good it felt to know and say the teen's name; it was as if she knew his secret identity. Still, the mere fact that he whispered it to her instead of blurting it out in the open would mean that he wasn't ready to reveal who he really is just yet. There was really a difference in calling someone by their name. If you merely call out using their aliases or pseudonyms, you just address their surface, their masks. But, to call them using their name is to invoke their very being, their very soul. At least, that's what Rhea believed. Hence, she only called those close to her by their names; others are called by some other fitting nickname that she could remember easily. However, as much as Teapot 2.0's pheromones were daring her to look at the demigod, there was a new sensation that overrode whatever logic or sanity Rhea had left. She couldn't stifle her spine from tingling beautifully when Isaac whispered in her ear; his voice huskier than normal. But, the main catalyst for the healer to be flustered would probably be attributed to the way he revealed his secret as well as the moment he opened up, just for a fleeting moment, his weakness to her. None of his words went unnoticed, unfortunately, causing Rhea to turn a darker shade of red as time ticked on and on.

Furthermore, as much as she wanted to tell the lad that she would want, that she would try her best to return... she didn't say it. After all, Isaac mattered too much to be led on by something that Rhea couldn't even assure herself of. Instead, she reached into the pockets of her robe, pulling out a patch of cloth that was neatly sewn and fixed. It was a wee bit crumpled, but for her, it mattered not. On that cloth was a large 'S' in the centre, the colours flourishing brighter than usual. However, at the back of the cloth, just along the edges, was a cross-stitched lettering of her alias: Cell. It seemed to say that... she's always got his back; even the Boy of Steel needed someone to watch his back for him. How Rhea found time to repair such a torn cloth that flew at her face was beyond even her, but she was sure glad that she completed it. She nimbly placed the cloth in his hands, closing his fist around it. "Ne'vr be forgettin' who you are, Isaac." An awkward grin threatening to tear at her mouth as she whispered his name as if it was something sacred-- which, technically, it was.

There had to be a reason for such an expression, right? It was bad, really bad to be feel this happy due to giving a simple gift. Still, as she prevented herself from getting too happy and giddy from such a simple occurrence, a voice resonated from outside the hideout. What unnerved the healer was the fact that it was an unfamiliar one and, for another, how in the seven hells did this person know where they were?! Instantly, her eyes bolted to the entryway, half-expecting a wave of policemen to burst in, guns loaded, and begin pumping their guts with lead. Well, in hindsight, everyone would be able to take them out, no problem. Heck, Isaac could take them all whilst she lounged and sipped Earl Grey Tea. Thus, she made no hostile movements, choosing to sit this one out whilst the Teen Titans sort it out. As Smokey allowed the guy in, and Isaac taking his place behind the intruder, ready to melt his bones, Rhea observed the person. It seemed that he was a friend of Sandy. Speaking of that Litter-box, where had he gone? Rhea hadn't seen him inside the tower during the zombie attack-- alive or dead. But, now, he was missing, apparently.

It all seemed too sketchy, too convenient. For all they knew, Luthor would have already hired this person to infiltrate their ranks. Well, it wasn't much of Rhea's problem since she was going, literally, to Hell anyway. If he was a turncoat, it'd be a problem for Smokey and the others. Probably, Isaac could take him on, but... well, what if there were a myriad of outcomes to this?

Rhea immediately slapped her palms against her cheeks. What the hell had happened to her? She never doubted, she always trusted. This was not the time for doubts and fears. Rhea opted to leave that anxiety to the others, but never for her. She cared about life too much to be able to doubt one. As the boy began to speak, asking for their assistance, the healer deigned a glance at Smokey, their leader. Then, she eyed the guest once more, trying to scrutinize his existence. After a few minutes, Rhea breathed heavily, a small smile forming on her lips. "Smokey, I know dat it ain't be my place to be sayin' dis, but..." she began. "...perhaps it be good fer ye guys to assist dis lad 'ere." the healer eyed her fellow female. "We be too few a'ready. If it be true dat Litter-Box be really missin', then, it might be a good idea to be findin' 'im. He," Rhea gestured to the lad. "...can be helpin' ye as well. I be thinkin' dat ye could be usin' wha'ever hand, tentacle, or suit ye can be findin'."

Rhea bit her lip in frustration as she struggled to find the right words to say. Her eyes settled down on Isaac as if he was her answer. Friend. Ally. Comrade. Someone important. At that moment, Rhea realized that the idea that is driving this lad is the hope of finding his friend once more. The current titans weren't the best of friends, but they were friends nonetheless (for Rhea, at least). They were all gears in a one big clock; if they lose more of the necessary parts, the whole clock suffers. This was evident when Lock n' Load kicked the bucket. If anything, Rhea wanted this questing lad to never experience the pain of losing someone that they held dear; without that treasured person, it was never going to be the same. "After all, Litter-Box be our comrade, aight? We dun be leavin' anyone behind, not any more. Wid his help, ye could also be findin' Batty as well." Rhea shifted her eyes once more on their banner of hope, clearing her throat. "We can't be losin' any more titans dan da ones dat we've already lost... than da ones dat we're gonna be losin' soon."

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

I'll be posting after Pistolera reacts and decides on Hellfire's plea.

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

Still here, I am.

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

Rhea closed her eyes as JC stepped down as leader and Smokey took up the banner to continue leading them in the near future. Indeed, it was unfathomable how mature their decisions were as of the moment; they were mere teens, they had no obligation to wade through this river of pressure. Still, as her eyes surveyed the remains of their team, Rhea, from the back, couldn't help but smile at the blessing of it all. With the trip to the underworld inevitable, this might be the last time she'd see this many familiar faces in a single room-- at least, for this lifetime. She was about to congratulate Smokey when, suddenly, a voice called out from the hideout's door. Normally, it would have been a cause for alarm, but the voice that echoed came from someone she knew quite so dearly-- even if it was just for a single night. Rhea ventured over to the door, softly opening it as Sentinel and Tulip came into view. These two were one of the most powerful in their team, so, it didn't come as a surprise to see them uninjured or unsullied. However, one look at Sentinel gave Rhea the idea that, perhaps, his injuries weren't so much physical; he had a lot of incisions and wounds... in his heart and mind. The pained look he gave her, which he hastily averted, was a clear sign of such a damage, and while she was no mind reader, it didn't take much to notice that Sentinel was blaming himself more than Luthor.

Nimbly, she approached the penitent guardian. Rhea stood before the man who towered over her quite so easily, however, instead of feeling intimidated, she felt at ease. However, as she saw his face, the horrors and terrors of the clashes at the tower resurfaced in her mind: the twins' death, their tower being bombarded with loaded shells, and many more nightmares that left her mind in shambles. The heads that she had severed, the children she had killed, and all the blood that she swam through-- she wanted to blame it all on him. It was human nature to always put the blame on someone; to cleanse oneself from the guilt of having done something terrible. This sickening nature was teeming inside her heart, threatening Rhea to release her loathing and frustration. Anger and bitterness boiled within her, but, when she saw him-- his vulnerability and true remorse-- she found it impossible to be angry at someone who just wanted to help. It wasn't his fault that the world was too fragile for him. It was nigh on impractical to resent someone who genuinely cared. In all honesty, the only person that could be blamed for the ones she killed was the one who wielded the sword.

With a smile, Rhea got on her toes and held her fingers near Sentinel's forehead. Then, she softly flicked the teen's forehead-- probably not even enough to make him feel what she just did. They were kindred souls, or so Rhea liked to believe. They had made thousands upon thousands of mistakes in their lives. In all probability, Sentinel could have been traumatized with all the people he had killed. It was sad to watch him bleed inside. "Welcome back to the team, Sentinel." Rhea chuckled, caressing the lad's face with her right hand. Instantly, the memory of her seeing him that night resurfaced, reminding Rhea of why she was his friend in the first place. "Ya tried so hard today, din't ya, Sentinel?" Rhea grinned before patting his shoulder. "Thanks fer nev'r givin' up." They were both damaged one way or another. Rhea stepped back, her bloodstained robe fluttering softly. "Just 'cus ye stumbled dun mean dat yer lost... right? I be glad dat ye didn't lose yer way." Her eyes went over to Tulip, a look of relief forming on her face. "I'm glad to be seein' dat yer both fine and dandy, Tulip." she grinned. "Ye might be gettin' slow, Tulip. It took ya a while to be reachin' 'ere." The healer teasingly added. It's been a while since she had seen the speedster and though the same anger wanted to blame him for leaving them, again, she couldn't blame those who just wanted to help. "I'm happy. I really am."

Suddenly, Smokey began to relay the plan to the rest of the group, reminding Rhea that she wasn't long for this team. True, she was going with Skelly and Teapot 2.0 into the underworld-- Tulip if given. More or less, the underworld won't be too kind to them. Sentinel and Tulip didn't know yet where they were going, but by the way that Smokey said it, it was quite obvious that it wouldn't be a walk in the park. Most probably, she wasn't coming back home. This was probably the last time she would talk to them; this was probably the last time she would talk to him. Well, what was she supposed to say? See you soon? See you in the future? Without a word, she took his hands in hers, sighing softly in the process. "'till we be meetin' again." Rhea beamed.

I never even got the chance to know your real name. But, I guess, that's what makes life interesting. The thrill of when I can know the name of a friend. I can't wait for the next lifetime!

With that, Rhea took her place beside Teapot 2.0, her sword hoisted slightly on her shoulder. "I guess we dun 'ave much of a choice, now do we? I be believin' dat wid Smokey's leadership, we be redeemin' ourselves from our mistake." she spoke with a gentle tone. "This is what we trained for. We'll make this right as rain."

Good. Her grammar book helped a lot!

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

It's aliivveeeeee~

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

I'll be postin' after Simone does :D That way, Rhea can actually react to all of them XD

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

Lots'o teapots runnin' around.

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

Jeez. At least, now, she had found the new teapot of the team. Evan's mouth was just as runny as Rose's yet his words still carried with them the significance of the situation: they needed a leader... fast. In this case, they had two options who were as viable as the muscles that rippled immensely as Evan would move or make any gestures; they were also as viable as the way his Adam's Apple bobbed up and down as Evan spoke... What? "Fuck." Rhea cursed as she unslung the sword from her shoulder, unsheathing it just enough for the lower portion to be revealed. Her mind was snared by the onslaught of mysterious attractions brought on by damned biology. If only... if only she could destroy her own cells. In a heartbeat, the healer glided her index finger over the sharp blade, causing the skin there to rupture and a slick trail of crimson liquid to flow forth. Her eyes observed the wound which was now healing quickly as was expected. More importantly, her mind had snapped out of the trance that she was in and, now, she could think properly. "Much, much better." Rhea smiled, now looking at the two candidates: JC and Smokey. Honestly, she hated to pick between the two of them. It was a stupid notion, really. She was the only one who harboured any positive emotions towards her team; she knew that they'd leave her in a heartbeat but Rhea couldn't do so to them. She wasn't that much of a monster... not yet. Still, she had to pick. Well, she already knew who she would pick but Rhea hated for any untoward hate that might spiral out of control once everything would be decided. The healer sheathed the sword back and slung it over her shoulder, pulling down her hood in the process. With but a few strides, Rhea went over to JC, softly taking his hand in hers.

"Say, JC." Rhea began as she shut out any glares or stares that might be occurring. In this moment, it was just them. Screw Smokey, screw Teapot 2.0, screw Whirlie, screw Skelly, screw Hatty... screw everyone but JC; the lad had already went through a lot. There's no need to bring any more of them down-- Evan had already done plenty of that. "Disregardin' whatever bull droppings anyone would be sayin' 'bout ya, I be believin' dat ya did good during da attack on our tower. Ya led us to da best of what ye can do and, honestly, I be proud of ya. Ev'ry leader be makin' a mistake but ain't dat part of da journey? No matter how good ye are of a leader, someone will always be hatin' on ya. Ye dun 'ave to be da best leader fer everyone; ye just need to be da best leader fer dos who matter." she breathed in a huff of air before patting JC's hand. "Ye a'ready proved yerself to us and ye didn't disappoint; Rose was right in trustin' ye. Sure, there were mistakes in da plan but just because ye stumbled don't mean dat ye be lost. Ya just have to be tryin' harder. JC, it's time fer someone else to be leadin' us; it's time fer someone to take up da mantle and finish what ye started. Ye a'ready got us dis far, ye deserve to take a break." she let go of his hand, already finished with her subtle inspection if he had any wounds. Not sure if he noticed though. "Never doubt yer leadership fer a moment. Honestly, a lot of us won't be here if it ain't fer ye leadin' us. I wouldn't be 'ere if it wasn't fer ya. You've done beautifully but it be time fer someone to take it from here since dis be a new scenario. After all, a good leader be also a good follower."

Rhea's eyes went over to Smokey, her lips curved in a smile. "Smokey... I be believin' dat Smokey can be helpin' us to surpass dis predicament since she be knowin' evry'thin' der is to know 'bout the real world. She's da only one I be trustin' to be able to dirty her hands yet still be pure at da same time-- the leader we be needin'. I be believin' dat things will be dark and dirty from dis moment forward and we be needin' Smokey's guidance through da dark and into the light. Her strength to be weatherin' everythin' without losin' her composure would be our strength as well. In these dark times, she's da leader we be needin' and da leader we be deservin'. She could have left us to die but she didn't." she grinned at the most headstrong woman in their team. "She's da best one to continue what Rose and JC had started. She's a good person, though, not many, even I, can't see it."

She went back to her old formation with the team, staying at the furthest edge of them all... as was always her role. She was always the most distant to all of them... with all her theatrics and drama-- no one could really stand her. Still, she didn't mind being the black sheep if it meant everyone would be stayin' together. Unlike Sentinel, Tulip, Teapot 2.0, Smokey, JC and the rest, she had nothing to offer but amateur healing and all. If her opinions mattered, then, that would be enough. Rhea was certain that everyone would be scoffing at her long winded speech but it mattered not if she had, at least, helped out a little bit. If only her words could help Sentinel, JC and Smokey... then, everything she had said was all worth it.

The die had been cast; the bones have been thrown. The next few events in the long line of threads would be decided by two names: Smokey and JC. However, whatever would happen in the future, she would never regret the leadership from both of them. They were interesting people and while the two of them weren't really the best candidates for leaders, she'd still be willing to follow both of their banners... regardless of who won.

Teen Titans: Divided We Fall

I'm plannin' for to post for Rhea after Evan would have his fill.