Chapter 14✨

Susan and Lucy would not stop asking Raina about what exactly happened the night before. Raina tried to keep diverting it by bringing up Susan and Caspian's budding relationship.

'What were you two doing up there that late?' Lucy asked, hopefully.

'We weren't doing anything! We were just talking, Lu! Besides, I'm sure Susan's life is much more exciting than mine.' Raina paused as she smirked at Susan.

'Oh, hush. Caspian doesn't see me that way, alright?' She maintained.

'I didn't mention him, but good to know!' Raina said in a sing-song voice, as she took that opportunity to run. She bumped into Caspian.

'Oh, Caspian! I'm so sorry.' Raina apologised.

'Please, no it was mine. I wasn't looking, I was uh...' He trailed off as he realised his blunder. Raina followed his gaze to where Susan was standing, with Lucy. Raina suppressed a snort.

'Walk with me.' She said to Caspian.

'Uh alright.' He gave her a confused glance as they began to walk across the field.

'Tell me, what were you about to ask me earlier?' Raina asked with a knowing smile, to which Caspian blushed, and looked down. 'I seem to recall it being regarding Susan?' Raina laughed as she said this. Caspian was beet red. He took a deep breath as he faced Raina.

'I was wondering... what do you think are Queen Susan's thoughts regarding me?' Caspian asked, sheepishly, maintaining strong eye contact with the grass. Raina gave him an amused look.

'Well, I can't speak for her thoughts..' She began. Caspian looked up, eagerly waiting for her reply.

'But, she sees you in a very positive light, so you need not worry. BUT is there a more specific question you would like to ask? Or something you would rather tell?' Raina asked, knowingly. Caspian tried to play dumb.

'I-uh, do not know what you are referring to..' He said, quietly. Raina let out a small laugh.

'Alright, then I have a question for you. Do you fancy Susan?' Raina asked, as she smirked, and Caspian blushed more furiously than ever before. He looked at her, eyes wide, and tried to speak, yet nothing came out.

'I-I, well you see- I'm-' He stuttered, not being able to string a sentence along.

'I think I got my answer.' Raina smiled, as she walked away, leaving Caspian dumbfounded.

Raina decided to do some training. She knew that war was on the horizon, and she needed to be prepared. As she readied herself, Doctor Cornelius came up to her.

'Your Excellency, may I have a word with you?' He asked.

'Yes, of course, and please call me Raina.' She replied. He nodded.

They began slowly walking back to Aslan's How.

'I have been researching your powers, your history. It seems there is one power you are yet to tap into.' He explains, as Raina gave him a surprised look.

'Well, what is it, doctor?' She asked.

'Firstly, you were created in the first Narnian Year, at the dawn of its creation, by Aslan. He bestowed an extension of his own strength upon you, allowing you to wield that power against evil. Of all forms.' Doctor Cornelius stated.

'Of course, you also possess the powers of the White Witch, Jadis.' He says, as Raina visibly tensed.

'The one power that is widely believed to be wielded solely by Aslan, is the ability to give, restore, and take life. I believe you wield that power as well.' He spoke, as Raina's eyes widened, and her jaw dropped.

'What? How is that possible?' She asked.

'You are a mirror of Aslan and his strength. You were created for the purpose of protecting the Narnians, in the event he was not there.' He continued.

The reality of his words set in, as Raina began to pale.

'Why is it that I have not been able to use it yet?' She asked, curiously.

Doctor Cornelius pondered his answer.

'My theory is that it is connected to your emotions. It's a simple rule that magical beings are able to summon greater power when fuelled by strong emotions. It is possible that it applies to you as well. Do you feel as though you are yet to access the full extent of it?' He asked. Raina mulled it over.

'I have noticed that I get distracted easily while using my power, sometimes. Even when I do use it, I'm unable to bear it for long as it completely tires me out. The only time I wielded a lot of power was at the night raid. I was angry, furious, and also terrified.' She explained.

'That anger must have driven you. You said it yourself, you wielded more than you were able to before that. You were able to withstand more. Maybe you should try with a different kind of emotion. The same intensity, nonetheless. But I must admit, I do not know much of this.' He said, sadly.

There were questions bubbling in Raina's mind. Not about her powers, but more about her identity.

'Doctor?'

'Yes, Raina?'

'Who are my real parents?' She asked, softly. Cornelius looked a little taken aback.

'Are my parents back home, not my real parents?' She asked, her voice quivering.

'I'm sorry, Raina, but I do not know the answer to that. Aslan created you. You are in layman terms, a demigod and when the White Witch killed you all those years ago, Aslan restored you and transported your soul to the world of the Kings and Queens of Old. It seems as though your memory of it all had been erased, until you returned here. Your human parents are your parents, but as for your Narnian parents I...I do not know. I apologise.' He ended, sadly. Raina nodded, as she tried to push the tears back. He sensed that she needed to be alone.

'I shall take your leave now. Good day.' And he left.

Raina sat down on the grass, as reality set in. She knew that she wasn't human, but she didn't know. She was so focused on wielding her powers and protecting the Narnians, that it completely slipped from her mind that she isn't the same person that she thought she was. She wasn't human, she doesn't know who her real parents are, if she even has any. While she wasn't very close to her parents back home in Finchley, knowing they're not your real parents is a real kick to the gut. The gravity of it all was a crushing weight on Raina's heart. She missed Finchley, but she couldn't deny that she felt as though she belonged in Narnia. It was the place she felt home. Would she have to go home after this? Would she be able to stay? The influx of questions in her mind were draining.

******

Raina tried to ignore the flurry of thoughts in her head by training, ruthlessly. She took on both Caspian and Peter in one go, and disarmed them in seconds, as she looked bored. They looked at her, dumbstruck.

'Is that all you've got? Come on.' She groaned.

Caspian and Peter looked at each other, confused as to how Raina was able to disarm them so quickly.

'Raina, hehe, how'd you do that?' Peter asked, his face a combination of awe and frustration.

Raina just shrugged.

'I don't know, instinctual? Was I an impressive sword fighter back in my 'other life' Caspian?' She asked, almost casually.

'Uh, well, yes actually. You were the best sword fighter known to Narnia.' He replied. Raina nodded.

'See?' Raina gestured to Peter, who just shook his head.

'Alright, I'm going to go, and fight someone I can beat.' He grumbled, which made Raina chuckle.

'Let me know when you want your arse kicked!' She called out.

It was well into the day, as the sun began to set. The field was clear, except for Raina and a few scouts keeping guard. She walked across the field, towards the thicket of trees, where she finally sat down, her thoughts overwhelming her.

'Hey, are you alright?'

Raina jumped, as she looked up and saw Peter standing next to her. He sat down.

'Honestly? I don't know.' Raina admitted.

'Do you want to talk about it?' Peter asked, concerned. She turned to him.

'Well, I just found out that I'm not human, that my soul is thousands of years old, my parents aren't my real parents, but they still are somehow in our world, I apparently have the ability to give, restore and take life, I'm some demigod here, and there is a whole life, almost 900 years long that I lived through, but do not remember anything about, except for me dying, of course.' She laughed mirthlessly at that.

'Everything I thought I knew isn't the truth. I have no idea who I am.' Raina ended, feeling tears roll down her cheeks as she struggled to keep her voice level.

'Hey, look at me.' Peter said, softly as she turned to him.

'You're Raina Laurel, you're the same person I met 2 years ago, well, of course now you call me out more often.' He laughed at that, prompting a laugh from Raina too.

'You don't back down anymore, you are strong, you are unbelievably powerful, and you are truly one of the best people I have ever met. You're the same person you were, Raina, you've just evolved. And that's always a good thing. Never forget that at the end of the day, you're you, and that person is strong, wise, beautiful, powerful, and brave. Hell, I can't think of anyone who could knock out hundreds of soldiers the way you did. Or not shake in fear when a dagger is flung at you. But that way you had an edge.' He chuckled at that.

'Don't forget that. And if you ever stupidly do, you've got me to remind you. '

Raina looked at Peter as she smiled.

'Well? You're not gonna hug me after that speech?' She asked, eyebrows raised. Peter shook his head as he gave her a massive bear hug.

'Stupid idiot.' He mumbled.

'Jerk.' She replied, as the two shared a laugh.

They pulled away, and Peter rested a hand on her shoulder.

'Question, what were you and Edmund doing last night?' He coyly asked, as Raina widened her eyes and glared at him.

'Why on earth-' She stopped as she noticed Peter raise his eyebrows.

'Why on Narnia, does everyone think something happened?' She groaned.

'Raina, we're not blind. Even if I didn't know what happened last night, it wasn't difficult to figure out something did. You guys look like you just came back from your honeymoon or something.' Peter laughed as Raina punched him in the shoulder.

'OW! What was that for?' He grumbled, rubbing his shoulder.

'For being a jerk. Though you should probably be punched everyday for that.' Raina shrugged. Peter sent a glare her way.

'Raina, again, I'm reiterating what I said earlier. When we had to leave last year, Edmund missed you a lot. Don't get me wrong, all of us did, but he took it the hardest. He didn't make snarky comments for months.' Peter explained as Raina's eyes widened.

'Edmund? No snarky comments? You're lying.' Raina denied.

'I'm really not, trust me.'

He eyed something behind her as he looked down, smirking.

'What? What were you looking at?' Raina asked, confused.

'I should go before Edmund kills me.' Peter said, laughing as he left. Raina turned around and noticed Edmund standing a few ways away, looking at the ground bashfully. She blushed as she recalled what happened the night before.

'You can come here, you know? I won't bite.' She said, jokingly as Edmund chuckled and made his way over to her.

'Yeah, because that's the first thought that popped into my head.' He replied.

The two sat in silence, remembering what happened the night before. Raina gulped as she recalled every excruciating detail, and her heart fluttered at the prospect of it all, while her head screamed at her to remain composed. Edmund was the first to start talking.

'I noticed you were talking to Doctor Cornelius, what's going on?' He asked. Raina looked at the ground, amused.

'You were watching me?' She asked, as she looked up, eyebrow cocked. Edmund's eyes widened.

'No! No, I just happened to see you two saunter around, after you were talking to Caspian and-' He stopped suddenly as he looked at her. He noticed her red eyes and puffy cheeks. He immediately grew concerned.

'Hey, have you been crying?' He asked, softly, as Raina's eyes widened this time.

'O-oh, um, no no, not at all. I wasn't crying.' She smiled as she replied, but Edmund did not believe her.

'You can fool Peter with that, but not me.' He stated, as he crossed his arms. Raina looked defeated and caught.

'I just found out a lot of things, like the fact that I don't actually have real parents, because Aslan created me. I also apparently have the ability to give, restore and take life. I had a whole life here, almost 900 years long that I don't even remember, except for dying.' Raina said, at which Edmund tensed.

'There's so much I don't know, I have so many questions, and there's no one who can answer them. Well, except for one..' Raina trailed off, as Edmund hummed in response. 'Where is he? Why isn't he here?'

Edmund looked at her, as the tears of frustration bubbled in her eyes. He wordlessly wrapped his arms around her, as she sniffled quietly on his shoulder. He buried his face in her hair, as she held on to him tightly. Edmund pulled away first as he placed both hands on Raina's face, and wiped away her tears. His hands lingered after he did so. Suddenly he stood up, and lent a hand down to her. Raina gave him a questioning look.

'Come on.' He said, as she took his hand and stood up. She was wearing a blue gown, and once again, not being used to them, she tripped forward. Before she met the ground, a pair of arms wrapped tightly around her waist. She opened her eyes to see Edmund grinning at her.

'If you think I'm gonna let you fall, you have another thing coming.' He mimicked her as they shared a laugh. Night had begun to fall. Edmund led Raina back to where they were the night before.

'Why do we always end up here?' She asked, laughing.

'I don't know, I guess I really like this place. Also, the view.' Edmund paused.

'Yes, the view is amazing, it's-' Raina said as she observed. She turned to him and noticed he wasn't looking at the scenery. She didn't realise that he was looking at her.

She sent a questioning glance his way, and sat down on the cliff. He followed.

'Doctor Cornelius told me that I have the ability to give and take life, but that it's connected to my emotions?' She questioned, and Edmund gave her a strange look.

'Elaborate.' He said.

'He said that my powers are connected to my emotions. That when I'm feeling strongly about anything, it aids my ability to wield power. Like, back at the castle, I was really mad at Peter, and well...you.' She said, quietly, as Edmund looked down.

'And so, I was able to use a lot more power than I ever did prior to that. Of course, I got stabbed by a poison arrow, but that's not important.' She continued, sarcastically as Edmund rolled his eyes.

'Doctor Cornelius said that this power can be wielded only when I have a strong emotion or emotions driving it. It's still confusing.' She admitted.

'Maybe you'll figure it out.' Edmund commented, as Raina nodded.

The two of them sunk into silence again. It wasn't an awkward silence, more like a comfortable one. They knew war was on the horizon and they may not get these quiet moments again for a while.

'We're going to war tomorrow, aren't we?' Raina asked, quietly. Edmund nodded.

'I'd be surprised if we weren't.'

Raina felt her eyes flash, and suddenly she was able to read Edmund's thoughts. She was getting a strong hint of anxiety, and something else. She immediately put her hand over his. He looked up, surprised. He looked slightly taken aback by Raina's eyes.

'Raina, why're your eyes violet? Are you having a vision?' He asked, worriedly.

Raina felt her eyes return to their normal colour as she felt everything set in.

'I don't know if this is invasive, but I think I was able to read your thoughts for a moment.' She confessed. Even in the dark, Edmund's wide eyes and dark red blush was fairly visible.

'O-oh well, um, wha-what did you r-read exac-exactly?' He managed to stutter out, as his face began to pale. Raina looked at him, confused.

'Ed, are you alright? You look like you're going to be sick.' She asked, worried as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

'I just felt that you were anxious. I think maybe it's just your emotions that I was able to pick up on. Guess it's another ability I have, but I didn't know about until now.' She joked. Edmund didn't laugh, but he looked slightly relieved. She reached her hand over to place on his, when she realised his palm was sweating.

'Edmund, look at me. Are you okay?' She asked, even more worried than before.

'Yes, yes, I'm fine. Sorry, I was just surprised, that's all.' He admitted.

Raina leaned her head on his shoulder, as they watched the never ending expanse of sky twinkle with stars and the great moon.

******

Raina groaned slightly, as she felt stiffness in her whole body. She yawned as she groggily opened her eyes. Once everything came into focus, she realised she fell asleep on Edmund's chest, his arm wrapped around her waist. She blushed furiously as she internally screamed at herself.

Edmund woke up not a moment later, also blushing when he realised that he and Raina cuddled again. It was early in the morning, as the sun rays seeped through the sky.

'Good morning.' Raina said, cheerfully as Edmund yawned.

'Good morning.' He said in a groggy, sleepy voice, which made Raina's heart flutter.

'You really hate mornings, don't you? That explains why you were always late to class.' Raina said, sarcastically.

'I wasn't always late..' He argued. Raina narrowed her eyes.

'You were.'

Edmund sat up, and looked Raina dead in the eye. She squinted at him.

'What's up?' She asked.

'Listen, Raina..' He began. 'Do you want to know why I got so weird last night?'

Raina recalls how he became really nervous when she told him that she read his thoughts for a moment.

'Oh yes, I remember. What happened?' She asked, curiously.

Edmund took a deep breath to compose himself.

'Truth is, there is something I wanted to tell you, but I was nervous, and when you said you could read my thoughts...' He trailed off as Raina answered for him.

'You thought I already knew, because of that?' She asked, and he nodded.

'Ed, I just picked up on your emotions, nothing else. Now, I'm all ears.' She said as she gestured for him to continue.

Edmund looked at Raina and suddenly he couldn't speak. He was transfixed. Every word got stuck in his throat as he just stared at her. Even when it's early in the morning, Raina effortlessly managed to take his breath away. Her dark brown eyes, her brunette waves, and the way she expressed concern for him had Edmund feel fluttery on the inside.

He took a deep breath and tried to say the words he's known subconsciously for almost 2 years.

'Raina, I-'

'Edmund wait.' Raina cut him off.

To say Edmund was hurt and frustrated was an understatement. But when he saw the look on Raina's face and the urgency in her voice, he got worried as well.

'What's wrong?' He asked.

Raina eyed the tree line ahead of Aslan's How, where a long line of moving metal could be seen. As they drew closer, they turned out to be soldiers.

Telmarine soldiers.

'We have to get Peter.' Raina said hurriedly, as Edmund nodded.

The battle had come to the Narnian's doorstep.

(A/N: GUYS OMG SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED WOW. SO NOW THE WAR IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. THIS WAS MY LONGEST CHAPTER OVER 3400 WORDS SHEESH DIDN'T THINK I HAD SO MUCH TO SAY LOL. I HOPE YOU'RE ENJOYING SO THANKS FOR STICKING AROUND! HAVE A GREAT DAY <33)

to everyone reading, i humbly ask you to vote on the chapters as it would really help my fanfic.