Infinity: Rising of the Soul Weavers

*Hoang - Run Back To You (feat. Alisa) *

Taking the time to explain her situation to Maria made Raven feel closer to her than ever before.

Maria was very impressed, and even astonished, with her little Raven. Even though she knew how powerful and reliable she was, she didn't know what usually happens behind the scenes.

She was also surprised by the fact that Kayla was doing so much work on her own, supporting Raven, despite her being less than two months old.

Maria didn't even try to hide how much she appreciated everything Kayla made to ensure her daughter's safety. And in a way, Kayla felt like a granddaughter to her. 

That's why she was insisting on having her sit on her lap as she patted and pampered her nonstop. Of course Kayla didn't mind, quite the contrary, she loved it.

Raven had also mentioned her deal with Red Joe. Being a previous criminal mastermind in the underworld society, Maria was impressed at how she had managed to make him do charity instead of killing and kidnapping people for their organs.

Seeing the footage of him delivering food boxes into shelters had her mouth wide open for a few seconds before fully recovering.

'I guess she is my dear daughter and champion,' Maria thought to herself. 'If someone would have described Raven to me five years ago and claimed that she would be my daughter, I would have laughed my a*s off, but now… heh, I guess it still feels surreal.'

Digesting every piece of information she received was going to take a while, yet she didn't mind. She was extremely happy that Raven had finally shared everything with her.

"Alright, can I ask you for a favour?" Maria asked excitedly. 

"Uhm, of course!" Raven nodded quickly, happy that she had recovered her smile and positive attitude.

"You know how you've turned me into a soul weaver, and up until recently I wasn't able to control my internal energy?" She asked and Raven nodded.

"Well, considering that you know so much, why don't you teach me? I'll be your student!" Maria smiled.

Tilting her head, Raven started thinking about it.

"Here's my offer, you wanted to go to the Demon Plane?" She asked and Raven nodded again, slowly, as she started understanding where this was going to.

"Alright, take me with you!" Maria said and Raven face-palmed. "Don't give me that attitude! Hear me out, you go stop the bad guys and all, but that doesn't stop you from training me so that I can get stronger along the way.

"That way, I can help you whenever you need me! 

"And don't even start spouting nonsense about the Demon Plane being dangerous. Let's face it, staying by your side is probably the safest option, no?" 

*Sigh*

"See, the thing is that you're safer here because there's no danger on this side, at this time," she said with a sigh. "You'll be safe with me in the Demon Plane but what's the point of exposing you to dangers?

"And if you're admitting that I'm strong enough… shouldn't you trust that I'm strong enough to go alone?" While asking that, she could see Maria smile sadistically yet playfully at her, and as such her voice was slowly getting lower and lower till she almost whispered the last word, "alone" and it was barely audible.

"I'm a hypocrite, wanna fight me?" Maria asked with a menacing smile. "I'm sorry, but I'm the mother here and I give the orders, got it?"

Seeing that, Kayla was trying so hard to suppress her laughter in the background. 

"Uhm," Raven nodded while looking down in fear, fake of course. She was happy now that Maria was feeling good enough to act like that. But she still noted Kayla's laughter. 

'I will pay you back Kay, I promise,' she smiled in her mind and Kayla suddenly choked on her laughter.

"Ok you know what?" Raven said with a smile. "Let's call it a deal. I'll keep you safe and train you in the Demon Plane so that you can get stronger!"

"Fantastic!" Maria clapped her hands in excitement. "Ok when are we leaving?"

Almost on cue, the metallic door leading to the rooftop was flung open as Liz came into view while panting as if she had just run up the stairs. 

"Oh my- *huff* * huff* I- I was so… so scared you two have left me!" She said while running towards Raven before collapsing on the floor.

A single touch from Raven while activating her Angelic Touch was enough to get her strength back.

"Thank you Rave!" Liz said happily as she hugged her and swayed her body back and forth, cracking her back a couple of times along the way.

"Oi, stop it!" Raven complained as Maria laughed.

"So what were you two talking about?" She asked. "I'm pretty sure I heard something about leaving, are we done withthe hospital?"

Forcing a smile, Raven explained everything.

"Eh? The demon world?" Liz asked frightened as she held tighter onto Raven, not caring about the age difference. "But it must be full of demons!"

"Pfft, yeah no sh*t Sherlock!" Kayla couldn't help but joke. But suddenly both Maria and Raven looked at her as if she had just committed a crime.

"Listen honey," Maria said. "You're still too young to say bad words like that, ok? I might swear, but please don't be like me."

Nodding silently, Kayla couldn't help but think how unfair the situation was for her. Needless to say, a single pat from Maria was enough to change her mind.

"Err, anyway," Raven tried to change the subject. "So yea we're going there to fight some demon lords, pretty much. That's why I'd urge you to stay here, I'll make sure to tell-"

"Nope, not gonna happen," Liz instantly shook her head as her expression suddenly got serious. "I'm not willing to leave you, no matter what. I know how much I've hurt you two…" she muttered quietly and sadly.

"I've experienced the loss of a loved person first hand, more than once." Liz sighed. "And I'm determined that I have to make it up for you. 

"Even though I wasn't in control at the time, I know that I am and will forever be indebted to you, that's why I will never leave you to face any sort of danger alone.

"I'll protect you with or without any powers. I don't care if I die or get tortured. But I promise you that I'll be your sword and shield. I'm never letting anyone hurt you, never ever again." She said with so much determination that both Raven and Maria were left speechless.

Smiling softly, Raven returned her hug before chuckling. "Ok then, I guess you'll be coming with us to the Demon Plane."

"Hehe," Liz instantly chuckled since she'd gotten her approval. "Are we bringing clothes and stuff with us, or anything else for that matter?"

"Oi, you're bringing us with you!" Suddenly, a voice called out from the sky as light pink hair covered Raven's vision.