Lucas stood at the corner waiting for the last moment he would spend with Raven. He heard her voice call out to him and looked to see her walk up to him. “Hey Lucas,” she said cheerfully.

“Hey, Raven,” he spoke sadly.

“What’s wrong?”

“I have to go.”

“What? Are you leaving?”

“Yes, and you will never see me again. In fact, you will not even remember me.” A sad smile formed on his face. He didn’t want to say goodbye, he didn’t want this.

“What are you talking about? Of course, I’ll remember you,” she looked at him strangely.

“No. Raven, I have enemies that will do anything to hurt me and if something were to happen to you…” He brushed the back of his finger against her face pushing her hair back behind her ear. “I could never forgive myself.”

“But Lucas—“

“Raven, please. Do not make this any harder…than it has to be.” Lucas then placed his hand to her head and began erasing her memories, except…he couldn’t. For some reason, he was unable to erase her memories. It was as if his emotions forbade it.

“What is this?” he mumbled.

“You okay?” Raven asked confused.

“I cannot erase your memories.”

Raven looked at him, wondering if he was still sane. Lucas wondered why he couldn’t erase her memories. He decided to return home to find the solution. “I am sorry, but I have to go,” Lucas said as he ran off.

“Wait!” Raven yelled, running after him. “Lucas!”

Upon catching up with him, she grabbed his hand. “Lucas, what’s going on?”

Before Lucas could break free, his powers went awry. Small strands of black lightning surrounded them, and a hole formed beneath their feet. “Raven run!” Lucas shouted.

She looked into his eyes and did as she was told. However, the beneath her feet the earth started crack. One wrong move and the ground would shatter like glass.

“Raven, listen carefully and do exactly as I say,” Lucas spoke calmly. “The ground is fragile any extra weight could be dangerous. Nod if you understand.”

Raven nodded slowly and listened to Lucas. Her whole body stiffened. She could feel her heart beating out of her chest.

“Throw off your backpack but do it slowly. This also applies to your phone and lunch bag. Alright? The less objects you have the better.”

Raven nodded and did what Lucas instructed. A few slight cracks caused her to pause until the ground was silent. She then carefully threw her things to the side.

“Good. Now, slowly…walk over to me.”

Raven couldn’t move, she was so scared. The fear showed in her eyes. “Raven, look at me.”

The frightened girl’s eyes went to Lucas.

“I know you are scared. I am right here,” Lucas stretched out his hand. “Just walk towards me.”

Raven gulped and slowly stepped forward. Her legs shook with each move she made. Lucas watched Raven as she carefully made her way to him. His eyes were solely on her. Her hand reached out about to touch his until Lucas felt a faint presence. The presence of a shadow.

CRRRACK….

“Lucas…”

He heard the scared voice and looked at her. She was so close. Raven tried reaching out, but the ground weakened until it shattered.

“AAHHHHHH!”

“Raven!” Lucas screamed.

Raven continued to scream as she fell into a world of darkness. Amidst the darkness, she saw Lucas coming after her. “Lucas!”

He grabbed Raven’s hand, then steadied himself to stand as he secured Raven is arms. With Raven safe, Lucas switched and floated down to the ground of his realm of shadows. Raven looked at him. He was wearing a black jewel across his forehead. Everything around her was dark, yet somewhat beautiful. She asked Lucas one question and one alone. “Who are you?”

He didn't answer, rather he couldn't answer.  That same question...haunted him for centuries.