Chapter 36: Bittersweet Homecoming.
Prue and Paige transported most of the party back above ground. Phoebe, Billie, Beast Boy, Raven, and Kane remained behind.
"You all don't have to come with me to do this," Raven insisted. "I can do this on my own."
"We don't have to—we just want to," Phoebe told her. "Plus—I want some kind of confirmation for myself to know where that thing's going to be sent off to—so I don't have to worry about it ever coming back."
"I'll also be going with you," Cole suddenly materialized.
"Where have you been?" Phoebe curiously questioned him. "I actually was starting to think you were done here—and left."
"No—I was just waiting around," Cole replied. "I want to see for myself that the grimoire is put somewhere where it'll be out reach—for good."
"I'm not sure if I can transport everyone there," Raven said. "I've only usually transported myself there—without anyone else tagging along."
"If you can give me enough details—I might just be able to do it for you," Billie told her. "Give me a good idea—description—of it's location, and I think my projection powers might be able to handle that issue for you."
"I guess it's worth a try," Raven agreed. "Here's what I can tell you about Azarath—"
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
They stood on an island floating in the sky—a vast city with no planetary support to speak of. It floated in its solitary existence in its isolated location in the cosmos, just a shadow of its former glory.
The atmosphere was silent—almost tomb-like in its stillness. A few doves fluttered somewhere above, but no other signs of life or anything resembling it presented themselves to the party.
"This was once my home," Raven said solemnly. "It was destroyed because of me—because of who my father was. Azarath was once thriving—now all it is an abandoned island of earth floating in this particular dimension—so to speak." She turned to face the party. "I'll lead the way."
As they made their way, their footsteps echoed as the sounds bounced off the walls of the long vacant building surrounding them. They observed everything around them in a silent awe.
"Did anyone survive the carnage here?" Billie asked curiously. "Besides you—I mean?"
"A few did," Raven told her. "Where the survivors went though—I don't know."
"Did your mother survive?" Kane asked.
"She was here the last time I was here," Raven replied. She stopped. "I think the best place will be the temple. At least—that's what I believe would be the right place anyways."
"Where's the temple?" Phoebe asked.
"I'll—just lead the way," Raven responded. She continued on, with them following.
Their trek through the abandoned city felt more like a funeral procession; in a way—it almost was. It was their service for taking the grimoire to its final resting place.
They reached a building hanging on an outcropping at the edge of the floating city. It was suspended on the corner of a never-ending cliff. Raven silently noted that this was their destination, showing them in to the confines beyond the entryway.
Amber rays shone through windows vacant of glass or protection from the elements. Remnants of glass shards glimmered in the amber hued rays, bathing the room in fractured golden light. The light unusually centered itself strongly on a stand that stood in the middle of the room Raven made her way up to the gold illuminated platform standing solitarily in the middle of the expanse. She set the satchel down at her feet, unzipping it to expose its vile contents. Using her powers, she levitated the tome out of its confines and onto the stand's surface. She let it rest there, stepping away from it and back towards the party that had accompanied her there.
"Is it really going to be secure here?" Phoebe asked. "Are you sure nobody will be able to access it here? It just seems so—open, unprotected just sitting there."
"Not too many souls come around this way anymore," Raven said. "After it was annihilated, Azarath was pretty much abandoned. Very few people on earth have even heard of this place—let alone demons. I think it's safely out of reach from them anyways." As an added note, "I can have an enchantment put on it—to prevent it from ever being removed from that stand it's on. That will make it more secure from any thieves that might just wander into this place by chance."
"That would be a good idea," Phoebe replied. "It would help me sleep better at night if it was."
"I think I'll stay here and guard it," Cole spoke up.
"Is that really a good idea?" Phoebe questioned him particularly. "Would you be able to prevent yourself from being tempted to using it? You weren't afraid to in the past."
"I'm past that stage in my existence Phoebe," Cole reminded her. "I've put that part of me in the past. Besides—I don't have anything to really devote myself to anymore, and I think this place is suited for me. I don't really have a place to call home anymore."
"If you can promise me that you won't go back on your word—" Phoebe paused for a moment. "I have no issues with you staying if you can keep your word."
""I'll stake it on the love I still hold for you," Cole told her. "That's the one thing that's kept me going all these years—and I'm not about to betray that in myself."
"I'll take your word for it then," Phoebe replied.
"Do we have to head back immediately—or is there a chance that we can explore the place before we go?" Billie asked.
"I guess—if you want to…we can stay long enough to explore the city," Raven replied. "I've got one errand I need to make anyways, so you can explore while I'm making it."
"Gar—up to exploring the sites with me?" Billie asked Beast Boy. He just nodded, and the two took off.
"If you're going to be staying here for a while—I might as well see what you'll be staying at," Phoebe said to Cole. "Care to take me on one last date before I leave?"
"It would be my pleasure, Phoebe," Cole replied. The two walked off together.
With the other four out wandering on their own, that left Raven alone—with just the company of her former whitelighter there with her—Kane. He had hardly spoken a word since they arrived; he'd been fairly quiet for a while. She approached him, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"How are you holding up?" Raven asked him.
"I'm doing well," Kane told her. "So—this is really where you're from?"
"Yeah—what's left of it anyways." Raven looked around at the environment cloaked in dead silence.
"You said your mother survived the devastation," Kane said to her. "But—is she still alive? You didn't really say."
"I think she might be," Raven told him. "That was the errand I mentioned earlier to Phoebe—finding out if she is, and if she's here."
"Do you know where to start searching?" Kane asked.
"I should be able to sense her," Raven replied. "I just—haven't tried that yet."
"Give it a try," Kane encouraged her, smiling at her. "I'm confident you will be able to find her."
"Okay—I will." Raven closed her eyes and began to concentrate all of her thought on the one she was searching for. After a moment, her eyes popped open, growing wide. "I sense her." She sounded shocked. "I think I actually sense her."
"Take me to her then," Kane told her. "You've met my mother—it's time I met yours."
She didn't say anything, she just grabbed his hand and orbed out with him.
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
The white doves fluttering about above at first seemed to be moving about aimlessly. When one would observe their patterns of migration and behavior more closely—one would have to take note of how their nature didn't mark them as a flock without a caretaker.
Raven recognized this fact as she watched the birds flutter to and fro—and she knew all too well that there was a caretaker—and who that caretaker just happened to be.
She followed the migration of the doves—knowing that they would lead her to where she wanted to be, to the one she was searching for. Her instincts on this decision didn't betray her; when a few doves came fluttering down to the earth below, they flocked around one lone figure that was standing there—tending to them.
The solitary figure stood cloaked from head to toe in an ivory robe, it's hood masking the bearer's true identity. One dove braved landing on one shoulder of this robed figure, with no protests made by that person about the actions of that particular dove. The robed figure's back was facing the direction of the two onlookers, but Raven didn't need to see a face to recognize who the figure was.
Kane noticed the tears welling in her eyes as he turned his gaze to her. He recognized immediately that Raven knew who this stranger was.
"Arella!" Raven called out to the solitary figure. "Mother—It's me. I've returned."
The figure didn't turn. Raven made a second attempt.
"It's Raven!" Raven cried. "Please—just show that you acknowledge that I'm here!" The tears started to spill from her eyes. Kane rested his hand on her shoulder.
"I acknowledge that you're there," the figure turned to face them—revealing just how much of a resemblance there was between the mother and her daughter. There were the differences, of course, but they paled in comparison to the similarities. Both shared the same amethyst hued locks, deep amethyst eyes—even the sense of demeanor emanating off both was near identical. "—And I am glad to see you're well."
"Mother—the prophecy was wrong—earth wasn't doomed with the same fate as Azarath," Raven told her mother. "I saved it—because my friends gave me the hope to fight for it."
"I apologize for the fact that I didn't believe it was possible," Arella said to her daughter. "I should have believed that the prophecy was never set in stone—that it could be changed." She turned her solemn gaze from her daughter to the one who stood beside her—Kane. "Who is this with you?"
"Mother—he's…Kane's someone I've fallen in love with," Raven told her mother. "I came here—to introduce him to you."
"Is he good to you?" Arella asked.
"Yes," Raven replied. "Even with his past—he's only been good to me."
"What is his past?" Arella inquired.
"Similar to mine—but that's been resolved," Raven responded. "For both of us—actually. I'm no longer haunted by father—he's no longer a part of me." She smiled. "I went through a transformation to free myself from him permanently." She looked to Kane. "His mother and some others helped me to transform."
"Do you love my daughter?" Arella suddenly started to aim her questions at Kane.
"Yes," Kane replied.
"Do you promise to never take advantage of her, harm her, or betray her in any way?" Arella asked him.
"I'd never intend on hurting her, Arella," Kane replied. "After all that she's done for me—healed me, stood up for me…rescued me—I don't even think I could muster up the nerve to even attempt it." Kane's expression became serious. "She saved me—and I could spend a lifetime just trying to make that up to her."
"Mother—his mother is a guardian angel—he was raised to be one himself. Up until recently—he was my guardian angel." Raven looked at her mother directly. "Now I am his—his guardian angel, literally."
"Kane—welcome to Azarath," Arella told him. "I apologize for the questions; it is in my daughter's interest that I asked them. After what I went through with her father…I just wish for a different route for my daughter—so that she doesn't have to suffer or feel shame when her life has already been hard."
"I understand," Kane replied. "Probably more than you could even know."
Raven finally embraced her mother, expressing her exuberance at being reunited with her. Arella returned the gesture, holding her daughter lovingly in her arms.
"Has there been anyone else here since it was destroyed?" Raven asked Arella after she'd stepped back to join Kane at his side. "Or have you been alone here—all this time?"
"Nobody has been here since Azarath fell—outside of myself, and you," Arella informed her daughter. "I have been here all alone for quite some time—with just the doves here as my company."
"I brought an evil tome here to be safe-guarded—and I had to make sure it was secure," Raven said. "I also brought some friends with—who are out exploring the city at this moment. There's one in particular among them that's intent on staying here." She focused fully on her mother. "Would it be okay if he stayed—or would it be a burden?"
"If he 's not intent on causing trouble here—this friend of yours is welcome to stay," Arella replied. "If he's not going to be trouble—I could use the company."
"I get the feeling he's not going to be," Raven said. "His name is Cole Turner—another one unique to the cosmos trying to make up for his past. His dark side changed when he fell in love—for the better."
"I will have to meet this Cole Turner to determine that for myself," Arella said. "Maybe hear his story from him—in his own words."
"Are you—okay with my choice with Kane?" Raven curiously asked her mother.
"As far as I can tell—I have no problem with Kane," Arella said "If he will make you happy—that will be enough for me."
"Thank you," Raven replied. "That's what I was hoping you'd say."
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
"You know—this place is hauntingly eerie," Beast Boy said to Billie as they explored the remnants of a civilization.
"Yeah—its eerily beautiful though," Billie replied. "It's so silent—but it's a peaceful silence, not an uncomfortable silence."
"It's definitely on a different level than the underworld was—that's for sure," Beast Boy noted. He looked skyward. "Cuz at least there's light—and no demons."
"Those are big pluses," Billie said. "Speaking of the underworld—"
"What about it?" Beast Boy stopped and turned to face her.
"Gar—remember that something happened down there?" Billie reminded him. "Something—between us?"
"Yeah—I remember," Beast Boy replied.
"Is this the right time to discuss it?" Billie asked him.
"Probably as good as any," Beast Boy replied.
"Gar—I just…I just wanted you to know that I'm glad it happened," Billie told him. "It might not have been the best place for it to have happened—but who's to say where the best place for that really is?"
"Billie—me too," Beast Boy replied. "You're the first I've felt like this for since—Terra. In a way—you kind of remind me of her. In a good way—that is."
"I love how the only noise we hear around here is the sound of our own voices," Billie observed. "It almost seems—I don't know…surreal."
"Yeah—like a dream almost," Beast Boy agreed. "But—I know it's not a dream."
"No—it's not." Billie stepped towards him until they were face to face. Her hair shone a brilliant gold in the amber light, he was notably aware of that. It was one of the qualities he admired about her that reminded him of Terra. But Billie wasn't Terra—and he didn't expect her to be. He admired her for being somebody separate—maybe even possibly loved her. He was unsure of that fact at the moment—both of them were, in fact.
But that didn't keep them from yearning to learn if it was possible that they could end up falling in love. The magic of the dead silence around them drove their desire to find that out—in the exchange of a kiss. This time there were no restraints—nothing to cut the moment short in haste
They had nothing to worry about—beside themselves.
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
Phoebe found the atmosphere unusually peaceful around them. The air was still—there was no breeze, no sound to even carry if there even was one. It felt like they were frozen in time—and they were the only ones still caught in motion.
Phoebe could sense death in the air. She managed to catch some premonitions of the havoc that peaceful place had gone through at one point in it's past. Flames, fury—building being lapped by rising flames in an extreme inferno; citizens fleeing as the fires engulfed them alive—the cries of their pain and torment—as they were boiled alive.
Phoebe wasn't all that enthusiastic about being presented with visions of such extreme tragedy and desolation—but it wasn't as if she were given the choice to ignore them. Her gift had its blessings—and its curses.
Cole observed every cringe she made, every moment she expressed sorrow when she would abruptly pause—caught up in what he believed were her receiving premonitions.
"There was a lot of pain and death in this place—wasn't there?" Cole asked after Phoebe had another episode.
"The people here were burned alive," Phoebe replied, her expression grim. "I can hear their screams of agony as they died slowly in the inferno that overtook them." She turned her gaze to Cole, eyes filled with sorrow. "This place might seem peaceful now—but it had a violent past. What remains here is a reminder—a tomb for the memories of those that suffered in the carnage."
"It's a metaphor of my life," Cole stated. "Who I was up until I met you, the turmoil we went through trying to make our love work, the last vanquish I was put through at your own hand—and the shade I've become in the aftermath, a soul at peace—but no longer the glorious whole it once was."
"That does seem to fit," Phoebe noted.
"I'm suited for this place—and it's well-suited for me," Cole said.
"If you want to think of it like that," Phoebe told him. She watched as a dove flittered overhead, observing it until it flitted out of view. "I wonder why the only life that remains here is those doves I keep seeing."
"That one—I can't explain that one," Cole replied. "It's possible there is no explanation."
"Have I mentioned that I'm expecting?" Phoebe asked him.
"I don't think so," Cole told her. "Is he good to you—your cupid, I mean?"
"Coop's everything I ever wanted," Phoebe replied, feeling bad that she had to tell Cole that of all people. "I love him—like I loved you—still love you. The difference though—the love I hold for him isn't ill-fated."
"I understand," Cole told her. "No harsh feelings—I can't hold onto a past that won't allow me to." He smiled warmly at her. "I just hope that he will always be the right one for you—that he'll never hurt you like I did. I'm sorry Phoebe for all I dragged you through. I hope someday you can come to forgive me."
"Cole—I already have forgiven you," Phoebe replied.
"I think it's time you went back home," Cole said. "We should probably look for the rest of your party."
"You're right—Cole," Phoebe replied, smiling. "It's time to go home."
RRRRRRRRRRRRRR
When Raven and Kane managed to catch up with Billie and Beast Boy again—they caught them in an awkward moment. Raven would have to question her teammate later about it—just like he had done to her before.
"Is the silence really good for a make out session?" Raven inquired curiously when as she approached them. Apparently—even with the silence being as dead as it was around them—the two hadn't even been aware of any other presences up to that point.
She grinned as the two tried to compose themselves after being caught in a moment they thought had been private. Kane just watched in amusement.
"I've had a feeling for a while that you two liked each other," Raven said. "Let's just say—after you caught me and Kane earlier and had to question it—that we can call it even."
"I've been hearing from all these different sources—those sisters in particular—that you're in love with your former whitelighter, Kane—" Beast Boy paused momentarily to think. "Is what they've been saying true?"
"Yes, BB—it's true," Raven told him. "I am."
"Why didn't you say something about it to us?" Beast Boy asked her.
"You should know me fairly well by now," Raven reminded him. "You know I have a hard time discussing my emotions with others when I'm troubled by them."
"Tell me about it," Beast Boy replied. "I still can't believe that I caught you and Robin that one time just after you creamed your father." He grinned. "It took a lot of adjustment—and a few awkwardly spent weeks—just to clear that one from the air. I think you had yourself convinced for a brief time that you were in love with him or something—especially after all he devoted into saving you in particular. I think Star's just happy that feeling passed."
"That's something I'd rather forget," Raven stated, her face momentarily rouged.
"So—where'd Phoebe go?" Billie asked Raven.
"She took off with Cole—I guess to sightsee," Raven replied. "I haven't seen her since."
"Where have you two been?" Beast Boy asked curiously.
"I was off searching for my mother," Raven simply replied.
"She's still here?" Beast Boy exclaimed.
"Yes—she's the caretaker of this place," Raven replied. "I wanted to see her again—and get her approval for Kane."
"She takes care of the doves here," Kane pointed out. "I'm sure you've seen a few of them flying about from time to time."
"Do we get to meet her?" Beast Boy asked. "Or is that not an option?"
"I can introduce you," Raven replied. "First though—I think we should find Phoebe."
"Good idea," Billie said.
"I think I can sense her location out," Raven said. "I'm still getting used to all the changes that transformation put me through—but I think I'm getting a handle on that one in particular." She closed her eyes for a moment to concentrate. "She's on the corner of town." She then added with a note of surprise, "Very near to where my mother just happens to be."
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
Phoebe and Cole had spent some time trying to find the others they'd come with. Even with the silence being as dead as it was—they couldn't locate any of them.
Instead—they accidentally came across another solitary figure accompanied by a flock of many of the doves Phoebe and Cole had spotted flying overhead on several occasions. They couldn't see the robed individual's face, as the person had their face turned away from them.
Curious to see whom this presence was, Phoebe approached the figure. When she got close in range, the figure turned to face them.
"I have been—" the figure began to state, but abruptly cut herself short. "You are not who I was expecting."
"I didn't know there was anyone else here," Phoebe said. "Who were you expecting?"
"My daughter and her friends." Phoebe looked closer at the hooded woman in white, noticing her eyes were deep violet, her face was framed by deep violet locks of hair— and her face had an eerily familiar shape to it—
"What's you daughter's name?" Phoebe inquired curiously.
"Raven."
"I knew you looked eerily like someone I'm familiar with!" Phoebe exclaimed. She focused even more closely on the woman's features. "If it weren't for the fact that your skin tone is off—and you are older—I can really see her in you." Phoebe watched her in silence for a moment. "I didn't think anyone lived here. The only signs of life I've seen have been those doves—and then there's you."
"I stay here for the doves," the woman replied. "I'm the only caretaker they know."
"How long has this place been this still?" Cole spoke up. "It's silent and peaceful now—but somewhere in it's past—this place was ravaged to utter ruin. You can sense there was death here just in the air."
"It was several years ago." Both Cole and Phoebe noted that the reply came from another source. When they both turned to acknowledge where the reply's source had originated from, they saw Raven standing there—with the three others from their party. "Azarath was much like Earth—a plane thriving with life and culture. When it was annihilated though—this was the only remnants left of that civilization I once called home. All that's left is a city floating on an island of earth in an abandoned part of the galaxy."
"To me—it's a tomb," Phoebe said solemnly. "Everywhere I went, premonitions were triggered that showed me death, carnage—and people being burned alive. After what I saw in them…I couldn't find myself feeling comfortable living here."
"That's one of the misfortunes of possessing the powers to see visions of the future or the past," Raven said. "You see and sense more things about a place than anybody else ever could."
"Even with this place's past in mind—I want to stay," Cole said. "This place's story defines who I am as a whole."
"Are you the one that has chosen to stay behind here—one my daughter mentioned with the name Cole Turner?" Raven's mother asked him.
"Yeah," Cole replied.
"My daughter mentioned you have a story to tell with the unique makeup of your past," Raven's mother, Arella, said. "If you're intent on staying—I wouldn't mind hearing the story you have to tell."
"If you can tell me about the story of this place's past—I think I could agree with that," Cole replied. "From what I've heard and seen—I'm intrigued to learn more about the past this civilization had before it was destroyed."
"Those terms sound agreeable," Arella replied.
"I hate to say it, but…" Raven began to state, her voice coming off a bit remorseful. "I think it's time to go home."
"I agree," Phoebe replied. "I need to get back to Coop—there's something I haven't told him yet that he needs to know."
"We're ready," both Beast Boy and Billie said in unison. Raven focused her attention on Kane for his opinion.
"It's time," Kane said. "We did what we needed to here, and it's time to just go home."
"Arella—mother…I'm sorry to cut this short, but—my life back home beckons for me, and I can't ignore it," Raven told her mother. She approached her mother and embraced her. "This is goodbye—although I'm not sure if it's for the last time."
"If I see you again, I'll be happy," Arella replied. "If not—at least I know that you'll be happier than I once imagined you would end up being."
"Before we go though…" Raven focused her attention on her teammate and his witchy companion. "BB, you asked if you could be introduced to my mother. This is my mother—Arella. And mother…these are my friends—Beast Boy is my teammate, the one next to him is Billie, and the other one next to Cole is Phoebe."