Chapter 18
The flowers were blooming today. They were so beautiful and they always made her feel calm.
The garden was full of so many different one's. Roses, tulips, sunflowers and even orchids. She didn't know why but everytime they returned after dying in the winter, it just made her feel happy and hopeful.
She plucked one so she could give it to Azar and went on her way. She knew Azar would appreciate it.
Now it was time for her to head back.
As she roamed the white brick road back to the temple, she had a rare smile on her face. Today the monks, Azar specifically, had let her go on her own. They had said she was doing a good job at containing her powers so she deserved a reward.
"Momma," she heard from behind her.
It was a lady and her child, probably around her age. Also just taking a stroll on this beautiful day.
"Yes darling?" The mother replied.
"Can I pick a flower too?" The boy asked.
Raven felt a sudden sense of dread. Her empathic powers had tingled and try as much as she liked to try and filter it out, she felt the mother's resentment towards her.
"No darling," the mother said. "If you pick a flower, it dies. We do not pick the flowers."
"What happens when something dies?"
"Well, if its soul is pure and clean, it will descend to the heavens."
"What if their soul is not pure and clean? What if it has a soul like hers?"
Raven felt the tingle in her neck get tinglier. Azarath was a realm of peace and prosperity. It was a beautiful utopia that was well advanced and the people were pacifists but Raven knew many did not like that she was here or that she even existed. She didn't really quite blame them though, she was supposed to bring death and destruction to them one day. She knew they had every reason to hate her.
But it still hurt to know how despised she was.
"Demons and monsters go to the pits of hell, to the land of Trigon."
"Isn't that her papa?"
"Yes, so she'll fit in just right."
...
She had only been 9 years old when that had happened but it had stuck with her. Especially when she asked Azar what would happen to her when she died.
Azar, her ever loving but honest guardian, had told her that she wouldn't go to hell nor could she be allowed into heaven. If she died her soul would wander the world.
She had been wrong about that, though.
Her soul wasn't wandering. Wandering meant you had no destination but you were free. Right now her soul was lost but trapped.
Raven knew she was dead. The lack of a body was the big indicator. And she was lost.
She didn't quite know where she was nor where she should go. Her surroundings were also dark and empty. It was like she was trapped in the void , in a sort of purgatory.
Was she destined to spend eternity in this void? She internally frowned and hoped not.
She hated being alone like this. It was one of her truest fears and now she was seemingly experiencing it.
As her mind began to descend into a depressed state a silver lining seemingly appeared. A small blinking light flickered into her line of vision, catching her attention. She didn't hesitate to move over to it. She half expected it to move away from her but it didn't, instead it stayed in place and she was able to touch it.
Whatever it was...she liked it.
It was warm and soothing. She held it in her hand and watched as it suddenly began to engulf her. She didn't panic as she had nothing better to do but she wondered where it was taking her.
The light began to dim and she found herself submerged in some sort of fluid.
It was clear enough and she could see that she was surrounded by debris of falling buildings. She could also see, or more like feel, that she wasn't dead after all. Her neck was hurting like utter hell and that was a tell tale sign that she was still in the world of the living.
She could sense life around her too.
And death.
She knew where she was now and internally she cursed.
The Lazarus pit had ended up failing and it had seemingly taken her the building and a few others with it.
She could feel death.
But also...there was life. Dimming life.
She used her powers to try and feel who was around her but it was blurry. Still she knew time was running out for them and she had to get them out.
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos," she said in her mind.
As her powers seemed to merge with the waters, she hoped she would be able to save whomever needed saving.
...
Dick had tried to fight the pain. He tried to get up but he had been held down by Superman.
"Dick please stay calm," he said. "You stay here. I'm going to go and try to find them."
Dick wanted to do it himself but Superman was right. Bruce had already had to stop Damian from rushing to his death.
The collapsing building was too much for their human bodies.
If anything it would be a recovery mission for his brothers and Raven. Dick felt his chest tighten.
"Bruce," Clark said. "I'll try my best to find them."
Bruce was about to respond when suddenly the entire remainder of the building became engulfed by some power.
"Raven," Dick said, trying to get up.
He was pulled back by Bruce who was also holding Damian back.
"Father," the boy said. "We have to get to her. She's calling for help!"
"Wait," Bruce said sternly.
Dick would never be able to understand how Bruce knew the things he knew but he was right to wait, because not a moment later the building imploded in itself and Ravens giant soulself personification flew out and quickly landed in front of them.
Dick quickly made his way to where she landed. Out from her wings they all fell out.
Jason, Tim and a living Raven. The former two still unconscious.
Everyone rushed to them.
"I couldn't save the mom," were the first words she said.
She looked like she was about to fall but Bruce had made it on time to catch her. She then opened her cloak to reveal the baby.
"Looks like it wasn't all for nothing," Damian said.
"Let's get you all to some medics ," Bruce said, picking her up. "Well figure out what we are going to do after everyones been looked at."
Dick nodded and let out a sigh of relief. Things looked like they could be headed to a better direction.
Chapter 18 end
2 more to go