Author's Rant:
Set after 'The End'. A question I pondered myself and the answer I decided for it, in exactly 300 words.
Beyond Death
"Do you know why I never killed myself as an attempt to destroy the portal?"
I felt myself glued to the spot as my mind betrayed me, knowing the answer was 'Yes' and 'But Raven can't do that! She won't!'. But I had questioned the exact words she had said, for though Raven was nowhere near suicidal, she was the type to be perfectly willing for a sacrifice in order to save the world. Born hero-material, as strange as that might sound.
I chose not to answer, knowing she would understand my silent reply.
"If I had died, it would bring me even closer to his world; though dead in human terms, I wouldn't be actually dead, only stronger...a darker and more powerful portal waiting for him."
She looked to the sky, now bright blue instead of dark red.
"But now I don't have to worry about that anymore."
"You're not going to kill yourself, are you?"
That went a little blunter than I intended, but I was surprised - even if I believed she wouldn't, trusted myself and the rest of the team to stop her if she ever tries...And she wouldn't. I've seen her smile and when Raven smiles it's only when she's genuinely happy.
"Of course not," she chuckled slightly, "just that I have the choice now. It feels wonderful, being able to choose."
And I think perhaps I understood, the feeling of escaping dreaded fate and embracing a newfound freedom; when I first felt the city rushing past me, racing around tall buildings, wasn't that how I felt?
As I pointed back towards the rest of the team, I smiled at her, and without looking knew for sure she was returning one.