Ch 34

It was dark as Gar opened his eyes to see the familiar walls of Raven's room in Titans Tower. Lying on her bed, he sat up, knowing something was very wrong. He was wearing clothes, Raven wasn't here, and there was no sign she had slept beside him. It was then he remembered her saying goodnight to him, kissing the skin where his heart was. "She—she was saying goodbye," he realized. He didn't know what to feel first rage, sadness, or loss. Before any of these could come to him, a sense of urgency filled him to find her.

Opening the door, he heard two sets of light steps coming his way. He went back in Raven's room and hid. Sticking his face out as far as he could, he saw a brown skinned little girl and little boy chasing each other in the hall. Looking at them, he could see the resemblance to Victor and Karen. He smiled. 'I can't believe it,' he thought.

"Hey, where did you two munchkins run off to?"

'Victor,' he thought.

"Daddy, why is aunt Raven's door open?" asked the little boy.

'Oh shit!' thought Gar. He sighed. 'Might as well show myself.' Gar walked out of the room, surprising Victor and his kids.

"Gar?"

"Hey Vic, long time—Victor squeezed him tight, 'no see!" he wheezed.

"It's uncle Gar," said the little girl.

"I can't believe your a dad," said Gar. "I'm not even going to ask how it happened."

"Good, cus I wasn't going to tell you," he smiled, "so, this my daughter Jacklyn and my son Silas. They're twins."

"Nice to meet you two," he said as they both hugged him. He hugged them back.

"So is Dick and Kory here with you Karen, and the kids?"

"You all ready know we came back to investigate. Yeah, we've been staying here."

"Why?" asked Gar as he felt the lump in his throat. "She's not coming back."

"You were with her right?"

"I didn't know she would do this Vic. She was supposed to leave with me, but I think she got scared. She knew me staying in Trigon's realm was dangerous."

"She's living in Trigon's realm."

"Yeah, she took it over, dethroned her half brothers."

"Aunt Raven's a queen?" asked Jacklyn.

"Hopefully not for too long," said Gar as he made his way down the hall.

Walking into the kitchen, Gar came face to face with the surprised but happy faces of Dick, Kory, and Karen. Kory and Karen went over and hugged him. He smiled. It was good to see his friends, no his family again. He felt Dick's strong grip on his shoulder, his version of a hug he guessed.

"It is glorious to see you friend Gar. "Where is friend Raven?"

"She brought me here, but she couldn't come with me. With everything she's done, she scared what will happen when she comes home but I can't leave her. If she can't come here, we could go somewhere—

"You're talking about harboring a fugitive Gar. As much as this hurts, we need to bring her in and she needs to face the consequences," said Dick as Karen took the twins out of the room, knowing it was about to get tense in the room.

"She didn't mean to do the things she did Dick. They forced her to do it. She watched me die Dick. I fought and fought until I couldn't anymore, and she lost it. Brother Blood was threatening to take her powers. Those villains deserved what they got, especially Brother Blood," he said as Kory gasped.

"We talked to a woman named Linda in Jump City hospital who you and Raven met in New Azarath. She told us that Raven blew up the planet before she passed away. There were probably men, women, and children on that planet Gar!" he sighed. "I hate to say it, but she's become the very thing she was fighting against that day, a villain!"

"She is not EVIL Dick! She's hurting and trying to sort through everything she's done. You don't think she feels horrible about what she's done. Well she does and it will probably haunt her for the rest of her life."

"Where is she Gar?"

"I'm not telling you," said Gar.

"Please stop this right now!" said Kory.

"She's right guys. Fighting about this will get us nowhere," said Vic.

"I'm sorry Kory, Vic. I just have a feeling I need to be with her. If I'm not there, she won't be the same. The place isn't good for her. She'll dwell in her thoughts, and she'll become like her father always wanted her to be. He wins then even from the grave, but I can't let that happen. I'll drag her out of there if I have to. I just need to find the person who can open doors to different dimensions."

"Herald has that ability or did you forget?" said Karen as she came in the room with the baby monitor.

"Yeah, but will he be willing to do this for me?" asked Gar. "I mean I think he still has a thing for you Karen."

"I know and if he cares like he says he does, he'll do it so my kids can meet their godmother," said Karen. "I'll go with you to meet him. I know where he lives."

Gar turned to Vic, Kory, and Dick. "We'll figure this out later. I promise, but I need to find her. I need to save her from herself."

A frantic knock met the door of Herald's apartment in New York. Quickly opening the door, he was surprised to see Karen and Gar. Without saying anything, he stepped aside from the door and let them inside.

"What brings you two here?" asked Herald as he relaxed on his couch. After he listened to Gar explain everything, he thought about what he was asking.

"Can you open a portal to Trigon's realm or not?" asked Gar.

"I can," he said.

"Why do I sense a but coming on?" asked Karen.

"I won't be able to bring him back. There's something about that realm that has a hold on the person who goes through. Raven was able to get you back here because she is very powerful."

"I'm worried about what will happen if I don't get her out of there Herald. She may become even more powerful and decide to take over the world. I don't want her to become like Trigon," said Gar.

"Ok. Hears a crazy thought," said Karen. "You said Raven won't leave willingly but what if Herald goes with you into the realm. He's probably able to open a portal from there, right?"

"I can't believe I didn't think of it Karen," said Herald.

Karen smiled. "I wasn't the head of Titans East for nothing." She laughed, "to think Vic made the suggestion in the first place."

"So, you're happy with Victor?" asked Herald.

"Yes, we have two beautiful twins together."

"I guess it's really over then," said Herald. "Congratulations," he said and then turned to Gar. "I'll do it."

"Thanks Herald! You don't know how much this means to me."

"I think I do," said Herald as he looked at Karen.

Gar and Herald stood before the portal. "Good luck you guys," she said then realized something. "Where are you bringing her back to?"

"We'll bring her back here," said Herald until you two figure out your next move.

"I'll stay here and wait. I have my communicator so keep me in the loop," said Karen.

"What will you tell the others?" asked Gar.

"Nothing you don't want me to tell Gar," said Karen.

"Thank you Karen," he said as he hugged her. "You're the best."

"Don't I know it," she said as she watched them disappear from Herald's apartment. "I hope everything works out for Gar's sake.

Gar and Herald reappeared in Trigon's realm in a dark part of the caves. Gar caught onto Raven's scent, and Herald followed him to a room that was fit for a royal. They were out of site, but they could see her have some kind of meeting with her half brothers.

"Can you hear what they're talking about Gar?"

"Yeah, but we can't go doing anything right now, not until she's by herself."

"So what's the plan? We knock her out, and we take her back to my place."

"I can't convince her to leave, and this is my only plan."

"What about once she wakes up? Are you sure we're going to be able to stop her from coming back here?"

"I have a solution to that," said Gar. "For now we have to wait."

"I don't need a King. I'm perfectly capable of running this realm on my own," said Raven.

"You seem distracted these days sister, ever since you forced that green creature to leave," said Jared (Wrath).

"He is known of your concern Wrath. I was able to overthrow you and your brothers for a reason," said Raven. "There is no one here equal to me in power. I will remain the ruler of Trigon's realm. If you question me any longer, I will destroy you all."

"Are you sure about that sister?" asked Jacob (Lust). "I can see that you still think of that creature when you go to bed at night," he smirked. "He clouds your judgment even from afar. You haven't slaughtered a planet since you've been here."

"I don't have to answer to you or anyone," said Raven. "Now, I've made a decision of my own."

"What's that sister?" asked Gluttony.

"I have no use for any of you anymore. You are all a waste of space and a waste of my time," said Raven as she summoned her powers, burning her brothers to death before destroying them.

Herald saw this and gulped. He was nervous now. 'She could easily do that to me if we force her to leave,' he thought.

"Herald," Gar whispered, "don't worry. I'll knock her out, you open a portal, we leave this place, and take her away from your apartment to somewhere safe. You just need to be ready. Are you with me?"

"Easier said then done Gar."

"I know but just be ready."

"Well I hope this works or we're toast."

"Trust me Herald we'll all get back to earth safe."

"Fine, I'll be ready."

Raven was fuming as she walked into her quarters. 'How dare they question me? Insignificant demons. Well I don't need them to rule this realm. I will do what I want when I want and anyone against me will be punished."

Deciding to relieve her stress, she entered her bathroom, drew herself a bath, and undressed, leaving her clothes on the floor. Settling into the warm water, she sighed. 'This is just what I needed,' she thought and then she heard footsteps entering her room. Getting out of the tub quickly, she had her powers at the ready. 'Anyone who dares to enter my—the intruder's face came into site. "Garfield?"

"I told you I wasn't giving up, and I meant it Raven. You either come with me willingly or—

"Or what? I'm powerful then you can ever imagine. There's no way—

"That may be true, but I know you would never kill me. You love me. I know you do. I'm the person you think about at night. I think about you to Rae. I think about you all the time. You're never off my mind. I love you," he said as he held out his hand to her. "Please come with me, anywhere but here Raven."

Raven walked towards him, wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her wet, naked body against him. She felt his warm arms wrap around her body, holding her tight. "Aren't you mad that I forced you away?"

"Yeah," he smirked, "but you should know by now I don't stay mad at you for long. Besides I know you did it just to protect me from this place. It's my turn Rae. Trust in me, let me take you away from here. I promise to take care of you," he said as his hand moved to caress her face, neck, and then moved to her bare hip.

"Can't you take care of me now?" she said with desire in her eyes.

"I can take care of you all you want when we leave Raven," he said before kissing her cheek.

Letting go of Garfield, she walked into her bedroom. Finding some fresh clothes, she smiled at what she found. Putting on her black leotard, she clasped her cloak on afterwards and then her blue boots. "I'm ready."

"Just like that, no resistance?" asked Gar.

"No, you were right about this place. Every day's a battle trying to force the evil thoughts out of my mind. It's exhausting. Just because I look evil on the outside doesn't mean I'm evil on the inside. I'm still well aware of what I've done, and it will forever haunt me. I can't punish myself any longer by staying in my father's realm. I must face what I've done. No more hiding," Raven smiled.

Gar took her hand in his. "I love you so much Rae."

"I love you to Gar. Thank you for coming back for me."

"Always," he said as they kissed briefly. "Now let's get out of here," he said, taking her hand in his.

Meeting Herald outside Raven's quarters, Herald was relieved to see Raven coming willingly with them. Opening a portal, they all disappeared from Trigon's realm, never to return. Raven had ensured the destruction of her father's realm and knew it was gone forever.

The trio reappeared on Herald's sofa, startling Karen as she came into the room. She smiled at seeing them safe and sound. "Thank goodness I was getting worried," she said as Herald, Gar, and Raven stood up from the couch. "Hey Raven, it's good to see you girl," she said as she hugged her.

"You to Karen," she said as she returned her hug.

"You look different," said Karen.

"I lost my humanity, and this is the result. I'm full demon," said Raven.

"So, why aren't you—you seem like yourself and not a a blood thirsty demon?"

"I believe I've been able to hold onto my humanity because of Garfield."

"So what's the plan now Gar?" asked Karen. "If you bring her back to the tower to see your friends, Nightwing will arrest her and just by her crimes alone she'll never get out of jail."

"Maybe that is what I deserve for the crimes I committed on Jump City as well as New Azarath," said Raven.

"No! You're all ready suffering by having to fight what's inside you everyday. I know you won't be able to forgive yourself for what you've done, and you'll carry it until the day you die. I think that's enough Raven. I'm not letting you go to jail for defending me against god knows how many villains. I can't blame you for what you did, hell I'd do the same in your place. You know that Rae."

"Maybe we should bring Dick, Kory, and Victor here to say goodbye," said Karen.

"I guess it's for the best, for now anyway," said Gar. "Raven?"

"All right," she said.

"Herald, are you—?" asked Karen.

"It's no problem. I'll be right back," he said as he disappeared from site.

"How are you holding up Rae?" Gar asked as he hand lied on her shoulder.

"Are you sure?"

"Sure about what Raven?"

"Are you sure you want to be with—his kiss interrupted her train of thought.

"There's no else I love more than you Raven. Like I said before, I'm not going anywhere."

"Even if I look like this forever?"

"What are you talking about Rae? You're beautiful to me no matter what you look like. I fell in love with who you are, not your appearance."

She leaned into him, burying her face in his chest. Holding her tight, she cried as he did his best to soothe her.

"Friend Raven?"

Raven came out of Gar's arms, wiped the tears from her face and looked at Kory. She smiled at her and could see this glow around her. "You're pregnant."

"WHAT!" said everyone but Raven.

"Oh," Kory blushed, "I have not even told Dick yet. I wanted to be sure first. Well I believe now is as good a time as any. I'm pregnant!" she exclaimed excitedly as her friends hugged her and wished her congratulations.

"I'm going to be a father," said Dick.

"Yeah man, let it sink in," smiled Victor. "Anyway it's good to see you Raven. We thought you were lost forever, but you know Gar. He couldn't give up if he tried," he said as he walked over to Raven and hugged her.

"I missed you to Victor," she said as they let go of each other, which gave Kory an opening.

"Uh!" Raven said surprised as Kory squeezed her tight. "Missed you Kory but not your hugs, can't breathe!"

"Oh! I'm sorry. I'm just so excited that you are back and—she looked at Raven's face, and it said it all. "You are not coming back. This is goodbye."

"We're sorry Kory, but it has to be this way for Raven's safety. I'm sure the police are out looking for her as we speak," said Gar.

"I understand. You wish to protect the one you love most," Kory smiled. "I will miss you dear friends, but you must do what you have to do."

"I can't begin to tell you how wrong this is on so many levels," Dick sighed, "but I won't stop you two from leaving."

"Like he could," said Victor to Karen. "You do realize you have 6 fully grown superpowers heroes that can whoop your butt if you tried to stop them Dick?"

"I realize that, and I'm sorry for what I said to you Gar. I'm—I'm going to miss you both."

"We'll miss you to Dick," said Gar as he watched Raven went to hug him.

"You take care of yourself and Gar," said Dick.

"Always, and thank you for giving me a chance," said Raven.

"To what?"

"To be with Gar and to fix myself. I have a lot of healing to do."

"Be safe out there you two," said Victor.

"Yeah and if you're in trouble, you know who to call," said Dick.

"We sure do," said Gar as their friends watched them disappear into Raven's portal.