Epilogue
The Nightmare was finally over.
Back at Wayne Manor, billionaire Bruce Wayne, now aging into his fifties, got ready for an occasion that would mourn a certain deceased man. Very soon he would require and build the cybernetic suit that would later be worn by Terry McGuiness. Putting on his black jacket and saving his tie for last, Bruce Wayne watched as the television news discussed current events.
"Our Top Story Tonight: The Death of a Madman. Jervis Tetch, once known as the Mad Hatter, was found to have committed suicide on the top floor in a Metropolis office building. While police are still speculating about the reason why he took his own life, contact has been made with Gotham Police Commissioner James Gordon, who considered the deceased to be some kind of imposter since Jervis Tetch is also locked away in Arkham Asylum. The issue of the authenticity of this being the real Jervis Tetch has been proclaimed moot, for now."
Bruce scoffed at the television. Obviously, the reporters didn't know that the present Mad Hatter was indeed in prison, but the future Mad Hatter had time traveled to this year in an effort to devastate Raven. The anchorman continued to read the news anyway.
"Police have also discovered equipment and technology scattered all around the building that was being used by Mr. Tetch. These tools and inventions were apparently those that previously belonged to all the major super villains that ran amok nearly a decade ago, and some that are still at large. Among such technology were plans, designs, and pieces that put together the android that killed members of the Teen Titans Faction A. Also discovered was a costume that reminded police officers of the Grim Reaper, however reporters recall the getup as previously worn by 'The Phantasm.'
"Due to that incriminating evidence, along with a hundred monitors and computers used for surveillance amongst Mr. Tetch's files, all charges against the superhero/vigilante Constantine have been dropped in the United States. Gotham P.D., however, is pushing to keep a wary eye on the boy for further investigation. Constantine himself did not comment on the events, simply stating that he was asleep through most of it."
Bruce finished tying his tie, picked up the remote, and switched off the television. He looked around the empty mansion. He missed Alfred. He was lonely.
"I really need to get a dog."
---
Bruce Wayne walked into the Chapel. It was completely demolished. The pews were askew, the floor was uneven, there were holes in the walls, and the ceiling… well, there was no ceiling.
He took a seat a couple pews behind Raven. In front of him sat the original Teen Titans. Raven looked around the room, wondering where her son was. He had not showed up yet, apparently. Brother Mark began the procession with some kind words and readings from the Bible. When it was time for Father Thomas' eulogy, he called up Constantine.
At first, Raven was afraid that he had missed this, but was very surprised to see him pass her pew as he walked up the aisle toward the podium. Constantine had apparently been standing in the back the whole time, as was his style.
Constantine amazed his mother and all other spectators by wearing the same outfit as his father – the white collared shirt and blue jeans. For the first time, Constantine looked like a normal person. And it was strange too, because the getup fit and did not fit his character at the same time. It was so weird to see Constantine in ordinary clothes and not wearing that trenchcoat, but yet it pleased Raven as she saw her son become the man Jeff was.
Constantine didn't carry any papers or note cards with him as he approached the podium. He glanced for a second at Father Thomas' closed casket, then exhaled. He took another deep breath as he stood at the stand, leaning toward the microphone.
"Hello," he said plainly, "Most of you know me. But for those of you who don't, my name is Constantine."
Raven smiled as he continued.
"In the past couple of days," Constantine said, "My life, along with my mother's, has been turned upside down, and I've had to question my beliefs. But then I realized, I really didn't have any. I haven't had faith in what I should have, and I made some bad choices. I didn't appreciate any the gifts that were given to me, I thought I was entitled to them… because of my heritage.
"And, I never really saw what I had to begin with. Throughout my whole life, ever since grade school, where I saw other children with two parents instead of one, I've always wanted a father. Then my mother would tell me that I was robbed of a father, which is both a truth and a lie.
"I failed to realize that I had a father this whole time. Someone who loved me, raised me, guided me, fed me, clothed me, trained me. I always thought I was deprived of a father, when I had one right here with me."
Constantine put his hand on the casket, "This man was my father.
"He assumed the role that was robbed from my biological father, and I must say, I couldn't ask for a better role model. This guy, Jervis Tetch, he and I are a lot alike. I never got to meet him, but from what Mom told me, we're almost the same person. We both dedicated our lives to pleasing ourselves and searching for our own purpose. This guy wanted to know that he was worth something, so he made up this whole scheme that destroyed half the world.
"Me? I was his partner in it. I was so proud of myself, thinking I shouldn't have to experience the pain of loss. And I was taken advantage of, I got what I deserved. Just like when Satan takes control of your body, it's because of a choice you made. You have to be in Mortal Sin for that to happen. You have to put yourself in that situation for it to happen. Well, for me, it did. I was blinder than Father Thomas ever was – I let myself be overcome and manipulated.
"Father Thomas is my direct opposite. I am proud; he is humble. The man could have had a life so much more than this, but he didn't. He chose the simple life of a priest. He chose to do God's will and raise both me and my father. And this man received a punishment that was unjustly given. Father Thomas took a bullet for me. It should be me lying in that coffin. He didn't deserve to die.
"I finally understand that now – the consequences of my actions. When I went against God's will, when I shook my fist at him like I did, saying 'I don't need you!' and whatnot… God educated me by taking Father Thomas, and it was my fault that he died. I don't blame God for doing that. I lived a life full of regrets. One of my biggest regrets that will haunt me until the day I die is that…
"I never once told Father Thomas that I loved him. I never once thanked him for anything.
"God knows he deserved all the thanks in the world. He took my mother in when she left the Titans, when I was just a baby. Father Thomas baptized me, even though I don't live up to my faith… I'm not a devout Catholic like my father. But I will tell you one thing, if I ever get to Heaven, the first thing I will do is something I should have done a long time ago.
"I'm going to waltz up to Father Thomas and give him a hug. And I'm going to whisper in his ear, 'Thanks, Dad.' Because I love that man so much it just eats my heart out that he's gone and I can't do it now. Never once was Father Thomas concerned with himself, even when he lost his sight. He was always looking to help me or somebody else. But I didn't do that, I was too proud.
"Y'know what the last thing I said to him was? Well, he made a joke that I should visit Hell – maybe that would put me in my place. Anyway, I disrespected him with blasphemy. And he told me, 'You know, your father had a lot more respect.' And then I replied sourly, 'Well I'm not my father.'
"That was the last thing I said to him. Not 'goodbye' or 'I love you' or 'thanks for the confession' or 'what's for dinner?' No, I was jerk and he forgave me for it. I finally understand this crazy priest now. He always taught me to have faith in God, because then he'll lead me on the right path. That's how I'll remember him.
"This wacko dude, Jervis Tetch, he went to such lengths just to be remembered. He did so much, tried so hard to have somebody be affected by him. That was all he cared about. Well, you know what? Father Thomas did the same thing, except, he didn't try or even want to be remembered. He was just who he is.
"Father Thomas would just sit there and do his thing, not caring whether anybody said 'hello' or 'goodbye' to him. He didn't have ambition or pride or anything of a desire to win or be better. He did what God wanted him to. And, guess what? Father Thomas didn't even try to be remembered…
"And I'll never forget him. He puts the hat dude to shame every time. I don't know about the rest of you, but every time I see a priest or a blind man, I'll think of Father Thomas. Because he affected my life in such a way the other dude, I forget his name, could never do. Father Thomas was a great man, and like it or not…
"You will miss him."
Then Constantine bent down and embraced the casket, crying.
"Thank you, Father Thomas, for giving all that you gave. The Earth will miss you."
There wasn't a dry eye in the house, even from the great Bruce Wayne. In the next second, everyone burst forward and joined Constantine in embracing the casket. It soon got very crowded up there, but no one minded.
And looking down at them was none other than the smiling Father Thomas, shaking his head and saying, "Get a grip, people."
---
The funeral was over. Father Thomas was buried in a cemetery behind The Chapel, which Constantine and the other Titans opted to rebuild. Raven asked to have some time alone, and no one denied her.
Later that night, Raven was back in her white costume, as a remembrance of Father Thomas. She was now on top of the Gotham Bridge, staring into the night. The moon shined like a giant white pearl of the night, as if a gift from the deceased. There was also a warm breeze despite how cold it really was. It was quite refreshing.
Raven's stargazing moment was 'interrupted' by Batman, who joined her on the bridge top. Though it wasn't really an interruption, because Raven had sensed him coming minutes before he arrived. She decided to let him approach anyway.
As Batman landed, he wasn't wearing the suit that Terry McGuiness would later don, since that one was still under construction in the Batcave. He wore the familiar cape and cowl, even though he had lost a lot of weight and the costume didn't fit him well anymore, because of his aging.
His cape fluttered in the wind, so did Raven's. They had a lot in common. And to this day, Batman never regrets allowing Raven to live in his mansion. After a few seconds of watching the beautiful night sky with Raven, Batman finally spoke.
"Looking for a little company?"
"I've learned to survive without it, surprisingly. It's weird, y'know? I'm the one person who was supposed to be unattached and here I am, being the most attached person that ever existed. I finally experience love, and never want to lose it."
"That's life, Raven. Death is simply a part of it. But we keep going, no matter what happens. You can't ever forget the past, but you can't neglect the future.
"I never took Tetch seriously. That was my mistake.
"Raven, I know that congratulations aren't appropriate right now, but you endured something that would have pushed even me over the edge. But that's not the point, Raven. The point is… you proved your love to your son and your husband. You don't need to doubt yourself anymore.
"I never met your husband, but I might as well have, because you spoke about him everyday when you were a guest in my home. You always spoke of faith. You tried to teach your infant son that as well. Faith in God, Faith in those you love, but most importantly, Faith in yourself.
"Over the course of my 'career,' I've learned many things. One of them is that we chose this path. And choices can have negative repercussions. It's not your fault, Raven. The death of your husband was not your fault. I know that you think you made choices that resulted in his demise and it could have been prevented, but the truth is, Raven, you can't control everything. We are merely human beings given a role and a purpose and are meant to fulfill it.
"And in that role, what may seem like a curse is actually a blessing."
"You want to know what I've learned?" Raven asked, "I've learned that happiness and love don't come cheap."
"You're wrong, Raven. Look at this whole experience you just went through. It began eighteen years ago, maybe even before that. Look at the journey you've taken – the good times, the bad. It was all a part of life, Raven. And let me tell you something: you saved a life. Not only did you save your son's, but you saved your own.
"You held on by a thread, but you still held on. You suffered through what I believe to be the greatest torture any living being can bear.
"And you did it all for someone you love.
"That's what preserved your life, Raven. And that is what makes you the wife of Jeff. You suffered all so that someone else could live, and you didn't care what happened to you. That is what Jeff did for you. And now you have done the same thing for someone you love. You may not have given your life, dying in the process, but you gave your soul… who you were.
"You bore a cross, Raven. And you bore it well."
The sound of police sirens were heard in the distance. Batman pulled out a device that would shoot a batarang, which he would use to swing off of. He aimed it at the closest building to the bridge. But he hesitated right before he fired it.
Turning to Raven, he said, "Think about it. Gotta go."
Batman swung across the night sky like a bat gliding over the home he protected.
Raven smiled.
"Thanks, Bruce," she whispered to herself, "I owe you one."
---
Brother Mark was in the downstairs chamber of the Chapel. He heard footsteps of someone coming, it was Raven. She was surprised to see him down here all alone.
"Hello, Brother Mark," she said, "What are you up to?"
"Oh," he replied, "just rummaging through some of Father Thomas' old belongings. I'm trying to find any last wishes or requests that he would have wanted us to carry out after his death, but so far I've discovered nothing but rosaries and Bible scripts."
"Hmm."
"By the way, why are you down here?"
"Well," Raven explained, "I'm sort of looking for an idea of what to do now. Since the last 48 hours, nothing is really clear to me, even though Tetch explained it all. I still have some questions, and I thought I might find an answer here."
"In that case, Raven, I'd be delighted to help you look."
Raven nodded and the two began searching for something important. They found many textbooks that were used to instruct Jeff when he was a child. Books and more books. Father Thomas did a lot of reading, apparently. There were also some scripts in brail, and some paintings of various saints.
Raven slouched after a whole hour of no success. She wondered if she was ever going to find anything. Then Raven saw something tucked away under a piece of the stone floor, like it wasn't meant to be disturbed. She tapped Mark on the shoulder, pointing to it.
"Eh?" Mark uttered curiously, "What's this?"
Raven noticed that Brother Mark couldn't pull it out himself, so he helped him with her telekinetic powers. It was a small chest, with a lock on it. Raven could tell it wasn't meant to be found. Or was it?
Just as Raven was about to tear the lock off, Brother Mark gave her a worried look of disapproval.
"Maybe… we shouldn't…" he whispered.
Raven rolled her eyes and did it anyway. When the lock was removed, dust spouted briefly out of the chest's holes, and Raven opened it slowly. Inside, there was a piece of paper, a dried up old picture of Jeff standing by another boy, and a ring. Raven guessed that the paper and picture weren't important, because she didn't know who the boy standing next to Jeff was.
So she took out the ring and handed the chest to mark. Raven smiled, assuming the ring was for her. She tried to get it on, but it wouldn't fit – it was way too small. Raven sighed, disappointed. She then deduced that the ring was a gift to Jeff from his mother.
She turned and looked at Mark, who was glancing at the paper.
"Uh," Mark mumbled, "Raven? I think you'd better have a look at this."
"What is it?"
He set down the chest, stood up, and handed it to her.
"It's a letter from Jeff."
To Raven's astonishment, Brother Mark hurried out of the basement to give Raven some alone time. Raven's eyes then made her way down to the page and the writing on it.
Dearest Raven,
If you're reading this, I am dead, and needless to say, have completed my mission. Yes, I left you with a son to remember me, which is what you wanted. Unfortunately, I denied you the privilege of having a husband to help you raise that child. But I have faith that you, Raven, have raised our son very well. I am proud of you, for I have met our son, and he is a fine man. Not too long after that I sat down and wrote this.
Raven, you and I are more alike than you know. Not only were we conceived in the same manner – sired from an evil father – but also, our lives and how we have lived them are similar. You and I have both suffered much pain, and our one true happy moment will be that night before I die.
I have seen the future, Raven. Normally, one would not want nor should be allowed to view it. However, I had to, so that I would know exactly what to do in the situation placed before me. It is extremely difficult trying to cope with the fact that your entire purpose is merely… a 'breeder'. But I will not succumb to such a simple life. I will become more than I am. But, I cannot shake my destiny, for whenever someone does… God 'educates' us. I have learned to never question my being, my life, or my destiny… lest I be beset with some terrible tragedy that I can not bear. That is why, Raven, I follow the Lord's command rather than shake my fist at him and go my own way.
I know that you will make a great mother, Raven, I only wish that I could be there with you. I'm sorry for causing you the pain of losing me, when it comes, on the Eve after Hunter's Moon. And I know that you will be near suicidal after my death, due to the feeling of emptiness inside of you. But Thank God for life, Raven, that he blessed us with a child – a living being, entrusted to us by him for our care. I know that you will not fail God, Raven.
Never think of yourself as worthless, my wife. When I die, you'll feel that you should have been the one to die, and that because I loved you, I was punished with death. Think not of that, Raven. I will be happy to lay my life down for you, for you are worth it, and your life is worth so much more than mine. Raven, I ask that you will only bear the strength needed to do God's will. You will be rewarded.
As shown to me by my mother, I saw that when I met you, you wanted to see your home. I can't blame you, every person wants to go home – where they feel loved, cherished, and remembered. Unfortunately, I never really had a home, so I cannot feel the same way you do in that regard. By the time you read this, it should be many years in the future. When I was shown how I came into your life, I saw myself robbing you of the chance to ever see your home again. And for that, I am terribly sorry. I had no right to force this life on you, Raven, and I only wish that I can somehow change the events without going against God's will. I have and always will want desperately to give you what you've always wanted. I do not wish to leave you now, my wife, but I must.
But, as a final token of my love, I can leave you with one last gift. Ever since I was told about you, I knew that you would one day wish to return home… but you never could. I researched, and I have found another entrance to Azarath – and the answers you seek. By the time you have read this, my father will have been vanquished, and you can enter Azarath safely.
Attached is an incantation I found that opens the portal to Azarath.
Have faith, Raven, I will see you again.
Deepest love,
Jeff
---
A portal to Azarath. Her home.
Raven had once done something similar with another incantation. The difference was that one projected her astral, or telepathic, form into a place that was not Azarath itself, per se, but a ghost realm. There Raven was able to briefly communicate with the ghost of her mother, who was in a shadow of the destroyed dimension.
Azarath itself was a parallel dimension to Earth. It was originally founded by a certain group of people who called themselves the Monks of Azar. Eventually, Azarath grew and became populated to where it was almost as inhabited as Earth. Those who were from Azarath were called Azarathians. Raven was an Azarathian.
Just like Dracula on Earth, Azarath too had its demons and monsters. Raven's father, Trigon, was the demon that plagued Azarath. He was defeated by the people, though, and banished to the Pit. Trigon would make several attempts to return via his daughter, all of which failed.
The book that Raven had to perform this astral projection into the ghost realm was destroyed, along with the rest of Titan's Tower, thanks to Robin's plan to "save" Mount Everest. But on the back of her husband's letter, written in his handwriting, was another way to return home. Raven thought that all hope of returning was lost when Dracula sealed off the portal to Azarath when he arrived, so as not to be banished again.
Raven looked at the words, she noticed that they were similar to the one she had used before, but there were significant differences. Obviously, the incantation would only work if the words were pronounced in the language of Azarath, which it was already written in. She sat down on the floor, crossed her legs Indian-style, took a deep breath, and read aloud.
Αυτοί οι κόσμοι ήταν μιά φορά ενωμένοι, τώρα βάζουν χώρια.
Εάν υπάρχει ένα έλεος τον που δημιούργησε αυτούς τους κόσμους, μπορεί να με επιτρέψει να περάσω.
Στο όνομα του Θεού, ανοίξτε αυτήν την πόρτα.
This translates into English as:
These worlds were once united, now they lay apart.
If there be any mercy in He who created these worlds, may he let me pass.
In the Name of God, open this door.
In the next instant a white flame appeared and grew to the size of a ten foot wall. Raven stood up, aghast. She held on to Jeff's letter tightly, and slowly approached the portal. With each passing step, her heart lifted and her soul felt warmer. Raven reached out her hand, touching the white flame. It didn't burn her. Raven held her breath and stepped through.
Raven opened her eyes and looked about her. It was breathtaking to witness. In front of her was a golden city, surrounded by yellow pains and silver flowers. Half of the sky was dark red and littered with black stars, the other half was a yellow and pink sky, like dawn had just conquered the darkness.
Raven gasped as she felt happy from head to toe.
"I can't believe it," she said, on the verge of tears, "I'm home."
She walked forward toward the city, whispering to herself, "It's been so long. I hardly recognize it. This is so different from the ghost realm I once entered. Bits and pieces of this place have remained in my mind, my want to come back. The sky. I remember. It's so beautiful."
But when Raven approached the city enough to where it was in focus, she saw that it was indeed much different from the ghost realm she entered before. The city was in ruins. The buildings were destroyed. The streets were empty. The area was dead silent.
Raven then uttered something, any other time she would have thought it silly, but she hoped, "Hello?"
After five seconds of no response, Raven thought she had hit a dead end. Just as she was about to turn away, Raven heard a weak voice behind her.
"Come… come here, my little child. Don't be afraid."
"Hello? Who's there?"
Raven walked to where she believed the source of the voice was coming from. She found a very old man sitting at a table, reading a book. He wore similar attire as her, at least, the red-gemmed buttons anyway. He had a very elegant look about him, like he was someone important. His neck was clothed with feathers, probably from a white dove, and he was clad in a white robe. He obviously wasn't wearing a hood, because his long white hair and white beard were displaying.
His eyes were very kind. He looked pleased and happy to see Raven, like he had been waiting for her a long time. This man stood up slightly, and looked Raven in the eye.
"Welcome home, Daughter of Azarath."
"Who… who are you?"
At this, the man looked surprised. He smiled, "My dear, don't you recognize me?"
Raven did remember him from somewhere. She never forgets a face. Where had she seen him before? The man saw that she didn't remember his name, so he spoke first.
"Why, you say my name every time you summon your powers."
Raven was silent for a moment, then she finally said, "Metrion."
At the sound of his name, the man smiled. She was correct. Metrion was the immortal ruler of Azarath, and though many patriarchs and magistrates had come and gone, he had always remained – ever since the dimension was created and settled in. He was the undisputed source of all Azarathians' powers.
"I am," Metrion began, "Or I was, rather, one of the members who made a covenant with those embodied as sacred beings, those embodied as mortals in both Earth and Azarath, and those embodied as demons."
"Good," Raven said as she folded her arms, "then you can give me the answers I'm looking for."
"Please. We only just met. Are you hungry?" Metrion gestured to a bowl of soup. Raven nodded and sat down quietly at the table. She took a sip of the soup. It was delicious. Though for some reason she didn't want to give Metrion the satisfaction of knowing that, perhaps because Raven was in contempt with this person who she believed to the be the utter manipulator of her entire existence. As Metrion watched Raven eat, he also had some soup.
"Raven, I have been alive many years, but now I am finally beginning to waste away. I am immortal as long as a single drop of my people's blood exists. But, as you well know, Azarath's populace has taken a severe plummet. I am the last surviving Azarathian, other than you or your son.
"And it is strange," Metrion went on, "that among those that made this arrangement, all have passed away except myself – at least when it was made. You know that the deal we made concerned many people: Myself, The Pope, Dracula, Trigon, Arella, Melody the Angel, Jeff, you, Constantine, and of course, God. Though not all of those members had a say in how or what the deal was about, myself included."
"You forced this life upon me," Raven objected rashly, "You made a decision that I would never have. You played with living beings as if they were pawns or chess pieces in some game. I would never have gone along with this!"
"Really? Are you saying that you would have rejected Jeff?"
Raven looked down for a moment. She was not exactly attracted to Jeff when they first met, in fact, she believed it was an emotion she could go without. But what about after she got to know Jeff? It was strange, Raven thought, that had she known about Jeff in her childhood, she might have wanted a life of her own. But, it was also strange that the person she fell in love with just happened to be the person she was meant for.
"Perhaps you are right," Metrion said, "Had you been informed about your marriage to Jeff, you might have rejected him. However, at the time, I did not understand why such a force of love was implanted between the two of you: you were reaching out toward each other, even moments after birth. We considered it the best course of action to let you find out these things on your own. I have had nothing but love for my people, and the want to see them happy… not only so that I may survive, but so that Azarath does not become… extinct."
In her mind, Raven concluded that she too would not have understood the importance, and the way it happened was the way she would have chosen. After all, Raven had always wanted people not to judge her, but if she had learned about Jeff early on, she might have made a terrible mistake: doing the very thing she did not want done to her. Metrion noticed that Raven was finished with her soup, and he was as well. He gestured to her, signaling that they take a walk. Metrion would now explain the matter in full to Raven.
"You see, I was both blessed and cursed with the ability to see and know the future. Ergo, I was eternally haunted by the knowledge that every single one of my people would be slaughtered by a bloodsucking vampire. At the time that this deal was made, Raven, many terrible events were happening in Azarath.
"There was the crisis of your conception. Trigon had somehow escaped from The Pit and raped your mother. Dracula was terrorizing the people of Earth. Both worlds were going to end from these two demons. Well, we did manage to imprison Trigon again, but we still had to deal with Dracula – he was still haunting me.
"I had prayed to the Lord for help in the visions I was seeing, and He told me to seek out the help of those in Earth. At the time, travel from Earth to Azarath seldom occured, but was indeed possible. Apropos, I got the attention of the religious leader of Earth, better known as The Pope.
"He too had demons to deal with. And, with the visions of Azarath's destruction fresh in my mind, I had found my answer. The Pope was tired of Dracula's massacres, but was sure that the vampire would cooperate. The Pope knew that Dracula had always wanted a son, and what better plan than to use his own offspring as the one who protect you and produce Constantine – whose power boosted yours enough to stand up to him.
"Thus did Dracula bring about his own demise, unwittingly. Lust and desire ruled his soul, if he even had one, so he agreed without hesitation. He knew that Ra's Al Ghul would release him in the near future, so a temporary change of home didn't bother him. Dracula taunted and jeered at God as he was sent an angel to bear his child. There is no greater test of faith, at least for me, than watching a vampire like that laugh as if he had seemingly triumphed over Our Father in Heaven.
"Dracula got what he wanted, and I agreed begrudgingly to house him here. Months later, you and Jeff were born, and married to each other."
"Why did you marry us?"
"Unfortunately, it was very unorthodox. We saw and knew the exact day of Jeff's death, and took the precaution of marrying you before then, rather than taking the risk of you not knowing that you were meant to be and thus not end up together. The marriage, in our eyes, only strengthened the inexplicable bond that was already there between you and Jeff. Just to let you know, you were conceived before Jeff, but born after he was. I don't completely understand it, but perhaps Trigon's seed was so demonic that it took longer than nine months to manifest.
"Also, marrying you ensured one fundamental aspect that was considered extremely necessary. Raven, you are a very attractive person, and it was apparent to us, even then, that there might be the possibility that our plan would fail had you fallen in love with someone else. I specified, so that you would maintain your virginity and thus not bear a different child, that your powers would be driven from emotions – making it next to impossible for you to become emotionally involved or attached to anyone.
"Since I had control over your powers, like I do with every Azarathian, I simply made it so you were able to feel emotion and love when you encountered Jeff – your body would not react to him negatively. That was supposed to be the obvious sign that he was your husband. Not only did it prevent you from becoming involved with the wrong person, but it ensured that Jeff would be able to carry out his assignment without the room exploding."
"Why did Jeff have to die?"
"Honestly Raven, I would have thought that you'd know that by now. There were many parts to the deal that was made. One of the more prevalent ones was Dracula. We had promised Earth that he would be dealt with, and Earth promised us the same thing. Jeff's simple mission was to impregnate you, making you part of his bloodline and protecting you from Dracula. Essentially, the mission could have ended right there. But rather than risk Dracula's survival, or worse, your death, Jeff had to die. We never actually told him, but it was implied. The effect of his death would trigger you to turn into pure energy, with the aid of your son, and battle Dracula. Simply put, Jeff's reason for being expired. He was no longer required to stay alive."
"You monster! How can you do that?! How can you play God like you did?!"
"My dear, I didn't play God. God played God. And besides, Jeff agreed to this. He did it out of love, not like he was forced to. His mother didn't have to convince him, and on the off-chance that Jeff decided to not follow through, there was nothing I could do about it. If you want a simpler answer than 'his purpose ended,' then it was because he loved you. While he might have been acting under the guise of following orders when he first met you, I can assure you, Raven, that he was acting differently later. I sensed that he had grown to love you, and sacrificed himself for no other reason than that."
"Then," Raven asked, "What is my purpose?"
"Another question to which you already know the answer?" Metrion took a deep breath, "Trigon believed that you were destined to release him from The Pit. You did, but then you banished him there again. Let me ask you, do you know how you survived after you became his 'portal'? How you were still existent? Simple, your true destiny wasn't fulfilled, so I made sure that you survived.
"But on to your question. You were meant to bear and raise Constantine. Similar to, but not exactly like, the Blessed Virgin Mary, you were given a task of bearing a child that God has plans for. Now, Constantine is nothing like Christ, so you don't need to worry there-"
Raven interrupted, "Is Constantine the Antichrist?"
"Heavens no! Even after all of this, you still doubt your own son? You knew that deep down he was not evil. It was Jervis Tetch who was evil. Anyway, we needed you alive, and we also knew that Dracula intended to kill you. Thus, while it at first seemed like your life was the center of Jeff's mission, it of course was something deeper."
"Then what is Constantine meant for?" Raven asked.
"Your son is not the Antichrist, but he is of great importance. Raven, just like you, I underwent a test of faith, and to what I believed to be no greater test indeed. I witnessed the massacre and deaths of my people right before my eyes at the hand of Dracula. I was unable and forbidden to interfere, but all I could do was pray and hope that you and Jeff would succeed.
"He killed them all, Raven. Dracula killed every single Azarathian. He made this an utter wasteland, leaving me all alone. I had to watch my children and grandchildren, descendents, and friends all perish, while I could not lift a finger. But I had faith in the Lord that all would work out. When Dracula was imprisoned, what limited access to Earth was permanently cut off. I told you before that I only care for my people, and I do not want there blood loss to be in vain.
"Constantine, who is the union of a being from Earth and a being from Azarath, will unite the two dimensions. That is his destiny. It won't happen any time soon, because Constantine will have to train his mind and purify his soul. But, think of the wonder that awaits, Raven. All of my hard work will pay off!"
"What exactly will happen, Metrion?"
"All those good people who were murdered by Dracula will be granted Eternal Life in Heaven!"
"How will that happen?"
"When Christ comes again, Raven! When He returns in glory!"
"So, this really is the Second Coming?"
"It won't happen for many years. But yes, when Constantine unites the two worlds, the General Judgment will take place. And the peoples of Azarath and Earth will finally be combined into one congregation, and we will all share in God's love like a family. Just think, Raven, it all began with you."
There was a long silence, and then Raven finally asked her next question, "How will Constantine accomplish this?"
"Because I am the source of the Azarathians' power," Metrion explained, "I will personally train him. Right now, your son has indeed surpassed the elementary levels of an Azarathian's power. The most basic and simplest level is levitation, and later 'phasing' through walls and floors. Then, with further training and mediation, comes telepathy. After that, an Azarathian can achieve such powers as projecting an astral form, teleporting, or stopping time – which was as far as you could go. Constantine has reached intermediate levels of his power: to use his energy in the form of blasts, and converting negative energy into increased strength and speed.
"I am still ahead of him, because I have the most advanced powers – foresight and the ability to open other dimensions. I will teach Constantine to have these same powers, Raven, and when he does, his destiny will be fulfilled. Right now I can only open portals to Heaven and Earth for a few minutes, but Constantine will surpass me by opening them permanently. Imagine, Raven, a door that never closes. Anyway, when that happens, I will cease to exist, and so will your son. At that exact moment when he locks Heaven open and makes way for Christ to return, he will die. It's not such a bad thing, because the next moment will be where he enters Heaven. That is his future."
"But," Raven inquired, "Does that mean that he will finally be the best? Won't this fuel his arrogance? I thought you said that he would purify his soul."
"Raven," Metrion smiled, "with my gift of foresight, I have seen what will become of your son. Do not worry, Raven, he will change. I have seen it. Far into the future, he will encounter your demon: Jervis Tetch. Remember that he was a time traveler. And when he meets your son, Constantine will not slay him. He will show mercy."
"My son… shows mercy?" Raven gasped with awe. She couldn't believe that her son would finally become a better person. She was a good mother indeed.
"That action," Metrion continued, "will create a grudge between your son and Tetch, thus provoking him to time travel back to the past, learn your secrets, and torment you. Now, have I answered all your questions? Is everything clear?"
"Yes."
Metrion smiled, "Then this epic has come to a close…" He outstretched his hand gently. In the next moment, Constantine appeared. Raven realized Metrion was right – his powers were far past her own, and while she could teleport herself, she could never teleport others.
"Uh… Mom?" a bewildered Constantine said, "Where am I?"
"Welcome to Azarath, young Constantine," Metrion greeted him.
"And you are?"
Metrion didn't answer Constantine's question, there was plenty of time for that later. Instead, he turned to Raven, putting his hands on her shoulders.
"I will take your son under my tutelage, and he will be prepared for the events to come."
Raven smiled, and Metrion moved closer to her face and whispered like a grandfather.
"You are the pride and joy of Azarath, Raven. You have kept me alive."
"Thank you, Metrion, I'd like a minute with my son."
She turned to Constantine, who was hurt and confused, "Mom? What's going on? Are you going somewhere?"
She embraced him, "It's my time to go, Constantine. It's a new beginning for you, and me too. There are no endings, just new beginnings."
Constantine was crying, "Will I ever see you again?"
Raven kissed him on the forehead, "I will always be with you. Whenever you use your powers, whenever you dream, or whenever you look in the mirror, I will be there. You are part of me, Son, and I am part of you."
Constantine's chin was lowered; Raven lifted it with her finger, "Hey? You okay?"
Then Constantine burst into tears, embracing her, "I'm so sorry, Mom! I didn't mean to cause you so much pain! I didn't mean to make you leave! I don't want to be alone, Mom! You're all I have left!"
Raven hugged him tight, on the verge of tears; they were difficult to hold back.
"This man will take care of you now, Constantine. Look to him for guidance. Always remember, my son, that I love you. Never forget what I taught you…"
Raven and Constantine looked deep into each other's eyes.
"…have faith."
They hugged one final time. Each was crying their eyes out. Then, when they were finished, the two looked at Metrion, who was off to the side, kneeling with his hand touching the ground.
"Is everything okay, Metrion?"
"Yes," he replied, "it's just… this is the last time anyone's going to see Azarath."
He stood up, adding, "Constantine and I will return to Earth now."
Metrion also had the ability to open interdimensional portals whenever he wanted, even when Dracula was imprisoned here. It was limited just to him. He pointed both arms in opposite directions, and after two flashes of blue light, two portals opened.
He pointed to the one on the left, "Constantine, that door is ours."
The one on the right was meant for Raven.
Metrion and Constantine walked off, making there way back to Earth.
"So," Constantine asked him, "is Mom going where I think she's going?"
Metrion sighed, "Another Jeff."
"Just wait till you meet Brother Mark!"
Raven smiled as the two figures faded. She turned to her own portal. She heard a voice.
"You know," it said, "this will only stay opened a couple of minutes."
Out walked a man, with long brown hair, and a long brown beard. He was clothed in brilliant white garments, with a cape of light and crown on His head. Raven gasped and stood back.
As he walked forward, Raven felt so unworthy. She felt she should do something, like take off her shoes or… He said her name.
"Raven."
She wanted to look away, but the vision was so beatific that she just had to look on. The gaze was captivating. A spectacular sight.
"My daughter," He said, embracing her. When Raven first met Jeff, she felt a sense of inspiring wonder, better known as awe. Well, when He hugged her, it was a thousand times better. The warm flush of springtime that began with the morning dew and beauty of all the ages could not compare to this moment. It felt like pure goodness was cleansing her soul. All of Raven's troubles: her loss of Jeff, her fear of her father, her concern for her son, and her struggle with herself… washed away.
He looked into her eyes, "You have no need to worry anymore, my dear. You have passed your test of faith, you have faced your fears, you have conquered your demons, and you have proven your love. No one can tell you that but me."
"I'm not worthy," she said, "I'm not that religious of a person."
"Everyone is short a few points, Raven, but that doesn't matter. I see that you have lived your life very well. I am so proud of you, Raven. And now, there's someone I'd like you to meet…"
Jesus Christ pointed to the portal, and there appeared two large golden gates. It was so bright that Raven found it very difficult to see. A figure walked through the light, and leaned on the post of the opened gate.
Raven's heart leapt as she caught glimpse of him. It was none other than her husband, Jeff.
He was smiling.
Raven ran to him, embraced him, and landed a much longed-for kiss on his lips. He held her tight. Raven had never felt so blissful. She kissed him all over his face, like it was the last time she was going to see him. Ironically, it actually felt like the first time she had ever seen him.
Jesus smiled, folded his arms and walked toward the two.
"After everything you've been through, Raven," he said, "I think you deserve a little happiness."
She looked at him and smiled warmly.
"Amen to that, Lord. Amen to that."
THE END