TheAlienHeart: First of all, THAANKOU! xD Also yes we dooo and she will, but…not for a while hehe

Krumelmonster: That's fair haha, I probably just projected cause I was working a lot the week I wrote that one LOL, but I guess I'm blaming it on "love makes people crazy" xD Anyway, glad you're still into it XD

So, all mentions of Heaven, Hell, Satan or God in this story are based on DC lore and their characters.

Thanks again to EVERYONE who favorited/followed/reviewed or is even just reading. Honestly when I see people are clicking on a new chapter minutes after I've published it, it's like, awesome. I've been living with this story in my head and this is much less lonely.

Paradise

When Richard Grayson suggested an Escape Room game for his team, this wasn't what he had in mind. He had hoped to strengthen their bonds while sharpening their minds at the same time. But while everyone was respecting the no powers rule, the only ones unraveling the clues were him, Raven and Damian. Ravager and Superboy had decided to lay back on a coffin – it was a Haunted Mansion-themed Escape Room – and exchange battle stories, Victor and Karen were making googly eyes and making out on a corner and Beast Boy and Starfire were goofily playing around with the props – except for when they were busy admiring Nightwing and Raven and swooning over how smart they were.

Dick sighed. "What if I said that if we win training is canceled tomorrow? And that if we don't, it will be twice as long?"

"Sounds awesome." Cyborg said happily from where he was hugging Bumblebee, who was chuckling in his arms. "But I'm absolutely confident the three of you got this."

Richard glanced at Conner and Rose, who just saluted him in agreement with Cyborg, then he looked at his girlfriend and the shapeshifter to see them dancing around theatrically with a skeleton. He turned back to Raven and Damian, who were focused on deciphering a code.

"You two, stop. You've helped enough; it's the others' turn now, or they'll never learn." Nightwing swiftly removed the paper sheet from Raven's hand. "Go rest."

That put the others on edge as they began to fear having to pull their weight, but it didn't last long.

Robin folded his arms. "What if they can't do it?"

"Then I guess we lost and it's double practice for everyone tomorrow." Dick said plainly.

Raven took the sheet back. "Sorry, Dick. I'm simply not comfortable with that."

Nightwing apologetically snatched it out of her hands. "Fine, it's double practice for everyone tomorrow, except for you two. Does that sound fair?"

The empath pulled the sheet back once again. "It's not about that. It's a matter of pride."

"Yeah, I'm with Doomsday." Damian said as they went back to deciphering the code. "I'm not gonna lose to some stupid room."

Dick threw his hands up in surrender and continued digging for more clues.

"How much pride can you have left? You're in love with Beast Boy." Conner teased.

Raven didn't bother to look up to answer. "I have enough."

Superboy chuckled softly and looked at Ravager for support.

"Sorry, if I hadn't seen what I saw from her, I'd agree with you." Rose smirked. "But yeah, she's a proud stuck up bitch."

"Yes, I am." The sorcerer said intently, still working on the code with Damian.

"Besides, who doesn't have a guilty pleasure? I'm not judging." Rose smiled, playing with a fake prop knife. They wouldn't let her get in with her real knives and she missed them.

"Hey! I'm not a guilty pleasure!" The Changeling yelled from where he and Kory were now untangling themselves from fake spider web.

Superboy chuckled. He had backed down from hitting on Starfire, Raven and Bumblebee for the sake of peace. Also, he liked his teammates. Sure, Garfield got on his nerves sometimes, but that didn't justify actively going for his girlfriend. Besides, now he knew she loved him. But he had to admit Raven still fascinated him – he was drawn to her darkness, especially when she was being defiant. The truth was he liked her smug little face ever since she told him he would wake up with kryptonite down his throat if he called her doll again.

So, Conner Kent turned on his charming voice. "Hey, I wouldn't mind being a guilty pleasure."

Raven could sense the shapeshifter's jealousy rising. It had gotten better since karaoke night, but it was still a problem. Every now and then whenever Superboy said something flirty or when they ran into Red-X or some fanboy that made a flattering – not even flirty, just flattering – comment, Garfield got overly territorial again. They'd had one or two more healthy arguments about it, but he said he was working on it, so she decided to be patient. Besides, she was trying to do better by him as well and that included shutting them down more adamantly.

"Conner, if you piss me off I'll curse you and your food will taste like vomit for a week." Raven said blankly. Superboy laughed friendly and Garfield's jealousy settled down, so she relaxed.

"We got it." Damian inserted the code into the locker. It revealed a secret door.

Cyborg walked through it to see yet another room. "Great, another mysterious door to another mysterious room. We're never getting out of here."

"Yes, we are." Raven and Robin said in unison as they decisively walked past him.

Nightwing deciphered most of the clues, with the empath and Damian close behind. At one point, Starfire and Changeling accidentally opened a trunk with the key the others had been looking for while they were playing around, but they absolutely took credit for it. In the end, they managed to get out with twenty minutes to spare and Richard congratulated his team – though some much more emphatically than others.

"Hey, what are your plans for tonight?" Garfield whispered to Raven while she was ordering tea from the cafeteria.

She raised an eyebrow. "A good book. Why?"

"I was thinking about using my my room card tonight. Would that be okay?"

He had used nearly all his cards by now. But he saved this one for a rainy day. Raven had slept in his room for several nights after karaoke night, but he'd told her to relax about that weeks ago because he could tell she missed her alone time. But now he was feeling extra needy and the way she cleverly unraveled the clues in that game made him feel attracted to her and insecure at the same time, so he decided today was that rainy day.

Raven smiled slightly. The book can wait. "Very well."

That night, when the empath carried her crystal to his room, she was pleasantly surprised to find it much cleaner and neater.

"Mmm, this is nice."

The shapeshifter shot her a flirty grin. "Can't keep bringing a pretty girl into a messy room."

Raven playfully narrowed her eyes. "What pretty girl have you been bringing here?"

Garfield chuckled breezily. "Actually, let me rephrase that. She's not just pretty. She's hauntingly beautiful."

She blushed and the Changeling smiled wider and pulled out two cards from his pockets.

"I've decided to use them both." He gave her the only two cards he had left.

Raven looked at them and realized they were the my room card and the last expressing card. She smirked and they turned to dust into thin air. "Okay. Let's talk."

He sat down on his bed and tapped on the spot beside him for her to sit. Once she did, he suddenly felt nervous. She still gave him butterflies. "So…tell me something deep?"

The sorcerer reached out and ran her fingers through his hair, chanting her words to deactivate her powers before the soppiness began. "I'm a little scared of how much I like you." She told him truthfully.

The Changeling blushed and did his best to imitate Superboy's charming smile. "I thought you loved me."

She rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'm a little scared of loving you."

"In a good way, right?"

"Definitely."

His heart soared. "I'm terrified of loving you."

Raven smiled fondly. "You're just dramatic."

"No, I'm serious. You're kinda really intimidating, you know? Like today. You were so smart. Thanks, by the way. For uh…for shutting Conner down."

"You don't need to worry about Conner. Or anyone else. I told you, you're safe with me."

Garfield grinned gigantically, brought her hand to his lap and absentmindedly played with her fingers. "Thanks. Sorry I'm still overreacting. I just, you have no idea how agonizing jealousy is. I feel like it could rip me apart or something."

She frowned. "You're kidding me, right?"

He stared at her blankly. "What?"

"I have no idea how agonizing jealousy is?"

"Oh, right. You're an empath. But you said you don't sense emotions on the same intensi-"

"Garfield!" Raven exclaimed incredulously. When he just stared at her again, she sighed. He did use the expressing card; it's only fair I talk about it. "I watched you date Terra and Flamebird. Do not tell me about jealousy. You're the one who has no idea."

The shapeshifter blinked at her with a blank expression on his face while her words sunk in. "Wait, that- no, but that's…that was different!"

Raven pulled her hand from his lap to fold her arms. "How?"

The Changeling gesticulated wildly. "Well, that- I mean, you weren't, you…we didn't- I mean, I wasn't…well, you told me- I…"

"Eloquent." The empath stated teasingly, raising an eyebrow.

Garfield's mouth hung open and Raven gently reached out and closed it.

"I know I told you to date them, but it wasn't because I didn't like you. You know that. So, whatever you feel when someone flirts with me, imagine that at least ten times worse."

His eyes widened. "But you…you knew I'd rather be with you. Right?"

"I knew no such thing, especially with Terra. You loved her. And I thought you would fall for Bette. They're both rays of sunshine, how could I know you'd prefer me?"

"That…but then…what? Are you saying that you, like…suffered for me?"

Raven sighed. "Why do you have to word everything so…intensely?"

Garfield nudged her cutely, resting his head on her shoulder and smiling up at her. "C'mon I did use my card…"

That's true, he did. She sighed again. "Fine. I suffered for you, okay? Like, a lot. It was excruciating. It was absolute torture."

He certainly wasn't expecting that. The Changeling's heart accelerated at her words and he swiftly pulled her into his lap, making her yelp slightly.

Raven noticed his eyes were darker. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I see my misery excites you."

He vulnerably looked into her eyes and whispered. "No, don't say it like that. I just…I didn't know. I mean, when Bette kissed me…but then you told me to leave you alone and I did like an idiot. I should have known. I can't even imagine watching you be with someone else in that way. If I'd known, I would have run to you and-mmphm…"

She interrupted him by kissing him passionately. Garfield melted into it as he rubbed her thighs and hips. The urgent kiss became gradually sweeter and softer until she pulled away to smile affectionately at him.

"Since we're in your room…what if I'm sweet tonight?" She whispered.

Garfield's dreamy smile grew even wider. "That sounds perfect."

Raven slowly removed his shirt. "Lie down. I'm going to pamper you."

The Changeling felt childish and sinful at the same time and he gladly lay on his back, grinning at her. Raven tenderly ran her hands over his chest before getting up and removing his shoes while shooting him a sensual look. He propped himself up on his elbows to watch her.

"Did you do this on karaoke night?" He asked in awe. It was such a simple gesture, but she did it with such care and affection it made him want to propose or something.

"Mmhmm. I'll always take care of you, even when you're kind of a jerk." She smiled. "Lie on your stomach."

Garfield quickly did so with a giant grin on his face and Raven sat down on his lower back and conjured something in her hand. She slowly began rubbing his back with massage oil.

It felt absolutely heavenly and he moaned with pleasure. "Rae that's so good…"

She smiled, blushing at his lean muscles. "I love you, Gar."

Oh my God. I'm dreaming. I must be. Garfield smiled blissfully and prayed to whoever was listening that this warm and wonderful ache on his chest never went away. "I love you, Rae."

Raven leaned down to plant sweet, wet kisses on his back. And that night, they made love. Sweetly, slowly and romantically.

The next morning, they were still in bed when she cleared her throat. "So, love…remember the something special I've been working on?"

Garfield frowned. "Love, is this still about karaoke night? I forgave you a million times, there's no need for this. Seriously, you're like, the best girlfriend ever."

"Stop talking nonsense and let me give you this because I went through a lot to get it for you."

That caught his interest. He narrowed his eyes. "What did you do…?"

"I've been looking for these." Raven opened her hand and summoned a pair of wedding rings on her palm before gently placing them on the palm of his hand instead. "I'm sorry that's all I can give you, but I hope it makes you feel closer to them."

Garfield's breath caught in his throat. Is this…it can't be, right!? He inspected the wedding rings more closely and read the engravings with some difficulty, because these rings were obviously old and had been through a lot. But it was there. You have my heart, Marie and You have my heart, Mark were engraved on the insides. His eyes immediately welled up and a sob escaped his lips. Oh my God it IS. It's their wedding rings. It's my parents' wedding rings!

"H-how…y-you…" The shapeshifter finally looked up at her to see her smiling at him in a way that was both sad and affectionate. His heart swelled with love.

"It wasn't easy, but I have my resources. They're really theirs, by the way. I though you should have them. I thought you'd want t-oh!" Raven stopped talking when he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her so tightly it actually hurt a bit, but she didn't care. She just smiled fondly. "I'm glad you like it."

Garfield sniffled into her shoulder and pulled away to wipe his tears and stare at her in awe. "This is the best gift I could ever get. You have no idea. T-thank you. I can't believe you did this." He went back to admiring the rings in his hand. "They would love you, you know?" When she remained silent, he glanced up at her and smiled at the skeptical frown on her face. "They would! I swear. I mean, how could they not love you when you do stuff like this for me?"

She rolled her eyes sweetly. "Well, I'm just trying to deserve you."

He scoffed. "Okay you've made your point, love. You're a well of tenderness and I'm more in love than ever. You don't need to push it."

Raven just chuckled softly. "I meant it."

Garfield carefully placed the rings on his bedside table and gave her his undivided attention. Never. Let. Her. Go. "You're my heart, Raven."

A few days later, a young Robin approached Starfire while she was bathing Silkie. He wrinkled his nose thinking that was one repulsive pet, but he would never say it out loud – the alien princess would be devastated. "Hey Kory, have you seen Raven? I need to talk to her."

"She's watching the movie of the small mermaid with friend BB!" She answered cheerfully.

They were watching The Little Mermaid while Krypto snored on the carpet and Salem rubbed his back against Raven's legs. Garfield raised an eyebrow at her, deciding the distance between them was too big, so he wrapped his legs around her body and pulled her close. "Come here, my little mermaid." He held onto her, pulling her back to his chest and burying his face in the crook of her neck. She'd made that messy bun again. "Much better."

Raven giggled at the sudden movement. "Stop startling me. We'll need to change the lightbulbs again."

He chuckled against her skin – tickling her and making her giggle some more – and then lifted his head to rest his chin on her shoulder. "You'd be a mesmerizing mermaid."

"Apart from the oppressive father, the stubbornness and the desire to change our fate, I don't think we have much in common. Starfire is more of an Ariel."

"That's still a lot of stuff in common. Also, she falls for someone from another world."

"That's also more accurate for Kor and Dick." Raven stated. "Besides, I'm clearly an Elsa."

The shapeshifter nudged her lightly. "You're such a smartass. I'm trying to be cute."

"You just want to be Prince Eric in this scenario."

Garfield chuckled. "Hey, he likes mysterious, mythical women with beautiful voices. So do I!"

Raven playfully folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Why are you speaking in plural? Who are these other mysterious, mythical, singing women?"

The Changeling grinned. "All versions of you, of course. I like all your moods."

She smiled slightly. "Cute. Anyway, the original story isn't as romantic."

"Oh?" He frowned. "How come?"

"Well, when he meets his fiancé he changes his mind and chooses her over the mermaid. And the deal was she would become sea foam if he married someone else. Her sisters give the witch their hair in exchange for a dagger, and if she uses it to kill the Prince then she can go back home and be a mermaid again. But…she loves him, so she can't."

For some strange reason, as Raven told him the story, it made her heart ache in a way it never had before. Weird.

"And then what happened!?" Garfield asked with wide eyes.

Raven frowned. "Well, she dies. She dissolves into sea foam. And he marries the other girl."

"That's awful!"

"Yes, it's quite sad. Though she was pretty reckless."

Garfield gasped. "She was in love!"

Right. THAT'S why it hurts more now. "I mean, technically. They didn't really know each other."

The Changeling smiled slightly. "It's easy for you to judge, you would never be that reckless. Most of us are downright stupid when we're in love." He nuzzled her neck, making her shiver.

"Stop tickling me." The empath giggled, gently pushing his face away. Then she looked at him and saw his stupid, toothy grin. "I'm not judging her. Well…maybe a little."

Garfield chuckled. "Yeah. She should have killed him."

Raven settled against his chest again. "Oh, I don't judge that part. I mean…I couldn't do it."

She frowned at her own feelings. There it is again. That heartache. Gar falling for someone else. Me turning into nothing. Turning into a distant memory. Ugh. Why is love so pathetic?

The Changeling wasn't sure why, but he thought she sounded a little sad. He was about to ask her what was wrong when she straightened up, which usually meant someone was coming. He sniffed. Rose? Damian? They spar so much they're starting to smell similar.

It was Damian. "Hey, guys. Can I talk to Doomsday alone for a second?"

Garfield didn't really want to leave, but he didn't have a good reason to say no. "Sure."

"I do mean alone…take Conner with you and go somewhere far, please? Just for a bit." Damian asked the shapeshifter as he stood up.

The Changeling frowned suspiciously. "Okay…"

Once Garfield was gone, Raven paused the movie and waited. Robin slowly approached and sat next to her on the couch. He looked around for a while and she sensed his anxiety.

"Stop being all mysterious, you're making me nervous."

"I may have found something." He whispered. When Raven frowned questioningly, he elaborated. "I…remember your Christmas gift?"

The empath's eyes widened and her heart nearly stopped. And then the power went out.

"Raveeeeeen!" Several voices shouted from different places in the tower.

She bit her lip. "Shit."

Robin just smiled at her. "Sorry, I should have seen that coming, I'll tell them it was my fault. Cyborg will fix it anyway."

The sorcerer nodded. She didn't really care about the power at the moment. "Damian, what are you talking about?"

He took a deep breath. "Okay, so…you know how Eclipso was a former agent of The Presence? Called himself God's Wrath and all?" When she nodded, he went on. "Well, there are other agents. They embody other…aspects of The Presence. And that are currently in its service. There's the Spectre, he's Vengeance."

Raven nodded again. "Right, I've heard of him."

"And there's Radiant. She's the divine spirit of…well…Mercy. And, well, I found her."

Her mouth opened and closed at least three times. Where is he going with this?

"If she's basically God's Mercy…I thought maybe we could plead your case." Robin concluded.

Raven exhaled heavily and chuckled slightly. "Damian, that's really nice of you. And smart. But I'm pretty sure an agent of The Presence won't want to see me."

He nodded slowly. "Right, right. Yes, that makes sense." He glanced over at her to see her nodding along with him. "Except…I already made contact and she will see you."

The sorcerer's eyes went wide again and her entire body tensed up, sitting up straight. The TV blew up in dozens of pieces, though. Everyone else rushed into the ops room in seconds – including Superboy and Garfield, because they may have been too far to overhear their conversation but Conner had definitely heard the explosion.

"Holy shh…Raven, seriously!? Not the TV, man! You're conjuring a new one." Cyborg whined.

"While you're at it, conjure a bigger one, will you?" Ravager grinned greedily.

Conner smirked at the pair on the couch. "Why are you staring at each other like statues?"

Garfield frowned and moved closer to them. Some treacherous voice in the back of his mind started trying to convince him Damian was professing his love for her now that he was a little older, but he quickly chased those thoughts away before they drove him insane. He knew Robin was like a little brother to her. Besides, Raven had told him in secrecy that she thought Batman's son had a soft spot for Slade's daughter. "…guys?"

Damian put his hands up apologetically, still looking at Raven. "Look, I don't know what she will say or do. But…at least she'll listen to you, right? Personally, I think you have a stronger case than most full-humans." He chuckled.

"Friends." Starfire floated towards the couch. "Enough with the mysteries and explosions. Please. What is going on?"

Raven finally managed to move. "I-I…" She cleared her throat and averted her gaze from Robin to the others. "I'm sorry about…you know. I'll conjure a new TV, or buy one. But…Damian got me a hearing with the divine spirit of Mercy."

Most of the reactions to that were of absolute confusion. But the Changeling's eyes lit up. He remembered Damian's Christmas gift to her. He had tried to assist him after that, but Robin gently refused his help – apparently it was subtle and on the down-low work.

"You know…to discuss possibly saving my soul from eternal damnation?" Raven elaborated.

Now they got it. Eyes widened and the TV was absolutely forgotten. Richard headed to the couch and pulled his brother up, involving him in a tight hug. Damian grumbled a little, but accepted it for a few seconds before pushing him away and wiping his uniform. Starfire and the Changeling were giving Raven a sandwich hug. Garfield took advantage of the moment to give her a sweet peck on the cheek. She rolled her eyes at them.

Ravager just gave Damian a nonchalant single nod. "That's cool of you."

"It's more than that." Raven said, untangling herself from her boyfriend and best friend and standing up. "I don't know what will happen. I don't want you all to create these high expectations because I certainly don't want to create them myself. She'll probably politely deny me. But still…" She looked at Robin with wide, sincere eyes. "Thank you."

That night was pizza night. And Damian told them all the details about the whole thing while they ate. Raven kept asking Garfield to contain his expectations, hopes and excitement so it didn't rub off on her since they would probably all be frustrated. He figured after everything she'd done for him lately, he could try to be selfless for her, so he told her he would meditate and get a hold of his emotions and that if she needed to sleep alone until the meeting, she should do that. He would miss her terribly, but it was for a good cause and it was only a few days away. And she was grateful for it.

Apart from the two hours a day she spent reading everything she could about The Presence, celestial beings and Radiant herself in order to prepare, Raven tried not to think about it. She focused on everything else. She kept busy and trained, listened to Starfire and Bumblebee gossiping about their boyfriends – and even eventually joined in, got Salem new toys, investigated the Sirens with Dick – though it seemed they were mostly stealing expensive stuff and not planning a worldwide takeover, conjured a new and better TV for the ops room, and even helped Cyborg with the new T-Jet.

Rose Wilson ran up to her in the training room after sparring with Damian for the tenth time. "Hey RaeRae." She greeted teasingly.

Raven glared at her while continuing her Tai Chi practice. "Who told you to call me that?"

"Your boyfriend." Ravager smirked.

The empath grunted. "I should have killed him when I had the chance."

"Probably." Rose sat down on the bench next to her.

Raven sensed nervousness, fear, anxiety and doubt. "What is it?"

Ravager bit her lip. "How did you know that I-"

"Empath."

"Oh. Right." Rose cleared her throat. "Well, I…I was just wondering…and it's completely okay if you're not comfortable with it yet, by the way. But…is there any chance you would consider maybe…you know…letting my father die?"

Raven immediately stopped what she was doing and stared at her with a blank expression on her face. "Oh."

Ravager frowned. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. You're not ready. I just…you're not leaving him there forever, right? I mean, I would understand that, it's just…well, he's still my-"

"Rose." The empath said plainly. When she had the younger girl's attention, she took a deep breath. "You're right. It's time."

Rose smiled her most genuine smile yet and Raven thought she saw her eyes well up a bit.

"I'm not killing him." The sorcerer said pointedly. "But I'm not bringing him back here. You can choose where I'll send him. We'll go over possibilities later, okay?"

Rose's smile widened and she nodded, getting up to go train some more before she got embarrassingly emotional. She ran back to the tatami while yelling at Damian. "Hey, Batkid! What do you think you're doing with my swords?"

Slade had been going insane. It was either complete nothingness or torture and living nightmares and he wasn't sure which was worse. He wasn't sure how long it had been, but it felt like years, and he was struggling to remember who he was. The demon…the demon girl put me here, she said…she said she would let me die. Unless she died first. Then…

Hello, Slade. Did you miss me? Her uncharacteristically cheerful voice spoke inside his mind.

Deathstroke's eyes widened. That voice. Who is this!?

The one responsible for your demise, of course. I'm insulted, really.

YOU. It's you. The demon.

Half-demon. What's my name, Slade?

There was absolute silence.

Allow me to refresh your memory. She spoke again. Even if I have nothing left to fight for, I'll still fight against YOU. Even if I'm all that's left, I'll resist you. You'll NEVER have me.

Slade felt his stomach turn when memories of her flooded back in. Her arrogant face smirking at him. Her screams. Her insane smile. Her eyes glowing when she banished him. Raven.

There you go. So, did you miss me?

Kill me, Raven. Please. You said you would.

Killing you would be merciful. Why should I?

I'll do anything. Please.

Well, there's no need to beg me. I have a proposition for you.

He could practically hear the smirk in her voice. Yes?

I'll let you live, in my infinite mercy. But Earth is my home. You can never return to my home after what you did to me. I can send you somewhere else. Somewhere…nicer.

…why would you do that?

You're still nothing. And I'm over what you did to me. I don't need to punish you anymore.

Where would I go? She's playing with me…this can't be true.

Oh, it's true – and yes, I can hear your inner thoughts too. Somewhere where you're needed. Somewhere where there's people to defend and monsters to fight. Somewhere where you can redeem yourself. I'll keep an eye on you. If you don't use this chance well, I'll put you back there.

I'll use it well. You want me to protect the defenseless, right? I'll do it. Get me out of here.

…I also want an apology.

What?

You heard me.

He laughed loudly. Crazy demon witch.

Yes, I am.

Shit. You weren't supposed to hear that.

Don't worry, I'm flattered. Now, about that apology?

…I'm sorry, Raven. I should have never tried to enslave you.

Well, as long as you've learned your lesson.

I have. Never cross you. Now please just get me out of here.

By the way, your daughter says hello. You don't deserve it, but she forgives you.

Wait, what? My daughter? My…Rose.

Yes. Don't worry, she's fine. She's with me. She's a Titan now.

Slade Wilson knew when he was beaten. That's probably for the better. Tell her I'm sorry too.

For?

For being a terrible father.

Noted. Also, Terra says hello. Remember her? You got her to betray us and then she killed you.

Vaguely, yes. Does she want an apology too?

That would be nice.

I'm sorry for manipulating her. I regret underestimating all three of you. Obviously. Are you done gloating?

Are you humbled?

Definitely.

Then, yes. Good luck, Slade. Do better. Remember…I'm keeping an eye on you.

Raven's body had been floating in her signature Lotus stance so far. Eventually the candles around her went out and she opened her eyes and collapsed on the floor. She was sweaty and panting and exhausted. But the other Titans were most concerned about the unusual expression on her face. She was grinning. Freely and wickedly.

"Did it work? Did you do it?" Nightwing urgently asked her.

"Oh, I did it." She said breezily. "He's fine; he's going to use his skills to do some good now."

Damian folded his arms and smiled at her. "You taunted him, didn't you?"

Raven blissfully looked up at him. "I may have rubbed it in a little."

"Did you tell him I'm a Titan?" Rose wasn't worried anymore, she was grinning widely.

"I did." The sorcerer nodded. "I got you an apology." She chuckled and looked at Terra, who had come over just for this. "And you." She spread her arms wide open with the same content, but slightly broken smile on her face. "And one for me, of course! He hated every second."

Rose, Terra and Raven shared a slightly hysterical laughter – the kind of laughter that only comes from laughing at something that once haunted your nightmares.

"Are you okay?" The Changeling asked his girlfriend through a sad smile. She seemed a little crazy and he knew it came from pain. It almost seemed like she was slightly drunk.

Raven peacefully lay down on the floor and closed her eyes. "Of course, I'm avenged. And he's definitely learned his lesson."

Garfield smiled wider and moved closer to her. He also moved in front of Conner, who he thought had been watching her a little too intently. "You really let him have it, huh?"

She opened her eyes and shot him a small, mischievous smile. "I had a little fun with it."

Everyone else seemed more at ease now that she was going back to her usual self.

Raven intently stared at the shapeshifter hovering over her and put her arms up in the air. "I just reached to a prison-like dimension to pull a person out and send him to a whole other world." She gave him innocent eyes and a cute smile. "I'm really tired. Help?"

The Changeling immediately kneeled down next to her and put his arms around her back and under her knees, pulling her to his chest and smiling. "Sure thing, my Goddess."

The empath giggled softly when he rose to his feet with her in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder, because she really was tired. "Shower, please. I'm all icky."

Garfield chuckled and carried her to the bathroom. She was extremely sweaty. Whatever she'd just done there had taken a lot of energy. He gently put her down on the shower stall's floor and helped her, massaging her scalp when he washed her hair.

"Mmm, you're too kind to me." Raven smiled contently, with her eyes closed.

He scoffed and laughed at the same time.

"What?" She asked softly.

Garfield shook his head, smiling fondly. "It's just that…you just did this really serious, scary, dark and powerful thing. And at the same time, you're just so freaking adorable."

Raven gave him a tired, but genuine smile. "You're adorable. You're my light."

His heart fluttered with that one. His cheeks burned and his grin widened. His chest felt all warm and fuzzy and it actually hurt, but in the best possible way. Never let her go.

A few days later, they were all outside the Jump City museum after hours. Raven took a deep breath and pulled on her armor. "How do I look?"

Starfire immediately started inspecting her and making sure her hair looked perfect while everyone else stared at them quizzically.

"How do you look? Raven, are you okay?" Nightwing tilted his head in concern.

Garfield smiled slightly. "Love, are you…nervous?"

As soon as he said it, she gave herself away by looking a little flustered, which led to everyone laughing whole-heartedly at the rare endearing sight of Raven being nervous.

The empath huffed and narrowed her eyes, regaining control. "Leave me alone. She's kind of a big deal, okay?"

They tried their best to diminish their amusement, because none of them wanted her to change her mind about asking them to tag along. Raven took another deep breath and walked inside unsurely. Her friends followed her close behind. She knew exactly where Radiant was – her presence was overwhelming. It was utterly good, warm, and kind. And yet it was very, very powerful and intimidating. She followed her aura to one of the several rooms full of paintings. And there she was – glowing brightly, made of pure light, standing there and staring at a particular painting. They were all frozen in place at such an overpowering presence so close to them. The empath held her breath.

"Hello, child." Radiant said softly, without looking away from the painting.

Raven didn't move at first, so Dick took a fearful step forward and kindly nudged her back, encouraging her. She took yet another deep breath and floated to the entity's side, glancing at the painting that had caught this heavenly being's attention so much.

"Do you know who that is?" Radiant asked, regarding the work of art.

The sorcerer tilted her head to admire it. Unlike Radiant, it wasn't heavenly at all. It was a painting of Hell. As in, the hellish dimension where evil humans supposedly go to. And there was a sinister figure sitting on a throne at the top. He wasn't sinister in appearance – he was actually rather attractive. It was his smile. It exuded cruelty. It was a nice painting in her not-so-humble opinion. Yes, everyone knows who that is. That would be Satan. The ACTUAL Satan.

"…that's Lucifer Morningstar." Raven said quietly, but firmly.

Radiant nodded. "That's right. He's also the one who helped the warlock boy with those artefacts you so cleverly disposed of."

The half-demon heard suffocated gasps behind her. Her own eyes had widened slightly before she just frowned in confusion. Wait, what!? "Why would Lucifer want to help Klarion?"

"I'm afraid his interests were more aligned with making you a trap than helping the boy."

That confused her even more. Why would Lucifer Morningstar care what happens to me? Isn't he busy ruling over Hell or something? Also, is it HIS power I borrow every time Gar and I have sex? "Oh. Did he have some ancient grudge against Trigon?"

"He made those for you, not your father."

Raven's mind was racing. "To…force me to release Trigon? Were they close or something?"

"No, child. To contain you."

The sorcerer was really taken aback by that. She inhaled sharply, unsure of what to say, and glanced at the painting again. I've never even met him. Besides, he's Satan. In some twisted way, she felt rather honored.

"Makes you feel important, doesn't it?" Radiant asked through the tiniest of smiles.

Busted. Raven looked away shamefully. "Well, I…I mean, he is- and I'm not- I mean, I'm…" She sighed. "Yes. Sorry, humility isn't my strong suit. I'm working on that."

"Oh, I know, child. Your human connections helped quite a lot. You've even fallen in love."

Raven blushed deeply and hugged herself. Garfield blushed deeply as well and scratched the back of his neck while Cyborg gave his arm a congratulatory friendly punch.

"…I know it precisely because you are important." The spirit of Mercy continued.

Oh shit. "…I am?"

"And not just because of your lineage." Radiant turned to her. "We have been watching you, demon child."

And then Raven looked up at her and felt absolutely overwhelmed. She had never felt this humbled before. So she just stared at her with wide eyes. Who is WE? What's happening!?

"You seek salvation for your soul." Radiant said in a kind voice. When Raven just speechlessly nodded, she continued. "I can't offer that. Demons cannot enter Heaven. Even hybrids."

The empath exhaled softly. Well, so much for that. Guess I have an eternity of being personally taunted by Lucifer himself to look forward to. She glanced at the painting again and grimaced.

"You won't necessarily go there." Radiant said, practically reading her thoughts. "If you stay on your current path, it will be much better than that. But it will still be Purgatory."

"Oh." Raven nodded slowly, deciding she could make her peace with that. She could sense her friends weren't as okay with it as she was, but she would handle that later. "Will my friends go to Heaven? Some of them have taken lives, but…their hearts are pure."

Radiant smiled. "Their path isn't over, so their fates aren't defined yet. But they all have a chance, yes. All but you."

Her heart instantly filled with relief. Purgatory would be easier when knowing everyone she loves was safe and happy. "Okay, thank you for your time and-"

"I cannot offer you salvation, demon child. But I can offer you freedom."

Raven curiously tilted her head. "Oh?"

"Like I said, we have been watching you. We have been watching since you defeated Trigon. And much more closely lately. You have done some impressive things."

She couldn't help a small, smug smile on her lips, so she tried to hide it by looking away.

"But you have also exercised restraint when it was most important." The entity continued.

Raven shifted her weight between her feet. I didn't think anyone was like, watching.

"We are pleased with you." Radiant concluded.

At this point, the empath was blushing. She looked up at the spirit of Mercy. "I…thank you."

"I see your pain, child. Every second of your existence in this mortal realm is a struggle. Even in your happiness, you are incomplete. I can help you ascend. I can make you something else entirely. An immortal being."

This time the gasps were louder. Raven herself let out an audible exhale. Garfield started dreading where the whole thing was going; thinking that she's intimidating enough as it is and what are the chances of her being with him as an immortal entity?

"I…I don't understand." The empath whispered. "I'm half-human. I'm mortal."

"We can change that."

Right, I knew that. Don't be dumb, Raven. "But wouldn't I have to be tested?"

"Oh, you have been tested, child." Radiant said in a slightly amused tone.

"So, then…I wouldn't die. So…no Purgatory." The empath pondered, mostly to herself.

"Well, yes. But it would mean more than that."

"Oh?"

"This world cannot contain the full extent of your power, but the Sixth Dimension can."

Raven's mouth hung open. She knew what that meant. She'd read about it, of course. It's a realm out of time and space where only highly elevated cosmic entities are allowed. What is even happening right now?

Radiant continued. "In three days, I will open a bridge. This will not happen again in your mortal life, demon child. We will understand if you do not wish to go. But if you do…" She held out a beautiful, small iridescent stone. "Guard this with your life. It will be your only window to us. When it's time, in three days, it will glow. Say your mantra and the power in this gem will open a portal to me. And I'll carry you by the hand and turn you into all you can be."

Garfield started to despair. He felt his heart tighten excruciatingly, because this wasn't how this was supposed to go. What is happening? WHY is this happening? She's talking about taking her away. She wouldn't go, right!?

Raven took the gemstone delicately, but securely, and admired it in the palm of her hand. "…would I ever see my friends again?"

"That will depend entirely on you. Once you've settled into your new self you should travel dimensions and worlds at will if you wish." When Radiant saw Raven's hopeful smile, she quickly added to that. "As long as you don't neglect your obligations guarding the Universe."

The empath nodded. "This is really generous. I don't think I could, but…thank you."

Thank God. Garfield exhaled. She's not going. Of course she's not going.

"Before you refuse, let me be clear. This would release you from your prison of flesh."

"My…what now?" The sorcerer frowned.

"You've made yourself a comfortable cage." Radiant said, glancing at Raven's friends. "But…" She turned her attention to the empath again. "…it is still a cage. This would mean no more restraints. You wouldn't have to contain Trigon anymore. You would have the power to lock him away in some forgotten Universe or maybe even wipe him from existence by absorbing him entirely – his hold on you would be over. And you would be allowed to unleash your true self and full power. No more holding back."

Stop making her think about it. Garfield started panting. His heart was racing.

Raven had been listening intently and now her eyes were watery and her heart was hopeful and she forgot to control her emotions for a moment. No more holding back. No more Trigon. Never mind my soul. No more living in fear of hurting the ones I love. No more living in fear, period. And then the Titans shouted, because the paintings flew across the room and exploded into thin air. Lucifer's painting caught on fire. She flinched and bit her lip regretfully.

Radiant smiled. "It would mean no more of that."

Silent tears rolled down Raven's cheeks. "I…I'd be…"

Garfield's heart sank. No, no, no, no, no. Please no. She's considering it.

"Free." Radiant stated firmly, but kindly.

Freedom. She's offering me freedom. The empath struggled to keep her heart from soaring to a blissful state of hope it had never been to before.

"And complete. But it is entirely your choice, child." The entity concluded.

And just like that, the spirit of Mercy was gone and all the paintings were magically restored and back where they belonged. Several seconds of shocked silence followed before anyone dared to speak again.

"…well, holy shit." Nightwing whispered.

I sure hope you guys don't mind a dramatic turn of events, hahaha. xD

Paradise (Coldplay)