AU. Raven Roth wakes up one morning to find mysterious glowing symbols all over her body. She hires Detective Gray to find out what's happening to her- and how to stop it before it's too late.

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"The satanic cult called Trigon's Choosen shook the nation when they killed a group of school children last month-" a news reporter droned on as Raven readied herself for work. She blocked out the rest of the news, it looks like they were just rehashing the same old story. The local station hit paydirt with this local satanic cult activity last month; the news went national for a few days and the channel reaped the benefits. It looked like now they'd do anything to get the viewers back.

Raven shut the television off with a click of the remote and left for work.

Raven Roth had a perfect life.

She had a great apartment on the nice side of town, with a pleasant view and comfortable wardrobe. A new electric car she paid for in cash sat in the covered spot reserved for her in the apartment parking lot. Her boyfriend was successful, attractive, and doting, and he loved her. Just last week she was promoted to senior editor at the small publishing company where she worked. And, not to mention, today was her birthday. Her 25th birthday, to be exact.

Work was wonderful. Her office did the traditional cake and ice cream to celebrate. Her boss had also given her the rest of the day off before he left the office himself, as he often left early on Fridays. Raven smiled on the whole ride home, happy to have a little time to herself before Jason got home. She wondered what restaurant he'd picked to celebrate.

She felt a strange wave a foreboding as she entered her apartment. Her senses told her that she wasn't the only one in the apartment. She quickly flipped the light switch.

"SURPRISE!" Several people popped out from behind her living room furniture. Raven recognized Arthur, her boss, several work friends, a few authors she had published, and a few of Jason's friends. Her boyfriend Jason skipped forward.

"Happy birthday baby," Jason said. He kissed her on the cheek.

"Oh, Jason, you shouldn't have." Raven said. She blushed at all the attention.

"Of course I should," Jason winked.

Raven mingled throughout the evening, managing to network while enjoying the evening. She finally managed to make her way to the kitchen. Jason ordered catering from her favorite restaurant, but she found she had been unable to eat thus far because of all the well-wishers. She ate quickly, knowing she'd likely be drawn back to the party soon.

Jason's head appeared around the corner. "Time to sing Happy Birthday," he said, smiling.

"Be right there," Raven replied. She grabbed a napkin and cleaned up a bit before heading into the dining room.

The guests crowded around the end unoccupied by a pink cake with a 2 and a 5 candle. They smiled at her as she took her seat.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Raven, happy birthday to you," they sang.

Raven leaned forward and breathed in, thinking of what she would wish for. Nothing came to mind. She had everything she could want. She smiled. What a perfect birthday. What a perfect life.

As she blew the candles out, her skin seared in total agony. Raven screamed and quickly looked down at her hands. Strange red symbols littered her skin. She pushed the fabric of her blazer back, revealing more symbols. She screamed louder. The pain wasn't subsiding. If anything, it was getting worse. Her guests gasped and a few screamed, several hands were cupped to mouths in shock and horror.

"Raven? Raven!" Jason shouted, grabbing her hands and pulling her sleeves up.

And, just as suddenly as the pain had come, it had gone. But the glowing symbols remained.


"I'm sorry about your birthday." Jason said.

"It's okay," Raven replied. "I just wish I knew what was going on!" She said, frustrated.

The party guests had all left shortly after the incident. No one knew what to say. A few asked if she was alright. Her boss said she could work from home as long as she liked, until she figured out her eczema problem, or whatever it was.

"Are you gonna be okay? I don't have to go. I can totally stay here if you need me," he said.

She shook her head. Jason was a highly-demanded bodyguard. He needed to stay in shape, to prevent being injured on the job.

"I'll just browse the web and try to figure this out," she said, gesturing to the laptop resting on the coffee table before her.

Jason hesitated. "I used to work with this one guy… He's the best detective I ever knew," Jason said. He frowned. "But he won't leave Gotham."

"Hmm," Raven pondered. She peered down at the still-glowing glyphs and symbols on her body. "Maybe it's worth a trip…" she trailed off. This certainly didn't look like something that could wait.

Jason waved the notion away. "Nah, don't bother. He has an apprentice, like an intern, that just moved and set up shop here. He's just as good." Jason said.

"Oh," replied Raven. She perked up considerably. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Jason shrugged. "I don't really like the guy," he said. "But he's the best, and you deserve the best." He smiled and drew Raven in for a kiss.

"Thanks." She said. Jason reached for grocery list pad next to her laptop and scribbled something. He handed it to her.

"Love you baby." Jason said as he kissed her forehead. "See you later." He picked his gym bag off the floor and headed for the door. Raven knew he'd be gone the rest of the night. His training sessions lasted hours and hours, sometimes he wasn't back by the time she left for work the next morning.

"See you," she mumbled.

Raven fingered the edge of the crinkled slip of torn paper. 555-8618. Robin Gray.

She sighed and picked up the phone.