Chapter 09: Between the rock and the hard place.
Deep in Jump city Beast boy patrolled the skies as a falcon looming over the streets looking for some action, looking for some punk to keep him busy while the rest of the Titans were keeping busy trying to find Raven. To no avail Beast boy could not concentrate even on that, hell a Playboy model could've flashed right there and then and he wouldn't even notice so he returned to Titans tower to blow off steam the old fashioned way, no not that 'old fashioned', hitting a sand bag in the gym. Hitting the gym for good 6 hours he lost track of time until Night-wing entered the room.
"feeling better?"
At that Beast boy answered.
"no… not yet…"
At that Night-wing smirked as he asked.
"care to train on a live target?"
With that Night-wing stepped in volunteering as a sparring partner as Beast boy accepted, now facing each other Beast boy made the first move targeting Night-wing's arms and legs with the latter avoiding the former rather easily.
"is that the best you can do?….. I thought Batman trained you better…"
Hearing that didn't help the situation as Beast boy lashed out as he threw away any semblance of form or technique, for a few minutes Night-wing dodged until he saw an opening, with a single gut punch Night-wing winded Beast boy who's now gasping for air.
"you're focusing too much on the problem…. focus on a solution."
Humbled Beast boy asked in between breaths.
"here endeth the lesson?"
Night-wing smirked as he answered.
" only if you want to call it that…"
At that Beast boy smirked back regaining some of his confidence in the process as he ran to his room for a quick shower. When Beast boy got out of the shower he hurried into his room wearing the uniform back on as he happened to glance by the notes made by John Constantine. Finding inspiration he quickly pulled out his communicator he dialed someone who could help.
"Batman… it's Beast boy, look I got no time to talk here… I need to know how to get in touch with John Constantine."
Batman in his unreadable expression replied.
"figures…. Night-wing contacted me with the same request… as I said to him Constantine doesn't want to be found unless he lets it happen…. I'm working on finding him so in the meantime hang tight."
With that the transmission cut out leaving beast boy stumped as he ultimately decided that maybe a little nap is in order, despite being skeptical if it works or not. Speaking of sleep Raven has woken up into Trigon's latest domain. As she opened her eyes she made a quick mental note that her surroundings were most likely once a lively inn as she walked around seeing many doors adorning numbers on them being further convinced as she stumbled upon a tavern, however this one has seen better days since it was filled to the brim with dust and debris.
'better search the area around… see if I can find anyone who could lead me to Trigon.'
With that in mind Raven ventured outside only to find a few living souls walking about but before she could even approach them she witnessed that as night fell upon the foreign land a red and black mist descended upon the earth killing all living thing in it's wake so Raven quickly made her way back into the ruined in.
"note to self… the next time you go on a solo mission…. don't
Waiting for the mist to clear meant waiting for what seemed like most of the night, with the mist slowly dissipating Raven ventured outside as she closed the eyes of the tortured deceased before moving further up the road. She had walked for a solid hour or two before encountering life forms however knowing where she was it won't be a friendly encounter.
" who are you?!…. identify yourselves"
Among the three individuals she encountered, one of them smirked.
'funny… we know who you are… Daughter of the depraved.'
The man who spoke was a young man probably no older than Cyborg but his features made him look as old as 50 at least, well at least the visible ones that is, since his body was riddled with scars and open wounds, as for the other two they didn't utter a word keeping a close eye on her instead.
" so let me guess….. you want to trade me in exchange for leniency from Trigon?"
At that the individual's gaze intensified as Raven let out a disappointed sigh.
"please listen to reason."
With that the individuals attacked her as she defended herself to the best of her abilities with hand to hand combat as she tried to subdue them without using force, after about 10 minutes the last of them fell down as Raven cursed Trigon silently continuing on her way. In the meantime back on earth Beast boy woke up from his nap to find most of the Titans in ops room with a certain guest among them.
"let me guess… you're Constantine?"
At that Constantine smirked.
"not quite….. you see I have a few other gigs and cases on my hand so I'm projecting myself… but nice try there old boy."
Beast boy sighed in annoyance.
" I don't have Britannica here with me so can you get to the point in plain old English?"
Every Titan in the room shot daggers at Beast boy as Constantine gave a full grin.
"well since you put it so nicely….. I can find your old lady but the journey won't be easy."
At that Beast boy's confidence shot up as he said.
"hey what do you take me for?"
With that Constantine answered.
"trust me… you don't want to know"
As Constantine explained exactly what was about to happen and how to mostly evade it a thought crept up in Beast boy's mind.
'wait a minute… did he just handed to me a backhanded insult?'
At this moment he chose to ignore that thought as he refocused on Constantine's explanation, trying to make sense of it.
"so let me get it straight… you can track Raven's location and once there don't touch anything otherwise your mind's gonna break apart right?"
Constantine didn't say a word at first until he spoke up.
"you weren't listening were you?"
At that Beast boy argued back.
"with the way you talk…. I'm lucky enough to get this far"
Hearing that made Constantine's blood boil a bit however he just sighed as he took a toke from his cigarette.
" I'll give you this much… for a yank you've managed to follow quite nice….. but you forgot about keeping you mind blank…. Trigon over there is the big boss… if he gets in your head…. you've done for mate."
To that Beast boy responded by simply asking.
"right… so do you need a volunteer for this magic act of yours? Or do we have to go as a team?"
At that Constantine smirked as he concluded the conversation.
"believe me it's much easier when it's a solo trip…. and since you're the one playing 20 questions I'm guessing you want to win this lovely trip?"
At that Beast boy gave a cocky grin asking.
"when am I leaving?"
With that Cyborg muttered 'soon hopefully' before he got a slap at the back of the head by Night-wing as Constantine answered.
"as soon as I'm finished in the living room and as soon as I finish this here cig."
With that Constantine wondered off into the living room, inspecting what remained of the demonic construct as he chanted in a language none of the Titans really understood all to well, all the while weaving a few symbols with his hands as he finished his cigarette. No more than a few seconds later a portal similar to the one Raven opened emerged in the middle of the living room as Beast boy began staring at it like an art piece at a museum.
"mind telling me what the hell you were doing or where the hell this is?"
At that Constantine answered plainly before he pushed Beast boy through.
"keeping my word…. now off you go…."
As Beast boy was pushed inside the portal closed leaving Constantine to search for a new cigarette, not finding any he asked.
"oi any of you lot is carrying a pack?"
At that moment he caught himself answering his own question.
"course not…. forgot who I was talking to."
Landing face first in the ground Beast boy muttered to himself.
" when I'll get my hands on that teabag…."
Remembering Constantine's instructions Beast boy kept his mind clear as he transformed himself into a pterodactyl as he began flying through the air trying to locate Raven's scent but instead he got a dose of brimstone, sulfur, and mercury in his nostrils forcing him to land reverting back to human form.
"looks like ill have to do it the old fashioned way…. god I wish I had an 'old fashioned' about now."
As he said those words Trigon has picked up on it, now using it to his advantage as he roamed the land in search of his daughter, projecting Beast boy's voice like an echo in the hopes that Raven would eventually show her presence to him, as for Raven herself, she was taking refuge in a cavern deep in the mountains where it will be difficult for Trigon's followers to find her. At the moment Raven was sitting deep in the cave roasting demonic hound's meat as she tried to regain her strength as she heard the following.
' Raven… where are you?!….. speak to me….'
Raven at that ignored the voice calling out to her as she instinctively thought to herself that it could be one of Trigon's mind tricks so instead she chose to go to sleep instead as her body gave way to fatigue but not before setting a few spells to ward off demons and other predators. As she fell asleep Beast boy in the mean time came across yet another abandoned village as he walked passed three already, or was it the same village four times already and he was frustratingly going in a circle? Having that thought creeping up in his head he took the hint and scoured the village for a good place to take a quick nap, finding an abandoned cottage.
" well this isn't the Ritz but I guess this would do…."
Searching the living room he found almost nothing standing but a dusty wooden coffee table and with that Beast boy tried to clear away the dust as he eventually transformed into a green house cat, carefully climbing on board as he fell asleep immediately. The next time he woke up it was the crack of dawn which was about 6 hours later as Beast boy got up and transformed back into a human.
"great… like an idiot I overslept…."
With that Beast boy was about to morph yet again but he was interrupted but what felt like an earthquake.
"seriously… now… of….. all…places?"
Heading outside to check what was going on he was shocked to find demons the size of mountains and by the looks of it made out of mountains were destroying the village looking for something or more likely someone.
" great… and here I thought I was careful!"
At that Beast boy caught his mouth shut but it was too late the demons caught on to the sound of his voice which now they were turning towards him, chasing full speed as Beast boy ran as fast as he could.
"Oh shit… what have I gotten myself into this time….."
As he began to run he started morphing into animals with velocity in them including Cheetahs but nothing worked, so he tried to look for something that would slow the mountain creatures down but to no avail.
"Rachel…. help…. for the love of god… someone give me a sign"
As the demons chase Beast boy for at least a couple of miles by now he eventually fed up with this bullshit, plus he eventually remembered that he could change into ferocious animals stronger than mountains which made him feel more stupid by each passing minute, turning around mid run he morphed into a triceratops as he charged the mountain demons head on in a really weird game of chicken. As Beast boy got closer and closer he eventually rammed them both scattering their bodies to the wind as he transformed back into human form now getting pebbles out of his shoes.
" don't they realize they should've moved out of the way?….. maybe they didn't get the memo."
As he finished getting his uniform dusted off he witnessed the debris reconfigure into the demonic forms as he exclaimed loudly.
" hey….. no fair…. that's cheating…."
Before anything else could happen Beast boy spotted a familiar sight, one that at the moment quite frightened him, it was Raven's soul self but it felt more intense and domineering as it glided through the mountain demons, turning them to dust, before swooping in carrying Beast boy to where Raven was laying in wait. As Beast boy was unceremoniously dropped off Raven's soul self returned to his host.
"turn back and go home."
At that Beast boy rubbed his ass from the fall as he said.
"gee and here I thought I was special…."
At that Raven made no comment, she repeated herself showing no ounce of emotion.
"leave…"
At that Beast boy started to show anger.
"not without you… not without my wife!"
At that Raven sighed with frustration as she properly acknowledged him.
"Beast boy… Gar…. please turn back and return home…. if this place won't kill you it will literally drive you insane…. please…. I came here to deal with Trigon myself to keep him as far away from earth."
Confused at this point Beast boy asked.
"then what was the point with the special training?…. what was the point of reforming the Titans way back when?… you trust us don't you?"
At that Raven answered as follows.
"no… I love you all….. you're my family….. and just like my mother….. if protecting you all means sacrificing myself?… ill do it in a heart beat…"
At that beast boy continued the conversation by asking.
"and the note you gave Cyborg…. was that a lie?"
At that Raven looked away slightly ashamed.
"mostly…. to be honest I didn't know if I would ever come back at all…"
At that Beast boy clenched his fists really tight as he breathed deeply before looking at her square in the eyes.
"have I ever mentioned how my parents died?"
Raven answered the following with realization in her eyes.
"yes…. oh god… how insensitive of me…."
Before she could say more Beast boy captured her lips with his for a brief moment before saying.
"don't do this to yourself…. I don't want people dwelling on that story…. now look I may have failed to save the ones I love once…. that I can't change….. what I can do is make sure that doesn't happen again…. now how about we kick Trigon's ass together?"
At that Raven gave him a genuine smile saying.
"you're such a romantic you know that?"
At that Beast boy smirked saying.
"well I do…. but please feel free to remind me as much as you want…."
At that Raven rolled her eyes as she pointed out.
"can you say 'thank you' like a normal person?"
At that Beast boy played innocent with the following remark.
"can you point out to me what's normal in a green skinned person?, turning into animals no less?"
At that Raven dead panned.
"okay, now you're just being a smart ass…"
With that Beast boy just gave her a sincere smile as he pointed out.
" I assume you have a plan on how to handle Trigon right?"
At that Raven nodded a 'no' as she returned to the cavern to reinforce the spells as Beast boy intervened.
"that's okay…. I'll stay guard for a while…. you rest up a little bit"
At that Raven gave him a small smile saying.
"watch your back…"
With that Beast boy finished.
"and keep your mind empty…. I know, I had the pleasure of meeting Constantine too."
At that Raven stifled a small laugh knowing full well that Constantine somehow got under Beast boy's skin as Beast boy himself went outside to stand guard all the while making sure that the polluted air of this dimension won't interfere with his senses, ripping one of his uniform sleeves using it as a make shift mask.
"Trigon….. where are you you ugly bastard…. show yourself so we could kick your ass once and for all so we could return home….."
As the day wore on Beast boy stood guard withstanding the harsh weather and environment as Raven kept on resting as her powers slowly returned to her, when she felt rested enough she came to relieve Beast boy from his post.
"rest…. you're no good to me exhausted."
At that Beast boy went back inside the cave noticing that there weren't any flat surfaces to fall a sleep on as he muttered to himself.
"gee that would do wonders for my back…."
Morphing into a snake Beast boy slithered in between a few rocks as he allowed himself to close his eyes and fall asleep. A few hours have passed as Beast boy eventually woke up in the middle of the night abruptly.
"Raven…Rachel?!…. where are you?"
Raven answered him.
"behind you…. now calm down, nothing happened…. yet."
Beast boy at that managed to relax a bit, long enough to breathe deeply.
"sorry…. couldn't help but feel like I overslept…."
Hearing that Raven gently messed up his hair a bit replying with.
"you didn't….. you actually woke up right on time."
Beast boy gave her a puzzled look as she elaborated.
" I sense Trigon is on the move probably looking for me…. if I want to defeat him I have to take the fight to him."
At that Beast boy pointed out.
"are you strong enough to fight him?"
Understanding where he came from she answered accordingly.
" I've been getting much stronger lately…. still with you on my side the odds are improving."
At hearing that Beast boy tightened his make shift mask around his face as he followed Raven outside, staying on her trail as she moved through the hellish land towards Trigon himself, noticing the destruction around him and the dead Trigon left behind as horrific statues Beast boy had to ask.
" say….. is that what will become of earth if we don't stop him?"
Raven answered as follows.
"to be honest I can't be sure… probably…. or he could do something else entirely."
At that Beast boy remarked.
I see…. kinda wishing right now we had backup you know?"
At that Raven reassured him.
" we have…. they're back on earth where we need them….. now focus and clear your mind…."
At that Beast boy tried to clear his mind as they came closer to one of many Trigon's strongholds with trigon himself marching in the distance towards their direction shaking the earth doing.
"got a plan of attack over here?"
At that Raven looked at him answering plainly.
"yes…. distract those demons for as long as possible while I confront Trigon head on."
With that Raven used her powers to levitate herself off the ground leaving Beast boy behind talking out loud.
"that's all good and fine….but what do you expect me to do?… tell knock knock jokes until they get a headache?"
At that Beast boy took off towards the encampment morphing mid run into a T Rex as he started swiping at the stunned demons left and right causing chaos and pandemonium as Raven slipped on by flying directly at Trigon who in the meantime took notice of her.
'foolish girl…. your pride shall be your undoing…..'
With that a battle started between Raven and Trigon as both used their power to try and dominate one over the other, however as Raven used her powers more and more so did her power caused destruction that rivaled Trigon's. for about an hour Trigon and Raven battled with now each in a deadlock as both sides were equally matched.
"surrender…. it's over….. I'm stuck with you in this hellish dimension… and I will not allow you safe passage to earth…."
At that Trigon gave a wholehearted laugh, and by wholehearted meaning laced with cynicism and venom.
'allow me?!….… I created you….. your powers are mine to command… and now I shall have them back…..'
With that Trigon began to syphon Raven's powers into his own, trying to take away her knowledge, experiences and memories just to be crueler even still, and with each attempt of Raven to fight it he pushed violently further that is he felt an attack coming from his back, or to be precise he felt an attack on his heels, glancing down he saw a green Stegosaurus using it's tail on his legs as a mace. Before he could've dealt with the pest properly he felt a sudden sting hitting his eyes as Raven summoned her powers to restrain him as she tried to bury him in a rock slide.
"my powers may have came from you…. but I choose what to do with them…. I am not you… I am my own person….. not a pawn and certainly….. not your property…"
At that Trigon began to laugh as the rocks that fell down from the mountains have started to from around the demon slowly entrapping him in stone.
'you think you've won….. but you have not….. wherever there's a sliver of evil…. I shall remain alive… and whether you like it or not….. you will fulfill the purpose for which you were created….'
By that point the rocks have encased his face shutting him up for now leaving only a statue in his likeness as raven concluded the conversation.
" I'm well aware…. but by the time you find a way out of this prison you'll be nothing more than a faint memory…..mark my words"
At that Raven collapsed from exhaustion as Beast boy caught her.
"are you okay?…."
At that Raven replied with.
"yes… just feeling a bit winded…"
Beast boy just smiled as he asked quietly.
"Trigon didn't get anything useful did he?"
Raven nodded a ' no' answering she purposefully fed him bunk info as Beast boy called up Constantine. A few moments later a portal opened up as Beast boy hoisted up Raven carrying her bridal style.
"you'll never get tired of it will you?"
At that Beast boy gave a playful smirk.
"nope."
Crossing from the other side they were greeted by Constantine alone as the tower otherwise was completely quiet and desolate. Quirking an eyebrow Constantine was about to make a comment as Beast boy cuts him off.
" don't say a thing we've heard it all before….. where is everybody?"
At that Constantine relaxed a bit giving a nonchalant answer.
"they've been called away….. nothing major they couldn't handle on their own and what not….. in fact if I'm not mistaken they should be back within the hour."
At that Beast boy placed Raven gently on the living room couch as he addressed Constantine.
"not that I don't trust you or anything but I'm going after them…. be back in half."
As he said that he morphed into a falcon and flew off to find the rest of the Titans as Raven laid down to rest on the couch as Constantine went to raid the fridge.
"thanks… for everything you know…. even though I had a solid plan….."
At that Constantine snorted.
"solid?!….. giving your friends and loved one a heart attack?"
At that Raven got defensive.
" you think you could've come up with a different solution?"
As Constantine raided the fridge he answered.
"sure… if you were to contact me directly….. by the way, where do you keep the scotch?"
At that Raven answered as follows.
"we don't….now what do you gain from helping us?"
At that Constantine answered nonchalantly with a deadpan manner.
"let's sat things straight now…. in your case I'm doing you a freebie cause I don't fancy the idea of demons running a mock in our world….. if the circumstances were different then you should expect an invoice for services rendered…"
At that raven nodded in acknowledgement as Constantine made himself scarce.
"mind telling that Beast of yours something on my behalf?"
Raven gestured him to continue.
"job well done…. for a yank"
At that Constantine faded as Raven was left a bit confused as she walked to her room thinking.
'what was that about…'
As she walked to her room a realization was forming in her head which made her profusely blush and mutter.
"damn you Constantine….."
As she entered her room she immediately fell on her bed when she saw a small note placed on her pillows from the corner of her eye, opening it she read the following.
' you didn't think I'd leave without throwing a suggestion now did ya?….. I can separate that bastard Trigon from you… follow my instructions to the latter and contact me again once you've done so….. p.s your boyfriend will understand what I meant….'
With that Raven read carefully what Constantine wrote before reluctantly falling asleep as exhaustion finally sets in. A few hours have passed as the afternoon sun hit the eyes of the now resting Raven making her reluctantly open her eyes as the vision of Beast boy greeted her.
"rise and shine sleeping beauty…."
Raven dead pan.
"keep quiet… I still want to sleep in a bit more….."
Beast boy nodded whispering.
"sure thing."
Before he could leave though Raven stopped him.
" you got a message from Constantine….."
Beast boy rolled his eyes playfully as he gestured Raven to continue.
"job well done….. for a yank"
At that Beast boy rolled his eyes even harder in exaggeration as he landed his eyes on the note.
"is that what I think it is?"
At that Raven nodded a 'yes' as she allowed Beast boy to read it , reading it quickly he got excited and giddy as he hugged Raven in a comedic fashion as Raven thought to herself.
' well….. I had it coming….'
Over the next few days she let the Titans know what was happening as she made arrangements, collecting every item and potions the list described as she carefully noted to herself to make haste since her birthday by this point was mere 10 days away, once she completed the list she contacted Constantine within a week.
' everything's ready….'
With that Constantine gave a small nod before ending his mental conversation returning to his Paddington flat. Breathing deeply he made the arrangements to travel in person to the states muttering.
" well John old boy….. let's hope you're prepared for the worst."
A few minutes later he exited the apartment hailing a taxi towards Heathrow airport . It's been a day since Constantine left his Paddington flat heading on over to the states as Raven at the moment was pacing in her room going over on the list again making sure she hasn't forgotten anything as a splitting headache came over her, that was no ordinary headache, it was Trigon's influence seeping into her trying to drive her insane. Stumbling through the room she managed to find her vanity mirror as she concentrated long and hard until the mirror opened the doorway to Nevermore. Throwing herself inside it she eventually landed in 'bravery's' domain.
' hey stranger… do what do I owe the pleasure?'
At that moment 'bravery' lunged at a couple of demons who tried to gang up on her destroying them on the spot with well placed punches and kicks to their weak points as Raven came to, doing so recognizing the place as a replica of her grandmother's house.
"what's going on here?…. I'm certain I trapped Trigon haven't I?'
As Raven lend a helping hand providing cover for 'bravery' said emotion responded with.
'well here's the scoop… yes you trapped his body but his influence is still rampant…'
As Raven and 'bravery' defeated the last of the demons Raven began to feel lightheaded again as she breathed deeply asking.
"they're not the last ones are they?"
'bravery' scoffed as she said.
'do you honestly think it's this easy?'
Raven snorted replying.
"never crossed my mind…. now what can we do to keep those bastards out?"
'bravery' answered as follows.
' easy…. hope that fucker Constantine gets to the tower soon and does his job tip top of course'
At that Raven rolled her eyes before 'Bravery' opened up a portal to the real world shoving Raven out. When Raven woke up yet again she was met with a worried Beast boy ranting a mile a minute almost going into hyper ventilation, quickly Raven calmed him.
" I'm okay….. go back to the living room and keep an eye out for Constantine…. I'm expecting him."
At that Constantine leaned in the doorway taking a puff out of his Silk Cut cigarette as he spoke.
"actually I'm already here….. courtesy of Night-wing…. now are we ready to begin?"
At that a confused Beast boy asked.
"begin?!…. begin what?!… and could you wear a bell around your neck?….. I swear to god you're like a cat sometimes….."
At that Constantine gave a dry laugh replying.
" ha…. very droll… now for your more serious question…. in lament terms I'm here to perform an advanced form of exorcism… anymore questions?"
At that Beast boy gave a sarcastic smile almost rivaling a sneer as he continued the conversation.
"what's the catch?….. there's always a catch right?"
At that Constantine deadpanned.
" best case scenario this all blooming tower will need major renovations….. worst case scenario Raven dies and Trigon can't make a claim to planet earth."
Beast boy at that made an impressed expression to try to hide his true feelings, being Beast boy however he failed miserably.
" Oh is that all!?… tell me what kind of a crazy fucker are you to even suggest this in the first place?"
At this point Constantine got quiet as he finished his cigarette as he abruptly grabbed Beast boy by the helm of his uniform pinning him to Raven's door frame.
" listen here you pea brain….. you've been acting like I'm a downright twit… a first rate wanker…. which I can tolerate cause well that's what I'm mostly am…. now what I am not is a bloody idiot…. I know very well that I'm putting her in grave danger….."
At that Beast boy cuts him off unphased and unimpressed.
" then how come you're not helping her like we asked you to….. like she asked you to?"
At that Constantine continued as though he wasn't interrupted.
" because believe it or not I don't mind being called a hero on occasion and heroes sometimes make harsh decisions for the greater good….."
At that Beast boy relented as Constantine let him down easily as Beast boy left the room.
" I'll be out of your hair…. what's left of it anyway…. but I want you to make me a promise…."
At this point Constantine gave him his fullest of attention as he unceremoniously urged him to continue.
"promise me that you'll save her no matter what…. she's the best thing that happened to me in a long while…"
Constantine only replied with.
"sure thing Gar old boy…."
At that Beast boy gave a small smirk as he left as Constantine refocused his efforts on Raven.
"now have we got all we need?"
With that Raven gave a firm nod saying yes as Constantine began to prep for his exorcism, drawing a pentagram on Raven's floor similar to how she drew it when she trained the Titans. As he finished marking the pentagram he asked for the following.
" I'll need the following from you, a blood, skin and hair samples."
At that Raven quipped.
"thank god you're not here to give me a physical."
At that Constantine gave an amused grin as he replied.
" hey don't go and put ideas in me brain… now let's hurry along now…."
With that Raven did what she was asked as Constantine began the ceremony weaving the samples into the pentagram as he started to weave his arms and hands in a particular pattern occasionally chanting very few incantations as Raven lays still in the middle of the pentagram as Trigon's influence being slowly relieved from her body, speaking of back in the dimension where Beast boy and Raven have confronted the demon the statue that remained started chipping and cracking away piece by piece as demonic figures whether it being male, female or child were slowly drawn to the visage of the mighty Trigon. Once close enough the demon's flesh began to burn as the flames rapidly ate away at their bodies as the smoke gathered around the statue before being absorbed into it as Trigon escaped his imprisonment, sensing what is daughter was trying to accomplish.
' a valiant attempt little one….'
Without missing a beat he stood still as he closed all four of his eyes channeling as much of his essence as he could into Raven's body in attempts to thwart her and overwhelm her with his evil. Feeling his presence at work Raven wreathed with pain as she tried to word the following.
"Trigon….. has escaped…. you need to finish the ritual quickly….. Constantine…. before it's too late….."
At that Constantine replied, now having to put extra effort to his work.
" you don't say… but the ritual cannot be rushed….. or else I could really kill you in the process…."
At that Constantine made a quick decision as he knelled down and took a small sample of the dust that made the pentagram as he began to quickly mark Raven's exposed body particularly her face and arms with runes made out of a dead language thought to be lost to history but for a small few. As he finished the process Raven felt slight relief as she opened her eyes to meet his.
" I've cut off his connection to you."
At that Raven asked the only logical question.
"for how long?"
Constantine deadpanned .
"well considering who we're dealing with… not long so we have to press on, still up for it?"
To that Raven responded with.
"sure just give me a minute to rest…"
Back in Titans tower's living room Beast boy tried to relax himself with some music and TV as Cyborg was keeping tabs on Wonder Girl, Night-wing and Starfire who were currently patrolling the city.
"any reason why you don't pull your weight out there?"
Beast boy answered half heatedly.
"can't concentrate for shit right now….."
Cyborg just gave a sigh silently saying 'I can't really blame you' as Night-wing reported in.
"Cy we got trouble coming our way….."
At that cyborg responded.
"on my way… where to?"
With that Night-wing gave him the address as Cyborg's face began to pale, without saying another word he leaped into action with Beast boy joining his soon after.
"whoa…. what got you spooked big man?"
At that Cyborg answered.
" it's those demon fuckers again… their attacking my old hood…."
At that Beast boy gave a nod urging him to explain further so Cyborg did.
" I gave my keys to my grandparents a while back… they might be still there."
With that Beast boy urged Cyborg to follow him to the roof and once they got there Beast boy urged him to hop on as he morphed into a pterodactyl. Flying at record speed Beast boy and Cyborg quickly reached Night-wing's current location as both of them landed ungracefully rushing into battle.
"we got here as fast as we can… any orders boss man?"
Night-wing answered accordingly.
" actually for the moment I'm handling this….. what I want from you two is to check for any survivors…. people who haven't turned and get them as far away from here as possible…. hurry….."
With that Cyborg and Beast boy split up with Beast boy turning into a leopard searching from house to house while knocking out any demons that got in his way as Cyborg ran as fast as he could towards his old apartment. Reaching it in record time he breached the door looking for his old folks, seeing nothing but a written note.
'Corky…. if you see this we're just fine….. Silas and us will spend a few weeks with us on a little family holiday….. take care'
Relieved Cyborg muttered to himself.
"thanks dad…."
With that worry out of the way Cyborg ran into action looking for any survivors as Beast boy was already escorting some out as Night-wing held his own for as long as necessary. Going through door to door and building to building Cyborg saw that at least on his side of the search no one was left behind so he chose to cover Night-wing.
" I take it you found no one…"
Cyborg answered without fail.
"Yep….. I'm just here to even out the odds…."
Night-wing smirked as he playfully asked.
"think you can keep up?"
At that Cyborg gave a big smile.
" I don't think…. I know….."
With that both began to fight off the demons as eventually Beast boy tagged along. As the fight waged on so eventually Starfire and Wonder Girl entered the fray lending the boys a helping hand all the while back in Titans tower a battle of wills was waging as Raven psychically fought her father's influence and control as Constantine carried on with the ritual to separate them for good.
"Raven nod slightly if you're still with us love."
Per his request Raven slightly nodded while Constantine wiped off a few drops of sweat from his forehead, sensing his fatigue Raven asked.
" don't tell me you're getting tired already John old boy….."
At that Constantine gave a wry smile.
"well I must say one professional to another….. you're one of my toughest customers yet…"
With this he relented and relaxed a bit as he stated.
"now five minutes break to get a hold of ourselves and back to business"
With that Raven, a bloody mess at this point, agreed as she went into the kitchen to fix a drink and a snack which at this point she asked.
"should I get you anything?"
At that Constantine politely refused.
" no not for me thanks….….. now focus on yourself."
With that Raven continued on to the kitchen knowing she ain't got much time to waste as Constantine muttered to himself.
"hell of a time being sober….."
As raven quickly made and ate a bite sized sandwich she couldn't help but wonder about if Beast boy and the others are alright as she witnessed the destruction happening from afar, taking one final bite from her sandwich she contacted Kid Flash and Aqua-Lad as she explained what's going on with both of them acknowledging as Raven herself went back.
"get yourself together… we have to finish this now"
At this Constantine replied with.
"right like what's going on outside wasn't a reminder enough…."
At that Raven laid on her back again as Constantine stopped her while she quirked her eyebrow.
" hold it… take off some of your clothes first…."
If it was anyone else right now or it was any other situation Raven would've 'evacuated' him out of the tower without further notice still she asked the following.
" you need more skin contact to further trap Trigon inside am I right?"
With that Constantine answered with a simple yes as Raven laid down on her stomach this time lowering her uniform until the midpoint of her stomach giving Constantine a full view of her back as he quipped.
"really?…. is this the best time for hang ups in regards to modesty?"
At that Raven quipped to ease the awkward tension.
" why Constantine….. I have a reputation to keep as a woman of mystery….."
Giving a slight smirk, showing the humor wasn't lost on him, Constantine quickly painted the runes on her back as he continued exorcising and expelling Trigon's influence and as the ritual continued Trigon from within dis domain kept on sending demons towards Jump city. As the battle with the Titans finally seemed to be dying down a tired and bushed Beast boy asked.
" did we win?…"
At that Kid Flash answered.
"please don't say that, don't you know this kinds of questions could get us jinxed?"
At that Aqua-Lad stated.
" knowing our enemy it won't matter much…."
With that over the horizon an ominous portal opened up and out of it came pouring in a squadron of flying demons as Beast boy and Kid Flash were shooting silent daggers at Aqua-Lad saying 'you were saying?' At that night-wing intervened saying.
" this isn't helping….. besides we'll have plenty of chances to fight among ourselves later…."
To that Cyborg added thus concluding the conversation.
"well said…. now let's kick some ass"
With that said Starfire led the charge shooting down as many demons she could with her star bolts followed by Aqua-Lad who manipulated the water in the clouds to use as daggers piercing through the demons skin as they fell down one by one, as Beast boy provided cover as a pterodactyl grabbing the demons with his talons throwing them down to the ground left and right with those that survived the crash only to be met with Wonder Girl's and Night-wing's punches, with Cyborg using his white noise cannon as the grand finale while Kid Flash took over for Night-wing and Wonder Girl so they could conserve their strengths.
"so, anyone else feels this isn't much of a challenge?"
At that Night-wing quipped.
"do you want it to be a challenge?"
At that Kid Flash answered in his usual manner.
"no."
Speaking of usual manner back in Raven's room Raven herself asked something that weighted on her heart.
"tell me honestly Constantine…. are you really expelling Trigon's influence out of me?… it sounds too good to be true."
At that Constantine answered in a straight forward manner.
" I should've known better…. in a manner of speaking I am….. but in actuality I'm trying to force him out of you completely."
At that Raven nodded noting.
" I see…. and for what it's worth….. thanks for being honest with me…"
With that said Constantine gave her a knowing smile continuing the ritual all the while the Titans kept on fighting clearing most of the demons as the rest that escaped fled or simply evaporated as emergency services and the police rolled in to carry the survivors out of harms way.
"how long do you think he will stay away this time?"
At that Night-wing answered Beast boy.
"honestly?, I want to say for good but that depends on how Constantine`s keeping up on his end…"
At this point Beast boy and the rest of the Titans agreed as Beast boy said he`ll be flying on ahead checking up on how Raven's doing while the others agreed that they'll manage at this point without him. Morphing into a sparrow Beast boy flew back towards Titans tower as small slivers of rays penetrated through the cloudy skies as if to signal he should be optimistic at this point however deep down at the pit of his stomach he knew Trigon would not relent so easily. As he reached the tower he morphed back to human form heading squarely towards Raven's room as he knocked, however as soon as he finished knocking Constantine came out.
"just the man I was looking for…"
At that Beast boy quirked his eyebrow as Constantine continued.
" I managed to expel most of Trigon's nasty influence out of your little missus as well as trapping him in his own dimension….. as long as Raven does what I instructed."
At that Beast boy asked.
"okay…. what do you expect me to do and where exactly all this evil voodoo jive is anyway….. out the window or something?"
At that Constantine contained a snort as he answered.
" first of all she's at the moment covered with ancient runes…. make sure she doesn't forget to apply them until her 16th birthday…. and secondly no I didn't chuck it out the bloody window… I'm keeping it in me coat…."
At that Beast boy was left stunned as Constantine passed him by finding his own way out as Beast boy recovered from his confusion only to be met by Raven/Rachel.
" honey…. I'm home…"
Raven deadpanned.
"it's kinda hard to miss."
At that Beast boy rubbed his head awkwardly as he asked.
" so in the meantime we're home free?"
To that Raven answered.
"in the meantime…."
With that said and done Beast boy continued the conversation.
" and your powers?, all there?"
To that Raven replied with.
"not sure… still need a little more time to recover…."
At that Beast boy nodded smiling softly as he gave her a glance over, feeling a little awkward and self conscious Raven asked.
"any reason you're staring me down with a microscope?"
At that Beast boy grinned answering.
"just wondering if you'd allowed to be buried in a Jewish cemetery."
At that remark Beast boy got a gentle thwack at the back of his head as Raven gave him a small smile.
"wise ass….. now give me some quiet time… I need to rest."
With that Raven went back inside to her room as Beast boy morphed into a great Dane circling around before sitting himself just outside her door standing guard. About an hour passed by until the core Titans returned back to the tower causing Beast boy to get up and run towards them transforming into human.
"so how's it been guys?…."
At that Night-wing answered absentmindedly.
" the usual paperwork you know….. now if you'll excuse me I'll be in my room finishing it."
With that Night-wing left as Cyborg spoke up.
"well…. what happened little man?… don't keep us in suspense…"
At that Beast boy replied with.
"the good news is Trigon won't cause Raven anymore physical harm…. now will he escape or not on her birthday….. that's the plan but who knows what will happen… all I know that's up to Raven following the Doc's orders."
At that Cyborg smiled saying.
" knowing her that's nothing to worry about…"
At this point Starfire pointed out.
"speaking of birthdays… has anyone bought her a present or has any idea how to celebrate it?"
That remark left Beast boy and Cyborg stunned until Cyborg just muttered.
"shit….."
With that Beast boy gave a nod agreeing with Cyborg's sentiment as he pointed out.
" we need to think of something do we?"
Seeing the worry creeping up on their faces Starfire reassured them.
"please do not worry about the festivities I've got it… you need to figure out a present for her."
At that Cyborg grinned rushing off towards his room/quarters as Beast boy stood in the living room thinking for a bit longer.
' now… what to give her…. flowers…. definitely… but I need something more… come on Beast boy think…'
With that an idea popped into his brain as he left the living room as well back to his room.
It has been up to four days without any major incident except for a few run ins with super villains such as Gizmo, Mammoth or Shimmer, in addition Brother Blood's acolytes have kept it on a down low for the time being which worked great for Beast boy who in a surprising move was now the one to shut himself off from the Titans, the reason?, he was creating Raven's presents from scratch. Beast boy was currently drawing a portrait of her at a very precious time for him when he heard a knock on the door.
"who is it?"
Cyborg could be heard from the other side.
"it's me got a sec?"
At that Beast boy took a pause as he answered the door opening it slightly.
" you have no idea what to get her do you?"
At that Cyborg tried to scoff it replying.
"what?!…. no….. I got plenty of ideas… it's just that… none of them are appropriate for a sweet 16 birthday….."
At this point Beast boy dead panned.
"as I said…. you got nothing."
At this point Cyborg started to get mad.
" are you trying to get your ass whooped or are you trying helping a brother out?"
Grinning like a fool Beast boy agreed to help Cyborg out all in the meantime in Raven's room Raven was currently meditating as she finished applying the runes with her vanity mirror at reach. As she concentrated more and more she was pulled back into Nevermore as her representation of 'knowledge' awaited her along with 'happiness' and 'affection' waiting in toe, with 'happiness' barely applying self control running at her and embracing her in a bear hug.
"nice try….. but you don't stand a chance against Starfire's"
At that 'happiness' replied with a bit of humor.
'watch it…. those are fighting words…..'
With that 'happiness' kept on hugging Raven some more until it became super awkward and uncomfortable.
"mind letting go now?"
To that 'happiness' pretended like she didn't hear her until 'affection' came over to her side judo chopping her on the neck knocking her out all the while answering politely.
'forgive her….. she just excited for our 16th birthday'
At that Raven responded with.
"you don't say….. now I need to have words with 'knowledge' so will you give us some privacy?"
At that 'affection' bid er farewell as she dragged 'happiness' as well all the while 'knowledge' just kept quiet as she watched the scene coming into its conclusion.
"you're unusually quiet today…. you're thinking what I'm thinking?"
To that 'knowledge's' only reply was.
'by definition.'
Raven ignored that comment as she continued the conversation.
"keep me posted if that bastard tries anything funny…. in the meantime I need to mentally prepare myself for the chaos ahead of me."
At that 'knowledge' gave her a silent nod saying 'good luck' as Raven returned back to her room, opening her eyes she realized that the tower was unusually quiet before reminding herself.
'calm down… they're probably out buying you presents at this very moment'
With that raven went outside towards the living room as she surfed the channels trying to ease her mind a bit. As a few minutes passed she noticed Beast boy and Cyborg were back home as both teens heading directly to their rooms.
"Gar…. can you spare a second?"
At that Beast boy turned to greet Rachel.
" I wish I had but I'm working on something special?"
Allowing herself a small grin she asked innocently.
"that wouldn't have anything to do with my birthday by any chance?"
At that Beast boy/Gar gave a Cheshire cat grin.
"well I could say yes….. but then I'll risk ruining it being a special gift"
With that raven/Rachel caught Gar's mouth with a series of short kisses telling him.
'well regardless…. of what it…. is…. I…. already had gotten….. a wonderful…. gift."
Unable to contain himself he asked with a smile forming on his face.
"only….. wonderful?"
With that Raven/Rachel stopped kissing him as she shooed him off back to his room, his grin never leaving Beast boy's face as Raven went back to watching TV a bit more before shutting it off, heading to the gym for a bit of exercise as Beast boy by this point continued on his artwork. Several hours passed as Beast boy finished with his line work exclaiming.
" hard part done…. now for some ink and color."
With that he went towards the window looking over the city to get some inspiration when he saw that the afternoon skies were mixing with some rain clouds which gave him an idea for a color pallet as he mused to himself.
' and to think the world was going to….'
With that the Titan's alarm blared off as he exclaimed in frustration.
" I was thinking… not saying anything out loud… how did I jinx it if I didn't say anything?….. hell I didn't even finished my thought at this point…."
With that out of the way Beast boy bolted out of the room towards Titans ops as the painting remained where it was untouched
Author's note: a quick thanks to Eris for reviewing this particular story, make sure to read my other stories and review them as well, they need some much deserved attention too.