Zatanna
San Francisco

"I can be there in two days," John said over the phone line. "How long am I staying?"

"However long it takes you to do an exorcism," Zatanna replied. She was hoping he could get there sooner, but would have to cope until he decided to show.

"Depends on the demon and the host. I'll clear a week, just in case." A freaking week?

"Okay. I'll get your flight set up. Don't miss it."

"Alright. See you soon, love."

Two more days of torture. After the last few years she had experienced, it didn't seem like that much of an ask, but she felt her anxiety levels going through the roof. She was sleeping, but her dreams were horrifying as the demon made her relive her vacation in Hell over and over. It was determined to keep its hold on her. What she thought had been an early-life descent into madness was an evil being inside of her that had one goal: to get her back to Hell.

"I'm not killing myself, so fuck off."

- "You don't deserve to live."

"Maybe not, but my baby does."

Her primal need to protect the baby was helping her keep a grip on reality, but it didn't stop the demon from trying. As she warred with it, she felt a wave of regret over leaving Gotham. She hadn't thought about how much the loneliness of isolating herself would erode her sanity further. Bruce thought he wasn't helping her with her demons, but she quickly learned that he was; he had been the only thing keeping her grounded since she came back. Most of her friends in San Francisco had moved away or fallen out of touch, so her walks were becoming longer and longer while she tried to find ways to fill her time. I miss Gotham. The fact that she was looking forward to seeing John Constantine was evidence enough that she was desperate for some human interaction. She thought about the League. They had all become part of who she was and she ripped herself away from them without a second thought, but they must have been angry that she left; no one had tried to contact her after she resigned.

Out of sight, out of mind.

More than anything, she missed Bruce. She fell asleep every night wishing his arms were wrapped around her and woke hoping to hear his gruff voice and feel his warm, rough hands on her skin. As she walked to her doctor's appointment thinking of him, she felt even more alone.

"Everything seems fine with the baby, Zatanna. You're about 8 weeks along, I'd say. And you're healthy enough, though you could stand to gain a bit more weight," the doctor said once she finished her exam. It was the first time she had been checked out by anyone other than Alfred, and the good report was a relief.

"I'll try to eat better," she said, knowing that her appetite would be lousy until her stress levels went down. Expelling the demon should help.

"Good. And start taking some prenatal vitamins. I want to see you back in two weeks and expect another five pounds on you. Your vitals are a bit odd, but I know that's normal for...some people."

"Mages? Yeah, I run hot and my pulse is always pretty zippy."

"Your blood pressure is running high, too. Try taking it easy and getting some relaxation in. Being pregnant is stressful, especially alone, so don't forget to take care of yourself. Consider a childbirth group to meet up with other expectant mothers. There are plenty for single ladies." The doctor headed toward the door as she spoke.

"Believe me, some self care is top of the list this week." She decided not to tell her that self care, in this case, meant an exorcism.

"Good. Two weeks. Five pounds. Do it."

She sat in the quiet exam room and processed everything. Seven months and she would have a new little human to take care of. Taking stock, things could be worse. The baby was healthy and she had mental health help on the way from London. If she could make it through the next few days, she hoped she could start actually looking forward to the birth. I should be excited. She wasn't yet...she was terrified...but she had several months to rectify that.

"You and me, bud. See you soon."

Batman
Gotham City

The city isn't safe.

Another dead girl dumped on his shift. People dying while he stood guard.

Failed.

Statistically, the odds had to swing in his favor at some point. No one was infallible, so the killer was going to slip up just enough for Batman to catch him. That wouldn't help the latest victim, though. Turning up the heat had done nothing other than make the killer drop the girl further outside of the main part of the city. Everything else had been the same.

Just one misstep. It's all I need.

It had to end. He left the GCPD morgue yet again to upload the scant information he had obtained to the computer. The sun was starting to rise, so he drove toward the Batcave, letting his mind cycle through what he knew. Male. 25-40. Strong. Methodical. Patterned. Obsessive. Unless he's trying to prove a point to Catwoman, of course. It was a curve ball he still couldn't make sense of.

"Anything, Batwoman?" He checked in as he approached the Manor.

"No, quiet night around campus. You?"

"Nothing. I'm going to sleep a couple of hours."

"Try to sleep more than that, please. You're no good to anyone if you can't think straight."

"I'll call when I get up," he said, not promising anything. He knew the killer wasn't likely to move again for a few days, but he'd let other cases go unchecked while he hunted. The serial killer wasn't the only thing making the city unsafe.

I have to make it safe.

Alfred was waiting with breakfast in the cave when he arrived. There wasn't much talk in the house lately, but it was more of a return to the norm than a deviation.

"Will you be sleeping in the cave, sir?" He asked as he set the tray down next to the computer.

"Yes. I have some data to analyze and then I'll get back out this afternoon. Anything from Tim or Barb?"

"Nothing from Master Tim. Miss Barbara is down on the tech level making suit enhancements." He left him to eat as he reviewed other recent case files he had been neglecting. The crime families in Gotham were reveling in the distraction that the serial killer was providing. They knew that the police and Batman were all too distracted to keep up with their criminal activities.

Might be time to adjust that attitude.

When he finished eating, he walked down to the tech level to check in on Barbara.

"Hey, Bruce. Heard about the victim today. I'm sorry. I know you were hoping we'd get to this one."

"I was. What are you working on?" He welcomed the distraction of a tech upgrade.

"I've been checking out that drone that Lucius made for us. The infrared he used was better than the one in my scanners, so I had him work with me to integrate that same tech into my suit," she said, working with a small soldering iron to attach a computer chip.

"Just your suit?" He asked, jealous of the new tech.

"For now," she said. "Let me see if it's worth the effort before I go tinkering with all of the others."

He nodded and moved closer. "Can I help?"

"I only kind of know what I'm doing here, so you're probably better off standing back. Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

"Probably."

She paused and turned to look at him. "You need rest. You look exhausted."

"I'm fi..."

"Fine, yeah. That's what everyone says when they're not fine. Alfred's worried about you. We all are."

"I just need to catch this guy, Barb," he said, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms.

"We both know that's not all you need." She turned back to her work as she spoke.

"It's the only thing I can do something about."

"That's not true. The way Zee talks about you...trust me, being apart is the last thing in the world she actually wants. Go get her, Bruce."

"I tried. I got magically rejected." Something about Barb always made him willing to talk. She was more relaxed than the others; more understanding. Probably from her relationship with her father, who was generally known for his gruffness, also.

"She's mad. Women get mad at men. It's kind of in our DNA."

"Yeah, I might have earned it pretty well this time. And Dick hates me."

"He does not," she said, giving him a scolding look. "If he hated you, he wouldn't try to punch you."

"Interesting logic."

"He doesn't know how to talk to you. You're both impossible in that regard, you know. He really is your son." After she finished up and put the suit back into its case, she walked over and leaned against the wall next to him. "He's mad, too. He wanted you to tell him the truth about Zee and you didn't. You've also been avoiding him for the last year, which is pretty lousy. That doesn't mean it isn't fixable."

"How do you know all of this?" He looked over at her as she stared ahead.

"We talk a lot. Believe it or not, he worries about you, too. You're the only family he has." Finally looking over at him, she grinned slightly. "Seems to be a common theme with you. For someone who tries to act like the broody loner, you sure have a lot of people who think of you as family."

"I don't know how to fix things. All Dick wants to do fight."

"Then fight him." He shot her a glance and rolled his eyes. "I'm serious, Bruce. Have it out. He's trying like hell to get your attention, so give it to him. And let him get a few licks in. You deserve them."

"Thanks."

"He deserves some, too," she said, smiling. "Even he knows that."

"Okay. I'll try to talk to him."

"Good," she said, pushing away from the wall and grabbing her jacket. Before she made it to the steps, she turned back. "Why did Zee leave? Dick won't tell me."

"She's pregnant."

Barb's eyes widened at the revelation. "So she took off? That doesn't make sense. She's crazy about you."

"I didn't really react to the news that well," he mumbled.

"Oh, Bruce. You didn't yell, did you?"

"No! I do stuff other than yell, you know. I, uh...I left."

"Yeah, that's much better," she said sarcastically, shaking her head. "It probably wasn't the show of support she was wanting."

"To be honest, I blacked out when it hit me, so I don't remember much. And I kind of vanished after that. It's probably for the best. I'm not..."

"Oh, shut up," she snapped. "Don't act like she's better off alone than with someone she loves and who loves her. Especially when that someone is you."

Looking down at his feet, he nodded slightly. "What if she doesn't answer my calls?"

"Call anyway. Send her a damn email if you have to. Does she even know what you're doing? Why you've been wearing yourself down like this?"

"She knows I'm tracking a killer."

"Tell her, Bruce. Everything." Her phone rang as she finished speaking. "I have to go. Sleep. That's an order, boss."

Walking slowly back to the computers, he considered her recommendations. There was no way he was going to tell Zatanna everything about the serial killer; not if he wanted her to come back to Gotham. It would be a hard enough sell as it was, especially after he vanished into his head for three weeks before talking to her. Thinking back, his conversation with Barbara had been the longest he'd had in those three weeks. He went too far under in his pursuit...lost track of life. Zatanna's only focus would be what was best for the baby.

Our baby.

He didn't know where to start with her or with Dick. Dick would punch him, while Zee would zap him with a magic bolt and send him to who knows where.

I've been punched a lot. Maybe I'll start in my comfort zone.

Plopping down in the chair, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep. His mind was always a mix of noise and thoughts, especially after patrol, but now it was all intensified. He'd been coping the only way he knew how: by retreating into his alter ego. As dark and lonely as it was, he felt safer there. No emotions in or out...just the business of keeping Gotham safe. It was a life he'd led for years until his family started to grow. It was streamlined and uncomplicated, but he was quickly realizing it wasn't the life he wanted to live anymore. He missed Dick. He hated disappointing Alfred. The thought of his child being born and never knowing him...

How can I make it safe?

Zatanna
San Francisco

She paced the hallways while she waited. John was due to arrive two hours ago and her patience was wearing thin...as was her sanity. She could barely hear her own thoughts over the desperate screaming of the demon who knew its days were numbered.

"You're really fucking late," she said when he finally arrived. He tossed his cigarette and came in, closing the door behind him.

"Great to see you too, love. Why's this so bloody urgent? And why are you in San Francisco? Got some shows or something?"

"Something. I need to ask you some questions before we get started." She led him down the hallway into the small study, where she hoped they would cause the least amount of disturbance to the house...and neighbors. "Have you ever performed an exorcism on a pregnant host?"

"Pregnant? No, can't say I've had the pleasure."

"What do you think the effects would be on the baby?"

"Hell if I know. Where's this host, anyway? I thought we were in some kind of rush."

"She's right here," Zee said nervously. John furrowed his brow and studied her for a moment before letting his jaw drop open.

"Fuck. You're pregnant?"

"And possessed. It's been roaring start to the year so far. Can you help me?"

"So, you're pregnant and in San Francisco. Batsy not being a supportive father?"

"That's none of your business and it doesn't matter. Please, John. I need your help. I...I can't keep going like this."

"C'mere," he said, holding out his hands. Taking a steadying breath, she stepped toward him and let him put his hands on her head. "Yeah, you've got one hell of a guest there. Not sure how I missed the hitchhiker when you came back...guess I was distracted in the room full of lunatics." He closed his eyes while he probed her mind. "This isn't going to be a good time, Zee. I need you to know that."

A chill ran down her spine. "I just need to know if it will harm my baby," she whispered, not sure if she wanted to know the answer.

He opened his eyes and ran a hand through her hair. "I honestly don't know, love. But maybe we can take some measures to protect it."

"Maybe? I can't take that risk, John. If I need to wait seven more months..."

"You won't last that long," he said quietly. "Your mind...blimey, Zee, I don't know how you've made it this far."

She leaned her head on his shoulder and started to cry. "Me either. Please help me. Tell me what I need to do to protect my baby."

He hugged her gently and sighed. "Well, we know you can cast a spell to protect whatever you want. I just don't know what the spell is going to do when I start fighting that demon of yours."

"I can't take any risks. Not with this," she said, pulling away from him and sitting down.

"Look, I know this baby is probably important to you, but..."

"But nothing. I won't risk the baby." She wiped the tears from her face and shot him a glare.

"Even if it means you lose your damn mind? What kind of life would that baby have?"

"A life. If it's a choice between him or me, it's him."

Constantine turned and slowly walked across the room to look out of the window. It was quiet for several minutes as he thought. Please work some sort of crazy Constantine bullshit.

"I'm going to need a few things," he finally said. "This might take a little more time."

The tears started to flow again, but she nodded her head. "How long?"

"I dunno. I'll work as fast as I can. I'm sorry, love, but if we want to be careful I can't just guess my way through it." He turned back and walked to sit next to her. Putting his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her against him and let her cry. "You should have called me sooner."

"I didn't know before. I thought I was going crazy...paying for what I've done."

"Nah. You were crazy long before your trip through Hell," he said, trying to make her laugh. She wanted to, but the sound caught in her throat and came out as another sob. "You've not done anything to deserve this."

She knew better, but appreciated his uncharacteristically comforting support; he was much more tolerable sober. "Just help me, please. I'll owe you this time."

"You won't. This is my job." He stood and walked toward the door with her following close behind. "I'll be in touch, but call if things start getting worse. Don't let things get worse, Zee." Leaning forward, he gave her a peck on the forehead and walked out. The silence immediately engulfed her and she quickly walked back to the study.

"Noitatidem elcric". Meditating was the only thing keeping the demon at bay. She had spent most of the previous week floating in the study, building mental wall after mental wall to combat its attempts to break her down. "Okay, bastard. Your hold on me is coming to an end." I can make it. We can make it.

The Killer
Gotham City

He'd read about serial killers who act on impulse, simply taking a victim when the need became too overwhelming. Those men were mentally weak and ashamed of what they do. The Killer was the opposite. Every move he made had a purpose. Every girl was a means to an end; chosen methodically and killed with the utmost precision. Leaning against the wall of the South Gotham Medical clinic, he watched her approach the bus stop. The profile fit, but he had to make sure he could take her without being seen. Pulling his hat down and collar up, he stepped in line three people behind her, making mental notes of her movements. People are creatures of habit. What they do one day usually carries over to the next like clockwork.

East Park Side.

-She's reading a book, not paying attention to her surroundings. People who feel safe never pay attention to their surroundings.

Friar Boulevard.

-Putting her book away, she steps off of the bus, thanking the driver. He follows after, being sure to keep his distance. This is just recon.

Friar to Novick Street.

-Not much foot traffic. One car driving north.

Novick to Hudson Street.

-Her phone dings a text message. She's distracted as she answers, head down, still feeling safe.

House on Hudson. Two cars in driveway. Doesn't live alone.

-A man meets her at the door holding a small child. She enters the house.

Manageable.

Walking back toward the bus station, he took note of possible extraction points...cameras...dogs...soft ground...proximity alarms...motion-activated lights. There was a dark alleyway at the corner of Novick and Hudson. With the proper plan, she could be lured in. He preferred single women on darker streets, but she fit the profile. Once he hopped back on the bus, he pulled out his notebook and wrote down her route. He'd follow again the next several days to confirm that there were no deviations, but he had his target. The next move was set.

Batman
Blüdhaven

Perched on the spire of St. Bernadine's Church, Batman waited for Nightwing to start his patrol.

He decided that meeting on Dick's turf would more likely put him at ease than getting him to come to Gotham or the Watchtower. Blüdhaven was his home now. The sun fell behind the last building, signaling the beginning of watch.

Why am I nervous?

After half an hour of waiting, he saw a familiar shadow moving across the rooftops. He grappled toward him for several blocks before losing sight. Stopping on the rooftop of the subway station, he scanned the area.

"You're getting slow," Dick's voice came from behind him.

"You know your city better than I do."

"I know yours, too," he said, walking over and standing on the ledge. "Why are you in mine?"

"We need to talk." He walked over and stood beside him to look out over the city. "I owe you an apology. Several apologies." Dick stayed quiet, not looking at him. "I should have told you about Zatanna from the start. I lied to you."

The silence stretched for a minute as they continued surveying the rooftops.

"Did you think I couldn't handle it?"

"It all happened so quickly that I didn't really think much at all. I should have. I should have thought about you and how much it would hurt you. I'm sorry, Dick." To his relief, he was still listening and hadn't started swinging at him yet.

"And now?"

"I miss you, son."

"I miss you, too," he said quietly. "But sending Zee away...how could you do that?"

"I didn't. At least, I didn't mean to. And now she's angry."

"She's fucking terrified, Bruce. I could see it in her eyes when she told me." With a sigh, Dick turned and looked at him. "It took her a long time to forgive me for cheating. I had to own up to being stupid. Have you owned up to being stupid yet?"

"I tried," he mumbled.

"Keep trying. She's Italian, so she's good being mad, but she'll soften. Look, I know I've said a lot of things...only some of which I meant...but if you're who she wants to be with...hell, she could do a lot worse."

"I never wanted to hurt you. I just..."

"Fell in love with her." Bruce nodded, not sure what else to say. "And she fell in love with you. They always do."

"Don't act like you're not breaking hearts all over Blüdhaven," he said with a smirk.

"Maybe a few. Learned all my skills from the best." A siren sounded in the distance, drawing their attention.

"Need a hand?"

"Nah, I can handle it."

"I know you can. Dick...I don't say it enough, but I'm proud of you. You know, Barbara said I'd have to let you hit me to get you to listen."

"Yeah?" He walked toward the ledge and looked toward the flashing lights of the patrol car. "She might have been on to something." With a quick move, he flipped backward, twisted in the air, and landed a punch to Bruce's jaw, sending him stumbling. "Wouldn't want to disappoint her," he said with a smile as he jumped from the roof.

Goddammit...I'm 0-3 against him now. Maybe I am getting slow.