Chapter 16

At Raven's office, the female psychiatrist and once Teen Titan was busy typing away at her laptop, trying to find some connection of Terra's 'release' or location. She was back in her beige business suit, but her hair remained the same as always. Next to her lay a pile of papers, those of which she was using to plan Father Thomas' funeral. A single tear ran down her cheek.

A ceiling fan above her swiveled continuously. It seemed to be watching her investigate. According to all documents, Terra was still petrified, and her 'tomb' was still undisturbed. Then she checked any reports of damage near the Chapel at the time directly after Terra's getaway. She saw a couple of damaged car reports, broken buildings, shattered glass. Nope, not her. Nothing earth-related. No earthquakes. No torn up streets. Had Terra simply vanished?

Raven knew that Terra's power consisted of moving rocks. If she were to escape, flying boulders would be her means. But there were no reports of flying boulders, and no reports of anything traveling under the surface. Why was there no connection?

And what of Constantine? Raven was left to tend to Father Thomas' bleeding carcass while Constantine threw a tantrum. Then there were some reports that just came up in New York. That was quite a distance from the Chapel. However, Raven knew that she or Constantine could reach it in a matter of minutes due to flying capability.

The reports confirmed many deaths of police officers. Vehicles and structures were torn apart. No solid news on who exactly was the source – perhaps the reporters were killed as well. Any who did survive must have put in a jumbled account.

Then she looked over at Father Thomas' documents and began to cry. He was very close to her. Perhaps the only person who helped her raise Constantine. Raven wanted him to raise her son, because Father Thomas had also done so with Jeff. It pained her to know he was gone. She reached for a couple of tissues. She also knew that Constantine would avenge him. Terra would be found.

Suddenly there was a ring from Raven's office phone. She pressed the speaker button, and spoke to her secretary.

"Yes, Janice?" Raven asked, "What is it?"

"Sorry to disturb you, Miss Raven," Janice apologized, "But you're eleven thirty's here."

"I have an eleven thirty?"

"Yes, Ma'am. You scheduled this morning."

"I did?"

"Well, you were away, so I took the liberty of penciling him in. I left you a memo if you were to return. Is it a problem? Should I cancel?"

"No, no. Send him in."

Raven took the next three seconds to dry her eyes and prepare herself for her client. She would have to make this quick. Raven knew she had much bigger issues at hand than once man's personal problems at eleven thirty. Still, no need to be rude.

The door opened. A short, bald man with a receding hairline to the back of his head walked in. He had a bushy gray mustache and sideburns. Out of his mouth stuck a pipe. He wore a dark brown suit, with a black shirt and vanilla tie. In his hand he carried a wooden cane.

"Good of you to see me, Miss Raven."

"Not a problem, Mister--?"

"Otto Oz is my name. I apologize for making a bump in your routine, but the only way I could get your attention and moment of your time was to schedule an appointment."

Raven stood up from her desk and shook his hand. Raven noticed that it was wet with sweat. He must be nervous, most patients are. However, there was one key difference Oz had from any of Raven's previous patients – she could not read his mind.

Raven went over and sat in her counselor's chair, motioning that Oz rest on the couch like all patients. Oz decided to sit in another chair. Whatever makes him comfortable, she supposed. Raven crossed her legs and took out her notepad, ready to start.

"You'll have to excuse me," Raven said, "I don't have any material on you."

"I prefer it that way," Oz replied.

"So, Mr. Oz, what seems to be the problem?"

"I'm afraid I didn't come for that type of appointment. I'm perfectly sane."

"Then you're wasting my time."

"Please, Miss Raven, just a moment. I must speak with you about an urgent matter that has come to my attention."

Raven set down her notepad, slightly irritated.

"Very well, Mr. Oz."

Oz lit his pipe and took a long puff. Then he exhaled a cloud of smoke. Raven didn't mind that her clients smoked, but she didn't encourage it. She rarely said anything about trivial matters as smoking, mainly to not put her at odds with her own patients. Oz began speaking.

"I am from an organization that studies the paranormal. We do everything in our power to ensure humanity's survival. We are not part of monster-hunting societies like the Knights of the Kingdom of God, nor superhero-fearing government factions like Cadmus, but we do protect mankind in another way. My organization is linked to every known group or establishment that exists in the known world. We make it our business to know everything about everyone so that in case some issue comes up, the world does not make rash decisions. Instead we find facts to make certain actions appropriate for the particular situation.

"Raven, I'm sure I needn't inform you of the forces at work in this world on a daily basis that defy sensible explanation. In the course of your lifetime, you've seen wonders that have become so commonplace, your rational mind has since stopped any attempts at producing viable responses for the elementary inquires of 'how,' 'what,' and 'why.'

"Whether it be the unfathomable conundrum of a 'vampire,' or the simple question of how a person can change into animals, levitate objects, or produce green energy-based projectiles. You – like most – have given up on looking for solutions to these scientific mysteries and accepted them. I would now ask that you extend that faith in 'what is' to a matter more spiritual in nature.

"The Second Coming of Jesus Christ."

Raven chuckled, "I'm afraid you've lost me. What could the Second Coming have to do with me, sir?"

"According to John's book of Revelation, Satan will try to take one last stand at the world before Christ himself returns and claims the world as a plane for spiritual existence, separating the sheep from the goats. Simply put, Satan believes that if he can conquer the world by destruction, he will have won it over. I'm afraid his plan is coming into full fruition.

"He has chosen quite a main cog to mechanize the End of the World: the harbinger of the end of time—The Antichrist.

"We believe that person… is your progeny."

Raven's eyes flared and she grabbed Oz by the collar.

"How dare you make such an accusation?!"

"Miss Raven, please. This is my good suit. Release me, if you would."

She released him. Raven was troubled – she still couldn't read his mind.

Oz continued, "I know it is difficult to hear. And I especially don't know why Satan chose your son as the leader of his death riot. But rest assured, I am here to merely confirm, if that, and simply inform you of this development."

"Talk."

Oz took another puff from his pipe, "We have received reports that Constantine was involved in the deaths of the Teen Titans Faction A."

"He was not responsible for that! I was there personally."

"Miss Raven, I am not saying that Constantine is the actual murderer of those people. I am simply stating that he is indirectly to blame for it. Evil taints all it touches, you understand. Just by Constantine's presence at the place, he caused two superteens to perish."

"That isn't true! It's not his fault they died!"

"Raven, you're not hearing me. If Constantine were not there, do you think Skelmar would have killed the Teen Titans? No, he was looking for Constantine."

"How would you know that?"

"I interviewed a survivor – Robin."

"What else?"

"This next part I'll need you to confirm for me, Miss. Simply nod or affirm if any of the proceeding is true," Oz said softly, "Constantine's existence has caused evil to arouse and pain and suffering to stem in humans. You yourself have experience this from Constantine's existence.

"We have researched that Constantine began spreading his evil ever since his conception. I know all about your husband and how he died. If Constantine were not conceived on that day, would Jeff have still died?"

Raven hesitated, she was very unsure now. Jeff knew Constantine was in Raven's womb, that's why he could give his life for her. But did Oz know that? Did Oz know that Constantine was the reason Raven even stood a chance against Dracula? But still… if Constantine were not present, Jeff would have known. Would it have happened differently? Would Jeff have still died even without the security of his son to avenge him through Raven? Oz answered the original question for her.

"The answer is simple, Raven. No." He said, "Jeff would have not died. For we've discovered that it was his 'destiny' to impregnate you. Thus, had he not, Dracula could not interfere with the destiny unfulfilled.

"We've traced that back very far. But that wasn't the only time Constantine's existence caused you pain, was it? His birth was an obvious one. Though he managed to cause you physical pain, though that is typical of all infants at birth, Constantine also managed to make you suffer internally. After interviewing the doctor who delivered the child, he stated that Constantine was clinically dead for a little while, bringing sadness and despair to you. Then, miraculously, Constantine came back to life. Extraordinary. You should have taken that as an early sign that Constantine was much more than just your son.

"Moving on. Constantine's presence also invoked continuous nightmares that would bring tears to your eyes. I'm guessing the nightmares circled around Jeff. Constantine took Jeff away by causing his death. You must have had quite a lot of nightmares with the antichrist next to you throughout the night, yes? Did you not also cry yourself to sleep every night for the first few years of your newly acquired role as mother? I thought so.

"It seems that Constantine inflamed evil from normal citizens. During your beginning times as a parent, particularly at your son's baptism, did someone call you a whore? If Constantine were not there, would you have suffered their taunts and ridicule? Absolutely not. Without a reason for ordinary people to horrendously jump to conclusions, it simply would not have happened. Having that child in your arms did. He caused you distress, Raven.

"It wasn't until after a full year that the developments of this spiritual panic seemed to unfold. I wanted to simply monitor the child's life so far, not take any drastic action. We did not want to do anything too hasty, but now I realize we should have. Jason Blood was a member of this organization, and he was far too paranoid to let what he called 'the vanquisher' age into adulthood. He was right. I am sorry to say that he attacked you, not surprisingly in his evil version – which also was provoked by Constantine. I'm sure I don't need to fill you in on the details of that night.

"Your son also roused strife between the members of your team when you were a teenager. Many of the Teen Titans during that time were uncomfortable with Constantine's presence, let alone his existence. And you knew that Constantine would be a burden on the rest of them. Constantine eventually caused you all to disband anyway. He single-handedly ended the Teen Titans – something that many villains have wanted to accomplish for some time. Yes, one might say that the decision was yours, but I firmly believe that Constantine was discreetly responsible for the division.

"Also, it has come to my attention that your child may have brought about the loss of sight by your caretaker known as Father Thomas. There again, Constantine influenced the man to become blind. Did the priest ever mention this to you?

"Hmm. Did Constantine's presence ever affect your career options? We have rumor that a Mr. Aziz nearly terminated your position in a local restaurant. He did eventually anyway. Would he have done so if your attention was not on the infant boy you carried on your back?"

Then Oz pulled out some papers from his jacket pocket, "Let's see. Ahem. Oh, yes. I have here Constantine records when he was placed in school – for as long as that lasted, anyway. It seems your son invoked the meanstreak in his fellow classmates, and for once, he was the target, rather than you. They called him a 'freak.' Which then led to countless fights and provocations of violence. In addition, he was not on the best terms with his instructors. In fact, Constantine had little respect for them, and engaged in several arguments. One, I believe, resulted in you having to meet with the principal.

"Any of this ringing a bell, Raven?

"No? Well, I will continue then. In more recent times, Constantine has continued his father's legacy, but has done so with much less tact. Not too long ago, Constantine fought a beast known as the Cyclops, a knowledge that the public is ignorant to, and the Cyclops' death triggered evil to spring forth and claim several lives in addition to his own. Thus, Constantine's actions were not taken well by the media, as he set off the hatred in their souls as well."

Raven noticed Oz was fiddling with something in his hand. However, he didn't pay heed to Raven's glances… or didn't seem to.

"Probably the most widespread effect of Constantine's existence," Oz exclaimed, "was the death of the United States President. I know, Constantine wasn't there personally, I can assure you of that. Constantine tracked the murder back to The Phantasm, who if I might say, is quite similar to Constantine in appearance. I sincerely believe that if Constantine was not alive, such an attempt would not have occurred. Regardless, Constantine slaughtered his opponent anyway, so that issue is moot.

"Do you have any idea why the entire Gotham Police Force was after your son the other night? They've been meaning to catch him. I know that your son occasionally has his little 'missions' in Gotham, among other cities. But do you think Constantine provoked the actions of Gotham's finest? I mean, would it do us all better if he were not around?"

Raven looked him square in the eye, "Tell me, Mr. Oz, what has Constantine ever done to you?"

"Besides prompting this conversation? Really, Raven, is it so necessary to defend him? I've heard news that the Chapel down the street has been utterly demolished. Is that not Constantine's doing?"

"Well, I can tell you one thing: Terra came back for me, not him."

"Ah yes, but how do you think young Terra came back at all? Constantine's presence brings forth evil, Raven. He does it everywhere. Everywhere he goes, every person he meets, every human being he comes in contact with, is tainted by his sinful touch. In one way, shape, or form, every person that has had some sort of experience with Constantine has had an upheaval or detriment as a result. You most of all.

"Constantine caused the death of the local priest, and he will do the same for others."

"I don't believe you," Raven objected quietly, "I think you should leave."

Then, Oz's beeper when off. He looked at it, and his eyes quivered, but not from surprise. It was an emotion that Raven couldn't define.

"Believe it, Raven. It appears that your son moved on from Gotham to New York City. Darkseid just attempted an invasion of the Earth. It was halted by Constantine, thankfully, but now he has become the conqueror that Darkseid was going to be. In a few short hours, Satan will have achieved his plans since the beginning of time – ever since he was banished from Heaven as Lucifer.

"I am not saying all this as a threat, my dear, only as a warning. You are the boy's mother, I'm sure you will do was must be done."

Oz stood up, brushed himself off, and took his cane. Then he reached inside of his left jacket pocket, and pulled out a card. He handed it to Raven, who was sitting perplexed.

"I know this is a lot to take in all at once," he whispered, "but if you ever need me, here's my card."

Raven looked at it for a brief moment.

"Otto Oz, Researcher of Paranormal Wonders.
Guardian Angel Foundation.
1015 West Park Avenue
Metropolis, 90245"

She looked back up at him, Oz was at the door. He opened it, then he gave a solemn look back at her.

"If you still don't believe me," he said gravely, "you can check with someone who would definitely know – your father."

---

It's been quite a long time, the voice of Raven's subconscious said, since I was forced to ask someone for help, or in this case, information. I usually can figure things out for myself, or already know. But this time is different.

My perception dictates that Constantine is not the antichrist, a bias that is automatically presented simply because I am his mother. But even if I ask my father, how will his perception be any different from anyone else's?

The man I came to see is apparently alone, which strikes me as odd. I also find it odd that he was reported to have vanished, but recently has resurfaced. I believe this man is the only one who can help me – at least, in this particular situation.

The room that Raven sat in was damp and dreary. Small candles were lit along the edges of the wall, to show the boundary. Glowing stars were scattered across the ceiling, and the room itself had no furniture, save two tea tables. Incense burned from a small bowl that seemed to be filled with dust, but it was obvious because of the scent.

Raven noticed that many of the aromas present could alter someone's rational mind, if it were to intoxicate the bloodstream, no doubt. Raven used her powers to protect herslf from this aroma, and she understood that the man used such spells often, so the side effect of the scents could be forgiven.

At last, my host returns.

The door to the room opened, and in walked Dr. Fate.

He was dressed in blue attire, at least for the torso and legs. His hands, shins, and belt were all colored in gold. He wore a gold cape and mask that covered his entire head.

"You must excuse my bad manners, Raven," said Dr. Fate, "Many years have pasted since the last time I opened an interdimensional portal. It will be difficult to remember. But, like riding a bicycle, it's something you never forget."

He was carrying two containers, one was square, the other circular. He set them on the ground, opened them, and began spreading the blue leaves and green dust into the form of a circle – where the link will undoubtedly be made.

"Raven, there are some instructions before we proceed. Do not address the demon, at any time. Do not speak. Such an imbalance could free him from the magic that keeps him in check. Also, I will require your help to keep the portal open. I must ask that you hold it open for as long as I require you to. Only once I have completely closed the portal can you release."

Raven nodded in response, showing that she understood. Dr. Fate snapped his fingers and a purple spark appeared at his fingertips. He slowly lowered his hand to the circle's outline, and very soon it was inflamed. Raven lifted her arms and helped contain it with negative energy. The whole circle became one purple pyre that went from the floor to the ceiling. Then the fire turned to red.

FWAAASSH!

The sanctum of Dr. Fate was now housing the demon known as Trigon.

He shot out of the flame, and stood fifty feet tall. He skin was red, and his hair was white. In the midst of his white hair were two large horns. Ten rings of purple light held him in there as a prison. Two bright yellow bands covered his four eyes, one a pair. Trigon snorted when he realized that he was 'set free' and yet still imprisoned. The rings also created a forcefield between them, and Trigon felt this when he groped like a mime.

"Who dares to attempt to hold me in this primitive prison?" Trigon boomed.

Raven looked at Trigon. It had been so long since she saw him last that she hardly recognized him. She looked down at her skin and hands and saw no trace of the birthmarks she would usually have in his presence. That was odd.

"I've protected us against him," Dr. Fate whispered to Raven, "by creating an obstruction and blindfold. He'll be unable to see us."

He can't see me? Does he even know I'm here?

"Demon," Dr. Fate turned to Trigon, "you are summoned here for an inquisition." A hint of magical suggestion filled his voice, it was the only way to converse with a demon.

"Fate? I thought I whiffed your righteous stench. What prompts the secrecy of blinders?"

"You will ask no questions, only provide answers!"

Then Trigon twitched and grinned, "Ah. You've brought a friend."

Raven was suddenly overcome with fear. She controlled herself and remained quiet.

"Beast, there are those who purport that the Christian redeemer has returned to this plane as a boy – Constantine. I command you who stands within the confines of this binding circle to tell me if there is any validity to their claims."

Then Dr. Fate added, "And think twice before you offer a lie, lest I close this window and return you to perdition."

"You say that as if it's a threat. But I'll play your vocal-ape's game, Fate – if for no other reason than it amuses me to do so at this time."

But Raven knew deep down that there was another reason.

"Answer the query, demon," Dr. Fate commanded, "or this conference is at an end."

"Events have happened that you don't need my opinion, Fate. Why don't you ask your little listener? As the one who bore him, I'm sure she would have a closer outlook than me."

"She"?! He knows who I am!

"He knows that I'm here!" Raven screamed.

"Raven, no!" Fate ordered desperately.

"Yes, my little daughter. I am aware of your presence. Did you think these little blindfolds could impair my true vision. There's more than one way to see."

"Monster!"

"Oh yes, Raven, I am a monster. But the real monster here is the being you sired. He is doing everything I wanted you to do. Greatness skips a generation, I guess. But one thing I am sure of… he is indeed the antichrist."

Raven's heart sunk, but she held on, despite the fact that the portal was breaking apart.

"You were never meant to be happy," Trigon continued, "You were meant to do my will. And when you disobeyed and separated yourself from me, you suffered. You originally thought that you finally had your own life, but you knew that you could never be happy. You still can not.

"Much like your earthmoving friend, I too am surprised that my offspring reproduced, let alone had sexual intercourse. Consensual as well, I suppose. Who was the dear boy that filled your womb with his seed? I must thank him."

Trigon chuckled perversely, "My daughter was no longer a virgin. You had sex? I would have thought you would have died alone, Raven. Little girl, you were the last person who was supposed to have sex. But I must admit, I am ultimately glad that you did. Because your son has fundamentally freed me by setting forth the events of this planet's destruction in motion. He is doing what I did not."

"I'm closing the portal!" Dr. Fate shouted, seeing that Raven did not want to hear any more.

Trigon's face was plastered against the forcefield, trying to get has physically close to Raven as possible.

"You must be disappointed, thinking that you failed him, thinking that you let him down. Don't fret, my daughter, it is the way of all parenting. Sooner or later, it happens to even the best of parents…"

Raven felt a flush of terror, two tears trickled down from each eye. Trigon's next words were like a sword thrust into her heart.

"…sooner or later, every mother lets her son down."

Raven gasped, releasing her grip of negative energy. She bolted for the exit.

Dr. Fate pleaded with her, crying out, "No, Raven! I need you! I can't hold this myself! Raven!"

She flew fast, tears flying off her face. She had to find Constantine, her son.

Trigon's laughter filled up Dr. Fate's sanctum, along with a dark red light…