Roy and Jason were in the kitchen, the cozy glow of the light making the space feel warm and inviting. Roy, eager but a bit clumsy, followed Jason's cooking instructions as best as he could, though sometimes his enthusiasm got the better of him. Jason, both amused and patient, guided him through the steps.
"Careful with the onion, Roy," Jason said, watching Roy's somewhat haphazard chopping. "We want them diced, not minced."
Roy looked up, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry, Jay. I got carried away. But hey, it's just rustic style," he said, showing off the uneven pieces.
Jason laughed, shaking his head. "Rustic, huh? Well, as long as they cook evenly. Just don't chop off a finger, alright?"
As Roy kept chopping, Jason moved in close, wrapping his arms around Roy's waist. Roy leaned back into the embrace, smiling softly at the feeling of Jason's warmth.
"You're getting the hang of it, Roy," Jason murmured, his breath tickling Roy's ear. "But seriously, safety first. No kitchen accidents on my watch."
Roy nodded, enjoying the closeness. "Got it, Chef Jase," he replied with a grin.
With one hand on Roy's, Jason guided the knife, showing him the right way to slice tomatoes. Roy followed, finding the rhythm calming as they worked together.
Roy paused, a mischievous glint in his eye as he looked over his shoulder at Jason. "You know, Jase, I can't help but notice your hands are wandering."
Jason chuckled, his lips brushing Roy's ear. "Just making sure you're focused, sweetheart," he said playfully.
Roy smirked, turning to face Jason. "Hmm, well, I guess I can't complain about that," he said, leaning in for a quick kiss.
Jason grinned, kissing him back before stepping away slightly. "Alright, let's finish these veggies before they think we've abandoned them."
Suddenly, Billy burst into the kitchen, cringing at the sight of the two being affectionate. "Ew, okay, stop! Here's the ritual, take it! I'm heading back to Nanda Parbat!" he exclaimed, slamming a jar on the countertop before disappearing in a flash, leaving Jason and Roy stunned.
Jason couldn't help but laugh at Billy's dramatic exit, exchanging an amused glance with Roy. Roy joined in, their laughter filling the kitchen as they processed what had just happened. But as the laughter died down, Jason's expression turned serious. He picked up the jar Billy had left behind, a sense of determination settling over him.
"You better call John. We've got the ritual, and we're ready to trick Chorozone's kid. The full moon is tomorrow," Jason said, his voice firm.
Roy nodded, the weight of their mission sinking in again. He grabbed his phone, dialing John's number to set their plan into motion. But as they waited for John, Roy couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him. He turned to Jason, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Jay, are we sure there's no other way to trick Chorozone's kid?" Roy asked, his voice shaky. The idea of Jason diving headfirst into danger made his heart pound with fear. He couldn't imagine life without him.
Jason's expression softened, his eyes mirroring Roy's concern. He took Roy's hand, trying to offer some comfort. "I know, Roy. But this is our best shot," Jason replied, his tone gentle but firm.
"Why can't Constantine be the one who drinks this Heart Purification potion?" Roy asked, uncertainty in his voice.
Jason thought for a moment, his face serious. "Honestly, I think John would die if he drank that," he said, his tone grave. "And let's face it, his soul's been sold so many times to demons that it's probably worthless at this point."
Roy shuddered at the thought. "Yeah, that makes sense," he muttered, though the unease still gnawed at him. Constantine was unpredictable, his motives murky and his allegiances constantly shifting.
Roy squeezed Jason's hand tightly, his mind racing with worries. The thought of losing Jason was unbearable. "I don't know if I can handle it, Jay. I don't know if I can survive if something happens to you," Roy admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jason's heart ached at Roy's words, the depth of his love for him washing over him like a wave. He pulled Roy into a tight embrace, holding him close as if he could protect him from all the dangers they faced.
"We'll get through this together, Roy. I promise," Jason murmured, his voice filled with determination. "This mission is bigger than just us. We're fighting to protect everyone, to stop something terrible from happening."
Roy nodded, finding comfort in Jason's words. He knew they had to do whatever it took to stop Chorozone's kid, no matter the risks. As they waited for John to arrive, Roy clung to Jason's words, hoping they would be enough to get them through the challenges ahead.
Jason let go of Roy and knelt before him, making Roy's heart skip a beat. His breath caught in his throat as he watched Jason take his hands, pressing them against his lips with a reverence that left Roy speechless.
"Roy, will you marry me?" Jason asked, his voice filled with sincerity and love.
"What?" Roy stammered, his mind struggling to process Jason's unexpected proposal. He blinked in confusion, his eyes wide.
Jason chuckled at Roy's reaction, a warm smile on his lips. He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving Roy's. "John already revealed that my magic has made a home in your non-magical core, Roy. Which is the first step in bonding a magical being with one who doesn't have magic," Jason explained. "And this ritual? It's actually the first step in a magical marriage ceremony."
Roy's eyes widened as the realization hit him. His heart swelled with emotion. He felt the familiar rush of Jason's magic flood through him, warming him to the core.
"Marry me," Jason repeated, his eyes sparkling with love.
Tears welled up in Roy's eyes as he nodded, unable to find the words to express his overwhelming joy and love. He reached out to Jason, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"Yes," Roy whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Yes, I'll marry you."
Jason's face lit up with joy as he stood, his eyes shining with happiness. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Roy's lips before sweeping him off his feet and spinning him around the kitchen. Roy laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep within him as he wrapped his arms around Jason, feeling lighter than air.
The magic room in the Fawcett House buzzed with excitement as friends and family gathered to watch Roy and Jason's wedding. Talia, Nyssa, Nika, Damian, Billy, Lian, Madame Xanadu, Constantine, and a few others stood around, all smiles and bright eyes. Roy and Jason faced each other in the center of a shimmering arcane circle, the ancient runes glowing with magical energy.
Jason's hands started to glow with a soft light, and the magic flowed from him, blending with the symbols around them. He and Roy exchanged a smile, hearts full of happiness.
Constantine couldn't resist a quip. "You two are bloody mad... I like it!" he said with a twinkle in his eye, earning laughs from everyone. Even Talia, who usually had little patience for Constantine's antics, let it slide this time, too happy to be annoyed.
Billy beamed with pride, feeling accomplished. Damian and Lian, the youngest in the group, were practically bouncing with excitement, thrilled at the idea of officially becoming a family.
Madame Xanadu stepped forward to officiate, holding out a beautifully woven rope. Roy and Jason took it, their fingers shaking a little from the nerves. As they tied knots, their movements were slow and deliberate, blending their souls and energies in a way that went beyond the ordinary.
The room fell silent, the only sound the soft rustling of the rope. Everyone watched, captivated by the magic of the moment. For Roy and Jason, it felt like time had stopped, their whole world shrinking down to just the two of them. Nothing else mattered but their love.
When the last knot was tied, Jason looked expectantly at Madame Xanadu. She handed him the jar containing the Heart Purification Ritual, the liquid inside shimmering faintly. Jason hesitated, heart pounding. He knew what he was about to do wouldn't be easy.
Taking a deep breath, Jason drank the potion, his throat tightening as he swallowed. For a moment, nothing happened. Jason looked around, confused. Then, suddenly, he dropped to his knees, a silent cry of pain escaping his lips.
The room buzzed with concern as everyone moved forward, worried about Jason. Madame Xanadu held up a hand to stop them, her calm presence keeping everyone at bay. They watched in tense silence as Jason's body tensed and his face twisted in pain.
Roy felt a wave of terror as he watched Jason struggle. He wanted to rush to his side, but Madame Xanadu's authority kept him rooted in place. Jason's face turned ashen, his body shaking from the intensity of the ritual. For a moment, it seemed like he might not make it. But then, slowly, color returned to his cheeks, and the tension eased. With great effort, Jason stood, legs trembling but with a reassuring smile on his face.
Relief washed over Roy, his fear melting away. He smiled back at Jason, feeling the weight lift from his shoulders. The room let out a collective sigh of relief, and the tension disappeared like mist in the morning sun. Their family gathered around them, their faces lit with gratitude and love.
Madame Xanadu continued the ceremony, her voice resonating as she spoke the sacred words. "In nomine amoris et magicae aeternae, in aeternum coniunguntur," she intoned, her eyes glowing with the moment's power. (In the name of eternal love and magic, they are forever joined.)
Jason and Roy exchanged glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Jason took Roy's hand and spoke his vow, "Promitto te diligere, protegere, et semper adesse," he said, the words flowing effortlessly. (I promise to love, protect, and always be with you.)
Roy's eyes filled with tears of joy as he responded, "Promitto te amare, honorem, et in luctibus et gaudiis tecum manere," he declared, his voice trembling with emotion. (I promise to love, honor, and to stay with you in sorrows and joys.)
Their promises hung in the air, infused with magic. The room pulsed with energy as they leaned in to seal their vows with a tender kiss, their hearts beating as one.
Madame Xanadu smiled. "May your love be a beacon in the darkness, guiding you through all the trials and triumphs that lie ahead," she said, her words filled with blessing and hope.
As Roy and Jason stepped out of the circle, Lian rushed into Roy's arms, her laughter filling the room as she hugged him tightly. Constantine clapped Roy on the back with a grin. "Well, well, looks like you've gone and done it, mate!" he exclaimed.
Talia embraced Jason tightly, whispering words of pride and affection. Damian and Billy stood beside them, sharing the moment as a family. Jason hugged his mother back, his heart overflowing with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you, Mom," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for everything."
Nika and Nyssa approached the newlyweds with warm smiles. Nyssa hugged Jason tightly. "Congratulations, Jason," she said, her words heartfelt. "We're so happy for you both."
Nika hugged Roy. "Congratulations, Roy," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You make a wonderful couple."
Roy and Jason exchanged glances, their hearts full of love and gratitude for their family's support. The heartwarming scene was interrupted when Constantine clapped his hands. "As beautiful as the wedding had been, we have a crucial task to accomplish." His tone was sharp, a stark contrast to the warmth of the ceremony.
Damian, Billy, Lian, and Nika grumbled, reluctant to leave, but they knew they had no choice. They followed the others, their steps heavy with disappointment.
Nyssa reassured Jason with a gentle smile. "I promise you that everyone will be safe on Infinity Island. I'll protect them with my life." Jason nodded, but there was a flicker of worry in his eyes as he watched them go.
Roy hesitated, torn between logic and his desire to stay with Jason. He knew he wouldn't be much help in the upcoming mission, but leaving Jason behind felt like abandoning him. With a heavy sigh, he kissed Jason goodbye, promising to return soon.
Jason held onto Roy's hand tightly, his own heart heavy with worry. "Be careful," he urged. "The only way I will be able to focus tonight is if I know you and the kids are safe."
Roy nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "I will keep them safe," he promised, squeezing Jason's hand before joining the others.
John opened a portal, and one by one, they disappeared, leaving only Jason and Constantine behind. Constantine's smirk widened as he turned to Jason, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"It's finally time," Constantine declared maniacally.
Jason carefully etched magical glyphs on the dusty floor of the old building, each symbol crackling with energy. The room buzzed with the power of his work, shadows dancing on the worn walls.
Stepping back, Jason's heart raced. He hoped the ritual circle would stop Chorozone's child. Hiding in the shadows, he waited, dread creeping in.
Then, he felt it—a ripple of dark energy. The child of Chorozone was close. Muscles tensed, Jason watched, ready to act.
From the darkness, the child appeared, eyes blazing with otherworldly power. They stepped into the circle, activating the glyphs. Magic filled the air, light engulfing the child as they struggled, cries echoing through the building.
Jason's heart pounded with fear and relief. The child was trapped, their power neutralized by the glyphs.
Jason and Constantine huddled in the shadows, speaking in urgent whispers, a sense of unease hanging over them.
"This feels too easy, John," Jason muttered, eyes narrowing as he watched the child struggle in the circle.
Constantine frowned, deep in thought. "Aye, it does. But sometimes, things just fall into place. Doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful."
Jason nodded, jaw clenched. "I can't shake the feeling there's more to this. What if they have some trick up their sleeve?"
Constantine shook his head, grim. "Nah, it's the Heart Purification Ritual. It's got 'em hooked. No need for tricks when you've got a powerful spell doing the work."
Despite Constantine's reassurances, doubt lingered in Jason's mind. The child's blood-red eyes unsettled him deeply.
But watching the creature struggle, Jason knew they couldn't let their guard down. Whatever lay ahead, they'd face it together, armed with determination and resolve.
"It's those eyes, John," Jason muttered, barely audible. "They're just... wrong."
John's face hardened, determined. "We'll handle it. Let's focus on keeping this bugger contained."
With a nod to Constantine, Jason stepped out of the shadows, standing before the child of Chorozone.
"Bloody hell!" Constantine spat, frustration and disbelief etched on his face. "Ghoul, this one's gone."
Jason snapped his attention to Constantine, urgency in his eyes. "What do you mean she's gone?"
Constantine took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling smoke with a grave expression. "She was probably a regular girl until the night terrors took over."
"Night terrors?" Jason's brow furrowed, mind racing. "Like what happened to Etrigan?"
Constantine nodded grimly. "Exactly. Etrigan got hit until he was halfway to crazy, just to make him dance to someone else's tune."
"But that didn't work," Jason said, a flicker of hope.
Constantine leveled a stern look at Jason. "It almost did. And they didn't have a blood link to Etrigan. But she—" He pointed to the girl. "—she's tied by blood to a Duke of Hell. You're an Al Ghul, Jason. You know what that means."
Jason turned pale, stomach churning. "If she's being forced into this, maybe we could get Zamurad involved."
Constantine raised an eyebrow, amused. "Weren't you the one who insisted Zamurad stay out of this?"
Jason glared at him. "I did, and I stand by it. But in a controlled environment, it's different. Just like with Talon. Only Zamurad can help her."
Constantine snorted, a grin on his lips. "You're right. Physical and spiritual necromancers are a dime a dozen, but blood necromancers? Rare as hen's teeth. And finding any necromancer is like finding a needle in a haystack. House Al Ghul is like a legend!"
His laughter echoed, filling the room with macabre energy. "And Zamurad wants to specialize in Magizoology! Bloody brilliant!"
Jason shook his head, rolling his eyes. "Let's get her secured. I'll arrange things with Madame Xanadu. She must know a place where I can keep her until we find a cure."
Suddenly, Batman crashed through a window, glass exploding everywhere. Shards scattered like glittering knives, disrupting the carefully inscribed glyphs on the floor. Their protective magic was undone in an instant.
Jason's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. How could his father, the Dark Knight, be so reckless? He wanted to berate Batman for his impulsiveness, but there was no time.
Constantine's face contorted in fury. "You bloody arsehole!" he snarled at Batman.
But as the child of Chorozone broke free, her eyes blazing with malevolence, all thoughts of reproach vanished. The only thing that mattered now was survival.