LOVE + FEAR | Damirae

HOLY GHOST

The graveyard was eerily silent. Raven's fingers locked together as she processed the information Constantine had shared with her.

"You're certain?"

"Positive." John took a long draw of his cigarette.

How did I not notice?

Raven waved her hand in the air, batting away John's cancer fumes. "Why would there be demon activity in Gotham?"

"Beats me, love. Maybe it was a good thing to play business with Lexy. He might be part of this," John shrugged.

Raven slowly walked around the grave. She needed the movement. Putting one foot before the other on the dew-soaked grass.

"What would Luthor have to do with demons?"

"You'd be surprised. Demons like to conquer. So do businessmen. Lots of politicians and CEOs ally themselves with demons. It's a more common combination than you think." John paused when he reached the end of his cigarette. He huffed and flicked it to the ground before stomping it out.

"So how do we fight this?" Raven's arms crossed as she stared at him from the opposite side of the grave.

"We'll have to take care of the Sins first. The ones left are pissed because someone captured two." John shot a glare at her.

"Fine. I'll deal with the remaining ones. Happy?"

"Delighted."

"That puts you on Gotham duty."

"Bollocks." John muttered a curse. "I have a life, too. Besides, you're already obligated to be here for Lexy —"

"Until I take out the Sins, someone has to watch Gotham." Raven didn't like the idea of asking Constantine to watch over the city. She'd rather do it herself. But she wouldn't let Damian return to ruins. John could keep the city in one piece long enough...hopefully?

"And your plan for the Sins?" said John.

Raven's gaze shifted from his to the ground. She had already disposed of two. The remaining five shouldn't be of any concern...

Unless she found another unconscious way to alter reality.

Raven shuddered at the memory of the gaping, all-consuming silence when time ceased. It would be a harder objective with the Sins...Gluttony and Sloth had profound effects upon her emotions. Who knew what the others' presences would unlock?

I can't. I can't do that again.

She had to finish off five powerful demons without using any of her abilities. Something that required little on her part, and preferably could take them out in one fight. It wasn't how Raven usually went about her battles — it was lazy and final, just like —

A small smirk fought for placement upon her lips as she glanced over at Constantine.

Cold, dew-drenched cement met Raven's fingers as they softly traced the top of the tombstone. "I'll take out all five tonight. In the meantime, watch over Gotham. Do not half-ass this."

"Fine, I'll play sitter."

"If one building collapses, I swear to Azar, John —" Raven warned.

"You'll kill me?"

"I'll delete your Hulu profile, removing all of your progress on your anime."

"...You are one cruel woman."

— O U T S K I R T S    O F     S A N     F R A N C I S C O —

Raven eyed the crumbling church warily. Her grip tightened on her bag. She was afraid the contents would start squirming.