LOVE + FEAR | Damirae

BLUE

CONSTANTINE'S VINYL RECORDS — "I saw the Sign" by Ace of Base

John Constantine caught Zatanna's arm as they fell. Her stormy gaze met his. Shadows caressed her cheek, consuming her porcelain skin.

Their bodies were pulled into the darkness.

Constantine murmured a power word. Their descent slowed. They were floating downward, the air but a light breeze that tousled his hair.

The heels of Zatanna's boots hit the ground with a soft clack.

"Quick thinking," Zatanna said.

Constantine's hand dropped from her arm. "It's what I do best, love."

Starfire landed next to them. Raven's little alien bestie. What every half-demon teenage girl should have. Green light burned in her palms. The redhead raised her arm. Her powers glazed over every surface. "Where are we?"

The long corridor was made of the same wood as the House of Mystery. A familiar floral smell tinged the air (Orchid, the House's physical form, had a hobby of assorting flower arrangements). Constantine's eyes narrowed at the portraits on the wall: the faces were scratched out. Chains were wrapped around the doorknobs.

"No bloody clue. Looks like the House, though," John said.

"Is that good or bad?" Zee whispered.

"Both."

Constantine waded into the cavern of dreams. The floorboards groaned as they walked. Each surface was washed in green from Starfire's light beam. Bookshelves and baubles cast long shadows.

"There are chains on the doors," Zee said. She stopped at the nearest door and examined it. Constantine peered over her shoulder.

His fingers curled around the doorknob. It shook and twisted from whatever was on the other side. They exchanged a look.

"Are you sure that it's wise to investigate?" Starfire held the light aloft. She kept a generous amount of space between them.

Constantine shrugged. "Eh. Wouldn't be the first time, love."

John cracked the door open. He mentally prepared himself for whatever might show its face. It's her head. I've heard her wake up from nightmares screaming. I didn't expect a light job—although 'job' isn't exactly what I'd call this...

They peeked inside.

A wall of pure black was on the other side. Four flames crackled to life. Eyes. They zoomed towards the opening.

"You will BURN!"

Constantine slammed the door shut. He threw his weight against it as howls ripped from the other side. The doorframe blackened—from flames or feeding darkness, he didn't bloody know.

Zatanna shook her head at him. "You had to look, didn't you?"

"Whatever." Constantine plucked a ciggy from his pocket. He hesitated when he raised a lighter to his lips. Damned habit. It's probably not good to smoke in someone's head. She'd chew me out for it later.

John sighed and clicked his lighter shut. He kept the ciggy tucked between his lips. As soon as he heard of her tantrum in Gotham, he knew there would be a mess to clean. It was...heavier than his usual work. John's steps were lighter. For once, he minded his words. This was Raven's head, and every little thing he did mattered.

"I'd bet that we're in her worst memories and imaginings." Constantine said. The chains on the doors rattled in the silence. "Probably the worst place we could've landed. Lovely."