The Red Ghoul

ARC III: PART VII

"Why sacrifice kids?" Roy asked, his confusion evident in his tone. "Wouldn't it make more sense to target older witches and warlocks who've got more power?"

Jason winced at the topic, clearly uncomfortable, but it was Constantine who stepped in to provide an explanation. "Because children are innocent," John answered, his gaze steady as he took a bite from his toast. "And that innocence holds a unique power in the realm of magic. It's not just about being a virgin—it's about having a purity of magic and mind that hasn't been tainted by the darker aspects of life."

Roy furrowed his brow, still trying to grasp the concept. Sensing his confusion, Jason, ever the professor, simplified the explanation.

"Think of it like this," Jason began, his voice calming. "Purity in magic is like having a clean slate, untouched by the negativity of the world. It's like being spiritually pristine, which amplifies the strength of your magic. When your intentions are pure and free from selfishness or malice, your spells and rituals become much more potent. Sacrificing children taps into that purity, making the dark magic they're dealing with even stronger."

As Jason spoke, Roy's expression darkened, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. Suddenly, the twisted logic behind the dark rituals they were facing became clearer. The room fell silent once more, as only the sound of cutlery could be heard.

"Children symbolize new beginnings, growth, and untapped potential," This time it was Constantine who broke the silence to continue with his explanation. "Their presence in magical rituals can serve as a catalyst for the birth of something new or the fulfillment of desired outcomes. It's as if their innocence and purity act as a beacon of hope, amplifying the power of spells and rituals."

Roy's eyes widened in realization, his expression clouded with dread. "So, Chorozone's child is using this symbolism of new beginnings to give his father a new body and life on Earth."

Jason's brow furrowed deeply as he absorbed Roy and John's words, the weight of their implications sinking in like a stone in the pit of his stomach. "It's... it's messed up, man," he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "But it makes sense. They're manipulating the very fabric of magic to achieve their twisted goals."

"It's like playing with the very essence of innocence and hope," Constantine murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and anger. "Children represent the purity of new beginnings, growth, and untapped potential. Their presence in these rituals serves as a catalyst for the manifestation of desires, fueling the magic with an intensity that's hard to comprehend."

Roy suddenly stood up, gaze swiveling between Jason and John looking frazzled and panicked. "Does this mean that Billy and Damian are in danger?" he blurted out, his worry palpable. "They're both magical children!"

Jason's expression softened as he shook his head, trying to ease Roy's fears. "No, they should be safe," he reassured, his tone steady despite the gravity of the situation. "For the ritual to work, the child of Chorozone needs magical children bonded to specific ley lines between Gotham and Metropolis."

Roy's shoulders sagged with relief, but his brow remained furrowed with worry. "But what about Billy? He's the Champion of Magic," he pointed out, his concern shifting to the boy's safety.

Jason nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of Roy's concern. "You're right, but Billy is bonded to the Rock of Eternity," he explained, his voice calm and measured. "That connection should keep him out of harm's way."

A sense of relief washed over Roy, but his worry for Damian still lingered. "What about Damian?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "He's a Wayne by blood, but he's also got Al Ghul blood running through his veins."