The rest of the night had gone pretty tense, and Constantine had even managed to make it to the kitchen before Jason to get breakfast started. He was just putting the racks of bacon in the oven when Jason came up the stairs, then turned and did a double take.
"John?" Jason asked, as if not quite sure what he was seeing.
"Morning, kiddo. Just putting the bacon in, I already cracked the eggs and they're ready to scramble, once the bacon gets halfway. I was debating on pancakes or some French toast, or, since I put the hash browns in already, just regular toast? "
"Uh, I think toast is the way to go." Jason said, eyes locked on John, who was pulling a cup out and pouring tea before fixing it the way he knew Jason liked it, he sat it on the counter towards him and then turned to pull a couple loafs of bread out and sat them by the toaster. He also grabbed the eggs out and a bowl of freshly shredded cheese.
Eyes still not leaving Constantine, Jason cautiously grabbed the tea and took a sip. Eyes wide, he found a stool and sat down to watch, clearly confused. John took the large skillet out and set it to heat, hitting it with a shot of olive oil and then throwing in a couple pats of butter. He sat a couple big bowls on the counter, and then checked both the hash browns, giving them a flip, and the bacon. One tray he pulled out entirely and then sprinkled just a little brown sugar on the bacon, before shoving it back in. Once that was done, he snagged the big whisk, gave it a quick rinse, and then began whisking the eggs.
Jason watched the entire thing, eyes wide. Constantine gave the eggs a once over then nodded to himself, satisfied that they were ready before he dripped one drop in the pan and nodded again when it hissed and cooked up quickly. He turned the heat down some and then poured the eggs in. Jason was just opening his mouth to stop John from using the metal spatula he had picked up from beside the stove, but Constantine turned and dropped it into the sink and grabbed the heat proof silicon spatula and started scraping through the eggs, constantly turning the pan, and moving the eggs from side to side, until he was satisfied with the results. He scooped about a third of the scrambled eggs into one bowl, and then quickly sprinkled the shredded cheese in and moved the eggs again, letting them cook maybe thirty more seconds, before everything left in the pan was slid into the second bowl.
He dropped a large domed lid over each bowl and left them on the counter before he stepped over and started making toast. "Was anyone else up, do you think?"
"Uh, Dami and Billy are already at Nanda Parbat Academy for Magic, and Roy is taking Lian to school." Jason grimaced. "Roy wanted to spend some extra time with Lian, as the kids won't be coming back to the house for a while. The children will be staying some time at the dormitories at the academy until we get this situation sorted out. They will be apparating to class until is safer, better that way."
"Good idea," Constantine whistled to a tune as he continued making breakfast.
They could then hear the door opening and Roy make his way towards the kitchen. The archer stopped by the door and watch the scene with wide eyes. Roy slowly settled into the seat next to Jason. John made him a cup of coffee and grabbed a bottle of juice for Jason, who had finished his tea.
"He can cook?" Roy whispered to his boyfriend, shocked.
"I know!" Jason hissed back, breaking out of his disbelief.
"Of course, I can cook! I've been able to cook since before either of you had been born!" Constantine grumbled. "Now eat your breakfast! We've got a lot to plan!"
All three of them had breakfast in silence, until Roy spoke up. He turned to his boyfriend, with a puzzled expression, finally voicing the question that had been bothering him since this whole ordeal had begun.
"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."
Jason's expression grew serious as he considered Roy's question. "Damian is indeed bonded to Nanda Parbat and the Infinity Island," he confirmed, his tone grave. "His Al Ghul blood gives him access to magic, but it also ties him to those specific locations. As long as he stays away from the ley lines targeted by Chorozone's child, he should be safe."
"Your brats might be safe, but there are many who are still in danger," Constantine reminded them. "We better start working, because we needed a plan like yesterday."
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Seo-joon stepped into the library of Nanda Parbat Academy for Magic, a familiar sense of awe washing over him as he took in the grandeur of his surroundings. The beauty of the architecture never failed to impress him, with its soaring ceilings and intricate carvings. As he wandered deeper into the library, he marveled at the shelves and books that move of their own accord, rearranging themselves to accommodate the needs of the students. It was a sight that never failed to captivate him.
But it was the sheer variety and number of magical texts housed within the walls of the library that truly left Seo-joon breathless. From ancient Egyptian scrolls detailing long-forgotten spells to grimoires written in Latin believed long gone during the witch-hunts, the library held a treasure trove of knowledge that seemed to span the breadth of human history. He ran his fingers over the spines of the books, feeling the weight of centuries of magical wisdom contained within their pages. Each volume held the promise of untold secrets and hidden truths, waiting to be unlocked by those bold enough to seek them out.
As Seo-joon's fingers traced the weathered pages of an ancient tome, his heart heavy with anticipation and a hint of anxiety. He was entering his fifth year at the academy, a pivotal moment in his magical education. Soon, he would sit for a series of subject-specific standardized tests, designed to measure his mastery of magic to the standard level expected of any competent wizard.
Seo-joon couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that gnawed at him from within. Halfway through the academic year, he found himself on the verge of pulling his hair out in sheer frustration. The pressure to excel weighed heavily on his shoulders, threatening to crush his spirit with each passing day. The scores he achieved on these tests would determine whether he would be allowed to continue his education in the more advanced classes of each subject in his sixth and seventh years. It was a make-or-break moment, one that would shape the trajectory of his magical career.
But despite his frustration, Seo-joon understood the importance of these tests. Magic was not something to be taken lightly—it was serious and dangerous, especially in the hands of those who lacked the necessary skill and knowledge. The tests served as a crucial safeguard, ensuring that only those who were truly proficient in the art of magic would be allowed to continue their studies in the more advanced subjects.
As he pored over his books, Seo-joon was reminded of the countless hours of study and practice that had brought him to this moment. Each spell, each incantation, had been painstakingly mastered through trial and error. He poured over his books with a single-minded determination, each page a puzzle to be solved, each spell a challenge to be mastered. Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn't shake the feeling that he still hadn't reached the same level of immersion as his best friend, Billy.
Billy Head was practically a fixture at the library now, his presence as constant as the rising sun. Seo-joon couldn't remember the last time he saw Billy anywhere else—he seemed to live and breathe the dusty tomes that lined the shelves, always surrounded by towering piles of books that he claimed as his own.
Seo-joon couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern for his friend. Billy had confided in him years ago about the tense atmosphere at home at times, but he had always seemed eager to return home by the end of the day. However, the sight of Billy and his younger brother, Damian, taking up residence in the dormitory for the past week had set off alarm bells in Seo-joon's mind.
It was clear that Billy's research had taken on a new intensity, one that seemed to border on obsession. There was a haunted look in his eyes, a desperation that Seo-joon had never seen before. Whatever he was searching for in those dusty old books, it was clear that it was personal and went far beyond the realm of academic curiosity.
Seo-joon walked through the corridors of the library in search of his best friend and his heart sank as he spotted Billy tucked away in a dark corner of the library, the dim light of Lumos casting eerie shadows across the stacks of books that surrounded him. He approached cautiously, his concern growing with each step he took.
As he drew closer, Seo-joon's eyes widened in shock at the titles of the books spread out on Billy's table. The Power of Purity, The Growth of the Magical Cores of Children, Sacrificial Rituals, Power of Death and Life—each title sent a shiver down Seo-joon's spine.
What in the name of Magic was Billy researching?
A sense of unease settled over Seo-joon as he tried to make sense of it all. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeply wrong with the direction Billy's research had taken. The topics he was delving into were dark and dangerous, far beyond anything they had ever discussed before.
Then, like a bolt of lightning, a memory flashed through Seo-joon's mind—his Umma mentioning the spate of magical children being killed in New Jersey. The pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place, and Seo-joon's worry deepened. Was Billy in danger? And what in the Magic was happening in New Jersey?
Seo-joon's heart raced as he confronted Billy, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and frustration. "Billy! What the Magic is happening?" he demanded, unable to keep the worry from seeping into his words. "What are you even researching? Did you forget that Red Ghoul warned us about sacrificial magic?"
Billy's eyes widened in surprise at Seo-joon's sudden appearance, his startled expression betraying his attempt to hide whatever he was doing. He grimaced, a guilty look flickering across his features as he struggled to come up with an explanation. "I... I'm helping research some information for Madame Xanadu," he stammered, his voice faltering under Seo-joon's penetrating gaze. But Seo-joon could tell that his friend was lying through his teeth.
"Our principal is working with Red Ghoul to catch a rogue warlock or witch who's been sacrificing magical children in New Jersey," Billy continued, his tone strained as he lied through his teeth. "I don't know if you've heard about it."
Seo-joon nodded, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the puzzle before him. He decided to play along with Billy's deception, masking his own concerns for the moment. "What did Madame Xanadu ask you to research?" he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him.
Billy's expression brightened slightly at the question, eager to divert attention away from his own actions. "Well, Red Ghoul wants to set a trap, but he doesn't want to put any magical child in danger," Billy explained, his words rushing out in a torrent of nervous energy. "He's... he's run out of ideas about what to do."
Seo-joon pondered Billy's words for a moment, his eyes scanning the titles of the books laid out on the table before him. "So, from what I learned from Red Ghoul's lesson, there are many catalysts during rituals," he mused, his mind racing with possibilities. "Life and purity are two of the most potent ones, especially when combined."
Billy nodded eagerly, grateful for the chance to discuss the matter further. "Which is why magical children are being targeted," he agreed, his voice tinged with sadness.
Seo-joon hummed thoughtfully, his mind racing as he considered their options. "But what if they give whoever is doing this a larger target?" he suggested, his voice low with urgency. "Have you heard of the Heart Purification Ritual?"
"Heart Purification Ritual?" Billy repeated, his brow furrowed in thought.
Seo-joon nodded, his expression grave as he recounted the ritual's origins. "Back before the Hunters and everything, in Korea, witches and wizards were expected to undergo a Heart Purification Ritual before their wedding," he explained, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "It was meant to symbolize purity as they entered into marriage."
Billy's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. "I did not know that," he admitted, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.
Seo-joon let out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head in resignation. "I'm not surprised," he said. "It's an outdated ritual, one that fell out of favor centuries ago. It was considered barbaric and was outlawed for... well, for almost two centuries now."
"But in this case, it might be just what Red Ghoul needs to lay a trap for whoever is behind these sacrificial rituals," Seo-joon continued, his voice growing animated with excitement. "If someone were to undergo the ritual, they would become pure. And if it were an adult, they would be an even larger target because their magical cores are fully matured."
Billy's eyes lit up with realization, his mind racing with possibilities. "That's brilliant!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration for his friend's ingenuity. "Do you have the ritual at hand?"
Seo-joon shook his head, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I don't," he admitted. "But I can ask my mom. She's a historian and specializes in the magical history of Korea. She might have some information that could help us."
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Billy's sudden appearance in the magic room of the Fawcett House startled Roy, Jason, and Constantine. Jason's initial shock quickly turned to anger as he rounded on Billy, his voice laced with frustration. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his tone sharp with concern. "I told you to stay in Nanda Parbat! You'll be safe there!"
But Billy paid his guardian's anger no mind, his gaze steady as he turned to Constantine, knowing that the warlock would be the least likely to lash out at him. "I know how to lure Chorozone's child into a trap," he declared, his voice brimming with confidence.
Roy's eyes widened in surprise at Billy's revelation, his confusion evident. "How do you know about Chorozone's child?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "And how did you know we were planning to lure him into a trap?"
Billy turned to Roy, his expression unreadable as he raised an eyebrow with a deadpan that was all Talia Al Ghul. "I am the Champion of Magic," he replied simply, his words carrying a weight of authority. "Super hearing is the least I can do."
Jason let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "Smart ass," he muttered under his breath. "This is karma, I swear! I try to be a good guardian, and I get two little brothers who want to drive me bald before I'm even thirty!"
Constantine rolled his eyes at Jason's outburst, turning his attention back to Billy with a raised eyebrow. "Alright, what's your plan, brat?" he asked, his tone gruff but not unkind.
Billy smirked, standing a little straighter as he laid out his proposal. "The Heart Purification Ritual," he announced confidently, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Billy's answer was accompanied by a paper containing the step-by-step instructions for the Heart Purification Ritual. Roy's gaze flicked between the paper and Billy, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Billy met Roy's gaze head-on, his eyes blazing with conviction. "We have to try," he replied, his voice steady despite the doubt that gnawed at his insides. "If it means stopping Chorozone's child and saving those magical children, then it's worth the risk."
Jason's jaw clenched at Billy's words, his fists tightening at his sides. "We don't have much time," he muttered, his voice tense with urgency. "We need to act fast if we're going to pull this off. The next full moon is in a couple of days."
"I have all the ingredients needed at The Rock of Eternity," Billy offered, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Billy knew this was a serious situation and the lives of children were involved. But being the Champion of Magic for five years, Billy felt like it was finally his time to shine. He'd been itching to make a real difference for so long. Jason had always kept him out of the hero stuff until he turned eighteen, and Billy got it. But that didn't stop him from wanting to jump in and help.
There were times, like when Batman was dealing with time sickness, when Billy thought he could lend a hand, do more than just find the right plan of course. But things never lined up right, and he ended up just feeling frustrated.
This time was different, though. This time, Billy could actually do something important. He could round up the ingredients, whip up the ritual, and play a key role in catching Chorozone's kid.
"How did we not think of this before?" Constantine chuckled in disbelief. "Go for it brat!"
With a burst of excitement, Billy couldn't contain himself any longer. "SHAZAM!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, the magic coursing through him as he transformed into Leukós. In an instant, his ordinary clothes were replaced by his white and gold suit, his muscles bulging with newfound strength.
With a grin stretching from ear to ear, Leukós wasted no time. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the lightning, the crackling energy enveloping him as he teleported to the Rock of Eternity. The sensation of magic coursing through him was exhilarating, sending a thrill down his spine as he approached the Rock of Eternity, he felt a surge of determination welling up inside him.
With lightning speed, Leukós wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients for the ritual. His eyes scanned the room, searching for each item on the list: 2 bulbs of hemlock root, a pinch of Myrrh resin, 6 oz. of Lausenschlange oil, a vial of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a handful of Mullein, and several clumps of Gum arabic.
Once he had everything he needed, he wasted no time getting to work. With practiced precision, he followed the instructions laid out before him, mixing the first three ingredients in the order listed over high heat until they began to boil.
As he handled the vial of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Leukós exercised caution, well aware of its potent nature. He added several drops at a time, stirring constantly until a faint pink hue began to appear, signaling that the potion was taking shape.
With a steady hand, he added the remaining two ingredients, watching as the Gum Arabic caused the mixture to thicken and take on a light pink or white color. The air was thick with anticipation as he allowed the potion to simmer for several minutes more, ensuring that it reached its full potency.
Finally, with a sense of satisfaction, Leukós removed the potion from the heat and carefully bottled it, sealing it tightly to prevent any loss of potency. As he held the finished product in his hands, a sense of determination filled him.
This ritual was their best chance at luringChorozone's child into a trap, and Leukós was determined to see it through to the end. With thepotion in hand, he knew that they were one step closer to achieving their goal.