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harleiquina · 2 months ago

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Sleepwalking

My first ever attempt of fanfic. As you can see I'm far more used to write stories in one go instead of divide it in semi chapters and so on... so this is a long one, and all of them will be as well. As I said in the intro, my idea was of making 3 episodes within The Sandman "expanded" and then a Constantine Spin-off that is linked to them. Read them as an episode summary, I guess.

Constantine was victim of a body swap and is trying to restart her life and find out what happened. But Morpheus shows up with a new task.

Part 2: Talking in your sleep

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A puff of smoke went up into the night sky. There was a party going but the woman sitting in the balcony just didn’t care, she checked the time on her cell phone and puffed the cigarette once again, laid her head back and exhaled another toxic cloud towards the moon.

A raven flew close by and stayed in a tree, close to the balcony’s rail. A shadow emerged next to it.

-Are you sure this is Constantine?-

-Yes, Matthew. Remember that you also changed once- said the shadow to the bird while starting to move in closer to her -Constantine-

She turned her head to him -It’s you again… oh, shit - an elderly couple came out to the balcony and Constantine stood up to meet them.

-This is unacceptable! We hired you to take care of our son, not to join the party and have a smoke break. I demand the front payment back- said the old man.

-Do you take clothes? Because you are seeing it- she pointed at her outfit -Trust me I hate this thing, but your baby-boy had a dress code that didn’t fit my regular style-

-Young lady, you better do what you were told or just get the Hell out of here!- the old woman agitated her index finger to her as if she were scolding a child and that made her chuckle that, of course angered the woman -And you were not allowed to bring a guest-

-I didn’t bring him. He’s… an old… family… client. Mr… Mr... M …Murphy… Mr Murphy. He just shows up whenever he needs anything. It’s annoying but that’s how he goes- Constantine turned to Morpheus - As you can see, I’m in the middle of something. You’ll have to wait-

-You better get that demon out of our son before we kick you out of our house!- yelled the man.

-Oi! Either I do this right or I do it fast. You can’t have it both ways-

-Fast!- was the couple’s answer.

-Fine, but you deal with what comes next… and I’ll charge a 40% more- she turned to the Dreamlord once again -Give me 5 minutes-

She went back to the party directly to a man sitting on a couch. Without asking she sat on his lap and started to whisper something in his ear. He was drinking and enjoying himself until his face changed. Constantine grabbed him by the neck, stood up and kept whispering in his ear until he fell on his knees and eventually on all fours. Everyone around them looked disgusted at the scene while he started to throw up, from the vomit emerged a long black snake. She stepped on its tail and threw in a small amount of some liquid from a flask she had in her jacket.

The snake started to turn, it got bigger and started to scream in a demonic voice. The skin disappeared leaving a human-like figure, slender and unidentifiable.

-Asmodeus… I should’ve known-

-Hey, Jo… nice seeing you again. Did you change your hair?- the demon laughed.

- You have two choices. Leave by your own or I’ll kick you out-

- You and which army?- with one hand gesture the demon sent her to fly and she landed at Morpheus’s feet.

- I know I’ve said 5 minutes. Could we make it 10?- she asked him.

- You said 5 and the clock is ticking-

-Fine- she stood up and tied up her hair. In the meantime all guests started to run and scream in terror everywhere.

-If Asmodeus succeeds, there’ll be more demons than you can handle- he added.

Constantine turned to see how the demon was conjuring a portal with the help of a mirror to let other demons in.

-C’mon! That 's cheating!- she yelled at him.

-And you are saying this… of all people!- Asmodeus pretended to be surprised.

-Oh, grow up!-

People were still running trying to get out, but all the doors were blocked. Some tried to hide behind the bar and under the tables, others were recording everything in their cellphones.

-Is that a real diamond?- Constantine asked a girl who was trying to hide behind the couch.

-Who cares? Just have it!-

-Thanks!- she answered while picking up different red wine bottles that she could find still unopened or at least not completely emptied.

With the diamond she started to carve different symbols on the glass while reciting a small prayer barely understandable.

- Constantine- Morpheus called her -You are missing something- she looked through the bottles and eventually realized that, yes, she did skip a symbol.

Meanwhile some other demons started to get through and, of course, the panic increased.

Constantine searched on her jacket’s pockets for a thumb drive and went to the console where the DJ used to be. There was a moment of confusion while gregorian chants with techno beats started to play on the woofers.

The demons shrunk in pain while hearing the music and Constantine started to bless them with the wine. Once the few that made it out were dealt with, she threw the remaining bottles against the mirror to close it.

Asmodeus sneaked behind her and pinned her to the ground. -Does this remind you of something, Jo?-

-New body… who’s this?- she snapped her fingers a few times until they got lit up with fire and put the flames close to the demon’s face -So… are you choosing the easy way or the hard one?-

-Jo… you wouldn’t… that’s below you- Asmodeus pulled back slowly letting her get the upper hand.

-Fuck around and find out- the demon chose to disappear in a cloud of dark smoke. Constantine lit up another cigarette using her hand and turned to Morpheus and Matthew that were waiting on the side -I even have a few seconds to spare!- she went to the old couple that were still in shock and dug on the man’s jacket till she found a check. She folded it in half and saved it in her pocket.

While walking towards Dream, the man that was Asmodeus' vehicle cut her off.

-That was impressive and really hot. Literally-

Constantine grabbed him by the hair and with a hoarse voice said - Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul-

The man run.

-Isn’t that from those Rings movies?- asked Matthew.

-Ha, look who’s talking. The Lord of the Rings is a book divided in three… and then three movies. You know that, I know that… but he doesn’t, so shhh!- said hushing herself with a finger across her lips and winking- Well… what can I do for Your Highness now?-

-A demon is hiding in The Dreaming-

-Curious. I guess they can get into your lands because they dream as well don’t they?-

-Just like any other living thing that comes to The Dreaming it must leave-

Both were walking down the street but it eventually turned into a dark forest that led to an open field.

-What the bloody Hell? Did you get me unconscious in the middle of the road? Do you know how dangerous it can be? Especially for a woman!-

-You are awake. I allowed you in-

-My Lord! It has happened again- Lucienne approached them apparently coming from nowhere.

-Where?-

She directed Morpheus attention to a little house in the middle of the forest. All of them walked towards it and the closer they’d got a certain feeling started to take over Constantine’s stomach. That was never a good sign.

It was a typical English cottage from the stone front to the almost-edwardian living room, but it was trashed down as if someone was looking for something.

-I know this place- murmured Constantine, she touched the wooden library -but I don’t at the same time- she took a moment to think -Can you un-fuck it up?-

-I beg your pardon?- Lucienne couldn’t believe that this human would speak like that to Lord Morpheus.

-You know, in a dream a place is your house… but is not your house with the exception of little things that remind you of it. It’s like an alternative version of a place you know based on other stuff you’ve seen. Is there a way that we can see how this place looks in the Waking World? The way it really is, instead of this?-

Morpheus smirked and everything started to change around them but among the furniture and the walls, some photographs appeared knocked over on the floor.

-No… not you- Constantine kneeled to pick them up.

-You know this woman?- asked Dream.

-Yes, she lived across the street when I was little. Sometimes she’d babysit me. She was my first contact with the Tales of Old, mythologies from different cultures… practices…-

-Was she an archaeologist?- asked Lucienne.

-No, Literature Teacher. Why?-

-This is not the first victim, but the third. An Archaeologist, a Historian and now her-

-I’m not a detective… well… not that kind of detective. Why am I here?-

-Because I believe that a demon is hiding in The Dreaming and I cannot find it yet- Morpheus answered.

-A demon wandering in people’s dreams? How come? I thought you had to authorize anyone to cross-

-I do not know and that is why I have brought you here-

Constantine kept looking around at some of the paperwork on the floor and an idea crossed her mind -I need to see the Archaeologist’s dream. Can it be done?-

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It wasn’t a surprise that an Archaeologist would dream of their excavations, the surprise was finding herself in what seemed to be the set for a new Indiana Jones movie, with evil Nazis and all. It was all frozen in place, like a photograph she could walk through. The crates had all kinds of artifacts, the paperwork was mostly scribbled with nonsense but the images were real.

-Lucienne- called Constantine -Do you recognize something like this?-

-There are a few volumes in the Library that have this images-

-Could you get them?-

-I’ll prepare them at once-

-Do you know who it is?- asked Morpheus.

-I have a suspicion, we’ll see if I can confirm it- he was still watching her like expecting a better answer -That’s really annoying, know that?- she lit up a cigarette and eventually caved in -Legion- he arched his brow -As I said, I need to confirm it… and I really hope I’m wrong-

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-Constantine- Morpheus woke her up, she had fallen asleep on top of all the volumes and scrolls that she was reading.

-I’m awake. Just resting my eyes- she lied while rubbing her face -How does it work here? If I am awake in The Dreaming and fall asleep in here… do I show up somewhere else? Do I dream at all?-

-You should rest-

-I’m fine…-

-In the last 6 months you hardly slept. A human cannot endure that much-

-Maybe in the old days, now we have energy drinks-

-A room was prepared for you-

-I said I’m fine. I just need to solve this first. Tweedlee-dee and Tweedle-dum are searching in their houses for anything that could help as well- she repressed a yawn the best she could.

-Constantine…-

-Fine, Cain and Abel are looking for something in their houses. So… according to the legend, King Solomon was able to lock up 75 demons in a bottle that he later used as an adivination device… and I don’t believe squat of that because my family has been doing this since the dawn of time and the largest amount of demons a Constantine was able to reduce by himself was 6 and we literally have centuries upon centuries of knowledge on how to trap and cast demons away. Like, fine, King Solomon had God’s protection… but that number is just bollocks…-

-Constantine!-

-What?!- she knew what he was going to say -I said I’m fine… all I need is to solve this up! Why would a demon try to infiltrate people’s dreams… especially these three… what is it looking for?-

-There is still time for that, you should…-

-Since when do you care so much about how much I sleep or not? You brought me here, remember? You want me to fix this…-

-I think that your state has less to do with this demon. You are hiding from something-

-Wow, you're a psychologist now… look at you, keeping out with our times- she only found Morpheus’s cold gaze as an answer -You hired me… sort of… this is how I do things. Suck it up- she lit up another cigarette and continued -My theory is that those weren’t 75 random demons… but a part of a larger one, like Legion. I think it makes a lot more sense. They are separated but the same… hive mentality and such. Still a theory, if Cain and Abel are able to find evidence of Solomon’s bottle… maybe I can prove it-

-So Legion is looking for a part of itself- Morpheus decided to follow her train of thought.

-IF this is Legion and IF Solomon’s story is true. I wonder how much time will it take for them to find anything-

-Maybe enough time for you to sleep for a while-

-Piss off! What’s so great about it? You don’t make it a very nice place for someone like me anyway-

-I have promised you that that nightmare would not bother you anymore-

-As if that is the only nightmare that I have. Not to mention that this body isn’t mine… and I don’t know who this girl was but her dreams are dark. And yes, probably you know who she was and why she’s like this but I don’t want to know because… she had a life… and I’m taking it while still wondering what the hell happened to my own body, who has it, what are they doing with it… and this bloody voice in my head doesn’t shut the fuck up so even if I do try to rest I can’t do it. That’s why I’ve spent all this time barely sleeping and trying to relearn everything that my family ever taught me because this is not my brain, I don’t remember anything of my own. I’m lost… - she could feel tears burning in her eyes, but she wasn’t going to cry in front of an Endless. She had a reputation to uphold after all -This helps me, I feel more like myself when I’m in a case like this- before Morpheus had the chance to say anything, the library doors burst open. Cain and Abel were running with a few volumes and maps ready to show.

-Lady Constantine! We found it- Abel was beyond himself for the excitement.

-She’s not Lady Constantine, you idiot!- reprimanded Cain.

-I was trying to be nice-

-You were trying to be a bootlicker-

-Enough of that! What do you have?- Constantine went to their encounter and took some of the books -Oh, for fuck's sake! Seems like I was right after all… but why all this fuss now? It’s been thousands of years…-

-Perhaps there was a new discovery- Cain tried to sound as smart as possible.

-Most likely, but still… we are talking about a demon, they know everything beforehand… Legion should’ve known where part of him was buried-

-Maybe you could ask them- Abel suggested.

-Summoning a demon in the Dreamlord’s Palace? I don’t think so… too many things could go wrong and I won’t be at fault if The Dreaming falls into pieces-

-The Dreaming is far more powerful than you think. It will not crumble for one demon- Morpheus interrupted -I hired you, remember. You will do as I say-

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The Throne Room was prepared for the event. Morpheus was on his throne and different nightmares roamed the area as some type of protection. Constantine was finishing drawing different symbols in the floor and walls to try and contain the threat but it was hard to know the difference between summoning a demon in The Waking world and doing it in The Dreaming.

-Well… if any of you knows how to pray… it won’t hurt- Constantine pulled a tiny book from her jacket and after shuffling through the pages she started the incantation to bring Legion to them.

Darkness covered everything, the sound of hundreds of demonic voices started to be heard. Constantine' s voice was still commanding and cold. None of those in the room were impressed by the demon’s attempt to scare them, it was a relief for her… the last thing she needed was a bunch of hysterics coming from creatures like those.

Little by little, the darkness shrunk enough to take shape, a few seconds later a man emerged from it.

-Greetings, Dream of the Endless. It fills me with joy to see you back in your throne and it is so nice to see the welcome you’ve prepared. And of course, you… - everybody knew that he was lying but his mask fell completely once he set eyes on Constantine -following the family tradition… such an honorable task. Pity that it flourishes on the pain and misery of so many-

-Oh, please stop. You’ll make me cry- she replied.

-You think you are on top of it all, don’t you? Just like your father, and his father, and his grandmother… and all the way down to the middle ages, even further if you look closely. But it is all thanks to us. The Constantines are the prime example of betrayal and Hell is waiting for your arrival. The last of your lineage, what an occasion!-

-State your business, Legion- ordered Morpheus in his commanding voice.

-Forgive me, My Lord. The quality of your allies has lowered but I’ll forgive it if you concede me one wish-

-I am not a genie nor a god to grant anything. But do you have my curiosity. What is it that you want?-

-A part of me has been taken away, locked in clay and forgotten spells. I’d like to recover it… however humans don’t know yet where such artifact is buried, only in the Ancient Dreams lays the key to find it-

-I am a protector of dreamers and you have been killing them for this information. Why should I help?-

-Compassion, My Lord. You know how it is to be locked away…having a part of you taken and handed over until time and negligence leaves it forgotten-

-Please tell me you’re not falling for that shit- Constantine yelled -You were not locked away, Lucifer kicked you out after you tried to take over-

-Of course a Constantine will lie. It was your great grandfather who locked me in a box for all this time. Had he not sold The Manor, I would’ve never been free-

-Dates don’t match, you’re bluffing. Or even worse, you are trying to get in his mind… so now it turns out that you both were in Fawney Rig at the same time? I don’t buy it-

-What is it that you want, Legion?- Morpheus wasn’t going to allow that discussion to continue -Why should I help you after the damage you have caused?-

-Those lives were lost because I lack the ability to move between dreams, I had to crawl in them and it was too much for their minds to handle. But you, My Lord, you do have that ability…-

-Are you asking for something that not even my subjects possess? Nothing moves between human dreams without my authorization. And I do not feel comfortable letting a demon wander freely on them-

Constantine exchanged a look with Lucciene, they both noticed a quick smirk on Legion’s mouth.

-If you don’t think I’ll behave, by all means be my guide… and if you still think that I can’t be controlled, maybe confining me into something will help-

-I do not believe that you would offer yourself to be captured again-

-Of course not. I won’t be back on a box or urn or any other container… but perhaps I could get inside of you, you’ll have full control at all times. I just need to see what happened, where am I. I’ll let you go afterwards, of course-

-You expect me to just let you possess an Endless, with all that entices?-

-I know it is not a simple choice… but bear in mind that I will not stop until I find what I’m looking for. A lot more could die. You have till midnight to decide- Legion disappeared in the air, slowly to give more weight to his words.

With just a hand movement, Dream asked all nightmares to leave.

-What a Drama Queen- murmured Matthew from behind Morpheus’ throne -So I guess you’ll cast him away, right?- asked looking at Constantine.

-She cannot do it just yet, because Legion is not complete. That’s why your ancestor casted him on a box-

-I could do it again. Do you have something I could use?-

-We do have some vases…- started Lucienne before being interrupted by Morpheus negative -My Lord, should I guess that Legion’s offer is completely out of the question?-

-Allow me, my dear- Constantine gave some gentle taps on her shoulder to show support -What she’s trying to say is… that you are an idiot. Do you know how dangerous it’ll be not just for all dreamers, for your kingdom and yourself as well? This nonsense ends now, get me that vase-

-It is not your duty, Johanna Constantine, to make decisions on my realm- Morpheus’ voice echoed in the room -I merely brought you here to deal with a demon. You have found it and, as you said, we do not know how The Dreaming would react to an exorcism. I shall deal with it now, your work is done-

-Didn’t know that you were an exorcist as well, Your Highness. I wonder how many demons have you sent back to Hell already…-

-It is my kingdom-

-And you’ll burn it all up!-

-Boss… if she has experience maybe… How many demons have you sent back to Hell?- asked Matthew.

-I lost count. But a Constantine is asked to have exorcised at least 5 before turning 15 years of age, a rite of passage of sorts… I passed with flying colours, of course. But if Dream of the Endless thinks he can handle it, I shall leave him to it. After all, I’m just a mere mortal- she walked away to leave the Throne Room. Lucienne followed her outside.

-You do know that you can’t leave without his permission, do you?-

-I do- Constantine lit up a cigarette -But he has a flair for drama and, I can’t lie, me too-

-Should I bring the vase, just in case?-

-Nah. That solves nothing, just pushes the problem a little bit further in time. If I lock Legion in a vase made of dreams, I won’t be able to take it with me to the real… I mean to the Waking World. You lot would have to keep it here and I don’t think that’s a good idea- she sat on a step - Not to mention that the other part he’s looking for is still on Earth, somewhere… once found it will be released, because humans are as stupid as that, and it all will start again. And that side of Legion will have a perfect excuse to bring all this place down-

-Is there anything we can do?-

-Well… either Morpheus allows Legion in to find the Ancient Dreams or whatever and then we find a way to get him out… or we should call Lucifer, AKA the one that could stop Legion from going too far… and I really don’t want to do that-

-I don’t think Lucifer would oppose to capture a rogue demon-

-You never really know, but that’s not my concern but the fact that I should’ve died and gone to Hell… and yet here I am. Sneaking away like this from the Ruler of Hell is not a good look, even if it’s not my fault-

-You’d be going to Hell?-

-One: you don’t know me, Two: family curse and blah, blah, blah-

-I do know you, Johanna Constantine, and so does Morpheus. If you have been brought here it wasn’t just for your expertise. My Lord can be stubborn, but his duty demands it. He’ll never do something out of a whim and he never puts his trust on undeserving people-

-I think you are just too kind to him. That’s why he’s so spoiled-

Lucienne left, hiding a smile. Constantine laid back and closed her eyes for a while.

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She wasn’t fully asleep, just barely delving into slumber when she started to feel a little pecking on her face.

-Hey! Constantine! Wake up!-

-You may call this place The Dreaming, but I see that nobody fucking sleeps here- she sat up rubbing her face to wake herself up-What do you want Matthew?-

-I tried to convince The Boss, but he kicked me out-

-And you want me to try?-

-Not really, I was just curious… Is it really hard to exorcise a demon? Could I do it?-

-Well… you have to be intimidating and commanding enough to make a creature that has seen the birth of the universe, Heaven, Hell and has thousands upon thousands of years old obey you. Do you think that you are up to it?-

-C’mon… you’re not that scary-

-You are lucky that I like you-

-So why do you say that The Boss can’t do it? As far as I understand he’s even older and scarier-

-It’s not a haunted house, Matthew. It is not about being scary, it is a battle of wills. Morpheus might have a strong one, but demons are treacherous; they mess with your head in the worst possible ways: reopening old wounds, implanting evil even in the most innocent thoughts. It is not easy, let alone for an entity like him that has lived everything either by himself or through other’s dreams and nightmares-

-And you can?-

-When you grow up in a family like mine, the first lesson you learn is not to let anybody know how much you’re hurting-

-Sounds like someone I know-

-Sounds like a lot of people… but not all of us can deal with demons-

-Should I ask Lucienne for any kind of book on magic or something?-

-Well, that won’t hurt. Have fun-

Matthew crossed the hall in a few seconds before disappearing on the corner of a hallway with a very well calculated flying curve. Constantine wondered how she would react at waking up as a bird and how long it would’ve taken her to adapt herself to flying. She let that idea go and stood up to go back into the Throne Room.

While empty it looked even more menacing yet calming at the same time, very much like its owner. She heard some footsteps on her right and had a glimpse of Morpheus’ coat disappearing on an archway. She followed it and found herself in a Great Hall with a fully served table, Morpheus was sitting at the head of it and showed her a chair to sit down on.

-Don’t you give yourself hope, I’m not here to apologize- she walked to her place and while getting into the chair she asked -So… you do eat. That’s good-

-It is almost midnight-

-That depends, Legion never clarified if it was your midnight or mine. Time’s different here, is it?-

-Most likely he referred to midnight in The Waking World-

-We can enforce the other version to make some time…-

-Or we can just end this at once-

-I guess that you’ll be calling Lucifer, then-

-It is a possibility but I rather not. The Ruler of Hell has no reasons to help me at all-

-Then just drop my name on the conversation, that’ll work-

-Still, I do want to help Legion-

-You are a sucker. Do you really believed his pathetic story?-

-When we met and I talked about Roderick Burgess you called him “The Demon King” due to the creature he had locked up. Maybe he never talked about me at all-

-Do you know that if my great-great-grandmother didn’t have to pay her husband’s gambling debts, Fawney Rig would’ve been mine? Maybe Burgess would’ve never gained traction and you would’ve never been trapped. Funny old world-

-Constantine, I will help Legion on his quest. Anything is better than him ripping people’s dreams and nightmares apart-

-Remember the first time we met, back at the Cathedral? Did you see what happened to that footballer? And that was a low class demon… not one of the biblical kind that all humanity learns to fear. What will happen if I can’t perform an exorcism on you? If you die in the process? I’ve read what The Endless did to those that killed Despair… does an entire country, if not the world, deserves to pay for whatever happens to you by your own choice?-

-It will not come down to it-

-Giving Legion the opportunity to tap into your realm is not a good outlook either, not just for the dreamers but for me as I try to kick him out. He’ll be able to confuse me in ways that no other demon ever had and he’ll do it through you-

-I think I can hold him down-

Constantine released an ironic snort and got up from the chair.

-This girl, the one I inhabit now, also thought she could stop me. And I know she’s not an ordinary one… she’s a witch. I don’t know how old, but a couple of hundreds most likely. So she has experience, but this random occultist woman takes over and somehow she’s overpowered because power seeks for more power, it has no loyalty. It will happen to you too-

-So you know who she is… interesting. What does she have to say now?-

-She keeps wishing for your death and your siblings’ for some binding you all did to her or something… if that’s what you want to know- he seemed amused -Morpheus, I can’t risk doing an exorcism in here… on you… even if you allow it-

-So we need to be smarter- he stood up and offered her a peach.

-Never eat anything offered by a mythological creature, call it a fairy, a serpent or Hades himself. First rule I learned in my life, instead of the common “don’t take candy from strangers”-

-If Legion will use my powers against you, you should be able to repel it-

-Whatever power that peach will give me, will remain on every cell of my body. If science is correct, it takes 7 years for a human body to change all of its cells. I’ll be bound to The Dreaming for 7 years…-

-And is that such a punishment?-

-Not for me. Thought that you would like to know- she took the fruit from his hands -For the future, keep in mind that I really hate peaches- she ate the fruit in a couple of bites -Any advice on how to use it?-

-Whatever you imagine, make it so-

-Really helpful, thanks-

-Any advice for me-

-So now you accept advice?- she threw what was left of the peach to a plate on the table -Being in another’s body is disorienting. Everything feels different, the wind on your hair, rain on your skin, smells, you are no longer attracted to the same people, you find other things more interesting, the visual field changes… everything sucks- she released a deep sigh -Maybe you can use that to your advantage, but keep in mind that demons are a little bit more used to it. Dreams lay on people’s unconsciousness, that’ll be something new… too much information at the same time. Maybe you can disorient him with it for a while… until I come up with one of my clever ideas and save your butt at the last minute- she thought she saw a glimpse of a smile on him -I guess I’ll leave you to it. See you in the otherside-

-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆- 7 -☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-

Everybody was waiting in the Throne Room. The dreams and nightmares, including Lucienne and Matthew could feel a dark change in themselves. Constantine noticed that the environment was colder and looked as if there was ash everywhere.

Morpheus’ silhouette appeared on the foot of the Throne, nobody took their eyes off of him.

-Fear not, dreamfolk. Your Lord is fine. He is far more powerful than I expected-

-Were you able to find what you’ve been looking for?- asked Lucienne, hiding the concern in her voice.

- I have, dear Lucienne-

-Then, it is time for you to leave- added Constantine.

-You could say that, but I still need a little bit more time and a trip to the Human World to retrieve what it's mine-

-That was not the plan. You only wanted access to dreams and you’ve had it. Get out of there-

-Not yet- Dream was usually quite scary when he wanted to, but the smile that Legion pulled through his lips was absolutely bone-chilling -You better than anyone should know how good it feels to overstay your welcome-

Constantine got her little notebook from her pocket and with a firm voice started to chant -Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti…Crux Sacra Sit Míhi Lux…-

-I see that you just won’t give up. Maybe I should teach you a lesson- he grabbed her by the throat and pushed her to fall hard on her back. But she never met the floor.

She was falling on a dark tunnel and after a few minutes she landed on a pile of bones.

-Oh, my… so scary- she stood up and noticed that she was in a cave. Something shifted on her left, she moved slowly and saw that whatever it was was running towards her. Instinctively started to run and little by little some doors appeared before her. She opened the first one she found and ended up in an elegant greek hallway -You’ve got to be kidding… is this the freaking Minotaur? Couldn’t you find something scarier?- she knew he was listening. The Minotaur started to bang on the door at his full strength, she faked a yawn and kept walking down the corridor.

After a few turns, she found an area that wasn’t very well lit and the distinctive sound of a rattlesnake. “If this is Harryhousen’s Medusa I’ll start to pity that old sod” she thought before something gigantic started to raise itself before her… two snake eyes appeared in the dark and a sudden change in the air made her realize that she was about to be attacked. She ran, but it felt as if she was running with her knees instead of her feet, she could hardly move -C’mon! This is just a dream!- she yelled before finding herself falling again, this time to the ocean. Big waves were crashing her and an invisible force was trying to keep her down. She was drowning. Trying to get her head above water, she would fight off whatever was pulling her down but it was a never ending struggle. She was about to stop trying when a hand grabbed hers and pulled her up.

She was on her knees, coughing up salty water and through her burning eyes she saw Morpheus’ feet and coat. He tried to help her up but she didn’t let him.

-Constantine, do not fear. It is me-

-Yeah, Legion wouldn’t say that to throw me off at all- she still didn’t believe him.

-You have not used the gift I gave you. I am disappointed-

-That does sound like you- Constantine stood up and noticed that she was almost dry again.

-Legion will not return me my body-

-Not to say “I’ve told you so” but… you wanted to play the hero- even if they were on an island in the middle of total darkness… something seemed to shake the invisible sky above them.

-He is close. His power has grown- Morpheus sounded worried.

-So he found his missing part. Just our luck-

-You need to get out of this dream and back into my castle-

They could hear glass shattering and screaming around them. Morpheus grabbed her by the arm and got her close to the water.

-Will you come with me?- She asked.

-No. I cannot leave, otherwise nobody will be here to stop him from accessing other universes’ dreams. Good luck, Constantine- he pushed her into the water just when she started to see some dark winged creatures coming after them. Something was pushing her down into the water, she couldn’t fight it off to try and go back to Morpheus. Before she could realize, she found herself on the surface again, as if she made it to the other end of the world with just one push. Lucienne was in the pier, shocked at her apparition, yet the librarian extended her arm to help her out of the water.

Constantine noticed a dark figure coming after her and hurried to get out of the water, but it was too late. The demon was soaring through the starry sky and ready to attack.

-Run!- she ordered Lucienne but the winged creature was already on top of her. Constantine jumped to the creature’s back, trying to stop its claws from reaching its prey and she started to chant -Vade retro Satána, non suáde mihi vána - the fight got worse and Constantine was doing her best to help Lucienne to get him out of her face -sunt mála quae libas, ípse venéna bíbas - the demon disappeared with a scream and both women got up.

-Thank you- Lucienne was shaken but still had a dignified flair when tidying up her suit.

-Don’t thank me yet… I haven’t even started. Let's get out of here before the others do the same- both walked to a big door at the end of the dock.

-Should I call in some nightmares to protect the castle?-

-You can do whatever you think fit… but first, I need to go to Morpheus’ gallery-

-That is off limits, you cannot enter there-

-So we’ll leave him to deal with this, then… I wonder if there is any good pub around to see the debacle- Lucienne stopped -I know that you don’t want to break Morpheus’ trust in you… and me seeing his family will do so… in any other occasion, this time is needed and he’ll understand- “I hope” added Constantine in her mind.

-My Lord Morpheus says that the Endless do not meddle in each other’s affairs. Nobody helped him when he needed it the most-

-Well… The Endless haven’t met me yet-

Lucienne wasn’t entirely sure, yet she pointed to some stairs that would lead Constantine to Dream’s Gallery.

-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆- 8 -☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-

It took a while for Constantine’s eyes to realize that it wasn’t some fancy wallpaper or a well done paint job that was covering the walls but the actual night sky with moving satellites and all. Seven golden portraits were floating and each one of them had an object that identified each Endless. Those kinds of artifacts were worth millions in the dark market, but she was on a mission and went straight to one of the sigils. She picked it up and instinctively knew what to do.

-Desire, I am Johanna Constantine. I’m in Dream’s gallery holding you sigil, come to me-

-Well, well, well… What do we have here? Morpheus let a girl in his gallery and this time it has nothing to do with me. Interesting-

-We can leave all this cat playing with a mouse for later… I need your help-

-So serious! But I know everything about you… both of you, actually…-

-Are you helping or not?- Constantine was almost ready to slap some sense on Desire’s face.

-Why would I help my big brother? It brings no pleasure or benefit to me at all-

-Because later you could rub it in his face… especially if we do end up saving his entire realm-

-Tempting…- their golden eyes shined bright -But it also sounds like you are trying to manipulate me-

-I’ll owe you a favour. And trust me, that’s a big thing-

-I hardly think that you could ever help me at all. But of course, there could be other ways to return the favour-

-Fine, we’ll discuss the small print later- she grabbed the Endless by the arm and walked them through a door that led to a green field.

-You are not supposed to be able to do that, you know- Desire was genuinely surprised.

-I do have some tricks up my sleeve- Constantine didn’t even care about her guest, she was looking at a black spot that was walking towards the castle -Oi, you bastard! Are you ready for the second round?- the black spot seemed to turn in her direction.

-I’m a lover, not a fighter, Constantine-

-What 's that? And Endless shivering with fear?- she mocked them -I didn’t brought you here to fight, don’t worry-

Legion was already a few metres away, Constantine stepped forward to encounter him.

-I’m really sorry, Morpheus… but I have no other choice- she said while a circle began to burn itself in the ground beneath him -Here in the darkness…- she whispered to try and hide the incantation that would lock him up.

Legion laughed.

-You’ll need more than that to stop me, exorcist-

-I know… but my main goal isn’t stopping you. Just getting you out of there. An Endless can’t leave that circle… a demon can-

-Or I can just wait here till you rot… it won’t take that long for me-

-Perhaps with the right motivation I can get you out- Constantine turned to Desire -Make him want to kill me, and I mean completely blinded to anything else until he does it-

-Are you…?-

-Just do it, would you?… I know what I’m facing-

-Nice meeting you, Johanna Constantine- by then she was already running to a newly created forest and a few seconds later Legion took the shape of a thousand demons to chase her. Morpheus was left weak on the circle, Desire turned to him and almost felt pity but left before he could see them.

The trees grew taller with each step and got closer to each other creating a labyrinth impossible to solve. Constantine created a few distractions, with old versions of herself, those who starred in her dreams, to force Legion to divide himself. Maybe that would give her some time.

There was a medieval castle nearby, where she hid for a while. Legion was easy to track with the movement of the tree tops and the screams that came from the forest. She went to a mirror and called Matthew, the bird effortlessly crossed through it.

-You rang?- he asked jokingly.

-I have a very important mission for you- she cut a piece of a curtain and went next to the raven -Pinch me- she offered him her arm.

-This is the important mission? To check if you are sleeping?-

-I need a little bit of my blood for this cloth that you’ll use to free Morpheus-

-Free him? Have you seen how he ended up after the first time?-

-It was necessary… and it wasn’t for that long! Now, go on. Try not to go too deep, I’ll need my arm later-

-Alright, minor scratch incoming- Matthew’s beak left a thin red line on her forearm. She collected a few blood drops with the rag.

-Go find him. I’ll distract Legion while he gets Lucifer- she knew by Matthew’s quick head turn that he had some comments on bringing the Ruler of Hell to the Dreaming, but before he could actually say anything, she got the cloth on his mouth and showed him a passage to get to Morpheus.

A series of demonic chants filled the air. Legion had found the castle and was preparing a siege. Constantine didn’t hesitate and got out to their meeting.

-I see that you're making yourself comfortable- all the demons hissed and got ready to jump at her but one of them, passing as the leader, stopped them.

-You do have guts, I’ll grant you that. Or are you here to yield, exorcist?-

-Nah… maybe some sparring is on order. I’m a little rusty, the exercise will do me good. Of course, I do not have an army… if you are honorable it will be a one-on-one challenge, would it?-

-Honor means nothing to me… but you’ll fight with just a fraction of my power. So once you lose you’ll be your family’s major disappointment-

-I’ll still be fighting just one of you. Works for me-

A circle was formed around them and a sword and shield were thrown at her feet.

She really hated this kind of combat, as a child she was never able to defeat her father in her practices and given that she preferred using magic instead of physical force it was almost certain that she would lose. But time was of the essence and being a punching bag was kind of a family tradition. Hopefully Morpheus would come back before it was too late.

The demons made a circle leaving their leader and Constantine at the center. Without any kind of announcement, Legion struck first and Constantine was barely able to escape his blow. Everybody was cheering and Legion felt that it was time for seconds. Once again the demons burst in laughter and cheer.

-You’re pathetic… - Constantine taunted him - Get rid of all your other selves and then we’ll see who celebrates you-

Legion was determined to destroy her, but his rapid movements were met by her evasive maneuvers. On a couple of occasions, Constantine was able to land some hits on him to his surprise. However it wasn’t enough to cause any damage.

Maybe it was luck, maybe some old muscle memory kicked in or Legion’s ego was so bloated that ignored an obvious mistake, but Constantine was able to send his sword flying to the other end of the field. There was a moment of silence.

She pointed her sword to his throat but before she could utter anything, all the demons came to attack her at once.

She was on the floor, trying to protect herself from their claws and bites. They were everywhere and her mind got clouded with despair, even if she remembered any spell, she wasn’t able to utter a single word.

-Legion!- an authoritarian voice echoed in every corner of The Dreaming. The attack stopped and Constantine realized that the demons were a little bit afraid.

-Your Highness- Legion turned into one again and kneeled before Lucifer -We almost got her-

-I’ll have Constantine whenever I want. And I know all too well that it wasn’t your intention- Legion tried to escape the accusation in his Master’s eyes -Thinking of challenging me again, I see? We’ll see how a thousand years in the dungeons will sit with you- Legion disappeared in a burning hole, screaming all kinds of profanities in some old-forgotten tongue.

Constantine tried to get up, but was too injured and weak. Suddenly she felt herself being lifted up.

-Hello, Johanna-

-Hi, Lucy… long time not see- she struggled to answer. Lucifer had her by the neck and was almost strangling her.

-You must think yourself so clever. Hiding on a witch’s body, knowing they are immortal-

-It wasn’t my idea, you know?-

-Lucifer Morningstar! Johanna Constantine is a guest in my realm. You shall treat her with respect- Morpheus commanded behind them -Let her go-

Constantine fell to the floor like an old potato sack being tossed by an angry farmer. At least she could breathe again.

-As you wish, Dream Lord. But you must know that you cannot hide her in here. Her soul belongs to Hell. And Hell shall come for it-

-It is not her time just yet. You will have to wait-

-Not for long- Lucifer smiled at Constantine before disappearing.

Lucienne approached Constantine to help her stand up but Mervyn decided it was easier to just carry her on his shoulder.

-Let go of me!- she started to yell -I still have some dignity left… I can walk!- Constantine would’ve continued but fell asleep all the sudden.

-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆- 9 -☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-☆-

She woke up in a very soft bed with the sun shining through the curtains. With a big stretch she sat up and noticed that there were no wounds at all in her body. She jumped off the bed alarmed, for how long was she sleeping? At least she was still dressed.

Constantine hurried outside of the room where she found Mervyn swiping the floor.

-’bout time for you to get up. It 's been a year!- the pumpkin said and laughed at her reaction. She sprinted down the corridor and found herself in the dining hall again. Breakfast was served and Morpheus wasn’t there, so she walked through another door to get to the Throne Room that was just as empty. For a while she wandered through the palace and at last found him on a balcony.

-For how long have I been here?-

-The Sun is coming up in the Waking World-

-Mervyn said I’ve been here for a year-

-Time moves differently in The Dreaming. You do know that- she didn’t seem quite convinced - I assure you, Constantine, that it is still the same night that it is ending-

-Even so, I’ve slept a lot. I should go now-

-Do you wish to leave?-

-Well… it is an awkward situation, don’t you think? I locked you up, brought in Desire… of all your siblings. I better leave on my own before you kick me out- Dream looked amused -I can be a handful, I know-

-You almost gave up your life for me-

-C’mon… don’t read too much into that. Is a regular Saturday for me-

-Still, payment is due-

-I can’t really use dream coins in The Waking World-

-Gold and power are not the most important things in this existence and humans should be aware of that- Morpheus moved to a recently created hallway.

-Oh, we know… but we are not the brightest species, I fear. I guess you know that for sure- Constantine followed him and started to feel colder with every step. Both arrived to a rustic house in a small town -What is this place?- Morpheus ignored her question and guided her inside.

It was a normal house, lots of souvenirs from different locations, some photographs, embroidered tablecloths and tapestries. Constantine was already wondering what she was doing in there when some steps came down the stairs. She saw her old self with a big pregnant belly looking at her in horror.

-Ivan!- screamed the woman and a man rushed downstairs.

-You- Constantine recognized him immediately. He was the one she chased under a bridge and surprised her with a hit on the head -What have you done?-

-Who the Hell are you both? Out of my house!- the man yelled while protecting the woman behind him.

-You took everything from me… my life, my identity… and now this?!- she pointed at her old self -Who the fuck do you think you are?-

-You are… oh, no… I wasn’t counting on it. I’m sorry I thought…-

-That I was dead? Having killed a woman was going to ease your conscience after this?-

-You don’t understand. I was trying to get her back… I needed a vessel… we always wanted a family but she left too soon- Constantine was so astonished and furious that she couldn’t even formulate a sentence -Look, all of it is in here. I guess we could fix things back, right?-

She ripped the book from his hands and read the title out loud.

- "Introduction to advanced magic, as instructed by Roderick Burgess’ Order of Mysteries”- she tossed the book to Morpheus -Seems like even a century apart we’ve been screwed up by the same bastard-

-I’m really sorry- the man began again.

-Shut up!!- yelled Constantine -You have no idea what you’ve done! And that pisses me off even more- she added clenching her teeth. She took the book from Morpheus’s hands and started to turn its pages violently. When she stopped, she searched for any kind of bottle or container she could find -Kneel- she instructed the woman -Kneel, I said! And you stay out of this- Constantine barked at the man -Be with me, wisdom of old… Flow like the river of time… Let go of ancient ways and forms… I’ll be yours and you’ll be forever mine- a strange liquid came out of the woman’s nose and Constantine collected it on a small perfume bottle -Well, the crappy poetry worked. Who’d known?-

-What did you do to her?- the man asked.

-I am Johanna Constantine, not that I can use that name anymore given that it is associated with that face. I’m an exorcist, occultist, a soon-to-be-damned from Hell and a pain in the buttocks for any supernatural being across the Universe. You could’ve not chosen a worst body to snatch for your little necromantic fantasy. Your little wife was being subjected to 30-something years of knowledge and memories that belong to me and that I need to keep on doing what I do best: getting rid of the pests that you amateurs bring to this plane by some fucking mistake and also fighting off any menace that could show up… not the kind of life you’ll want for a mother. So I took that back. You’re welcome- she kept the book for herself and left. Morpheus took one last look at the couple and followed Constantine’s steps.

He found her smoking on a stone bridge, looking down at the river. Close to her, the book was being burned and the little bottle was empty.

-Constantine…-

-Don’t you dare to say you’re sorry. Did you know about it? For how long?-

-I have been searching in your old dreams, those who always come back so I could find your body. I knew no more. I thought you could get it back-

-I could’ve… but why would I? In that condition? And with the disgusting thought of him…- she stopped to take a deep breath -That’s not my body anymore… Neither is this one… I belong nowhere… but Hell, perhaps-

-A blood oath can be paid in many ways, regardless of who made it-

-Well… if I die it wouldn’t technically be my blood anymore. Maybe this is good for me, a loop hole on the clauses of the Avernus. Lucifer would just die enraged- she smiled even though she knew that things didn’t work that way.

-You are still needed- he assured her.

-By who? I lost everyone, I’ve tried to reach them and they think that I just took off and some spirit or demon is trying to play games with them. Only supernatural beings know who I am… and that is not always a good thing. No offense-

-You are always welcome in The Dreaming if you need some time-

-Asleep? Awake? Maybe I should just jump in that river and sleep forever- she hid a sigh on a sad smile, took a deep breath and started to walk away.

-Constantine- she turned -Change is not always comfortable or welcomed but it serves a greater purpose, one none of us can fight against. I cannot promise you that everything will be better soon, but there is still hope. There always is-

-Never quit your job, you are terrible as an aspirational speaker- she joked to his amusement.

-You and your family always served me well. I might still need you…-

-...so don’t do any crazy thing or something stupid. Got it- she finished -See you around, I guess-

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