Doctor Fate: The Diamond (A DCU Halloween Special)

The light sound of jazz music played in the Oblivion Bar, a secret location only available to those in tune with the mystic arts. Stepping into the room was Kent Nelson, the Sorcerer Supreme; Doctor Fate.

 

 

His golden cape draped over his shoulders, hovering only just before the hardwood floor. Kent felt multiple eyes lock onto him as he walked through the doorway, demons and warlocks he had faced in the past.

 

 

Surveying the room, he took note of familiar faces; Nightmaster, the owner of the Oblivion bar was currently pouring out a drink to a customer. In the back corner of the bar stood the Shade, who was conversing with a bald, bearded man Kent had never seen before. Finally he spotted an old friend, dressed in bright red and snow white.

 

 

The man looked up, smiling towards Kent. "Doctor!" Shouted the man, raising his pitcher. "It is good to see you!"

 

 

Kent smiled under his helmet, walking towards the jolly man's table. "Agios, it's been a while," he greeted, earning a nod. "You pick up drinking?"

 

 

The man let out a boisterous laugh, one that could bring joy to anyone's soul. "No, my friend, it is only eggnog," he clarified. "So what brings you here? You aren't here to bribe me about changing my lists for any little doctors, are you?"

 

 

Kent chuckled, shaking his head. "No… no little ones for us. Inza recently discovered that a very powerful artifact had been unearthed," Kent explained. "I believe the one who took it is here. You wouldn't happen to see Craddock today, have you?"

 

 

"As a matter of fact, I have," Agios said, pointing across the bar. "He was at Xanadu's table last I saw."

 

 

"Then I'll be off," Kent said with a nod. "It was nice seeing you again, Agios."

 

 

"The feeling is mutual, Doctor," Agios nodded, raising his pitcher to Kent.

 

 

Following the man's direction, Kent traversed through the bar to the back corner.

 

 

"Damn you!"

 

 

Kent's ears picked up the very distinct English accent, one he knew very well. Sat at a rather large table was James Craddock, the Gentleman Ghost. The man threw his hand onto the table, splaying out a king and queen.

 

 

"It seems, you lose once again," Xanadu snickered, pulling the pile of chips towards her. "Better luck next hand?"

 

 

Craddock shot up from the table, a ghastly flintlock pistol sliding out from his sleeve. "You are cheating, witch!" he shouted, gaining a bit of attention from other attendees.

 

 

"Sit down, would ye?" Daniel Cormac sighed, leaning back in his chair. "She's blind as a bat, how's she meant to careds?"

 

 

"She's got Precognition, you oaf!" Craddock said, snapping at the Irishman.

 

 

"If she were using some type of precognition to aid her, we could obviously sense it," the final person at the table, La Encantadora, said, placing her hand on the table. "Ever think you just might not be good at cards?"

 

 

"I'll take your head too if you-"

 

 

"Craddock."

 

 

The table all turned their heads as Kent made his presence known.

 

 

"Oi, what's up, Doc?" Daniel greeted Kent with a wave.

 

 

Kent gave a small nod back before refocusing on Craddock. "I'm sorry to disrupt your game, but I need to speak with you, urgently," Kent said, already turning to find a private space.

 

 

He could hear mumbling behind him before the footsteps of Craddock began sounding off behind him. The two traversed the bar before entering an enclosed bedroom.

 

 

"You do know what this room is for, right?" Craddock asked, leaning against the wall. "I hope you don't plan on seducing me, Doctor."

 

 

Kent shook his head disapprovingly. "Recently you came in contact with a red diamond," Kent began turning to face the ghost. "I need to know who you sold it to."

 

 

"A red diamond…" Craddock said, bringing his hand to his would-be chin. "Hmm… I don't recall anything of the sort, I'll be off then."

 

 

As Craddock stepped away from the wall, ready to exit the room, a golden chain wrapped around his torso. His ghost-white body disappeared, now replaced by a zombified corpse in red and black.

 

 

"Let go of me this instant, Doctor…"

 

 

"The Bloodwynd diamond is not a joking matter, Craddock," Kent shouted, tightening the chain. "The gem houses Pazuzu, if that demon is unleashed then it could kill millions!"

 

 

"I don't give a damn about that, it doesn't affect me!" Craddock shouted back, his hands beginning to glow purple. "I can't die… so free me, now!"

 

 

"I don't need to kill you… there are fates worse than death," Kent said, lighting the chain ablaze with ethereal flames. Craddock began to screech in pain as the blue fire coated his body. "Now answer me!"

 

 

"Th-three!" Craddock shouted through his cries. "Demons… three!"

 

 

The ghost audibly gasped as the flames and chain disappeared, coughing slightly. "That is… not good," Kent whispered, looking up at the coughing man. "Let's go then."

 

 

"I… believe you've got me mixed up," Craddock said, straightening his coat. "It's the other Brit that does the scavenger hunting."

 

 

"John Constantine is too much of a wildcard," Kent said, forming an ankh. "A simple flame can keep you in check. Now let's go."

 

 

Craddock sighed, following Kent through the ankh.

 

 

-^-

 

 

Kent smelled the boiling blood flowing from dual gargoyle-fountains, even through his helmet. The Demons Three had once been feared rulers of a far away galaxy, but we're punished by a higher power and forced to earth. They now took up residence in hell, running a marketplace of mystical goods and artifacts.

 

 

"Can we please not stay here long?" Craddock mumbled, watching as a man in blue robes covered in eyes walked past, glaring at him. "I'm not a fan of this place."

 

 

"We'll be here until we secure the gemstone," Kent said, beginning to walk forward through the market. Like the Oblivion Bar, eyes all around shot to Kent immediately.

 

 

"You're popular here, it seems," Craddock said, waving at a few of the customers.

 

 

"I'm an agent of Order browsing through a marketplace in hell," Kent said, not turning to look at Craddock.

 

 

"And if they aren't fond of you being here?"

 

 

"They are free to act, but they won't be able to leave this place if they do."

 

 

"Agent of Order, he sa- Doctor… we're being-"

 

 

"I know," Kent said, still keeping his gaze forward. "What is it you want, Witch Boy."

 

 

"Aw, I didn't think you noticed me."

 

 

Floating from behind Kent and Craddock was Klarion, the Witch Boy. The boy was wrapped in chains, but his arms were freed, resting behind his head.

 

 

"Is that a child?" Craddock asked, pointing his cane to the boy.

 

 

"When did you start dragging around relics like him, Doc?" Klarion asked, pointing over to the ghost.

 

 

"A relic!?"

 

 

"Where is Teekl?" Kent asked, noticing the missing cat.

 

 

"Dunno," Klarion mumbled, shrugging his shoulders. "I haven't seen her since Uncle Jason and that girl banished me here."

 

 

"What is a Teekl?" Craddock asked.

 

 

"Go find the Demons, Craddock," Kent said, motioning the ghost to leave. "I'll be with you in a moment."

 

 

"Ah, yes, stall for a chit chat," Craddock mocked as he continued walking, leaving Kent and Klarion.

 

 

"You think you can get these off me, Doc?" Klarion asked.

 

 

Under his helmet, Kent smirked slightly. "I'm sure Jason had a good reason to place you in time out," Kent said, raising his hand. Suddenly the chains around Klarion realigned, pulling his arms back into the bind.

 

 

"Wh- You bastard!" Klarion shouted, struggling in the chains.

 

 

"You should take better care of your pets, they're a big responsibility," Kent said, forming a chain to gag the Witch Boy. "I'll know when these chains are broken, so I assume we'll be seeing each other again soon."

 

 

Kent could hear the boy's muffled anger as he walked away. Across the market he spotted Craddock, leaning against a small building. Approaching him, Craddock's top hat and monocle shook.

 

 

"It's not here," he informed, holding out a small list. "I took their purchase list, it seems there was an immediate buyer."

 

 

Kent took a hold of the list, eyeing the orders. "Damn," he mumbled, already forming an ankh portal. "We need to hurry."

 

 

"What's wrong?" Craddock asked, looking at the list again. "Who is Lycus?"

 

 

"The child of Ares, the Greek God of War."

 

 

-^-

 

 

Kent's ankh opened, the two finding themselves deep in the Himalayas.

 

 

"If you were able to track the diamond…"

 

 

"I'm not," Kent said, closing his eyes. "I'm able to track Lycus' trail… he's sloppy."

 

 

"So he's in there, I assume?" Craddock asked, pointing inside the mountain cave.

 

 

"Yes, but… there's someone- something else inside…" Kent said, opening his eyes.

 

 

"Spooky, let's get it over with," Craddock said, a flintlock sliding from his sleeve into his hand.

 

 

Kent nodded, lifting off into the air and flying forward. Craddock, after summoning a skeletal horse, followed after the man. The two made their way deep into the cave, before reaching a large opening.

 

 

"Is that… a robot?"

 

 

Inside the opening was a large metal suit of armor. Stood in front of it was Lycus, chanting an incantation. The cave had a bright red glow, originating from the red jewel embedded in the armor's chest.

 

 

"He's giving Pazuzu a body…" Kent mumbled, his hands lighting up with golden rings.

 

 

Aiming his pistol, Craddock shot a flaming purple skull towards Lycus. Raising one hand, the demigod absorbed the skull.

 

 

"Damn."

 

 

"It seems," Lycus began, turning to face the duo, "I failed to conceal myself."

 

 

"Hand the Bloodwynd Diamond to us, now," Kent ordered, an ankh forming behind him.

 

 

"Ah, the Lords' of Order's puppet," Lycus said with a chuckle. "I wondered when I would cross paths with you… I don't seem to know you, spirit."

 

 

"The Gentleman Ghost," Craddock said, taking off his hat and bowing. "Now, please hand the gemstone over, I have a card game to return to."

 

 

"The diamond is mine!" Lycus goaded, running his hand along the robot's shell. "The Annihilator shall bring warfare unlike you've ever seen!"

 

 

"Craddock, retrieve the diamond," Kent ordered. "I'll deal with Lycus."

 

 

Craddock nodded, raising multiple skeletons from the ground. "Allow me to assist," he said before moving towards the suit of armor.

 

 

Lycus smirked, a sword and shield manifesting in his hands. "This shall be fun."

 

 

Kent flew forward, blasting arcane energy at Lycus. The demigod raised his shield, blocking the attack. Bringing his sword up, he countered one of Craddock's skeletons, shattering it. With a slash, a blast of flames ran along the ground, incinerating the rest of the bone-soldiers. Dragging his sword along the ground, the fire followed, creating a ring around him and Kent.

 

 

Kent summoned his ethereal chains, wrapping around the flaming sword. Lightning sparked along the chains, sending electricity to the sword. Lycus merely laughed as he sparked with electricity, slamming his shield on the chains, shattering them.

 

 

"I doubt even an Amazon could be hurt by mere lightning," Lycus mocked, twirling his sword. "Don't tell me Earth's strongest guardian is this weak."

 

 

Raising his arms, Kent formed multiple hand signs in succession, hieroglyphs forming around him. "Experience the light of Ammon-Ra!" Fate shouted.

 

 

The golden hieroglyphs merged together before blasting forward a beam of blinding light. Lycus brought his shield up, but the defense was shattered by the attack. As the light dulled, Lycus was pulling himself free from the wall, his exposed skin seared.

 

 

"That's what I want to see!" he shouted, a wicked smile on his face. "I haven't fought like this in centuries!"

 

 

Lycus leapt forward, a battle-axe replacing his sword. Kent brought up a golden ankh, blocking the upward slash from the demigod. Lycus followed up with a second swing, this time a downwards slash. The force shattered Kent's ankh, sending him crashing to the ground.

 

 

Lycus came down like a missile, his axe changing into a spear. A green skeleton threw itself on top of Kent, tanking the spear smash. Kent warped to safety, looking to see Craddock tip his hat while he worked on removing the diamond.

 

 

"I can call backup as well!" Lycus called out, bringing his hand to his mouth and letting out a loud whistle.

 

 

Suddenly, the floor beneath Kent crumbled, a gigantic hound erupting and latching it's teeth around Kent's torso, flailing him around. Kent attempted casting a spell, but the hound flung him, causing him to slam hard into the wall.

 

 

"Excellent work!" Lycus called, the hound trotting to stand next to the man.

 

 

Kent brought himself to a stand, panting. "Your hound… it drains divine energy," Kent said, looking to see Craddock still trying to free the diamond.

 

 

"I raised him myself," Lycus said, running his hand along the hellhound's head. "I made sure I'd never need to worry about someone like you."

 

 

"If order magic is simply ineffective," Craddock said, stepping through the ring of fire to stand in front of Kent. "Then let's see how a necromancer fairs."

 

 

"Craddock, the diam-"

 

 

"We can recover the diamond once we send this brat to his uncle," Craddock said, sliding his cane out from his sleeve.

 

 

Slamming the cane on the ground, an army of skeletons raised. The hound charged forward, diving into the group of skeletons. Kent raised back into the air.

 

 

"Your arcane energy is low, allow me to take over," Nabu spoke.

 

 

"Not yet, Nabu," Kent responded, forming more hand signs. "You know the risk to us if it fails."

 

 

Kent's hands both glowed a bright blue, the flames forming into a sword and shield. Diving towards Lycus, he slashed forward with the fire sword. Lycus brought up his own sword, blocking the attack.

 

 

A second sword formed in Lycus' off hand, the blade swinging at Kent's head. The flame shield was brought up, blocking the strike from connecting. With both of his flame weapons connected to Lycus' blades, Kent sent the fire forward. The blue flames trailed along the swords, connecting to Lycus' body.

 

 

"AGH!" Lycus cried, burning from the ethereal flames. The demigod quickly doused them with his own fire, kicking Kent's stomach.

 

 

Kent stumbled, looking up to see Lycus' fist slam into his helmet. His body was sent to the ground at the force of the punch, the cave's floor cracking. Kent rolled to the side, avoiding a lethal stab from Lycus' spear.

 

 

Craddock stood in place as the hellhound swiped at him, it's claws passing right through him. "No magical properties, it seems," he mumbled, raising a large skeletal hand from the ground, pinning the dog down.

 

 

A loud sound echoed in the cavern, alerting all of the combatants. The suit of armor's faceplate glowed red, the Bloodwynd diamond pulsing energy throughout the armor.

 

 

"No…" Kent mumbled, bringing himself to a stand. He raised his hands, but a club struck him in the back, knocking him to the ground once more.

 

 

Lycus stepped past Kent, laughing maniacally. "Excellent, it's time we go, Kratos," he called, the hellhound ripping itself free from the skeletal confinement and rushing to it's master.

 

 

A large portal appeared under the suit of armor, the object falling through the rift. Lycus and his hound followed suit, dipping into the portal after the armor.

 

 

As the portal shut, Kent stumbled to the floor, breathing hard. Craddock stepped towards him, sliding his cane up his sleeve. "What happens now?" he asked, crossing his arms. "You rally the Justice League and track him down?"

 

 

"He… he's concealing his presence…" Kent said, pulling himself to a stand. "I won't be able to locate him…"

 

 

"What does that mean?"

 

 

"We're sitting ducks until he strikes… but by then, it may already be too late."

Done