2013

In Central City

Chris was at school, sitting in class when an alarm suddenly went off. The teacher instructed, "Everyone, stay calm and exit in an orderly fashion."

The students quickly rose from their seats and began filing out of the room. As Chris reached the hallway, he noticed a man in a trench coat and decided to follow him discreetly, avoiding the teachers.

The man approached someone standing in a corner and said, "Hey, don't you know you're supposed to leave the school? Hey!" He grabbed the person's shoulder.

Suddenly, the man was tackled by another individual who began struggling with him. The man started chanting in Latin, "Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanic potestas, omnis infernalis adversarii, in nomine et virtute Domini."

The attacker growled, and the man continued, "Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, omnis congregatio et secta diabolica, in nomine et virtute Domini Nostri Jesu!"

A loud crash followed by sparks and falling glass startled Chris. He rushed over and asked, "Are you okay?"

The man looked up and snapped, "What in the bloody hell are you doing here?"

Chris explained, "I saw you come in and followed you. I saw what happened."

The man cursed, "Bollocks. Just perfect."

Chris inquired, "So, demons are real?"

The man responded, "What are you talking about?"

Chris pointed out, "Seriously? I heard those words before on Supernatural during an exorcism."

The man, now intrigued, asked, "Wow. Did the show get it word for word?"

Chris recited, "Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, omnis congregatio et secta diabolica, in nomine et virtute Domini!"

The man, impressed, said, "Wow. You could be a great wielder of magic if you were older."

Chris asked, "Really?"

The man sighed and handed Chris a card, "John Constantine; Exorcist, Demonologist, and Master of the Dark Arts."

John said, "Exactly, mate. If you'll excuse me, I need to go."

As John began to leave, the attacker lunged at Chris.

Chris yelled, "John!"

John turned and saw the struggle. Chris started the exorcism chant, "Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio infernalis adversarii..." but was quickly choked by the demon.

John rushed over and finished the chant, "...omnis legio, omnis congregatio et secta diabolica, in nomine et virtute Domini!" The demon vanished.

Chris, catching his breath, exclaimed, "God damn!"

John reassured him, "Don't worry. The demon's gone. The person should wake up soon. Good job on the exorcism in Latin. Maybe, when you're older, I'll let you help me."

Chris responded, "I turn 17 next year."

John smiled, "Good to know, kid. See you later." and left.

Chris smiled back, "Cool."

In 2014

Chris was at home, reflecting on the past year.

His brother, Cisco, walked in and said, "Hey, man. You okay? It's been a while since we talked."

Chris replied, "I'm fine. How about you?"

Cisco said, "I'm good. It's great to see you."

Chris smiled, "How's STAR Labs?"

Cisco answered, "It's good. I feel at home there."

Chris said, "I'm happy for you."

Cisco nodded, "I need to go now. Be safe."

Chris agreed, "You too."

After Cisco left, there was a knock at the door. Chris opened it to find John.

John greeted, "Hey, kid."

Chris asked, "John?"

John replied, "Yup. I need some help, and if you agree, I'll teach you everything about magic. Deal?"

Chris nodded eagerly, "Okay. I started home schooling, so I can work from anywhere."

Chris' father approached, "Who's at the door, son?"

Chris introduced, "Dad, this is my friend, John."

John smiled and said, "Hello. I need your son's help to move my stuff. I'm relocating."

Chris' father agreed, "Sure, and since he's home-schooled, he can still attend school."

John added, "He mentioned that. Hope you don't mind."

Chris' father said, "I don't mind, as long as he returns."

Chris asked, "Dad, what if I need to stay for a while? Is that alright?"

His father sighed, "I'm fine with it, but will your mother be?"

Chris nodded, "True."

He went to speak with his mother.

She said, "You want to leave the country with your friend?"

Chris explained, "Mom, I won't be gone long. I want to explore a bit, and this is a great opportunity."

She sighed but relented, "Go then. I love you, dear."

Chris kissed her forehead, "I love you too. Tell Dante and Cisco I love them."

She chuckled as Chris packed.

John smiled, thinking, What a wonderful kid. Why would he want to get into this mess?

Chris' mother warned John, "Look after my son."

John assured her, "We promised to look after each other."

She replied, "Okay. Thank you for being his friend."

John said, "Who couldn't be friends with him? He's too kind for this world."

Chris' father agreed, "It's amazing how he's our kid."

Chris ran downstairs with his bags.

John remarked, "That was quick, mate."

Chris said, "I've been looking forward to this."

John chuckled, "Come on then."

As Chris waved goodbye to his parents, John performed a transportation spell, and they arrived at John's house.

Chris marveled, "Whoa. So cool."

John said, "You can have the room upstairs to the left. Training starts tomorrow."

Chris nodded and headed to his new room, ready for the adventure ahead.