Months later

John and Chris had checked themselves into an insane asylum, seeking refuge after the devastating loss of Astra. Unable to save her, they were now subjected to electroshock treatments within the asylum's walls.

John began his narration, "Believe it or not, I came here voluntarily, alongside my protégé. My name is John Constantine, and this is Chris Ramon. We're exorcists. In our line of work, there are days you wish you could erase from memory... but some are too haunting to ever forget."

In an Office

A man observed Chris and John as they stared intently at the clock. "You two witnessed the murder of a girl. Talking might help you understand that it wasn't your fault."

John leaned back in his chair and replied, "That would be quite the trick."

Chris added, "Let's get to that part."

The man continued, "Start by telling me what happened that night in Newcastle. Do you remember the killer?"

John answered, "We see that demon every time we close our eyes."

The man looked puzzled. "By 'demon,' you mean 'murder'?"

Chris clarified, "When he says 'demon,' he means an actual bloody demon. A vile creature. It smelled like a slaughterhouse, even you could tell that."

The man said, "Do you see what's happening, John, Chris? You feel guilty for not protecting the girl, so you've turned her killer into the embodiment of evil. We're all powerless against demons."

John smiled wryly. "Not all of us, Chief."

The man remarked, "That's right. Before you checked yourselves in here three months ago, you were working as exorcists, demonologists, and masters of the dark arts?"

John responded, "It says 'master,' but I should probably downgrade that to 'petty dabbler.' I don't like to brag."

The man said, "In any case, you wouldn't have been able to prevent the girl's death."

John shouted, "Astra!"

The man looked at him as John continued, "Her name was Astra."

Chris added, "We can handle her death. It's her damnation that's tearing us apart. Dragged to Hell..."

The man said, "John, Chris, it's time to face the truth."

John said, "Nine years old, suffering for all eternity."

The man replied, "The only people suffering here are you two."

Chris said, "That's on us."

The man insisted, "There are no demons."

John slammed his hands on the desk, yelling, "So you keep telling me!"

John demanded, "Now make us believe. Isn't that what I'm paying you for?"

The man turned his attention to Chris, his gaze steady. "Chris, let's focus on you for a moment. What do you remember about that night in Newcastle?"

Chris shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "I remember feeling completely helpless. We tried everything we could to save Astra, but it was like we were fighting against something far beyond our reach."

The man nodded thoughtfully. "You're carrying a heavy burden. It's not uncommon for people in your line of work to struggle with feelings of inadequacy when faced with the supernatural. But you have to understand, it's not just about what happened that night."

Chris clenched his fists. "But it is. We could have done something. We could have saved her."

The man said, "You're seeing it through the lens of guilt. You're blaming yourself for something that was beyond your control. Sometimes, accepting that there are things we simply can't change is the first step toward healing."

Chris looked up, his eyes filled with frustration. "So what? I'm supposed to just accept that Astra's suffering is on me? That we were powerless?"

The man replied gently, "I'm not saying you should ignore your feelings. What I am saying is that acknowledging your limits is part of moving forward. It's about understanding that you did everything you could with the knowledge and skills you had."

Chris shook his head. "You don't understand. Astra's fate was sealed by something we couldn't even begin to comprehend. It haunts us every day. We see her face, we hear her screams. It's not just about guilt; it's about knowing we failed her in the worst possible way."

The man leaned forward, his tone empathetic. "And that's why you're here. You're not just dealing with guilt; you're grappling with the trauma of facing something so monstrous that it defies your understanding of reality. But you have to find a way to process that trauma without letting it consume you."

Chris sighed heavily. "I don't know if I can ever move past this. The memories, the nightmares—they feel like they're becoming a part of me."

The man offered a reassuring smile. "Healing is a process, and it's different for everyone. You're not alone in this. It's important to confront these feelings, but it's equally important to seek support and find ways to cope. Facing the truth, accepting your limitations, and understanding that you did your best—that's all part of the journey."

Chris looked down, contemplating the man's words. After a moment, he nodded slowly. "I guess I need to find a way to live with this, don't I?"

The man nodded. "Yes, and part of that process is learning to forgive yourself. It's about accepting that sometimes, even the best efforts aren't enough to change the outcome."

Chris took a deep breath, trying to absorb the advice. "Thanks. I'll try to work on that."

The man offered a supportive nod. "That's all anyone can ask of you. Just remember, you're not alone in this fight."

The man leaned back in his chair, studying Chris with a curious expression. "Chris, I've been wondering about something. Why did you move from Central City to England in the first place? Especially before Astra's death. It's not a common decision for someone your age."

Chris shifted in his seat, a hint of discomfort crossing his face. "It wasn't just about leaving Central City. I was looking for something more. I'd heard about John Constantine and his expertise in the supernatural. I thought if anyone could help me understand the world better, it would be him."

The man nodded thoughtfully. "So, you moved here with the intention of seeking John out?"

Chris nodded. "Yes. I was trying to find answers, a way to make sense of things. I knew my life was changing, and I thought being under John's guidance might give me a clearer path."

The man raised an eyebrow. "And did you find what you were looking for when you met him?"

Chris looked reflective. "In some ways, yes. John has shown me a lot about the supernatural world. But it's been tough. I thought moving here would help me escape my problems, but instead, it's like they followed me."

The man leaned in, his tone gentle. "You mentioned seeking answers. What were you hoping to find here in England that you couldn't find back in Central City?"

Chris sighed. "I needed a fresh start, a different perspective. I felt like everything was falling apart back home, and I thought being with John might give me a new direction. I didn't expect to still be haunted by the past, especially after Astra's death."

The man observed Chris closely. "So, your move wasn't just about escaping but also about seeking a new purpose. How has living with John been for you since then?"

Chris's expression softened slightly. "Living with John has been eye-opening. He's taught me a lot about magic and the supernatural. But it's still hard. I'm trying to come to terms with everything that's happened, and it's not easy."

The man nodded in understanding. "It sounds like you're dealing with a lot of complex emotions. Moving to a new country, seeking out a mentor, and then facing Astra's death—it's a lot to handle."

Chris sighed again. "Yeah, it is. I thought being in England and training with John would help me move on, but it's like the past keeps catching up with me."

The man offered a sympathetic smile. "It's important to address your feelings, not just through new experiences but also by confronting the past. Sometimes, the answers we seek are tied to how we deal with our memories and emotions."

Chris nodded, taking in the man's advice. "I guess I need to find a balance between moving forward and dealing with what's happened."

The man agreed. "Exactly. Healing is a journey that involves both embracing new opportunities and reconciling with the past."

As the session came to an end, Chris felt a mix of contemplation and hope. He knew that finding balance and addressing his past were crucial steps in his journey with John, and he was determined to keep working towards that goal.

Later

The room was filled with other patients sitting in a circle, sharing their various rituals and struggles. Chris, clearly bored, leaned back in his chair.

A man spoke up, "My goal today was to break my habit rituals. Like, I make a cup of tea and stir it nine times. Then I've got nine minutes to drink it, nine sips in nine minutes. Everything has to be in multiples of nine. It keeps the bad things away, you know? Today, I let my ritual go..."

Chris glanced around, noticing John quietly leaving the group. Curious, Chris decided to follow him.

As Chris followed John, he noticed a woman on the ground, rocking back and forth. He also saw a cockroach scuttling along the floor and decided to follow it up the stairs.

He ended up in a room where he heard a voice say, "This is not my problem."

Chris asked, "Why'd you—" but was interrupted when he saw the room swarming with cockroaches.

"Damn it. No, no, no, no, no," Chris muttered, his discomfort growing.

John appeared beside him and said, "I had the same thought, kid."

As they attempted to leave, an invisible force prevented them from moving.

"Oh, bollocks," John muttered, frustrated.

Chris turned to John. "Should I try to handle it?"

John nodded. "Go for it, kid."

With determination, Chris approached the woman and addressed the entity within. "I'm addressing the entity inside. Who are you? Tell me your name."

The woman's eyes turned white, and her skin became ashen. Chris placed his hand on her forehead and commanded, "Hear my words!" He then threw her back, and she floated in mid-air, pinned against the wall.

"In the name of the Creator, you are hereby commanded to leave this place! By the blood of man," Chris made a cross-motion with his hand, "be gone!"

The woman struggled to break free, but Chris held her down as she began to cough and choke, groaning in distress.

Chris gripped her forehead and recited, "Ab insidiis diaboli! Libera nos, Domine!"

As the room erupted in chaos, with glass falling around them, Chris shielded the woman with his own body, grunting with effort.

Once the immediate danger passed, Chris moved off the woman, gasping for breath. John approached and said, "You did great, kid. Let's get out of here."

John extended his hand, and Chris took it as John helped him to his feet. The woman, confused, noticed a red stain on her dress.

John reassured her, "Don't worry, love. It's just paint."

"What... what happened?" the woman asked, bewildered.

Chris explained, "A spirit took over your body for a while."

They then noticed the cockroaches moving in patterns on the wall, spelling out 'Liv Die.'

John glanced at it and said, "Seems like we're being sent a message."

The woman asked, "What does it mean?"

John replied, "It means we've been wasting our time here. We've got work to do. Come on, kid."

John and Chris headed toward the exit, leaving the church behind. The other patients watched them leave, and John commented, "She did it."

With that, John and Chris departed, ready for their next challenge.

Later at a parking lot

John and Chris spotted a girl screaming as they drove up in a taxi, passing by Chas. They got out, and John greeted her with a smirk.

"Well, hello. What have we here? Are you in a bit of trouble, love?" John asked.

The girl, Liv, pulled out a weapon and said, "Stay back!"

John introduced himself. "My name is John Constantine. This is my protégé—"

Chris cut in, "Chris Ramon. Or CJ Ramon. You're pointing that the wrong way."

Liv adjusted her weapon and John continued, "I promise you, we're not the ones hunting you."

Liv's eyes widened. "What are you talking about? Who's hunting me?"

Chris added, "It's probably more of a 'what,' or possibly an 'it.'"

Liv's fear escalated. "Stay away! S... back away, stop."

John and Chris shared a brief chuckle at her reaction.

"Stay away," Liv repeated.

John said, "It's easier to deny danger than face it, but make no mistake, if you don't listen to me, you'll be dead by morning."

Liv pulled out her phone. "I'm calling the police."

Chris replied, "If you're so committed to contacting the authorities, here's where they can reach us." He handed her a card. "Or you can contact us if you enjoy breathing."

Liv glanced at the card, then moved to the side. "'Masters of the dark arts'?"

John remarked, "I'm getting new ones made," as they both approached a hole in the ground.

Descending into the hole, they began to investigate.

John said, "Kid, maybe it's time you go home."

Chris shook his head. "No, I'm not leaving you, man. You've become important to me. No matter what happens, we handle this together. After all, I'm your protégé."

John sighed. "Fine."

A whooshing sound from above made them both look up.

John shouted, "Whoever you are, we're nasty pieces of work! Ask anybody!"

A rumbling filled the air as dust obscured their vision. They turned to see an angel.

The angel said, "You shouldn't be down here."

Chris retorted, "We could say the same about you. Come to admire your handiwork?"

The angel replied, "This wasn't my doing. What brings you back to the streets, John, Chris?"

John answered, "A young lady, of course. An old friend asked me to protect her."

The angel said, "Dead friend, more likely."

John replied, "Well, he did have to possess a body, but he got my attention. Who are you?"

The angel introduced himself, "You can call me Manny. I was asked to watch over you two."

Chris questioned, "'Watch over'? No offense, angel, but we're not in the habit of mingling with angels. You'd ruin our reputation."

Manny responded, "So will a mental hospital."

John said, "Yeah? Well, we checked out. We're all better now. You hear that? I'm okay! So is Chris! So flap off."

Manny grabbed their shoulders and said, "You two are not okay. You damned a girl to Hell, and along with her, your own soul, John. I can't change your fate, but I can ease your suffering."

Chris and John shrugged off his hands.

Chris snapped, "Go feed off someone else's loss."

Manny said, "But your mentor's is exquisite."

John replied, "Oh, don't worry about me, mate. We can handle a demon attack."

Manny warned, "I wouldn't be so sure. You've been out of play for a while. There's a lot of panic down here. People can sense what's coming."

Chris asked, "What's coming?"

Cop sirens wailed in the distance. Manny said, "We should go."

With a burst of wings, Manny flew away.

John shouted after him, "Wait! What's coming?!"

Chris urged, "Come on, we've got to go."

John nodded, and they hurried off, leaving the chaos behind.