As the last of the mourners departed from Robin's funeral, Batman wasted no time. There was no moment of silence, no time to grieve. His mind was set on one thing: finding the man responsible—Liam. His first stop was London. The Batplane hovered over the city's dimly lit skyline before descending into the shadows near a small, unassuming pub, the air thick with the scent of old wood, stale whiskey, and cigarette smoke. Batman strode up to the entrance and smashed the door open with his boot.
Inside, amidst the haze of smoke and dim lighting, John Constantine sat at a corner table, a cigarette between his fingers and a nearly empty glass of scotch in front of him. He barely spared a glance before exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"Y'know, mate," Constantine drawled without turning around, "the door's open. No need for theatrics. It's not like I wouldn't answer."
Batman stepped inside, his imposing figure filling the room. "I'm not here for pleasantries, Constantine. I have questions."
John sighed, rubbing his temples. "Of course, you do. Always bloody questions. Fine, let's hear it then. But if you break another one of my doors, you're paying for it."
Batman remained unmoved. "Liam. Who is he? Where is he?"
Constantine took a slow drag of his cigarette, studying the Dark Knight with tired eyes. "Ah, so that's why you're here. That name's been whispered in some very dark places lately. Can't say I'm surprised. You lot always get mixed up in things beyond your pay grade."
"Enough games," Batman growled, his voice low and menacing. "He killed my son. I need to know everything."
John flicked the ashes into an old tray, swirling his drink before finishing the last of it. "Look, mate, if you're looking for a simple answer, you're not gonna like it. Liam's not just some common thug. He's tangled up in things older and nastier than even you can comprehend. And when demons are involved, things get... murky."
"Murky doesn't matter to me," Batman snapped. "Where is he?"
Constantine let out a hollow chuckle. "You don't get it, do you? He's not exactly on a holiday retreat. Last I heard, he went off the grid. Nobody's seen him. Not in the streets, not in the underworld, not anywhere. That alone should tell you something."
Batman clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "I need a way to find him."
Constantine shook his head, chuckling dryly. "Of course you do. Of all the stupid, reckless—mate, do you even hear yourself? You're talking about hunting a man who just walked out of a fight with the Titans. You think he's just sitting around, waiting for you to find him?"
"Then help me," Batman said, stepping closer, his voice low but unwavering. "You know people. You have connections. Find him."
John sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Bloody hell, you just don't stop, do you? Fine. I'll look into it. But I'll tell you this, Bats. If you go after him blind, with nothing but vengeance in your head, you're gonna regret it. Liam's not some monster waiting to be put down. He's a man caught in a storm bigger than him."
Batman's eyes narrowed. "He killed my son."
John leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Did he? Or was he just caught in something bigger than himself? From what I know, Raven lost control. That wasn't all Liam. He tried to stop it. But you, you just see the blood."
Batman's silence spoke volumes. Constantine sighed again. "I'll tell you something else. He's working for Lucifer now. I don't know where, but if that bastard's taken an interest in him, it's not a good sign. It means he's in deep—deeper than either of us can reach. Your vengeance mission just got a hell of a lot more complicated."
Batman processed the information, his mind working through the implications. Constantine continued. "You need to give the kid a chance to explain. Whatever happened, it wasn't as black and white as you think. I've known Liam long enough to tell you he's not a killer. If you push this without knowing the full picture, you're going to make a mistake you can't take back."
Batman's fists remained clenched, but he gave Constantine a look that said he'd consider it—if only for a second. Constantine exhaled, finishing his cigarette. "I'll help you. But you better be damn sure you know what you're walking into, because if you go after him with just rage, you might not like what you find."
Batman's figure loomed in the shadows of Lux, his cape barely fluttering as he approached the front entrance. The club was filled with the rich and powerful, drawn to the intoxicating atmosphere Lucifer created. But Batman wasn't interested in the revelry; he was focused on the one person he needed to confront.
He strode forward, his presence making even the most confident patrons take notice. The moment his boots hit the polished floor, a hush fell over the room. Batman bypassed the bar, ignoring the whispers and sidelong glances from the crowd. His target was clear. Reaching the VIP section, he smashed through the velvet ropes, and the bouncers didn't dare stop him. His fist crashed against the door of a private room, splintering the heavy wood under his blow.
Inside, Lucifer lounged on a luxurious leather couch, his mischievous grin wide as ever. Surrounded by beautiful women, all of them laughing and sipping drinks, Lucifer looked up slowly, eyes glowing with amusement as he took in the sight of Batman standing in the doorway.
"Well, well, if it isn't the ever-grim Batman," Lucifer mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Didn't expect you to crash my little party, but now that you've done it, care to join us? I promise it'll be a good time."
Batman didn't flinch, his jaw tightening as he stepped further into the room. "We need to talk."
Lucifer's amusement shifted slightly, though his grin remained. "Oh? Do we?" He raised an eyebrow. "Seems like I'm a popular man tonight. First, the Bat comes knocking, and now you want to talk business. How quaint."
He waved his hand dismissively. "Ladies, why don't you give us a moment?" The women rose and left without a word, casting one last glance toward Batman. Once they were gone, Lucifer sat up straighter, his demeanor turning more calculating.
"You know, Batman," he began, "I do enjoy the occasional disruption, but I must say, I'm curious—what brings you here, in such a... grim mood, no less?"
Batman crossed the room, his footsteps silent. "I need answers. Liam. Where is he?"
Lucifer's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Liam, hmm? You really have it in for that kid, don't you? You know by now that he's not just some pawn in your little world of heroes and villains?" He leaned back, crossing his arms in a casual air of indifference. "I enjoy watching you try to piece everything together. But you're too late, Batman. It's already done."
Batman's fists clenched at his sides, his gaze unyielding. "You're the one who twisted him into this. You got him involved with demons. You made him kill my son."
Lucifer's expression hardened, but his voice remained smooth. "Ah, so that's what this is about. The death of your precious Robin. You think it's all black and white, don't you? That it's all just Liam's fault? Nothing is ever that simple, Batman."
"I don't care about your games," Batman snapped. "I need to know where Liam is. If you want a deal, make it."
Lucifer stood slowly, his form commanding as he walked toward the windows overlooking the city. "I don't think you fully grasp what you're asking for," Lucifer's voice was low, almost musical. "Deals with me are never simple. You've been in my world before. You know the cost. Information comes with a price. And you, well, you've got nothing to trade."
Batman's gaze hardened. "I'll do whatever it takes to find him."
Lucifer smiled darkly, his eyes gleaming. "That's the problem, isn't it? You're willing to pay any price, but you don't know what that price will be until it's far too late."
He stepped closer, his tone almost soothing. "Liam's in a much deeper hole than you realize. Even if I gave you the answers, you wouldn't be able to save him. Not now."
Batman's voice dropped to a growl. "You've already destroyed his life."
Lucifer's eyes gleamed. "Destroyed? No. I've merely... opened doors. And Liam walked through them. His future is his own to carve now. You can't undo what's been done."
Batman took a step forward, his face inches from Lucifer's. "Tell me where he is. Or I'll make you regret not doing so."
Lucifer's grin widened, sharper than before. "Oh, Batman. You never change. You're a stubborn one, aren't you?" He chuckled softly. "If you really want to find Liam, you'll have to make a deal. It's the only way. But be warned—every deal I make comes with consequences. Some bigger than you can comprehend."
Batman didn't flinch. "Then let's make it."
Lucifer sighed, tapping his fingers on the window sill. "Fine. You'll have your answers. But remember this, Batman: Nothing comes without its price. Even if you don't see it now."
With those words hanging like a dark promise, Lucifer gestured to the door, signaling the end of their conversation. Batman turned, heading for the exit. But just before reaching the door, Lucifer called out one last time, his voice dripping with taunt.
"I'll be seeing you, Dark Knight. Remember what I said about prices."
Batman didn't respond. The deal was made, but the weight of it pressed heavily on him as he stepped into the cold night air. The hunt for Liam was on, and he was ready for whatever it took.