A Band for Life

"It's finally over—and another total loss." Roland breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're lucky you survived Nergal. Why worry about losses?" Merlin said.

"Let's go. I'll keep looking online for other clients who need an exorcist."

The two walked out of the nightclub. A band had arrived outside at some point.

Roland took a look. Sure enough, it was Constantine and his friends, who were about to have a very bad time.

Frank, the hired muscle and a former member of the Street Racers in California.

Judith, who had been practicing yoga when Constantine met her.

Ann-Marie, a lonely medium in her forties who still had a crush on Constantine.

Richie Simpson, computer obsessive and pioneer of Quantum Magic.

Gary Lester, musician, counterculture poser, and amateur necromancer.

Benjamin, a slightly neurotic twelve-year-old genius with an encyclopedic mind.

Constantine, Hellblazer and a legendary Magician nobody could stand.

Wade Winston Wilson, Deadpool—

"Why are you here?" Roland asked, unable to help himself as he stared at the little red-and-black menace.

"Constantine invited me to join a band for life. I was about to tag along with him, and then I ran into you here. It's fate!" Deadpool went in for a hug, but Roland was holding the little girl and kicked him aside.

"We're Mucous Membrane. We came here to get out of the rain," Constantine said. "There's a ripple of magic here. Are you Magicians too?"

"I'm not." Roland shook his head. "I suggest you don't shelter here. Run as far away as you can."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Frank asked, annoyed.

"Just some friendly advice."

"He's... he's right." Ann-Marie's expression suddenly darkened. "I can feel it. Something terrible happened here."

"You're not Black Magicians, are you?" Constantine eyed the bloodstained robe in Roland's arms and the barely conscious