Martial Arts Tournament (Part Eight)

"If we follow the plan King Solomon left us, we should be fine, right?" Roland said, though he sounded less certain now. "Let's hope Solomon can beat Ghost and come back—"

"Let's drag the matches out as long as we can and see if we can buy enough time for Solomon to return," Constantine suggested.

"It might not be Solomon who comes back. It could be Ghost—"

"Even if Ghost comes back, he'll still have to fight Demon Trigon." Constantine spread his hands. "I don't have any better ideas."

"I'm a demon... maybe I really should face judgment." Raven took a deep breath. "I remember now... it all began the moment I was born."

"Don't be ridiculous. King Solomon already said you were innocent," Roland reassured her.

"I can't fly into a rage or burst into tears, or feel afraid or happy. I can't let myself feel too much, or that demon will be able to take control of me with ease." Raven's tears spilled down her cheeks despite herself.

"Please don't cry..." The men all looked a little overwhelmed.

"Let's break this up for now." Roland waved a hand. "Don't get too worked up, either. If all else fails... I have a few connections in Hell."

"...Is that supposed to comfort me?" Raven felt her sorrow slipping away.

"No, I'm serious. I'm on good terms with Hell's retired overlord," Roland said.

"Uh, so we're already discussing what happens after I die?" Raven's face twitched. "There's really no need to rush that—"

"Then stop thinking about it. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself," Roland said. "There's a karaoke place upstairs in the hotel. Let's go sing a few songs."

"...All right." Raven nodded. Things had already come to this, so she might as well relax a little. Whatever happened could wait