19026/You Got a Friend in Me.

You Got a Friend in Me.
Date of Scene:	07 September 2024
Location:	The Laughing Magician
Synopsis:	John lures Cain to the bar to chat about his Luci problem. Overall it's a good catch-up between an unlikely pair of friends. And his name probably isn't Buck.
Cast of Characters:	John Constantine, Cain Marko

---

John Constantine has posed:
When John contacted Cain about having a chinwag over a few drinks, he didn't really come out with why. So maybe it's just a couple of mates sharing some chat and a few pints - or a few dozen?

It's Sunday afternoon, so the Laughing Magician Pub isn't all that busy and most of those present - if one took the time too look the *right* way - probably aren't entirely human anyway. After all, what supernatural creature doesn't want a place where they know they can sit in peace?

The man himself is seated in his usual spot, on that stool no one ever seems to sit on when he's not there - the one with the 'No Smoking' sign posted on the bar right the height of his knees. It shouldn't need to be said that there's an ashtray, a pack of Silks and a bottle of scotch along with a glass resting nearby on the bar.

BiffBryanBobBillBuck - that college kid that seems to be ever present is at the other end of the bar, busying himself with cleaning glasses.

The jukebox in the corner, with its vinyl records, is currently pelting out something by the Pistols.

Cain Marko has posed:
In recent weeks, a certain red-headed stepchild has been making a deliberate effort at trying to reground himself in mortal affairs. For the most part that's simply been a factor of just going to bars, strip joints, clubs, renting movies, eating non stop and other assorted antics which all probably fall somewhere on the list of the seven deadly sins to one degree or another.

But he's gotta start somewhere. Despite his words and assurances .....he's not -completely- fully there. There's always been a little bit of crazy in Cain and a good portion fo what had been happening was his own intrinsic nature being egged on and not something forcing him against his will. But...baby steps.

So as a result he's also been a little more social and an invite to come and drink...while in the past might have been brushed off..is accepted.

His entry into the building is as lumbering as usual. A walking sequioa eveni in his non avatar, unarmored look..he passes into the room with heavy booted steps practically shaking the floorboards. He pulls his dark shades off and peers John's direction and then begins his usual inexorable approach.

"Hey.... Remind me t'take you to The Bar With No Name...so you ca mix it up a little bit. That is if you don't mind hangin' out with a bunch of 'Super-Villains'..."

The air quotes are practically visible with that one.

John Constantine has posed:
John lights a cigarette as Cain's crossing the room. He leaves it dangling between his lips. One would think he would have come up with a spell that keeps on there constantly - forever lit. Once Cain is close enough to him, he makes a wide gesture with one hand over his head and mutters something under his breath. Suddenly the music isn't so loud, but the crowed isn't as audible either - in fact they're completely inaudible. Privacy spell - that might mean this is more than just a social call?

He arches one eyebrow at the mention of 'Super-Villains' and replies, "Mate, I got Mary Seward and Satana Hellstrom working with me." He's never been one to pass on a good working relationship - even with 'frenemies' - so long as he got some benefit from it and not just headache.

"Went to Zenn-La last night." Well at least he's starting out with it just being a 'catch-up' kind of conversation. "Exorcised a bloody demon in *space*. Seems I just can't avoid the wankers, ey? But, we got the Herald's girl back with us, so that's something."

Cain Marko has posed:
Indeed John's got a strange collection of bedfellows - including Cain - a guy that is the manifestation of an entity of pure strength and destruction and spent much of his early career trying to murder his brother and his brother's students, cracking banks open, serving dictators and would be world tyrants and seeking power for its own gain - but it seems telling that John didn't toss his name in there alongside Satana and Mary Seward and that isn't lost on him.

Granted, Cain's rivalry with Charles is more muted these days and the murdering less deliberate. He'll still take a contract with a would be dictator and crack open banks or vaults though. For that matter, he half wonders if Doctor Doom owes him any money....

John's words snap him out of any idle thought and day dreaming on that front though and he inclines his head.. Still a little out of the loop and so not quite up on some of the words being tossed around.

"Zenn-La?" he asks, "...You mean like Shangri-La?"

So yeah he's -really- out of the loop.

"Hn...sounds like maybe you need to talk to Doctor Strange about taking his job though. At this rate he might think you're gunning for it anyway."

John Constantine has posed:
"I don't need that kind of responsibility, mate." Of course he's not going to come right out and say he's not up to the task. Bottom line, John *isn't*. Oh, he's good. He's good at taking shortcuts, he's good at winging it, his knowledge is extensive - but without opportunity to prepare, he's no where near on that level. He just likes to pretend that he might be.

He chokes back a laugh at the mention of Shangri-La. Doesn't he wish. "No, it's the creepy 'perfect' planet that that silver bloke used to call home. Y'know he isn't just bald because his chrome dome? *All* the men there are smooth like a babe's bottom up top." Never mind all the miraculous tech and such, it's the bald blokes that caught John's attention - no hair on any head, it's just unnatural.

"Right then, the girl. Seems this silver bloke is part of the puzzle to us beating Galactus. When I found out he had a girl he loved out there, figured might be the best way to get at him, ey? Have *her* reconnect with him. Big old gushy reunion where that poor sod realizes that he gave up his love for the wrong reason?"

John, hopeless romantic, only not so much. Sure he's rooting for the couple if only because love like that does deserve better than being torn apart by a bully - he can't stand bullies.

"Anywaaaay," here it comes. "I had to do a thing to get that information, about the lass and all."

There it is, part of it at least.

Cain Marko has posed:
Bald and wanna be perfection.

Sounds familiar.

It's subconscious but Cain's eyes narrow ever so slightly. Such that you might think he doesn't like bald people. Who was that bald guy in a wheelchair at that temple anyway...?

"Right..." he rumbles, listening and taking it all in. He might be out of the loop but he catches up quickly. You don't get int this business and see the weird crap he's seen - and done - without being able to do that...and the remidner that theres' a world eating cosmic threat out there is ...of some importance.

"Right." he repeats again. Then when John pauses, leaving space for Cain to take it all in...on cue he prompts with a gesture from a massive hand.

"...And?"

John Constantine has posed:
John plucks the Silke from his lips and settles into and ashtray that's already almost to overflowing. He taps the bar twice and BillBiffBryanBob hurries on down with a bottle he pulls from beneath the bar. It pays to have ones hands in all the pots - sometimes it pays enough to procure a bottle of Asgadian Ale for a friend.

"Thanks, Buck," John offers when the kid settles the bottle - more suited to call it a jug? Down in front of Cain.

The kid's name *probably* isn't Buck - but he hurries off without correcting his boss.

John slips a hand into an inner pocket of his coat and pulls out a simple slip of paper. He lays it on the bar and slides it over to Cain. "Could be I might need a spot of help with that, mate."

The note reads: I have acquired the lein on your soul from the lore demon. I am happy to void the contract, should you acquire the entity responsible for this whole gluttony slug business. Let me know! - Lucifer'

AGAIN! How many times can one man leverage his soul? Apparently a /lot/.

"Deal was I'd hand over the girl's. Now we both know that's not a deal atall - default on the deal means the deal falls back on mine."

Cain Marko has posed:
There is a sigh. A deep rumbling earthquake of a sigh.

Cain reaches up and pinches the bridge of his nose, pondering this matter and grumbling under his breath while resting his other hand on his hips.

There is a long pause before he finally asks, bluntly, "I don't think I can think o'anybody else who treats their soul like cash from an ATM machine. You gotta stop doin' that..."

He shakes is head and rests his hand onto the bar counter now, drumming his fingers, "So this is a problem yeah? I get it. So what do you want to do about it? Force this guy to let go of your soul or bargain with him? Can't help you on the mystic side. I used to be able to do that sorta stuff but forgot how."

Will wondres never cease? Juggernaut used to be able to do magic. THe real deal! That's...probably not good and it's better he can no longer do it.

"I go up against Lucifer himself directly ..might not be good either. Cyttorak may want to try and get more directly involved and we just saw how that turned out. Didn't get to keep the mojo I was starting to access back in Thailand..thanks to you lot. Could try and access it again but might not be pretty. That whole ambition and imagination thing..." It's a wry smirk there. Not a complaint. But yes he's seriously thinking about how to take out Lucifer here. None of hti sis sounding like it'll end well for anyone.

"What do you want to do? Where's the girl at now? Still in Shangri-La?"

John Constantine has posed:
John decides to start at the bottom and work his way up - right after he lights another cigarette. "She's right here on Earth, mate. Back at the House actually. Figured it was the safest place for her." Of course he let his house know that the girl was under his protection so she's probably back there enjoying every modern creature comfort - even if it all pales compared to what she's used to.

"Nonono, we don't need to take Luci out." Does he sound like he doesn't *want* to? Maybe a little bit. Was there even a slight hint of something like affection when he mentioned the name? Not *that* kind of affection - although there is that rumored one time in the public toilet - it's more a friendly affection. "We just need to get the bloody demon behind all this gluttony and opening doors to where doors shouldn't be opened rubbish." Unless he's the one opening that is.

"No need to bring the muscle out on this, mate. I just don't know what I'll be up against when the game ends - no clue what the final boss will look like." Video game reference, almost as implausible as Cain and magic.

To wit - "Really, mate? Magic? I could offer some lessons." He's serious too! He might be the only person in the entire world that trusts Cain with his life.

Finally he's at the top. He shrugs, his bottom lip caught between his teeth. A shake of his head later and he replies, "Well, mate, they're the ones what think it's such a hot commodity - wouldn't you bargain with what they all want if you weren't, y'know, you?" By that he means indestructible. John doesn't have that luxury - he can't always muscle his way out of a situation. So he does his best and fixes the mess later.

Cain Marko has posed:
That was all well answered. Well sorted. Bottom to top. Good stuff. Juggernaut understands.

i o O (....Luci....?)

...Well that's a bit of confusion there. Not exactly what he was expecting.

"Right...right.." he rumbles, repeating his words from earlier. Fundementally, though, this he can get behind. "You want muscle? I got more then anyone." Better not tell Hulk that - though that's an argument Cain is willing to engage in, pop culture opinions be damned.

"You want me to bring it, I'll bring it. No promises on any blow back or damages if I do though. You goin' after the final boss? I'm The Raid Boss..."

Juggernaut gives a slightly tooth grin there. A distant hint of wildness and a red gleam distant in those ice blue orbs of his. "...So...you need me, you got me. Don't worry about it just....keep folk outta my way if you bring others in on it. I don't usually do the 'team work' thing so it's kinda hard to account for folk who can't handle the blowback from me jumping into a fight without some coordination." Translation: We don't want people falling off of skyscrapers or dog piling a demon samurai he needs to take a swing at again if possible.

"What sorta timeline we looking at here? Same with your pal Galactus? How long we got? And don't worry about the magic stuff. It came natural to me before and just sorta went away. I dunno what good lssons will do."

John Constantine has posed:
"I'm not sure, mate. Could be the world's just causing Galactus a spot of indigestion before any of this becomes an issue." Soul dragged to Hell versus being gobbled up by some planet eating cunt? John'll take the latter every time - at least it's over quick, right?

"At that library incident, the one one that little prat bloody well mucked up so horrifically? The demon I had bound that he almost set free, that was an underling for whoever's causing this shite. It's a starting point, innit? We're going to see what kind of information we can get out of that before I get sick of her and send her packing. She seems really adverse to being sent back to Hell though - so that's a talking point what might get her talking. You can come along if you'd like. Do that whole," he waves a hand to vaguely encompass all of Cain, "'...you might would rather go to Hell because I'm scarier' thing you have going on there."

He draws long and hard from that Silk Cut still dangling from his lips - smoke billows out like a nice fluffy cloud of cancer when he exhales. "Personally, I think Luci is just doin' all this to watch the show. He appreciates the entertainment value in these sorts of things. He'll give me the time needed to get the job done because he wants it done and he doesn't want to do the work."

Cain Marko has posed:
There's that 'Luci' nickname again. Cain raises both eyebrows but then just laughs. "Heh.. Yeah I am pretty terrifyin'." he concedes, "...Takes abit of practice in the mirror every mornin'."

Cain finally gestures for a drink. He'd been standing here the whole time, talking, and hadn't even bothered to sit down and get something to wet his throat until now. How massive frame leans back against the bar, legs far to large and long to spin around to face it but he seems satisfied with the position as he waits for whatever surprise is going to be sent his way.

"Just call for me wheenver you're ready to do it, John. Well, correction, give me osme advance notice. I'm making plans to get back on the saddle, so to speak. Can't have you calling for me if I'm in the middle of wrecking some two bit dictator's army. I kinda wreckd my reliability an reputation so need to build it back up with some quick jobs..."

He grins slowly, almost great white shark like, "Y'know...when I first signe dup to do this whole JLD thing...I figured I was just doing some friends a favor and I thought it was kinda funny. Me being associated with something with the name 'Justice League' on it. Figured it wouldn't last but it'd be good for a quick joke to throw around back at the Bar With No Name. Something to hang over folks heads. Juggernaut, a Justice League member. Now I'm sittin' here on call and lookin' forward to missions. Weird."

John Constantine has posed:
"C'mon now, mate. Did you really think there'd be a dull moment?" At least since John got back in the saddle. As far as that drink goes...

John motions to the bottle that's more like a jug that BryanBillBobBiffBuck sat down nearby only a little while ago. "Have at it, feel like I owe it to you at least a little." Even though, with Cain at least, he doesn't look transactionally as he might with others. The jug? Well it pays to have hands in all the 'do-gooder' pots sometimes.

That jug right there, that's Asgardian Mead back from that one time when he and Thor crossed paths.

"Jest aside though, one thing you can count on now, is the League having your back - I'll see to that. It's not one-sided, Cain. You'll never be left behind." John means that to the center of his battered, bruised and slightly charred soul. Very few can say that John Constantine actually considers them friends, fewer still want to call John Constantine friend.

But the few that earn the title from him earn it for life. Too bad that lifetime tends to be cut short for the other side - at least with Cain there's not as much chance of that?

Cain Marko has posed:
"Naw not dull it's just.... Between The Brotherhood ops and now Justice League Dark, I aint been this.....'needed' before. Usually just heists and personal goals. It's ah..."

Cain pauses, trying to consider his next words and then pauses abit in consideration.

Finally, he simply says, "I mean, thanks 'mate'. I mean...it aint like I'm lookin' to pick out curtains or somethin' but I got yer back.... I owe ya and I always pay back my debts..." he grins a little bit, "And collect 'em as well. Quid Pro Quo right? Aint that how this works?" The sarcasm is thick with that one.

He takes the mead and lifts it up in a slight salute.

"Don't worry about it." he adds with some finality. "Besides..honestly? I was consderin' walkin' before you got all involved so heavily. It was lookin' like a buncha Scooby Doo nonsense to me. Callin' me for meetin's and stuff over some vampire nonsense in Gotham. Call me when you wanna punch Cthulhu not some Mystery Machine waste o'my time and talents. Unless there's some hero-type that needs to get checked. I'm always down for addin' colorful commentary to a situation."

John Constantine has posed:
"Bloody well weird then, innit?" John ventures a guess on that stuttering thought that turned into something else. He stands and polishes off his glass of scotch. "You'll be the first to know when someone releases the Kraken, ey? Oh yeah, hand in hand with all that..." He shifts his attention to BillBrianBobBuck and shouts, "Oy! Buck! Bring me that little box from down there."

He waits - rather impatiently for the poor kid to do so. The box is an ornate thing, inlaid with some sort of bone set in purple ash wood. John waves his hand over it, eyes closed, and murmurs something that doesn't sound like anything much at all - unless a person is versed in lower Enochian. When the lid pops open, he retrieves a simple little plastic baggie containing a quartz orb etched to resemble a closed eye. The baggie simply says: Big Guy.

"Didn't figure you much of a mystical texting sort, but there's a pen in here for you too - just incase you want a good laugh followin' along with the 'group chats'." He fishes out the 'Big Guy' bag with the pen in it as well and holds up both bags. "Pick your poison - one or both. Just smear a drop of blood over'm and they'll be bound to you."

Once Cain's made his choice, John closes the box and slides it back down the bar to BuckBillBobBryanBiff so he can put it away - inside another box with a human style lock that's recessed into the floor back there.

John glances at his watch. "Bollocks, I'm late. Another little old bird across town is convinced her husband is haunting their house. Likely not, but got to keep the lights on and the whole 'hero' gig doesn't pay that well. He snatches his Silkies and his lighter from the bar heads for the door...

...to fleece some little old lady of her widow's benefits or some such? Hey, no harm no foul right? John lines his pockets while making a little old lady feel better by speaking to her 'husband'. It's a win-win in John Constantine's book. No harm, no foul and the lights stay on at the bar despite his habit of drinking up most of the profit margin.

Is it truly any wonder that The Juggernaut and The Hellblazer call one another friend?