Chapter Text
September 5th 2024
RAVENHOLD
Ravenhold Prison. A place created specifically to confine people with immeasurable magical powers. It was built to never be found.
Only a handful of people that don’t work at the prison know the true co-ordinates of the facility. The vast majority of those people are rarely on earth anyway. The number of magic wards around the prison is so extortionate that any effort to break in would be futile. The fact that is it located in the middle of the ocean probably doesn’t help.
The Prison is glamoured. To an unassuming onlooker it would resemble a skerry. Which in itself is barely visible to the untrained eye. Only those who have true sight (be it through a magic ability or being an employee of the prison), or “guests” of the prison who get a specific marking drawn onto their skin with magical ink can see the prison.
The marking allows them to observe the prison in its glorious entirety and bypass the shields around the prison granting them entry to the facility. The moment they leave Ravenhold and exit the protective barrier the marking dissipates and the person is no longer able to see or enter the prison.
Ravenhold is home to magic users from various dimensions who were deemed too deadly of a threat to remain in a normal holding facility. The sanity of the people detained at Ravenhold has always been a popular topic of discussion because as they know, damaged people are dangerous. Majority of those detained at Ravenhold are deemed to be psychopaths, powerful beings who take joy in wiping out entire civilisations. The multitude of manuscripts showcasing their various offences are testament to this fact. The people kept at Ravenhold have the magical potential to rip apart the very fabric of reality and reshape it to their will.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng is one of these people.
Known to the world as ‘Coleoptera’ or ‘LadyBird’ an infamous mass murderer and thief. Coming from an abusive background, she gained worldwide notability after she blew up her family’s bakery and apartment complex in 2020, killing both her parents and the customers inside. She was identified as responsible for the blast due to a ladybug shaped symbol burned into one of the still standing walls. Until her reveal as ‘Coleoptera’ once she was apprehended three months ago, Marinette was believed to have died in the explosion that killed her parents.
Coleoptera became a force to be reckoned with after she re-appeared in 2021 tearing apart cities across the world. She was most often seen with her ‘Cadre’ of other powerful magic users, Killer Bee, Stallion, Chelonian, Kumiho and Green Viper. In contention with vaporising and re-shaping civilisations they have been known to steal pieces of jewellery.
Green Viper also known as Luka Couffaine was captured and placed in Ravenhold nine months prior to the apprehension of Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Luka Couffaine’s arrest was made possible when on an escapade in London their escape plan did not go the way they hoped. This was speculated to be due to them being sighted and bringing about a widespread panic. This allowed the Magical Protection Organisation (MPO) to close in and take captive the arguably most dangerous ‘cadre’ member.
At the present time Ravenhold Prison is where Batman and a handful of his known allies; Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, Robin, Black Bat and Batgirl are headed. Escorted by John Constantine, Wonder Woman and an agent from the MPO known only as Brian based on the silver tinted badge hanging on a lilac-coloured lanyard around his neck.
Batman had been keen to see the recently captured Coleoptera as his team had been trying to track down and capture her and her cadre for three years. It took them three months of constant requests before they were finally granted access to the prison. Likely the only visit they will ever be granted to Ravenhold.
They were travelling to Ravenhold by an MPO administered jet. Any other would doubtlessly be blasted out of the sky before it even got near to the protective shields surrounding the facility.
The jet was cramped, unlike the lavish modes of transport the Bats were believed to be accustom to. Each passenger was strapped into a seat set along the sides of the jet. The atmosphere was tense and suffocating, even John Constantine was sitting still. The obvious signs of his own discomfort being the repeated tightening of his jaw and twitching of his fingers.
The brooding silence is broken momentarily by Brian’s fingers making contact with the keyboard on his laptop and his occasional yawns or sips of tea. Every so often he would mutter under his breath, the recurring phrase being,
“I’m not paid enough for this shit, scratch that I’m not paid at all.”
He would then shake his head absentmindedly and go back to bashing his laptop.
~~~~~~~~
Brian was annoyed. No, he was infuriated.
First, he has not slept in over seventy-two hours. Personally, he would not recommend doing that. The lack of sleep was a result of his job, which seemed as of this week has merged to consist of serving the whims of one John Constantine, Wonder Woman and the Merry gang of pain in the bats.
For the last three months he has been bombarded with requests from one Red Robin to visit the facility. Brian bore witness to all of his relentless methods to try and get a ‘ticket,’ which included trying to hack into their system which is magically encrypted. Ravenhold could arguably be called heaven due to how hard it is to get in. ‘Hah!’ Brian fancies as if a simple ticket would get you into Ravenhold.
On multiple occasions too many to count, he considered sending a missile to blow up Red Robin and all of his technology if just for an hour of peace. In the process of programming the co-ordinates into the missile he ended up unintentionally discovering the identity of Batman and his gang. Not that he told anyone mind you, well except from his cats and mother, but she won’t remember that information anyway.
Brian then had to deal with an angry Amazon who demanded to see the prison and threatened his manhood. Admittedly the scary Amazonian woman was what made Brian actually put through the request to have them cleared for entry.
The MPO then turned it around on his ass and said that he had to be the one to show them around and complete the correct documentation to get them clearance.
Luckily for the sake of Brian’s sanity another Agent whose job is to watch over Marinette specifically offered to show the group around as they would have ended up with him anyway.
For the last week all Brian has been doing was paperwork upon paperwork all to get their ungrateful asses to Ravenhold. Then as soon as Brian believes he can sleep for a week surrounded by his 20 cats and a bottle of expensive red wine, the brats call again and request a John Constantine to accompany them also.
Brian was seething, John Constantine had an interesting relationship with the MPO so getting him clearance was a (fucking pain in the motherfucking ass) nuisance. Brian has been up for 3 days, and at the present time, on the bloody plane ride to the centre is he ultimately completing the final section of paperwork.
So yeah. Brian doesn’t get enough credit for all the shit he does.
After submitting the last document to allow the brats their clearance he looks up from his laptop, but not before emailing his mother and informing her he would be home for dinner this evening. Brian is seated next to the entry to the cockpit and faces the middle of the jet thus allowing him to have a clear view of everyone. Brian internally groans and waits for a sign that he can give the brats their markings.
He checks his wristwatch which conveniently displays the time in this dimension and his home ‘Enfer’. As he goes to peer out of one of the circular windows, he suddenly feels an influx of power which fills up his body with a soothing heat. He glances to his left and sees the brush to draw the markings is glowing a soft champagne colour.
Brian can feel his own markings which were created from the same ink burning in recognition. he observes patiently as the ink filling the brush begins to burn a bright orange colour. The level of ink required is based on the number of people he is carting into the prison.
“Right, well then it appears you all have clearance and I can now give you your markings,” Brian remarks to the group as he slaps his knees and rises to his feet.
Brian makes eye contact with each member of the group, causing each individual to tense and divert their full attention towards him, pleasing him immensely. He then lectures the group on how he will draw the marking. The marking is to be placed on a part of exposed skin, either on their wrist or at the back of their neck. Brian then follows up that explanation by suggesting,
“If your wrist and neck are both covered fully by your suits and there is no way to get a free piece of skin then I suggest you get your scissors...or bolt cutters” Brian hears a low chuckle, “and get snipping! The mark will not hurt.” Brian reassures, “However, if you attempt to open one of the cells or place a foot out of line, the mark will burn and continue to heat up.
Eventually it will burn through your flesh and bone. It will theoretically loosen off on the grounds that you cease whatever it is you are doing. In addition, it will alert the guards and send them your way to incapacitate you.”
Brian makes sure he looks at each member of the group when he says this. If his stare lingered slightly on Red Robin and Red Hood no one has to know. Brian makes an attempt to give them all the best glare his sleep deprived brain and facial muscles will create. ‘I probably look constipated’ Brian concludes with a scowl.
Brian places the markings on each of them without much of a fuss.
From his thankfully limited in-person interactions with the members in the group especially the (brats) Bats he gets the impression they are all essentially toddlers in adult bodies. Except from Wonder Woman of course. He actually admires the scary woman and is now proudly in possession of a Wonder Woman pillow. Now that Brian is thinking about it, he needs to get that signed by her.
“We should be arriving at Ravenhold within the next quarter of an hour, when we get there, you follow me, you do as I say exactly. The people who are locked up here are dangerous. I’m talking could rewrite the worlds entire existence if they feel like it, and some of them do. You are to keep your distance. You will only be engaging with and seeing the two prisoners you requested (demanded)”. “One Marinette Dupain-Cheng alias ‘Coleoptera’ and Luka Couffaine alias ‘Green Viper’ other than that, we at the MPO hope you have a good time at our facility.” Brian finished off his rant with a blinding smile.
Succeeding Brian’s extra warnings and threats of unrelenting pain if they placed so much as a toe out of line, he let out a relived sigh and collapsed onto his chair and buckled in. He peered at his watch and grinned ‘right on time.’
“We will be promptly preparing to land,” instantaneously everyone rapidly snaps their heads towards Brian. They are met with the sight of Brian grinning manically showcasing his sharp fangs.
“Welcome to Ravenhold...”
~~~~~~~~
Robin was feeling elated. Not that he would show it of course. His emotions as per usual were hidden under a perfectly sculpted mask of indifference. Though if his mask showcased his eyes, they would surely see the glint of excitement reflected in them.
Yet, as they began to descend to the landing point, he began to have a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. In typical fashion he brushed it off and blamed it on magic and the marking that was on his wrist.
Turning his glare to the window he observes the storm outside. He is met with the sight of lightning and thunder engaging in a glorious battle fighting for dominance of the sky.
When they began to look into the Coleoptera case three years ago, they were lead on a wild goose chase around the world, following unreliable tips and the trail of carnage Coleoptera’s gang left behind. After three years of tedious research, they weren’t even the ones to capture her. Now on a jet to the most guarded place on earth after three months of continuous requests Robin officially despised magic and harbours a deep loathing for Marinette Dupain-Cheng and the destruction and chaos she rained down on the world.
As Robin scrutinises their escort with a well raised brow, he can’t help but scoff, in turn earning a glare from his father no doubt warning him to behave. The man, Brian if he remembers correctly, appears as though he hasn’t slept in months if the large purple bags under his eyes are any indication. The man looks like he has been hit by a truck. In all honesty Robin thinks he looks worse than Tim after he hasn’t slept for days and is on a coffee binge, that in itself is saying something.
Robin will say however that he is interested to meet this Dupain-Cheng in person. In spite of the deep loathing, he has for her and her magic. He wishes to see the woman who apparently has the potential to rip apart their reality.
From the pictures he has seen of her she looks relatively unassuming, conventionally attractive, with dark hair and wide blue eyes. Robin is forced to admit that she could be easily mistaken for another Wayne, she has the tragic backstory as well.
Be that as it is, even he must acknowledge that there is something otherworldly about her. Dupain-Cheng’s eyes are an unnatural sapphire blue colour which often look like they are glowing. Her eyes have also been rumoured to turn a pitch-black colour on the activation of her powers, her sclera and sapphire irises giving way to onyx. Eyes which are rumoured to see right through your soul. Robin supresses a shudder.
Robin then begins to survey his family. At 19 years old Robin has matured from the young boy whose only ambition was to take up the mantle of Robin, inherit his father’s assets and be recognised as the blood son and rightful heir. He no longer views those close to him primarily as pawns he can use at his disposal. That being said he still has days where he cannot for the life of him tolerate his siblings imposing presence.
He doesn’t know why his father brought along so many people. He turns to Red Robin who for the last hour has taken to tapping his foot repeatedly on the floor. Most likely a cause of the lack of technology to entertain him. The MPO doesn’t allow any unauthorised devices on their jets or into the prison itself.
Robin observes in slight amusement as Red Robin gazes longingly at Brian’s laptop, like a thirsty man seeing water. Brian himself appears to glaring at the laptop as if it’s the source of all of his problems. Robin’s brief amusement however is ruined by the increasingly loud tapping.
Robin has finally had enough. The addition of Red Robin muttering incoherent phrases under his breath causes his last thread of patience to snap.
“Tt, would you stop that incessant tapping!” Pausing for a moment he stares directly at Red Robin’s cowl covered face, “Or I swear. I will put a Katana through your foot” Robin spat at him each word laced with venom and a hint of self-appointed superiority.
Red Robin’s eyes widened in surprise as he began to sputter. Robin watched as he turned to Nightwing pleading for someone to come to his defence. Until a gruff voice spoke up.
“That tapping was getting on my nerves I am loathed to admit Replacement.” Red Hood says as he raises his helmet covered head to look directly at Red Robin. Robin watches as the others absentmindedly nod their heads or mumble a ‘yeah’ to Red Hoods admission.
Before Red Robin could think of a comeback, Brian announces that they are going to land the jet. Robin internally grins as he hears the words, he has been waiting to hear all flight:
“Welcome to Ravenhold.”
~~~~~~~~
Earlier when the jet had passed the protective shields and crawled closer to the landing area, each member of the group could feel the steady strum of magic traipsing across their skin kindred to a soft caress. The most assertive strums of magic being next to the carefully drawn marks laying on their skin. The magic felt like it was burrowing into their soul, coiling round the very essence of their being.
Juxtaposing the gentle touch of magic on their skin the air around them felt full with unfathomable darkness. A festering mould in the shadows hidden from their view. Yet the shadows felt as alive as the breathing bodies sitting on the jet.
They feel a harsh rocking of the jet as it touches down on the landing strip. As soon as they stop moving the group is faced with the dense atmosphere which lingers around Ravenhold. There are a few sharp inhales of breath as they face the crushing feeling in their chests.
The jet grows silent and the sound of the rain and thunder outside fills the space. Everyone is on edge.
Red Hood turns to Brian, “Why does it feel like you brought us here to die?”
Brian leisurely turns his head towards Hood, “Obviously, that was my plan all along” he answers in a monotone voice.
“I honestly can’t tell if he’s being sarcastic or not.” Red Hood replies taking a cautious step away from Brian.
In addition to their markings Brian hands them all a laminated badge with the words ‘Visitor’ on it, the badge is connected to an orange-coloured lanyard. After he gifts them all with a badge Brian returns to stand at the head of the jet. He then begins to discuss what will happen once they exit the plane.
“As I said before, Welcome. We will be exiting the jet through this door,” Brian makes a gesture to the left of him. “When we exit the jet, I expect you all to stick right behind me, as you can hear the weather is brutal so, please be careful when walking. And please try not to get blown away.”
Red Hood decides that it is the perfect time to start talking again much to Brian’s distaste.
“Is there no magic spell to stop the rain and make it nice and dry for us?” the whole group can sense the smirk in his voice.
Brian blinks, “Mr Hood, I would like to see you try and manipulate mother nature. She does not like her plans being disrupted. I have no desire to get on her bad side. Also, that monstrosity you call a helmet should be enough to keep your precious hair dry.”
Nightwing coughs into his fist to hide the laughter threating to escape him, Red Robin finds himself in a similar scenario as he tries and fails to conceal his shaking shoulders from unrestrained laughter. Even Batman has a slight twitch to his lips.
After a minute of bearing witness to Red Hood attempting to regain his composure Brian focuses his attention back on the group to continue his explanation, pointedly ignoring Red Hood.
“Continuing on, I will be escorting you to the entrance of the prison. From there you will be greeted and signed in by another Officer. From there they will escort you through the facility to see Miss Dupain-Cheng and Mr Couffaine. I believe that the Officer assigned to escort you is the Officer which personally watches over Miss Dupain-Cheng. He I assume will be able to show and provide you with adequate information about her. Now before we head out does anyone have any questions?”
Brian looks at each of them, thankfully seeing everyone shaking their heads. Wonder Woman steps forward.
“I don’t believe that we have any questions we require you to answer. But I would like to thank you on behalf of everyone for allowing us access to the prison,” she says softly looking at Brian.
Brian will forever deny that he blushed a blazing red.
“N-No problem ma’am. It was my absolute pleasure I assure you.”
Brian hears a snicker from who he assumes is Red Hood but he can’t find it in himself to care. Out of thin air Brian produces a pillow which on closer inspection is a piece of Wonder Woman memorabilia. He stretches the hand holding the pillow out towards Wonder Woman.
“If it isn’t much trouble, c-could you possibly sign this for me.” He sheepishly smiles at her before quickly adding, “my cats are massive fans.”
Wonder Woman looks taken aback for a moment, eyes widening in surprise before graciously accepting the pillow.
One signed pillow and a tense walk through the storm later, the group emerges in front of the mountainous metal doors at the entrance of Ravenhold. It is a fortress.
Unquestionably the prison is intimidating. Despite only being only being able to catch sight of a minute portion of the prison there is no doubt that it is every part the formidable structure they were informed it was. The prison feels alive.
The doors themselves radiated an impressive amount of magic. They are akin to thick shields animated with protective magic, a barrier between the outside world and the dark terrors trapped within Ravenhold.
The clapping of Brian’s hands knocks them out of their trance.
“Well, this is where I leave you, Good Luck!” Brian slams his fist against the door twice before vanishing into thin air. The only record of him being there are the echoing bangs ricocheting off of the grand doors.
The doors begin to groan as they are awoken, stretching wide allowing the group entrance.
Instantly as they pass through the threshold, they find themselves at the mercy of Ravenhold. The thick impenetrable doors slamming shut behind them.