As Marcus led Constantine and Kento deeper into the weapons room, he began to explain the concept of curses.
"Alright, let's talk about curses, Constantine," Marcus began, his tone serious. "A curse is a spell intended to invoke an entity's power to inflict harm or punishment on someone o something either directly or through conduits."
Constantine nodded, absorbing Marcus's words as he continued to listen.
Marcus elaborated, "According to conventional lore, curses are most usually associated with witches. They use magic reagents and potions to access their powers and imbue objects with magical effects. Cursed weapons are one such creation."
Constantine interrupted him, his expression thoughtful. "So, what kind of effects are we talking about here?" he asked, his curiosity evident.
Marcus paused, considering his words carefully before continuing. "Cursed weapons can have unique effects, ranging from basic enhancements like increased strength to added attributes like fire or poison. Some even have powers comparable to ours. However, they also come with a demerit, a drawback that affects the user."
"They're very much like us in every way," Kento murmured in a detached voice – as if talking to himself.
Constantine's eyes widened in realization. "But we're immune to magic. So, it's like there's a synergy between us and them?" he asked.
"Exactly," Marcus confirmed, a hint of pride in his voice. "Outcasts are immune to curses. That means we can wield these weapons without fear of their negative effects."
Constantine nodded in understanding, his mind racing with possibilities. "Maybe Kento has a point." he said. "Invoking powers, unique abilities with drawbacks… being cursed. It sounds a lot like our condition." he said in contemplation.
Marcus looked at him, his expression a mixture of sadness and exasperation. "You can surely choose to see it like that, Constantine," he said. "However, I think of us as equalizers, as the last line of defense between humanity and what lurks in the shadows."
"But we don't belong in that world anymore." Constantine said bitterly.
"Yes, in the conventional way, we don't. I won't pretend to understand your pain, Constantine; unlike you, I grew up behind the Veil. But if I walked out of this door in the night and saw some neophyte vampire attacking a kid, I would save the kid. I don't care if they remember me or acknowledge me. Saving a life is a reward in itself; give it some thought later." he said.
Constantine said nothing, feeling ashamed. These guys saved his life and took him in, and he just called their whole existence cursed; which was made worse by the fact that this was a sentiment that Kento seemed to share. He can't let his bitterness get the better of him, nor take it out on others.
"I'm sorry Marcus, Kento," he said, lowering his hair. "I'm still struggling to accept things and my mouth is faster than my brain sometimes."
Kento gave him a sad smile. "Don't worry," he said. "Many of us feel that way and it never goes away completely." He turned and looked at Marcus. "But Marcus has a point," he continued. And besides, at least we have each other." he concluded.
"Cheer up kid, at least we're not warlocks." a voice said behind them. They all turned and saw Darryl, all bandaged up and limping, walking towards them.
"Darryl, you're up! Constantine shouted, excited. He was grateful for Darryl protecting Vicky long enough for the rest to arrive, alone against that monster; Constantine's respect for Darryl had skyrocketed.
"Shut up jackass, Janey finally fell asleep at the chair in my room, if she wakes up and finds me gone, she'll kill us all!" he said in a hushed voice.
"Pipsqueak looks after you? I thought she hated your guts." Constantine said, arching an eyebrow.
"She just acts like it; we've been family ever since she first came to us as a kid. She was so cute back then, very shy and quiet too." he added.
"For real?!" Constantine asked, surprised. He couldn't imagine a meek Jane.
"For real. She was so sweet. But then someone girlpowered her a little too hard and now she's become a little tyrant." he added, looking at Marcus, who was busy looking at the ceiling. He just tried to be a good father and toughen her up because he knew the dangers of this word; he might however spoiled and indulged her a little too much.
"Relax guys, it's just how she defends herself." Kento said calmly. "She grew up here and not everyone was welcoming to her; she's had it rough, but she really does care about us." he concluded. "Even you," he told Constantine.
"Sure Ken, she cares so much about me she said that if I wanted to die so much I'd ignore Shift's orders and move around, she might as well kill me herself." Darryl said. "She even smiled as she said it, guys. I think she snapped after that fight." he added, pretending to be terrified.
However, his terrified expression became real as he saw Shift walk towards the medical bay. "Fuck, they're both gonna kill me for real!" he shouted.
"Not on my watch!" Constantine said, laughing. He put his hand on Darryl's shoulder and they both disappeared from the weapons room, instantly appearing inside Darryl's room. Constantine noticed Jane sleeping on a chair next to the bed with an open book on her lap; it was a romance novel. Constantine snickered. Darryl looked nauseous.
"Warn someone before you do that, asshole!" he said, trying to hold himself from puking.
"You're welcome," Constantine said, raising a middle finger as he turned his back and disappeared.
Jane stirred awake, probably from the noise.
"What the fuck are you doing up, you got a deathwish?" she asked in a threatening tone.
They looked at each other. Darryl's expression was weird. Immediately, he turned his head to the side and puked. Jane freaked out.
"Damn it Darryl, I didn't mean it, are you okay?! SHIFT, GET OVER HERE!" she yelled out.
Back in the weapons room, Constantine had reappeared as if he had never left. He smiled while listening to the commotion outside.
"So," he said, "where were we?"