Sitting at the kitchen counter, Zatanna absently rubbed at her temples for the third time in half an hour. M'gann and Conner had both expressed their concerns, but she'd dismissed them easily enough by waving around a bottle of Aprin. Headaches were hardly uncommon, and though she seldom experienced them outside of those times she overexerted herself in training or combat, she attributed it to the dryness in the air.
M'gann tried to point out that Mount Justice was technically by the harbour. Zatanna countered back by reminding her the air inside was internally circulated and nowhere near as fresh as a morning sea breeze.
The Conner, ever the voice of stating the obvious, suggested she go for a walk. It was so simple an idea, Zatanna couldn't think of a reason to disagree. So she didn't. Grabbing her jacket, she waved her two roommates off and told them she'd be back in an hour or so. Unless she found something else to occupy her time. Which was a 50-50 chance of happening on any given day, really.
20 minutes into her walk among the salty air, however, and she felt that spark pain again. Stronger than before. Her vision tunneled for a moment, and she had to stop in her tracks and shut her eyes tightly in order to ward off the threat of vertigo.
This was no ordinary headache after all; something was wrong.
Zatanna? The voice was in her mind, familiar and with a hint of concern. M'Gann; that concern was tempered now with a hint of urgency. We need you back here. And when you do arrive, don't freak--as Wally says...
When Zatanna did come back, the situation in the hangar easily showed why M'Gann had warned her.
In addition to M'gann and Conner, who both looked grim, were Batman and Dr. Fate. Between the two members of the league and encased in some kind of energy box, was a familiar antagonistic Lord of Chaos. And his cat.
Both of whom looked both murderous and pouty somehow at the same time.
How were they KEEPING him? Why was Klarion here anyways? What was going on?
Batman spoke up, acknowledging her with a nod. "Sorry to call you back." He didn't sound sorry. "You've been having headaches?"
When one was suffering from a magical migraine, the last thing one needed was a voice in her head. Especially one warning her not to freak out.
She took her time returning. Not out of spite--it wasn't M'gann's fault--but simply because the bright outdoor light wasn't helping her situation any. By the time she returned to Mount Justice and gave her eyes the time to adjust to the new lighting, she caught a glimpse of three of the last people in the world she wanted to see right then. Each for a different reason:
Batman, because his presence meant a new mission. And, for once, she was not mission ready.
Dr. Fate, because looking into the eyes behind that helmet still caused a tweak in her heart.
And Klarion. Because it was Klarion.
"Why is he here?" She asked, momentarily ignoring Batman's question. The unfocused wince she gave when she tried to glare at the Lord of Chaos would have been telling enough.
"We planned a surprise party." Klarion answered, although there was no mirth in his expression. Well, perhaps a hint of a nasty smile. "I don't think she likes surprises, Nabu."
Batman ignored the question, although the wince told him what he needed. "There is a situation affecting magic-users the world over."
"The universe, and other planes besides that, Batman." Dr. Fate intoned, correcting his colleague gently. "One which poses a threat to the very existence of magic, and thus reality."
Batman, if he was annoyed didn't show it. Batman never really showed any emotions. "You've been having headaches in reaction to the metaphysical strikes happening. They'll only get worse as the battle goes on."
"Which still doesn't answer her question, or ours." M'Gann pointed out, arms crossed, and Conner right behind her in support. "Why is HE here?"
"Klarion is here because at the moment, he is little more than a target as well as currently the only witness to what is going on, that is still capable of helping us." Batman responded dryly, before turning his head to his partner. "I think you'd better explain the next part. I'll translate if needed."
"Oh goody, I do love it when I have to read subtitles." Klarion grumped and was ignored.
"Magic is an integral part of reality, and had always existed and must continue to exist, even as the view of reality towards it changes. Within that scope, a balance must also be maintained between order and chaos. There is a force waging battle and seeking to upend that balance, and threatening magic's existence. Which will have dire consequences for reality."
A moment of blank looks, at least from Conner and M'Gann. It was bad--they figured that'd part out.
"To put it simply--"
"OO Oooh, let me translate this time!" Klarion had his hand up and an eager grin on his face as he cut Batman off. The dark knight simply scowled and said nothing--which Klarion either ignored or took as permission.
"So kiddies, basically something or someone is going after us Lords here. And I'm the only one who didn't get eaten whole. Not that I got a very good look at what was doing it. Nabu has what description I was able to give" Hands up where they could see them both, and still with an impish-awareness and malice, "I was even honest about the information too". Pausing, before back to his 'translation'.
"But balance right now has shifted towards the not-fun side of things, and all the Lords are on edge and alert. At least, those of us who are still functioning." Teek'l punctuated this with a mrow, butting her head against Klarion's chest until he moved one hand to absently stroke her fur.
"...I'm not going to like where this is going, am I?"
Beyond the news being delivered. Not all of it was a surprise to her. Only the fact that she hadn't put the pieces together sooner. Granted, some of them hadn't been provided until now. She had been studying magic her entire life, but that life was a mere 14 years' worth of time. It was one area (of, admittedly, many) in which Klarion trumped her. So of course he would know the gaps needed to fill in her previous studies.
Arms folding across her chest, Zatanna looked back and forth between the occupants of the room. M'gann and Conner looked at a loss. Batman looked even crankier than usual; her father had once told her that he was not a fan of magic. Not true magic, anyway, which she had always found ironic given his and Zatara's longtime friendship. Nabu was literally wearing an unreadable mask. Klarion's face just made her headache that much worse.
"...how many?" She finally asked. Closing her eyes in solemn resignation of what was to come. "I didn't know many of dad's inner circle, but he used to mention names. So I know they're still out there. How many of them can we call for help?"
"Not enough, when they're having trouble themselves." Batman murmured. "We've put out a warning, and most of the practitioners, if possible, are going to ground and hiding with people who can watch their backs. The League is already working on investigating and arranging guards."
Which means no, Zatanna wasn't going to like it.
"It's been recommended using the bare minimum amount of magic as needed. It's not fully understood how the balance shifting will affect things, and with someone actively targeting Lords, its better we minimize potential trouble spots." Dr. Fate intoned. "We also do not know if they will target magic-users themselves, in addition."
"Martian Manhunter is overseeing any practitioners who need extra security, and Dr. Fate is going to help coordinate from there as well. We're leaving Klarion here though, under the watchful eye of the 3 of you." Batman's 'mission' finally revealed.
"Yes, don't want me to play with all the big kids toys, do we?" Klarion smirked, well aware of why they were being circumspect. "It's no wonder you get along with Nabu--you're predictable."
Zatanna's eyes went wide, although she should have expected it.
"You've got to be kidding. I'm not babysitting him." Forgetting for a moment who she was addressing--or simply not caring--she shot the Dark Knight a pretty dark look of her own. "There has to be literally anywhere else we can keep him that doesn't--"
"Zatanna," Fate silenced her with a single name. No, not just the name, but the tone in which it was spoken. Hints of an Italian accent creeping through, almost as if... "Your mistrust is not without warrant, but you need understand. With magic itself at risk, it is only you three who may keep him within acceptable parameters of behavior at this time."
"'You Three'?" Conner couldn't help note, raising an eyebrow in doubt. Especially given that even Kryptonians (or, in his case, half-Kryptonian clones) were highly susceptible to magic.
"For the time being, Superboy, your physical strength can outmatch him." Batman pointed out, before turning to M'gann. "As can your telepathy. And Zatanna is very near an expert in magic in her own right, on top of having experience facing Klarion in battle. Between the two of you, I have every confidence you'll be able to uncover more information regarding what we're up against."
There was a pause. A very long, tense pause. M'gann and Conner shared a look, but looked inclined to agree with Batman on his assessment of the situation.
Zatanna looked two seconds away from hexing everyone in the room. "...did you just make us study partners?"
Forget asprin. She was going to need something a lot stronger for her head now.
Dr. Fate let his eyes scan the 3 before him, internally giving a nod (despite Zatara's protests). "Given their nature, the Lords of Chaos were and are the first targets." Meaning they were unpredictable, unorganized, even the few with a dedicated will and intelligence behind them like Klarion. "The witch boy is not tamed, but will cooperate for his own good, if nothing else."
Batman simply was silent; they knew that he wouldn't be giving them this mission if they could not handle it. "I will make sure the rest of your team checks in, but I have them doing related work elsewhere. For now, you 3 are to stay low and hidden. Be smart about what you do." A pause. "Especially given we don't fully know the effects yet."
M'Gann sighed, and tried to bring a smile to her face. "It won't be that bad, Zatanna. We're here too, and if this is for Klarion's own good too, he should be on his best behavior." Conner just made a noise in the background of skepticism, and crossed his arms.
In the containment bubble, Klarion had simply been observing it all and silent, stroking Teek'l's fur lovingly. Now he looked up and smiled. No malice though, just an inscrutable one that could mean anything. "Scout's honor, if you want to believe it." No one probably would.
"We'll be in touch." Batman said dryly, head turning to Dr. Fate. The Sorcerer held out a gloved hand that started to glow with yellow energy. "We believe this to be the best route, but if things truly become dire, call us. There are larger wheels turning here than we may perceive." The bubble around Klarion started to resonate with the same energy within Fate's hand. Shortly, the glow increased before vanishing entirely.
Where Klarion had been sitting before, he remained levitating for a moment. Before getting his feet under him, Teek'l giving a soft m'row and moving to jump to the floor. If there was nothing else, Batman and Dr. Fate would take their leave...
(Oh there was plenty more else...but Zatanna knew she would have been Grounded for Life yet again if she uttered half of the words floating around her mind right now, and subsequently bit her tongue so hard she tasted a hint of copper.)
She did her best not to look at Klarion as the two adults in the room departed. Keeping her eyes hardened and her arms folded. Not wanting to give him any satisfaction if he chose to start something now that they were no longer being chaperoned.
Conner looked even more uneasy than usual.
M'gann looked like she was trying to think of the most cheerful suggestion one of her teen dramas would recommend in situations like these...and came up blank every single time.
In the back of the room, Wolf lifted his head the moment he heard Teek'l jump to the ground. A small growl escaped his throat until he realized the cat was not there to attack. Yet. So he yawned and proceeded to go right back to sleep.
"So...what do we do now?" Zatanna finally asked. Directing the question very specifically at ONLY M'gann and Conner. "This is usually the part where we bust out of here anyway...but...well..."
The only thing more frustrating than having to keep an eye on Klarion at Mount Justice was having to keep an eye on him literally anywhere else.
Teek'l fluffed up slightly, arching her back at the growl from Wolf. But she made no other moves, and then returned to wind around Klarion's ankles. Including with a 'mrowwrre?' sound, that had him picking her up again.
More affection than he usually showed anyone but himself, from the care with which he was cradling the familiar.
"It is a rather pretty cage you all have here. Do I get the tour now, or is that later?"
Conner made a faint sound of annoyance, head turning to the side. "No. No tour. You are not a guest here."
M'Gann folded her arms around herself, looking at her team-mates, then over to Klarion, who just sent her a smile. Really, it was quite a nice smile--if it had been on anyone else.
"...maybe a small tour. He'll get bored standing there, and we'll get bored watching him do so." Grasping here, but she honestly didn't have much idea of how to diffuse the tension in the air.
Very small, Zatanna sent M'gann telepathically, knowing that the Martian girl would hear her. The books we need are in my room. I'll get them and bring them out here because no WAY is he going in there. You and Conner...I don't know, show him the "snow" channel Conner likes so much.
Despite everything, M'gann smiled faintly. Even at her most annoyed, leave it to Zatanna to quip.
"Right! So, anyways, this is the common room..." M'gann began aloud, gesturing towards the main area and inviting Klarion to follow her.
Conner kept his eyes on Klarion, before bringing up the rear. If anything, the tension seemed to amuse the witch boy. Oddly, he resisted the urge to say 'boo'. Maybe because of what he had dealt with, or for his own amusement.
Even stripped of several of his abilities, he remained a Lord of Chaos in his spirit.
Nearest to the common room Lounge, was the kitchen. The Library, locker rooms and gym, the medical bay. All very boring, Klarion well aware they weren't letting him near any of the rooms that contained personal information.
Escorted the whole time by M'Gann in front, and Conner at the rear. Teek'l seemed to have gone to sleep in his arms, and it was all too soon they were back at the Lounge. "Thank you for the tour...Miss Martian?"
Again that smile--if it was anyone BUT Klarion, that smile would be a good sight. Conner's eyes narrowed, and M'Gann's smile back was awkward, if polite. "Umm"
"I know. I'm not a guest, I'm a prisoner." Bored. Bored and boring, turning his head to give that same smile to Conner. "Do you really think I'd try something when you're glaring right at me and less than a foot away?"
Conner frowned. "Do you really think we trust you as far as far as a toddler could throw you?"
"Interesting question. Kryptonian, Martian, Thanagarian? It might depend on the toddler." Klarion chuckled to himself. "A krolotean would be interesting, except there's only one left, and he's not a toddler."
Her room wasn't far. Within earshot, if she focused her energy.
...okay, it might have required a little magic boost, which subsequently worsened her headache--and there was every chance Klarion would be able to sense the energies radiating from her spell--but it was enough to keep her focused while she searched for the books in question.
They were packed away in boxes yet unopened. Because of course they were. At least three on the far side of the room. Things she couldn't stand to leave behind, even though she still had access to her old home at her leisure. All her magic studies had come with her. Except she had yet to take most of them out, not sure how she was meant to study now without her father to guide her.
(Fate had made some half-hearted offer, but...)
"Guess now's a good a time as any," she murmured to herself as she shifted through the large texts. The bound leather covers a bit stereotypical for her tastes, but it wasn't as if she could deny their value. There were two in particular, and of course they were the heaviest ones. Over a thousand pages each, with a cover twice the surface area of a traditional modern novel.
These, she utilized another spell to levitate. Only it took two tries before the spell could work properly, despite the fact that it was a spell so easy she had mastered it by the time she was 4. Hovering out of the room, they led her back into the common area, where she heard Klarion debating over which species' toddler would be the most 'interesting'.
"He just acts like one sometimes," Zatanna replied dryly without missing a beat. The two books slammed down on the kitchen counter dramatically, and she rubbed at her temples. "He tried to drag race me before. Long story." she offered as 'explanation
Teek'l startled awake at the slam of books on the counter, with a hiss and arching her back. A hint of frown on Klarion's face as he pet the familiar's back soothingly. Not that he expected any of them to care. "I suspect appearing in drag could only improve his appearance."
Not nearly the biting sarcasm it could've been, the witch-boy heaved an internal sigh.
Conner had been about to reply but...stopped. Settling for a glare, as even he recognized that seemed to be a very weak response. But ultimately, M'Gann was right in a way. They couldn't watch him all the time without getting bored themselves. So finally, the half-Kryptonian huffed, and took a step closer to tower over the other. "Point stands, we don't trust you. You get one chance. Got it?"
Not that Klarion seemed perturbed by Superboy towering over him or the close proximity. Instead he turned his eyes to M'Gann, then to Zatanna, with an inscrutable smile on his face. Only after studying them, did he return his eyes to the other male. "I have been completely aware of what my standing is this entire time. Like it or not, for the foreseeable future we must all work-together." That smile widened. "Perhaps I'll like being a heroic type."
M'Gann was quick to step by Conner and wrapped her arms around his, pulling him back. "He's just trying to get a rise out of you, Superboy." And shooting a pleading glance at Zatanna for help when Conner grit out "...he's doing a good job." under his breath.
She paused long enough to actually break from her dull glare...to send him a raised eyebrow.
"Seriously? That's not...oh, never mind."
M'gann and Conner were murmuring something between them, at which time, Zatanna made a point of spreading out the books. One on either side. She hesitated before sitting back. Not even looking to Klarion as she offered:
"These are the oldest records my dad kept. If it's going to be anywhere, it'll be here. Or, if it's not, it might tell us where to look next."
Not exactly what M'Gann had hoped for, but it was at least a distraction. Enough for her to start leading Connor out of the kitchen, and possibly out of the lounge to calm down. Certainly she had her hands full, although she was as alert as she could be for trouble--just in case.
Except Klarion did nothing; just watched and waited for them both to be out of sight, before striding over to peruse the books Zatanna had laid out. Quiet and still as he did so, expression inscrutable and Teek'l once more asleep in his arms.
Nor did he seem bothered by any silence, letting it linger until dark eyes turned to her. Head tilting, and there's the faintest of amused grins. "It's like a stabbing, that resonates from the 3rd eye down a long the nerves and back up. Makes it harder to focus, and it's because the balance has shifted."
She spared him a glance upward, though her expression was far less amused. At first, it seemed like she was going to offer a scathing retort...but then she hesitated. Glanced back down again. Turned the page.
"Not a stabbing. At least, not there. More like a...very focused pressure."
The thought of them having even a type of pain in common was offputting, to say the least, but Zatanna couldn't deny that the most accurate information possible was needed. There could have been a passage about their symptoms.
"Some of the side notes in there are written by one of my ancestors," she added once she was sure she had calmed down enough. "In our family's tongue. If you can't read them, I'll translate."
"Hmmm? Pressure, stabbing, who knows." A shrug, and Klarion browsed the page she'd turned to. Then started speaking in perfect Italian. "Modern day or older? Perhaps a variant of regional latin, if we're going classical? It wouldn't surprise me to find your family uses codes and allusions either."
Of course he spoke Italian. She couldn't even bring it in herself to feel surprised.
"No language you've ever spoken, I'm sure." (95% sure, at least.) She continued on in Italian, her accent distinctly American but her words smooth and fluent as one who'd spoken since childhood: "Just tell me if you see anything you don't recognize."
Already, she'd come across the first of da Vinci's additions in her own searching. Nothing relevant to their current dilemma, of course. But it was the 'code' that drew her attention. Not just backwards speech, but discorso all'indietro.
"Baby magic, but the man wasn't entirely an idiot." Was all Klarion commented idly. Before he switched once more to English. "As eager as you are to have this over with, there are likely precautions you should take. If for no other reason than that magic is not reacting the way you're used to."
"You're not." Klarion replied in a sing-song-voice, his head tilted and eyes watching her. "All magic is out of balance." A few steps away, pacing and walking by the cabinets. "As much as Nabu and the others are predictable, they are necessary. Just as we Lords of Chaos are, although we're a lot more fun if you ask me."
His fingers moved, gently scritching under Teek'l's chin and around her ears. Waking her up enough, that she moved to rest around his shoulders. His pacing took him towards the stove top and oven. "Order and Chaos both are primeval and fundamental forces that compose reality. They exist along a spectrum, with neither truly prevailing over the other for long. Currently, with someone attempting to eliminate half of the balance, Magic is not behaving in it's usual patterns." Turning back to her, hands clasped in front of him up by his chest. "Where do you keep your tea kettle and supplies?"
He was right. She knew he was right. She hated that he was right. And he probably knew that too, judging from his tone.
"Above the stove." She called back, then immediately thought better and moved to stand. "I'll get it."
She didn't feel like having Klarion going through their kitchen supplies. Even if he wasn't there to booby trap anything, it was just too weird.
The kettle was an old brand, no doubt passed down from father to daughter--in fact, that was one of the only reasons she even had it. Coffee was more often her drink of choice--higher caffeine content--and tea was served only on special occasions. There was a box of herbal tea next to the kettle. Chamomile. It was loose, so she had to find the strainer in one of the kitchen drawers. It took her three tries to remember which one.
"M'gann must've moved it," she murmured to herself, half forgetting Klarion was there, as she made her way to the sink in order to fill the kettle. All steps that would normally have been done magically, but...well...
While he didn't intrude into her personal bubble too closely, Klarion was still closer than she'd probably like as he examined the loose tea. A sniff, and then the box is put back down as he watches her gather the rest of the tools.
"I dread to think you'll assume I have something up my sleeve," There was teasing in the tone, a mocking amusement. "But if you have it, I would recommend adding a pinch of Bergamot, Blueberry, and White Willowbark. It will do nothing to treat the causes, aside from aiding focus and masking the discomfort."
Reaching up, he stroked his sleeping familiar's chin gently. "And catnip, if you're intending to share."
"Fresh out of catnip. Sorry." (She didn't sound sorry at all.) "We only have one pet here, and Wolf's not much of a fan of the stuff."
The other three items, on the other hand...two of them were in the far corner cabinet, mixed in with the other spices, but the third--
"We might not have Bergamot, honest." She frowned slightly, actually surprised at the lack of even Earl Grey. She could have sworn there was some the other day, unless one of her roommates was experimenting with Earth flavors again. Or Wally was over. "But I know I have White Willowbark in my room, and there's blueberries in the fridge."
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carisma_sensei
no subject
Date: 2017-11-10 03:51 pm (UTC)Sitting at the kitchen counter, Zatanna absently rubbed at her temples for the third time in half an hour. M'gann and Conner had both expressed their concerns, but she'd dismissed them easily enough by waving around a bottle of Aprin. Headaches were hardly uncommon, and though she seldom experienced them outside of those times she overexerted herself in training or combat, she attributed it to the dryness in the air.
M'gann tried to point out that Mount Justice was technically by the harbour. Zatanna countered back by reminding her the air inside was internally circulated and nowhere near as fresh as a morning sea breeze.
The Conner, ever the voice of stating the obvious, suggested she go for a walk. It was so simple an idea, Zatanna couldn't think of a reason to disagree. So she didn't. Grabbing her jacket, she waved her two roommates off and told them she'd be back in an hour or so. Unless she found something else to occupy her time. Which was a 50-50 chance of happening on any given day, really.
20 minutes into her walk among the salty air, however, and she felt that spark pain again. Stronger than before. Her vision tunneled for a moment, and she had to stop in her tracks and shut her eyes tightly in order to ward off the threat of vertigo.
This was no ordinary headache after all; something was wrong.
Just not with her.
no subject
Date: 2017-11-11 01:24 am (UTC)When Zatanna did come back, the situation in the hangar easily showed why M'Gann had warned her.
In addition to M'gann and Conner, who both looked grim, were Batman and Dr. Fate. Between the two members of the league and encased in some kind of energy box, was a familiar antagonistic Lord of Chaos. And his cat.
Both of whom looked both murderous and pouty somehow at the same time.
How were they KEEPING him? Why was Klarion here anyways? What was going on?
Batman spoke up, acknowledging her with a nod. "Sorry to call you back." He didn't sound sorry. "You've been having headaches?"
no subject
Date: 2017-11-11 01:38 am (UTC)She took her time returning. Not out of spite--it wasn't M'gann's fault--but simply because the bright outdoor light wasn't helping her situation any. By the time she returned to Mount Justice and gave her eyes the time to adjust to the new lighting, she caught a glimpse of three of the last people in the world she wanted to see right then. Each for a different reason:
Batman, because his presence meant a new mission. And, for once, she was not mission ready.
Dr. Fate, because looking into the eyes behind that helmet still caused a tweak in her heart.
And Klarion. Because it was Klarion.
"Why is he here?" She asked, momentarily ignoring Batman's question. The unfocused wince she gave when she tried to glare at the Lord of Chaos would have been telling enough.
no subject
Date: 2017-11-11 01:54 am (UTC)Batman ignored the question, although the wince told him what he needed. "There is a situation affecting magic-users the world over."
"The universe, and other planes besides that, Batman." Dr. Fate intoned, correcting his colleague gently. "One which poses a threat to the very existence of magic, and thus reality."
Batman, if he was annoyed didn't show it. Batman never really showed any emotions. "You've been having headaches in reaction to the metaphysical strikes happening. They'll only get worse as the battle goes on."
"Which still doesn't answer her question, or ours." M'Gann pointed out, arms crossed, and Conner right behind her in support. "Why is HE here?"
"Klarion is here because at the moment, he is little more than a target as well as currently the only witness to what is going on, that is still capable of helping us." Batman responded dryly, before turning his head to his partner. "I think you'd better explain the next part. I'll translate if needed."
"Oh goody, I do love it when I have to read subtitles." Klarion grumped and was ignored.
"Magic is an integral part of reality, and had always existed and must continue to exist, even as the view of reality towards it changes. Within that scope, a balance must also be maintained between order and chaos. There is a force waging battle and seeking to upend that balance, and threatening magic's existence. Which will have dire consequences for reality."
A moment of blank looks, at least from Conner and M'Gann. It was bad--they figured that'd part out.
"To put it simply--"
"OO Oooh, let me translate this time!" Klarion had his hand up and an eager grin on his face as he cut Batman off. The dark knight simply scowled and said nothing--which Klarion either ignored or took as permission.
"So kiddies, basically something or someone is going after us Lords here. And I'm the only one who didn't get eaten whole. Not that I got a very good look at what was doing it. Nabu has what description I was able to give" Hands up where they could see them both, and still with an impish-awareness and malice, "I was even honest about the information too". Pausing, before back to his 'translation'.
"But balance right now has shifted towards the not-fun side of things, and all the Lords are on edge and alert. At least, those of us who are still functioning." Teek'l punctuated this with a mrow, butting her head against Klarion's chest until he moved one hand to absently stroke her fur.
A pause into the silence, before Batman sighed.
no subject
Date: 2017-11-11 02:04 am (UTC)Beyond the news being delivered. Not all of it was a surprise to her. Only the fact that she hadn't put the pieces together sooner. Granted, some of them hadn't been provided until now. She had been studying magic her entire life, but that life was a mere 14 years' worth of time. It was one area (of, admittedly, many) in which Klarion trumped her. So of course he would know the gaps needed to fill in her previous studies.
Arms folding across her chest, Zatanna looked back and forth between the occupants of the room. M'gann and Conner looked at a loss. Batman looked even crankier than usual; her father had once told her that he was not a fan of magic. Not true magic, anyway, which she had always found ironic given his and Zatara's longtime friendship. Nabu was literally wearing an unreadable mask. Klarion's face just made her headache that much worse.
"...how many?" She finally asked. Closing her eyes in solemn resignation of what was to come. "I didn't know many of dad's inner circle, but he used to mention names. So I know they're still out there. How many of them can we call for help?"
no subject
Date: 2017-11-11 04:01 am (UTC)Which means no, Zatanna wasn't going to like it.
"It's been recommended using the bare minimum amount of magic as needed. It's not fully understood how the balance shifting will affect things, and with someone actively targeting Lords, its better we minimize potential trouble spots." Dr. Fate intoned. "We also do not know if they will target magic-users themselves, in addition."
"Martian Manhunter is overseeing any practitioners who need extra security, and Dr. Fate is going to help coordinate from there as well. We're leaving Klarion here though, under the watchful eye of the 3 of you." Batman's 'mission' finally revealed.
"Yes, don't want me to play with all the big kids toys, do we?" Klarion smirked, well aware of why they were being circumspect. "It's no wonder you get along with Nabu--you're predictable."
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Date: 2017-11-11 04:35 am (UTC)"You've got to be kidding. I'm not babysitting him." Forgetting for a moment who she was addressing--or simply not caring--she shot the Dark Knight a pretty dark look of her own. "There has to be literally anywhere else we can keep him that doesn't--"
"Zatanna," Fate silenced her with a single name. No, not just the name, but the tone in which it was spoken. Hints of an Italian accent creeping through, almost as if... "Your mistrust is not without warrant, but you need understand. With magic itself at risk, it is only you three who may keep him within acceptable parameters of behavior at this time."
"'You Three'?" Conner couldn't help note, raising an eyebrow in doubt. Especially given that even Kryptonians (or, in his case, half-Kryptonian clones) were highly susceptible to magic.
"For the time being, Superboy, your physical strength can outmatch him." Batman pointed out, before turning to M'gann. "As can your telepathy. And Zatanna is very near an expert in magic in her own right, on top of having experience facing Klarion in battle. Between the two of you, I have every confidence you'll be able to uncover more information regarding what we're up against."
There was a pause. A very long, tense pause. M'gann and Conner shared a look, but looked inclined to agree with Batman on his assessment of the situation.
Zatanna looked two seconds away from hexing everyone in the room. "...did you just make us study partners?"
Forget asprin. She was going to need something a lot stronger for her head now.
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Date: 2017-11-24 02:07 pm (UTC)Batman simply was silent; they knew that he wouldn't be giving them this mission if they could not handle it. "I will make sure the rest of your team checks in, but I have them doing related work elsewhere. For now, you 3 are to stay low and hidden. Be smart about what you do." A pause. "Especially given we don't fully know the effects yet."
M'Gann sighed, and tried to bring a smile to her face. "It won't be that bad, Zatanna. We're here too, and if this is for Klarion's own good too, he should be on his best behavior." Conner just made a noise in the background of skepticism, and crossed his arms.
In the containment bubble, Klarion had simply been observing it all and silent, stroking Teek'l's fur lovingly. Now he looked up and smiled. No malice though, just an inscrutable one that could mean anything. "Scout's honor, if you want to believe it." No one probably would.
"We'll be in touch." Batman said dryly, head turning to Dr. Fate. The Sorcerer held out a gloved hand that started to glow with yellow energy. "We believe this to be the best route, but if things truly become dire, call us. There are larger wheels turning here than we may perceive." The bubble around Klarion started to resonate with the same energy within Fate's hand. Shortly, the glow increased before vanishing entirely.
Where Klarion had been sitting before, he remained levitating for a moment. Before getting his feet under him, Teek'l giving a soft m'row and moving to jump to the floor. If there was nothing else, Batman and Dr. Fate would take their leave...
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Date: 2017-11-25 02:25 am (UTC)She did her best not to look at Klarion as the two adults in the room departed. Keeping her eyes hardened and her arms folded. Not wanting to give him any satisfaction if he chose to start something now that they were no longer being chaperoned.
Conner looked even more uneasy than usual.
M'gann looked like she was trying to think of the most cheerful suggestion one of her teen dramas would recommend in situations like these...and came up blank every single time.
In the back of the room, Wolf lifted his head the moment he heard Teek'l jump to the ground. A small growl escaped his throat until he realized the cat was not there to attack. Yet. So he yawned and proceeded to go right back to sleep.
"So...what do we do now?" Zatanna finally asked. Directing the question very specifically at ONLY M'gann and Conner. "This is usually the part where we bust out of here anyway...but...well..."
The only thing more frustrating than having to keep an eye on Klarion at Mount Justice was having to keep an eye on him literally anywhere else.
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Date: 2017-11-25 02:41 am (UTC)More affection than he usually showed anyone but himself, from the care with which he was cradling the familiar.
"It is a rather pretty cage you all have here. Do I get the tour now, or is that later?"
Conner made a faint sound of annoyance, head turning to the side. "No. No tour. You are not a guest here."
M'Gann folded her arms around herself, looking at her team-mates, then over to Klarion, who just sent her a smile. Really, it was quite a nice smile--if it had been on anyone else.
"...maybe a small tour. He'll get bored standing there, and we'll get bored watching him do so." Grasping here, but she honestly didn't have much idea of how to diffuse the tension in the air.
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Date: 2017-11-25 03:01 am (UTC)Despite everything, M'gann smiled faintly. Even at her most annoyed, leave it to Zatanna to quip.
"Right! So, anyways, this is the common room..." M'gann began aloud, gesturing towards the main area and inviting Klarion to follow her.
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Date: 2017-11-25 03:16 am (UTC)Even stripped of several of his abilities, he remained a Lord of Chaos in his spirit.
Nearest to the common room Lounge, was the kitchen. The Library, locker rooms and gym, the medical bay. All very boring, Klarion well aware they weren't letting him near any of the rooms that contained personal information.
Escorted the whole time by M'Gann in front, and Conner at the rear. Teek'l seemed to have gone to sleep in his arms, and it was all too soon they were back at the Lounge. "Thank you for the tour...Miss Martian?"
Again that smile--if it was anyone BUT Klarion, that smile would be a good sight. Conner's eyes narrowed, and M'Gann's smile back was awkward, if polite. "Umm"
"I know. I'm not a guest, I'm a prisoner." Bored. Bored and boring, turning his head to give that same smile to Conner. "Do you really think I'd try something when you're glaring right at me and less than a foot away?"
Conner frowned. "Do you really think we trust you as far as far as a toddler could throw you?"
"Interesting question. Kryptonian, Martian, Thanagarian? It might depend on the toddler." Klarion chuckled to himself. "A krolotean would be interesting, except there's only one left, and he's not a toddler."
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Date: 2017-11-26 10:52 pm (UTC)...okay, it might have required a little magic boost, which subsequently worsened her headache--and there was every chance Klarion would be able to sense the energies radiating from her spell--but it was enough to keep her focused while she searched for the books in question.
They were packed away in boxes yet unopened. Because of course they were. At least three on the far side of the room. Things she couldn't stand to leave behind, even though she still had access to her old home at her leisure. All her magic studies had come with her. Except she had yet to take most of them out, not sure how she was meant to study now without her father to guide her.
(Fate had made some half-hearted offer, but...)
"Guess now's a good a time as any," she murmured to herself as she shifted through the large texts. The bound leather covers a bit stereotypical for her tastes, but it wasn't as if she could deny their value. There were two in particular, and of course they were the heaviest ones. Over a thousand pages each, with a cover twice the surface area of a traditional modern novel.
These, she utilized another spell to levitate. Only it took two tries before the spell could work properly, despite the fact that it was a spell so easy she had mastered it by the time she was 4. Hovering out of the room, they led her back into the common area, where she heard Klarion debating over which species' toddler would be the most 'interesting'.
"He just acts like one sometimes," Zatanna replied dryly without missing a beat. The two books slammed down on the kitchen counter dramatically, and she rubbed at her temples. "He tried to drag race me before. Long story." she offered as 'explanation
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Date: 2017-11-27 01:56 am (UTC)Not nearly the biting sarcasm it could've been, the witch-boy heaved an internal sigh.
Conner had been about to reply but...stopped. Settling for a glare, as even he recognized that seemed to be a very weak response. But ultimately, M'Gann was right in a way. They couldn't watch him all the time without getting bored themselves. So finally, the half-Kryptonian huffed, and took a step closer to tower over the other. "Point stands, we don't trust you. You get one chance. Got it?"
Not that Klarion seemed perturbed by Superboy towering over him or the close proximity. Instead he turned his eyes to M'Gann, then to Zatanna, with an inscrutable smile on his face. Only after studying them, did he return his eyes to the other male. "I have been completely aware of what my standing is this entire time. Like it or not, for the foreseeable future we must all work-together." That smile widened. "Perhaps I'll like being a heroic type."
M'Gann was quick to step by Conner and wrapped her arms around his, pulling him back. "He's just trying to get a rise out of you, Superboy." And shooting a pleading glance at Zatanna for help when Conner grit out "...he's doing a good job." under his breath.
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Date: 2017-11-27 02:30 am (UTC)"Seriously? That's not...oh, never mind."
M'gann and Conner were murmuring something between them, at which time, Zatanna made a point of spreading out the books. One on either side. She hesitated before sitting back. Not even looking to Klarion as she offered:
"These are the oldest records my dad kept. If it's going to be anywhere, it'll be here. Or, if it's not, it might tell us where to look next."
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Date: 2017-11-27 02:42 am (UTC)Except Klarion did nothing; just watched and waited for them both to be out of sight, before striding over to peruse the books Zatanna had laid out. Quiet and still as he did so, expression inscrutable and Teek'l once more asleep in his arms.
Nor did he seem bothered by any silence, letting it linger until dark eyes turned to her. Head tilting, and there's the faintest of amused grins. "It's like a stabbing, that resonates from the 3rd eye down a long the nerves and back up. Makes it harder to focus, and it's because the balance has shifted."
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Date: 2017-11-27 02:47 am (UTC)"Not a stabbing. At least, not there. More like a...very focused pressure."
The thought of them having even a type of pain in common was offputting, to say the least, but Zatanna couldn't deny that the most accurate information possible was needed. There could have been a passage about their symptoms.
"Some of the side notes in there are written by one of my ancestors," she added once she was sure she had calmed down enough. "In our family's tongue. If you can't read them, I'll translate."
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Date: 2017-11-27 02:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-27 03:20 am (UTC)"No language you've ever spoken, I'm sure." (95% sure, at least.) She continued on in Italian, her accent distinctly American but her words smooth and fluent as one who'd spoken since childhood: "Just tell me if you see anything you don't recognize."
Already, she'd come across the first of da Vinci's additions in her own searching. Nothing relevant to their current dilemma, of course. But it was the 'code' that drew her attention. Not just backwards speech, but discorso all'indietro.
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Date: 2017-11-27 03:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-27 03:30 am (UTC)"It's sweet that you're worried about me, but I'm fine."
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Date: 2017-11-27 03:46 am (UTC)His fingers moved, gently scritching under Teek'l's chin and around her ears. Waking her up enough, that she moved to rest around his shoulders. His pacing took him towards the stove top and oven. "Order and Chaos both are primeval and fundamental forces that compose reality. They exist along a spectrum, with neither truly prevailing over the other for long. Currently, with someone attempting to eliminate half of the balance, Magic is not behaving in it's usual patterns." Turning back to her, hands clasped in front of him up by his chest. "Where do you keep your tea kettle and supplies?"
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Date: 2017-11-29 02:48 am (UTC)"Above the stove." She called back, then immediately thought better and moved to stand. "I'll get it."
She didn't feel like having Klarion going through their kitchen supplies. Even if he wasn't there to booby trap anything, it was just too weird.
The kettle was an old brand, no doubt passed down from father to daughter--in fact, that was one of the only reasons she even had it. Coffee was more often her drink of choice--higher caffeine content--and tea was served only on special occasions. There was a box of herbal tea next to the kettle. Chamomile. It was loose, so she had to find the strainer in one of the kitchen drawers. It took her three tries to remember which one.
"M'gann must've moved it," she murmured to herself, half forgetting Klarion was there, as she made her way to the sink in order to fill the kettle. All steps that would normally have been done magically, but...well...
Unfortunately, he was right.
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Date: 2017-11-29 03:06 am (UTC)"I dread to think you'll assume I have something up my sleeve," There was teasing in the tone, a mocking amusement. "But if you have it, I would recommend adding a pinch of Bergamot, Blueberry, and White Willowbark. It will do nothing to treat the causes, aside from aiding focus and masking the discomfort."
Reaching up, he stroked his sleeping familiar's chin gently. "And catnip, if you're intending to share."
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Date: 2017-11-29 03:28 am (UTC)The other three items, on the other hand...two of them were in the far corner cabinet, mixed in with the other spices, but the third--
"We might not have Bergamot, honest." She frowned slightly, actually surprised at the lack of even Earl Grey. She could have sworn there was some the other day, unless one of her roommates was experimenting with Earth flavors again. Or Wally was over. "But I know I have White Willowbark in my room, and there's blueberries in the fridge."
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