Batman: The Animated Series
Encounter
Credits:
Written by ScriptMaster77
Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger.
Zatanna created by Anderson Murphy and Gardner Fox.
The Vreeland Mansion, Zatanna Zatara, in an evening gown, stands against the wall, semi-content with the lack of people around her.
As a servant heads by, she picks up a glass of champagne and smiles.
Zatanna Zatara: Thanks.
As he heads away, she becomes visibly more saddened.
She takes a sip of her drink.
Zatanna: So much for my Saturday night.
A taller man in a tuxedo walks up beside her.
Man (Off-Panel): Excuse me-
Zatanna looks up to see that the man is Bruce Wayne.
Bruce Wayne: But I couldn't help but noticing that you were alone.
She smiles at him.
Zatanna: I'm fine. It's just that I'm not used to being at these fancy parties.
He has a look of confusion on his face.
Bruce: You're Zatanna Zatara, right? The stage magician? I thought you'd be used to being in the spotlight.
She looks at the ground timidly.
Zatanna: Well, I'm used to being a performer not a conversation piece.
Bruce becomes more serious.
Bruce: Let me guess. Veronica invited you?
She shrugs her shoulders in acceptance.
Zatanna: Yep. She said she enjoyed my show in Vegas last month and that I should come over but I think it was mainly because she wanted more people to come to her party if she told them I'd be there.
Bruce: I thought she would have learned her lesson after that incident with the Penguin.
Zatanna looks at him sceptically.
Zatanna: Well, I suppose you're more used to being at these events huh, Bruce Wayne? Don't think I didn't recognise you from all those tabloid pieces.
Bruce leans in and smiles.
Bruce: Well Miss Zatara, in my experience those tabloid pieces can be very misleading.
She returns the smile.
Zatanna: Really now? Is there more to the billionare playboy that I should know about?
He offers her his hand.
Bruce: Care to dance?
He pulls Zatanna towards her.
They walk towards the centre of the ballroom.
They then begin to waltz around the room.
Bruce looks at her in concern.
Bruce: I heard what had happened in your show at the Gotham Mint. I wouldn't have been surprised if you decided not to come back to Gotham.
Zatanna: It was an off-putting experience, believe me.
Zatanna somberly looks out at the distant city through the window.
Zatanna: Luckily I had a friend to help me out. Someone from years back. I was kind of hoping to see him again.
Bruce raises his eyebrow as she turns back towards him.
Bruce: This friend of yours. Are you close to him?
Zatanna: Not really. No.
She puts her head against Bruce's chest.
Zatanna: It's just that he's always so busy with what he does. I admire that, I really do. I just wish things could have been different between us.
She breaks off the embrace in regret.
Zatanna: I'm sorry. I must be spoiling your evening with all this talk.
As Zatanna attempts to walk away, Bruce puts his hand on her shoulder.
Bruce (off-panel): I know how you feel Zatanna.
She turns back to face him, surprised.
Zatanna: W-what…
He too now has a sombre look on his face.
Bruce: I knew a girl when I was younger. I wanted to let her get closer to me but I was scared she'd be disappointed that I wasn't what she wanted me to be.
Zatanna looks at him, wide-eyed.
Zatanna: What did you end up doing?
Bruce shuts his eyes in regret.
Bruce: I left without saying goodbye. I abandoned her. I wish things had been different as well. But we can't change our pasts.
He smiles faintly.
Bruce: But things will get better. I met her again recently. Maybe, I'll get the chance to build back what we had. Maybe it can be something new.
She looks at him, at a loss for words.
Bruce: My point is that it's never too late to make things right again. You'll find closure someday.
Zatanna then hugs a surprised Bruce.
Zatanna: Thanks Bruce.
He returns the embrace.
Bruce: No problem.
As they break apart, they look at the Bat-signal in the sky.
Bruce smiles at a confused Zatanna, embarrassed.
Bruce: I'm sorry but I have to go now.
Zatanna: Go where?
Bruce: I made a promise I have to keep.
Bruce walks away.
Bruce: Take care of yourself Zatanna.
Zatanna looks up at the Bat-signal and smiles.
Zatanna: You too Bruce.
END.