Chapter 21

"Use Somebody"

Outside the Capital

King Alexander was immensely happy. He'd managed to pry Zatanna away from Superman for the time being. He hadn't been King of Illyria so long without learning how to manipulate people now and then. Playing on Superman's concern for his young female teammate, Alexander convinced him that hovering near her would only add to her worry about her condition. The King felt a pang of guilt at doing this, but rationalized that it would work out for the best in the end. This line of thinking was debatable, but there is an old saying, from each of our own points of view, we are the most important person in the universe. Approaching the King's actions from this angle and what he'd done was perfectly reasonable.

Those thoughts were for another time. Right now the King just wanted to enjoy the company of the beautiful young woman at his side. After manipulating Superman out of the way, he had gone to Zatanna and asked her to talk a walk with him. She had been reluctant at first, but the King convinced her that fresh air was just what she needed. They were currently taking a rather leisurely stroll down the beach outside the capital.

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it," the King venture, hoping to draw her out.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, yes, it is," Zatanna replied. Her mind was elsewhere, but she was trying to be nice to the King. He had been so generous to her, giving her a huge suite in palace, dozens of maids and having his mages working tirelessly on her behalf. He'd been nothing but kind and attentive to her and Zee didn't want to be impolite. Her mind kept drifting to one primary question, where was Clark? It felt as if something had changed since breakfast. There was a distance between them now. He was treating her like she was made of glass or something.

Was he having second thoughts about them, Zee wondered? It didn't seem like him, but Magic was one of his weaknesses. Maybe this was just too weird and foreign for him to deal with. Had she been too pushy or forward? Did her being a little jealous turn him off? Was this his way of letting her down easy? A million questions seemed to be rolling around in her head. If that wasn't so bad, she had to concentrate harder to just remain on the ground. Several times during this walk, her mind had strayed and if it hadn't been for the mages following them, she would have started to float away.

Zatanna felt miserable. Why did this have to happen now? She couldn't believe her luck. Here she finally meets a nice guy that seems interested in her and what happens, she starts floating like some parade balloon. She could almost picture what it would be like in another week. She would be hovering over this beach, with the mages and chambermaids all holding onto lines tethering her to the ground so she didn't float away. If they slipped she would be like a helium balloon, just going up and up until she disappeared from view.

"Is there anything wrong," the King said to her. "You seemed deep in thought?"

"Oh, um, just the usual," she replied, wanting to downplay her fears in front of the King. "I'm still trying to figure out this spell."

"I know it must be difficult, but have patience," the King said. "You are in the best of hands. We will find a cure together, you and I.'

He gave her a warm smile and reached over to squeeze her shoulder. Zee tried to return the smile.

"You wouldn't happen to know where Cla-I mean Superman is, would you?"

"I believe I saw him talking to that woman from breakfast," the King offered. "Oh, yes, Tsaritsa is her name."

"Whore," Zee muttered under her breath.

"Excuse me, did you say something," the King asked.

"No, nothing," she glumly replied.

"She does seem to be quite taken by him. I noticed his eyes straying to her as well."

"Great, that's just great," Zee grumbled.

The King tried to hide his smile at her reaction. The truth was he had no idea where Superman was, but knew Zatanna didn't care for the woman, Tsaritsa. It was another small manipulation, but it was for her own good. She hadn't realized it yet, but her destiny was to be at his side, as his Queen.

The Palace

Wally lay on the most comfortable bed he'd ever felt, his uniform gone, a look of shock and astonishment on his face. His mind seemed to have stopped functioning, overloaded from the past few hours. A slender, feminine arm skimmed up his heaving chest and was followed by Sabine's delicate kisses.

"That was the best yet," she sultrily whispered. "I thought the third time was amazing but the fourth was even better."

"Uh-huh." That was all Wally could manage to say. Princess Sabine continued to kiss her way up to his neck and ear.

"It makes me wonder what the fifth time will be like," she hotly whispered in his ear.

"Oh, God," Wally moaned. She wants to kill me was the thought that instantly started running through his mind.

The Watchtower

Shayera sat with her palms pressed against her eyebrows wondering what she was going to do. Dinah and Mari were trying to give moral support, as well as suggestions.

"I don't see the big deal, Shayera," Dinah offered. "Its just dinner."

"With Batman," Shayera replied.

"If you don't want to go, just call it off," Mari suggested. "I'm sure he'll understand."

"She can't, she already told Superman to tell Wally she was going," Dinah informed her.

"Why?"

"Because she was jealous."

"I was not," Shayera protested. "Superman asked what was, um, happening back here and I-I just sort of mentioned it, is all."

"Right."

"I'm not jealous," Shayera firmly stated.

"Uh-huh, so a date with Batman it is," Dinah said with a smile.

"I guess."

"You'll need a dress," Mari chimed in. "Something that sends a message to him."

"I don't want to send a message to him," Shayera complained. "I'm not even sure I want to go!"

"Well, you're going," Mari steadfastly said. "What you wear says a lot about you. It lets him know where your head is at."

"Then she should wear a polyester pant suit," Dinah teased.

"Only if she wants him to think female gym teacher."

"Why do I have the feeling I was just insulted," Shayera asked.

"Moving on," Dinah replied, ignoring the question. "I've seen all your clothes and they just won't do. You'll need something new for your date."

"It's not a…" Shayera started to complain, but Dinah cut her off.

"Call it whatever you want, you still need something to wear."

"What's wrong with my clothes?"

"They all seem to have a, well, how shall I put this, um, a utilitarian quality to them," Dinah offered. Shayera just looked at her with a confused expression.

"They're ugly," Mari clarified.

"They are not," Shayera protested. "They were the height of fashion back on Thanagar!"

"So are hawk masks," Mari replied. "Honey, you're moving up the big leagues now."

Shayera looked back and forth at the two women not sure what to say.

"I was thinking something low cut to show off a little cleavage," Mari suggested.

"No, I think she should go with something that shows off her legs," Dinah countered. "I mean she's not exactly Diana up top."

"Hey!" Shayera protested.

Illyria

Clark stood on the balcony looking out over the city. It was a beautiful view but his mind was preoccupied with Zatanna. He could see her walking with the King, along with the mages and maids on the beach. He knew the King was probably right, that they were more qualified to assist Zee than he was, but that didn't help. He felt so useless. It was almost a part of his DNA to want to help, but magic was still really a mystery to him.

The fact that he was growing more attracted to Zee didn't help either. It seems that every time he met a woman he was interested in, issues always came up. With Lois and Lana it was the differences between a Kryptonian and a Human. With Zatanna that might not be a problem or at least that was what he was starting to think. When this spell or curse, whatever it was had first come up, Clark had wanted to say 'come on, give me a break here!' It wasn't like there were really that many options for him to begin with and now he finds a woman but she might float away at any minute? If his luck could get any worse, he didn't see how.

Clark felt a little guilty at his selfish reaction. That was probably the reason why he'd agreed with the King. Here he was thinking how this affects him, when it was Zatanna that was suffering. He knew she was confused and probably a little frightened. It must have made it worse that who or whatever was doing this had struck at her with magic, her specialty. If he really cared for her and Clark believed he did, then he should be focused on helping her even if that meant giving her some space to figure it out.

It was the easy thing to do, but this was all unfamiliar territory for Clark. He couldn't just swoop in and save her like some damsel in distress. That was the easy heroic thing to do, but what was called for in this situation was the hard heroic thing, standing by her and supporting her. He glanced back towards the beach and saw the King put his hand on Zatanna's shoulder. What was that about? Clark tried not to feel jealous, but it wasn't working.

"Hello, Superman," a sultry female voice said behind him. Clark turned to see the woman from breakfast, Tsaritsa.

"Hello.'

"I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting, I'm Tsaritsa," she said with a smile. She offered her hand to him and he took it.

"It's nice to meet you, Tsaritsa," Clark replied. There was something familiar about the woman, besides just the name. He remembered the Queen of Fables was also named Tsaritsa, but didn't know if there was a connection.

"Is something wrong," she asked.

"Oh, no, I just know someone with your same name," he said. "It's a little surprising to meet someone else with it."

"On my home planet it's quite common," she offered. "It's from a legendary Queen from olden days. I would imagine it's like Cleopatra on your Earth."

"You're not from this dimension?"

"No, I'm an immigrant," she replied. "I just arrived recently."

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you come here," Clark said.

"I'm a Homo Magi,' she explained. "On my world we are the minority. The majority has always been rather hostile to us. Here I am among my own people.'

"I see."

"And you? What brings you here," Tsaritsa asked. She moved closer to him, smiling as she did. The Queen of Fables was enjoying this. She had considered using magic to win Superman, Prince Charming, over, but being a vain woman, she had decided to let her considerable charms attract him. It would make her victory so much sweeter. The last time she had tried to use fear and intimidation to bring him to her, but that had failed. Besides, the Queen of Fables thought, am I not the fairest of them all?

She was wearing a simple, yet revealing gown instead of her usual attire. The transformation spell had softened her features and enhanced her figure. There was just enough of a change so he wouldn't immediately know it was her. Her violet eyes coyly looked up into his, her tongue slipping out to lick her full lips.

"Well, Superman?"

"Oh, ah, I'm here for the wedding and to open diplomatic relations," he replied.

"It's a beautiful world, isn't it," she asked, taking a step closer.

"Yes it is," Clark answered. She was a lovely woman, he couldn't deny that, but he couldn't help feeling on guard around her. Maybe it was just the name, but he sensed there was more to this woman than there appeared.

"I think I will be happy here," she said. "There was so many things that I find interesting."

The Queen of Fable was standing very close to him now, almost touching.

"I hope you find what you're looking for," Clark offered.

"Charming," she whispered. "Thank you, Superman.'

The Queen of Fables pretended to slip, falling towards Clark. He instinctively reached out to catch her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him.

"I should thank you again," she said to him. Her arms linger around his neck, reluctant to let go of him.

"You're welcome."

Illyria

At the same moment, Zatanna and the King were returning to the city. The palace grew closer and Zee happened to look up and see Clark on the balcony. A smile spread across her lips but it quickly turned into a frown when she saw Tsaritsa was with Clark. So it was true, she thought.

"Bastard," she grumbled.

The King had glanced up as well and couldn't help smiling at his good fortune. Sometimes luck is just on your side, he thought.

Princess Sabine's room

Wally dimly knew this was his chance. Sabine had gone to freshen up, leaving him alone. He couldn't remember ever being this tired. He legs were shaky as he slowly pulled on his costume. Muscle spasms rippled over his thighs, as he was sure he was suffering from dehydration. His weary mind was convinced if he didn't get out now, she would kill. The woman was insatiable.

It was like she's discovered candy for the first time and gorged herself on it. Wally liked candy too, a lot, but he didn't eat it until he passed out, for crying out loud. Save some for later, honey, the Flash needs sleep and water and food. He wasn't a machine!

Wally tried not to groan as he stood up. His muscles were sore and screaming for some down time. He was so worn out, that even the thought of running exhausted him. This must be what normal people feel like all that time, Wally thought. As he silently made his way towards the door, the image of Steve McQueen in The Great Escape came to his mind. This was just like the motorcycle scene where Steve's trying to escape the Nazis.

Wally reached the door and unlocked it. Just like Steve in the movie, when he cleared the first barbwire fence, Wally felt a rush. As quietly as he could, Wally started to turn the knob to open the door, just like Steve revved the cycle to jump the second barbwire fence. Freedom was so close.

"You're not leaving already, are you," Princess Sabine's voice called out. It was like the Nazi machine guns cutting Steve McQueen down, Wally was caught. Keeping his hand on the doorknob, Wally slowly turned to face her. Sabine was kneeling on the bed wearing a diaphanous silk nightgown. It was so thin it was practically transparent. A groan escaped Wally's lips as he could see every single tempting curve of her spectacular body. There was an unhappy frown on her beautiful face as she looked at him.

Be strong, Wally, be strong, he told himself. Clearing his rather parched throat, he tried to think up an excuse.

"Wally needs sleep," he crocked.

"You could sleep here," she suggested with a pretty smile.

Don't fall for it, Wally; it's a trick, he thought. She doesn't want you to sleep. Frantically, he racked his overtaxed brain for a better excuse.

"Zee," he finally said. "My-My teammate. Got to check on her. Worried."

He was so tired and thirsty; forming complete sentences was beyond his ability at the moment. Eye on the prize, Wally, eye on the prize he repeated over and over to himself.

"Oh, well, I guess I can understand," Sabine said in disappointment. She had been enjoying herself immensely and wanted to continue. "If you have to leave, okay.'

"Thanks.'

"I'll see you later then, right," she asked.

"That-That sounds like-like a plan," Wally replied. It was no or never. "Okay, bye!"

Willing himself to push passed his exhaustion, Wally put on one short burst of speed and got out of her room.

The Watchtower

Somehow Diana had talked Wildcat into sparring with her again. He knew it was playing with fire, but he couldn't help himself. Tweaking the Princess' ego was just too much fun. As they circled each other, looking for an opening, a smile came to Wildcat's face. He just had to get one more verbal jab in.

"So is this more training at how not to be a poor loser, Princess?"

When he saw the change come over her face, Wildcat knew he'd pushed too far.

"No," she growled and then struck. In the next moment, Wildcat felt himself bounce off the wall and slid down to the mat. As he glanced up, Diana was standing over him, fists clinched, gritting her teach. He knew he was in deep shit and had to think fast to get out of an Amazon ass kicking.

"You still wondering why Superman let's you win, Diana," he quickly asked. This caught her off guard. Diana hesitated for a moment, before taking the bait.

"Yes, "she asked. Wildcat used the moment to swing his leg out and catch her behind the knees. Diana was surprised and felt backwards, landing hard. She was on her feet almost instantly, but so was Wildcat.

"He does it because he can, Princess," he said before she attacked.

"That makes no sense."

"Doesn't it? You hold back against just about everyone else, don't you?"

"Yes, but I do make exceptions," she growled, moving closer for the attack.

"What's the purpose of these sparring sessions, Princess?"

Again she was caught off guard by his question, but this time she remained ready for any sneak attack.

'To hone your skills and get better," she replied.

'So if you go all out right now this fight will be short and sweet," Wildcat said. "You'd win easily, but what would you gain?"

"Nothing,' she admitted.

"Exactly," Wildcat smiled. " Now you know the reason Superman let's you win."

He turned and walked towards the door, as a confused Diana just stood there watching him. As he opened it, he had to tempted fate one more time. He turned to Diana.

"Don't let being a poor loser bother you, Diana. He's probably the only one that can beat you in sparring."

Before she could react, he stepped through the door and closed it.

Illyria

The Queen of Fables stepped away from Clark with a smile on her face. She knew the Light Princess, Zatanna had seen them together on the balcony. Tsaritsa enjoyed twisting the knife just a little more by making her jealous.

"Thank you for catching me, Superman," she said. "You're like Prince Charming in one of those fairy tales."

"Excuse me," Clark replied. Warning bells were going off inside his head at this comment.

"Well, you rescued me from embarrassment, so you saved a damsel in distress," she offered. Clark was about to press the issue, but the sound of Wally's sluggish walk caught his attention. Clark turned and was surprised to see Wally. He looked like he was about to collapse.

"Wally?"

"Oh, thank God I found you, big blue, I don't think I could make it back to the javelin on my own," Wally said in relief. He then noticed Tsaritsa.

"Wow, two women," Wally muttered. "You must really be a man of steel to pull that off."

"I'll leave you with your friend," Tsaritsa coldly said. She gave Wally a nasty look before walking away.

"I look forward to seeing you again, Superman," she called over her shoulder as she disappeared.

"She's hot," Wally observed.

"Where have you been, Wally," Clark asked. He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer, but had to ask.

"Heaven and then Hell, brother," Wally groaned.

"You slept with the Princess."

"How'd you know?"

"Super smell," Clark replied. He wrinkled his nose, but didn't say more.

"I forgot about that one," Wally said. "You have so many powers it's hard to keep track of all of them. I guess I should just add the prefix super to everything."

"Wally, you realize this is going to cause trouble," Clark offered.

"It wasn't my fault, Supes, I swear! I tried to resist, but.." Wally said.

"But what?"

"She's really hot!"

"Well, that explains everything," Clark sarcastically replied.

"She's also insatiable," Wally continued. "She does this thing with her tongue. Where she learned it, I have no idea. It's sort of like.."

Clark cut Wally off.

"Wally, no details, please?"