A Whole New Chalant World (Royal AU)
"Ugh if I have to sit and smile towards another braindead prince or nobleman or whatever, I will kill someone!" Zatanna grumbled as she jumped into her bed.
"Lady Zatanna-"
"Megan, we've talked about this. Just call me Zatanna."
"Be that as it may, Zatanna, you are of age to find a suitable husband."
"But whyyy?! I am the Duchess of Downton. I can run the estate easy."
"We don't make the rules, Zatanna. Much as I wish we did," Artemis, Zatanna's head maid grumbled.
"If I must find a husband, why can't he be someone I like? Someone handsome, charming, and kind?"
"You must understand, Zatanna, whom you marry must be of noble stature. Your father would never approve otherwise," Raquel explained.
"Ugh these rules are so archaic!"
Later that night, out in the village, a woman was carrying a bag of fabrics. The seamstress was taking her work home with her when she was cornered by an unsavory group of men. They all looked haggard and were probably drunk. With a wry smile one of them approached her.
"Well ain't you pretty," he said, "How's about you come with us. We'll take good care of you."
"Uhhh no thank you. I'd like to go home now please," she replied stepping away from the man.
"Now now. We're nice guys, aren't we boys. We just wanna have a little fun."
"Lady said no, so back off," a new unknown voice declared.
In the blink of an eye, a tall lean figure in red and black robes and a mask covering the bottom half of his face appeared out of nowhere. With a quick flip he landed in between the seamstress and the haggard drunk.
"Kid, it's past your bedtime," the man growled.
"Last chance. She said no. We all move along," the boy warned.
All the men charged, but the boy was quick. With a spinning kick, he quickly knocked out the leader. One man tried to jump and tackle the boy, but he used the man as leverage and flipped over him kicking two other men. Turning around, he punched another in the face before the group's fear set in and they all ran off leaving the boy with the seamstress.
"Thank you for saving me. But he is right. It is rather late."
"Nah it's ok. I'm just happy to help. Do you live far? I can walk you home."
"That would be most appreciated. I must ask though, are you the rumored…Robin?"
The next morning, Artemis entered Zatanna's bedroom and opened the curtains. The light revealed a still tired Zatanna curled up in the blankets of her bed. Rolling her eyes, Artemis picked up a backscratcher and began poking Zatanna.
"Zatanna. Zatanna. Zatanna. Wake up. Zatanna. Zatanna. Zatanna," Artemis repeated over and over again.
Clearly irritated, Zatanna rolled over hoping to use the comforter for protection. Artemis did not care as she walked over to the other side of the bed and continued prodding.
"Zatanna. Wake up Zatanna. You have duties, LADY Zatanna," she continued poking with a backscratcher.
"Ughhh like what?"
"Sigh, like meeting yet another nobleman for marriage."
"Whyyyyy?! Just kill me please."
"Maybe you'll like this one."
"Which family is it?"
"House of Wayne."
Later in the parlor, Lord Bruce Wayne entered with his young ward. Gracefully, they approached Lord Giovanni Zatara.
"Gio, it's been a while," Bruce greeted.
"Oh Bruce it has been some time indeed. I never knew you and Diana had a son."
"Yea well, we're very proud of him. Richard, step forward."
"Pleasure to meet you, sir," Richard bowed to the Lord.
"Richard Wayne. My, you are a strong fellow. This is my daughter, Zatanna," he gestured to her as she curtsied, "Come Bruce, you must tell me about your plans for industrialization in Gotham."
The two lords stepped aside towards their own conversation leaving Richard and Zatanna to themselves. There was an awkward pause as they both surveyed the room watching various other nobles and wealthy folk sip wine and banter.
"Man, these parties are kinda a drag, aren't they?" he asked her breaking the ice.
"Tell me about it. All we do is drink and then eat dinner and talk politics," she agreed brushing her hair out of her eyes.
"Aren't you supposed to be the focal point of this get-together?"
"I guess. But all anyone wants to do is find me a husband….Oh right, that's why you're here," she teasingly accused him.
Sheepishly, Richard put both hands up and smiled.
"Look hehe I just go where Bruce tells me to," he told her trying to play along.
"You call your dad Bruce?" she asked curiously.
"Uh well I mean, y'know whenever people talk to me it's to talk about my father, so his name just gets mentioned a lot that's all," he fumbled.
Something about his response struck a chord with her. Not because it felt incredibly suspicious, but because he looked so adorable. The way he nervously shrugged his shoulders, meekly rubbed the back of his head, and quickly darted his blue eyes around made him look so real and relatable to Zatanna. Most of the suitors she had met put on a haughty pompous façade emphasizing that their meeting was forced more than anything. But right here, Richard felt human and real.
"Wanna get out of here?" he asked.
"Huh?"
"Why don't we slip away for a bit? It's dark out, right? Is there a place we can see the stars?"
"Actually, yes. Let's."
Zatanna grabbed her new friend by the wrist and led him out of the parlor. As they climbed the hallway stairs, she could feel giddiness bubbling in her heart. How scandalous! How rebellious! Her taking the hand of a boy she just met up the stairs towards a secret place. She had hated every single one of the proposed suitors up to this point. But this Richard Wayne. Something about him intrigued her. Was it his piercing blue eyes? His perfect black sheen hair? Or maybe it was his own rebellious attitude. Either way, here she was leading this random man through her family castle up to a balcony. It was wide but not too spacious, enough for two people to stand and watch. Down below the lights of the village could be seen. Above, the stars were just beginning to twinkle.
"My mother used to take me out here," she said, "She used to tell me that each star represented a heart. When someone passes away, they fly up to heaven where their hearts shine brightly for us to see."
"That's really pretty. My version's a little different though. My mother told me that each star represented a faraway land. A whole new world. One might have talking dogs, another may have mermaids, or even flying carpets. The possibilities were endless so long as we believed in it."
"Wow. I didn't know Lady Diana was so imaginative."
"Uh right, hehe Diana. She's cool."
Zatanna found yet another odd reaction, but she let it go.
"Hey, you ever feel like you don't really belong in this world?" he asked out of the blue.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Y'know all the servants and money and rules. Do this. Don't do that. Go here. Don't go there. Don't you feel kinda cooped up and trapped? I love my parents, but so many times I just want to be able to forge my own path. Do my own thing. Meet people I want to meet."
"It might surprise you how much I relate to that. Ever since my mom died, my dad's kept me in the castle like a glass doll. I get it, but he's so overbearing. Sometimes, I just want to explore our village down there. I want to see and understand our people. Know what their lives are like. Then maybe as the Duchess, I could help them better."
"Wow. Never really met someone like you outside of my family."
"What? Another noblewoman?"
"No, someone who cares."
Zatanna found her cheeks burning. She couldn't believe how flustered this Richard Wayne was making her feel. She turned away hoping he wouldn't notice her staring deep into his eyes. Fortunately, a servant bailed her out.
"My lady, Sir, dinner is about to be served. Please come down to the dining hall," the servant curtly announced before turning away.
"Well, he's not feeling the aster," Richard noted putting his hand on his hip.
"Huh?"
"Aster. Y'know, opposite of disaster? The English language has a lot of words with prefixes, so I figured it'd be neat to use more of their root words. Wouldn't you agree?"
Finally, she couldn't help herself. She burst out laughing at this presented notion. A full bellied laugh that brought tears to her eyes. After a bit, she composed herself wiping away her tears.
"That's honestly the cleverest thing I've heard in a long time," she smiled.
"You're really pretty when you smile like that," he blurted out.
Blushing again, she tried to hide her face with her hair. Realizing what he had said, Richard panicked and tried to salvage the situation.
"Uhh sorry sorry. I didn't mean that. I mean, you're obviously very pretty but uh. Look I was just trying to be nonchalant. I uh wasn't trying to-"
Giggling, she placed a finger to his lips hoping to shut up him. They locked eyes for a moment as she bit her lip.
"I don't mind," she said breaking the silence, "Be as…..chalant as you like."
Zatanna tossed and turned in bed. Electricity ran through her veins as a smile continued to strain her face. Of all the guys to live rent in her mind, it had to be Richard Wayne. Talking to him felt so effortless, so natural. He was incredible. Finally accepting that she'd be up late, Zatanna got up and put on a silk robe. She walked out to her bedroom's balcony and leaned on the railing. Her eyes scanned the sky as her hand reached out to grab a handful of stars.
"A different world for each and every star above. Maybe there's a world where mother is still alive. Or a world where I could live free. Or maybe a world with…..you?"
She blushed again thinking about Richard. From the corner of her eye though, she noticed a figure on a distant balcony. He wore a black and red tunic, and a mask covered his face. He looked around before jumping off the balcony and running across the garden towards the village. That was supposed to be Richard's room. The most logical thing would be to panic. Someone had entered the castle grounds unannounced. And yet, Zatanna only looked on with curiosity. Most people would be trying to break into the castle. This person was clearly leaving. Or had he broken in earlier and was just now escaping? Again, logically, Zatanna should be reporting this to the castle guard. She shouldn't be hastily changing into a tunic and putting on a dark cloak with a hood. She should be in bed trying to sleep not running into Artemis in the hallways as she tried to sneak out.
"Uhhhh," Zatanna panicked staring at her head maid.
Zatanna mostly expected Artemis to scowl and push her back to her chambers. Instead, the blonde simply rolled her eyes and pointed towards a hallway with the least amount of guards. Confused at first, Zatanna was quick on the uptake and silently thanked her closest confidant. Artemis looked away as Zatanna scampered down the hall, into the garden, and out towards the village.
Zatanna wandered down the empty the street for a bit. Looking around, she noticed all the houses and storefronts marveling at how people lived. A little stuffed bunny in the window of a toy shop caught her eye. She approached the window and knelt down to admire the soft fluffy coat of the toy. Next to it was plush robin. Despite very little light, the sheen from the bird's red velvet bellied shined for her. In the distance, Zatanna heard raucous cheering. Intrigued, she decided to investigate. Following the singing and the lights, she arrived at Peter's Tavern. Carefully, she pushed opened the door and entered into the crowd of villagers. All around her men and women sat around enjoying their drinks. Someone played a tune on the piano as a few patrons sang a shanty. In a weird way, Zatanna felt like she went from one toy shop to another. Her eyes darted around taking in this new sight. People were drinking and talking politics, but they were so happy. Nothing felt forced or stoic like it did behind the castle walls. Not minding her surroundings, she accidently bumped into a tall brutish man spilling his drink.
"Oh! Oh no I'm so so sorry," she tried to apologize.
"Hmmm. I didn't like that," the giant huffed standing up.
Zatanna froze as shivers went down her spine. The man looked like he was seven feet tall. His clothes were a little ragged and his face looked tired. Seeing the disagreement, the bartender, Peter, rushed over.
"Hey hey, Grundy, no worries, mate. I'll get you another tankard. On the house!" he tried to offer.
"No. She pays," Grundy growled.
"Uhhhh I don't have any money on me…" Zatanna shyly answered.
Grundy squinted his eyes glaring at the young girl. Ticked off, he moved to punch her. Fortunately, Zatanna ducked out of the way. Unfortunately, Grundy landed his punch on the guy behind her.
"Oi Grundy! What the hell was that!?" the man yelled once he recovered from the blow.
Before Grundy could say anything, the man took his drink and threw it at Grundy's face. The whole bar went silent. Everyone froze waiting to see Grundy's next move. Gradually, the muscles on his face contracted as he bellowed out a roar.
"Ah shit," Peter sighed ducking behind the bar.
Now fully enraged, Grundy picked up a barstool and flung it at the man. Chaos erupted as the one joyous bar became a battleground of drunkards. Zatanna aimlessly ran in different directions essentially playing keep away from anything that resembled a person. Bottles were smashed. Tables were flipped. It was quite a battle royale as every patron punched and kicked and pulled each other's hair. Instead of inching closer to the exit, she found herself corralled into the center of the bar. Suddenly, a gloved hand her grabbed her elbow. She jerked it back scared of whoever just grabbed her. However, she oddly relaxed as she looked up to see the red and black ninja that intrigued her enough to escape her bedroom.
"Hurry! This way!"
His mask covered his face, but his eyes were bare and open for the world to see. Zatanna looked deep into his blue diamond eyes and surprisingly felt safe. He tugged her again to bring her back to Earth. Nodding, she untensed her muscles and allowed him to drag her out of the bar.
A little way down the street, Zatanna was still being led by this mysterious savior. Despite being a safe distance from the bar, he still held her hand tightly. She didn't feel bothered by this. She felt warm but did wonder when he would notice his fingers were still interlocked with hers.
"Thank you," she said, "for saving me back there."
"You shouldn't be out here. It's too dangerous."
"Maybe, but the people there were having a good time. What changed?
"Sigh, you sorta pissed off the town baker."
"Wait, that guy's a baker?!"
"Yea. Best Danishes in town."
"But he looked so…..so-"
"Ugly? Brutish?"
"I mean kinda."
"Didn't peg you as judgey."
"Hey!" she scowled letting go of his hand, "How was I supposed to know he was a baker? Or that spilling his drink would tick him off?!"
She marched in front of him barring him from advancing. She pouted and placed her hands on her hips. Despite her attempt at putting up an angry face, he couldn't help but smile behind the mask at how cute she looked.
"People can be more than appearances, y'know. Besides, you shouldn't be out here, Zee."
"Zee?" she asked taken aback, "Do-do you know how I am?"
"Uhh no? I mean, of course! You're the Duchess. How could I not know who you are?"
Something felt so familiar to her. The way he panicked at being caught. The way he rubbed the back of his neck and avoided looking at her. His bright brilliant blue eyes.
"…..Richard?"
Hearing his name, he turned his head meet her own blue eyes. He let out a breath and scratched his forehead.
"You're really hellbent on causing me trouble tonight, aren't you?"
After being found out, Richard led Zatanna to a nearby rooftop and let her pepper him with questions.
"Ok so what's with the getup?"
"They're battle robes. I work as Robin, a savior in the night. Remember how I told you I wanted to be freer? Well, I sneak out of Bruce's castle and help the people of Gotham. I've been doing it for a while now."
"Again with the Bruce thing. They aren't your real parents, are they?"
"You're more perceptive than you let on."
"Is that a compliment?"
"It can be."
"Keep talking, bird boy."
"Hehe. Bruce and Diana adopted me when I was a kid. My family and I are circus people. In a bit of irony, we performed for your family at one point."
"Wait, really?"
"Yup. Unfortunately, a few months after that, my parents were killed. The circus owner wouldn't pay some dark mob or whatever. Mom and Dad I guess were used as warnings. Bruce and Diana were at the show where my parents fell from the trapeze. They took me in. Been with them ever since."
"I see. Then how'd you become a ninja?"
"Uhhh I can't tell you that."
"Why?"
"That secret involves more parties. I can't risk that."
"Ok, that's fair. Can I at least get your name? Your real name?"
"It really is Richard, I promise! Well, Dick. My friends used to call me Dick."
"Are you sure they were friends?"
"Haha yes, they were," he smiled extending his hand, "Dick Grayson, milady."
"Hehe, please don't call me that. It reminds me too much of my responsibilities," she chuckled shaking his hand, "I liked what you called me earlier. Zee, right?"
"Uhh hehe yea. I dunno it felt catchy."
"I like it. It feels endearing. I decree that you and only you Dick Grayson may call me that."
"Who says I'm one to follow decrees?"
"Ah a rebel I see heheh."
They sat in a comfortable silence looking at the stars. The wind blew causing her to shiver and scoot closer to Dick. Sensing this, he wrapped his arms around her to warm her up.
"Technically you're not allowed to touch me like this," she teased.
"Fine, shiver in the cold for all I care hehe."
"Not a chance," she smiled resting her head on his shoulder leaning into him more, "I'm guessing your mother was the one who told you about the stars. Your real mother."
"Yea. Her name was Mary."
"My mom's name was Sindella. She died when I was young."
"I'm sorry."
"No, it's ok. I guess we have something in common then."
"Hmm."
"Hey, can I ask one more thing?"
"Sure."
"Why do you do this? Why jump across rooftops in a costume saving people?"
"I just want to help. I didn't like how my parents were treated by the mob who demanded payment. I didn't like looking out the window seeing people get bullied or fighting with each other. I just feel this need to make a difference. Bruce does all he can with his funding, but sometimes it's better to have a direct hand in things. I feel like doing this, wearing these clothes, give me a sense of purpose."
"You're lucky. You know what you want to do."
"You can too. You just gotta dig deep and really think about what you really want."
"Easier said than done. As a Duchess, I have to uphold certain standards and meet high expectations. Neither of which involve critical thinking."
"You're not a Duchess right now. You're just Zee to me."
"….Oh."
"Take a moment. Just think. What do you really want to do with your life?"
"I really want to kiss you right now," she answered without hesitation.
"Hehe, that was not a moment."
"But you said to dig deep."
"You dug really fast."
"Are you gonna kiss me, or not?"
Chuckling, he lifted her chin up and met her eyes. Slowly leaning forward together, their lips met in the middle for a soft kiss. It was quick and gentle, but they both lingered closely together.
"I should take you home," he whispered.
"I don't want to go home."
"It's getting late. Or…early? Not sure. Either way, if they find you missing, it's gonna be a whole thing."
"Fine. But, kiss me again…..please?"
"Are you asking me or ordering me?"
"Whichever best convinces you to kiss me."
The next morning, Artemis practically shoved Zatanna out of bed to wake her up instantly. The Duchess jumped up from the floor clearly agitated.
"What the heck, Artemis?!"
"Zatanna, you need to come down to the main hall immediately."
After quickly putting on a dress and failing to properly brush her hair, Zatanna hurried to the main hall where the castle's entire staff gathered. Her father paced back and forth in the center of the room while a bloodied boy knelt down in front of him with shackles on his wrists.
"Bruce how could you have done this to me!?" Lord Giovanni asked, "We have been friends for years. I was at your wedding with Diana for God's sake. And yet, you present me with this-this cretin? To marry my daughter?!"
"Gio he is of my family. He is of House Wayne," Lord Bruce pleaded.
"LIAR! This boy is nothing but a peasant. A goddamn vagabond. Jester, whatever! Klarion! Come here!"
Quickly, a skinny pale boy rushed forward carrying a stack of papers. He was one of his father's advisors and record keepers of the estate. Zatanna had never liked Klarion. He always had this sinister look on him that gave him the appearance of a constant schemer. Plus, more than once she had caught him leering at her. Just the thought of him made her cringe.
"This boy is no Wayne, Bruce," Giovanni announced, "He is a Grayson! He is from a family of circus people!"
The Lord threw the stack of papers onto the ground. Sliding across the floor was a photograph of the circus, a birth certificate belonging to a Richard John Grayson, and multiple written statements.
"Witnesses confirmed that you and Diana have never had a child. Some of your own staff testified that one day, you brought home an eight-year-old boy. You cleaned him up, dressed him in fancy clothing. You did nothing but turn him into a clown mocking our very way of life," Giovanni scolded.
"He was just a boy! He lost his parents. Gio, please see reason!" Bruce fought back.
"No Bruce. How dare you try to pawn off this simpleton to my daughter. This is an insult of the highest regard. However, I cannot punish you as a fellow Lord. The boy will be punished for your sins, Bruce. I decree that Richard John Grayson will be executed today at sundown."
"NO!" a voice shrieked.
Everyone turned to the direction of the scream. From afar, Giovanni could see the staff rustling and being pushed to the side. Emerging from the crowd, a teary-eyed Zatanna rushed forward. Immediately she slid to the ground next to Dick and held him closely. She hugged him possessively while sobbing and staring at her father.
"Zatanna? What is the meaning of this?!"
"Daddy, please, please reconsider. Do not kill him."
"Zatanna he is not of noble birth. He has tried to deceive us, to deceive you!"
"He has not deceived me one bit. I knew! He told me!"
"What?!"
"He is a good man, Daddy. He is brave, kind, compassionate, clever. His heart has been broken but Lord Bruce and Lady Diana have done their best to repair it. Daddy please, spare his life. He has done nothing truly wrong."
"Why? Why are you so adamant on disobeying me at every turn!?"
Everyone held their breath awaiting her answer. Zatanna hugged Dick even tighter and caressed his head into her chest. He leaned up to whisper into her ear.
"Zee, don't do this. I'm not worth it," Dick croaked into her ear.
"Well?" her father demanded.
Zatanna bit her lip before taking a few deep breaths. With her free hand she wiped tears off her face before locking eyes with her father. Her glare stunned Giovanni as he had never seen such anger and determination from his daughter before. In the deepest part of his mind, he realized Zatanna was about to change everything.
"Because…..I love him."
AN: And with that we wrap up Chalant Week 2022! I hope you all enjoyed all the awesome fics celebrating all the Chalant. Special thanks to Lover of Romance246, A045, 4shur4, and LethalParade for organizing and participating in such a fun week. All the fics can be found in the Young Justice (Cartoon) Community page titled "Happy Chalant Week". Special thanks also to ghostpainters for all her amazing Chalant fanart. See yall next year!
