Bruce
Wayne Manor

Another seemingly-endless workday had finally lurched to an end. Bruce drove home, parking the Benz and tossing his tie into the trash can on the way through the kitchen.

"Is that necessary, sir?"

"Yes."

"I will assume you mistook it for the hamper," Alfred grumbled, snatching it back out and dusting it off.

"Where is everyone?"

"Playing outside, last I saw."

He dragged himself up to change into more comfortable clothes. Feeling the need to spend time among less business-minded people, he hunted down the family on the back porch. Thomas was in Zatanna's lap, leaning against her and crying while she rocked him.

"Something I said?" He asked, sitting down next to them.

"Something Kal and I said."

"Kagon go way an leaf," he said between sobs.

Bruce squinted and looked up to Zee, who smiled.

"He overheard us talking about getting Kal home. He doesn't want him to leave. You know...gon go way an leaf."

"Ah, I see. And after he finally learned his name." He reached over and picked up the world's saddest little boy and put him on his shoulder to cry it out. "You like having Kal here, huh?"

He nodded. "My fren."

"I know he is. It's always sad when someone we care about has to go away."

Kal came outside and sat down across from them while the crying continued. "Sorry. I didn't mean to upset him."

"It's okay. He just doesn't understand," Zatanna said. "For all his early magical prowess, the concept of different dimensions hasn't yet sunk in."

"Kal has a family to get back to," Bruce said, rubbing his back. "You wouldn't want them to be sad, would you?"

He shook his head. "No. They come here?"

"No, no. They can't come here. One of your mother is all I can handle." He chuckled to himself and looked over at her. She had her eyebrow raised and was staring at him.

"Really?"

"Batman can't be funny?"

"Batman isn't funny."

Batman thought it was funny. "Does Batman still get to practice tonight?"

She turned away again without speaking. That wasn't a 'no'. Unsatisfied with the answers he'd gotten, Thomas continued to cry. Kid really needs a sibling.

"Zatanna told me about your trip to the other dimension before Thomas was born."

"That's where he was conceived, actually," Bruce said with a smirk. "He's an interdimensional wonder."

"Good to know," Kal said sarcastically. "No Kal-El there?"

"We didn't go looking for one. We were looking for magicians, not aliens. Though, we did find an alien. Ours."

"J'onn? That's what she was saying. I can understand why no one wants a repeat of what happened."

"Oh, unless we can send the cat there! Can we make that happen?" Zatanna said.

"No, no Fuffy stay!" Thomas's crying intensified.

"He's not leaving, baby, I'm sorry. Mommy was just kidding."

"Guess Amata isn't funny, either," Bruce said, smiling.

"Shut it." She took Thomas back and rocked him again until he calmed down and started to fall asleep.

"Nothing from our undercover operative?"

Zee shook her head. "No signal yet. Want me to snoop?"

"No. Well, yes, but I told her I wouldn't be overbearing on this."

"Was that wise?"

"Probably not."

"Are you talking about the cat lady?" Kal asked.

"Yes. Selina."

"She didn't seem to fit in with the rest of your crew. What's the story there?"

He glanced at Zatanna, who had her head down on Thomas's and was humming softly. "An old friend. We've worked together in the past."

Kal nodded slowly and studied him. "Okay. If I can help, let me know."

Bruce could tell he wanted to pry, but knew he wouldn't do it with Zatanna there...thankfully.

"Thanks, but I need to play this one close to the vest."

"Alright then." He didn't seem satisfied with the answer...he was already fitting right in with the rest of the Justice League.

"Oh, you just reminded me of something." He leaned over and kissed Zee's temple before gesturing for Kal to follow him. They went downstairs to the cave, where Bruce walked to the suit chamber. "This is a gift from Clark with a few modifications by Alfred."

Kal opened the box and smiled. He pulled the suit out and held it in front of him. "Seriously? I get to be part of the costumed heroes?"

"You saved my life and Zatanna's as soon as you got here. I'd say that qualifies you. Try it on."

He went into the chamber, still smiling. At least someone appreciates their suit.

When he came back out, he moved to look in the mirror. "What do you think?"

"It's tight, but so is Clark's. And it's missing a piece." He reached over and picked up the cape, tossing it to him.

"Yes, I knew it. Cape." He attached it and turned dramatically. "This is awesome."

Bruce laughed and adjusted the cape. "Glad you like it."

"And I get to be a bat, huh?"

Alfred had added a bat symbol to the front and the cape and darkened all of the colors to be less bright. "You live under my roof, you are a bat."

"Zatanna isn't a bat."

"She's entirely too Zatanna to be a bat."

"What?"

"I don't know, that's what she said and I didn't even know how to argue. I'll sneak one on hers eventually."

Kal continued flexing in front of the mirror. Superbat is born. He was nothing like Clark. Maybe a dimension with fewer demands led to a lighter heart; it was like watching Clark's little brother.

"You think she'll like it? Tanna, I mean. Assuming I can take it with me."

"It's yours. And I don't know. Tommy definitely will."

"She'll like it," he said with a grin. "Zee said you have a restaurant that I can try. Sounds pretty fancy."

"Yeah, it was a gift."

"You gifted her a restaurant?"

"She's hard to shop for. Come on. We'll go tonight." He walked toward the elevator. "And before you ask, no, you can't wear that."

"Oh, come on!"

Zatanna
Wayne Manor

"See? He's not leaving."

"Uv Fuffy," Thomas said quietly, petting the cat's head.

"I know you do. That's why he gets to stay. He'd find a way to get back in if I kicked him out, anyway."

It was a quiet evening with Bruce monitoring and Kal tucked away on his side of the manor. Zatanna leaned back and rocked her little boy. Quiet moments with him were rare, but nice...even if they existed because he was sad. The quiet still couldn't calm her mind, however. She sent a message to Dr. Fate, but he had yet to respond. The Scarecrow mess was bothering her just as much. Bruce had promised not to meddle, but she didn't. Still, she knew better than to go against his wishes. Most of the time, anyway. No snooping for now.

"Zatanna?"

Her eyes popped open. What the hell? No one was there. It wasn't Selina.

"Did you hear something, baby?" She looked down at Thomas, but he was still enamored by his best friend.

"Zatanna? Can you hear me?"

You can't be serious.

She hopped up from the chair and quickly went to the den, handing Thomas off.

"What are you doing?" Bruce asked.

"Stay here. Please. I'll be right back." When she returned to the library, she heard the voice again. "Show yourself."

"Zatanna? The mirror."

Zee walked to the mirror near the fireplace and saw the face she was dreading.

"Our business is finished, Tsaritsa. You tried to kill me and you failed. If I ever see you face to face again..."

"Please! Please, hear me out. I'm begging you."

"Begging me? Go to Hell." She started to walk away.

"He's coming back. He wants me to help him and I don't want any part of it."

"Sounds like your problem," Zatanna replied, turning back toward her. "I have enough of my own, thanks to you."

"I know. I messed up. I just wanted..."

"To get me killed. That's all he will be returning to do and that's all I care about. You fucking evil bitch, he could have killed my son!"

"I...I never wanted that."

"So, just me, is that it?"

"No, I..."

"Do not ever contact me again. You made your bed. Have fun lying in it. Tuc reh ffo!"

The mirror cracked, several shards falling to the floor. Overdid the spell a bit.

"I think that was a family heirloom," Bruce said from behind her. Thomas was dozing off on his shoulder as he walked over and put his arm around her waist. "It's also bad luck."

"Sorry. I'll fix it. That woman..."

"I know. You don't owe her anything."

"But?"

"Nothing. You don't owe her anything."

She looked up at his face. "Would you help her?"

He sighed. "After what happened? It would be dead last on my list of priorities."

"But you would. It's who you are." She rubbed her forehead and sat down. "I don't know if I can be that kind of person."

"No one's asking you to."

"I want to be a good person."

"You are."

"No, you are. The best person I know. No matter what she did you wouldn't leave her to die."

"You're right, I wouldn't, but the best thing we can do for everyone, including her, is stop Adam."

Leaning back, she held her arms out. "Sorry I interrupted your monitoring."

Bruce handed Thomas back to her and kissed her forehead. "It's okay. Try to get some rest. We can talk about it more tomorrow."

Selina
No Freaking Idea

The man led her forward into a massive building. They had driven for over an hour before they arrived at the run down, abandoned farm.

"Is this where he is?" She asked. The man stayed quiet and kept leading her forward. None of them had told her their names. They hardly spoke – mindlessly doing their duty. She had to do her best to pretend she was just as brainwashed. Looking around, she tried to take in her surroundings. There were stacks of canisters along every wall. Hundreds. The gas? If so, it looked to be enough to cover the entire city and three others. "What is this place?"

Still silent, the man took into her into a room that held a rudimentary production line. A dozen others were silently working away, faces covered with gas masks. She stopped in her tracks.

"Go."

"Why are they wearing those? Why don't I have one?"

He shoved a mask in front of her, so she quickly put it on. When they reached an empty space, he pointed for her to stand in front of the table. The man next to her held out an empty canister in front of her. He picked up a glass vial and dropped in it before putting what looked like a small explosive device on top. Handing it to her, he picked up a lid and screwed it on.

"Keep the line moving."

"This is why I'm here? To put bombs together?"

"Keep the line moving."

Fucking fuck. This wasn't useful. This wasn't what she came for. Where's Crane?

Another silent man brought a bucket of materials and set them in front of her. Playing the part, she started to assemble the devices.

How do I get to him?

Batman
Batcave

He had moved Mike to a larger holding area so he would be more comfortable. Unlike Elliott, he got three meals a day and a shelf of books and magazines to keep him entertained. He seemed like a nice guy...when he wasn't attacking his family on rooftops.

"Thanks, Batman," he said when dinner was delivered.

"How's your head?"

"The pounding is getting better. I'm remembering more about the facility. It's strange how your mind protects itself when you're afraid. I hardly looked around while I was there; figured it would be safer to not know what was happening."

"What do you remember now?"

"The smell. It smelled like hay."

"Cattle?"

"I don't remember smelling cattle, just the hay. Made my eyes itch."

"A storage facility?"

"Maybe so. Windows high along the roof. They were opened when it was hot."

"Electricity?"

"No. We only worked in the daylight hours."

"Anything else?"

"Not really. We hardly spoke to one another. We were all so freaked out and terrified we just isolated ourselves when we weren't working. Anything to avoid more injections."

"Okay. You need anything?"

"No, I'm fine. I appreciate the books. I've always liked reading."

"I'll tell my librarian you're grateful."

Mike stood and walked to the bars. "I want to help you take him down."

"We don't need help."

"Of course you do. I have spec ops training and I can get to him."

"We already have a plan in progress. I'll let you know how it turns out."

He sighed and looked down. "I want closure."

"You'll have it."

"And then?"

Batman turned and headed back down the hall. "I don't know yet."

He wasn't just giving him the runaround – he didn't know what to do with Mike once it was all over. It didn't seem fair to treat him as a common criminal, considering the circumstances. If Gordon wasn't too upset with him being held secretly, maybe he would be willing to work something out. He removed his cowl and tossed it onto the desk. Selina...Scarecrow...Mike...Adam...Tsaritsa. Too many moving parts. Zatanna hadn't slept, despite his reassurances that reaching back out to her enemy was not necessary, for the time being. They needed to get control of the situations so everyone could relax a bit.

"Hey, Bruce."

"Dick. What brings you here?"

Dick walked over and sat down next to him.

"Just checking in. Sounds like you have a lot going on right now."

"As usual. It's been hectic."

"How's the kid?"

"Good," he said, smiling. "Growing like a weed and smart as a whip."

He grinned. "He got good genes."

"From his mother's side."

"How can I help?"

"Babysitting?"

"Anytime," he chuckled, "but I meant with everything else."

"If you want to come when we take down Scarecrow, we could use the extra muscle."

"I can do that. For what it's worth, I think you're making the right decision not letting the League help. I can't imagine the damage one of them could do if they got a nose full of that toxin."

"Thanks. It would be nice to have their help, but it's too risky. Bad enough having Kal here."

"Why not have him stay on the Watchtower?"

"Zatanna needs him here."

He raised his eyebrow. "Okay..."

"For protection. If he leaves, I won't be able to stop her from isolating herself at Shadowcrest. She's still insane."

"Always has been. And impossible to reason with."

"She wants to keep us safe," Bruce said, rubbing his neck. "Which I understand, but I want her to be safe, too."

"Which means Kal stays."

"For now. We're trying to get him home at the same time as...well, everything else. We could sure use his help against Adam, though."

"No kidding. Two Kals is like a cheat code."

"I hope you're right."

"He's never right," Barb said, coming down the steps.

"She's right," Dick said.

Bruce smirked and stood. "Do I have two monitors for the evening?"

"Yeah, I'll be here for a while," Dick said. "Hard to find time to spend together, otherwise."

"I understand, but don't distract her the whole time." He walked to the Batmobile.

"I would never," Dick said, playing with Barb's hair.

"I should just have Thomas monitor. He pays attention."

"Get out of here, we're busy."

Useless.

Black Adam
Far Away

"I know you've tried before. This will be different."

"With another god on their side? Yes, it will be different."

"That's why I need your help," Black Adam said. "This is our chance to get rid of the Justice League for good. And then I can have rule of Khandaq without interference."

"You're confident for a man who has been repeatedly foiled by the Justice League."

Does everyone need to remind me of that?

"Again, that's why I need your help."

"Leave. I will let you know of our decision."

Adam turned and flew back toward the red sun system. He knew he was not strong enough to defeat the League, extra Superman or not. Tsaritsa would be of limited assistance. He needed powerful allies, even if they would ask for too much in return. Solving one problem by creating another is something he had wanted to avoid, but that was before his plans had been blown apart over Gotham City. Allying oneself with evil was dangerous, however it had one advantage – the League would never see it coming.

Zatanna
Wayne Manor

"Tokyo sounds fun. Check with the girls, but if you can make it happen, I'm game."

"I'll reach out to some theaters and see what they have open," Tony said. "Good to hear you're ready to get back out."

"You know me, addicted to the job."

"And the applause and the flowers and the cheers and the hotel rooms and..."

"Yeah, yeah. Performance junkie. Let me know what you hear and I'll talk to Bruce about what dates will work. It will probably be another month or so. I have a few personal things to wrap up."

"I'd ask about them, but I know better."

"You're a wise man, Tony. Thanks."

"Talk to you later."

Zatanna walked back to the library and kissed the top of Thomas's head.

"Ready to go on another tour soon, costar?"

"Where Kal?"

"I don't know. Maybe outside." She sat down and moved hime to her lap. "Alfred, you're welcome to come with us on some of the tour dates, if you want."

"I do, but Master Bruce would never survive in my absence."

She laughed. "I guess that's a good point. Still, if you think he can sustain himself for a few days, just let me know."

"Hey, all," Kal said, entering and sitting down next to them. "Zee, you think you can hook me up with Tanna again soon? I want to show off my outfit."

Zee laughed. "I'll try to reach out and see when she's available for a fashion show."

"Good. Don't spoil the surprise." He'd been wearing the costume as much as Bruce would allow. "I wish Bruce would let me patrol with him. I could help."

"You could, but with the toxin as a threat..."

"I know, I know. I guess I'm lucky he let me go to the restaurant."

"You are. He was so tense the whole time we were there I'm surprised he ate anything."

"You've both been exposed, right?"

She nodded and rocked her sleepy boy. "Different occasions."

"What was it like?"

"Bad," she said, not wanting to talk about the experience again. Kal must have taken the hint, because he leaned back and didn't ask anything else.

"Sleepy, Mama," Thomas whispered.

"Want to go to bed?"

"Ya." He put his arms around her neck and laid his head on her shoulder.

"Okay, tell everyone goodnight."

"Night night."

"Goodnight, Master Thomas."

"Night, Thomas. Sleep well, kid," Kal said.

Zatanna carried him upstairs and laid him down in his bed.

"Sing a song?"

"You know, you're the only person in the world who actually likes to hear me sing. Which song?"

"Sella," he said, eyes already blinking closed.

"Okay." She pulled his blanket up and brushed his hair back from his forehead.

"Stella, stellina
La notte si avvicina
La fiamma traballa
La mucca è nella stalla.
La pecora e l'agnello
La vacca col vitello
La chioccia coi pulcini
La gatta coi gattini.
E tutti fan la nanna
Nel cuore della mamma."

"Night, Mama," he whispered, fading quickly.

"Night, my love. Precious boy." The cat jumped into the bed and curled up against Thomas's legs. Fearless defender. Zee scratched his ear and turned the lights down. "Make sure he sleeps well."

She headed down the hall to her meditation room. Her head had been aching all day from stress and the lack of sleep, so she hoped some quiet time would alleviate it somewhat. With the candles lit and incense burning, she levitated and closed her eyes.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Fucking hell, Fate!" Tumbling down to the floor, Zatanna bonked her head on the nearby table. "Knock at the front door like a normal person!"

Kal crashed through the door and tried to grab Fate by the neck, but was stopped in his tracks by a flash of light.

"You shouldn't be here," Fate said, holding his hand up to keep him back.

"Me? Get the hell out of this house!" Kal roared.

"My presence was requested. Yours was not."

"Zee?"

"It's okay," she said, rubbing her head and standing. "I know him. This is Dr. Fate. Fate, this is..."

"A complication," Fate said, dropping his hand.

"A friend. He saved my life."

"He interfered with our dimension."

"I'm glad you think my life is so unimportant. I'm sure there are plenty of others who agree with you."

"Why did you call me here?"

"I need help closing the rip."

"We've already had this conversation."

"Yeah, but as you can see, things have changed."

"They changed because you let one of the most dangerous men alive roam free."

"I did what you told me to do."

"In what way did I tell you to do that?"

"You said I needed to recruit the power to close it, so..."

"Adam is not the one who opened it. You are."

Zatanna stared at him, not knowing what he meant. "I can't recruit myself, Doc!"

"If you're not willing to do what it takes as a sorceress to end this, then all you did in your previous world-saving attempts is delay the inevitable. It's your choice. Make it."

With that, he vanished again.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me! Fate? Come on!" She slid down the wall and plopped onto the floor. "He's such a douche. Can't even have a real conversation. Just pop in, insult me, and pop back out. Can't keep people out of this place lately."

"Should I even ask?" Kal walked over and held his hand out to stop her mumbling to herself.

"He gets off on being cryptic," she said, taking his hand so he could pull her back to her feet. "And making me feel like an idiot."

"You're not an idiot. From what I've learned, you're trying to save the world while he hides." Still standing a bit too close, he reached up and brushed her hair behind her ear.

She smirked and pushed against his chest. "Check your realities, Superbat."

He chuckled. "Superbat? Is that what we're calling me?"

"According to Bruce. He's not terribly creative with nicknames."

"Sorry for invading your personal space again." He took a few steps back and held his hands up. "Don't turn me into a toad."

"No promises. I enjoy a good toad turning." She sighed and put the candles out. "Damn. Bruce was supposed to be here to talk to Fate, too. He's more willing to help when he asks. And he did help the last time. Saved my ass and everyone else's."

"Yeah? Well, maybe he'll come to his senses. He's certainly powerful. What do you think he meant about you being a sorceress?"

"I don't know. I have no intention of recruiting a bunch of evil magi again, so I sincerely hope that isn't what he meant. Otherwise, I'm doing the best I can here."

"What are the chances he'll come back so Bruce can talk to him."

"Beats me. As you can see, he just kind of does what he wants."

He nodded and headed toward the door. "Need anything else? Seeing as I'm so useful in these situations."

"I'm fine. Thanks for running to my rescue again."

"It's Superbat's duty," he said with mock seriousness.

"Oh, god. We've gotta get you home before you go full Justice League superhero nut."

He frowned. "What's wrong with that? I've been thinking...I should get something similar going at home. Think of the good I could do."

Zatanna walked over and put her hand on his chest. "You could. Maybe more good than anyone, but give it a lot of thought. Just look at all of the problems we have that you don't need to worry about once you're home. There's nothing wrong with being a hero who saves people from burning buildings and goes home to his family at night."

He reached up and put his hand over hers. "You're invading my personal space."

She rolled her eyes and punched him, which did nothing but hurt her hand. "Just don't make any huge decisions based on liking your cool costume. You can be a firefighter in your cool costume."

"I'll think about it," he said. "Just seems like I should help people if I can."

Sounds dangerously familiar.

"You already do, Kal," Zee said, following him out of the room. "I'm going to bed."

"Okay. Have a good night. I'll be here if you need anything."

Bruce
Wayne Manor

Gotham City has some of the world's greatest views. The harbor at night. Wayne Tower's top floors overlooking downtown. The church spires after a freshly fallen snow. But only I have access to the best view in the city. Zatanna was on top of him, gently moving her hips up and down. Back arched, her breasts bounced slightly with her movement. He smiled and ran his hands up her thighs, to her stomach, then up to gently stroke her nipples. She closed her eyes and sighed. He didn't often get home early enough to grab her attention before Thomas woke up. It made these kinds of mornings feel like a special gift.

"You're thinking a lot," she whispered.

"Only good thoughts," he said, running his left hand up her neck and into her hair. "Beautiful."

"You are," she looked down at him and smiled, picking her pace up slightly.

"I'm going to be in such a good mood at the office all day."

"Even during meetings?"

"Yes. I'll be thinking about this."

"Mm. Me too."

She rolled her head back and bit her lip. Beautiful. Suddenly, her eyes snapped back open and she stopped moving.

"What's the..."

"You can't be fucking serious," she hissed. "Revoc."

The blankets flew up and wrapped around them.

"Zee? What are you doing?"

Hopping off of him, she stumbled out of the bed and tripped on the blanket. "Fucking...if I ever...I'll kill that stupid..." Finally back on her feet, she ran to the bathroom mirror. Bruce got up and followed her, thinking she'd lost it. "I didn't block your number on my phone so you could show your devious face in every mirror in my goddamn house!"

"Oh, okay, Tsaritsa. What a lovely interruption." He wrapped the sheet tighter around himself and leaned against the wall. He couldn't hear the other side of the conversation.

"No. I already told you no….I don't care!...You should have thought of that a long time ago...How...how do you know that?...He said that?...Then what makes you think he is?"

Is what? Come on, loop me in.

"I don't believe a word you say...Because you're a lying, manipulative, self-serving..."

"Zee?"

She turned and looked at him, a furious look in her eyes. "She's trying to convince me that he has help."

"Evidence?"

"Flimsy, at best." She looked back at the mirror. "Leave me alone. If I decide to believe what you're telling me, I'll contact you."

She snapped her fingers, presumably cutting the connection off without breaking the mirror this time.

"Okay, that's all of the mystery I can handle. Catch me up." He took her hand and led her back to the bed. She pulled the blanket over her head and flopped down on her pillow.

"I really dislike her."

"So do I."

"She said Adam dropped some hints that he might be recruiting help to fight us. Other than her, of course."

"And you're not sure if she's telling the truth?"

"Has she ever told the truth?"

"I guess not," he said, unwrapping her from the blanket and getting under it with her. "Nothing else?"

"She thinks it's help from somewhere other than Earth."

"Yet another dimension?"

"No."

"Other worlds, then."

"Yes, but again...she thinks."

"That wouldn't be great." He closed his eyes and weighed the possibilities. Lots of other worlds out there.

"Would you be terribly annoyed if I removed every mirror from your house?"

"Yes. I need them to shave."

"Grow the beard back."

"I'll talk to the League and see what they think."

"They'll want you to grow the beard back, too."

He chuckled and ran his hand through her hair. "I need to let them know about Fate, too." He kissed her forehead. "What are the odds Thomas will sleep another hour?"

"He's already awake. In a good mood."

"Well, at least he is. So much for a good work day."

"I'll make it up to you," she said, smiling up at him. Her eyes couldn't hide her frustration.

"When this is all over, I'm going to take you on a vacation."

She raised her eyebrow. "Is it ever all over with us?"

"No. But I'm going to take you on a vacation, anyway."

Thomas started singing in his bed, so she stood and put her robe on. "Okay. So long as the no clothing rule applies again."

"I accept those terms."

"Go shower. I'll get Pavarotti out of bed."

"Zatanna?" She turned back toward him. "We'll be okay."

With a sigh, she headed out of the room. "I know."