Selina

Warehouse

Something had changed. No one woke them up at dawn, just like they had every day. Selina paced near the door while she waited. The others watched her silently, seeming as unnerved by the change as she was.

What's different? Nothing else has been different.

After an hour of pacing, she could hear muffled voices and the sound of several truck engines idling in the warehouse. No longer able to be patient, she went to the door, but the handle wouldn't turn. It was the first time they had actually been locked in the room by anything other than fear.

Why? What's going on?

She walked to the window and started trying to pry it open, but before she made any progress, the leader unlocked and opened the door.

"Come with me," he said, staring blankly at her.

She did her best to act scared again. "Where?"

"To him."

Finally. She tempered her excitement and nodded sternly. The man took her arm and led her into the warehouse. It was being emptied out, the bombs stacked into the back of the idling trucks. Oh, fuck. They were moving on Gotham. They continued on to a car parked just outside of the back door of the warehouse. Her escort handed her a hood.

"Is that really needed?"

"Yes. Put it on."

Gritting her teeth, she pulled the hood over her head and let him put her in the car.

Bruce

Watchtower

"This really isn't the best place for you to sit," Bruce said, taking his seat at the meeting table. Thomas was on his shoulders, leaning his chin down on the top of his head.

"That's what you get for being tall, daddy," Zatanna said, sitting down behind them. "Best view in the house."

"Anything new on Scarecrow?" J'onn asked when he walked in.

"We're working a plan. Going well enough so far, just slowly," he said, pulling up the newest reports from around the world on the screen.

"Okay. Just remember we're here if you need help."

"I appreciate it." The others filed in and sat down. "Okay, Victor isn't here, but no sign of Adam or anyone else. We're not going to get complacent, though. He'll be back."

"Fate?" Clark asked.

"Nothing else," Zatanna said. "We all know he does things in his own way, so we just have to hope that we can rely on him, if it comes to that."

"We can," Bruce said, marginally confident in his statement.

"Where's Diana?" Ollie asked.

"Busy. Said she'd be back soon."

Clark nodded and advanced to the next report on the screen. "We have a few other problems that need to be addressed."

Bruce's mind wandered uncharacteristically. He was preoccupied with so many of his own problems that he was having a hard time focusing. Selina was a growing concern. He hated that she was in the control of a band of lunatics, even if it was by choice. So much could go wrong… Thomas tapped on his cheeks and brought him back to the present. Bruce let him down to sit in his lap and he curled up against him, eyelids heavy. Not a care in the world. He was calming for him. A source of worry, but worth every gray hair and wrinkle.

"Uncle Clark is long-winded, huh?" He whispered.

"You know full well I can hear you."

"I do," he said, smirking up at him. "You'll have to learn not to listen...or talk faster."

"We're just about wrapped up," he said, chuckling. "Kal, love the new suit."

Kal grinned and puffed his chest out a bit. "I appreciate the gift."

"You're welcome. I see that Bruce made some modifications."

"Slight. Don't want to get the two of you mixed up," Bruce said.

"Yeah, sure. You just wanted him to be a bat."

He is a bat.

"Green Lantern said he would be here for the next meeting. I'm not sure why," Barry said. "Maybe he just misses my wit and charm."

"Actually, that's probably why he hasn't been by recently," Ollie said.

"Hilarious."

"Okay, let's wrap things up. I'll send updates to Diana. Everyone, it's been quiet, but we can't relax. We know Adam. He's just waiting for the right moment." Clark stood and turned the monitors off. "Thanks for your time, everyone."

The group started to mill around and file out. Zatanna smiled and yawned.

"I hope he's okay with an early evening," she said, taking Thomas from him. "I'm worn out today."

"If he isn't, I can have him monitor with me so you can sleep."

"He'd probably prefer that, anyway, but he's fading pretty quickly. A full belly and he'll be lights out."

They walked slowly to the Zeta tube.

"Bora Bora."

"Huh?"

"Ever been there?"

"No, never had the pleasure."

"Let's go, then. Once we get business taken care of, that is. You should start bikini shopping."

She laughed and stepped into the tube. "With kid or without?"

"With. Same deal as last time. Alfred could use some sun."

"Hey, are we all invited? I could use some sun," Barry said, zipping into another tube.

"Count us in," Dinah said.

"I'm not inviting anyone," Bruce growled. "This will be a private family affair."

"Oh, come on. There's plenty of beach for everyone!"

"I'm family," Kate said.

"No."

"I am, too." Tim slapped his shoulder, risking life and limb.

"If any of you show up, I will arrest you and throw you into Arkham."

"That's a bit harsh," Zatanna said. "Just lock them in the Batcave holding cells until we get back."

"Yes, dear."

Zatanna

Shadowcrest

Kal was nice enough to watch Thomas for the afternoon so she could get some practice in. Shows hadn't been planned yet, but focusing on illusions and presentation skills was a good distraction from the real world. Sometimes the simple tricks are the most impressive. Sure, you can make a house disappear or send the audience flying through the air, but there is a reason card tricks and sleight of hand are so popular. There, in the moment, with everyone focused on only you and your hand, you have to be perfect. Do the trick incorrectly and no one is fooled. Do it the right way and you leave people in awe and disbelief. It takes patience and focus...neither of which she was good at when it came to most activities. Magic was different, though. A passion and a refuge.

If only life were this simple all the time.

Thomas was working hard on the simple tricks, though he was having a difficult time holding back on just using real magic to get the job done. She got it. It was certainly easier, but nowhere near the challenge. He would appreciate it in time, the same way she did when she learned the value of showmanship. A few rousing rounds of applause always did the trick.

After several hours of Three Card Monte, Four Appearing Aces, and Triumph practice, she decided it was time to go back to her little magician. He was laying on the cat and watching a movie when she made it home. Kal was next to him on the couch, lounging.

"No suit?" She asked, sitting down on Thomas's other side.

"Alfred is cleaning it. Get some practice in?"

"I did. Thanks for the babysitting. I feel like I say that a lot."

He smiled. "I enjoy it. Gives me something to do since Bruce has me sitting on my hands, otherwise."

"You could still fight fires. I could go set some abandoned buildings alight to keep you busy."

"Funny," he said tossing a throw pillow at her face. "Maybe I should have you teach me some magic tricks. I'll be your assistant."

"You strike me as someone who would be a horrible student."

"You teach Thomas."

"He's a very good student."

"So I would be worse student than a child?"

"Yes."

"I'm insulted."

"See? You're already complaining."

Huffing, he slumped further into the couch. "I think Thomas called me a jackass earlier."

"He's a perceptive kid."

"Can I see that pillow again, please?"

She chuckled and ran her hand through Thomas's hair. Bruce walked in shortly after and sat down on the floor in his business suit.

"Can you conjure me up a clone so I don't have to go into the office every day?"

"No, but I can make one that does everything else so you can just focus on the office work."

"That's exactly the opposite of what I want."

"Magic is a fickle mistress."

He stretched up and kissed her. "Its user is a fickle mistress."

"Anything from Di? It's weird that she would drop off the radar with everything going on."

Leaning back to rest his head on the couch, he shook his head. "I'm sure she's just tied up with something at home."

"That leaves us down a lot of firepower if Adam moves."

"I know. Let's not worry just yet."

She chuckled. "Said the world's biggest worrier."

He shot her a look. "I am not."

"Right...okay. Sure you aren't," she said in her most sarcastic voice.

"I could go check on her," Kal offered.

"Oh, so now you're going to pick up the worrying slack?"

"Maybe."

"No. Leave her alone. Besides, if she's home then you wouldn't be able to go there."

"Why not?"

"No men allowed."

"No men allowed? What do you mean?"

"I mean...no men allowed."

"Is it a tree fort or something?"

Laughing, she shook her head. "Not exactly. Her people are a bit different."

"Oh, okay. That clears it up. Haven't met any different people lately."

"Both of you just stop. If we don't hear from her soon we'll get together and have a worrying party," Bruce said. "I'm tired."

"Better go nap. You have patrol tonight. Got a city to worry about."

She received another glare. "Funny. Always so funny." He got up and kissed the top of her head before mussing Thomas's hair. "See you all in a bit."

Zatanna sighed. "He doesn't sleep much lately."

"Neither do you," Kal said.

"I do alright."

"I know full well you do not."

"Stop eavesdropping on my sleep."

"Stop pacing back and forth to Thomas's room all night."

She glanced at him. "Don't tell Bruce."

"You think he doesn't know?"

"I hope he doesn't."

He shook his head. "His senses are almost as good as mine. But I won't tell him."

"Thank you," she said. "Things will get better."

Standing, he sighed. "I'll take your word for that."

Selina

Under a Hood

They'd been driving for hours. Blinded, she couldn't even tell what state they were in anymore. She knew better than to ask. Her back was aching, so she shifted in the seat.

"Any chance we can stop?"

"No."

"I need to go to the bathroom."

"Hold it."

"I have been!"

"Stop talking. We'll be there soon enough."

"Fine," she grumbled. "It's your upholstery."

They drove on for a few more minutes before she heard the driver grunt and the felt the car start to slow. When they pulled to a stop, the hood was removed from her head.

"Straight in, straight out. Don't talk to anyone."

She blinked a few times before her eyes adjusted. They were outside of a small, dingy gas station that looked to be in the middle of nowhere. She hopped out of the car and tried to identify her surroundings. The newspaper stands in the store were empty. She walked to the bathroom. Nothing on the walls. They seemed to have found the most isolated station in the country. The man running the counter didn't even look up from the magazine he was reading when she walked back by. She glanced at the cover: there was a car ad from a Gotham City dealer.

We're near Gotham? Have they been driving in circles?

Reluctantly, she stretched her back out and got into the car again. "Can we eat?"

"No." The leader pulled her forward and put the hood back over her head.

This sucks.

Clark

Wayne House

The house was quiet aside from Thomas scooting a toy car around the library. Zatanna was engrossed in a book, as usual. A little after 9:00, her phone started to sound.

"Crap," she mumbled.

"What is that?"

"League alert."

"Adam?" He stood and zipped to put his suit on before she could respond.

"I don't know. It just says 'urgent'." She stood and snapped her fingers, putting her suit on even faster than he did. Her phone rang again. "Hey...yeah...we'll be there...I'll leave him here for now...okay."

"Bruce meeting us at the tower?"

She nodded and grabbed Thomas. "You're going to stay with your grandpa for now, sweetheart."

Alfred walked in and took him. "I will let you know if anything at all happens."

"Thanks, Alfred. Lak and Annataz ot rewot."

They reappeared on the tower. Others began to arrive, all dressed in their costumes and ready for battle. Batman showed up and nodded to them before heading to the monitors.

"Who sent out the alert?" He asked Flash.

"Wonder Woman."

"No information?"

"No, and she's not here yet."

"Satellites?"

"Nothing. If Adam is inbound, he's not close enough for us to detect him yet."

Batman paced back and forth, casting glances toward Zatanna, who was watching him thoughtfully. Everyone turned and looked to the Zeta tubes when they announced Wonder Woman's arrival. She wasn't alone.

"She doesn't belong here!"

"What are you thinking?"

"Explain yourself!"

"This is unacceptable!"

The voices yelled out over one another as they realized Tsaritsa was with her.

"Everyone stop talking!" Diana barked. Zatanna was glaring at her, fists clinched. Batman walked over and stood directly in front of her.

"Wonder Woman?"

"She wants to help us and I think she can."

"Zatanna doesn't think she can."

"Zatanna isn't always right."

"You listen..." Zatanna stepped forward with her fists still clinched.

"No, you listen. Your head isn't straight on this. I get why, but you wanted me to take this over and I have."

"She tried to kill me!"

Tsaritsa glared at her. "I told you, that was never my intent."

"Zatanna, please just sit down," Diana said, pushing her back slightly.

"No. Get her the hell off of this tower!"

"I'm with Zatanna," Green Arrow said. Most of the others nodded.

"Let's just hear her out," Batman said, with his back still turned. Zatanna glared at the back of his head and sat. Tsartisa smirked at her before turning her creepy attention to him.

"Hello. Nice to finally meet you in person." She held her hand out, but he crossed his arms and stared at her. "Fine. Guess you've been indoctrinated." Her hand dropped back to her side.

"Just tell them what you know," Diana said, keeping her hand on the lasso she carried.

She strutted toward the monitors. "More than you. I know that Adam is recruiting someone to assist him and is waiting until they're ready."

"Yeah, you already told me that," Zatanna said, teeth clinched.

"Keep your mouth shut, child."

"That's enough!" Kal stepped up to Bruce. "This is ridiculous."

He held his hand up. "I said we're going to hear her out. Who is he recruiting?"

"I don't know."

"Then what information do you have to give us?"

"None. But I can help fight."

Zatanna scoffed. "You think we actually need your help?"

"If you're the only magical skill available, then yes."

"You think we need more?" Bruce asked, still keeping his back to Zee.

"Let's say we could use a bit more magical maturity."

"Are we seriously even listening to this?" Superman asked.

"You should be," Tsaritsa said arrogantly.

"I've heard enough," Black Canary said, taking Green Arrow's hand and pulling him toward the tube. "This is insanity."

"Agreed," Ollie said. They made a quick exit. Half of the others followed, some of whom Kal hadn't even met before.

"Batman, we need to discuss this," Superman said, putting his hand on Bruce's shoulder. He shrugged it off.

"No, we don't," Zatanna said, standing and finally moving in front of Bruce. "There's nothing to discuss. Either she goes or I go."

Bruce looked at her a moment before turning his back to her again. "Go home, Zatanna."

Her jaw dropped open. "What?"

"You're not in the League anymore. Go home."

"You...you're kicking me off of the Tower?" Her eyes started to tear up. "For her?"

"I'm telling you to go home to your son. We can handle this without you."

"This is my fight! You can't treat me like this!"

"You're making this personal."

"Because it is. Look at me, you bastard!"

Bruce turned and looked at her, emotionless. "Leave."

Clark took his arm. "This isn't right and you know it."

"Wonder Woman?"

Diana looked down and nodded. "Go home, Zatanna."

Tears were running down her face now. She swallowed hard and looked between them. "Two votes to one, huh? Guess I'm going to Shadowcrest."

"Zatanna, this is for the best. I'm sorry..."

"Save it, sister." She bit out before turning toward Tsaritsa. "If you betray them, I will kill you."

"Goodbye, Zatanna. It's been a pleasure."

Zee turned and Kal headed to follow, but Bruce put his hand on his chest. "We need you here."

"I don't want to be here," he said, pushing his hand away.

"This is about the whole world and the whole team. Put your emotions aside."

"Some of us can't be that cold and heartless."

Bruce turned away again. "We have a lot of planning to do. Let's get started."

What is happening?

Black Adam

Elsewhere

"It's almost time. Will you be ready?"

"Of course. Are you sure everything is in place?"

"Of course," Adam said. They had so little faith in him that it would be insulting if he actually respected their opinion.

"Then call us when it's time."

Adam headed away, ready to return to his solitary red sun system. One more meeting with Tsaritsa and, if she followed through with her promises, it would be time to attack. She would be the second to die. Just the sound of her voice angered him. The magic she used...the magic Zatanna used...it was thievery. A perversion of the gifts bestowed upon him by a higher power. He would take it back and end their charade. Closing his eyes, he let his body relax. He needed to rest and prepare.

It's time.

Kal

Watchtower

He stood in the back of the room, furious and baffled. Nothing that Tsaritsa was saying made sense. That the others were listening to her made even less sense. Even if she did have the power she claimed, she was clearly a complete headcase...even more than knew before.

"So, if you trust me, then I'll be able to stop Adam in his tracks," she said at the end of her nutty sales pitch.

Bruce was standing next to Diana. They both nodded and turned to Clark. "We need to get ready."

He shook his head. "This doesn't feel right."

"There aren't many options."

"There are," Kal interjected. "You sent our better option home."

Bruce ignored him. He was getting very sick of Bruce ignoring him. "Call everyone and tell them we're meeting tomorrow night."

"Half of them left! You ran them off with this ridiculous idea!"

He finally turned to look at him, just as emotionless as he had been before. "We can handle this without them." He pushed past him. "I need to get back on patrol."

Kal turned to follow, but Clark grabbed his arm. "I need your help a minute."

Diana took Tsaritsa back to the tube and off of the tower.

"This is insane."

"We'll figure it out," Clark said. "Help me move this?"

There was a large piece of machinery that looked very expensive leaning against a wall in the back room. They gingerly relocated it to the main monitoring floor and Clark hooked it up.

"You can't be okay with this plan."

"Bruce and Diana are. I have to trust them."

"No, you really don't. We have the power to stop them."

"That isn't how this works. We're a team."

"A team that kicks people they claim to care about to the curb." He looked down at the symbol on his chest; it suddenly looked a lot less heroic. "And runs the other half off."

"Head home, Kal. We'll be in touch."

"That isn't my home," he mumbled. He flung open the escape hatch and headed back to the house. The Batmobile was still in the cave, so he went upstairs. He heard Bruce's voice from the den and stomped in. "You have a lot of nerve..."

He stopped talking when he saw Bruce and Zatanna. They were on the couch, Bruce still in his costume with the cowl off. Zee's head was in his lap and she was looking up at him the way she always did...as if he hung the damn moon.

"Took you long enough," she said cheerily. Bruce gave him a slow smirk.

"Damn you both," Kal said, scowling at them. "You could have told me!"

"No, we couldn't have," Bruce said, looking back down at Zee and running his hand through her hair. "You're turning into a better actress."

"Thank you. Did you like the tears? Been practicing that."

"I never like seeing you cry, but it was a very nice touch."

"Shut the hell up and tell me what that was about!"

"Calm down. It was just a little show for our newest un-trusted ally."

"Diana and Clark?"

"In on it. So were the others."

"So, just me? You just didn't tell me?"

"That's right," Bruce said, looking up and smirking at him again.

"Why?"

"Because we needed it to be convincing," Zatanna said, looking over at him. "Your anger was very convincing."

"It was convincing because I was angry!"

"And you still are?"

"Yes!"

"At me?"

"Yes!"

"Okay. Just checking." She looked back up at Bruce and chuckled. "Tsaritsa now thinks that you're angry and against the plan. She thinks I'm at Shadowcrest and not helping. She thinks half the team has bailed."

"And she's going to take all of that information back to Adam," Bruce finished.

Kal gritted his teeth and stared at the floor. It was a good idea. He hated that it was a good idea. "You never trusted her."

"Do you think we're that foolish?"

"No. That's why I was so pissed off. None of you are that foolish."

"Thankfully, Tsaritsa doesn't know that." Bruce stood and pulled Zatanna to her feet before kissing her. "I need to get to work. Thanks for everything."

"You're welcome," she said, kissing him again. Kal walked to the window to look out and ignore them while they made out. Zatanna eventually came over and stood next to him. "I'm sorry we upset you. We didn't want you to have to lie."

"I would rather have lied."

"You'd make a terrible liar."

"Why are you always saying that? I can lie."

"When have I ever said that?"

He sighed. "Not you...Tanna...just please keep me in the loop from here on out."

She nodded and pecked him on the cheek. "I promise."

Sorry for the long delays between chapters. Life is insane right now. The rest of the story is in my head, I just have to find time to type it out!