And we're back with the JLU canon! Honestly, I like writing these chapters. Because the story's already written these chapters are far easier to write than my original or flashback chapters. All I really have to do is find a way to implement Eric into the story.
JLU Fun Fact 2: Well, this is more of a DC fun fact, but Apokolips and New Genesis were meant to be standalone stories with a clear beginning and end. But because Jack Kirby left DC before the story could be complete, Darkseid, Mister Miracle, and the other New Gods were implemented into the main DC Universe.
Now to reply to some reviews!
Beast Mode92: Jonathan and Damian are in this story, yes, they're both on the Teen Titans, in fact, Jonathan's gonna be important for specific reasons in the future. And you actually gave me a good idea for the Teen Titans and The Group (Eric, Zatanna, Wally, Victor, Dick, and Kory). Yeah, the Teen Titans will appear in a few chapters. Just wait and find out!
I am vegito: Thanks for the review!
Raidentensho: You'll just have to read Kid's Stuff to find out. And Tala will definitely have an eye on Eric, much to Zatanna's chagrin. Thanks for the review, hope you continue to enjoy!
BulletstormX: I honestly don't have plans to implement the Arkhamverse, sorry, hope you continue to enjoy though!
Well, that's all from me up here, on with the story!
For the Man Who Has Everything
Eric
Of all the vehicles from the DC Universe, from the Javelins, to the Batmobile, the Invisible Jet was a definite third place for me. And since I've already flown in a Javelin a few times and I'm currently in the Invisible Jet all that's left is the Batmobile. Though, I have a feeling Batman won't just let me take it on a joyride.
Wonder Woman lowers the jet below the clouds, revealing the frozen tundra below us. We head for a massive chunk of ice before she lowers the jet into the water, heading towards a tunnel carved in the ice.
"A little sharp on the turn, don't you think?" Batman asks.
"Sorry if I scared you," Wonder Woman sarcastically apologizes.
I let out a snicker but quickly stop once Batman hits me with a Batglare. "Sorry," I mutter.
The jet then surfaces in a cavern. The cockpit opens up and the three of us hop out of the jet. I have my present in my hands, Wonder Woman turns around and grabs a box from near her seat and Batman just walks ahead.
"So, what'd you get him?" Batman asks us.
I look at my box with a small smile and bounce it around in my hands. "A little something I made with Grey Matter, Upgrade, Brainstorm, and Manic Mechanic."
Wonder Woman shakes her head. "I'm not saying anything; he'll hear you and spoil the surprise."
"You do realize he can hear that too," Batman says in a stage-whisper.
Wonder Woman just rolls her eyes. "What did you get him?"
Batman pulls out an envelope. "He isn't the easiest person to buy birthday presents for."
"What, did you get him a fifty percent off certificate on WayneTech products?" I ask with a smirk.
"No!" Batman snaps. "…Cash."
I see Wonder Woman struggling to hold back her laughter as I sigh and facepalm, slowly shaking my head after. "That's actually worse."
Batman shrugs. "I mean, what do you get for the man who has everything?"
We reach the top of the stairs and stop in shock as we see Superman standing stock still, a purple alien plant around his body. He has a blank look on his face and his eyes are glazed over. This brings most of my memories of this day to my mind. The Black Mercy's a plant that traps people in their heart's desire. But who sent it?
I activate my mask and goggles as the three of us rush over to him. Batman examines the plant. "It seems to be growing through his costume and into his body."
I whistle in shock. "Must be one strong plant to do that."
"Is he breathing?" Wonder Woman worriedly asks.
"Barely," Batman responds. "Triumph, transform into Wildmutt and see if you can't find any hints as to who did this."
Wonder Woman looks around. "Someone must have breached the fortress!"
I dial through the Omnitrix and become my Vulpimancer form, Wildmutt.
In this form I'm a large dog-like alien with orange fur. I lack eyes but have three gill-like nostrils on either side of my neck. I have a lion-like tail as well as dark red stripes going from the top of my head to the base of my tail. The Omnitrix crest is on a black and white brace on my left shoulder.
With a snarl I lower my head and sniff the two halves of a spherical container next to Superman's feet, immediately getting the scent of someone else here.
"Is the perpetrator still here?" Batman asks.
I look up and nod. I then move over and follow the scent. Hm, it's getting stronger. Whoever did this is still here, I should be ready.
Batman takes a flashlight from his utility belt and shines it into Superman's eyes. "Pupils aren't contracting even slightly," he mutters. "He must be cut off from all sensation. Kent, where are you?"
I nudge the two halves of the container to Batman's feet before walking ahead to follow the scent.
I then hear some combat in the distance. Reacting quickly, I run forward as fast as possible, but I'm then hit by a massive yellow fist, sending me flying back next to Batman. "Are you okay?" He asks.
I shake my head and slowly get up. I then growl and crouch down as a massive yellow-skinned alien wearing a purple and silver suit. He has Wonder Woman's unconscious form in one hand. And with his appearance everything clicks into place.
"Mongul," Batman growls.
I extend my claws and my tail swishes through the air. I've heard about Mongul, both from Superman and from around the galaxy. Mongul's a known conqueror and destroyer, with immense strength. He also happens to have an intense rivalry with Vilgax. Which means the two are of relatively equal power, and since I've beaten Vilgax countless times before that means I can beat Mongul. Still need to be careful though, thinking like that will only get me killed.
Mongul tilts his head with a smirk. "You recognize me. I'm flattered. I'm sure Superman told you about our previous encounter."
Batman raises an eyebrow behind his cowl. "You mean how he humiliated you?"
Mongul marches up to us with a scowl. "A jaundiced account."
I transform back to normal and shake the pain in my head away. "You really don't know Superman," I comment. "He can't lie to save his life."
Mongul's eyes narrow as he looks at me. "Ah, Triumph, I've heard of you," he clenches his other fist. "Tell your lackey to cease destroying my satellites."
Batman and I share a quick glance. "I don't know who you're talking about," I reply. "But if you find out who it is could you send them here? I'd really like to thank them."
Mongul glares at me before holding Wonder Woman up as if she were a trophy. "What inferior specimens he surrounds himself with. I took her down before she even knew I was there. And I'll take this whole planet just as easily."
Wonder Woman's eyes then snap open and she kicks both of her feet into Mongul's face. The suddenness of the attack causing him to release his hold on her.
"Maybe not as easy as you think," she smugly says. Mongul rubs his jaw and glares at her. "We "inferior specimens" call it playing possum."
Me and Wonder Woman lean forward, ready to fight, my arm ready to slam on the Omnitrix as Mongul also leans forward.
Batman then steps between us. "No."
"No!?" Wonder Woman says in shock.
Mongul's superior smirk returns. "Clearly the males on this planet are the smart one," I snarl. Oh, I am going to enjoy kicking his ass. "He wants to know about the plant," he then walks up to Superman. "The Black Mercy is a telepathic species; it reads the heart's desire and feeds the individual a totally convincing simulation of it," Mongul's demented smile grows.
"So he's dreaming," Batman summarizes.
"Let's wake him up, then," I say.
Mongul shakes his head. "Oh, this is far deeper than any dream," he tilts Superman's face up to look into his eyes. "I wonder where he thinks he is? Sitting on a throne, ruling the universe? All you human garbage fawning at his feet? More honest, don't you think, than this pretense of being a selfless hero?"
I slam down the Omnitrix dial and become my Appoplexian form, Rage.
As Rage I'm a nine-foot-tall, orange and white bipedal tiger with a claw coming out of each wrist. I'm extremely muscular and have black stripes on my shoulders, head, legs, and upper body, as well as a white jaw, neck, chest, stomach, hands, and feet. Although over my body I wear tight black jeans with tears in the knees and a black leather jacket with torn sleeves over a red shirt with the words "You're De-e-ead!" on it. The fur on my head is styled like a faux hawk as well. The Omnitrix crest is the buckle of my belt.
"RAGE!" I shout before me and Wonder Woman shoot forward and slam into Mongul. I punch Mongul in his stupid yellow face as Wonder Woman hits his abdomen. After the strike I notice her jump back and wince as she rubs her hands. I just grin and rotate my wrists. Punching people is fun.
Mongul wipes the blood from his mouth and stands up. "You don't understand, Superman was the only one who could have stood in my way. The rest of you? You're already dead."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Kenshiro!" I shout. I run forward and jump over him trying to grab me. I then punch his face, hard, the impact shakes the ground around us and sends the both of us flying back. I dig my claws into the ground and smile. Oh, this is gonna be really fun.
Wonder Woman and Batman run past me, determined to fight also. Hey, the more the merrier. Doesn't last long though. Mongul back hands Wonder Woman into a wall and throws Batman into Superman, oooh, that looked like it hurt.
Mongul then goes forward to try and crush Batman, but that ain't happening. I run forward and jump into the air. "Dragon's Dropkick!" My feet connect with Mongul's back and sends him flying into the opposite wall. I then run forward and grab his still recovering form from the wall. "Sundering Supplex!" I then lean backwards and slam Mongul headfirst into the ground.
Mongul gets back up really fast and backhands me up into the air, I hit the roof of the Fortress. Once I land, Mongul slowly walks towards me and picks me up, breathing heavily and glaring at me as blood runs down his right nostril. "You are the Bane of Vilgax!?" He punches me in the gut, forcing the air out of my lungs and probably cracking a lower rib. "You are nothing but a moron!" He slams me into the ground. "A fool!" Again. "A blathering idiot!" One more time.
I chuckle as he lifts me up, bringing us face to face. "What's so funny?" He demands.
"Wonderous Tackle!" I shout.
Mongul looks at me confused for a moment before Wonder Woman slams into him, sending the two through the wall. I spit up some blood and a tooth, I grin widely at the sight of that. Man, it's been a while since I spit out a tooth, huh?
"Rage!" Batman shouts.
"Sorry!" I shout. "But Rage is busy with another call! THE CALL OF BATTLE!" I then hoot and holler as I walk towards the hole.
"RAGE!" Batman shouts again.
"Listen up, Bruce Wayne also known as Batman! When Rage hears a battle there's only one thing Rage can do! JOIN IN!" I shout.
"ERIC!" Batman shouts, catching my attention.
I groan in annoyance and turn around. "What?"
He points at the weird plant on Superman's chest. "Get this off of Superman."
I hear Wonder Woman and Mongul fighting in the distance. Wait, is that a laser gun!? Oh, man, I'm really missing out now! Wait, perfect plan! "Will Wonder Woman be okay? Maybe Rage should help her fight?" I palm my fists, trying my best to keep the excited smile off my face.
Batman just gives me a blank stare. "She knocked him into the Hall of Weapons; that should buy her a few minutes," he then steps aside and points at the plant.
With a sigh I walk over to Superman and look at his right and left. Okay…I can do this. With my claws, I carefully cut off the tendrils wrapped around his body. I then pull on it. Okay, it's on tighter than I thought. Doesn't matter! When Rage is on the job, nothing's too hard for him! I just need more muscle.
I pull harder, and would you look at that! I got it off! Wait, why is it moving like that? It's slippery, why's it slippery!? AH! It's coming right for me!
"No!" Is the last thing I hear before everything goes black.
Seattle
"Rebmemer."
I yawn before groggily opening my eyes. Once they're open, I see a smiling Zatanna laying down next to me, one of her hands messing with a strand of hair in front of my face. I smile as well and the two of us move in for a kiss. When we pull back, I tuck her hair behind her ear. "Remember what?"
She sits up, the blanket falling to reveal she's wearing one of my button-up shirts. "That I love you."
I smile and sit up; I then gently grab her by the back of the neck and pull her into another kiss. "I love you, too."
The both of us get out of bed and then I turn around to fix it. "What's the plan for today, pretty lady?"
Zatanna chuckles before walking over and hugging me from behind. "Well, there's gonna be a meeting today with the League about that strike we're gonna hit on Luthor," she says. "But that won't be for another few hours."
I maneuver myself in a way that lets us stand side-by-side as I throw an arm over her shoulder. "Really now?" I look at the digital clock on the nightstand. "It's still pretty early. Zack and Gabriella won't be awake for a few hours."
Zatanna looks up at me with a knowing smirk. "Oh? And whatever do you have planned, Mr. Mercer."
"I don't know. Maybe you and I could…have some fun?" I suggest with a wiggle of my eyebrows.
Zatanna laughs before backing up. "I'm always up for some fun time with you. But not on the bed, we just made it," she then slowly backs up to our bathroom, slowly unbuttoning the shirt. "Join me for a shower?"
I smile and follow her. "Of course, Mrs. Mercer."
Fortress of Solitude
Superman shakes his head as the effects of the Black Mercy fade away. He looks over to see Batman trying to pull off the Black Mercy from a bipedal tiger. 'Must be one of Eric's forms. Rath, was it?' Superman thinks.
'Mongul!' Superman's thoughts finally catch up to current events. Everything he had seen in that world, his mother, his father, his home, it was all because of Mongul. Superman then hears combat in the distance. Ignoring Batman, Superman flies off. 'Mongul's going to pay.'
Wonder Woman lays on the ground in pain after powering through Mongul's savage beating, the pain finally catching up with her. She's barely conscious as she sees Mongul pick up a spear, he then walks forward and prepares to drive it through her heart.
Mongul smiles sadistically, excited at the idea of finally ending one of these insects. He goes to stab the spear down, but a sound catches his attention. Mongul barely even has a moment to contemplate before a blue and red blur slams him through wall after wall, eventually ending up in the zoo. A location for creatures Superman rescued from an alien collector.
While enraged, Superman hits Mongul with a barrage of punches, not at all caring what happens to his Fortress of Solitude. "Do you have any idea what you did to me?"
Mongul manages to endure another minute of the beatdown before kicking Superman backwards. And even though he's in pain, Mongul is more than able to keep up his sadistic grin. "I fashioned a prison that you couldn't leave without sacrificing your heart's desire," he then cracks his tense neck. "It must have been like tearing off your own arm."
Mongul reaches out and grabs Superman's head.
Wonder Woman slowly crawls to Batman and Rage. A smart warrior knows when they aren't able to continue fighting, and now is one of those moments. But once she returns to the two, her pain is momentarily forgotten.
She sees Batman pulling futilely at the Black Mercy, now wrapped around Rage, a dopey smile on the Appoplexian's face.
"Hera, no."
Batman hears her and turns, his eyes widening in surprise and concern at Wonder Woman's injured form. "Are you all right?" He asks as he runs over and helps her up.
"I've been better," she weakly admits. "What happened to Eric?"
"He pulled off the plant, but it latched onto him," Batman answers. "We either need Superman to pull it off, or else Eric has to somehow snap out of it himself."
"Well, Superman's fighting Mongul; so we have to go with answer B," she replies. "Help me to him?"
Batman nods and helps her up, slowly bringing her to the large, bipedal tiger with anger issues. "Eric," Wonder Woman whispers. "I don't know if you can hear me, but you have to know that whatever you're seeing, whatever you're doing, it isn't real. You have to come back to us, please. Remember us."
Seattle
I groan and rub my head. The hell was that?
"You okay, baby?" Zatanna asks, concerned.
I give her a strained smile as my headache continues. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thought I heard something, is all."
The sound of rapid footsteps hits our ears. Zatanna smiles at the sound but then frowns and puts a hand on my forehead. "You seem fine," she whispers. "If it happens again, tell me, all right?"
I nod with a smile. "All right."
"MOM! DAD!"
Emerging from upstairs, two blurs slam into us. Zatanna and I recover to see that our kids are wrapped tightly around our legs. I reach down and lift up my seven-year-old son, Zackary, into my arms. "Hey there, little guy! How are ya?"
Zack smiles brightly. "I'm good, Dad. How are you?"
"Better now that you and your sister are here," I admit.
They both laugh. "That's cheesy, Daddy!" Gabriella says.
I roll my eyes before reaching out and pinching the six-year-old's cheek. "You've been hanging out with your mother way too much."
"As she should," Zatanna says as she affectionately rubs her cheek with Gabriella's. She then looks at the door. "We've got incoming."
The doorbell rings almost immediately after her announcement. Still holding Zack, I walk forward and open the door, on the other side we see Sindella and Zatara. "Grandma! Grandpa!" Zack shouts.
He then reaches out and Sindella moves forward to hold him. "Well, if it isn't my handsome little man. How's your magic?"
Sindella's an older woman who still looks rather young. She has pale blonde hair and green eyes, the latter trait Zack inherited from her. Looking at it, she and Zatanna share a lot of features, if my wife had all of her mother's physical traits she'd definitely look like a clone.
Once I close the door Zack holds his hand out. "Rewolf," it takes a minute, but eventually a Swampfire flower appears in his hand. He then offers it to his grandmother. "Here you go."
Sindella smiles and takes the flower. "I'll be sure to treasure this."
"Oh, and I don't get anything?" Zatara playfully pouts.
Zatanna walks over and hugs her dad, kissing him on one cheek while Gabriella kisses the other. Zatara smiles and takes Gabriella from Zatanna. "Okay, that's good enough for me."
"What's up?" I ask.
"Well, we were in town and decided to visit," Sindella answers. She then sits down and tickles Zack, my son breaking out in laughter. "Thought we'd see the grandbabies."
"Right, well, they're more than happy to see you too, aren't they?" Zatanna asks.
Gabriella nods as Zack slowly recovers from being tickled so viciously, he eventually nods as well.
A faint scent catches my attention. Crap, the food. I turn around and hurry to the kitchen.
ERIC.
I groan and hold my head in my hands, catching the attention of the others. "Eric? Are you okay?" Zatara asks.
"Uh, yeah. Totally," I answer. God, that was so unconvincing. "The food's about to burn, let me go check on it."
I go over to the kitchen and flip the eggs, they're a little burnt on the edges, nothing we can't eat.
ERIC. REMEMBER.
I grit my teeth and hold back the groan of pain.
Why is Diana's voice in my head?
Better yet, why am I here? Wasn't I somewhere else? Somewhere colder?
The familiar feeling of my memories trying to break free comes back. And for a second, I swear I'm in the Fortress of Solitude.
The hell was that? I mean, I think I saw Bruce in front of me, Diana hanging off of him, looking pretty beat up. But what was that about? And who could beat up Diana of all people like that?
"Rebmemer."
I turn around to see Zatanna standing behind me, her hand on my shoulder and a sad look on her face.
Reb…memer? She isn't telling me to remember, not normally at least. It's a spell.
"What? Zee, what are you…?" I trail off once I notice that she and I are the only people left, an abyss surrounding us and a purple platform below us. "Zee, what happened? Where are the kids?"
"They aren't real, Eric," she simply says.
ERIC.
I scream and grab my head, the pain becoming unbearable. Why? Why is Diana's voice in my head? Why are we in an abyss? Why did Zatanna say that?
I recover and look up to find myself alone, the black being the only thing I see.
The black…
The Black.
The Black Mercy!
Fortress of Solitude
With a roar, I tear the Black Mercy off of my chest and throw it far away from me, the alien plant slamming into the opposite wall.
I then fall down on my hands and knees and take some deep breaths. Mongul's going to pay.
"Eric?" Wonder Woman gently asks, her hand on my shoulder.
I look up to see a concerned look on her face. "Where's…Mongul?" I growl.
She shakes her head. "I don't know, he and Clark flew through some rooms before I came here."
I slowly get up and twist the Omnitrix dial. "Then I'll follow the trail," I slam it down.
One flash of light later and I become Ultimate Rage.
In this form I have white fur with orange stripes, although my feet, hands, stomach, chest, neck, and chin have no fur, revealing dark pink skin. I have orange bandages around my wrists and shins, the ones on my wrists having three small spikes on them. I now have a claw sticking out of my elbow and two sticking out of my wrists. I have a tail now, with axe blades sticking out of either side near the tip. I still wear tight black pants, but I now wear a black coat with four fangs hanging off of it and orange eyes on either side, a giant hood covered in white fur over three orange spikes on my back. The Omnitrix crest is still on my belt buckle.
With a snarl I run on all fours, quickly hearing the combat between Superman and Mongul. I then leap through another hole and find Mongul trip Superman. "Now, Last Son of Krypton," he gloats. "Prepare to join your people in oblivion!"
I leap forward and tackle Mongul into the opposite wall, the yellow jerk grunting in pain as he collides with it. I then stand up and glare down at him. "Let me tell ya FIVE things, Mongul! One! you're gonna regret hurting Ultimate Rage's friends!" I punch his face; the blood splatter brings a smirk to my face. "Two! Whoever's messing with you should do way more!" I lift him up by his neck and punch his gut. "Three! Vilgax is way stronger than you, loser!" I slam him down on the ground back first. "Four! I'm gonna kick your ass to next week! And then wait for you there to finish the job!" I stomp on his chest. "And five! I'm gonna make you regret putting me in that," I growl before throwing him into the wall.
I stalk forward, but Mongul reacts quicker than expected and slams his fist into my side, my ribs cracking due to the impact and sending me flying into a cage. Mongul groans and gets out of the dented wall. "That actually hurt," he admits. "Too bad you won't get a second chance."
"You're wrong, Mongul!"
The three of us look up to see Batman swinging an object in his cape forward like a sling. The moment we realize what it is, the Black Mercy wraps itself around Mongul.
The three of us walk forward and stand around Mongul's body as he lays on the ground, a sick grin on his chest as the Black Mercy stays connected to his chest.
"What do you think he's seeing?" Superman asks.
Batman narrows his eyes. "Whatever it is, it's too good for him," he then turns to me. "You okay?" He asks, his voice actually sounding caring.
I scoff and puff out my chest, thumping it hard, but I wince once I feel my cracked ribs. "Me? Hell yeah! Takes more than that to bring Ultimate Rage down!" Please don't see past my bravado.
Batman narrows his eyes and nods. Superman smiles and claps my shoulder. "Thanks for the help, Ultimate Rage."
"It ain't no problem!" I boast. "It's what a second-in-command does, right?"
"Come on," Batman interrupts. "Let's go check in on Diana."
The three of us follow the trail of destruction backwards and barely avoid a laser blast. We peek through the hole to find Wonder Woman sitting on the ground, a sheepish smile on her face as she throws the smoking laser cannon far away. "Whoops."
Superman speeds over and helps her up. "Are you okay? No, of course not. Let me take you to the Fortress' infirmary."
"Clark, wait," Wonder Woman says, she then turns to me with a concerned face. "Are you okay, Eric?"
"Ugh, why is everyone asking that?" I groan. "Ultimate Rage is A-Okay! If anything, I should be asking you that!"
Wonder Woman shrugs. "I'll be better. Let me take you home, I feel as though the spirits of today have been rather dampened."
I wave it off. "Thanks, but I got this," I transform into Jetray. "See you guys later! Oh, and Clark, my present's somewhere near the staircase."
With a fake smile I walk past the three and fly through the ice tunnel. Once in the air my false smile drops, a blank look on my face, and I fly silently to Seattle.
Damn you, Mongul.
Seattle
I transform into Big Chill once I'm nearby my home and become invisible and intangible, sneaking into my own home through the back windows.
I then transform back to normal and dissipate my armor, taking a deep breath, ignoring the pain, as I look around my living room. I look up at the stairs, half expecting little footsteps to come rushing down. But they never happen.
Of course they don't, Zack and Gabriella don't exist. You aren't with Zatanna, Eric.
I fall down to my knees and break down crying in the dark.
Goddammit.
Watchtower, one week later
Zatanna
I stretch my arms up as I step off the teleporter pad. Man, that last mission was intense.
"Holy crap, I don't know if I prefer fighting giant nuclear robots or small assassin androids," Green Arrow quips.
I turn to him with a smirk. "I may not have been there, but I think I'd prefer the giant nuclear robot. How did you guys beat it anyway?"
"Oh, it was a team effort," Green Arrow answers. "Captain Atom absorbed a lot of its energy, I put in one of the carbon rods to weaken it, Supergirl punched off its head, and Triumph blew it up while he was some weird, walking, Russian oven. Well, he was out of the oven when he blew it up."
"Oh, NRG," I say with a smile. "I like that one, he's cool," then I realize, Eric hasn't been up here in a while, where is he? "Hey, do you know where he is?"
Green Arrow removes his hat and shakes his head as we near the locker rooms. "No. Haven't seen him all week, actually," he admits. "Well, if you don't mind, I have to take a shower."
"Naelc em pu," I say, the dirt and grime on me going away. I laugh at the jealous face Green Arrow has. I then turn around and walk towards the debriefing room. If there's one thing I don't like about being on the Justice League, it's the after-mission reports we have to write. So damn tedious.
"Zatanna."
I jump in surprise and prepare to attack with some magic bolts. Once I calm down, I turn around to see Batman standing in the shadows, the two of us being the only ones in this section of the Watchtower.
"Bruce. What. The. Hell?" I demand.
"I need your assistance," he continues.
I take a deep breath and lower my fists. "Why couldn't you just ask me like a normal person? You know, instead of nearly giving me a heart attack."
Batman just gives me a blank look. "It's serious."
The slight smirk on my face goes away as I look up into the lenses covering his eyes. "What is it?"
He looks around before nodding to his left, I then follow him into a private meeting room. "As of now, only founders know about the specifics," Batman says. It's his way of saying I need to keep this to myself. "When Diana, Eric, and I went to visit Superman, Mongul was there."
"Okaaay… What happened?" I ask, not seeing where this is going.
"There was a plant—the Black Mercy—it traps people in their heart's desire, the only way to break free is to deny it. You understand how damaging that can be?" He asks.
I nod my head and get ready to go out. "So you want me to, what? Help Superman get over the effects?"
Batman shakes his head. "No, not Superman. Eric."
I feel as if the rug were pulled out from under me. Of all the people to be attacked by that…thing, it had to be him? I grit my teeth and clench my fists. "And Mongul?"
"Taken care of," Batman answers. "Actually, he's under the effects of the Black Mercy himself right now. Poetic justice."
"He deserves worse," I whisper. "That's why Eric hasn't been seen in a week, isn't it? Do you know what he saw?"
Batman shakes his head. "No."
"Okay. But why are you asking me of all people? Why not Flash or Superman? Big Blue went through the same thing, didn't he?" I wonder. Please tell me he didn't ask because of our history.
Batman folds his arms. "I asked because you and Eric have a history together," dammit. "I know not too long-ago things went downhill for the two of you, but recently you've been closer, and that may be what he needs."
I sigh and fold my arms, looking down at my feet. He's right, things have been better between the two of us, but I'm scared about what this could mean. I still need time, and he's in an emotionally compromised position. What if we do something we'll regret in the future? God, love is so confusing.
"Zatanna?" Batman asks.
I look up into his covered eyes and nod. "Yeah, I'll do it."
Batman nods. "I could teleport you to his home if you'd like."
"You know his address?" Batman gives me a blank stare. "Of course you do. No, I can do it myself. Thanks for telling me, Bruce."
He nods and stands halfway through the open door. "Thank you for doing this, Zatanna."
Once he leaves, I take a deep breath, my hands begin to glow blue. "Tropelet ot s'cirE emoh."
I hope he's okay.
Seattle
I arrive in Eric's house to find him and Mari playing some video games. Mari drops her controller and flies into my arms. "Aunt Zee!" The little girl shouts.
I smile and wrap my arms around the little, energetic Human-Tamaranean hybrid. "Mari! You're getting cuter and cuter every time I see you!"
She blushes at the compliment and smiles brightly. "Thank you! Are you here to see Uncle Eric?"
She's a perceptive girl, then again, look at her dad, trained by the World's Greatest Detective himself. "Yeah."
"Okay!" Mari jumps out of my arms. She then runs upstairs. "I'm gonna tell Mom and Dad you're here!"
Once the girl goes upstairs everything becomes quiet as me and Eric stay in his living room. I look to see his fake smile's gone, replaced by a blank face. "Hey," he whispers.
I sit down next to him. "Hey," it becomes quiet again. "I heard about what happened."
Eric scoffs and leans back in the couch. "You and everyone else."
He always was an ass at times, he'd even start confrontations we could have easily avoided just for the hell of it. It annoyed me at times, I'll admit, but now he has a reason to be angry, so I can't get mad at him.
"Other than me and the founders who else knows?" I question.
"Victor, Dick, Kory," he answers.
"Oh, so the Founding Six and the old group," I say. "That isn't everyone, you know."
"It's everyone I know that's a superhero," he replies.
"And your parents? Esmeralda?" I continue.
"They just know something happened. No specifics," he answers.
I look down at the table. "You should tell them," I advise. "They care for you. The Founding Six care for you. The Group cares for you. And I definitely care for you."
"It's whatever, I'll get over it," he waves off.
Except he won't. On the surface he'll be fine, but deep down he'll carry this with him. He carries a lot of baggage with him, and he isn't willing to let anyone help him. Even when we were dating, he'd be careful about what he said to me.
"No, you won't. If you won't talk about it now, we'll talk about it after they leave," I state.
Eric looks at me from the corner of his eye with a smirk. "Look at you, going for the confrontation. Thought you hated it."
I grit my teeth in annoyance at the subtle jab and get up, heading towards the kitchen. "You're trying to push me away, well, guess what? It isn't working. Until you open up, I'm staying here."
"Zatanna."
I stop and turn around to find Eric standing right behind me, a lost look on his face. He opens his mouth but closes it quickly, thinking over his next words carefully.
I grab him by the sides of his head and force him to look into my eyes. "Don't think about what you're going to say. Just say it."
Eric looks at me with wide eyes, tears pooling in them. "I-" he grits his teeth and looks down. "I miss you," the tears begin to run down his face.
My hands slowly lower down to wrap around his waist, I then pull him into a tight hug, one he reciprocates fully. I close my eyes and rest my head on his chest as we slowly lower down to our knees. "I know, Eric."
"I miss you, too."
One week later
As expected, it takes some time for Eric to get over the emotional trauma of what happened, but when he does, he's already cracking his trademark snarky jokes and showcasing his dry humor.
A welcome change to last week.
For the weekend, Dick, Kory, and Mari stay over, the five of us having fun, Mari seemed to have the most fun. See, Eric's her godfather and I'm her godmother, but ever since the breakup Dick's had this stupid joke that we had a divorce. Now Mari's running around thinking we're gonna get married again or something. Even though we never were to begin with. Then again, Mari's a very imaginative girl, no reason to shoot down her daydreams.
Wally and Victor would visit whenever possible, which would make this moment the first time The Group's been together in a little over three years. A little insane when I think about it, but in the end, it makes us all happy, even Eric.
Eventually the three have to leave back to Bludhaven, leaving me and Eric alone for the next few days. At first thing's were pretty awkward, what with him trying to avoid me to the best of his ability. I'm pretty damn sure it had to do with whatever the Black Mercy showed him, he's still never told me what he saw.
Over time Eric's become his usual self, and the awkward air has now changed, instead of whatever it was before we're now in that atmosphere of two exes being in the same space for days on end, alone. For the last two days things are back to normal, the two of us trading quips and watching movies while we enjoy each other's company.
On one day, Diana came over, worried about Eric as well, seems that when he left, he tried to play things off, but she, Bruce, and Clark saw through it. Thing is, when she saw me there, she arched an eyebrow in intrigue before a sly smirk grew on her face. I just took it in stride as the three of us hung out.
But now, a week later, I have to leave, an important mission with the League, you know? As I walk towards the door Eric grabs me by the wrist. I turn around and look at him with a raised brow. "Yeah?"
Again, he opens his mouth before closing it, thinking about what to say next. He then sighs and closes his eyes before opening them again, my ice blue looking into his ocean blue. "Thank you," he finally says.
I smile and let go of my bag, wrapping Eric in a hug. I rest my head on his chest and smile as his scent hits my nose. "Of course, Eric."
"Zatanna, are you ready?" Martian Manhunter asks in my communicator.
"One minute," I reply. I then back up, my arms still around Eric's waist. Well, if you're gonna do this, may as well do it now. I lean up and kiss Eric's cheek. "My show's happening really soon. Talk to me after, okay?"
He stares at me wide eyed but nods, nonetheless. "Okay."
I smirk at the slow smirk growing on his lips. "All right, J'onn, I'm ready."
And with that, I'm teleported away, just barely hearing Eric's small cheer as I'm teleported to the Watchtower.
That was a little more depressing than I realized. Shit. But it ended up pretty good, so, balance. But anyways, this happens to be the shortest chapter I've written so far, that's new, and kind of weird. When writing my X-Men story I have a minimum of 8,000 words, so writing less does feel weird, then again, when you write in first person things tend to get a little limited when compared to third person. And speaking of third person, we got a little bit of that! Third person usually happens when Eric and Zatanna aren't around for that part of the plot, so it'll happen a few more times throughout the story.
Oh, and I'd like to point out that yes, Wildmutt has the Ben 10,000 look. Honestly, some of their designs are really cool, and as you've noticed, Heatblast also has the Ben 10,000 look, what with his volcano shoulders. And Rage is a clothed Appoplexian. The idea's pretty interesting to me, but I really don't know how I feel about Rath being a luchador, especially when the other seen Appoplexians (two) haven't been seen wearing anything close to that. Doesn't mean they can't, I just prefer the look for Rage.
Well, that's all from me. If you have any questions or want to leave a constructive review you know where to leave 'em! Remember to stay awesome and see you next time you beautiful people!
