Disclaimer: Young Justice and DC characters belong to DC … Wilhelm, Lauren and The Revenant are creations of my imagination…. Just ask I'll put them on loan.

Author notes: Chapter 2 is here and it's a big one – so sit back and enjoy.

Chapter 2: What is it that you desire?

"Foolishness! Might controls everything. And without strength, you cannot protect anything. Let alone yourself." - Vergil Devil May Cry 3:Dante's Awakening.

Gotham University

Date: October 15th, Time: 1830

"You did not have to do this Will, you should be out with your friends being young and silly." Lauren leaned back in her chair, one of her research assistants typing away on their laptop while looking over a large ancient tomb.

"Mom…it's okay, I see those kids at school enough and most of them I don't like anyway." Wilhelm added with a soft smile eating another mouth full out his Alfredo.

"Seriously, you don't have to deal with him all day Ms. Knight is just complain, complain, complain and or Will version which is to sit in the corner and glare about it. " Zatanna jested she did always enjoy taking the time tease some.

"So you want me to be around Carter more than needed?"

"Wilhelm – I told you to ignore him, it's not like you to let people get under your skin son." His mother added.

"I know, I do ignore him for the most part but he keeps making passes at Zizi and it bugs me…" He added softly while Zatanna rolled her eyes sighing.

"I can handle guys like Carter just fine – I'm a independent woman after all - Sir, Knight. " Will sighed rubbing his face, he knew that and more so he respected it, they both had been over this many times before. Still, he did not like the way Cater looked at her it bugged him – he was not blind to fact of how attractive he himself have taken a few glance himself. No – it was not the appreciation of her physical attractiveness , there was a level of lust that unnerved him when it came that guy. "I don't think he is going to bothering me anymore not after the bruise I left on his face."

"Oh … Smacked him good huh?" Wilhelm mother asked.

"Of course I did, Ms. Knight he grabbed like I was his part of his little harem or something… " She added crossing her arms. "I thought Will was going to rip his head off…"

"I wanted to."

"But you didn't and that's good, Like I said you don't have be like them. They just want to rile you up." Her light blue eyes meet his blue grey. "You told me you hated guys like him – who always threw their weight and power around . "

"I do, that's why I joined the Mythology club...I got tired of the guys on the team picking on them. "

"Well you have to admit those guys are kind, really into it, ya know?"

"They are into what they love because it's their passion … Still they are good guys ." Will remember the first time he introduced them to Zatanna half them nearly feinted. Most were in shock that he even knew her. A lot of the scuttlebutt around was school she was one of the most wanted girls at that school. Of course Will had heard rumors about him mostly mixed between being scary and big or nice enough but not quite hot but cute.

"Okay they are good guys after you get to know them." the eccentric group had grown on her and it was Will always finding some lost soul to protect – it was his nature. While most spent their time worrying about how popular they were and the newest Facebook or Twitter rumor. He on the other hand cared about what was fair. He tried the student council but came storming out the room visibly angry, cursing them up and down. It was one of the few times she had seen him actually upset, most of the time he would just bottle it up.

"So mom what is this project they have you working on huh? " He asked one of the reason he loved history was because of his mothers work.

"Well they unearthed an old castle and found several books on medieval history and pair of armor gauntlets in pristine condition… Thing is the gauntlets are like nothing we have seen before. Right now we are trying to place the period of the armor but we are having a hard time there is very little references to its design…" his mother tapped her chin in thought before continuing "We think the gauntlets are from as far back as the First Crusade; we can't be sure though right till the testing comes back. " She watched her son's eyes light up taking in all the information. He always did enjoy history of any kind and it brought out a side of him that always loved to see.

"Really, isn't that strange to find something like that in almost mint condition?" the raven haired teen asked.

"Yes, Zatanna that's why I want your father to look at them, they may have a mystical property too them. If this is the case we want to know – there has been a lot unusual things going on of late."

"I know, it seems like he is out more and more this days…"

"Well being a member of the Justice League …" Lauren covered her mouth aghast at the fact the she let it slip. Zatara was going to have head for that one , she knew he joined the League and wanted to keep his daughter out of the business for safety .

"I knew already – my father is not very good at keeping secrets… He is the only that wears a tuxedo and top hat."

"Out of a man in blue tights, a woman wearing a stars and strip one piece bathing suit, and man dressed as Bat… you'd think that he do something made him stand out less." Will added.

" He said he would look into it once he returned from the meeting tonight. Zatanna, has your father has been teaching you the ways in of the arcane, If so what can you pick up or feel or what ever you magic types do?"

"I can't really feel anything right now but maybe if I took a look at the gauntlets." The young magician asked standing up and stretching.

"Sure, that wouldn't hurt, follow me… Mark hold the fort down while I show they kids around." Her research assistant gave a wave acknowledgement as the three left.

"So what do you know about the gauntlets?" her son asked.

"Nothing much there is a mention of a story in one of the books about The Black Armor of the Revenant." She opened the security door giving the guards a wave as they walked by continuing down the hall. "The legend spoke of a Templar Knight from the First Crusades, who while on his journey home was lost in a snow storm. He was about to die from exhaustion when he was found by a beautiful witch that lived in the woods he traveled. She nursed him back to health and eventually the two fell in love."

"That's strange, Templars were known to be strongest believers in the Church and God." Wilhelm commented.

"True, but that's one of more interesting parts of the tale, they feel in love despite their differences. Though it would not end happily…" The two teens watched her open the last door her voice trailing off . Behind the door was large room and in this secured in glass were a pair of gauntlets as black night sky. The three could shake the dreadfully feeling they had looking at the artifact, it was if they could hear the anger and sorrow filled cries of countless souls coming from them. "The story continues stating the he stay with the Witch and they had a child but his past caught up too him. The Templar came on a Witch Hunt to the town that had accepted her, him and their child. They were surrounded and despite his pleading she and his young daughter were put to the stake and burned alive."

"My God – that's…"

"I know Zatanna – its horrible." Will said, he could see the shock on her face as his mother retold the story. Story like this always, made him feel extra protective of her, there where insane people in the world that did not understand things…mostly psycho's now but with news lately he worried and about the level of intolerance but maybe he was just becoming more paranoid.

"I know, it's amazing that in the name of God a group could be so cruel. As that story goes, the Knight was allowed by the Captain to bury the remains of his lover and daughter but instead the Knight consumed by grief took their remains to their home. Once there he put on his armor which his lover had enchanted for him, since he served a protector of the road and town from the evil spirits and creatures of the forest. Dressed fully he set the home a blaze, resigned to his fate. " taking a deep breath Lauren continued recounting the legend her face darkening some as she recounted the tale to them.

"That would not be the case he awoke, alive and burned horribly in his armor from the flames. So, he cried out to God in anger, ranting asking why was God so cruel as to not let him die with the family he loved. Was it such a crime that he loved someone who showed him kindness in return." Sighing sadly the older woman continued. " Of course he did not receive an answer and his heart twisted, with sorrow , grief , hate and anger. So the Knight resolved to show God what true sorrow looked like, what true fear and hatred was. For 5 nights he hunted the Templar killing them slowly one by one putting their bodies on the display. On the sixth night he finally killed the Priest of the Church and Captain. The Captain he tied to a cross with his own intestine and then nail him to it with stakes fashioned from the Bones of the Priest."

"Okay… so he went full blown crazy, why 6 days though?" Zatanna asked.

"It took God six days to create the heavens and the earth… he was making a point. In very twisted way… even the crucifying of the Knight Captain the way he did was statement." Wilhelm answered brow furrowed in disgust.

"They say that when The Knight revealed his face, he almost not recognizable as a man, his face was burned and twisted in rage and his eyes were nothing more hollow sockets crying tears of blood. "

"Okay that's gross ,creepy and disgusting and you like this stuff…" Zatanna said playful pushing him.

"Hey it's nothing different from some of those magical texts your fathers has you reading… something about a book that is made out of human flesh." His mother cleared her throat singling that she was not done talking.

"After the Church burned, The Knights need for vengeance was not squelched, he then proceed to slaughter the whole town. Leaving only the Mayor and his family alive…"

"He felt they were just as responsible for just standing by and doing nothing." Zatanna stated for as twisted as The Knight had become, she could not help but feel sadness for him, everything he loved was taken from him so cruelly.

"Exactly, he tied the Mayor and his family to stakes building pyres under each and for the 7th night he set them all one fire. The Mayor begged and pleaded with him to show mercy but he would not. The Knight rested as the listening to the screams on family as the town burned… his fall was complete." Wilhelm's eyes feel to the gauntlets, he in way understood the Knights anger. His greatest fear was that someone taking away all that he cared about, his mother and Zatanna, him being powerless to stop it.

"The rampage continued for moments until the Church corned him in an abandoned castle. Now the Knight was not even what one could call a Knight, they say his armor become as black as death from the blood and ash of all those that he killed. The Templar fought bravely and were about finally trapped him. Once done, the set the entire structure on fire – some even reported that the flames from the fire turned as black as the armor of the Knight. His screams of rage could heard in night. Once the old castle was destroyed they went too look for his body and they only to find his armor that some say was possessed. He had because Revenant consumed by hatred and need for revenge. They say the armor seeks out those with a strong desire to protect but not the power. Once they put in on the Revenant takes control and consume their soul ,mind and body. Thus, began the legend of the Black Armor of the Revenant." Zatanna looked the gauntlets closely she could feel some kind of magic coming of them but it as if it was sleeping or waiting.

"They're magical but to what extent I can't say just yet…" All of them turned around as the door the opened, the Guard from the security desk walked in to the room.

"Everything's okay Walter what's …" Laurens' voice trailed off as the guards body convulsed his bones twisting and snapping with loud audible wet pops.

"Run." He mouthed coughing out a fountain of bright red blood as his rib cage collapsed with loud cracking and crunching sounds.

"Oh now that would very extremely rude of them…" a voice from behind the guard mangled body, it was dark twisted taking a sadistic pleasure in the man's torment. Finally the assailant appeared from behind his victim, dressed in purple robes, his face was that of man in his mid-forties but his eyes showed years beyond that, so many years beyond. They were not gentle eyes, the man's eyes were dark and danced with evil glee and thirst for power. Whoever this man was, he terrified Wilhelm down his very soul; everything about him screamed evil. A nonchalant two flicks of his wrist and the guard body twisted and bent at an unnatural angle before being tossed aside.

Zatanna threw a spell at the man whether it was fear or courage , some say it's hard to tell the difference. She knew magic when she saw it and this man used the darkest she had ever felt. Wilhelm stood paralyzed his mind racing, heart pounding…he knew that this man was going to kill them. Yet he could not move an inch – he was completely paralyzed by the dread over taking him.

"Now isn't this interesting, its seems we have another magic user." The young girl gritted her teething throwing another spell at the man that vanished harmlessly like that first. "Tsk,Tsk… I would think that daughter of the only Sorcerer in Gotham would be better trained."

"How do you…ack." Zatanna found herself hoisted in the air struggling against the magic bounds that wrapped painfully around her small body. Wilhelm glanced over at his moment the women frozen in fear, everything in him was screaming for him to do something but he was felt so…powerless, what could he do?

"I know great many of things my dear – about you and your father. It seems that fate has smiled me upon this evening. " Holding his hand out and uttering a spell Zatanna found her ability to speak gone, her mouth not gagged but she was unable to form any words. "I have something special…" the man stopped mid –sentence his other hand catching Wilhelm in middle of a sneak attack.

"Let them go!... Take what you want and leave, just let them go, they're just children." She screamed.

"Of course, how cliché' – they're just children and thus this why they are always from more usefully , especially ones with magic in the blood." Zatanna eyes widened a sudden fear taking hold of her, struggling desperately against the bonds.

"Boss , we have the upstairs secure and everything is ready. " The masked thug reported.

"Excellent, now hold take care the girls for me while I retrieve what we came here for." The mage paying no heed flicked his wrist tossing Wilhelm into one of the cabinets with loud crash, shards of broken glass cutting his skin as he fell to the floor groaning in pain. He watched through pain clouded vision as Zatanna and his mother struggled against the thugs while the mage removed the glass around the gauntlets.

Get up the voice in his head told him, despite the fear that running through him, he started push himself of the ground… Get up. Wilhelm pushed himself to his feet and grabbing what looked to be an old gladius he rushed the mage again and was stopped again for this the second time, this time the Mage did not looked as amused as he did the first time… there was look of promised pain in his eyes.

"Boy, I do abhor those who fancy themselves heroes, always rushing into the save someone."

"Leave him alone…please." He heard his mother voice full of fear and worry, as he mage lift his on the air again restraining him as before.

"I see, he is your son… the cries of a woman begging for her child's life – such sweet music." Wilhelm eyes drifted over to an equally frightened Zatanna something the Mage did not let go unnoticed. "Oh now this is a truly an amazing day…" He started chucking darkly. " So you love the girl don't you? Ah, don't hide it, I know that look in a man's eye anywhere." Using his other hand he yanked the gladius from Wilhelm hand. "I have seen it many times before - a desire to protect someone precious. Nothing is more delicious than the despair born from being powerless to save that which one loves. Tell me, how can the powerless protect anything … boy?" The Mage tested the weight of the ancient blade in his hand. "Power it rules everything and without power you cannot protect anything, let alone yourself or pretty the little girls you fancy." Wilhelm screamed as the blade plunged into his side a trail of blood running down the side of his mouth. The Mage twisted the old sword ever so slightly causing the teen more pain. "A lesson you are leaning rather painfully right know I might add."

"The gauntlets you want them, take them… just please let us go… " Lauren pleaded as struggled against one the thugs that had entered the room.

"You, should learn not to plea for mercy from those that will show you none." He released Wilhelm from his grasp yanking the blade out, blood pouring form the wound. "Don't die yet boy, there is so much I want to show you." Kneeling down he grabbed Wilhelm by the hair yanking his had up before he whispered darkly in the boy's ear. "I'm going to show you what true despair is boy, and what happens to powerless fools like you who play hero. " the mages face twisted in smile that the likes of Satan himself would be proud of. "I'm going violate that girl in so many blasphemous ways, she scream in pleasure and pain, I will summon demons who do the same as they devour her flesh. All while you watch, screaming, begging and pleading for me and them to stop. Her and that whore that birthed you will suffer and when I am done if you are not dead… you will understand just how much of a powerless fool you are before I kill you. " Standing up and grabbing the gauntlets the Mage turned on his heel. "Bring them… There is much too do." The last thing that Wilhelm heard was his mother screaming his name before everything went black.

When he came to the first thing Wilhelm notices was the smell of the blood that filled his nostrils and copper taste of in his mouth. Next he noticed the burning pain in his side as eyes opened he winced painfully the wound in side throbbing painfully. He heard soft chanting threw his pain clouded minded. Once his vision cleared he was greeted with a sight that could only come from his nightmares. There were candles lit all around and blood everywhere, the dead eyes of his mother research staff staring up at him, faces locked in the terror of their final moments. He wanted to yell out in shock but then he saw Zatanna and his mother both bound looking over at him , the mage in center of the chanting, the gauntlets at his feet – this had to be nothing more than bad dream.

"Bring the woman… all we have to do is appease the Revenant and I can take the power of its armor as my own." The robed man ordered. "and it looks like the guest of honor has finally awoken from his nap. Still alive boy you are more stubborn than I thought." As a thug dragged his mother to the circle she looked at him with tear filled eyes mouthing the words I love you to him. Wilhelm, screamed internally , struggling to get his feet but he could even find the strength to move his legs.

Nononono…not like this, not like this why can't I do anything? Why am I so powerless? his mind raced as he tried to force his body to move. They said that fear can be even more powerfully motivator than courage. As they dragged the only family he had towhat would be her death making him watch. Please God ..no… his face twisted in mask of pain as he struggled to move but he lost too much blood his body was too weak, all his size and strength and he was truly powerless. Crawling over on his stomach, pain screaming through is body, he crawled reacting out with his blood cover hand.

If only I was stronger, if I had more power. Eyes set on the figure before him, he wanted to hate the man and he did but more so he hated himself for being so weak. Now everything he cared for was in danger because of him because of his weakness.

I would give anything…please His mind clouded as body felt heavy his vision blurring before the darkness took him.

Thou hath prayed in despair for power

Thou God have forsaken thee

But still the power thy seek be with in thine grasp

Wilhelm opened his eyes and he found himself in a vision that was nothing but a nightmare but Hell itself. He lay on the ground around stakes burning around him, people tied to them screaming in torment. Around him that whole town burned the air was heavy with smell of death and blood in the middle of the carnage stood a figure wearing a set of armor made of black flame.

"Ye desire power boy? What will ye do with this power?" Wilhelm couldn't advert his gaze from the figure before him a twisted, vestige of a Knight. His face burnt, he eyes hollowed out, tears crimson stain it cheeks. There in the mist of the inferno Wilhelm looked up at the demonic image of the Revenant with mix of fear and awe.

"Ye, prayed to thy Lord for power, for a miracle that would not come. Tell me boy what will ye do with the power that thou seek, will ye use it to kill, to dominate the weak… What do ye desire the most?"

"Is it to fight?" Wilhelm looked up at the monster before him its words echoing in his mind, given the power he would fight but with nothing to fight for what be the point.

Or are thou afraid of death? Gritting his teeth he listened – of course he was afraid to die... he was only 16. Yet there was this feeling he could not shake, if living meant that he to give him his mother, his family, Zatanna or Mr. Zatara , the Auditore's then no he would rather die than tried their lives for his.

"I want to win – if that means that my mom, Zatanna, Mr. Zatara and my other friends are safe I'll sell my soul for that power…" His blue grey eyes meet with the fathomless black before him the words he spoke came out of his mouth before he realized what he had even said. Where those words his true desires, his true feelings? Was that what he really wanted to above all else win? If winning meant that people he cared about the most would be safe? Then yes he would give up everything even his life and soul for that to happen.

"Thy desire is to be victorious and ensure thy loved ones safety?" The Revenant laugh out loud, a full dark laughter throwing its head back and arms out. "Very well boy out of countless souls you intrigue me the most." Wilhelm found himself able to easily stand despite the pain in his side. The Revenant offered his black flame covered hand to him. Wilhelm looked down at it for a moment before reaching out clasping its hand. The black flame jumped from the Revenant to him the air whipping the flames of the burning village raging fire storm. Wilhelm felt as if every nerve in his body was on fire but he resisted the urge to scream out. Yet the power pouring into him was overwhelming… an endless, bottomless sea of churning hatred, anger and one single desire to protect at any cost.

"Ye do well not to scream thy will may be strong but this pain is nothing, our souls be bound. Know for that this is price of our contract." In the Revenants left hand appeared a black sword made of the same black flame that was consuming Wilhelm. The Spirit drew the blade back before stabbing Wilhelm though the chest his last thought as the black flames consumed him of the girl that he swore to protect. Only these words he heard echoed in the burning darkness.

This is our contract.

Zatanna tried to hold back her tears as Wilhelm stop moving his eyes going cold as laid in a pool of his own blood. She struggled to speak anything, any spell that would get them out this but like her closet friend she was powerless. She could see the tears in Lauren eyes she looked at body of the son she loved so much. A sudden wind filled the round room and the sound of a heart beat could be heard. The Mage stopped he was doing as the candles that had been lite were blown out. The room was filled with the smell of burning human flesh. The mage and his thugs looked around confused by what was going on, some fleeing instantly. Soon a terrible screeching fill the air as if a thousand tormented souls cried out at once. The Mage watched in complete shock as the gauntlets floated in the air before flying over to a now standing Wilhelm . The boys eyes became as black as night, blood running down his cheeks his mouth twisting in a vicious snarl.

"Impossible, this boy made a pact with Revenant." The mage said as Zatanna continued to watch bound and muted. This was not her friend from childhood – No, not what she saw before her which was him hunched over growling like some kind of animal. She watched in silently horror as the gauntlets found their way to his hands, sliding on and making the sound like a beast biting down on meat and bone. Wilhelm let out another scream a mix of anguish and rage , blood, his blood running out of the joints of the armored gloves. The sound of his the bones in hands snapping for all to hear. The Thugs that accompanied this man had long ran but the Mage held his ground eyes narrowing dangerously as two spheres of flame formed in the palm of his hands. Wilhelm hands finally set themselves proper as a black flame dance around his body. The Mage smirked, before throwing one of the spheres in Zatanna's direction. Unable to utter any kind of counter spell her eye widen in fear as the ball for flame flew towards her – closing her eyes expecting pain of a fiery death over take her, one that did not come. She opened eyes to find Wilhelm standing in front of her arms crossed shielding her. She noticed as he slightly turned to face her, his black eyes softening just a little.

He's still in there she thought hearing the soft growl before his gaze turned back to the man before him. I have to figure a way around this spell She thought, just as Wilhelm leapt at the mage fist raised in the air and impacting the magical barrier the mad man used to protect himself. Looking up unusually high ceiling she saw what looked to be shadowy figure place a finger over his mouth telling to stay quite.

Narrowing her eyes in frustration of course she could stay quiet she had not screamed yet and her best friend was being possessed by some knight turned demon. Most of that was because she could not scream but a lot was because she was worried for Wilhelm. There was such a nagging ache in her heart at thought of losing him to that thing it physically hurt . Glancing to her right she noticed another figure this time female dressed almost like the man attempting to free Wilhelm's mother as the battle be him and the Mage continued.

"Zatanna.." heard her father's voice as he appeared out of the shadows a magic circle under him. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest as he wrapped his arms around her pulling close, a sigh relief escaping his lips. She looked up eyes wide pleading with him, it did not take long for the seasoned sorcerer to see it was silencing hex place on her. A few choice words and with a wave of his hand the hex was lifted.

"Dad, we have to help him." Where the first words out her mouth, Zatara did need to ask who – when looked shocked by the beast before him. Still he knew it was Wilhelm by the frantic look in his daughters' eyes. The mage was too caught up in feeding off the demon possessed teen to notice them. Soon the man and other women joined them, the man was large and imposing his black cape wrapped around him like a cloak of living shadow. While the girl looked to be no more than just a year or two older than her in a similar custom.

"Felix Faust I take it." The man said dark.

"Yes he is extremely dangerous…"

"Oh God, the legend was true…Wilhelm my baby..." Lauren said looking at what become of her son and the black armor around his hands.

"We'll save him Miss but…" the girl offered comfort but looking that what the teen had become… she had no clue what to do…

"I take it that those gauntlets are the magical artifact you where researching." The man white eyes narrowed he knew of curses they are always to break them the question was how and he hated magic…a lot.

"Yes, The Black Armor of the Revenant … we only though it was myth but… " taking a deep breath she focusing herself being hysterical was not going save her son, they needed information. "According legend there is no way to break their hold once the user puts them on… eventually the Revenant would gain full possession of the wearers' body and consume them."

"Batgirl you assist Zatanna with Faust...while I handle.."

"Wilhelm his name is Wilhelm… please just bring him back to me.." Lauren pleaded. Batman looked back her showing no visible emotion but there was silent promise the he would save her son, no matter what.

Zatanna keep an eye on Ms. Knight and stay down." He father instructed as the three jumped into the fray. She heard Faust curse her father's name while Batman grab Wilhelm attention. All she could was watch, this was far out of her league but the sight of Wilhelm twisted into the monster ate away at her. Watching the battle she could see that Batman was doing his best holding his ground but Wilhelm was just as relentless as Batman with sheer brutal strength. She had to think of something or the demon would fully consume Wilhelm and his soul. Zatanna remembered studying that there have been times like this, that a person would use an anchor. Something or Someone that they held a strong attachment too to bind their souls as they entered the contract with an extremely strong spirit or demon. There was nothing like that of Wilhelms' here – expect…

"Tell me Zatara…" Faust had not planned to deal with both Zatara and Batman – with the boy now possessed by The Revenant things were had shifted out of his favor. "What is more important? Me or saving the life of your daughter dear friend?" Zatara looked back at Wilhelm he was being more twisted but the moment, the armor had started to work it's what up his arms, the hands covering spikes. The Revenant slowly was taking over his body, he could see his blood and bruise from all the injuries it looked like he arms had been broken and set at least twice already. "Your move…" Zatara and Batgirl both paused fist clenched. Faust was right, it was either him or Wilhelm. Batgirl placed comforting hand elder sorcerers arm.

"There'll be another time, we have to help him…"

"The lady is correct – it looks like he does not have much time left… poor boy sold his soul to protect your daughter, when you could not , so how will you repay him?" Faust taunted opening a portal walking in his laughter filling the air as he vanished.

"Faust this is not over.." Zatara hissed darkly before turning to assist Batman along with Batgirl

Zatannas' eyes narrowed it was the only way - she would use herself as an anchor for Will's soul. That would mean she, herself would entire into a contract with The Revenant. This was dangerous but was the only option – she was not going lose him…not like this.

"I need something sharp Ms. Knight." Zatanna stated steeling her gaze looking forward, taking off her jacket ,tie and shirt now standing only thing covering her was bra, embarrassing yes but this was not the time for modesty.

"Zatanna what you…" Lauren stared in shock but the look in the young woman blue eyes, she knew what she was going to say before Zatanna even spoke the words.

"I'm going to save him – he is being possessed and his soul needs an anchor, something that he as a strong emotional bond with to hold on to… the closest thing we have...is me. "

"Child you can't… I'll do it instead, I'm his mother…"

"This is the only way , because of my family gift in magic, my blood is better a focus and better bargaining chip for The Revenant. Spirits like that always go for pretty girls with magic in the blood; my blood is like wine to a spirit like this. " She jested in morbid fashion it was joke to calm herself more than his mother. Of course the thought of being demon food or worst was not pleasing.

"Zatanna…"

"This is the only way you have to trust me – I'll bring him back." It was not her words that swayed Laurens heart , it was her eyes. The fear, the determination, the resolve she knew what she was doing and she had to do, she loved Wilhelm as much as her. Looking around there was shard of broken glass on the floor from on the many broken glass cases. The older women gently placed the shard of glass in the girls' hand.

"Just bring him back me, to us… okay."

" I will…"Lauren released Zatannas' hand the shard resting the palm of the young women's hand. Clasping it like a dagger Zatanna set her eyes forward she would avert her gaze from seeing what was before her, he would not bare this burden alone. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath before plunging the glass into her left hand, wincing slightly at the sharp pain that shoot up her arm Her bright red blood stood out again her fine pale colored skin.

"Zatanna what are you doing? No! Child how do…" Zatara yelled seeing his daughter standing preforming magic that he did not teach her, it took a few moments before realized what she going to do. An anchoring ritual but when did she …It is the right course of action but it needs something or someone that the person being anchored has strong bond with and the only thing or person… Oh no… Zatara felt the pit of his stomach drop, she was going to use herself as the anchor for Wilhelm soul.

"Zatara what is she doing?" Batman hissed helping his protégé off the ground . Zatara thought about arguing with her, about having Batman stop her but deep down he know she was right. Even still part of him could not help be proud of her. To perform such a spell at her age – she was truly talented.

"Everything she can to save her dear friends life Batman…" Zatara gathered the mana around him, he would have speak with her later – if there was later about reading text she should not but for now… she needed time focus.

"Okay, that's creepy she just stabbed herself." Batgirl commented as Zatara unleashed ice spell that froze Wilhelm in places buying them all precious time. Zatanna mouthed a word of thanks as she continued to draw in magic from all around her and from within her. Taking her right fingers just over her heart she drew several runic symbols in a triangle , within the triangle she drew the symbols for friend, beloved, and companion.

"Zatanna… hurry.." She heard her father struggle his was growing tired and the ice was starting crack.

Okay… She thought as the words came to her mind - she began to speak.

O,Domine, tua puer quaeritur
dona eius in potestatem
ad stationem hoc perdidit anima cara cor.
A anima obsedit per tenebras,
a supernatet in mare peccatum.

As Zatanna recited the spell, the air in the room grew heavy, even those that did not have the talent for magic could the power she was drawing in. Holding her hand over her heart where she made the inscription the marking began to glow brightly the sound of her skin burning from the energy could be heard.

Mericful Dominus,
quae est vita mea, dabo
Da me fortitudo ad esse eius lux
ducerent eum in grege tuo
in eius nigerrimus hora

She completed the second verse and the air inside the room swirled around them small sparkles of lavender could be seen filling room, it was a beautiful and terrible sight to behold. Where she drew the runes shining hole appeared a bright light burst forth from it. Even one present could a several chains, some feint and some so solid one could lift them. The room was bathed in a warm lavender colored light that filled them with a kind and playful warmth.

"Zatara what is going on?" Batman explained he hated not knowing what was happening around him and this situation was steadily growing out of control.

"It's the light of my daughters' soul Batman. The source of her magical abilities, the gift that our family was blessed and cursed with." He in his life had never been so conflicted. Zatara was afraid for his only daughter but he was awed and amazed that this is what her soul felt and looked just like her mother – she was full of warmth and joy. "The chains are the bonds that she has with us , the more solid the chain the stronger the bond. " Batman eyes looked for the most solid of the light chains coming from her, of course her father was one but the brightest and heaviest looking was connected to…Wilhelm. Now he understood – he was man of science but he understood… the logic was too sound.

"An anchor…"

O domini tenebrarum
Ego quaeritur te audientibus
Hoc anima est purus, verum et dilexit
Magna spiritus umbra
Ego offerre meum sanguinem ut terminos
exaudi offer.

As she finished the final verse the wind stop as her head dropped . It was like Zatanna had fallen into a trance like stated. Everyone in the room looked around some confused but Zatara he knew this was the most dangerous part.

"Batman have the League on notice…if this goes wrong…"

"It won't." Batman said sternly knowing what Zatara was about to suggest.

"Batman…"

"I do not like magic, it's chaotic and unpredictable but what I just saw something even I can't dispute. " Batman in a rare show of emotion placed a hand his League members shoulder. "Believe in her… this will work." Because the other option was not on the table… not at all.

Zatanna opened her eyes and she was greeted with sight of a burning village , the ground littered with the dead . The dirt itself was so blood soaked it became mud, the stench of fire and death filled her nostrils.

"What is the meaning of this!" In the middle of the all the carnage stood what she assumed was the spirit of the Revenant . A massive creature formed of black flame in the form of the Knight and in his chest hang off of chains and hooks was Wilhelm being slow adsorbed by the mass of black flame.

"I have come Revenant with a deal and terms." She stated firmly any show of weakness and both she and Wilhelm were dead.

"Ye, come with terms of a contract." The Revenant spoke its deep gravelly voice echoed in her mind and reverberated in her chest. "So then speak your terms … I will hear them."

"You wish for a host . The contract is simple, release him and take me as host you host instead. I'm the only daughter of Giovanni Zatara – heir to the Zatara family name and bloodline. " Zatanna held the Revenants gaze not flinching, She could not offer herself as host for Wilhelm had around put the gauntlets he was body in this for god.

"Interesting offer ye present before me wench." Reaching out its clawed hand opened a shallow cut on her cheek capturing a droplet of blood on it's finger. The Revenant brought the small drop of crimson blood to what would be its mouth tasting her blood and magic. A feeling of euphoria over took the Revenant it had been hundreds of years sense it had taste mana so pure and untapped. " It was his desire to protect you that drove him to me… I find him interesting ." A dark chuckle rumbled in chest of the Revenant as he continued. "These are my terms… the boy will serves as my host. I will grant him my powers that come with mine armor . If his will waivers ever slightly in dominating mine… I call consume both you and him. If you as his anchor should perish, both of you shall be mine. What say you… little Witch?" Zatanna did not like this. "Do thou believe in the strength and will of this boy to entrust thy life and soul in his hands?" Taking deep breath she went over what she could offer counter to this and nothing she could think of would do. This deal on the table was her only choice to save both their lives.

"Very well, if those are the terms Revenant: Spirit of the Black Armor then I accept." The demon nodded in agreement.

"I find thy terms acceptable." Zatanna closed her eyes brief as air around her swirled and soon a chain. Shining like star in the darkness a chain shot of her chest piercing Wilhelm through his chest, the boy gave grove as the Revenants chains slacked. She winced brief as she fell the pain from the pull of the Revenant's own will and soul pull on them both, The spirit was powerful and full of nothing but sadness and hatred.

"By my word, I be bound…" the Revenant said as Wilhelm eyes shot open

"By my blood , I be bound…" Zatanna continued.

"May both Heaven and Hell bare witness for this is our contract." They said in unison as the entire area was filling with a blind white light.

Zatara watched brow covered in sweat from holding the ice spell in place for so long - there had been no signs of anything having gone wrong so for – then the air in the room started to whip as the chain binding Wilhelm to Zatanna grew taught pulling the girl within arm's length of him. Then what sound like the sound of the breaking glass all the mana and magic in the room was dispelled. Batman and Batgirl stood ready with Ms. Knight behind them, batwrangs in between their fingers. Wilhelm body went limp for a moment as the twisted armored gauntlets reverted to simple metal back bracers. All stood in silence as they watched the scene before them , taking on step forward Wilhelm fell right into Zatanna's waiting arms, the smaller girl catching his large body effortlessly. Gently she wrapped her arms around her childhood friend – someone who was willing to give up so much for her and those around him. Slowly she sat down on the floor –the anchoring ritual had almost all but exhausted her but she could feel him, he was calm now and no longer in danger. She smiled gently despite the pain from cut on her cheek… he as safe for now and that is all that mattered.

"Zatanna!" Her father cried out rushing to her side, she look up him with a soft smile and very tired eyes. He watch as she affectionately brushed a strand a hair from Wilhelm face.

"I'm ok – just tired, that took a lot more effort than I thought it would." Zatanna's voice was weak , it was struggle for her to talk after using the much mana and magic. Her father took his jacket off placing around her shoulders – he caught sight of the runes she drew on her chest now visible as black brand. This sight tempered his joy with an underlying sense of dread – they had won but at what cost as the sound of the police helicopters and sirens could be heard filling the air. One thing Zatara did know looking down at the two teens – their lives from this day forward would never be the same.

Author Notes: Hi, guys I hope you are enjoying this so far- because I surely am enjoying writing it. All I ask is just drop a little word of love, hate, hipster like indifference… I enjoy feed and hear everyone thoughts on the story. Also don't get too in a frenzy – I know Zatanna was really affection with Wilhelm in this chapter but don't expect any confessions of undying love any time so for those two. Right know they just have a really close friendship that can and will grow. This chapter was 19 pages and monster to write and proof read in the same day, so expect some live editing once it's up. I caught what typos I could but I will going back through to look for more… they are like dust bunnies… you can never get them all.

Also I played with how the DCU magic works because I was not going to be writing Zatanna talking backwards everyone time she cast a spell, though she will do it – but not every single spell. I'm going to add some variety to this, mainly mana and, prayers and verse acting as spells themselves, so if you like cool epic sound quotes you are going to in for a treat.