Chapter 11
The Watchtower
Zatanna was still steamed at Batman as the arrived on the station to go over the mission.
"I'm just saying it's called privacy for a reason," she told to him.
"Seems like you're a little defensive, if you ask me," Bruce replied, moving over the computers. "It was just a simple question, where were you all last night? Why is that so hard to answer?"
"Because it's none of your business!"
"If you're in some kind of trouble, just tell me, I won't judge," he said to her. Jonn had come over, but he waited until they were finished with their discussion.
"I'm not in any trouble, so you can relax. I'm all grown up, I can take care of myself, Batman," Zee told him.
"Might I interrupt at this juncture," Jonn said, seeing his opening. "I have some satellite images of the damage."
Batman and Zatanna looked over the pictures. The capital was destroyed, but the billowing smoke obscured most of it.
"Wasn't there a civil war going on there," Zee asked. "Are we sure that isn't the cause of this?"
"No, the civil war was winding down. The rebels were poised to take the capital. They wouldn't do this kind of damage," Batman said, quickly running through the pictures again.
"Plus I can sense something different," Jonn added, "I believe it is magic related, but we won't really know until you get down there."
"Isn't it still a war zone?"
"No, whatever did this seems to have played no favorites, attacking both sides," Jonn answered.
"It will be night soon, we should probably get going," Batman suggested. Zatanna nodded and started for the transporter.
"See if you can find a safe spot in the capital, if you can, Jonn," Batman suggested, stepping onto the platform next to Zatanna.
"This may take a minute," Jonn replied.
"So," Batman started, "did you at least have a good time doing whatever it was you were doing all night that you don't want to tell me about?"
Zatanna huffed in frustration before turning to look at him. "Yes, I did, okay?"
Bruce nodded and they were silent for a moment, still waiting for Jonn to find a good location.
"This good time, were you by yourself or with someone?"
"Bruce!" Zatanna practically growled, while keeping her voice down. "I had a date, okay? I had a date with a man, end of story. Are you happy now?"
"Who was he?"
"You're impossible!" she said in frustration.
"Let's hope this one is better than the usual guys you seemed to attract," Bruce said under his breath.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing," he quickly answered.
"Oh, no, I heard you," Zee shook her head. "Do you care to explain that last statement, Batman?"
"Well, I could, as a friend, point out, that your track record with men hasn't always been the best. The word Loser seems to come to mind," Bruce replied.
"Why - how- you- I- oh- you- as if- aaaaaaa," Zatanna sputtered, livid at his comment. "How would you know what my track record is, anyway, Batman?"
"Someone's got to look out for you," he scoffed, "after that salesman, you'd think you'd learn."
Zatanna reached over and grabbed him by his cowl and pulled him close. The anger was plain in her eyes as she whispered, "Bruce Wayne, you are not my father or my big brother! I'm not the little kid you met when you trained with my father, either! I'm a grown woman and I don't need you checking up on whom I'm dating! Is that clear?"
Bruce could see how upset she was and knew she was right. It was strange to him why he was reacting this way. He had known her since she was a young girl and part of him still felt like he needed to protect her. She still seemed so young to him that he felt a sense of responsibility to make sure she was safe.
"I said, is that clear, Bruce?"
"Yes, Zee, I got it," he finally nodded.
"We're not even going to discuss how you know about the salesman," she grumbled, finally releasing her hold on him.
"I just hope this new guy at least has a job," Bruce absently said.
"I got a location, I'm sending you now," Jonn called out.
"BBRRRRRUUUUUUU-!" Zatanna shouted in anger as they dissolved into the air.
Central Africa
"UUUUUCCCCCEEEEEEE!!!!!!" Zatanna finished the word as they materialized on the ground. Her frustration with Bruce was chocked off as she looked around at the carnage in front of her.
"Oh, my God," was all she could think to say. Standing in the middle of what once had been the capital it was overwhelming. Everywhere she looked there was more destruction and death.
"We should get moving," Batman said, taking her arm and starting off.
"I don't know if I can deal with this, Bruce," she said, shaking her head at the misery all around her.
"Focus on the job," Batman said firmly, "we're here for a reason, Zatanna."
"I'll-I'll try," she managed to say.
"This seems to be the epicenter, are you feeling anything?"
Zatanna let her mind expand to take in the energy of the place. Almost at once she felt the residue of magic. A shudder went through her as it touched her consciousness. Almost in a panic she pulled away, closing herself off from it.
"Anything,' Batman asked.
"Yes," she nodded, trembling a little. "I-I felt two distinct patterns of magic."
"Two? What like white and black?"
"No, no, magic is more than just that," she said, trying to focus on him instead of everything about her. "The basic principles are the same, but each practitioner brings their own uniqueness to it. It's hard to explain, just imagine that each spell cast is tied to the one that cast it. The practitioner's own magic is like a fingerprint and marks the spell. I sense two separate lines of magic here. One is very old and powerful. I've never felt anything like it before. The other is new, almost familiar, but I can't place it."
"So can it be traced like a fingerprint? Can we find who is responsible for all of this?"
"I don't know, maybe?" she offered, still unsettled by all of it.
"That will have to wait," Batman said, gazing around them. "We should see if we could help some of these people."
"Yes, you're right, we-we have to try," Zatanna nodded. Bruce gave her a hard look and then moved off towards what was the palace. Standing there, alone, Zatanna didn't know where to start. Because of her affinity to magic, it made her open to emotions. The suffering and misery were bombarding her in waves. Needing to do something, she cast a spell to make it rain, hoping at least she could put out the fires. The dark clouds opened up and with a rumble of thunder the rain began to fall. As it hit the fires, steam began to rise over the capital. Slowly, Zatanna made her way towards where the suffering seemed the worse. The rain was quickly turning everything into a grim muddy mess. It was starting to put out the fires, so she let it continue. Using her powers, she cleared the rumble away from one of the buildings, only to find that it was a hospital. Bodies seemed to lie everywhere as she moved inside. The fire caught those that hadn't been crushed by the debris. It was the scene out of someone's worst nightmare. Zee did her best to try and assist the ones still alive, but most were beyond her magic's ability to help. With grim determination, she pulled the few that could survive from the wreckage. It seemed useless but at least it was something. Making her way back outside, she looked around in despair not knowing how to help these people. She lifted rumble, reinforced what was left of the buildings, put out what fires remained, but it all seemed so futile. With each act she performed, the toll in human life became more apparent. It was at the school when she moved the rumble to reveal all the tiny dead bodies trapped inside that she finally gave in to the hopelessness that filled her. Falling to her knees, Zatanna began to cry, overwhelmed by the meaningless evil all around her. Caked in blood, ash and mud, her body shuddered as the tears came from deep in her soul
That was how Batman found her, kneeling in front of the destroyed schoolhouse. She was gently rocking back and forth, mumbling to herself.
"Zatanna, Zee," Bruce said gently, kneeling down in front of her. Her bloodshot eyes seemed to take a minute to focus on him.
"I can't do this, I can't, Bruce,' she whimpered, shaking her head back and forth.
"I know it's horrible, unimaginable, but we have a job to do," he firmly said to her. "You have to detach yourself from all this. I know it's hard, but you'll get through it."
"I'm not like you, Bruce," Zee said to him, her voice quiet and filled with sadness. "I can't just turn it off, I'm sorry. I tried, but this - this is too much. I never signed up for this. I can't do this, Bruce."
"Okay, Zee, it's all right," Bruce said tenderly, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought you here."
Zatanna had stopped crying, but was just shaking as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Touching his communicator, Bruce signaled the Watchtower.
"Jonn, beam Zatanna out of here, now."
Bruce stepped back and stood looking down at her, as the transport started. When the last glimmer of her disappeared, he slowly turned, a grim scowl on his face as he headed back into the carnage.
London
Zod had been watching Nathan all day and knew something was wrong. He might be just a shadow of his former self, but he was still a leader of men. Like any good General he knew what his people needed and what they wanted from him. He also knew that sometimes it was wise to play subordinates against each other. His spies had told him that Nathan had arrived during the time Morgaine was here, so Zod guessed the young man had heard everything. That posed a problem, but he knew it was best not to let it fester and confront it head on.
"Are you never going to mention it," Zod asked the younger man.
"What?" Nathan said, leery of committing to anything.
"What you overheard earlier, of course."
"Meaning?"
"Don't play the fool, Nathan, it's beneath you," Zod shook his head. "I know you heard my conversation with Morgaine le Fey."
Some of the anger slipped through the younger man's calm pose as he looked at the General.
"Yes, I did and now I know where we all stand."
"Are you sure," Zod asked.
"Don't even try it, Zod, I heard your words to her. All you care about is yourself," Nathan spat out at him.
"That's right, have I ever told you anything else?"
"I thought you cared for what we are trying to accomplish here, but now I see it's all been a lie."
"I see," Zod nodded, "so because I have personal goals within the larger scheme of things you would brand me a traitor."
"Yes!"
"And what about you, Nathan? What of the personal vengeance you seek," Zod calmly asked.
"My goals are one with the greater goal," Nathan quickly defended himself.
"As are mine."
"Lies! That's all you speak is lies," Nathan scowled. "You care nothing of the future!"
"That's where you're wrong, I care a great deal about the future. I'm dying, Nathan," Zod answered quickly. "There is no future without those crystals for me. What purpose does it serve me to be blindly push forward with this project if I won't be there to see its completion?"
"I heard you, with her! I know your true goal, General! You wish to delay us for your petty schemes to save yourself!" Nathan acquiesced him.
"Life is never petty, Nathan. In the end, it is all that matters," Zod coldly said. "Must I be a martyr to the cause? I think not. You seek your rewards from it, why shouldn't I?"
"And you'll make bargains with the witch to achieve them," Nathan responded.
"I would make a bargain with the Devil himself if it meant I would survive,' Zod honestly said. "Climb down of your righteous horse, boy and admit the truth! Everyone involved in this is after something for themselves, even you. If they're not, their fools and we should be better rid of them. I seek to rid myself of this shell of what I am; yet I have not betrayed the greater goal. I told you once before, Morgaine is a tool to be used. What greater motivation can we give her than her heart's desire? If you can't see past your anger and thirst for vengeance that perhaps you are not the man I thought you were."
The two men stood looking at each other, the truth out in the open. Zod believed he'd played it just right. He would have to keep an eye on young Nathan, but knew he could control him. Zod knew what motivated the young man and that was the key to his ultimate defeat. Nothing was going to stand in the way of Zod's plans, certainly not some mere boy with issues. Zod gave young Nathan one last hard look and then walked away.
Nathan stood there, taking in the General's words. A cruel smile came to his face. Still cunning for a dead man, he thought. He was well aware of what the General was trying to do and what he would do to regain his lost life. You have given me the key to your own undoing, Zod, Nathan coldly laughed to himself. Perhaps I do have an agenda of my own now, General, Nathan thought with a wicked smile. Perhaps I will look into these crystals of yours and help them along in a special way. Continue to think you have the upper hand, Zod and that I'm just a young fool. Your arrogance was always your undoing in the past and it seems things never change. You will soon enough learn the price of betraying Nathan Occult.
Metropolis
It had been raining all night and Zatanna had been out walking in it for hours. After leaving Africa, she had held it together long enough to brush aside her teammates concerns and transport down to her hotel. Standing there alone in her room, she felt the despair starting to overtake her. She knew there was evil in the world, but what she had seen today was worse than anything she'd imagined. It was mindless violence, evil on an enormous scale and for what? Whoever had done that, seemed to want nothing other than to kill and destroy. From just the brief contact she had with their magic, she had the impression they enjoyed it. What kind of monster would enjoy creating that hell on earth? The very thought made her feel dirty, as if just touching it had tainted her. Stripping off her ruined costume, Zatanna went in and took a long shower. She felt as if she would never be clean again. As she stood there shivering under the hot water, Zatanna began to question whether she was cut out for the League. She had only pursued her magic gifts as a way to find her father. She wasn't a warrior like Diana or Shayera, trained since birth to fight. Her life hadn't been altered forever at a young age like Bruce or Wally, so it wasn't a personal mission to right those distant wrongs. She wasn't even the last of her kind like Jonn or Clark, trying to make sure their new home didn't suffer the same fate as their last. The truth was she was just a young woman with some special talents. She'd never set out to do this and now standing there she wonder if she really could. As she dried herself off and put on fresh clothes, her mind seemed to falling deeper and deeper into a depression. Glancing around the hotel room and its luxury, she found no solace. They were just things, cold and dead like all those innocent people she had seen. They offered her no comfort and the longer she stayed in that room the more it seemed to be closing in on her. Finally, unable to stand it any longer, Zee grabbed her coat and headed out. She mumbled responses to the hotel personal queries as she made her way out the front door. Zatanna waved off the taxi the doorman already had for her and just started walking. The imagines and horror of the capital kept playing over and over in her mind as she aimlessly walked on. The streets were silent, as the rain had forced everyone inside, yet still she walked. She had no conscious destination, as she wrestled with her feelings. Movement seemed to be her only goal. To stand in one place too long ran the risk of being overwhelmed by the sadness and misery. How long she'd been out, she didn't know. The rain had drenched her to the bone, yet still she walked. It was late when she finally found herself standing in front of Clark's door. She didn't even realize she had come there until she looked up and saw his door in front of her. She knew it must be late, as she hesitantly raised her slender hand and knocked lightly on the door. It took a moment and she wondered if coming here was a mistake. She didn't know why she'd come here, just that she was searching for something. As the seconds passed she found herself becoming nervous as to what she would say to him. Her mind was so confused and tormented; words didn't seem to want to form on her lips. The door suddenly opened and Zatanna found herself face to face with Clark. Her mouth opened to offer an explanation, but as she gazed into his sky blue eyes, words didn't come. He looked into her bloodshot, tear streaked eyes and without a word pulled her into an embrace. A little sob escaped her lips as she fiercely wrapped her arms around him. This is what she needed and Zatanna desperately held onto him. They just stood there for several minutes in each other's arms. Somehow he managed to get her inside and took off her coat. It was all a blur to her, but she never let go of him. Clark eased them both down on the couch, pulling her gently into his lap.
"I'm sorry, I-I know its late, I'll go," she tried to offer, finally able to speak.
"Shh, it's okay," Clark warmly whispered to her, running his strong fingers through her wet tangled hair. "I'm here, I'm not going anywhere. It's okay."
As she heard his words something inside of her finally let go. The emotions she'd been trying so hard to keep in check finally came pouring out. She cried hard, all the sorrow and horror she'd witnessed overwhelming her. Burying her tormented face in against his broad shoulder, Zatanna clung to him with all her strength, never wanting to let go. Clark silently held her, stroking her, letting her have all the time she needed. Sobs that seemed to wrench from her very core, shook her body. He was her lifeline against the abyss she'd been in since this afternoon. He didn't know exactly what was wrong, but knew she desperately needed this. The sadness was palpable and his concerns grew with each tortured sob. She had been wounded somehow since the last time he'd seen her. Clark felt a sadness of his own, that something could do this to her. He found himself wanting to protect her, to never let anything happen to her. It seemed so important that he be the one. Right now she just needed him to hold her, to comfort her, to let her know she was safe here in his arms. His pajamas were soaked, but he didn't care, the only thing that mattered was Zatanna to him. In the short time they'd been together, Clark realized he'd come to care for her deeply. It had been quite awhile since he'd felt this way and he didn't want to let it go. So there they sat there, Zatanna curled up on his lap, her body shaking as she wept. Clark knew he would hold her for as long as it took.
The Watchtower
Batman had returned several hours later and immediately asked for Zatanna. Jonn told him she'd gone as soon as she had returned. Bruce called her hotel, concerned for her, but was told she'd gone out. Part of him wanted to drop everything and go to her, but there was a job to do. The palace in the capital had video cameras for surveillance and he needed to see if they held any clues about who had done this. Bruce felt himself torn by his desire to help a friend versus his need to know what had happened. As was the case most times lately, the work won out. He camped himself down in front of the video equipment and began going through the tapes for clues. Sitting there, Bruce pondered his decisions. Zee had been his friend for years; he cared about her deeply, yet when he'd seen that look in her eyes in the capital, he couldn't find the words to comfort her. He'd wanted to reach out to her, to reassure her, to be there for her, but instead he found himself transporting her out. It bothered him how quickly he'd made that decision. Without a second thought, he'd returned to his investigation of the damage and only after he'd finished had he given how she was doing another thought. Is this what I've become, Bruce thought to himself. Have I become so consumed by the Batman that I can't even show compassion for a friend? The thought sickened him and he was about to turn away from the video when something caught his eye. In the middle of all the death and destruction, there was a young man standing alone. As Batman froze the frame, he could see the young man had a smile on his face. Zooming in and clearing up the image, Batman stared hard at the man. He was the key, Batman thought; he's somehow behind this.
Metropolis
Clark and Zatanna had remained in their embrace for how long, neither knew. Slowly, her sobs and tears began to lessen; yet still he held her. He was in no rush and knew this was something she desperately needed. Occasionally, he would gently whisper to her that it was okay, that it was all right, but for the most part he just held her. When at last she seemed to cry herself out, Zee finally managed to lean back and look into his eyes. Part of her was embarrassed at letting him see her this way.
"I-I shouldn't have-have come here ..... like this," Zatanna started to explain, but he stopped her.
"No, I'm glad you came," he reassured her. As she looked into his compassionate eyes, she knew he was telling the truth. There was no look of judgment in his eyes, only concern and caring. Clark seemed to instinctively know this was what she needed. He hadn't pressed her for answers or pulled away from her emotional meltdown. He wasn't a boy playing at being an adult, he was a man. Her heart felt lightened by this fact. For the first time tonight, Zee let a small smile cross her lips.
"I got you all wet," she managed to say, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand as she slowly trying to pull herself together.
"I small price to pay," he smiled, giving her a comforting hug and a light kiss on the forehead. "What kind of boyfriend would I be if I couldn't take a little soaking?"
"Boy-Boyfriend," Zee stammered, looking up at him in surprise.
"Well, yeah, I guess or if you don't like that, we could say we're buddies or pals. Your call," Clark said with a sheepish smile.
"No, boyfriend, I like that," she admitted with a blush.
"Good," he smiled, "now as a boyfriend, I feel it's important we get you out of those wet things. You're shivering; you must be soaked to the bone. Why don't you slip them off and I'll see if I can find something for you to wear?"
"No, no, that's not necessary," she protested, "I-I should go. I've already inconvenienced you enough for one night. I'll-I'll just go back to the hotel."
"I won't hear of it," he shook his head, 'you're staying here tonight and it's no inconvenience. Okay?"
"Um, okay," she softly said, feeling a little relief that he wanted her to stay. He softly brushed some the wet tangled hair from her face and gave her a warm smile. Zatanna felt her heart flutter as she looked into his compassionate, sky blue eyes.
"Let's get you dried off," he suggested, helping her up and leading her towards the bathroom.
Clark left her to herself to get out of her wet things and went to see if he could find something for her to wear. Zatanna looked at herself for the first time in the mirror. Her hair was soaked and tangled, her mascara streaked down her cheeks, in total she looked a mess. It seemed like chore just getting out of her wet things. The stress and turmoil of the day seemed to sap the last bit of energy from her. She was exhausted just drying herself off. Wrapping a towel around herself, Zee opened the door when Clark lightly tapped on it.
"Not really much of a selection, but this should keep you nice and warm," he smiled, offering an old Smallville sweatshirt for her to put on. She thanked him and closed the door before exchanging the towel for the sweatshirt. Glancing in the mirror she rolled her eyes at the picture she presented. The sweatshirt was huge on her, coming down almost to her knees. Her arms were practically swimming in the sleeves, but it was warm and comfortable. Looking at herself in the mirror, Zatanna couldn't help but think how much younger she looked with no makeup and wearing the oversized sweatshirt. Lifting the cuffs up to her nose she inhaled his strong masculine scent that lingered on the sweatshirt. It was a clean, earthy smell that she found very comforting. Zee tried to do something with her hair, but she was just too tired to make much of an effort. She settled on pulling it back into a ponytail. Washing her face again, she found an extra toothbrush. Knowing he wouldn't mind, she brushed her teeth and finally exited the bathroom. Clark was waiting for her in the hallway. He'd changed into a pair of sweat pants. He immediately took her into his arms and led her into the bedroom.
"Clark, I was, I wanted to tell you about earlier, but it's all so…" she started to say, but the words seemed to stick in her throat.
"We can talk tomorrow," he told her. "It's Saturday so I don't have to be anywhere special. Right now, I think the best thing is for you to get some sleep. You look exhausted."
She was going to protest, but just didn't have the energy. She just let him lead her over to the bed and gently help her under the covers.
"Clark? Where are you going to… I mean," she started to ask.
"I'll be right here beside you, don't worry," he told her, slipping into the bed next to her. Clark put his arms around her and whispered, "Sleep, everything's okay. We can talk in the morning."
With a slight nod of her head, Zatanna closed her eyes and shifted deeper into his arms. As she slowly began to fall asleep, his presents seemed to surround her. She felt warm and safe for the first time today.
