Chapter 39
Metropolis
The rumbling of thunder brought Zatanna reluctantly out of her slumber. As she shifted on the bed two things became very apparent. There was a dull ache over her eyebrows and what felt like a film on her tongue. The numerous shots with Dinah from the previous night came back to her. As she squinted at the room around her, Zee spied a glass carafe filled with water on the nightstand. The lid served as a glass.
"Bless you, Mr. Kent," she muttered, as she reluctantly pulled back the warm, welcoming covers and sat up. Still half asleep she managed to pour herself a glass. It turned out to be ice water. Her dehydrated body greedily welcomed it. Drinking it down like someone stranded in the desert, she quickly finished the first and poured out a second glass. It felt so good going down, even as it sent small shivers over her bare skin. Finishing the second glass, Zee smacked her lips, wishing she could scrap her tongue clean or replace it with a new one. Another chill went down her slender back and she pulled the sheet around her. Sitting there, a little worse for wear; Zee let her eyes focused on her surroundings. The now familiar setting of Clark's bedroom registered, but as she glanced over to the other side of the bed she noticed he wasn't there. A small frown materialized on her face at this detail. Checking the clock she saw it was still very early. It must be just before dawn she realized. What she could see out the window as rather dark and foreboding, as another crack of thunder rippled across the sky. A cool breeze accompanied the sound of rain hitting the windowsill.
"Clark?" She called out, but received no replied. Looking for something to put on, the memory of last night came back to her. A small smile crept across her lips as she remembered frantic fingers removing both of their clothes before they even made it to the bedroom. A flicker of last night's passion skimmed across her skin. Climbing out of bed with a groan, the movement brought a reminder of her headache; Zee walked over and took one of Clark's shirts to wear. She couldn't help noticing it came down further than some dresses she owned. Barefoot, she walked into the living room, looking for the man of the house. A note was propped up on the kitchen counter with her name on it. She picked it up and read it. It was from Clark, explaining there was a chemical fire at some factory out west and he was lending a hand. He would see her a little later and there was fresh coffee. The last line was a thank you for a wonderful night. A smile spread across her lips at this.
Setting the note down, she did a quick check and found some much needed aspirin in one of his cabinets. The coffee smelled wonderful, but she felt rather funky and decided a shower was first on her agenda. Padding back into the bathroom, she got the shower going nice and hot. Slipping out of his shirt, she stepped into the shower, giving a little squeal as the hot water hit her skin. Quickly adjusting it, she wondered how he didn't burn his skin off with the water that hot. Duh, Zee thought to herself, he's Superman. Finding the right balance, she stepped completely under the spray and let the water rain down on her. He should really install a multi-headed shower, she thought absently, but then let her mind drift as the water eased some of the soreness. She would have stayed in the shower most of the morning, if it weren't for the need to brush her teeth and tongue. She stepped out and grabbed two of the oversized towels, wrapping one around her body and the other around her hair. Without even thinking she opened the middle drawer and took out the toothpaste and extra toothbrush. After several minutes of vigorous brushing she was beginning to feel almost back to normal.
Zee finished drying herself and then remembered she'd forgotten to find her clothes from the night before. Slipping back into Clark's shirt, she rolled the sleeves up so she could actually see her hands. Coffee now beckoned and she returned to the kitchen. Zee opened the cabinet and took out an oversized cup. Filling it, she automatically moved over and took out the sugar, before going to the refrigerator for the flavored creamer she loved so much. Satisfied with the results, she moved into the living room. Curling her feet under her, Zatanna sat down on the sofa, relaxing and enjoying her coffee. Her clothes were neatly folded and stacked on the coffee table next to the almost empty bottle of vodka. Her stomach rolled at even the sight of it. Picking up the remote, she turned on the morning news to see what was happening in the world. There were usual human-interest stories; a man in Iowa taught his goat to fetch the newspaper, a blind hiker managed to climb Pike's Peak and a housewife discovered the image of the Virgin Mary in her oatmeal.
She was just about to turn it off when a live report came in from the chemical fire. A great plume of fire shot up into the air and then that iconic figure in blue and red flew into view. Zee smiled to herself, as she thought how amazing he looked. She watched for several minutes as he heroically saved too many workers to count and got the fire under control. The news network cut away from this and went back to the studio. The anchors used the footage as a transition to introduce their guest. He was a spokesman for some group Zee had never heard off. It only took a moment for her to realize he wasn't there to praise Clark but to continue the campaign that had been running almost none stop. She made a face and stuck out her tongue as she quickly turned off the TV. He saves all those people and that douchebag just blows it off, she thought in disgust. I should have watched cartoons instead.
Getting up from the sofa, Zee began to slowly move around the living room. She had been here many times, but this was the first time she'd been here completely alone and sober. Sipping her coffee, she casually moved over to look at the photos Clark had out. There were only a few, him and his parents and then just his parents. Zee idly thought there was plenty of room for pictures of her parents on the table as well. It would be nice to put them out where she could see them everyday. The table was nice, but she would prefer to hang them all on the wall. If she did that, she could move the table or get rid of it and open up the room more. Of course they'd have to repaint the living room, the color was just a little too drab. Perhaps a nice earth tone, maybe an Ochre, sort of a golden brown would bring out the room more. Drifting around the space, her mind wandered to the changes she would make. The sofa was nice, but the coffee table would have to be replaced. The whole room, while functional, needed some sprucing up to make it warmer. She'd always liked plants and imagined several placed around the room. Maybe a couple of lithographs on the wall to add just the right touch, she thought. As an image of how she would redecorate it came to her mind, Zee smiled as she thought how much more it would seem like a home to them.
It took a moment for this thought to register in her mind, but when it did, she stopped in stunned silence. Oh, God, what am I doing, she thought? I'm nesting! This realization scared her more than she expected. Her mind seemed to instantly go back to the night before. She had originally come to talk with Clark, but had been sidetracked. Suddenly all the fears and worries she been there to address came rushing back to her. Panic began to spread through her. Grabbing her clothes, Zee quickly rushed into the bedroom and changed. For some reason she couldn't stay in the apartment another moment. Grabbing her jacket and an umbrella she fled.
The Excelsior
Across town it had been a fitful night for Diana. She had tossed and turned, as confusing thoughts seemed to plague her. Her night with Clark was supposed to be just a practice date for her real one with Bruce, yet somehow her reactions to it felt too real for it to be just practice. She didn't understand this. Since coming to the Man's World, she had never considered Clark even remotely an option, with him seeing Lois and then Zatanna. It had been Bruce that intrigued her. He was such a riddle of conflicting emotions and passions. His dark mysterious nature seemed almost designed to attract, yet he always held her at arm's length. As the months had passed, she became more familiar with some of the interplay between men and women and found herself drawn to him. Their kiss during the invasion, their brief dance is Kasnia; even the episode with Circe seemed to draw her towards him.
Clark, on the other hand, was her best friend, the shoulder she could lean on. In many ways they were so much alike. When she had first met him, she had been awed by his powers just like everyone else. As time when on and they got to know each other, she began to see the man underneath the uniform. His vision of hope was something she drew strength from. His sense of humor always got to her so easily, even if she would never admit it to him. Even the gentle teasing which she would never allow from anyone else, somehow she didn't mind it too much from him. With his friendship, she felt a part of something, not so isolated as she hade most of her life. They had a kinship based on a deep and abiding friendship. That's what made tonight so troubling to her. During dinner, she couldn't help but notice how intensely handsome he was. Being in his arms dancing or holding hands felt much more pleasurable than she would have ever imagined. Then there was the kiss. Bringing her fingers up to her lips, she could almost still feel his lips against them. It astonished her, the emotions it evoked. Try as she might, Diana couldn't seem to get that moment with Clark out of her mind.
Diana had no experience in matters like this. As she examined her emotions and feelings, she found while was still attracted to Bruce, the feelings she had for Kal were much more than friendship. It only added to her confusion when she realized he was already in a relationship with Zatanna. I shouldn't be having these feelings for him, she told herself, as he's already spoken for. I have a date with Bruce finally; I should concentrate on that instead of fantasying about what cannot be. With new determination, Diana pulled the covers up and told herself it was Bruce she was really interested in. Satisfied she had purged those strange feelings for Kal, she closed her eyes to try and get some rest. As she lay there, her arms seemed to instinctively reach out and pulled the stuffed elephant to her. A smile crossed Diana lips as she snuggled against it and slipped off into slumber.
The Watchtower
Wally and Shayera nervously entered the small conference room. Sitting, not facing each other were Ollie and Dinah.
"Thank you both for coming," Shayera started.
"Well, you tricked us into it." Ollie observed. Dinah gave him a look, but didn't say anything.
"I know, but we have something we need to tell you," Shayera replied. Wally nodded solemnly behind her.
"What,' Dinah asked.
"This is all our fault," Wally said.
"What are you talking about," Dinah asked.
"Your break up," Wally replied sincerely. "We're the cause of it."
"And how is that possible?"
"We," Wally said, gesturing to Shayera and himself, "we were just having some fun with you guys. I guess it got a little out of hand."
"Yes, absolutely," Shayera added. "We didn't mean it to go this far. We never thought you'd break up over it."
Dinah and Ollie looked at each other, but didn't say anything.
"Please, believe us, we couldn't feel any worse about this," Wally said. "I'd do anything to make this right, I swear!"
"If this is another joke, Wally, I think we've had enough of them," Ollie said sternly.
"No! No joke, I promise," Wally replied earnestly. "It's been tearing me up thinking I'm part of the cause of you two breaking up. I never wanted that. It was just a joke!"
Ollie looked over at Dinah again, but still didn't say anything.
"I also feel responsible," Shayera chimed in. "Don't let our mistake ruin what you two have."
'What she said." Wally nodded. "I'm begging you here. What's it going to take? I'll get on my knees if I have to."
Wally proceeded to drop down to his knees in front of them. He gave Shayera a look and then gestured for her to join him.
"I'm not getting on my knees," she complained. He gave her a look and then tilted his head towards Dinah and Ollie. Shayera looked at them and then grumbled.
"Oh, all right," she exclaimed and reluctantly knelt down.
"Please, forgive us," Wally said.
"Yes, please." Shayera added with a little less enthusiasm. Ollie looked at Dinah again and this time smiled.
"Satisfied?"
"Oh, very, it worked out better than we planned," she said to him.
"What are you talking about," Wally asked.
"We knew all about your little joke, Wally, Shayera," Dinah explained with a big smile. "We just decided to return the favor."
"I don't understand," Shayera said.
"We just pretended to break up," Ollie replied.
"Smile," Dinah said. She pulled out her cell phone and snapped a picture of the two of them on their knees.
"You played us?"
"Don't mess with the masters, son," Ollie said. He chuckled and stretched out his hand for Dinah. She took it and the two of them walked out laughing.
"I don't believe this," Wally exclaimed. "They played us! Us?"
"You imbecile!" Shayera raged. "I'm on my knees because of you! She has a picture!"
"I did not see that coming," Wally observed, shaking his head.
"A picture! I will be the laughingstock of the station!" Shayera screamed in frustration.
"I got to hand it to them, they pulled it off perfectly," Wally said in admiration. "Right down to the tear in Ollie's eye. I'm really going to have to up my game to repay them for this one."
Shayera was getting off her knees and turned to just stare at Wally. He noticed and gave her a look.
"What?"
She tried to speak, but was so angry she could only shriek in frustration and storm out of the room. Wally shook his head as he watched her leave.
"Quitter."
Metropolis
Zatanna had been walking in the rain for almost an hour. The city was starting to wake up, but the rain kept most pedestrians inside. Grey skies turned the usually vibrate landscape into a bleak, dull world. Zee hadn't really meant to come here, but now found herself in the park where the monument to Superman was. She stood there looking at it, as tears rolled down her face. The enormous sculpture of his crest seemed to dominate the landscape, much like he did. This is who he really is, she thought. I've been kidding myself that he's just Clark. He's Superman. Like the sculpture, he's bigger than life, a global icon, and the hero of heroes. She was at a crossroad. Zee didn't want to admit it, but she was scared. Standing in front of this monument, she couldn't deny she was in love with him. She had thought she'd been in love before, but now she knew the difference. This wasn't a youthful infatuation, but a serious adult love. This was the moving in together, setting up house, making plans for weddings and children kind of love. Zee wasn't sure she was ready for that yet. It scared her to want someone so much. Like most young girls she's fantasized about her wedding some day, but this wasn't a fantasy. This was reality. It was time to put childish dreams and thoughts away. She was faced with the ultimate transition in one's life, from youth to adulthood. It frightened her.
If that wasn't enough, there were other fears. Zee knew she had held her own against Nathan the last time, but that was mostly because she was so pissed at Toyman. Nathan would be back, probably stronger than before. The message from her Tarot reading still haunted her. A mistake she would make would hurt Clark. It tore at her heart that she would be responsible for hurting the man she loved. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if that happened. She had to protect Clark, even if it meant she had to walk away. In a calmer light, she would have realized she was too upset and confused to make any decisions, especially life changing ones. With a little more time, she might have made different decisions, but that was not to be.
The sound of footsteps coming towards her caused Zatanna to turn. Clark Kent smiled at her as he moved towards her. A worried look came over his face as he saw the fresh tears in her eyes.
"Zee? Is everything okay," he asked.
"No, Clark," she replied, shaking her head. "I-I can't do this."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Us, Clark."
" I don't understand," he said, stepping closer to her. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked up into those impossibly blue eyes.
"I'm-I'm leaving Metropolis in two weeks, Clark," she said.
"Yes, I know your show is heading out, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"Don't you see? This wouldn't work! You and I are too different. It's better if we just end things now."
Clark was stunned.
"Why? Did I do something," he asked.
"No, no, don't even think that! It's just that we've been kidding ourselves," she said. Her heart felt as if it was breaking, but she pressed on. "I don't fit in your world."
"How can you say that?"
"Because that's you, Superman," she said, pointing to the monument. "You're bigger than life, a symbol for the whole world and beyond."
"That's just a costume I put on, Zee, that's not me. I thought you knew that," he asked.
"Don't you see, I'm not ready for all this," she cried. "Where would this go if we continued?"
"Where would you like it to go," he gently asked. A part of her wanted to rush into his arms and tell him how scared and frightened she was. She wanted to tell him how desperately she was in love with him and wanted all those things she dreamed of with him. Another voice in her confused mind told her she had to protect him at all costs. He meant too much to her to risk.
"I'm sorry, Clark," she said softly. "I can't do this, it-it's over."
"Please don't do this, Zee. I can see you're upset and confused, but I'm begging you not to do this to us," he pleaded with her. "Whatever you're afraid of, let's face it together."
"I can't! I'm sorry, Clark," she cried. Tears were pouring down her face as she said this.
"I love you, Zatanna," he said to her. Her heart broke at this and she rushed over and kissed him. She poured all the love she had for him into that one kiss, their last kiss. Stepping back, she could see there were tears in his eyes now.
"Forgive me," she said and then turned and rushed away.
"Please," Clark whispered, but she didn't stop. He stood there in the rain, his heart shattered. An overwhelming sadness consumed him. He felt more alone than he ever had in his life.
Bonneville Salt Flats
There was a quiet to this eerily flat land. No one ventured out on its inhospitable surface today. It's cool, white surface almost like a sheet of glass. A tremor, so faint even the most sensitive instruments couldn't pick it up was how it began. Cracks began to appear in the smooth surface. They started small but rapidly began to expand. Stronger tremors followed until the entire region felt them. A deep rumble started and grew in volume. Suddenly one of the cracks split wide open. Like spiders from a nest, the soldiers oozed out of the ground and slithered in all directions. More and more of them emerged until there was a vast army blotting out the landscape. The sky above began to transform, turning the color of blood. Lightening flashed across the heavens. The opening, from which the soldiers spilled out, suddenly buckled and heaved. From out of the hole, something began to emerge. Tentacles of monstrous proportions whipped through the air, pulling the main body of this thing from the hole. It was a vision out of the worse primordial nightmare. It was Nathan Occult or what remained of Nathan. He had channeled the power of Cthulhu, but not to raise the Old One from slumber, but to become the Old One. Nathan's body no longer resembled anything human. He was a monster of vaguely anthropoid outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of feelers, a scaly, rubbery-looking body, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, and long, narrow wings behind. The beast he'd become was gargantuan in size. As it fully emerged from the ground the sheer nightmarishness of it came fully into view. The beast let out a cry that would have turned men's blood to ice. Lightening flashed all around it.
"The beginning of the end starts now," Nathan's frightening voice whispered.
The Watchtower
Alarms were going crazy all over the station. Jonn and Batman rushed over to the console.
"Bonneville Salt Flats! There is a magical disturbance off the scales!" Jonn shouted over the alarms.
"It has to be Nathan," Batman replied.
"I'll alert all members! Priority One!"
"Tell them to be prepared for Hell," Batman said his voice as cold as Jonn had ever heard it.
Metropolis
Clark was still standing in the rain in the little park in front of the Superman monument. His heart felt as if it had been ripped from his chest. He was lost. The sound of his Justice League communicator went off.
"Yes?" He barely managed to say through his sadness.
"Priority One, Superman! An immense magical attack is happening at the Bonneville Salt Flats! We believe its Nathan Occult!" Jonn's voice conveyed the urgency of it.
"I'm on my way, Jonn."
