[13th February 2011]
[Wizard's Sanctum, Off the Quays, Dublin, Republic of Ireland]
This was nice she found, letting out a contented, if tired, yawn and resting her head on Skull's shoulder as they watched the mildly entertaining action movie on the television. Sure her Mom was hovering about in the background, making herself a light snack or something in the kitchen from the sounds of it, but it was still time [almost] alone to unwind for her and Skulls. It was an effort on his part Artemis found. since he'd, by association with the Goddess incident, had largely been limited to only a handful of secure locations since he'd almost died...and even something as simple as curling up and watching a movie undisturbed had been a trial to achieve.
Still, it was good as she reached up, catching him by surprise with her kiss and then pulling away to rest her head back his shoulder with a smirk as he kissed back. Always leave'em wanting more as he brought an arm around her and huffed at her teasing; easier for her curl up her legs against his and get a better view of the screen as some building exploded and ninjas fought about something or other. It was cute that Skulls wanted to do the whole courtship thing, weird, but nice in a way...especially when Mom and Sis seemed intent on being as interfering as possible and he went about magically enslaving demon girls apparently along with her own assassin sister and mother.
'God my life got weird...er, yeah...weirder, it was already super weird wasn't it?' she thought thinking on her own life versus some of the others, or just regular civilians "Life is weird isn't it Skulls?"
He gave an amused chuckle "Yeah, definitely. Not always bad weird though"
"Nah, not always..." she murmured back stifling another yawn "...but you don't feel nervous about going back to the mountain later this week?"
"Hmmm...not really, stuff happens and coulda been anywhere...or at least I don't think I do anyway, you?"
"No, well, maybe a teeny tiny bit, but I'm looking forward to seeing everyone together again. Do some good, or maybe it's just the fact the magic door to back here making things easier. In case someone needs a brave blonde archer to save them ya'know?"
"Oh, don't worry if they need saving I'm sure they'll call your name" he mused back as they both slumped a little. Seemed the long day was getting to him as they had to her "...it'll be nice to see the others again. Even if it'll be a divil explaining the not being dead bit, and the fact the League are getting all reformed with the Team as a whole"
"Don't know, I'm more worried about how to talk to Green Arrow and say Mom's training me going forward than partnering up with him again" she admitted softly and she appreciated the faint squeeze of support back in response from the arm around her shoulders "...or telling them we've shacked up after you seduced me"
Her head shook faintly at the rumble of barely contained laugher in his chest "We have not...shacked up as you put. You're in the room beside your Mom"
"Yeah, but in your apartment"
"Sanctum not apartment, and again with your Mom, and it's downstairs and mines upstairs. Just...don't put it that way, you and Zee put it in such a way"
"Heh heh heh, yeah, but you've your magic door to here and there, and everywhere" she replied "...so it's not exactly a huge distance"
"Eh, it is, technically a quasi-pocket dimension away"
"Yes, yes, you're such a great super wizard"
"Hey, leave me my glory, it's alot of work setting these things up. The somatic components, the mediation and ritual-work that links between here, the Mountain, the School in Ballyvour..."
She leaned up and kissed him "Oh shush you, just enjoy the movie and my divine company"
--
[16th February 2011]
[In the Shadows of the Ley-Lines, Gotham City, New Jersey, United States of America]
It was frustrating to be so limited in information, and concerning too as power pulsedand fluctuated across the various spots of the nexus. Fog banks and rain were a symptom, along with other irritations for the struggling mortal public the shrouded spirit observed as it once more empowered its servant fighting things, merely mad mortal things this time, in the night. The Moon was Rising as Night Descended and Magic Returned. Of course preventing the Sun, or it's dimensional 'King' at least, from rising also was one of the concerns brought upon by conclaves of magic breaking down ancient barriers in this dimension.
Eventually things would solidify...eventually being not now as magic roared and surged trying to find its new equilibrium in the rising tide. Risking confronting the Olympians had been potentially disastrous, but thankfully avoided via means of bluff and allying with mortal agents; but it had been necessary too, even if it had drawn attention away from here. The minor deity's position had been secured to a greater degree with the escalation turning to compact, and with a small cult of worshippers there was a base to build from...small rituals calling strength through the veil over separate dimensions. Pandora's Box was still in the wind, and others could be felt trying likewise...or accidently perhaps, it was hard to know for a certainty...
...he frowned; a shadow at the edges of awareness, the bringer of discord and chaos moving about. Not hostile, but certainly a danger, or at least a catalyst of destruction and disruption. As long as it would not be directed at his allies and worshippers it would have to be left for now; one had just avoided a confrontation with her pantheon after all and would damage whoever broke the compact first. So best work through mortal agents...when one could summon his Herald here, or if it was necessary to take such a risk. For now though there were worshippers praying here, a few there beneath the sea...and even now within his Temple in small numbers. Well, they must be answered, that was the deal after all...
--
[16th February 2011]
[Mount Justice, Happy Harbour, Rhode Island, United States of America]
Giovanni Zatara smiled at his daughter as they finished the incantation and she gave an exhausted breath having overpowered her own contribution to their effort "Sit Zatanna, rest a moment"
"Huu...sorry Daddy, I over did it"
"The enthusiasm of youth, and with experience it will become easier. Now, rest yourself a little while" he reminded her gently, glad at her smile as she retreated to the couch on slightly wobbly legs and falling into them. He did frown as the phone came out moments later, texting away to one of the others about her success he imagined. Shaking his head at youthful foolishness...and regretting allowing her befriend so many her age who had too favourable opinion of this dangerous lifestyle. Instead he allowed her space, waving his wand silently and concentrating to confirm that the new wardings they had placed were seamless and strong.
"Were you successful Giovanni?"
He nodded after another few seconds more of testing, then turning towards Superman "As best one can I think my friend, though I fear it would not be sufficient to do more than delay the last attacker for a time and give us warning rather than stop one such"
Superman smiled, looking around with his X-Ray vision Giovanni expected as they walked out of earshot of his daughter "That is a far better place to be than where we were, and I can't see anything beyond the rocks of the mountain or stone of the walls now"
"Good to hear, though this place always did impair your vision by design one recalls"
The burly alien nodded "Thank Rao at times, and reduced sound too so I could get some peace a time before we deployed the Watchtower. But it's as if there was nothing beyond the Sanctuary now..." Superman shook his head sadly "...though I admit it pains me to have to install such defences"
Giovanni nodded "Indeed, I cannot disagree on that, but after so many incidents it is clear our original plans for the junior team will no longer be achievable, nor is this locations safety assured by secrecy. If it ever was I wonder, between Mister Twister and his machine comrades, and of course the recent attack..." he chuckled "...not that our prospective new friends would ever allow potential recruits to our training programme without safety assured"
Personally he himself was much happier with that outcome, though he did not say it as it would offend certain sidekicks and potentially some League members as well. But the simple truth was that the original nature of the youth Team had been too flawed, too much based upon relying on secrecy and the youngsters own problem solving where something more concrete was required. It had been why he had been so opposed to his Zatanna attempting to join in the first place, beyond encouraging her ideas on a life as 'Superhero' as well, as it had proven deadly dangerous. Dangerous...and disorganised as it had been shown in recent months.
"You have no objections to our guests over the next few days?"
"Not at all Superman, far from it..." he admitted as Kal-El once again brought up his unease at allowing in external 'contractors' such as from SHIELD, and through them the US Government, limited access to installing greater magical defences "...my Zatanna will be here after all, and the greater the defences, the safer she shall be...and thus the happier I shall be. Do not worry, I have discussed in detail with all parties what is to placed here, just as you and the Batman did upon the shield generator installed, and Aquaman the barrier behind the veil on the beach"
"And, our other potential guest? I all for reforming criminals, but it seems a dangerous option to take"
He resisted rolling his eyes at that jab, truly Kal-El was wary of these changes "Oh I have many, MANY, concerns about such being near the youngsters even on a limited basis...but it is danger they will encounter someday regardless. So best in a controlled manner now perhaps"
Then shook his head "No, and I have spoken, in depth with the girl in question and young Fortune. If left to her own devices, or just the guidance of her father alone...then we likely be facing her as a very dangerous future super-criminal or perhaps full demon. I have doubts she will ever be...good, but perhaps with guidance some measure of redemption is achievable despite her heritage. I, AM ALSO, content with the Binding placed upon her by Doctor Fate and Mister Fortune, they will not be easily subverted. And I agree with Batman...this new magical school will change things, and building bridges with prospective future heroes is vital. Such as the girl Jinx who also wishes to join as an active member"
Superman smiled at that "Flash's young sidekick's efforts there I believe"
Giovanni nodded and gave a wan smile as well "Perhaps, though having spoke to the girl in question another part is a desire to prove herself in some manner I believe. But she has the makings of a powerful sorceress with her probability manipulation, and more importantly with the potential as a healer..." he sighed "...and as we have seen having one or two, even if not on the active roster, is great boon to have. My Zatanna also wishes to learn such..."
"And have you consented to allowing her attend such lessons?"
He nodded, frowning, his daughter was so eager but it was also concerning at times "Yes, with the proviso that I will review such, and certain individuals are not allowed in her vicinity. Young Mr. Fortune, in terms of his magic, and I have reached an accommodation on such, and I do believe him to hold her best interests at heart and..." to his irritation and concern "...she has befriended his own apprentice Gemma so denying her will only lead to more sneaking out"
And she'd already gotten to a level of skill that she could veil herself from him at times, though she did not fully realise it. Merely acting as if he knew things had generally led to her revealing her actions or location, and with the help of when he could track her he had maintained the illusion of being all knowing. It was terrifying to know he couldn't keep her safe, and that the knowledge she was succeeding might led to more risk taking, and thus greater dangers. He smiled faintly to himself at the foolishness of youth...
--