Like Morning Follows Night
LONDON – 1890
Rain poured harshly down on the cobblestone street. Lampposts were barely lit as the water nearly extinguished every flame. A dark lone figure in a trench coat scurried quickly trying to run between the droplets. After finally reaching a brick building, the figure hurriedly opened the door and climbed the stars. Apartment 32B was the destination. Upon opening the door, the smell of thyme and rosemary wafted into the figure's nose. There were some other harsh medicinal smells mixed in as well. The flat was very dimly light. Only a few candles here and there. The brightest was in the master bedroom. Inside on the bed was a man. He had seen better days. His once shiny black hair had withered and greyed. His face, once full of life, was now shriveled and tired. Someone else knelt by the side of the bed. Her face was buried into the side clutching the old man's arm. Her raven hair flowed freely, but unkempt.
"Father, I'm so so sorry. I-I can't find a cure for you. I don't know how to help you," she sobbed.
"Shhh. Piccola, my child. Do not fret. Everything will be alright," the old man croaked.
"No! Please, father. Just hang on a little longer. I-I can't lose you."
"Zatanna, listen to me," he spoke softly, just barely audible, "Not everyone is meant to live forever. Dying is a natural part of life. We all have a time to go, and my time is near."
"I won't accept that! I can't! We already lost Mother. I can't lose you too!"
"Zatanna…" the figure finally stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.
She turned around to look the newcoming in the eye. Though tear-stricken, she relaxed slightly. Her father on the other hand tensed up.
"Ok…" she nodded while standing up.
"Zatanna, wait!" her father grasped her wrist as best he could, "Zatanna, listen to me. I beg of you. Everything will be alright. Please. Just trust in fate."
She knelt down again and kissed his knuckles. Worry was plastered all over his face, but Zatanna did her best to soothe his worries.
"It'll be ok, Father. I promised that I would help you."
"Zatanna, my child. You must understand that you cannot help everyone. Letting go is part of life…"
"No for us, Father. Not for people like us…"
She kissed her father's forehead one last time before getting up and leaving with the stranger. Sensing sadness in his companion, the stranger wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tried to ease her pain.
"What took you?" she asked.
"Oi, do you have any idea about what you're askin for?" he replied.
"I'm sorry. I'm just tense. I've gone through every spell book and talked to so many different healers. I feel as if I'm all out of options."
"Well, don't you worry, love. I think I may have found a way to save ol' da."
"You mean, you found it?"
"Aye. But we'll have to be quick about it. We may only get one chance."
"Oh thank you! Thank you," she jumped, hugged him tightly, and pecked him a few times on his lips "One chance is all we'll need. Oh what would I ever do without you…..John."
A quick teleportation spell later, Zatanna and her companion arrived at a forest in the Scottish Highlands. They walked step by step through the leaves and branches that littered the ground. Moonlight illuminated their path. It wasn't downpouring like it was in London, but droplets still feel here and there from the leaves.
"How did you even find it?" Zatanna asked.
"It wasn't easy. A lot and I do mean a lot of people did their best to keep it hidden."
"I bet. A stone that resurrects the dead is powerful magic."
"Aye. Are you sure you're up for this?"
"John, please. My father is all I have left. I-I'm not ready to lose him."
"Alright, love. But you do realize we'll have to modify things a bit, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"Tis in the name! The stone resurrects the dead. Your da's not gone yet."
"Oh. I see."
"We'll have to pair the stone with a specific incantation to heal."
"Annnnd you know this how?"
"I met a guy in a pub. Gellert I think was his name."
"What?! John, I can't risk my father's life on a hunch you found from some guy in a pub!"
"Relax, won't you! The guy gave me the idea! I found the spell elsewhere. In a book another one of the so-called experts and keepers tried to lock away."
"I'm serious, John. I need this."
"I know. I'd never lead you astray, Zatanna," he smiled walking ahead of her.
To show that he really meant business, John moved a few branches away to reveal a vast clearing. It was a valley they'd have to travel downwards, but in the middle was an enormous castle. It looked centuries old, and even though there were holes in the walls and bricks were falling here and there, the main structures were still strong and sturdy.
"Wow," Zatanna exclaimed wide-eyed, "The stone's in there?"
"Indeed it is. Do you trust me?" John held out his hand.
"Sigh. What have I got to lose," she shrugged, taking his hand.
Moments later, the two made their way down one of the castle corridors. John held a lit torch up trying to see the path ahead of them. Zatanna meanwhile looked around where she could. The walls seemed to once be filled with marvelous paintings. Banners of crimson, green, gold, and navy adorned almost every nook and cranny, albeit tattered and torn. Rusted pieces of knight armor laid about as well.
"Blast," John exclaimed, "This is going to take forever!"
"Is there anything that can help us find the stone faster? For example, why did we specifically need to find it tonight?"
"The castle is enchanted. It and everything inside will only appear on the 15th lunar day of the month when the moon is at its fullest."
"Wait. So you mean…"
"Aye. If we don't find the stone soon, we'll be stuck in this castle."
Worry began to fill Zatanna's mind. She so desperately needed to find this stone. Her mother dying had already shattered her heart and ruined her childhood. Losing her father, her teacher, her guide may break her entirely. She would not accept the destruction of the Zatara family. That would never happen under her watch. Feeling tired and heavy, Zatanna fell to her knees.
"Zatanna?!" John stopped.
"Please," she whimpered through her tears, "Where is the resurrection stone?"
Suddenly the walls of the castle started to shake. Dust thousands of years old fell from the cracks between the bricks. Zatanna and John looked to their right to see the wall shifting. It was supposed to be a solid plain brick wall. And yet, the bricks started shifting away. Like grains of sand trying to paint a picture, intricate leafy patterns began forming. The patterns started to rise and become solid. Color was then added to make everything feel more sturdy and real. Right before their eyes, a door appeared on the wall. Zatanna and John looked at each other, stunned at the small series of events. With nothing left to lose, Zatanna got up and opened the door with John in tow. The room inside was somehow both filled to the brim with junk yet placed neatly to form a path. Chairs, tables, trunks, and other random stuff were strewn about almost carelessly. There were floating torches here and there to provide some semblance of light. The columns seemed like they were cut in half as only the top parts remained. Zatanna looked around, still groaning as the amount of junk around them shielded anything that didn't want to be found.
"Sigh. And here I thought this room would give us a breakthrough or something," she frowned.
*CHIRP CHIRP*
Then, a little golden bird zipped and zoomed its way towards the pair. It flittered up, down, and circled John for a bit before landing on Zatanna's head.
"Uhhh hello?"
"Interesting. What's a lil' chick like you doin in a room like this?" John asked.
*CHIRP CHIRP*
"John, look. The feathers. They're so shiny. Almost like gold."
*CHIRP CHIRP*
As if on cue, the bird leapt off Zatanna and flitted away. It waited for a moment as if beckoning Zatanna and John to follow. So, they obliged. They trailed the little bird through a cramped path between all the junk and whatnot finally arriving at what looked like a circular plaza. Blue moonlight created a spotlight right into the middle illuminating a pedestal. The bird circled the pedestal chirping like crazy. Zatanna approached the stonework spotting a little gold orb resting in the center. Slowly, she picked up the orb and it opened, revealing a small, diamond-shaped stone. It looked almost like onyx or marble but had a deep green color.
"John…" Zatanna slowly started to tear up, "I think we found it!"
"Bloody hell. I think we did…"
"Oh thank you! Thank you thank you thank you!"
Excited and jubilant, Zatanna jumped up and down before hopping into John's arms to hug him.
"I couldn't have done this without you!"
"We're not done yet, love. The incantation."
"Right! Right! What do we need?"
Suddenly, the room started to shake. The piles of junk started to close in on Zatanna and John. Their path out was becoming thinner and thinner.
"We've got to move!"
John grabbed Zatanna's hand and rushed out as fast as he could. Soon, chairs and tables from above started falling trying to obstruct their way or even hit them. Interestingly, most of the junk was directed at John. At one point, a stool separated the two causing Zatanna to fall forward. When that happened, everything started flying towards John. Lamps, picture frames, silverware. Anything that seemed solid was doing its best to keep John in place.
"I've got to help him!" Zatanna exclaimed, "Dleihs! (Shield)."
A blue shield surrounded John blocking and bouncing all the projectiles off him. A little startled, he needed a few seconds to get his bearings. Soon, he saw Zatanna waving her arms near the entrance. As fast as he could, John sprinted out with Zatanna's shield still protecting him. However, the door was getting smaller and smaller. Zatanna was too busy concentrating on John's shield to even notice what was going on. At the last second, John lunged at Zatanna and pushed them both out of the room with Zatanna on the bottom breaking their fall. Tired, they both laid on the ground trying to catch their breaths.
"John…"
"Yes, love."
"Please get your face out of my breasts…"
"That's not what you said the other night…"
"Sigh you pig," she rolled her eyes pushing him off.
When they stood up, the door leading to that magical room shut and locked itself completely. It shrunk and practically disappeared leaving just the bare brick wall.
"Well, that was quite an adventure," John commented.
"We got what we came for. That's good enough. Now to hurry back."
Practically sprinting through the rain again, John and Zatanna rushed towards the Zatara flat. Zatanna, now hopeful with the stone in hand, couldn't wait to return and cure her father. John, however, after teaching Zatanna the needed incantation, remained quiet.
"John! Hurry up! The longer we take, the closer to death my father is."
"Aye Aye I understand. But listen, love. I think it's best if you go on."
"Huh? John," she stopped.
"I don't want to interrupt a moment between a father and his daughter. Besides, I've got to head out anyway."
"Wait, but why?"
"I told me mate I'd help exorcise his gran in his village. I asked to at least let me help a pretty girl out first. Unfortunately, gran gran can't wait any longer. Which was another reason why we needed to get the stone tonight."
"O-oh…"
"I'm sorry, love. But you can do this. I believe in ya!"
"T-thank you, John. I mean it. I really appreciate your help tonight."
"Of course. Say hi to 'da for me."
Nodding, Zatanna ran off leaving John soaking in the pouring rain. He scratched the back of his head and sighed. The rain seemed to freeze in place. He looked around and could see individual droplets floating in midair. The hairs on his neck stood up straight. He was somehow both cold and hot but completely filled with fear.
"So, her soul for yours? Intriguing."
"Don't remind me," John growled.
"I must say, John Constantine, this is a new low, even for you."
"You haven't given me much of a choice."
"Bahahahahaah."
"What?" John shook at the ominous laughter.
"This changes nothing."
"Why!? She's going to be cursed!"
"Yes, but her soul won't be under my possession."
"What!? I thought we had a deal!"
"We did. But with the way you went about it, you left her soul…to Fate."
Opening the door as quickly as she could, Zatanna rushed into the flat disregarding all the mud and water she tracked in. Her father still laid in bed, too weak to notice her. Clutching the gold orb in her chest, she knelt down as closely as she could.
"Don't worry, father. I will save you," she whispered, holding his hand.
The orb opened revealing the stone again. Its sheen reflected the light from the lamp. It was pure. It was beautiful. Zatanna closed her eyes and concentrated on focusing her flow of magic into the stone. Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember the proper pronunciation of the spell John taught her.
"Imperio," she clutched the stone in her hand, "Eb deubmi htiw eht rewop ot laeh…" (Be imbued with the power to heal).
Opening her hand, Zatanna could see changes in the stone. It was no longer a sleek forest green stone, but a matte red. It almost looked grainy and cracked, but Zatanna did not care so long as it did its job. The stone floated above Zatanna's palm. Curling her fingers, she flipped the stone three times.
"Please. Heal Giovanni Zatara. Cure my father and ease his pain."
Slowly, a red aura appeared out of Giovanni's body. As if like smoke, the aura flowed from his body and into the stone. The little diamond in her hand blackened and became dull. It only took moments, but the stone seemed to have absorbed all the bad from Zatara and then fell flat in Zatanna's hand. Giovanni meanwhile awoke with a jolt.
"GASP!" he sat up letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Father!" Zatanna exclaimed.
"Z-Zatanna? What has happened? What's going on?"
"I used the resurrection stone. I cured your illness. Father, everything will be ok."
"WHAT?! Zatanna, what have you done!?"
"Father, I saved you! We can continue being a family, now!"
"No. No Zatanna. You don't understand. The resurrection stone is deep ancient magic. Even then, it doesn't fully resurrect people. It only allows brief contact once the soul passed into the afterlife."
"But I used a spell to alter it a bit."
Zatara completely froze. His eyes widened in shock and his mouth fell agape. Zatanna started to cry not understanding why her father wasn't proud of her for saving him.
"Father, please. Why are you so distraught."
"Zatanna. You don't understand. You never should have gone down this path…"
"You should have listened to your father, girl," a deep voice boomed within the room.
"Huh?"
The red stone in her hand shattered in an instant. Only dust remained in her palm. Meanwhile the walls of the apartment were completely blown away. A strong tornado ripped through the room picking up both Zatanna and her father. A bright yellow ankh appeared in front of the Zatara's. As the light flashed and vanished, Zatanna was faced with a tall floating figure. His yellow cloak draped around his blue tunic while his gold helmet shined brightly, almost blinding Zatanna.
"Your father was to perish tonight. His time on this plane had run out. And yet you dare to defy Fate," the voice admonished, "You dare tamper with dark forces, corrupting a powerful relic all for your selfish needs."
"Who are you?! What do you want!?" Zatanna screamed.
"Even now, still so foolish. An ignorant child like yourself needs to be taught a lesson."
The figure raised his hand and slowly clenched his fingers together. Giovanni began to seize and vibrate. Though clenching and writhing in pain, no sound came from him. Zatanna tried to float towards her father but every move she made was futile.
"If you will not let Giovanni Zatara pass naturally and peacefully, then I shall take his soul by force."
"NOOOO! PLEASE! YOU'RE KILLING HIM!"
"That is the point, girl. Fate has willed it so. His death must happen tonight else the order becomes unbalanced.
Through the pain, Zatara glanced one last time as his daughter. Unable to make a sound, he could only mouth words to his daughter hoping she would understand. Through her tears, Zatanna watched as her father faded away until he was nothing. Just like that, as Fate clenched his fist, Giovanni Zatara was no more.
"YOU MONSTER! I'LL KILL YOU!" she screamed and wailed.
"I am not finished, girl," he growled, "For defying the natural order of the universe, I hereby curse you, Zatanna Zatara, to roam this mortal plane for all eternity."
"What?!"
"You will never die. You will never age. You will never bear children. You will be an image, frozen in time until you understand how to properly live…"
With a wave of his hand, Fate pushed immense yellow energy towards Zatanna. As the spell hit her, Zatanna could almost feel moisture leaving her skin. She started to feel numb and couldn't breathe. Her eyes could barely stay open while the tornado still raged around her. Just before she passed out, Fate had one final message for her.
"Pray you learn your lesson quickly…"
Moments later, Zatanna woke up on the carpet of her father's bedroom. It was morning. The sun shined brightly through the windows further illuminating the now empty bed. She looked around the flat desperately trying to convince herself that it was all a dream, that her father was cured and would be making tea in the kitchen right now. But he wasn't. The apartment was cold and empty. All she could do was kneel down and cry…
PRESENT DAY
*MUSH MUSH MUSH*
*CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH*
Her boots tore through the forest floor. Anger coursed through her veins. But, she had nowhere to channel these feelings. Zatanna had only met Fate once before, the very night her father died. So, she didn't really know where to start. Her next best guess would be to find that castle in the Highlands which housed the resurrection stone. As luck would have it, it was the 15th lunar day of the month, and the moon was as full as it was going to be. Sure enough, that mysterious castle sat right in the middle of the valley, right where she and John Constantine retrieved the stone all those years ago. Her blood boiled at the thought of her ex. She wasn't exactly certain which part went wrong, resulting in this predicament she was in, whether it was grabbing the stone itself or the incantation he taught her. Either way, she felt sure enough in her bones that John was to blame. Soon she arrived at the castle ruins. Once again, all she could do was wander the halls with a torch. Honestly, Zatanna wasn't even clear on why she came here. But this was the only place she could think of. All she wanted was answers. She just wanted help.
*GRUMBLE GRUMBLE GRUMBLE*
As if on cue, the walls of the castle shifted again. This time, an alcove was presented to her. Inside was the statue of a large griffin. Its wings were spread out but curled about almost in an enclosed hug. Its head stood tall and proud, pointing the beak upwards. Unfortunately, Zatanna had no idea why this statue appeared before her. And yet, it somehow was beckoning her to step forward. There was space in the middle large enough for her to step in. But again, why would she? She needed to find Fate and free Dick as quickly as possible. She needed answers.
"Step in…" a whisper filled her eye.
"Huh?" Zatanna whirled around trying to find the speaker.
With eyes quickly darting around, she couldn't spot anything. For all she knew, she was alone in this castle. Looking back at the statue, Zatanna realized she had nothing to lose anyway. So, she stepped forward and stood underneath the enveloping wings.
"Now what?" she asked.
"Sherbert lemon," the voice whispered again.
"Huh?"
"Say it…"
"Uhh sherbert lemon?"
The stone shook and vibrated slightly. However, it also began to turn and rise in a corkscrew fashion. Zatanna held onto the torso as the griffin/elevator took her who knew where. When it stopped, Zatanna looked out to see they had arrived at an office of sorts. The ceiling was high, and the walls were adorned with various painted portraits. Some were old, bearded men in fancy hats. Others were women with wise glasses. However, they all were doing the same thing, looking at her with intense judgement. Nervously, Zatanna walked into the office, with all those eyes following her. She could feel intense magic flowing through the room. There were some knick-knacks here and there such as a locket, a ring, a diadem, a cup, a snake statue, and a pair of circular glasses with the bridge taped together.
"I see you have returned," a new voice chimed in startling her.
Once again, Zatanna whipped around to see who had addressed her.
"Over here, on the desk!"
Following the directions, Zatanna walked towards the desk in the middle of the office. There was an old lamp covered in webs, random pieces of parchment paper strewn about, and interestingly an old leather witch's hat.
"Well, are you going to stare all night?"
Zatanna was taken aback as the hat moved. As clear as day, she could see the two eyes in the middle column and the mouth at the base near the brim. It moved and gave her quite the sassy glare.
"Nearly a hundred and thirty years and you've got nothing to say?" the hat spoke.
"S-sorry. I just erm did not expect any of this."
"Any of what? Help with your predicament?"
"H-honestly…yes."
"Hahaha you should have heeded our warning back then when we tried keeping you away from that boyfriend of yours."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh child. I know it's been a while but think. We gave you the stone, but we did not trust the intentions of that….John Constantine."
"Y-you mean…"
It took her a second, but Zatanna was suddenly reminded of how violently the room acted towards John. It flung whatever junk object it could find at the man and nearly trapped him inside. She scrunched her face feeling vindicated as her suspicions were confirmed. John cursed her, or at least led to her curse.
"So it was John's incantation that led to where I am now."
"Ehhh yes and no."
"What do you mean?"
"While yes, his little attempt at modifying the stone did result in you getting on Fate's bad side, you in fact brought the curse upon yourself."
"I don't understand."
"Sadly, child, I am in no position to help you understand that part. You'll have to learn that lesson yourself."
"Sigh. But, you said you gave me the stone. Willingly. If you knew I was going to be cursed, why bother revealing the stone."
"Because you asked. Same reason why you are standing before me in the headmaster's office."
"Headmaster? This was a school?"
"Some time ago, yes."
"O-ok but what do you mean I asked?"
"You asked for help. And here in these halls help will always be given to those who ask (and deserve it)."
"So then, I could have saved my father with the stone?"
"No."
"But then why?"
"Your father was fated to die right when you arrived back to see him. The stone as the name implies, does resurrection, but only images and ghosts. It allows the user to briefly speak to the dead. We had hoped you'd only use it to get closure from your father and let him go."
"Oh…"
"Of course, Constantine threw a wrench into that."
"Right…"
"And now here you are asking for help once again to save someone you love."
"Yes."
"You do love him, right?"
"….I"
"If you hesitate, then maybe this was all for not."
"No! Wait!..." she begged.
It took her a moment to really think about it. But all those good memories from Vegas, to the coffee shop, to Wally's wedding warmed her heart. His laughter, his sweetness, his beautiful eyes, everything about Dick Grayson pushed her forward. She was going through with this no matter what.
"Yes," she said with strong conviction, "I love Dick Grayson. And I'm going to save him."
"I thought so," the hat snickered, "You'll find Fate brooding in his tower. Be warned though, the tower can be quite hostile to intruders. Its many illusions can drive even the strongest beings mad."
"I'll do my best. But how will I find the tower?"
"See that golden ball right there?" the hat gestured to the corner of the desk.
"Ok?"
"Grab it. And then follow it. It will show you the way."
"Alright. Thank you for your help."
"Of course. Just be sure to do things the right way this time," it winked.
Looking over, Zatanna eyed the little golden ball, which looked very similar to the one which housed the resurrection stone. Trusting the talking hat, she reached over and grabbed the ball. In the blink of an eye, Zatanna was sucked into a small wormhole of sorts. Just like that, she was transported out of the office to yet another forest. Standing up, she dusted her coat and shook the leaves from her hair. The ball still rested in her palm. She opened up her hand to get a look at the trinket, but suddenly it sprouted wings. Like a little hummingbird it flitted back and forth and then around Zatanna's head.
"Ok…"
Spinning around, the little orb then started zooming in one direction. Worried she might lose her once chance at finding Fate, Zatanna sprinted after the jumpy little thing. Fortunately, the little thing was kind enough to slow down and even check to make sure Zatanna was keeping up. She hadn't had a chance to change from her show attire, so her boots were killing her.
"Ugh these boots are so not made for walking. Eb lacitcarp! (Be practical)"
Quickly her attire changed. She now wore a white blouse with a blue tailcoat. Her high-heel boots were now more comfortable flats that still went halfway up her thigh. Ironically, she could almost hear the little ball snickering. Fortunately, they didn't have to travel far. The ball stopped at yet another forest clearing, but nothing else was there. Zatanna looked at the flying trinket skeptically, but it beckoned her to move forward. With nothing left to lose anyway, she jogged behind it. The little ball stopped at the center waiting for Zatanna to catch up. Feeling immense magical energy, she reached her hand out and felt a barrier of some sort.
"Ok, so the tower is definitely here. But how do I get in?"
As if hearing her query, the barrier started to dissipate. Slowly, right in the middle of this forest clearing, a tall, dark, brick, square tower appeared. Zatanna now found herself standing before a door. It opened as if welcoming her.
"Huh. Maybe I should ask things aloud more often."
As she stepped through the door, Zatanna grabbed the little ball before it could go flying off and exploring. She stuffed it in her pocket entering what looked like an old antique foyer. Twin staircases led up to a second-floor balcony. Some knights in armor stood by along with glass cases filled with presumably power magic artifacts.
"I wondered when you'd find your way here, Zatanna Zatara."
Looking up, Zatanna clenched her fists upon seeing Fate himself looking down at her from the balcony.
"Let him go," she growled, "He's got nothing to do with this."
"Ah but that's where you're mistaken. He is loved by you. Therefore, he is the key to everything."
"He's just a normal mortal with a normal job and a normal life. He's not privy to anything magical at all!"
"Really now? Are you sure?"
"What are you saying?"
"Do you really know everything about your lover, Zatanna Zatara?"
"Quit playing games! Release him now! And I'll go back to the way things have been. I'll keep myself isolated. Forgettable. Like breath on a mirror."
"Oh child. A hundred and thirty years later, and you still haven't learned anything."
With a wave of his hand, Fate completely changed the scenery. Gone were the old antique cases and armored knights. Zatanna now stood on a brick platform surrounded by staircases that went up down, left, right, sideways, backwards, and more. It looked like they were in some ethereal dimension. The various stairwells looked like they just kept going on and on into the dark endless void. Fate floated above her. With a snap of his fingers, Dick Grayson appeared. He too was floating but his wrists and ankles were bound by yellow energy.
"LET HIM GO!" Zatanna demanded.
"You need to learn your lesson first, child. As I said, he is someone you love, making him a key component in your trail."
"I said LET HIM GO! NRUB! (BURN)"
Stretching out her hand, Zatanna launched a stream of fire right at Fate's chest. It honestly caught him off guard and pushed him back a bit. The energy bounds faded, and Dick started to fall.
"Emoc ot em (Come to me)."
Slowly, like a feather, Dick floated towards Zatanna and landed in her arms. She knelt down to be able to support his weight as he gradually woke up.
"Ughhh. W-wha….Zee?" he groaned.
"Shh. Shh Baby. It's ok. I've got you," she caressed his cheek.
"FOOLS!" Fate's voice boomed, "You dare challenge Fate? In my own domain? So be it!"
Pieces of brick were broken off the surrounding stairwells and flung towards Zatanna and Dick. As quickly as she could, Zatanna put up a shield trying to break up the stone pieces.
"What's going on?!" Dick exclaimed now sobering up.
"Talk later. I gotta fight. Stay behind me, ok?"
Not waiting for an answer, Zatanna stood up pushing her shield forward. Tired of just throwing bricks, Fate split himself into various clones. They all waved what looked like yellow whips and all bound themselves to Zatanna. Unable to move, she was forced to kneel down before Fate and his clones. She strained and shimmied but all to no avail.
"Perhaps we overestimated your skill, Zatanna Zatara. We should have punished you much more severely it seems."
"Screw you, Fate! Do your worst!"
"So be….ARGGHH!"
Just before Fate could deal another blow, countless flashbangs and explosives were thrown about. All the little explosives completely disoriented Fate causing many clones to disappear along with their whips. Soon, Zatanna was able to free herself and looked behind her.
"Dick?"
"Hey Zee," he shyly smiled, "I promise I'll explain everything when we get out of this."
"Uhhhh ok?"
By this point, Dick had shed his blue-striped jacket. Wearing just a black t-shirt, Dick sported a grey belt wrapped diagonally around his torso. It had countless little pockets and pouches with a blue bird symbol right on the buckle. His forearms also appeared armored with small little blades coming out of the sides. Zatanna watched in awe as Dick continued throwing disc after disc at all the Fate clones. Soon, only one Fate remained. Dick knelt down and stretched his hand out to Zee. She grabbed it as he helped her up. Finally, everything clicked in her brain.
"Wait….YOU'RE ONE OF THE SPANDEX PEOPLE IN GOTHAM!" she realized.
"Nightwing, at your service, milady."
"But…but….you never…"
"And you never told me you were immortal," he winked.
"…touché."
"Such a touching reunion. Shame it won't last long!" Fate growled.
Readying his stance, Dick pulled two escrima sticks from his belt. Zatanna's hands glowed with electricity ready to fire. Fate launched a beam of energy from his hands splitting the couple apart. Dick rolled to the side firing a grapple. He was able to hook one of Fate's arms and yanked it towards him. Fate struggled for a bit but easily pulled Dick forward and caused the hero to stumble.
"Foolish mortal. You don't have the power to challenge Fate."
"Maybe not. But she does," he winked.
"Tlobrednuht dna gninthgil!" (Thunderbolt and lightning).
As the spell indicated, a bright thunderbolt shot out of Zatanna's hand right at Fate's chest knocking him into a far staircase. The crash caused the whole dimension to rumble. Zatanna could only collapse onto the ground due to exhaustion. Immediately, Dick came to her side and cradled her in his arms. Feeling his touch, she relaxed and leaned closer to his chest.
"Easy, beautiful. I've got you now."
For a moment, just a brief moment, Zatanna let the wave of emotions take her. The warmth from Dick's hugs. The flutter in her heart knowing that Dick was here with her now. She clutched his shirt tightly hoping to get as close to him as possible. Dick reciprocated by carding his fingers through her dark raven hair. Finally, after so long, they were comfortable. But this was too comfortable. Zatanna's eyes widened as she abruptly pushed away from Dick.
"Zee? What's going on?!"
"Dick, I'm sorry. But we can't be together."
"Dammit Zee why not?! I don't care if you can't die. I love you!"
"But Dick. You'll die. And I just. I can't take that pain. I don't want to go through that again. I don't want to watch people I love die. I'd rather be lonely that wrapped up in your arms."
"Zee, that's not living. Part of life is death. You have to understand that. Sometimes you just have to let people go."
"I can't, Dick. I just can't. My heart can't take it."
"Zatanna, please. I'm begging you. Isolating yourself, keeping yourself away from happiness is no way to live. You're just existing if you're closing yourself off from love, from family. Please, trust me."
"Dick I-I just…I'm so scared of being hurt."
"Then please, Zee. Let me share that hurt with you. Let me share that burden. Even if you live for eons after me, let me make you happy for however long I may have."
"But you will die."
"Then I will die happy knowing I loved the most wonderful woman in the world and she loved me back."
Pleading, Dick reached out a hand to her. His eyes filled with longing and tears. Despite the pain she could see, she also saw brilliant blue practically begging for her to take his hand. Slowly she reached out. Still hesitant, Zatanna trembled. She knew Dick was probably right, as she did want to spend the rest of her life with him. But she had spent so long keeping away from everyone. She had existed for a hundred and thirty years….But she hadn't lived.
"Ok," she smiled.
"Zee?"
"You're right. Fuck this curse. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Dick Grayson," she grabbed his hand and pulled him into a hug.
"The rest of your life means eternity," he chuckled.
"Then that means we'll be together for an eternity."
"This quarrel is OVER!" Fate screamed from behind.
It was all a blur. Everything happened so fast, but she could see it all in slow motion. Dick immediately shoved her out of the way. No hesitation. No thinking. Just action. Her heart nearly stopped seeing a beam of yellow energy shoot forward piercing Dick's chest like a blade. For what felt like forever, Dick hung in the air with a yellow energy dagger protruding from his chest. He was straining. He was desperately gasping for air. He was dying…
"NOOOOOOOO!" Zatanna screamed with tears freely falling down her cheek.
The yellow dagger dissipated letting Dick fall. In the blink of an eye, Zatanna jumped forward to catch him. She did her best to cradle his head and prop him up comfortably with her leg. There was no blood, but a clear hole in his chest.
"Why? Why why why Dick?! Why would you do that?!" she asked with tears dripping onto his face.
"Because I love you. I told you I'd do anything for you."
"But Dick….this….this is all my fault. You wouldn't be lying here dead if we hadn't gotten involved."
"S-stop talking. D-don't you dare take away our memories like that."
"D-dick…"
"I loved…" he coughed harshly, "I loved every second of being with you. Waking up to see your face. Watching you dazzle an audience at your shows. Walking you home with warm cocoa in our hands. Y-you are my everything, Zee."
"But Dick, I-I killed you…"
"No. No you didn't," he reached up a hand to cup her cheek, "You helped me live. I promise. Everything will be ok. I'm happy, Zee. I swear."
"Oh, Dick. I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry," she wailed hugging his head close to hers.
"Y-you have to let me go…" he whispered.
"…..O-ok."
"I-I love you."
"I love you too, Dick. Safe travels."
Hearing that last sentiment, Dick closed his eyes and his body fell limp. Zatanna hugged him one last time before placing a kiss on his forehead. Gently, she laid his body on the floor and stood up. Fate had been floating and observing the whole exchange from the side. She glared at him with seething anger. But she was also tired. She no longer had a purpose.
"What now, child?" Fate floated down towards her.
"You are a despicable being. You call yourself a Lord of Order tasked with keeping balance in the world yet all you do is cause people pain."
"And?"
"…and I can't do anything about it. P-people die one way or another. When it's time, it's time."
"Hmmm."
"I see that now. And in tampering with order, consequences are bound to happen. People will die anyway. Even though I have magical powers, sometimes causing unbalance in the universe isn't the answer. I'm sorry, Fate."
"Hmmm."
"What now?"
"You intrigue me, Zatanna Zatara."
"Huh?"
"Initially, my punishment of your immortality was to ensure that you'd see people dying over and over. I had hoped you'd understand that dying was a part of life. Instead, you isolated yourself, preventing any possibility of experiencing true grief. Until you met, Dick Grayson."
"I-I…"
"You loved this boy so much more than any person you've encountered over your hundred-year existence. I wanted to see if you had changed."
"And?"
"Interestingly, you did. In a way."
"I'm gonna need you to stop being cryptic please."
"Sigh. You accepted Dick Grayson's proposal of love. You had learned to live again. And in his death, you accepted the fate bestowed upon him. Finally, you've seen the light."
"I-I have?!"
"Yes, child. You've finally learned to simply live your life or however time you have left. To love when you can and grieve when you must."
"Oh. I see now…"
"You've taught me a thing or two as well."
"Really?"
"Yes. It's clear to me now that love will make mortals do unspeakable things. For eons I had been stringent on the calling of fate. As you said, when it's time, it's time. However, maybe for a select few, extending their lifespan just a tad may do some good."
"Hehe I see you're getting soft in your old age."
"Don't push it."
"Sorry."
"So, after finally learning your lesson, I shall bestow your reward, Zatanna Zatara. Henceforth, you shall no longer be cursed. Starting now, you will begin to age and live amongst the mortals….on one condition."
"And that would be?"
"You must live life to the fullest. Make the most of the limited time you have. That is all I ask."
"I-I can do that."
"Good. And one more gift."
"Huh?"
Fate raised his hand and snapped his fingers. Dick's supposedly lifeless body rose into the air. Bright yellow lights emanated from his eyes, mouth, and chest wound. Slowly, the hole in his chest closed and he was placed gently on his feet. As the light faded, Zatanna cried tears of joy. Through her wet eyes, she made contact with his beautiful blue ones. A cocky smile later, Dick Grayson stood before her alive and well.
"DICK!" she jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"Haha. Hey, Zee."
Without hesitation, she cupped his face and pulled him into a long kiss. He returned the favor savoring what he had been searching for. It was getting a little difficult as Zatanna had wrapped both her arms and legs around him tightly refusing to let go. The two were just in their own little world until…
"Ahem," Fate coughed.
Blushing, the pair separated as Dick let Zatanna down. However, she still hugged his torso closely just wanting to feel him, to make sure he was real.
"Why?" she asked.
"It wasn't his time."
"How much longer does he have left?"
"Does it matter?"
"….No. Because I'm going to love him for every second he's got."
"And I you, Zee. And I you," he kissed her forehead.
"Good," Fate nodded, "Now get out of my tower!"
With a wave of his hand, Fate practically shoved Dick and Zee back out into the forest. Though they fell on their backs, the two quickly got up only to find themselves in an empty clearing. The tower had disappeared. Zee couldn't even feel the magic emanating anymore. And she didn't care. Instead, she hugged Dick tightly again basking in the scent that was now hers to enjoy. Tightly he hugged her back.
"I'm sorry," she whimpered into his chest.
"For what?"
"For running away without saying goodbye. For causing all that stress of trying to find me. I didn't want to leave you like that…"
"It's ok, Zee. It's ok," he stroked her hair, "I loved you enough to try and find you again. And I'm glad you took me back. Clearly you had business to attend to. But I promise you, Zee, wherever you need to go, I will follow you."
"I just, looking back I have so many regrets…"
"That's ok. The past is the past and that will never change. That was before. This is now."
"Right. We're in the here and now."
"I promise you, Zee, from now on your pain is my pain. I will never let you go alone to face any fight. I'll follow you like morning follows night."
"Hehe when'd you get so poetic," she looked up at his eyes.
"I can be when I try," he winked.
"Speaking of fighting," she grabbed the utility belt still wrapped around his chest, "Seems like you have some explaining to do."
"Sure. Care to do so over coffee?"
"Mmm I'm more of a chai tea kinda gal."
"Whatever you want. My treat."
Hand in hand they walked through the clearing. With the moonlight upon them, Zee couldn't help but sneak one last look at Dick. He returned her gaze with a smile of his own. Finally happy, she jumped up and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you for not giving up on me, Dick."
"Thank you for choosing to love me, Zee."
AN: Like Morning Follows Night - Jeff and Casey WilliamsWoohoo! We did it! We made it to the end of this 3-parter! I hope you all enjoyed the ride. I know this isn't suuuper fluffy but idk I felt like we needed to end on a big action piece of sorts. Besides, maybe you should keep a lookout for another chapter? ;)
Anyway, once again thank you all so much for reading and supporting. I know updates in general have been few and far between, but I've really enjoyed this hobby of fanfic writing and I hope to continue it as long as I can.
Special thanks and recs obviously to these wonderful fic writers on AO3:
RomanticDreamer
HumbugZee
ecllpse
cest_inutile
4shur4 .
Hopefully I can find time to put HTBC back on track. But I just needed some fluff, cuz if you're caught up on HTBC...well :/
Anyway, take care yall!