noitatnacni | 004

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004 | Voice

[Remember, remember, the fifth of November; that’s how it goes, right? Except Zatanna has an entirely different reason for keeping that date in mind; today’s the anniversary of the last time she saw her father. That combined with everything that’s happened, from the mess Billy’s Malnosso-influenced magic caused to being powerless on the moon, has her thinking pretty hard about things. Who she is, what she can do—all the things she can’t do.

As usual, she’s on the roof of the newly-renamed Ground building when she turns on the journal. It’s the traditional spot for deep thinking.]

You know, I used to be okay with what I could do. Even if I wasn’t the best, I could still make a difference and help people. Except lately, that hasn’t exactly happened. There are people here who can do such incredible things; it kind of makes me wonder what I’m really doing with my time. I mean, I know we’re not supposed to remember when we go home—but anyone could show up here, right?

[Maybe even her dad—or maybe Fate.]

So I was wondering: there wouldn’t be anyone looking to take on a magic student around, would there? I can already do some things, like create illusions and transform objects, but I need to learn more—a lot more.

[She hesitates a moment, then tacks on something else. It’s a long shot, but she has to try.]

Or even if someone doesn't want a student, I'd be happy if anyone has any advice about beating a Lord of Order.

[And if anyone asks, she can definitely go meet them. Other than that though, Zatanna’s not going to venture out much. Today’s the sort of day where she really doesn’t have it in her to pretend to smile and be okay.]

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[Now here's an interesting post and Max thinks it over before replying.]

I'm not sure what you're actually wanting to learn, but I might be able to help with some stuff. I've never taught before though.

At this point? I'd be up for anything. There's been too many times when I couldn't do anything to help the people important to me.

I don't want that to happen again.

That I can definitely sympathise with. If I can help, I'm willing. I tend to specialise in shields and wards. Protection actually. So some of that might be of use.

It definitely couldn't hurt. [Hey, battle ready application like shields? Zatanna's not going to say no.]

So when do you want to get started?

Give me tomorrow off to recover from the hangover and I'll be free whenever you want.

Wow; already planning for a hangover. I've clearly found an excellent role model.

I like to plan for these things. I am throwing a party tonight after all.

Yeah, that bonfire thing, right? I saw when you talked about it a couple of days ago.

Have fun with that.

Bonfire night, Guy Fawkes night, yeah. It's a big thing where I come from. Fireworks, good food, stuff like that.

I'm sure I will. You're welcome to come along if you're free.

[It doesn't take a genius (or a Robin) to figure out that the roof is the place to be. Jason doubts that there's anything he can add or contribute, really, but the least he can do is try to lend an ear, so he heads up to the roof anyway, casually bantering as he makes his way over.]

You know, I almost feel bad sometimes. We practically own this roof. I sure hope our new neighbors won't mind too much.

[He's just joking, of course. He actually didn't spend as much time up here as the other two did. But anyway—]

Mind if I take a seat?

[Jason's one of the few people she's okay seeing. She even manages a small grin for him, along with a wave.]

Considering the other things that 'we' [mostly meaning Robin] might put them through? I think they won't mind a little roof hogging.

I don't mind. Sit wherever you'd like.

I guess you're right. [He shrugs, taking a seat right beside her.] This is tame compared to the usual stuff. Before you know it, they'll be thanking us for being such good neighbors. Maybe they'll even bake us a pie.

I'd settle for not having them pound down our doors thinking we're all invasive and paranoid. [Okay, so that hasn't actually happened as far as Zatanna knows. But she wouldn't put it past some people to do that--or other people to make them mad enough to.

Still, it's hard to meet Jason's banter today, and Zatanna glances over to the side.] So fair warning, I'm not going to be great company today. It's kind of a bad anniversary for me.

Don't worry about it. [He shakes his head. He'd heard the entry she'd made over the journals, so he at least had an idea of what he was in for.] I just figured it might be nice to have someone around, you know? Besides, I can keep myself amused just fine.

You can, huh? Sounds like the sort of thing our neighbors might have to worry about. [But an apology pie is just as good as a thanks-for-keeping-the-suspicious-guy-at-bay pie, right?]

You're probably right. I'm the kind of kid you've gotta watch out for. [So smug, like there's totally nothing wrong with that.] But at least if we're up here, the only one that's gotta worry about my troublemaking is you.

...A lord of the what, now?

Lord of Order. Magical beings who fight for balance and order in the world, to stop chaos from being the driving force of things.

Magical beings?

Bloody hell.

[ he regrets asking, now. he'd thought she'd simply meant some kind of noble house. ]

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

[Poor guy. She figured from the question he didn't have a clue, but the living embodiments of universal forces are pretty intimidating, even as concepts.]

I guess magic isn't a big thing where you're from?

Depends on the manner of the claim, I reckon. But no -- where I'm from, blind superstition is more common.

It's the same where I'm from, at least among the greater population. Superstition isn't so prevalent, but it's still more common than people actually doing sorcery. So are sleight-of-hand and optical illusions--stage magic.

Sleight of hand, I know. [ a pick pocket had to know it, really. ] But when I say superstition, I suppose I mean the sort of people who believe in dead saints rising from their graves on account of hallowed banners bein' flown. Things like that.

[ He can't teach magic and has no idea what a Lord of Order is, but. ]

Are you allowed to fight dirty? [ #pirate logic ] If you are, then stretching a rubber band at someone's face usually makes them flinch!

[Okay, whether or not this guy is being serious? Zatanna actually does smile a little at that one.]

So what do you do if he wears a helmet that covers his whole face? Oh, and doesn't flinch at anything, since he's pretty much a being that's existed since the beginning of time. That part might be important too.

[ Holy crap. ]

What are you fighting a guy like that for?! He must be a real monster!

It's complicated. [All of it, because as much as she hates what Fate has done...even Zatanna can't say he's a monster.] But I have to figure out a way to stop him to save my father.

… he's threatening your dad? [ A little rhetorical. She did just say that, after all. But it makes things a little more serious to his sensibilities. ] Does he have any kind of weaknesses at all?

I wish I could help. But all I've got under my belt is my rad disappearing act.

No more falling through walls?

[Yeah, it's been awhile since that happened. Zatanna can still tease though.]

Still, it's got to be pretty useful.

That was just a one-time thing! And... it's over with! Kitty's here, now.

It is very useful. It could be the most useful. A lot better than walking!

Well, I might have a few tricks up my sleeve, but almost all of it's attack-based. Stuff like elemental attacks, anti gravity... Comes in handy, but I don't know if that's your cup of tea.

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