Title: The Sentinels of Magic.
Author: Asase
Rating:PG 13(just to be safe)
Genre: Action, friendship, fluff
Characters: Zatanna, Madam Xanadu, The Team
Summary: Goodbyes
Word Count: 2,318
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or organizations from the Young Justice cartoon, comics, or expanded DC universe.
The Sentinels of Magic
Chapter Two
The Watchtower
January 14, 12:00
The Justice League gathered around their meeting table, it had since been lengthened to accommodate the newer members. An extra chair was provided for Madam Xanadu, she sat at Batman’s right.
“Everyone has access to the files?” Batman asked.
The members nodded.
“Good. Let’s begin.”
***
The Cave
January 14, 12:35 EDT
Zatanna had never been a neat packer. Her room was currently in tatters, loose stacks of clothes and books were scattered across the floor. She turned to answer a knock at her door.
“Come in.”
“Hey!” Robin opened the door slowly, ”What are you holed up in…” he paused, his eyes growing wide, “You’re packing.”
“Yeah,” Zatanna continued to organize a large suitcase, her body turned from him.
“You’re leaving.”
“Yeah.”
“But you just got here!”
“It’s only been a few months Robin.”
“Why?”
“Why?” she turned towards him, “Batman didn’t tell you? I’m going to go train.”
“Oh!” he said relived, “So this is just a training trip.”
“Yeah,” she giggled, “You didn’t think I was going away forever did you?”
“No,” he denied, straightening his glasses, “So who are you training with?”
“She calls herself Madam Xanadu. She said she knew my dad.”
“You’ve never heard of her?” Robin raises an eyebrow, “That doesn’t sound safe.”
Zatanna shrugged, “Batman seems to think it’s okay. He introduced me to her.”
“It must be okay then...Here, I’ll help you pack!”
Robin entered her room and pulled open a dresser drawer. Without looking he reached in and pulled out something lacy and red. “Uh…”
Zatanna smirked, “I think I got it Rob.”
Robin blushed, he quickly replaced the undergarment and closed the drawer. “Yeah…uh. I’ll just see you when you get done,” he backed out of the room and closed the door.
“There you are,” Wally said his mouth full of scone.
Robin grabbed Wally by the arm and dragged him away from Zatanna’s door.
“Where’s the fire dude?”
Robin peeked down the hallway, making sure that the coast was clear, “Zatanna’s leaving for a training trip,” he whispered.
“Now?” Wally whispered back, “Is it supposed to be a secret or something? Why are we whispering?”
“I want to plan a surprise farewell party for her,” Robin answered in a hushed tone.
“It’s a bit last minute though right?” Wally asked, “She’d definitely see us getting it ready.”
“I’ll take care of that,” Robin crossed his arms, “Is every one here?”
“Yeah, they’re in the kitchen.”
“Good.”
***
“The next candidate is Blue Devil,” said Batman.
Stewart peered at the screen, “We considered him for League membership right?”
“Yes. He wasn’t an exact fit,” Batman answered
“I like it,” said Wonder Woman, “The group could use some muscle.”
“Any objections?” Batman surveyed the room.
The group remained silent.
Batman turned to the seer, “Xanadu?”
“He wields Lucifer’s Trident,” Xanadu mused, “It could be quite useful.”
“Then he makes the cut,” Superman pressed a button displaying the next candidate on the screen, “Next on the list is Deadman.”
Green Arrow snorted, “Deadman?”
Batman narrowed his eyes, “Brand is currently unfit.”
“You know him?” Superman asked
“I’ve met him briefly,” explained Batman, “Perhaps another time. He has his own matters to attend to.”
***
The Team gathered in the living room. They huddled together around the sofa, speaking in hushed tones.
“Are you sure she’ll be surprised?” asked Artemis, “I mean you taking her out on a date and bringing her back to the cave later is a pretty obvious set up.”
Robin leaned in closer, “We can have it on the observation deck. That way when we return she won’t immediately see the party. It’s not too cold out today so it should be alright.”
“According to the forecast it will be a clear night,” Kaldur rubbed his chin, “The stars should be visible.”
“Oh!” M’gann grabbed a magazine from the coffee table, she flipped through the pages. After locating the desired page she held it up for everyone to see. “We could do this!”
“A Wintery Wonderland?” Conner read aloud.
“Isn’t the table pretty?” M’gann asked, eyes gleaming, “ Zatanna showed this to me last week.”
“That’s gorgeous!” Raquel exclaimed.
“Okay. We will go with that then,” Robin decided.
“If we split into teams we can easily acquire everything we need,” suggested Kaldur
M’gann used her powers to float in a pad of paper and a pen from the kitchen. “I’m making a list,” she announced, “Artemis and Raquel can you two help me in the kitchen?”
“Sure,” said Artemis.
“You cook?” Wally peered at the archer.
“I’ve been helping my mom cook since I was little,” she replied and shrugged.
“I’m gonna have to duck out,” said Raquel, “I can’t cook at all.”
“We won’t be doing anything that hard,” M’gann assured her.
“Just trust me… Take Kaldur!”
Everyone looked at Kaldur expectantly.
“I have yet to attempt surface cooking methods,” Kaldur said hesitantly.
“But,” Raquel placed her hand on Kaldur’s shoulder, “I’d bet you’d be a lot better at following directions than I would be,” she grinned widely.
“Okay then!” M’gann ripped off a page, “Here’s the list of what we will need.”
***
“John Constintine?” asked Jordan.
“He’s just a punk,” said Xanadu, “Burst into my shop last year wanting me to train him. I tried, but he was… difficult, impatient.”
“It may be best to keep an eye on him,” Batman suggested.
“He’s eighteen now. He can take care of himself. Unless you wish to train him?” Xanadu challenged.
Batman pressed the button for the next candidate.
“Who put Mera on the list?” Aquaman asked, angry.
“I did,” said Wonder Woman, “She is the head instructor of the Atlantean Conservatory of Magic.”
“You should have asked me.”
“I asked her.”
“She’s pregnant,” Aquaman said through clenched teeth.
“But not incapacitated. She has great knowledge and power, and she won’t be with child forever.”
“As queen her place is in Atlantis.”
Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow, “But the King can come and go as he pleases?”
“Enough!” said Batman, his tone harsh.
“Okay…” Superman said hesitantly, ”Next is Bloodwynd.”
“A necromancer?” asked Captain Atom.
“That might be a bit too dark,” said Green Arrow.
***
Zatanna entered the living room, she had packed as much as she could stand, and needed a break. M’gann floated up to her and gave her a tight hug.
“I’m going to miss you!”
Zatanna hugged the taller girl back, “I won’t be gone too long”
“But it will feel like a long time!” M’gann wailed.
“So what do you say we all hang out today!” Zatanna exclaimed.
The group looked at each other.
“Actually, I kinda wanted to take you out,” said Robin.
“Out?”
“Yeah. Like date out.”
“We’ll be here when you get back,’ M’gann assured her, “We can watch a few movies or something,”
“Oh?” Zatanna eyed her teammates suspiciously, “In that case a date sounds wonderful.”
***
“The Enchantress,” Black Canary tucked a lock of hair under her ear, “That sounds promising.”
“She is too unstable,” Xanadu warned, “In the time that I have known her she has aided both light and dark forces.”
Canary shrugged, “Well, so much for that.”
“This is a recommendation from Rocket,” stated Icon,
“Xombi?” asked Hawkman, peering at the screen.
“Yes. Although he prefers to be called by his given name. Rocket met David Kim sometime ago and assisted him in subduing a large beast. It called itself Maranatha.”
“That thing was loose?” Xanadu asked alarmed.
“It is no longer at large thanks to their combined efforts. Mr. Kim was once a scientist. After an accident he gained the ability to regenerate his body at an astounding rate. He now spends most of his time protecting Dakota from supernatural threats.”
Xanadu nodded, “That sounds quite promising. How can we contact him?”
“I believe he and Rocket are patrons of the same supermarket,” Icon replied, “I will ask her to offer the invitation.”
***
Robin made several last minute arrangements for the day. Being the adopted son of Mr. Wayne certainly helped. They ate lunch in the choice spot of one of Happy Harbor’s local restaurants. Their table was near a large window that over looked the ocean. Next they zeta-ed over to San Diego to visit the Zoo. And then it was off to New York City.
“Trapeze lessons?” Zatanna asked.
“You were upset that you didn’t get to go on the circus mission right?” Robin responded, “ Don’t worry I won’t let you fall.”
Robin escorted her into the large building. Patrons were already receiving lessons. They watched as the instructors preformed more complex maneuvers.
“Mr. Draper?” a young man approached the pair, holding a clipboard.
“That’s me.” Robin answered.
“You’re right on time. Come this way please. We will get you two changed,” the man moved deeper into the building.
Zatanna made a face, “Draper?”
“You won’t tell anyone right?” Robin winked at her. He linked his arm with her and pulled her along to the changing rooms.
“This feels kind of weird,” Zatanna pulled at the tights. The base of the suit was black with cream and golden chevrons across the chest.
“It looks great to me,” Robin said reverently, his suit was bright blue.
Zatanna blushed “Thanks. Can you do this with your glasses on?”
“You are talking to a professional. Come on the session’s about to start!”
***
“This Etrigan fellow sounds quite ghastly,” said Martian Manhunter.
“He is,” Batman said dryly.
“Cross that one off the list then,” Green Arrow muttered.
“Isis seems to be very powerful,” commented Hawkwoman.
“Um...I’ve meet that Isis lady,” said Captain Marvel, “She’s pretty mean,”
“Pretty mean?’ Flash asked, “I assume that ‘s your professional opinion?” he grinned.
Captain Marvel blushed. “Our power comes from a similar source. However Isis uses hers for personal gain, or to aid her husband. He’s pretty mean too.”
“While we are on the topic why isn’t Captain Marvel on the list?” asked Jordan.
“The League is already more than enough responsibility for someone in his situation,” Batman rumbled.
Further discussion on the topic was halted immediately.
***
Robin and Zatanna entered the Cave, it was completely deserted.
“Where is everyone?” Zatanna wondered deeper into the cave.
“Maybe they went out to grab something to eat?” Robin offered.
“Yeah,” she sounded disappointed.
“What’s wrong?” Robin placed his hand on her shoulder.
“I was expecting there to be a surprise party or something.”
“Well it was last minute,” he squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
“I know,” she perked up, “Well since we are alone.” Zatanna grabbed Robin and kissed him fiercely, he returned her kiss.
Someone cleared their throat. The couple pulled away from each other, startled.
“I see you two have returned safely,” Kaldur smiled a little.
“Hey Kal,” Robin said, he straightened his glasses, “Where is everyone?”
“The team is currently on the observation deck enjoying the night air. Would you two care to join us?” the corners of Kaldur’s mouth quirked upwards, “Or do you have other plans?”
“No we will join you,” Robin took hold of Zatanna’s hand and followed Kaldur to the deck.
“Surprise!” they all yelled.
A couple of tables had been pulled onto the observation deck. The main table was covered with a white table cloth. A line of ice blue candles were placed on the center of the table, surround by paper snowflakes in various shades of blue. White charismas lights were strung amongst the paper cut outs. The place mats were the same ice blue as the candles. Large white plates rested on them and dark blue bowls were on top of the plates. Frosted goblets were filled with sparkling cider sat at the corner of the placemats. Blue and white paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, as well as lines of more Christmas lights, illuminating the space.
Zatanna gasped. She covered her mouth with her hands and tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh Megan!” she rushed over to hug the girl, “It looks just like the magazine. No! it’s better than the magazine. How did you all mange this?”
“Just a little magic,’ Wally suddenly pulled an ace out of thin air.
“We cooked all of your favorite foods,” said Artemis as she gestured to the second table.
Robin rushed forward to pull out the chair at the head of the table, “And here’s the seat of honor!”
***
“Zatanna,” said Xanadu abruptly.
The girl’s picture was placed up on the screens.
“She’s too young,” said Aquaman.
“She is young.,” Xanadu admitted, “ But I believe that it is important that she play a part in realizing her father’s ambitions.”
“She lacks experience,” said Wonder Woman.
“How can she gain experience unless given an opportunity?” asked Xanadu.
“You sugar coat your words, “Fate accused, “You only wish to use her to gain sympathy.”
Xanadu glares at Fate, “It is a test, I want to see what is reflected when they look into the girl’s eyes,” She looked to the league, “Experience is not always a virtue. It was experience that led the magical community to lay low once Klarion attacked. The other side is not holding to the old ways why should we?”
The League was silent.
“The group needs someone to question our view of the world,“ Xanadu continued, “She may be young but she had the courage and moral fiber to do what she must to save this realm. And after meeting her I can safely say that even without your blessing she would still rise up to do it again,”
“That particular attitude seems to be quite common,” said the Flash dryly.
Silence once again permeated the room.
“We will consider it Xanadu,” said Batman carefully, “That is all I can promise.”
***
Notes
I feel that this Robin is supposed to be a mixture of Dick and Tim. So I’m using one of Tim’s aliases (Alvin Draper) from when he was with the Young Justice Team in the comics.
Chapter One Chapter Three