Sentinels of Magic: Chapter Three
Title: The Sentinels of Magic.
Author: Asase
Rating:PG 13(just to be safe)
Genre: Action, friendship, fluff
Characters: Zatanna, Madam Xanadu, Phantom Stranger
Summary: Touring New Orleans
Word Count: 2,054
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or organizations from the Young Justice cartoon, comics, or expanded DC universe.
The Sentinels of Magic
Chapter Three
New Orleans
January 16, 10:30 CDT
The pair Zeta-ed onto one of New Orleans back streets. Gathering Zatanna’s belongings they moved on to the center of the city and hailed a cab. Madam Xanadu’s shop was in a three story historic row house. Xanadu knocked sharply and her strong man opened the door. He took hold of Zatanna’s luggage with ease.
“Follow me,” Xanadu ordered heading towards the back stairs, past the colorful baubles and trinkets of her shop. They looked impressive but Zatanna could feel no power within them.
The second floor was a different matter. The various charms, rods, stones and other magical objects sung out to her with their power.
“Where did you get all of these,” Zatanna asked eyes wide.
“I’m a collector of sorts. Do not touch!” Xanadu warned halting Zatanna’s outstretched hands, “Some of these objects are better left alone,” seeing the disappointment in the girls eyes she continued, “I will give you a proper tour later. Right now let’s get you settled.”
The room was small, cozy, with enough room for a twin bed, a dresser, a wardrobe and a vanity. It did however have two large windows that faced the city’s busy streets and was as bright and colorful as the rest of the house.
“I hope that it isn’t too small,” said Xanadu apologetically, “I don’t often have guests.”
“No, it’s perfect,” Zatanna approached one of the windows and gazed downwards.
“Well then. Why don’t you take an hour to unpack a bit and freshen up, then we will go get some food.”
***
The restaurant was small but crowded. It was obvious why it attracted crowds once the food was placed before them. Zatanna had dreamed of visiting New Orleans because of the food, but her father had found the city too unsavory for a family visit. She tried a bit of everything. The seafood, soups and rice dishes were a bit spicier than Zatanna was used to, but still managed to retain its flavor. Zatanna later made the mistake of trying a little of Xanadu’s plate, the spices scorched her tongue.
“How can you taste anything!” Zatanna asked after gulping down her second glass of milk. The dairy was supposed to deaden the spice but it didn’t seem to be working.
Xanadu smiled at the younger woman, “I warned you.”
Zatanna pouted and Xanadu laughed.
“Dessert?” the older woman offered.
“Sure, maybe the sweet would work better,” Zatanna glanced at her now empty glass.
The waitress brought out an array of desserts. Zatanna later resolved to beg the chef for the beignet recipe, certain that Megan would adore it.
‘***
After A quick tour of downtown they returned to Xanadu’s shop. Zatanna watched as Xanadu preformed another fake reading. Xanadu explained that magic, real magic, was not to be taken or used lightly. Most of Xanadu’s clients entered her shop with petty requests about love, money, or power, but there was one, a middle aged woman who only wished to speak to her son. He was in the armed forces and had recently passed during a skirmish in Afghanistan. Xanadu summoned the young man’s spirit and the woman left with contented tears. Zatanna teared up as well.
“Oh stop,” Xanadu chided, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry,” Zatanna dabbed her eyes, “It’s just-“
“Hush child,” Xanadu held Zatanna close and stoked her hair, “Come, that’s enough work for today.”
Zatanna giggled up at her, eyes still damp, “But you barely worked for three hours.”
“Yes, and see how much money I made!” Xanadu grinned, “Now I promised you a tour of my gallery.”
They barely scratched the surface of Xanadu’s many treasures. Some of them Xanadu had found during her travels others were entrusted to her by other sorcerers, wizards and witches, all of them were uniquely powerful.
***
They settled down in Xanadu’s living room. The older woman had brewed a pot of tea and set out some cookies from one of the local bakeries.
“Why New Orleans?” Zatanna asked while putting sugar in her tea.
“Why not live somewhere grander you mean?” Xanadu took a sip of her own tea.
“Yeah,” Zatanna took a bite of her cookie, and chewed thoughtfully. Her eyes brightened, they had a crisp lemon flavor. “Sure this place is very charming but after living so long wouldn’t a town this small become boring?’
Xanadu didn’t get the chance to answer. There was a sharp knock at her door.
Xanadu’s eyes narrowed, “What does he want,” she growled.
“Who?” Zatanna asked alarmed.
“No one,” the older woman paused, “I need you to hide. Now!”
Zatanna stood and prepared herself to use a simple spell.
“No magic! Just hide the old fashioned way.”
“Okay…” Zatanna moved to rush off deeper into the house, thought better of it and retuned t o grab a few cookies. Holding one in her mouth, she then moved towards the back of the house.
Xanadu moved purposefully to her first floor. The knock sounded again.
“What do you want Phantom?” she asked not bothering to hide the irritation in her voice.
“I only came for my customary reading Madam,” the stranger spoke amicably, “but you closed your shop early.”
Customary reading, Xanadu thought bitterly, the bastard only comes by when he feels like it and wastes my time. “It’s my shop I can close it when I want.”
“Oh, well then. I guess since business is not going to occur then I could say that I stopped by to visit an old friend.”
“Go away Phantom.”
“You did a lovely job on these wards. It would be a shame for you to have to redo them if I am forced to break them.”
Xanadu stiffened.
“Do not be concerned. I really did just come to talk.”
Xanadu growled deep in her throat and opened her door, she glared at her visitor. “What do you want?” she asked again.
The Phantom Stranger was a slim man in a dark suit. A long cape was draped over his shoulders attached by two round medallions. He straitened his hat with a gloved hand. “Like I stated previously I just came to talk,” he pushed past her and into her home. Xanadu sighed and closed her front door.
“Your private quarters are upstairs correct?” He didn’t wait for an answer, or invitation, before heading up the stairs. Xanadu followed behind him.
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
The Phantom ignored her. He made his way to the living room and took Zatanna’s chair.
“Ah! I’m just in time for tea,” he takes a sip from Zatanna’s cup and Xanadu blanched. “Just the way I like it! You know your precognitive abilities have gotten stronger over the last century,” he picks up a cookie and takes a large bite; he swiftly chases the cookie down with the rest of the tea. “They changed the recipe….” he held the cookie up inspecting it, “They were better when they were sweeter.”
“Phantom,” Xanadu said though clenched teeth. If she let him he would continue stalling.
‘Oh..yes business.” He puts the half eaten cookie down. “I have heard about your attempts to re-form the Sentinels. I have come to offer my assistance.”
“Don’t need it.”
“Oh come now. Zatara was a great chap and a friend of mine as well. I’m just as sad as anyone to see him go.”
“Then where were you?” Xanadu asked eyebrow raised. “With your power you could have snapped your fingers and removed the treat.”
“That is very true, however some things are meant to be. Even I can not change the fates as I please,” he lowered his voice, “Xanadu you know that if I could have interfered I-“
“Save it.”
“Please don’t…please don’t be upset,” he continued his eyes soft.
Xanadu plopped down in her chair and pinched the bridge of her nose, “I know. The Lords of Order have their plans. I just…”
“Now,” he interrupted, he’s mood suddenly brighter, “Where is the little one?”
“Little one?” Xanadu asked warily.
“Yes! You took on Zatara’s child as your apprentice did you not? It is pretty late, has she already been sent to bed?”
Xanadu’s shoulders slumped. There was no point in hiding her new charge any longer. “Zatanna please come here!” she yelled.
Zatanna tiptoed from deeper into the house.
“Well,” the Phantom’s eyes grew large, “I must have my when’s mixed. She’s older than I anticipated,” he gave a lopsided smile. “Don’t be shy. Come here.”
Zatanna looked to Xanadu for direction.
“He is called the Phantom Stranger. Go on. He won’t hurt you. He’ll just pester you into oblivion,”
Xanadu’s tone of voice did little to alleviate Zatanna’s suspicion but she stepped forward anyway.
“Amazing!” Phantom exclaimed, “Her power is completely untainted. Who was her mother again?”
“Sindella,” Xanadu answered.
“Yes, Sindella! Lovely woman.”
“You knew my mom?” Zatanna asked.
“No. But I’ve heard stories.”
“See what I mean!” Xanadu exclaimed.
Zatanna stifled a giggle.
Xanadu returned her attention to the Phantom. “How exactly do you plan on helping me with the Sentinels?”
“I was able to get in contact with Nommo,” he answered.
“Who?”
“Dr. Mist.”
“Ah.”
“Are they all Doctors?” Zatanna interjected.
“Are who all doctors My Dear?” the Phantom turned to Zatanna.
“Well there’s a Doctor Fate,” the girl counted on her fingers, “Now theirs a Doctor Mist. Is there magical Doctorate program or something?”
“Well there are magical colleges so I suppose that-“
“No,” Xanadu interrupted, it’s just a way to sound more impressive Zatanna,” Xanadu explained, “Phantom what does Mist want?”
“He has offered the use of his castle as a base of operations.”
“In Kor?” Xanadu asked in disbelief.
“Yes. It is a grand opportunity. The library there is fantastic.”
“What does he want?”
“Nothing.”
The Phantom Stanger’s answer was met with silence.
“He honestly wants nothing in return... You are certain that he is not lying?”
“Very much so. I can take you both to him tomorrow. You can discern his intentions for yourself Xanadu.”
“I’m not sure that that is a good idea.”
“Do not fear. I would never place the young one in danger. “
“There’s a castle!” Zatanna’s eyes were bright, “Please say we can go!”
Xanadu sighed, “Very well.”
***
???
January 17, 7:15 CDT
It was dark in her dream. Those were the first signs that something was amiss. The darkness, most of Zatanna’s dreams were full of light and color, and the fact that Zatanna was reasonably certain that this was a dream. Or at least she hoped it was. She could see only herself, but her form lacked color, and she glowed with an eerie light. Her feet were planted firmly on the ground but paranoia kept her from wondering further into the darkness. A soft whimper could be heard. It echoed in the air.
“Hello!” Zatanna called out.
The whimpering continued, to Zatanna’s ears it sounded like someone was crying.
“Hello?”
The noises halted.
Undeterred Zatanna called out again. “Do you need help? Where are you?”
“You should leave,” a small voice, a child’s voice, answered.
“Um…Okay. But you could leave with me?”
“No!” the voice yelled, “I can’t leave. It won’t be safe for the others if I leave. “
“What others? “
“It’s nothing. Nothing.”
“You don’t have to be scared. I can help you. That’s what I do. It’s what my friends do. We help people. We could help you, and the um …Others.”
“I’m not scared,” the voice did not sound sure, “The others said that this is what I must do to make sure that everyone is safe.”
“This? You mean stay here? No, the others are wrong. Come with me. We can find a better way.”
“No!” the voice echoed around Zatanna, “It’s almost light now. You should go and don’t come back. Never come back!”
Everything was enveloped in a bright white light blinding Zatanna. She jolted awake and jumped at the knock to her bedroom door.
“Yes!” she answered hastily.
“Morning!” called Xanadu, “I will have breakfast ready soon.”
“Okay!”
The dream had disoriented Zatanna; she scanned her new living quarters, remembering where she was. The morning sun streamed through the windows; despite the implied warmth she shivered remembering the dream. She hoped that it was just a silly nightmare and not a bad omen.
Chapter Two
Chapter Four
Author: Asase
Rating:PG 13(just to be safe)
Genre: Action, friendship, fluff
Characters: Zatanna, Madam Xanadu, Phantom Stranger
Summary: Touring New Orleans
Word Count: 2,054
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or organizations from the Young Justice cartoon, comics, or expanded DC universe.
The Sentinels of Magic
Chapter Three
New Orleans
January 16, 10:30 CDT
The pair Zeta-ed onto one of New Orleans back streets. Gathering Zatanna’s belongings they moved on to the center of the city and hailed a cab. Madam Xanadu’s shop was in a three story historic row house. Xanadu knocked sharply and her strong man opened the door. He took hold of Zatanna’s luggage with ease.
“Follow me,” Xanadu ordered heading towards the back stairs, past the colorful baubles and trinkets of her shop. They looked impressive but Zatanna could feel no power within them.
The second floor was a different matter. The various charms, rods, stones and other magical objects sung out to her with their power.
“Where did you get all of these,” Zatanna asked eyes wide.
“I’m a collector of sorts. Do not touch!” Xanadu warned halting Zatanna’s outstretched hands, “Some of these objects are better left alone,” seeing the disappointment in the girls eyes she continued, “I will give you a proper tour later. Right now let’s get you settled.”
The room was small, cozy, with enough room for a twin bed, a dresser, a wardrobe and a vanity. It did however have two large windows that faced the city’s busy streets and was as bright and colorful as the rest of the house.
“I hope that it isn’t too small,” said Xanadu apologetically, “I don’t often have guests.”
“No, it’s perfect,” Zatanna approached one of the windows and gazed downwards.
“Well then. Why don’t you take an hour to unpack a bit and freshen up, then we will go get some food.”
***
The restaurant was small but crowded. It was obvious why it attracted crowds once the food was placed before them. Zatanna had dreamed of visiting New Orleans because of the food, but her father had found the city too unsavory for a family visit. She tried a bit of everything. The seafood, soups and rice dishes were a bit spicier than Zatanna was used to, but still managed to retain its flavor. Zatanna later made the mistake of trying a little of Xanadu’s plate, the spices scorched her tongue.
“How can you taste anything!” Zatanna asked after gulping down her second glass of milk. The dairy was supposed to deaden the spice but it didn’t seem to be working.
Xanadu smiled at the younger woman, “I warned you.”
Zatanna pouted and Xanadu laughed.
“Dessert?” the older woman offered.
“Sure, maybe the sweet would work better,” Zatanna glanced at her now empty glass.
The waitress brought out an array of desserts. Zatanna later resolved to beg the chef for the beignet recipe, certain that Megan would adore it.
‘***
After A quick tour of downtown they returned to Xanadu’s shop. Zatanna watched as Xanadu preformed another fake reading. Xanadu explained that magic, real magic, was not to be taken or used lightly. Most of Xanadu’s clients entered her shop with petty requests about love, money, or power, but there was one, a middle aged woman who only wished to speak to her son. He was in the armed forces and had recently passed during a skirmish in Afghanistan. Xanadu summoned the young man’s spirit and the woman left with contented tears. Zatanna teared up as well.
“Oh stop,” Xanadu chided, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry,” Zatanna dabbed her eyes, “It’s just-“
“Hush child,” Xanadu held Zatanna close and stoked her hair, “Come, that’s enough work for today.”
Zatanna giggled up at her, eyes still damp, “But you barely worked for three hours.”
“Yes, and see how much money I made!” Xanadu grinned, “Now I promised you a tour of my gallery.”
They barely scratched the surface of Xanadu’s many treasures. Some of them Xanadu had found during her travels others were entrusted to her by other sorcerers, wizards and witches, all of them were uniquely powerful.
***
They settled down in Xanadu’s living room. The older woman had brewed a pot of tea and set out some cookies from one of the local bakeries.
“Why New Orleans?” Zatanna asked while putting sugar in her tea.
“Why not live somewhere grander you mean?” Xanadu took a sip of her own tea.
“Yeah,” Zatanna took a bite of her cookie, and chewed thoughtfully. Her eyes brightened, they had a crisp lemon flavor. “Sure this place is very charming but after living so long wouldn’t a town this small become boring?’
Xanadu didn’t get the chance to answer. There was a sharp knock at her door.
Xanadu’s eyes narrowed, “What does he want,” she growled.
“Who?” Zatanna asked alarmed.
“No one,” the older woman paused, “I need you to hide. Now!”
Zatanna stood and prepared herself to use a simple spell.
“No magic! Just hide the old fashioned way.”
“Okay…” Zatanna moved to rush off deeper into the house, thought better of it and retuned t o grab a few cookies. Holding one in her mouth, she then moved towards the back of the house.
Xanadu moved purposefully to her first floor. The knock sounded again.
“What do you want Phantom?” she asked not bothering to hide the irritation in her voice.
“I only came for my customary reading Madam,” the stranger spoke amicably, “but you closed your shop early.”
Customary reading, Xanadu thought bitterly, the bastard only comes by when he feels like it and wastes my time. “It’s my shop I can close it when I want.”
“Oh, well then. I guess since business is not going to occur then I could say that I stopped by to visit an old friend.”
“Go away Phantom.”
“You did a lovely job on these wards. It would be a shame for you to have to redo them if I am forced to break them.”
Xanadu stiffened.
“Do not be concerned. I really did just come to talk.”
Xanadu growled deep in her throat and opened her door, she glared at her visitor. “What do you want?” she asked again.
The Phantom Stranger was a slim man in a dark suit. A long cape was draped over his shoulders attached by two round medallions. He straitened his hat with a gloved hand. “Like I stated previously I just came to talk,” he pushed past her and into her home. Xanadu sighed and closed her front door.
“Your private quarters are upstairs correct?” He didn’t wait for an answer, or invitation, before heading up the stairs. Xanadu followed behind him.
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
The Phantom ignored her. He made his way to the living room and took Zatanna’s chair.
“Ah! I’m just in time for tea,” he takes a sip from Zatanna’s cup and Xanadu blanched. “Just the way I like it! You know your precognitive abilities have gotten stronger over the last century,” he picks up a cookie and takes a large bite; he swiftly chases the cookie down with the rest of the tea. “They changed the recipe….” he held the cookie up inspecting it, “They were better when they were sweeter.”
“Phantom,” Xanadu said though clenched teeth. If she let him he would continue stalling.
‘Oh..yes business.” He puts the half eaten cookie down. “I have heard about your attempts to re-form the Sentinels. I have come to offer my assistance.”
“Don’t need it.”
“Oh come now. Zatara was a great chap and a friend of mine as well. I’m just as sad as anyone to see him go.”
“Then where were you?” Xanadu asked eyebrow raised. “With your power you could have snapped your fingers and removed the treat.”
“That is very true, however some things are meant to be. Even I can not change the fates as I please,” he lowered his voice, “Xanadu you know that if I could have interfered I-“
“Save it.”
“Please don’t…please don’t be upset,” he continued his eyes soft.
Xanadu plopped down in her chair and pinched the bridge of her nose, “I know. The Lords of Order have their plans. I just…”
“Now,” he interrupted, he’s mood suddenly brighter, “Where is the little one?”
“Little one?” Xanadu asked warily.
“Yes! You took on Zatara’s child as your apprentice did you not? It is pretty late, has she already been sent to bed?”
Xanadu’s shoulders slumped. There was no point in hiding her new charge any longer. “Zatanna please come here!” she yelled.
Zatanna tiptoed from deeper into the house.
“Well,” the Phantom’s eyes grew large, “I must have my when’s mixed. She’s older than I anticipated,” he gave a lopsided smile. “Don’t be shy. Come here.”
Zatanna looked to Xanadu for direction.
“He is called the Phantom Stranger. Go on. He won’t hurt you. He’ll just pester you into oblivion,”
Xanadu’s tone of voice did little to alleviate Zatanna’s suspicion but she stepped forward anyway.
“Amazing!” Phantom exclaimed, “Her power is completely untainted. Who was her mother again?”
“Sindella,” Xanadu answered.
“Yes, Sindella! Lovely woman.”
“You knew my mom?” Zatanna asked.
“No. But I’ve heard stories.”
“See what I mean!” Xanadu exclaimed.
Zatanna stifled a giggle.
Xanadu returned her attention to the Phantom. “How exactly do you plan on helping me with the Sentinels?”
“I was able to get in contact with Nommo,” he answered.
“Who?”
“Dr. Mist.”
“Ah.”
“Are they all Doctors?” Zatanna interjected.
“Are who all doctors My Dear?” the Phantom turned to Zatanna.
“Well there’s a Doctor Fate,” the girl counted on her fingers, “Now theirs a Doctor Mist. Is there magical Doctorate program or something?”
“Well there are magical colleges so I suppose that-“
“No,” Xanadu interrupted, it’s just a way to sound more impressive Zatanna,” Xanadu explained, “Phantom what does Mist want?”
“He has offered the use of his castle as a base of operations.”
“In Kor?” Xanadu asked in disbelief.
“Yes. It is a grand opportunity. The library there is fantastic.”
“What does he want?”
“Nothing.”
The Phantom Stanger’s answer was met with silence.
“He honestly wants nothing in return... You are certain that he is not lying?”
“Very much so. I can take you both to him tomorrow. You can discern his intentions for yourself Xanadu.”
“I’m not sure that that is a good idea.”
“Do not fear. I would never place the young one in danger. “
“There’s a castle!” Zatanna’s eyes were bright, “Please say we can go!”
Xanadu sighed, “Very well.”
***
???
January 17, 7:15 CDT
It was dark in her dream. Those were the first signs that something was amiss. The darkness, most of Zatanna’s dreams were full of light and color, and the fact that Zatanna was reasonably certain that this was a dream. Or at least she hoped it was. She could see only herself, but her form lacked color, and she glowed with an eerie light. Her feet were planted firmly on the ground but paranoia kept her from wondering further into the darkness. A soft whimper could be heard. It echoed in the air.
“Hello!” Zatanna called out.
The whimpering continued, to Zatanna’s ears it sounded like someone was crying.
“Hello?”
The noises halted.
Undeterred Zatanna called out again. “Do you need help? Where are you?”
“You should leave,” a small voice, a child’s voice, answered.
“Um…Okay. But you could leave with me?”
“No!” the voice yelled, “I can’t leave. It won’t be safe for the others if I leave. “
“What others? “
“It’s nothing. Nothing.”
“You don’t have to be scared. I can help you. That’s what I do. It’s what my friends do. We help people. We could help you, and the um …Others.”
“I’m not scared,” the voice did not sound sure, “The others said that this is what I must do to make sure that everyone is safe.”
“This? You mean stay here? No, the others are wrong. Come with me. We can find a better way.”
“No!” the voice echoed around Zatanna, “It’s almost light now. You should go and don’t come back. Never come back!”
Everything was enveloped in a bright white light blinding Zatanna. She jolted awake and jumped at the knock to her bedroom door.
“Yes!” she answered hastily.
“Morning!” called Xanadu, “I will have breakfast ready soon.”
“Okay!”
The dream had disoriented Zatanna; she scanned her new living quarters, remembering where she was. The morning sun streamed through the windows; despite the implied warmth she shivered remembering the dream. She hoped that it was just a silly nightmare and not a bad omen.
Chapter Two
Chapter Four