The Sentinels of Magic: Chapter Four
Title: The Sentinels of Magic.
Author: Asase
Rating:PG 13(just to be safe)
Genre: Action, friendship, fluff
Characters: Zatanna, Madam Xanadu, Phantom Stranger, Dr. Mist
Summary: The Wizard King
Word Count: 2,662
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or organizations from the Young Justice cartoon, comics, or expanded DC universe.
The Sentinels of Magic
Chapter Four
New Orleans
January 17, 10:00 CDT
The Phantom Stranger reached into his back pocket and pulled out a piece of blue chalk. He selected a section of brick wall and drew a door. He then replaced the piece of chalk in his hands with a crystal doorknob. He placed the doorknob on the rectangle and turned. The lines of chalk lit up, and the section of wall they outlined disappeared revealing a narrow stone stairwell. The Phantom descended the stairs, trusting that the two women would follow.
As they descended stones within the walls began to glow with an internal light, revealing that they were not made of rock but of some type of crystal. Zatanna reached out to touch one and deep tingling sensation did not leave her arm for several minutes after.
"Madam. Why are you so sullen?" the Phantom asked, "You were quite chipper at breakfast."
"You know exactly why Stranger," Xanadu snapped at him
"How does the mortal phrase go? Never look a gift horse in the mouth."
"Yes. It is a mortal phrase isn't it. Perhaps I shouldn't put my trust in the advice of those so short lived."
"You will at least smile once we see the king?"
"Of course. It wouldn't do to have him think I'm rude."
They reached the bottom of the stairwell to see a small pier. A boat with a rower waited for them. The rower removed his hood to reveal a dark skinned man with golden eyes wearing a broad rimed straw hat. He tugged on the hat as he addressed the group.
"Your payment?"
"Ah yes. One moment." The Phantom reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small bag. He handed it to the ferryman.
Zatanna tugged at Xanadu's sleeve. Once she gained the older woman's attention she gave her a look filled with equal parts curiosity and fear.
"Don't worry," Xanadu whispered, "It's not that ferryman."
The ferryman emptied the contents of the bag into his hand, revealing a large blue gem. He held it up to the dim light to inspect it. "You have the Witch King's favor…Come then"
The trip took them through dark caverns and just when Zatanna felt that it could become no darker bright pin points of light surrounded them, like multi colored stars. They gave the caverns shape and reflected on the water.
"What type of rock is this?" Zatanna asked.
"The rock itself is not special," the Phantom explained, "It is what the rock contains. The Wizard King's kingdom is famous for its precious stones."
As they pushed on the dots became larger. Soon the geographical features of the cave were made more of gems than rock, becoming large multicolored structures that glowed with their own light. Zatanna inspected the stones, they contained spells for speed, safety and stability.
The boat reached a large and ornate gate. The ferryman knocked on the gate three times with his oar, the sound reverberated throughout the caverns. The gate opened slowly and the light from the other side temporary blinded the group.
The river continued into a city. People of various shades of brown walked along the river. They all wore long and flowing robes with intricate embroidery. The men's dark hair was twisted into thick braids. The women wore large turbans and beaded jewelry glittered along their necks, wrists, and ears.
The buildings were tall and made of a light tan stone. Gems were everywhere, used as key architectural details and used in signs. Several outcroppings were scattered through the city as common as granite boulders.
The boat pulled into port and the ferryman helped his passengers onto land. A woman approached them. She bowed deeply and up close Zatanna could see that the beads were small gems.
"If his Honored guests would follow me, "the woman smiled and turned moving deeper into the city.
***Kor
January 17, 15:00 GMT
Zatanna's eyes were craned upward the entire trip. The woman gave them a tour of the city, pointing out the sights. As they came closer to the palace the grander the buildings became. Zatanna searched for clues to her whereabouts within the building's architecture. However the architectural styles were all mixed up. One could actually see a progression of history as they progressed through the city. She tugged on Xanadu's sleeve once more.
"Where are we?" Zatanna asked.
"Somewhere in Western Africa."
"Only somewhere?"
"I attempted scrying for Kor once. I could only narrow it's location to a region."
"It is still amazing. The trip was barely thirty minutes long. I noticed hastening spells in the stones but I did not guess that it would move that fast."
"The stones have a latent ability to enhance and store magic. Perhaps his highness will allow you to study them."
Zatanna noticed the edge to her mentor's voice, "Have you meet before?"
"Yes."
"Is he an old enemy… or friend?"
Xanadu gave Zatanna a sharp look before smiling, "Your father was a very astute man. It was foolish of me to expect less from his daughter despite her age." She placed her arm around Zatanna's shoulders, but did not comment further on past relationships. They continued to walk through the city leaning on each other.
***The palace was astoundingly bright. Men and women moved to and fro. Some were workers going about their daily routine, as if this place could stand more polish. Others were scholars, or politicians holding books and papers. Zatanna caught snatches of vehement debates. The most astounding thing was that there was no apparent social hierarchy. No division among the classes. Being in a palace of all places, Zatanna expected a more outdated attitude concerning the hired help. However the workers held their heads high, were greeted warmly, and even engaged in conversations.
There were also performers, marked by how little clothing they wore, their dark skin gleamed under the palace lights. Their masks were pushed up to reveal tattooed faces. A small cat like creature jumped from one of the performer's shoulders onto Zatanna. It had large eyes and rounded ears. Its tail was bushy and ringed but its body had spots like a leopard. It butted Zatanna's head begging to be pet. Its owner was very apologetic, although Zatanna had no clue what he was saying. She believed that the language was French and suddenly regretted taking Spanish in school.
"Sorry," Their guide removed the animal from Zatanna's shoulders and returned it to the man with a short explanation. The performer bowed and smiled before going on his way. "He saw that you were a visitor and spoke the only Romantic language he knew."
Zatanna cocked her head as she watched him leave. "So I'm guessing Italians don't make it to this part of the world often?"
"Historically no. There have been a few but not in droves like the French. However, I would not be the best one to ask, I haven't spoken to a Roman since Cicero."
Zatanna gaped at their guide, hoping that there was more than one Cicero. She couldn't mean the philosopher, she didn't look older than twenty."
"Our people are…long lived," the guide explained after noting Zatanna's surprise. "Now let us continue."
***They were taken to a Moroccan inspired great room. It was filled with plush jewel toned cushions and large brass lanterns hung from the ceiling.
"Please make yourselves comfortable," Their guide gestured to the room. "There are rooms to your the left for the ladies, and to the right for the gentleman, if you would like to freshen up a bit."
Men entered the room carrying silver trays. The trays contained various foods, cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables and breads as well as sauces to dip them in. They placed the trays on the center table. The men were followed by several women carrying pitchers, kettles and cups. The women left their offerings on the center table as well.
"Here are some refreshments. The Honored one will be with you shortly."
The servers lined up behind their guide. They all bowed before exiting the room.
The Wizard King's guests took the opportunity to refresh themselves. The bathrooms felt larger than Xanadu's home, multiple stories and all. It was an exaggeration but Zatanna expressed it anyway.
"You will find Zatanna that everything is big here. Mist does not understand subtlety," Xanadu explained.
Zatanna made a face.
"It isn't exactly a fault," she said while reapplying her eye makeup in a mirror, "But it can complicate things." She replaced the top to her mascara. "Also I should warn you. He's terribly flirtatious."
"I don't think that it would apply to me."
"You're female," Xanadu deadpanned, "it applies to you."
The ladies returned to the great room to find the Phantom Stranger enjoying a hearty plate.
His face lit up when he saw them. "Xanadu! They have really good pomegranate."
Xanadu marched over to him. "All of these exotic options and you are raving about the pomegranate?" she scolded.
"You know I prefer the classics."
Zatanna giggled at their behavior before joining them.
***It was fortunate that the Wizard king appeared when he did. The cushions were extremely comfortable and Zatanna was seconds away from nodding off. The king had an effortlessly relaxed posture. His hair was cropped short and his beard was neatly trimmed. Mist's robes were heavily embroidered but he only wore a moderate amount of jewelry, the gold and gems of his large earrings glinted off his dark skin. However, the most striking thing about him was the pendant around his neck. Waves of magical energy radiated from the necklace, but Zatanna could not tell the objects purpose. The trio moved to stand and the king raised his hands, halting them.
"Please do not stand," his voice was weary, "I plan on sitting myself and I'm tired of formalities." He settled onto the cushions.
"You look tired," said the Phantom Stranger as he poured the king a drink.
The king accepted the cup, smiling lightly. "Politicians," he took a sip from the cup. "You would not think that we have been arguing over the same issues for millennia with the amount of effort they put into it."
"Dr. Mist. I would like to introduce you to Zatara's daughter Zatanna." The Phantom beckoned Zatanna to stand.
Dr. Mist stood and offered his hand. Zatanna took it in a hand shake.
"I knew your father for a time." He bowed deeply, almost bending himself in half in the process. He turned her hand palm down and kissed it, "I tried to take his wife."
Zatanna flushed, before she could control her body's reaction. Despite the warning she was taken off guard.
Xanadu cleared her throat loudly.
"Excuse me," the Wizard king winked at Zatanna before releasing her hand.
Sensing trouble Zatanna hurried to reclaim her seat.
The king approached Xanadu arms spread wide, "My rose. My lady of the lake. How my palace pales before your beauty." He spoke over dramatically and Zatanna was reminded of a certain speedster.
Xanadu crossed her arms and glowered at him.
"Now Xanadu you said that you were going to smile!" Phantom reminded her.
Xanadu shot the Phantom a withering glare and Phantom just carried on oblivious.
"Mist," Xanadu started tersely.
"Yes my pearl," He sat next to Xanadu and casually cast his arm around her shoulders. He smiled widely, enjoying the torment he caused.
"Would you care to explain what you stand to gain by offering us your home?"
"I want to reopen the school to the public."
"Now?"
"Yes. Out of all of the candidates you have for this …team the one I am most interested in is Mera."
Xanadu gave him a dirty look.
"Do not start," he clasped Xanadu's hand, "My intentions are pure. Besides that savage husband of hers would have half his army try to run me through before we heard the end of it," He rubbed Xanadu's hand. "She has performed wonders with her students at the conservatory. I only want to collaborate with her. I would even offer you a position if you would take it."
"So you're starting up your own Hogwarts?" Zatanna asked, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
The king's brows furrowed, "That book misrepresents so much concerning the occult it's atrocious."
"You've read the Harry Potter books?"
"Young lady I am immortal. I have read everything," he returned his attention to Xanadu, patting her knee. "Come I will show you the new campus grounds"
***"This is my room for the night?" Zatanna's eyes glowed. The room was fit for a princess, an Egyptian one to be precise, judging by the décor.
"Yes Miss Zatara," the maid fully entered the room and opened the curtains.
Zatanna ran and threw her self onto the large four poster bed, bouncing slightly upon her landing.
The maid giggled at Zatanna's exuberance. "Will you require anything else?"
Zatanna popped up. "No. Thank you for everything though."
"You are most welcome. Call upon any of us if you require assistance." The maid left the room quietly.
"I see you like it." Xanadu entered the room and took a seat on the bed.
"I liked your room too!" Zatanna added hastily.
Xanadu gave a deep chuckle," I'm going to head back to the house. I-"
"You're not staying?"
"I'm just gathering some items that may be useful. I will be back by dinner. I've been told to let you know that you may freely wonder the palace. Just do not go to the west wing"
"What's in the west wing?
"Apparently one of their wizards has been performing experiments and at the moment large sections of the west wing are in ruins because of said experiments. "
"Oh…"
"By all reports she is still held up in her half ruined laboratory attempting to get the spell right."
"So it's still a war zone."
"Precisely."
"Are you sure you don't want company?"
Xanadu patted Zatanna's head, "I will move faster if I am alone. Have fun!"
***New Orleans
January 17, 1:00 CDT
Xanadu was escorted back by two of the palace guards. They waited for her by the river. Once entering her home she felt a familiar presence. She moved into the kitchen to see a young man raiding her fridge.
"You're a long way from home John."
The youth pulled himself from the fridge, a pear in his mouth. His blond hair was messy and his clothing was unkempt. He also needed to shave, badly.
He removed the pear and shut the refrigerator door, "You weren't home."
"And that translates to an open invitation? You know what. Never mind I don't want to know the answer."
The youth finished the pear in two bites, "Got anything decent to eat? I know that you gotta watch your figure, being an old and all, but how' a bloke's gonna eat proper with noting but bird food around?"
"You don't get to ask questions John. You walked out on me remember."
Constantine tossed the core into he trash, easily making the shot. "Well now I'm back." He leaned against the counter and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his jackets pocket. Xanadu snatched them away. He pouted at her.
"Tsk. Still a child. I won't train you. I gave you multiple chances and you threw them in my face."
He looked away from her,sullen.
" But… I know of a place were you can get training. It would require a lot more discipline on your part."
"I don't do well with discipline."
She ignored his comment, "It's in Kor."
"You're just tryin' to pawn me off on someone else."
Xanadu reached into her purse and pulled out a twenty dollar bill. She held it in front of him. "Get some food." She snatched it away as he grabbed for it. "Only food… Think the offer over and leave a message here when you decide." She placed the money in his hand and left the kitchen.
***Notes
So my version of Dr. Mist is so out of character…but I think he's more fun this way.