Post by Green Lantern on May 29, 2015 17:30:06 GMT -5
Aquaman His body collided with the hard concrete of the rooftop, cracking it from the force that he hit. Two of the assassin's collapsed on him, pinning Arthur to the roof as a third came barreling through the air with his pike raised and aiming for his throat. Although the were strong, they were no match for the blond's strength as his arms as he freed one of his arms and shoved his palm up into one of his enemies' chin and pushed his head into the path of the oncoming weapon. Not wanting to injure his ally, the falling one landed with the point of his weapon stopping short of piercing through the head of his fellow. Orin brought his right leg up and kicked that one in the stomach, sending him flying back as he freed his other arm and punched the other two back. Quickly rolling backwards onto his feet, a blast of energy sent him spiraling across the rooftop and again onto the ground. He felt his body being lifted up and then hurled through the air as his head began to clear. Turning his body, he saw the one with the pike coming for him and his hands reached up and caught it, fingers wrapping around the weapon as they dropped through the air and, this time, crashed through the roof, dropping down and through the stage below as spot lights illuminated their fall. Out of the corner of his eyes before he broke through the wood, Orin caught the sight of a woman standing in fishnets, a tux top, and top hat.
Zatanna The performer grinned at the crowd. Wearing fishnets paired with a dancer's bottom and a pleated dress shirt, bow-tie, jacket with tails, and a top hat worn at a jaunty angle. It was clear that this lady magician enjoyed her work and it's artistic flair! She had just finished a trick where she had pulled on two ropes, in a rejoining rope trick, from her shirtless stud of an assistant. only to not just rejoin it, but also had his boxers, joined in the middle! She didn't think she could ever get Vladi to blush, but she did! "Give Vladi a big round of applause!" she said as he quickly exited the stage his heart printed boxers in his hand. It had been a long tour for Zatanna the world's greatest magician! 20 stops in three months. It had been a whirlwind of a mini tour and it was leaving the magician rather worn out. She couldn't wait to be back in San Francisco in a bubble bath, hibernating for a month. But to be in front of the audience, to see their looks and gasps at her death defying escapes and one of a kind tricks. That made it all worth it. She loved the spotlight and the roar of the applause. It reminded her of being on tour with her dad when he was working the circuit. If only he could see her now... She smirked as she changed up her act for the big finale. "We have time for one more trick! But I'm going to need a volunteer..." as she scouted the audience there was a tremendous crash of cement as the ceiling caved in! With honed reflexes she gestured with her wand and said "Cistym dleihs tectorp eht ecneidua!" a slight flash of light was scene as a wall of magic separated the stage from the crash. She saw two creatures fall down with the rubble and go right through the stage! Her mind raced, she hadn't heard anything from the Justice League, she still had her On Call status, but they would have let her know if something was going down this close to her performance! She smiled at the audience. "Hehe, looks like volunteers are just dropping from the sky to be a part of the act!" she joked, passing it off as if it was supposed to happen. "XiF roolf!" and the cement flew out of the hole and repaired the roof top, blocking anyone else who may be up there. she peered into the hole of the working area beneath the stage. "Thgil!" little orbs of light appeared in the darkness below her and she peered down the hole to see who or what crashed her show.
Aquaman The goings on above went unnoticed by the two Atlanteans that scuffled with each other down in the hole. Curses and grunts were given as they fought over the weapon, Orin seeking to deprive the assassin of it while he sought to drive it through his rib cage and into his heart. Finally, a thunderous blow resounded out and a cry of pain came. The front of the stage cracked from the force of something striking it and then the two bodies met again in a headbutt as the light began to shine down on the. Faster than the human eye could see and appearing as a flash to it, a cry of pain came out as Orin gained control of the pike and drove it through the stomach of his would be killer. "You wouldn't stop..." he stated coldly, ocean blue eyes shining with ferocity as he locked his gaze onto the armored Atlantean. Right hand sliding back towards the opposite end of the weapon, he brought the end off and then shoved it up through the bottom of the mouth of the other, through the roof of his mouth, and into his brain before dropping his lifeless body to the ground.
Zatanna The stage seemed to lurch as something struck beneath her feet with a loud sound. What was going on down there?! As the orbs of light illuminated the darkness beneath her, the magician saw to her surprise two men down there, both seemingly unhurt and fighting it out. They were inhumanly fast and strong. Meta's? no... aliens? there seemed a sense of... magic about them. The blonde man seemed suddenly pluck the pike from his adversary and plunged it into the man's gut! Oh no. No body was getting murdered in her show! but before she could even say the words on her tongue, the man did a quick finishing move and shoved it up through the guy's mouth and up into his brain, the man instantly going limp, as the pike was dropped. Zatanna had no idea if this a fugative or a hero trying to protect the theatre. But this guy just killed someone! She would have to ask questions later. she whispered under her breath. "tropsnart ednolb nam ot xob no egats!" magic seemed to act strange with the man, but in a spark of light he was suddenly transported into the upright magic box on stage. "and there's our guest!" the crown applauded at the entrance.
Aquaman Staring down at the dead Atlantean, Orin's eyes narrowed while his fingers clenched into fists. Another stupid one trying to kill him and there were at least two more still out there waiting. Before he could react, however, he found himself staring out across darkness with bright lights shining in his eyes, stinging them from the intensity of the light. He grimaced while his eyes began to adjust, gaze flicking back and forth. "What is all this?" he asked, face hard with furrowed eyebrows to compliment the intensity of the look. Two and two were quickly put together as Orin realized that he had found himself pulled into some sort of magic show. "Let. Me.," he began to say before something possessed him to look up and he remembered. They assassin's wouldn't come for him while he was in a public place. Atlantis prided itself on its ability to keep secret and attacking him where he was risked too much. So instead, he fell silent, sleeveless green shirt torn in places from the scuffle.
Zatanna Orin's adjusting eyes would show a packed audience in the theatre, many amused and amazed faces out there. A voice answered his question. "That is everyone's question tonight. But I must say, you get the best seat in the house." she teased as she moved in front of the magic box he was, giving him a better look at that top hat, tails, and fishnets, he caught a glimpse of earlier. She smiled at him as he struggled a little in the box, only his head showing from it. She seemed relieved when he went quiet, finally playing along. Only a hint of his torn sleeve could be seen by the audience. She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a padlock and locked the door to the box closed. "Just to make sure you don't go anywhere, I don't want you missing this." she turned to the audience. "For my final trick of the night, it's a happy little number called 'Death by Comet!" she raised her hands and started to chant with bravado. "Through the ancient mists of time, from eternal night's cold embrace..." a wand appeared her hand and started to swirl it. green motes of light and smoke started to swirl and build around her magic wand. Filling up the air above the magic box Orin was trapped in. The patter was hokey. It even was back in the day when her father did this act. "I summon the mighty comet..." some of the light condensing into a solid ball of light, the comet roaring towards the front of the box to destroy it. She had to admit, it was a great affect though. "To smite ye from this place!" The comet struck the box. "paz mih ot eht tsrif ytmpe teas ni tnorf" she whispered. The comet shattered and splintered the box and Orin felt himself merge with the comet as it roared through the box, his face showing from the front of it now, as it carried him to an empty seat splattering there, leaving him seated as the magical light faded. The crowd roared and jumped to their feet.
Aquaman He remained still as she continued the preparation for the trick. She was good... he guessed? Magic shows had never really been his thing when he was a kid but he could tell that the audience was certainly into it. That this was to be the final trick meant that he'd clearly missed most of the show too and these things were always about the build up and the excitement, pulling you further and further away so you could suspend your disbelief. Arthur could not help but scoff when she said the trick was to be Death by a comet. Yeah. That was as likely as Orm rising up from the ocean to proclaim that Atlantis would be an ally to the U.S. government. His eyes followed the flowing lights as they swirled around him, sarcastic smirk on his face... until the comet actually came soaring at his face. The man's eyes went wide as his mouth dropped. No... she couldn't have... As the comet came closer, his arms pushed against the box, but it was too late. As the lock broke and dropped to the floor, the comet hit him and suddenly he found himself in a seat out in the audience, one leg of his cargo shorts pushed up a bit, whole appearance disheveled and eyes fixated on the woman on stage. Only one thought came to his mind as he looked up at her, presence flowing off of her and gleaming like a light all on her own. "Wow..."
Zatanna "Thank you! You were a great audience! Eyb!" and then there were some fireworks, a flash of light, and she was gone off the stage. The curtains came down. The announcer could be heard. "That was Zatanna!" The applause continued until the curtain came up again. The stage was fixed and she was lounging on it leaning against a white tiger while several white doves sat perched about her, while she petted a rabbit in her lap. The lights were subdued on staged. A number of candles were lit about her. It gave a kind of after hours feel of the performance. "Did you all miss me already?" she teased. "Okay one more trick, but just because you all asked so nicely." She then proceeded with a entrancing act where she was making the flames dance and change color to music. At one point she had some colored flames dancing on her hand. She then pulled matching colored silk handkerchiefs out of the tinted candle flames. the silks so large, dancing in the air above her. Before they collapsed with a wave of her hand, the flames going out at the same time, the stage suddenly very dark. More lights came on as a wind seemed to blow the silks off the stage, the magician and her animals were gone. The lights went out again as the curtain lowered. "That was the Amazing Zatana! Thank you all for enjoying our show!" The seat next to orin was suddenly filled. Dressed in plain clothes, jeans and t-shirt which said "Magic Castle" wearing a ball cap with a 'Z' on it, was the magician herself. "We need to talk." she whispered to the blonde man. Gesturing to a side exit to get backstage.
Aquaman For reasons that he did not understand, Arthur found that he could not move from his seat and for the rest of the show he sat there and watched. Oceans blues fixated on the woman as she came out, performing the finale that had the entire room on its feet, save for the Half-Atlantean, cheering and applauding the beauty of it. For his part, his personality had his appreciation subdued enough that he only marveled at the magic tricks with his eyes with the light held inside the orbs hinting the subtle enjoyment he had. Once the show was finished, a few moments passed before his mind returned and his fingers wrapped around the ends of the arms of the chair, holding on as he started to push himself up before all progress halted when the familiar feminine voice spoke to him. His eyes immediately went to her. She was dressed far differently than she had been just seconds ago, but there was no mistaking who the woman was. The show was over, however, which caused the magic that held him here to fade and his normal, cold personality to resurface. "No we don't," he stated firmly before moving to stand up. There were still two assassins out there and he needed to find them. God forbid Waller find out about them, somehow, and out the existence of Atlantis. He got away this long by ducking and dodging anything that started to lead down that road, but the woman was stupid and Amanda Waller was known for figuring out, if she didn't already know, things about you that would leave one speechless.
Zatanna The magician could feel it, she had every eye in the house on her, transfixed by the beautiful dance like magic act. her movements gracefully pulling off trick after trick. This moment, where everyone was just on the edge of their seats, transfixed by her magic, only had one word to describe it, spellbound. She even noticed her unexpected guest watching seeming to enjoy himself. And then the show was over, a few whispered spells and she was one of the crowd, sitting next to her guest. They had a lot to talk about. But he was icy wooden and stubborn. She grabbed for his arm to have him pull away. "Yes, we do. You left me a little present in this theatre and we need to talk about it..." she wouldn't chase after him, but he would find every time he went away from her, she would appear just ahead of him in the crowd. Her own icy blue eyes fixed on him. "I'm giving you the chance to show who you are. Don't force my hand, I'm great with cards."
Aquaman He felt her hand close around his bicep and immediately his entire body stiffened as he pulled out of her grasp. "No. We. Don't." He took a few steps forward but there she was again. Turning around, he started to walk the other way but, again, she was in front of him. Cursing, he started down another aisle but once more she was in front of him. No matter which way his gaze turned, this magician was constantly in his view. He had a few options. Arthur -could- just leap through the roof and cause quite a scene in his escape. Not the best idea when he was involved with a secret government group that employed super villains as agents. He could try and get away through the crowd still, but that wasn't working out. "Fine...." he stated, voice showing his annoyance at the state of affairs he had found himself in, "lead the way." He would follow wherever she led.
Zatanna smirked a little as he tried so to get around her and the crowd, but with a few whispered words she was there again. He was annoyed that he couldn't get away from her, and he had every right to be. But she had a corpse on her hands and whether he was a victim or a murderer, she aimed to find out what was going on. She had many crazy things happen in her shows, but dead bodies wasn't something she wouldn't tolerate. This man took out the other who was armed with his own weapon. So, he was dangerous. But then again so was she! She started to lead him toward the backstage door, when she whispered. "rood ekat su ot ym ginsserd moor." as they stepped through they were in her dressing room, numerous costumes and trick props, as well as flowers for her performance were everywhere. the door closed itself behind them. "So, what's going on? Why did you drop into my show and kill someone beneath my feet? I should summon my detective friend to sort this out for me, but I'd rather give you benefit of the doubt. And you will kaeps eht hturt, speak the truth." she re-iterated.
Aquaman Annoyed at the situation that he had been roped into explaining himself to some random woman in a top hat, Arthur followed after her. When they reached the door, his eyebrows lifted up as she muttered some sort of phrase that he had never heard of, although he had never been one for the magical arts, and in he walked with her. Almost immediately, all of his senses were assailed by the various colors, smells, and tastes in the air which left him wide eyed and stunned that this was a dressing room. It was unlike any thing he could have thought about; appearing to him as more of a studio apartment than a place for a quick change of costume. The woman's questions came only moments later and Arthur was pulled back into the moment and his face, which had shown his shock and awe at the room, reverted back to its cold state. Again with one of those phrases. "I am the former king of Atlantis. Those men are Atlantean assassins sent by my brother, Orm, the current king in an attempt to ensure that I am never able to reclaim the throne from him as is my birthright as the elder son. That I killed them here was by accident and their putting me through the roof." The explanation was rattled off as if it were practiced but, once he had finished, he stopped dead in his tracks. Dumbstruck at the fact he had just given a relatively complete answer as to why they had been after him. "What the hell did I just...?" Arthur took a step back from the woman, his eyes watching her cautiously, "you... with that talk. It was some sort of spell wasn't it?"
Zatanna The magician took a seat in her lush chair before her make up table. Her feet propped up on an old trunk, watching the strange blonde man as he stood there stunned in her dressing room. Zatanna gave a small amused smile as he looked about at the colorful costumes, the fragrant flowers from fans, the array of magic trick props she kept on hand. The room had a lived in look, and she liked it like that. Her dressing room was more her home away from home than any hotel room, she even had an array of posters from over the years on one wall. Including one about the Amazing Zatara introducing his daughter Zatanna. The man quickly composed himself at her questions, that mask of coldness slipping back into place. She rested her chin in a gloved hand listening as the man spoke, nearly gushing as he went into detail about who he was and why he crashed her show, literally. Her eyes widened a bit as he talked about Atlantis.She knew it was a real place, but had never actually met anyone from there yet, it did certainly explain why Arthur had a sense of magic about him. But a former king? an assassination plot? Very interesting."Goodness, you are full of surprises aren't you? Thanks for being so honest." she gave a bit of a sly smile as that wave of realization spread over his face and watched him step back warily from her. She just nodded as he caught on to her reverse speech and that it gave him the magic compulsion. "Just a simple bit of magic to ensure you told me the whole truth. It saves us both a lot of time of playing games and second guessing each other." Her smile got a bit wider. "Besides, it seems like you do have your hands full and time is of the essence. Although we do have a little time. My dressing room is a safe haven, nobody I don't want in here can enter. Do you have any questions for me, your majesty?" she teased gently.
Aquaman The wink cemented any doubt that he had that this woman had played a part in why he had revealed so much. Embarrassed, emasculated, and more than a bit angry at the entire situation, Arthur glared over at the woman. "Saves you time when prying into my private matters," he countered. Atlantis was something he was trying to leave behind. He wanted nothing to do with the people that would shun him after what had happened. After all the blame of the attack was put squarely on his shoulders when there was nothing that could have been done. He was only a single man and yet the entire city had seemed to think that its complete protection was his responsibility with the guards being little else than figurines in the towers. No.. No he would have nothing more to do with them. If only Orm could understand that. "This isn't anything new. They've come before and they'll come again, but the assassination attempts are the least of my worries and not my problem. My brother is the one that's loosing men. Not me." Heartless as it may sound, Arthur had more important matters than whatever fools that Orm was convincing to kill him. "Why'd you bring me here and cover for me with the crowd?"
Zatanna The magician merely ignored the glare and jab at her prying into his personal life. She had to know if he could be trusted or if he was a danger to the city. And in this case, the ends justified the mean. A police officer could interrogate someone for hours and not get nearly as much as Arthur had been pressed to tell. and it gave her a basis to work from with him. Also showing a hint of her power was her way of tipping her cards at him a little, to make sure he would tell her the truth without a magical compulsion and to dissuade him from doing funny business. she nodded as he talked about his frequent assassination attempts. but that wasn't his biggest worry? That did catch her curiosity. Although she did frown slightly as he wrote off the assassin's lives so easily. And now he was asking her questions. That made her smile, glad that he was curious as well. "well, the crowd cover and getting you in my act, was my way of keeping an eye on you. I saw you kill a guy and wanted to make sure you stuck around so you could explain yourself. Besides I had a show to finish. If you had acted up during the encore I would have been able to keep you put. And that is why you're back here. I wanted to make sure you weren't some homicidal killer. Besides, you still have that body you left under the stage to deal with. Don't look at me, you're a big enough boy to clean up your messes. If I had my way it would be in the morgue already. But I know that Atlantians are secretive and you don't want just anyone looking at that body."
Aquaman "Well I have and now I want to leave. You've heard my story so it's up to you whether you want to let me leave or not but I'm not staying willingly." Arthur's eyes narrowed across the way at Zatanna, "And as for the body, it'll be gone by now. I know the ones that came after me and they're good at keeping out of sight and mind." Turning sharply on his heel, he grabbed the door knob, twisted, and pulled the door in before stepping out and immediately stopping in his tracks. He was greeted with the hustle and bustle of the crew as they set about their after show duties of getting props put into place, wracks pushed around and both the backstage and stage areas cleaned up and prepared for whenever the next show was. The man found himself taken aback by the sights before groaning and closing his eyes, "If you'll lead me through this mess."
Zatanna The magician gave her own cool look back at Arthur, obviously not intimidated by him. Letting him go, but giving a little smile as he was greeted by the backstage instead of the house of the theatre. She gave a nod as he seemed a bit lost from her transporting him earlier. She walked past him, leading him past her crew and a number of props and sets. "You know, with assassin trailing you, you put people at risk... If you want I have a safe place you can go to." She offered as she stopped in a dark hall which had some steps leading to a big metal door. There were several trunks of her supplies in hall. She gestured at the door with a flourish. "The way out." She reached for his ear and pulled a tarot card out of it, it was The Magician, and it looked kind of like her. "If you need help contact me with this." She handed it to him.
Aquaman Walking half a step behind her, he hid his discomfort being around this place, filled with people working away but still with a general sense of happiness behind his normal heavy scowl. It was an accustomed look for him and one that had only ever been worn away by Frost since... That didn't matter. He wore the look well and anyone that greeted Zatanna as she walked with him couldn't help but feel a bit off put by the man she was with. "People are at risk every day, even in their own homes. They're at far more risk driving their own cars than the ones that are hunting me right now. And I don't need a place. I... have one." The Suicide Squad was far from homely. He was the only one that wasn't some sort of cold blooded murderer or psychopath and he still stood away from the rest of them, no matter how close he and Louise may have gotten. As he turned his back on Zatanna as she presented the card to him, the door was flung in and off of its hinges, soaring through the air as -c-Aquaman three Atlantians came bursting into the hall with their energy rifles raised. The lead opened fire first, the blast erupting from the end of the barrel in a bright flash of cyan and Arthur acted. He would never have the answer for what about this awoke his old instincts to protect the innocent from danger and nor would he know what it was about this one, this time, that was different than all the others. Whatever the reason, he turned back around and wrapped his arms around Zatanna, turning his back towards the attackers as the blast struck him in the back, disintegrating much of the back of his shirt and sleeves, burning at his skin in that same moment. The pain was intense, but he had felt worse and as he let her go, even though his voice was intense, the anger that had permeated through every syllable he'd spoken previously had gone, "Get to safety!" Turning, Arthur's aqua blue eyes focused on the ones that had come to kill him and he sprang into action.
Zatanna Zatanna rolled her eyes at Arthur's stated people were more at risk in their homes than from his assassins. "Still, this would be their blood on your hands, not their expected fate..." She inwardly sighed as the stubborn Atlantian denied her two offers of help. Deciding to let him go when the doors burst off their hinges! She was about to chant when flashes of cyan light burst about them. It happened so fast she hardly got two syllables out! When she was bear hugged and knocked out of harms way. She could smell the too familiar scent of burnt flesh. He had saved her! Zee supposed he wasn't as hard hearted as he liked to show. As he turned to face the men she held her ground, raising her hands, chanting, "Snug ot stepmurt!" As the rifles seemed to melt and change in the mens' hands. Forming into the brass instruments.
Aquaman The sight of the guns suddenly changing into something else took the Atlanteans off guard which, at the speed Arthur was charging down the hall, allowed their target to gain on them. He snatched the trumpet out of the hands of the first, not even caring or noticing what it was that he was taking away as a moment later he brought it smashing against the side of the lead's head. The force of the blow bent the trumpet halfway around on itself while the Atlantean's head spun and he was sent off of his feet and crashing into the wall. The others, the surprise fading away, dropped their instruments and withdrew blades from their gauntlets. The did not get a chance to use them as Arthur's left fist jabbed forward, striking the first square in his sternum. Not an effective attack, but the force behind the blow was more than enough to lift the second up off of the floor, send him crashing back into the chest of the third and then launch both of them back outside into the ally.
Zatanna The magician watched as Arthur pounced on his attackers like an animal! He used the trumpet of the first to smash his head and leave him crumpled as he hit the wall hard. And then knocked the other two out the ruined gaping door. Zatanna made a grabbing motion with both hands. "Worht tuo tsal Naitnalta!" The assassin was scooped up like two hands grabbed his clothes. The magician made a tossing motion and rhe invisible hands threw him out of the building and into the other two as they scrambled to get up, knocking them down again. "Xif srood! Yllacigam dnib srood." The broken doors stood up, straightened out and fit back into place. They then sealed so only Zatanna could tell them to open. It would take a tank to open them now. She looked at Arthur. "Nice work, whar shou...." She stopped looking at his burnt back. "Thanks for protecting me, let me..." she gently touched his raw back and whispered 'heal'. The pain melted away as his skin felt warm, almost feeling nice, like relaxing in the sun, as his scorched skin healed up, leaving only hos exhisting scars behind.
Aquaman Arthur stared at the door in front of him as the woman's magic restored the door to its proper state with, what he guessed was a little extra than what it had previously had. Both of his hands clenched into fists as he stared at the object, knowing what lay on the other side of it. He could not go back to the squad. Since they had found him again, it would be easy enough to track him back there. Without warning, he felt the sudden warmth coursing through his back. It was sudden and, to be honest, uncomfortable and he quickly spun around to stare at her. "What did you do to... oh..." In the same moment that he spoke, Arthur realized, by way of the pain leaving his back, that she had healed him. "You didn't need to. I would've healed up anyway," he said to her. The benefits of his physiology came with healing up from most wounds he had received in his life save for those of an emotional nature. "But... you know I think I might take you up on that place. For a while at least."
Zatanna gives Arthur a look as he comments that she didn't have to heal him. "Can't you ever just thank someone when they help you?" She said with a small wry smile. "Besides, you got hurt helping me. It's the least I can do, to thank you." She said in a respective tone. She smiled as he took up her offer. "Let me pack up my dressing room real quick, and we can go to San Francisco." (e)
Aquaman Arthur lifted a brow at the smirk she gave him. "You're taking being attacked and nearly killed rather well..." he remarked, shifting his weight over to his right leg as he eyed her. It took him off guard how she shrugged the whole thing off and it almost seemed like she was used to this sort of thing. It kind of reminded him of M... Shaking his head, the blond gave her a nod, "Alright. I... can help you with whatever you need lifting although I think the packing might be best left up to you."
"I've gotten into and out of a few scrapes." She said lightly, as if she was talking about Tuesdays were weekdays. As he agreed to let her pack up, she led him back to her dressing room. She noticed his distant look but you don't need to be a mind reader to know when to let someone go over their own thoughts alone. Inside her rather full and lived in dressing room, it looked like a good couple of hours of packing before she would be ready to go. "Thanks for the offer, but I am a bit faster." She said winking at Arthur. She took off her tophat and held it open with one hand. "Kcap pu!" And the room was a whirlwind as makeup, tricks, and sofas flew into the air, while shrinking to doll house proportions before getting sucked into her hat. Even her collection of posters rolled up and kept into the hat! The room bare she put the hat on her head with a little tap. She gestured at the door. "Rood ekat su ot ym emoh!" Zatanna offered the Atlantean a hand as she opened the door with her other. The doorway showing a lavish home with warm creamy yellow walls and ornate rugs. Signed posters and photographs adorned the walls. A white tiger slept lazily on an overstuffed sofa. Clearly the magician's home. (e)
Aquaman Closing the door behind him, Arthur just gave a nod and leaned back against the door before crossing his arms over his chest and his feet at the ankles. When the show began, the reactions from him were slight and he quickly adjusted to the sights. The longer he was around her the more he grew used to her showings of magic which made them become more of the norm to him. When it was all over, he took the hand offered to him. The world spun, changed and then righted itself quickly and once again she had him impressed. "Well... If you ever get bored with stage magician shows you've got a career as a travel agent." Looking around the room, his ocean blues immediately spotted the animal, "Huh. And you have a tiger. Is there a lion in the study and a bear in the kitchen I need to worry about too?"
The magician gave a smile as Arthur relaxed watching her magic, glad to see he was getting used to her magic abilities. She did have to wonder if she was starting to use her magic too much again, she had a history of magic addiction and getting careless with spells... But she quickly forced the thought out of her head. She was doing all this for Arthur, to help him. Yes, help him. Magical karma wasn't going to bite her in the butt again! She smiled at his reaction of stepping thousands of miles in one step and laughed at his joke. "Haha, I'll keep that in mind. But as you can tell with your appearance in my show, it hasn't gotten dull yet!" She teased. She sat down next to the tiger and ruffled its scruff like she was a housecat. "Sasha is just a cuddly ball of fluff. Aaaren't youuu?!" She said in baby talk to the tiger who nuzzled Zatanna's cheek. "But she does drink bathwater so lock your bathroom door." She looked at Arthur amused by his joke. "Don't be silly! Bears are awful at washing dishes." It was hard to tell if the magician was serious or not. "Your room is upstairs and to the left. Get settled in while I double check my wards." She gestured to a curving grand staircase to one side of her living room. She realized something. "And don't go through any mirrors! Tropsnart ot edistuo!" And with a flash of golden light which ruffled her long dark hair she vanished, leaving Arthur alone with the tiger. (E)
Zatanna The performer grinned at the crowd. Wearing fishnets paired with a dancer's bottom and a pleated dress shirt, bow-tie, jacket with tails, and a top hat worn at a jaunty angle. It was clear that this lady magician enjoyed her work and it's artistic flair! She had just finished a trick where she had pulled on two ropes, in a rejoining rope trick, from her shirtless stud of an assistant. only to not just rejoin it, but also had his boxers, joined in the middle! She didn't think she could ever get Vladi to blush, but she did! "Give Vladi a big round of applause!" she said as he quickly exited the stage his heart printed boxers in his hand. It had been a long tour for Zatanna the world's greatest magician! 20 stops in three months. It had been a whirlwind of a mini tour and it was leaving the magician rather worn out. She couldn't wait to be back in San Francisco in a bubble bath, hibernating for a month. But to be in front of the audience, to see their looks and gasps at her death defying escapes and one of a kind tricks. That made it all worth it. She loved the spotlight and the roar of the applause. It reminded her of being on tour with her dad when he was working the circuit. If only he could see her now... She smirked as she changed up her act for the big finale. "We have time for one more trick! But I'm going to need a volunteer..." as she scouted the audience there was a tremendous crash of cement as the ceiling caved in! With honed reflexes she gestured with her wand and said "Cistym dleihs tectorp eht ecneidua!" a slight flash of light was scene as a wall of magic separated the stage from the crash. She saw two creatures fall down with the rubble and go right through the stage! Her mind raced, she hadn't heard anything from the Justice League, she still had her On Call status, but they would have let her know if something was going down this close to her performance! She smiled at the audience. "Hehe, looks like volunteers are just dropping from the sky to be a part of the act!" she joked, passing it off as if it was supposed to happen. "XiF roolf!" and the cement flew out of the hole and repaired the roof top, blocking anyone else who may be up there. she peered into the hole of the working area beneath the stage. "Thgil!" little orbs of light appeared in the darkness below her and she peered down the hole to see who or what crashed her show.
Aquaman The goings on above went unnoticed by the two Atlanteans that scuffled with each other down in the hole. Curses and grunts were given as they fought over the weapon, Orin seeking to deprive the assassin of it while he sought to drive it through his rib cage and into his heart. Finally, a thunderous blow resounded out and a cry of pain came. The front of the stage cracked from the force of something striking it and then the two bodies met again in a headbutt as the light began to shine down on the. Faster than the human eye could see and appearing as a flash to it, a cry of pain came out as Orin gained control of the pike and drove it through the stomach of his would be killer. "You wouldn't stop..." he stated coldly, ocean blue eyes shining with ferocity as he locked his gaze onto the armored Atlantean. Right hand sliding back towards the opposite end of the weapon, he brought the end off and then shoved it up through the bottom of the mouth of the other, through the roof of his mouth, and into his brain before dropping his lifeless body to the ground.
Zatanna The stage seemed to lurch as something struck beneath her feet with a loud sound. What was going on down there?! As the orbs of light illuminated the darkness beneath her, the magician saw to her surprise two men down there, both seemingly unhurt and fighting it out. They were inhumanly fast and strong. Meta's? no... aliens? there seemed a sense of... magic about them. The blonde man seemed suddenly pluck the pike from his adversary and plunged it into the man's gut! Oh no. No body was getting murdered in her show! but before she could even say the words on her tongue, the man did a quick finishing move and shoved it up through the guy's mouth and up into his brain, the man instantly going limp, as the pike was dropped. Zatanna had no idea if this a fugative or a hero trying to protect the theatre. But this guy just killed someone! She would have to ask questions later. she whispered under her breath. "tropsnart ednolb nam ot xob no egats!" magic seemed to act strange with the man, but in a spark of light he was suddenly transported into the upright magic box on stage. "and there's our guest!" the crown applauded at the entrance.
Aquaman Staring down at the dead Atlantean, Orin's eyes narrowed while his fingers clenched into fists. Another stupid one trying to kill him and there were at least two more still out there waiting. Before he could react, however, he found himself staring out across darkness with bright lights shining in his eyes, stinging them from the intensity of the light. He grimaced while his eyes began to adjust, gaze flicking back and forth. "What is all this?" he asked, face hard with furrowed eyebrows to compliment the intensity of the look. Two and two were quickly put together as Orin realized that he had found himself pulled into some sort of magic show. "Let. Me.," he began to say before something possessed him to look up and he remembered. They assassin's wouldn't come for him while he was in a public place. Atlantis prided itself on its ability to keep secret and attacking him where he was risked too much. So instead, he fell silent, sleeveless green shirt torn in places from the scuffle.
Zatanna Orin's adjusting eyes would show a packed audience in the theatre, many amused and amazed faces out there. A voice answered his question. "That is everyone's question tonight. But I must say, you get the best seat in the house." she teased as she moved in front of the magic box he was, giving him a better look at that top hat, tails, and fishnets, he caught a glimpse of earlier. She smiled at him as he struggled a little in the box, only his head showing from it. She seemed relieved when he went quiet, finally playing along. Only a hint of his torn sleeve could be seen by the audience. She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a padlock and locked the door to the box closed. "Just to make sure you don't go anywhere, I don't want you missing this." she turned to the audience. "For my final trick of the night, it's a happy little number called 'Death by Comet!" she raised her hands and started to chant with bravado. "Through the ancient mists of time, from eternal night's cold embrace..." a wand appeared her hand and started to swirl it. green motes of light and smoke started to swirl and build around her magic wand. Filling up the air above the magic box Orin was trapped in. The patter was hokey. It even was back in the day when her father did this act. "I summon the mighty comet..." some of the light condensing into a solid ball of light, the comet roaring towards the front of the box to destroy it. She had to admit, it was a great affect though. "To smite ye from this place!" The comet struck the box. "paz mih ot eht tsrif ytmpe teas ni tnorf" she whispered. The comet shattered and splintered the box and Orin felt himself merge with the comet as it roared through the box, his face showing from the front of it now, as it carried him to an empty seat splattering there, leaving him seated as the magical light faded. The crowd roared and jumped to their feet.
Aquaman He remained still as she continued the preparation for the trick. She was good... he guessed? Magic shows had never really been his thing when he was a kid but he could tell that the audience was certainly into it. That this was to be the final trick meant that he'd clearly missed most of the show too and these things were always about the build up and the excitement, pulling you further and further away so you could suspend your disbelief. Arthur could not help but scoff when she said the trick was to be Death by a comet. Yeah. That was as likely as Orm rising up from the ocean to proclaim that Atlantis would be an ally to the U.S. government. His eyes followed the flowing lights as they swirled around him, sarcastic smirk on his face... until the comet actually came soaring at his face. The man's eyes went wide as his mouth dropped. No... she couldn't have... As the comet came closer, his arms pushed against the box, but it was too late. As the lock broke and dropped to the floor, the comet hit him and suddenly he found himself in a seat out in the audience, one leg of his cargo shorts pushed up a bit, whole appearance disheveled and eyes fixated on the woman on stage. Only one thought came to his mind as he looked up at her, presence flowing off of her and gleaming like a light all on her own. "Wow..."
Zatanna "Thank you! You were a great audience! Eyb!" and then there were some fireworks, a flash of light, and she was gone off the stage. The curtains came down. The announcer could be heard. "That was Zatanna!" The applause continued until the curtain came up again. The stage was fixed and she was lounging on it leaning against a white tiger while several white doves sat perched about her, while she petted a rabbit in her lap. The lights were subdued on staged. A number of candles were lit about her. It gave a kind of after hours feel of the performance. "Did you all miss me already?" she teased. "Okay one more trick, but just because you all asked so nicely." She then proceeded with a entrancing act where she was making the flames dance and change color to music. At one point she had some colored flames dancing on her hand. She then pulled matching colored silk handkerchiefs out of the tinted candle flames. the silks so large, dancing in the air above her. Before they collapsed with a wave of her hand, the flames going out at the same time, the stage suddenly very dark. More lights came on as a wind seemed to blow the silks off the stage, the magician and her animals were gone. The lights went out again as the curtain lowered. "That was the Amazing Zatana! Thank you all for enjoying our show!" The seat next to orin was suddenly filled. Dressed in plain clothes, jeans and t-shirt which said "Magic Castle" wearing a ball cap with a 'Z' on it, was the magician herself. "We need to talk." she whispered to the blonde man. Gesturing to a side exit to get backstage.
Aquaman For reasons that he did not understand, Arthur found that he could not move from his seat and for the rest of the show he sat there and watched. Oceans blues fixated on the woman as she came out, performing the finale that had the entire room on its feet, save for the Half-Atlantean, cheering and applauding the beauty of it. For his part, his personality had his appreciation subdued enough that he only marveled at the magic tricks with his eyes with the light held inside the orbs hinting the subtle enjoyment he had. Once the show was finished, a few moments passed before his mind returned and his fingers wrapped around the ends of the arms of the chair, holding on as he started to push himself up before all progress halted when the familiar feminine voice spoke to him. His eyes immediately went to her. She was dressed far differently than she had been just seconds ago, but there was no mistaking who the woman was. The show was over, however, which caused the magic that held him here to fade and his normal, cold personality to resurface. "No we don't," he stated firmly before moving to stand up. There were still two assassins out there and he needed to find them. God forbid Waller find out about them, somehow, and out the existence of Atlantis. He got away this long by ducking and dodging anything that started to lead down that road, but the woman was stupid and Amanda Waller was known for figuring out, if she didn't already know, things about you that would leave one speechless.
Zatanna The magician could feel it, she had every eye in the house on her, transfixed by the beautiful dance like magic act. her movements gracefully pulling off trick after trick. This moment, where everyone was just on the edge of their seats, transfixed by her magic, only had one word to describe it, spellbound. She even noticed her unexpected guest watching seeming to enjoy himself. And then the show was over, a few whispered spells and she was one of the crowd, sitting next to her guest. They had a lot to talk about. But he was icy wooden and stubborn. She grabbed for his arm to have him pull away. "Yes, we do. You left me a little present in this theatre and we need to talk about it..." she wouldn't chase after him, but he would find every time he went away from her, she would appear just ahead of him in the crowd. Her own icy blue eyes fixed on him. "I'm giving you the chance to show who you are. Don't force my hand, I'm great with cards."
Aquaman He felt her hand close around his bicep and immediately his entire body stiffened as he pulled out of her grasp. "No. We. Don't." He took a few steps forward but there she was again. Turning around, he started to walk the other way but, again, she was in front of him. Cursing, he started down another aisle but once more she was in front of him. No matter which way his gaze turned, this magician was constantly in his view. He had a few options. Arthur -could- just leap through the roof and cause quite a scene in his escape. Not the best idea when he was involved with a secret government group that employed super villains as agents. He could try and get away through the crowd still, but that wasn't working out. "Fine...." he stated, voice showing his annoyance at the state of affairs he had found himself in, "lead the way." He would follow wherever she led.
Zatanna smirked a little as he tried so to get around her and the crowd, but with a few whispered words she was there again. He was annoyed that he couldn't get away from her, and he had every right to be. But she had a corpse on her hands and whether he was a victim or a murderer, she aimed to find out what was going on. She had many crazy things happen in her shows, but dead bodies wasn't something she wouldn't tolerate. This man took out the other who was armed with his own weapon. So, he was dangerous. But then again so was she! She started to lead him toward the backstage door, when she whispered. "rood ekat su ot ym ginsserd moor." as they stepped through they were in her dressing room, numerous costumes and trick props, as well as flowers for her performance were everywhere. the door closed itself behind them. "So, what's going on? Why did you drop into my show and kill someone beneath my feet? I should summon my detective friend to sort this out for me, but I'd rather give you benefit of the doubt. And you will kaeps eht hturt, speak the truth." she re-iterated.
Aquaman Annoyed at the situation that he had been roped into explaining himself to some random woman in a top hat, Arthur followed after her. When they reached the door, his eyebrows lifted up as she muttered some sort of phrase that he had never heard of, although he had never been one for the magical arts, and in he walked with her. Almost immediately, all of his senses were assailed by the various colors, smells, and tastes in the air which left him wide eyed and stunned that this was a dressing room. It was unlike any thing he could have thought about; appearing to him as more of a studio apartment than a place for a quick change of costume. The woman's questions came only moments later and Arthur was pulled back into the moment and his face, which had shown his shock and awe at the room, reverted back to its cold state. Again with one of those phrases. "I am the former king of Atlantis. Those men are Atlantean assassins sent by my brother, Orm, the current king in an attempt to ensure that I am never able to reclaim the throne from him as is my birthright as the elder son. That I killed them here was by accident and their putting me through the roof." The explanation was rattled off as if it were practiced but, once he had finished, he stopped dead in his tracks. Dumbstruck at the fact he had just given a relatively complete answer as to why they had been after him. "What the hell did I just...?" Arthur took a step back from the woman, his eyes watching her cautiously, "you... with that talk. It was some sort of spell wasn't it?"
Zatanna The magician took a seat in her lush chair before her make up table. Her feet propped up on an old trunk, watching the strange blonde man as he stood there stunned in her dressing room. Zatanna gave a small amused smile as he looked about at the colorful costumes, the fragrant flowers from fans, the array of magic trick props she kept on hand. The room had a lived in look, and she liked it like that. Her dressing room was more her home away from home than any hotel room, she even had an array of posters from over the years on one wall. Including one about the Amazing Zatara introducing his daughter Zatanna. The man quickly composed himself at her questions, that mask of coldness slipping back into place. She rested her chin in a gloved hand listening as the man spoke, nearly gushing as he went into detail about who he was and why he crashed her show, literally. Her eyes widened a bit as he talked about Atlantis.She knew it was a real place, but had never actually met anyone from there yet, it did certainly explain why Arthur had a sense of magic about him. But a former king? an assassination plot? Very interesting."Goodness, you are full of surprises aren't you? Thanks for being so honest." she gave a bit of a sly smile as that wave of realization spread over his face and watched him step back warily from her. She just nodded as he caught on to her reverse speech and that it gave him the magic compulsion. "Just a simple bit of magic to ensure you told me the whole truth. It saves us both a lot of time of playing games and second guessing each other." Her smile got a bit wider. "Besides, it seems like you do have your hands full and time is of the essence. Although we do have a little time. My dressing room is a safe haven, nobody I don't want in here can enter. Do you have any questions for me, your majesty?" she teased gently.
Aquaman The wink cemented any doubt that he had that this woman had played a part in why he had revealed so much. Embarrassed, emasculated, and more than a bit angry at the entire situation, Arthur glared over at the woman. "Saves you time when prying into my private matters," he countered. Atlantis was something he was trying to leave behind. He wanted nothing to do with the people that would shun him after what had happened. After all the blame of the attack was put squarely on his shoulders when there was nothing that could have been done. He was only a single man and yet the entire city had seemed to think that its complete protection was his responsibility with the guards being little else than figurines in the towers. No.. No he would have nothing more to do with them. If only Orm could understand that. "This isn't anything new. They've come before and they'll come again, but the assassination attempts are the least of my worries and not my problem. My brother is the one that's loosing men. Not me." Heartless as it may sound, Arthur had more important matters than whatever fools that Orm was convincing to kill him. "Why'd you bring me here and cover for me with the crowd?"
Zatanna The magician merely ignored the glare and jab at her prying into his personal life. She had to know if he could be trusted or if he was a danger to the city. And in this case, the ends justified the mean. A police officer could interrogate someone for hours and not get nearly as much as Arthur had been pressed to tell. and it gave her a basis to work from with him. Also showing a hint of her power was her way of tipping her cards at him a little, to make sure he would tell her the truth without a magical compulsion and to dissuade him from doing funny business. she nodded as he talked about his frequent assassination attempts. but that wasn't his biggest worry? That did catch her curiosity. Although she did frown slightly as he wrote off the assassin's lives so easily. And now he was asking her questions. That made her smile, glad that he was curious as well. "well, the crowd cover and getting you in my act, was my way of keeping an eye on you. I saw you kill a guy and wanted to make sure you stuck around so you could explain yourself. Besides I had a show to finish. If you had acted up during the encore I would have been able to keep you put. And that is why you're back here. I wanted to make sure you weren't some homicidal killer. Besides, you still have that body you left under the stage to deal with. Don't look at me, you're a big enough boy to clean up your messes. If I had my way it would be in the morgue already. But I know that Atlantians are secretive and you don't want just anyone looking at that body."
Aquaman "Well I have and now I want to leave. You've heard my story so it's up to you whether you want to let me leave or not but I'm not staying willingly." Arthur's eyes narrowed across the way at Zatanna, "And as for the body, it'll be gone by now. I know the ones that came after me and they're good at keeping out of sight and mind." Turning sharply on his heel, he grabbed the door knob, twisted, and pulled the door in before stepping out and immediately stopping in his tracks. He was greeted with the hustle and bustle of the crew as they set about their after show duties of getting props put into place, wracks pushed around and both the backstage and stage areas cleaned up and prepared for whenever the next show was. The man found himself taken aback by the sights before groaning and closing his eyes, "If you'll lead me through this mess."
Zatanna The magician gave her own cool look back at Arthur, obviously not intimidated by him. Letting him go, but giving a little smile as he was greeted by the backstage instead of the house of the theatre. She gave a nod as he seemed a bit lost from her transporting him earlier. She walked past him, leading him past her crew and a number of props and sets. "You know, with assassin trailing you, you put people at risk... If you want I have a safe place you can go to." She offered as she stopped in a dark hall which had some steps leading to a big metal door. There were several trunks of her supplies in hall. She gestured at the door with a flourish. "The way out." She reached for his ear and pulled a tarot card out of it, it was The Magician, and it looked kind of like her. "If you need help contact me with this." She handed it to him.
Aquaman Walking half a step behind her, he hid his discomfort being around this place, filled with people working away but still with a general sense of happiness behind his normal heavy scowl. It was an accustomed look for him and one that had only ever been worn away by Frost since... That didn't matter. He wore the look well and anyone that greeted Zatanna as she walked with him couldn't help but feel a bit off put by the man she was with. "People are at risk every day, even in their own homes. They're at far more risk driving their own cars than the ones that are hunting me right now. And I don't need a place. I... have one." The Suicide Squad was far from homely. He was the only one that wasn't some sort of cold blooded murderer or psychopath and he still stood away from the rest of them, no matter how close he and Louise may have gotten. As he turned his back on Zatanna as she presented the card to him, the door was flung in and off of its hinges, soaring through the air as -c-Aquaman three Atlantians came bursting into the hall with their energy rifles raised. The lead opened fire first, the blast erupting from the end of the barrel in a bright flash of cyan and Arthur acted. He would never have the answer for what about this awoke his old instincts to protect the innocent from danger and nor would he know what it was about this one, this time, that was different than all the others. Whatever the reason, he turned back around and wrapped his arms around Zatanna, turning his back towards the attackers as the blast struck him in the back, disintegrating much of the back of his shirt and sleeves, burning at his skin in that same moment. The pain was intense, but he had felt worse and as he let her go, even though his voice was intense, the anger that had permeated through every syllable he'd spoken previously had gone, "Get to safety!" Turning, Arthur's aqua blue eyes focused on the ones that had come to kill him and he sprang into action.
Zatanna Zatanna rolled her eyes at Arthur's stated people were more at risk in their homes than from his assassins. "Still, this would be their blood on your hands, not their expected fate..." She inwardly sighed as the stubborn Atlantian denied her two offers of help. Deciding to let him go when the doors burst off their hinges! She was about to chant when flashes of cyan light burst about them. It happened so fast she hardly got two syllables out! When she was bear hugged and knocked out of harms way. She could smell the too familiar scent of burnt flesh. He had saved her! Zee supposed he wasn't as hard hearted as he liked to show. As he turned to face the men she held her ground, raising her hands, chanting, "Snug ot stepmurt!" As the rifles seemed to melt and change in the mens' hands. Forming into the brass instruments.
Aquaman The sight of the guns suddenly changing into something else took the Atlanteans off guard which, at the speed Arthur was charging down the hall, allowed their target to gain on them. He snatched the trumpet out of the hands of the first, not even caring or noticing what it was that he was taking away as a moment later he brought it smashing against the side of the lead's head. The force of the blow bent the trumpet halfway around on itself while the Atlantean's head spun and he was sent off of his feet and crashing into the wall. The others, the surprise fading away, dropped their instruments and withdrew blades from their gauntlets. The did not get a chance to use them as Arthur's left fist jabbed forward, striking the first square in his sternum. Not an effective attack, but the force behind the blow was more than enough to lift the second up off of the floor, send him crashing back into the chest of the third and then launch both of them back outside into the ally.
Zatanna The magician watched as Arthur pounced on his attackers like an animal! He used the trumpet of the first to smash his head and leave him crumpled as he hit the wall hard. And then knocked the other two out the ruined gaping door. Zatanna made a grabbing motion with both hands. "Worht tuo tsal Naitnalta!" The assassin was scooped up like two hands grabbed his clothes. The magician made a tossing motion and rhe invisible hands threw him out of the building and into the other two as they scrambled to get up, knocking them down again. "Xif srood! Yllacigam dnib srood." The broken doors stood up, straightened out and fit back into place. They then sealed so only Zatanna could tell them to open. It would take a tank to open them now. She looked at Arthur. "Nice work, whar shou...." She stopped looking at his burnt back. "Thanks for protecting me, let me..." she gently touched his raw back and whispered 'heal'. The pain melted away as his skin felt warm, almost feeling nice, like relaxing in the sun, as his scorched skin healed up, leaving only hos exhisting scars behind.
Aquaman Arthur stared at the door in front of him as the woman's magic restored the door to its proper state with, what he guessed was a little extra than what it had previously had. Both of his hands clenched into fists as he stared at the object, knowing what lay on the other side of it. He could not go back to the squad. Since they had found him again, it would be easy enough to track him back there. Without warning, he felt the sudden warmth coursing through his back. It was sudden and, to be honest, uncomfortable and he quickly spun around to stare at her. "What did you do to... oh..." In the same moment that he spoke, Arthur realized, by way of the pain leaving his back, that she had healed him. "You didn't need to. I would've healed up anyway," he said to her. The benefits of his physiology came with healing up from most wounds he had received in his life save for those of an emotional nature. "But... you know I think I might take you up on that place. For a while at least."
Zatanna gives Arthur a look as he comments that she didn't have to heal him. "Can't you ever just thank someone when they help you?" She said with a small wry smile. "Besides, you got hurt helping me. It's the least I can do, to thank you." She said in a respective tone. She smiled as he took up her offer. "Let me pack up my dressing room real quick, and we can go to San Francisco." (e)
Aquaman Arthur lifted a brow at the smirk she gave him. "You're taking being attacked and nearly killed rather well..." he remarked, shifting his weight over to his right leg as he eyed her. It took him off guard how she shrugged the whole thing off and it almost seemed like she was used to this sort of thing. It kind of reminded him of M... Shaking his head, the blond gave her a nod, "Alright. I... can help you with whatever you need lifting although I think the packing might be best left up to you."
"I've gotten into and out of a few scrapes." She said lightly, as if she was talking about Tuesdays were weekdays. As he agreed to let her pack up, she led him back to her dressing room. She noticed his distant look but you don't need to be a mind reader to know when to let someone go over their own thoughts alone. Inside her rather full and lived in dressing room, it looked like a good couple of hours of packing before she would be ready to go. "Thanks for the offer, but I am a bit faster." She said winking at Arthur. She took off her tophat and held it open with one hand. "Kcap pu!" And the room was a whirlwind as makeup, tricks, and sofas flew into the air, while shrinking to doll house proportions before getting sucked into her hat. Even her collection of posters rolled up and kept into the hat! The room bare she put the hat on her head with a little tap. She gestured at the door. "Rood ekat su ot ym emoh!" Zatanna offered the Atlantean a hand as she opened the door with her other. The doorway showing a lavish home with warm creamy yellow walls and ornate rugs. Signed posters and photographs adorned the walls. A white tiger slept lazily on an overstuffed sofa. Clearly the magician's home. (e)
Aquaman Closing the door behind him, Arthur just gave a nod and leaned back against the door before crossing his arms over his chest and his feet at the ankles. When the show began, the reactions from him were slight and he quickly adjusted to the sights. The longer he was around her the more he grew used to her showings of magic which made them become more of the norm to him. When it was all over, he took the hand offered to him. The world spun, changed and then righted itself quickly and once again she had him impressed. "Well... If you ever get bored with stage magician shows you've got a career as a travel agent." Looking around the room, his ocean blues immediately spotted the animal, "Huh. And you have a tiger. Is there a lion in the study and a bear in the kitchen I need to worry about too?"
The magician gave a smile as Arthur relaxed watching her magic, glad to see he was getting used to her magic abilities. She did have to wonder if she was starting to use her magic too much again, she had a history of magic addiction and getting careless with spells... But she quickly forced the thought out of her head. She was doing all this for Arthur, to help him. Yes, help him. Magical karma wasn't going to bite her in the butt again! She smiled at his reaction of stepping thousands of miles in one step and laughed at his joke. "Haha, I'll keep that in mind. But as you can tell with your appearance in my show, it hasn't gotten dull yet!" She teased. She sat down next to the tiger and ruffled its scruff like she was a housecat. "Sasha is just a cuddly ball of fluff. Aaaren't youuu?!" She said in baby talk to the tiger who nuzzled Zatanna's cheek. "But she does drink bathwater so lock your bathroom door." She looked at Arthur amused by his joke. "Don't be silly! Bears are awful at washing dishes." It was hard to tell if the magician was serious or not. "Your room is upstairs and to the left. Get settled in while I double check my wards." She gestured to a curving grand staircase to one side of her living room. She realized something. "And don't go through any mirrors! Tropsnart ot edistuo!" And with a flash of golden light which ruffled her long dark hair she vanished, leaving Arthur alone with the tiger. (E)
