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Razake: Mystic Arts in DC
Chapter 12. Second Impressions

Chapter 12. Second Impressions

(Wonder Woman's P.OV.)

Wonder Woman's body tensed as she stretched her hand, ready to grab the Lasso of Truth at a moment's notice.

She had come to seek answers, but something about the sorcerer's calm demeanor made her uneasy. He was clearly about to do something as he took another step forward.

Her faith on the containment's ability to hold him at bay dwindled as she recalled the destructive power he had unleashed in Gotham.

The kind of power that she was certain was what caused Clark's turmoil back in the medical bay.

She watched in awe as the sorcerer, with a little struggle, finally managed to step out of the barrier that was meant to hold him.

His physique calm and his expression friendly, or..., looking impressed by his recent feat.

That wasn't supposed to happen, but she couldn't say that she didn't expect it.

The look in his eyes as he stared at her. Was he mocking her?

(Razake's P.O.V)

As I managed to step out of the barrier, thanks to the mysterious energy bubbling inside of me, my mind was made up.

I was going to ask for forgiveness from Wonder Woman for attacking her and the Green Lantern, and, Superman, supposedly.

I would do this plainly, briefly explaining my situation, hoping that they would all understand and maybe openly welcome me to join their group. Just maybe.

I looked at Wonder Woman, she being clearly unnerved, ready to engage her.

"Princess Diana," I said in a calm, measured voice. "I'm sorry for what happened in Gotham. My intent was not to harm anyone, not you and neither Hal, and definitely not Superman."

"I only meant to measure my abilities against the Justice League..." (poor choice of words)

"I mean I just wanted to compare myself to..." (no the right words either)

"I...I. I don't know what got into me."

So far, so good. She didn't say anything, but it felt like I was getting through to her.

(Wonder Woman's P.O.V)

Her form eased a bit as she listened to the words of the sorcerer.

He sounded genuine, but there was a lot he was left to explain. Or was he trying to deceive her and escape the Watch Tower to go a reek more havoc?

She remained vigilant as she pondered on his words.

How did he know her name and Green Lantern's?

What did he mean that he didn't mean to attack Gotham? He nearly destroyed the whole city with a mystical magical explosion. Moreover, he was the reason Superman lay in the medical bay.

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"If what you say is true then..." She quickly grabbed her Lasso of Truth and looped it around her wrist, ready to use it to ascertain the truth. Her eyes locked onto the sorcerer.

She wouldn't use it just yet.

"How do you know our names, and what do you mean by 'measure your abilities against the Justice League'?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with suspicion.

Razake's expression remained earnest as he responded, "It's a long story, but I can explain."

She tightened her grip on the Lasso, her Amazonian instincts finely tuned to detect deceit. "Do it then," she demanded.

(Razake's P.O.V)

I took a deep breath, realizing that this was my moment to either gain their trust or face the consequences.

"I am a master of the mystic arts who has been travelling throughout the universe learning and mastering magic. Other than that I have the ability to know people's names by just looking at them, a trait not associated to sorcery." I began my elaborately crafted lie of an explanation.

"I have however never had a chance to put my skills to use in an epic real life situation. So when I got the chance to, I challenged the first people I saw to test my magic." I finished explaining my lie.

"Something I deeply regret." I added, seeing her stare at me as if she could see through my lies.

"What about the explosion in Gotham? Who Gotham and what did you do to Superman?" She asked the series of questions.

"My magic abilities aren't quite refined yet," I began, this next lie heavy and hurtful to my very core. "So, one day as I was doing my training when I suddenly appeared in the sky above Gotham City.

"I must have lost control of my magic powers, causing the harm you describe which I have no recollection of." I continued, my ego bruised.

"Do you mean that you caused the reality warp back in Gotham?" Wonder Woman asked.

"Yes." I replied, unsure of what she was talking about.

(Wonder Woman's P.O.V)

Wonder Woman's eyes pierced to the core of the sorcerer. She could see it, his answers were splashed with lies.

Convenient explanations meant to deceive her into trusting him.

"You're lying." She said as she quickly throwing her Lasso towards the sorcerer, catching him by surprise.

The Lasso of Truth swiftly coiled around the Razake, and he spoke his first truth.

"I am Doctor Strange and I am a master of the mystic arts."

"He hadn't lied about that." Wonder Woman thought to herself.

"What is your true mission on Earth?" She asked.

Wrapped in the Lasso of Truth, I had no option but to say the truth, nothing but the truth.

"I want to learn about the magic of this universe, and become the Prime Sorcerer. I wish no one harm, not even Superman." I replied.

"Maybe he wasn't lying after all." Wonder Woman thought to herself, wondering if her once firm detection of truth was escaping her.

"Can you undo what has been done to Superman?" She asked, her vigilance waning.

"If it's something revolving around magic, maybe it is possible to help him." I said.

Diana considered Doctor Strange's words carefully. The Lasso of Truth had revealed his true intentions, or at least he claimed to be truthful now.

Her warrior's instincts told her to remain cautious, but the possibility that he could help Superman was too important to ignore.

"Very well, Doctor Strange," she said, easing her grip on the Lasso slightly. "If you're truly here to learn and to help, then we may have a common goal. But you'll have to prove your sincerity."

The sorcerer nodded earnestly. "I understand. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make amends and assist Superman."

Just as they were beginning to reach a tentative understanding, a voice echoed through the Watch Tower. It was Green Arrow, who had been alerted to the situation.

"What's going on here, Diana?" He demanded, as he entered the chamber.

Diana turned to Oliver, keeping the Lasso of Truth coiled around Doctor Strange. She explained the situation and how Strange claimed he could help Superman.

Oliver's skepticism was evident, but he reluctantly agreed to trust Wonder Woman's judgment. "Alright, but let's keep a close eye on him."

(Razake's P.O.V)

I could feel the mistrust emanating from the Green Arrow as he arrived on the scene. It was understandable, given what had transpired in Gotham. But I would correct that.

But my gaze fixated on him as my mind flashed to my early days of reading comics. My brain drifted in nostalgia as I recalled his thrilling story and backstory.

"Oliver Queen," I said, addressing him respectfully, "You're my hero. I apologize for my actions in Gotham."

"How did he-" The Green Arrow was perplexed.

"Apparently, he can tell you your name by just looking at you. Isn't that right?" Wonder Woman asked me.

The Lasso of Truth still around me, I couldn't deny the fact. "Yes."

Oliver scrutinized me for a moment and said. "She might trust in her magic rope, but I don't trust you."

"Did you ask him about the mysterious character?" Oliver asked Diana, reminding her of Loki.

"Do you know of someone called Loki?" She directed the question to me.

"Yes. He is the god of Mischief, and as the name suggest, he loves to conjure some mischief wherever he goes. Why? Is he here?" I replied, curious to find out how they knew of Loki.

A strange sudden sense of purposed gripped me as if beckoning me to find something, and quickly. But I dismissed it, resolving to focus on the matter at hand.

"He was, but now he is nowhere to be seen." Wonder Woman replied.

"While it may not hold you, step back into the barrier and await our response. We shall discuss your situation with the rest of the members and get back to you. In the meantime, you may not leave this room, or else, you will be labeled as a high-priority threat." Wonder Woman said.

"Will you try, or escape?" She asked.

"No." I replied.

She relinquished the Lasso's grip on me and curled it, tucking it to her waistline.

The Green Arrow and Wonder Woman walked out of the chamber as the doors hissed behind them.

Obediently, I stepped back into the magic force field, a sense of relief swelling within me.

There was a chance at redemption.

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A/N:

If you probably think that this is all too convenient, take a moment to look at the plot, everything leading to this moment.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Thank you.

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