As we settled at the small table in Zatanna's Mystical Parlor, the atmosphere seemed to shimmer with a subtle enchantment.
Zatanna, the Mistress of Magic herself, watched us with those sapphire eyes that held a universe of secrets.
Her warm smile persisted, but there was an underlying sense of urgency, as if she was balancing multiple threads of magic in her mind.
With a graceful wave of her hand, Zatanna produced a pot of tea and two cups, filling them with steaming liquid. She then began the conversation, her words carrying the weight of her mystical prowess.
"J'onn," she began, her voice a melodic cadence, "I appreciate your patience and your willingness to accompany the sorcerer here. However, as you can see, I am here in Greenpoint, tending to my responsibilities in this neighborhood."
This new developments brought forth a flurry of questions.
*"Why is Zatanna in Greenpoint, a place I've never read about in the comics? What responsibilities does she have here that are so pressing? Do those responsibilities include hosting guests and serving tea?*
She most definitely didn't look busy at all.
My mind was a whirlwind of curiosity, seeking to bridge the gap between the familiar narratives of DC comics and the intriguing scenario unfolding before me.
Maybe she held the key to unlocking the mysteries of mystical arts in DC.
"Of course Zatanna." Manhunter replied. "But what preoccupies you in Greenpoint, so much that you don't have the time to attend to Clark? It certainly can't be running a mystic shop."
The question hung in the air, a piece of the puzzle that begged to be fitted into the larger narrative of Greenpoint's mystical mysteries and the fate of Superman
Zatanna's fingers traced intricate patterns on the table, almost as if she was drawing symbols of power. "Greenpoint is unique, even in a city as mystically inclined as New York. It's a haven for those who practice the arcane arts, a sanctuary for those who seek refuge in the unknown. My presence here is not just about performing magic tricks or running a shop; it's about maintaining the delicate balance of magic in this neighborhood."
As she spoke, I couldn't help but notice how the very air in the parlor seemed to respond to her words, as if the room itself acknowledged her role as its guardian.
Zatanna continued, her voice carrying the weight of responsibility. "You see, J'onn, magic flows through Greenpoint like a river. It's not always the flashy, grand magic you might associate with superheroes and supervillains. It's the everyday magic that keeps the neighborhood in harmony. From ensuring the protection spells on homes are intact to aiding those who come seeking guidance, my role here is diverse."
Manhunter's emerald eyes remained fixed on Zatanna, absorbing every word. Though he understood the importance of maintaining mystical balance, he couldn't help but feel that there was more to the story.
He had a keen sense of observation, and it was difficult for him to reconcile the image of Zatanna serving tea in her parlor with the urgency of her claimed responsibilities.
The question remained unspoken but hung in the air, a silent inquiry into the true nature of Zatanna's preoccupation in Greenpoint.
Zatanna's gaze turned to the window, where the enchanted display continued to mesmerize passersby. "Recently, there has been a surge in magical disturbances. Portals to other realms have appeared unexpectedly, and mystical creatures have crossed into Greenpoint. It's as if the fabric of magic itself is fraying, and I must dedicate my time to mend it."
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
She paused, her expression pensive. "The recount by Diana on the events that transpired in Gotham sounded similar to what has been happening here. I believe these disturbances are connected to the sorcerer you have accompanied here."
"If what he is saying is true." She continued, "That he might have lost control of his powers back in Gotham. Then I think he might be the key to resolving both situations; superman's ailment and Greenpoint's attacks."
"He is probably the cause and resolve to all of this." She added.
I listened intently, wondering what Zatanna's words implied. Did my presence in DC bring in further Crossovers, or was she talking about creatures from just DC?
What more was the question that had been bugging me for a while now. I knew what my purpose was, though vaguely, but I couldn't shake a vague feeling of incomplete information.
I knew I had possessed Doctor Strange's body and mind by pulling his conscious into my subconscious, but I couldn't explain one thing.
I had the knowledge of the mystic arts innate within me, combined with the knowledge of comics, but yet one crucial piece of knowledge eluded me.
While I was meant to become the Prime Sorcerer, how did Doctor Strange's body come to be in DC?
I felt I knew the answer, but the answer was constantly fleeting from my mind, as if something was blocking it from being revealed to me.
"While I may not possess the answers to Clark's condition just yet, I believe the answers lie within..." She said, looking towards me.
"Strange." I replied, giving her my name.
"I meant for your name." She replied, unknowingly.
"It's Strange. Doctor Strange." I replied.
"Strange? Huh?!" She said, intrigued.
"Are you a doctor, or are you just a big fan of his?" She asked.
"Relative." I replied, assuming that she was talking about Doctor Fate.
"That proves that he is either from this dimension, or he just knows too much." She said, confirming my knowledge of Doctor Fate.
"The Justice League have let him out of the Watch Tower, proving that he is not an imminent threat in this world. Or have they just become good at letting there guard down?" She continued.
"I'm keeping my watch over him." J'onn defended the integrity of the League.
"Yet aware of the strange mysteries in his magic." She stated. "No matter, I intend to use him to learn what's happening in Greenpoint, and resolve the conflict...as I look into Clark's little setback, which I'm sure he'll survive from."
"He might wield a unique brand of magic, one that disrupts the natural flow of mystical energy. To truly understand and counteract this, I need to delve into the depths of Greenpoint's magic, to trace the subtle threads that connect everything." She concluded.
I leaned forward, intrigued by her charms. "I'm more than eager to help, Zatanna."
Deep down a throbbing feeling of desire engulfed me. I was going to be around Zatanna, a magical enchantress!
"Mmmh." She said with curiosity.
"Never mind that." J'onn replied. "Will you be able to help Clark?"
"It's possible. It's magic after all, and I'll do my best." She replied.
"Then I stay with him." J'onn said.
"You're welcome to stay as much as you'd like. Greenpoint, as much as the rest of New York, could use another helping hand." Zatanna said.
"In fact, I could use your abilities just about now." She added.
The atmosphere in the mystical parlor seemed to hum with anticipation.
Zatanna's sapphire eyes glowed with an intensity, her innate connection to magic alerting her to the impending threat.
With a swift wave of her hand, Zatanna conjured a mystical portal and motioned us to step in.
The portal transported us to the heart of Greenpoint. We emerged on a cobblestone street, surrounded by quaint shops and mystical symbols etched into the very pavement beneath our feet.
The night air was thick with an eerie energy, and the distant sound of chanting echoed through the narrow alleyways.
Zatanna immediately sensed the source of the disturbance and led the way, her cape billowing behind her.
As we turned a corner, we came face to face with the emerging portal. It shimmered with an ominous green glow, and from its depths, a creature stepped forth.
The creature stood approximately six feet tall, its body covered in a gleaming suit that shimmered with iridescent colors.
Instead of a human head, the creature had a translucent, spherical helmet that concealed its true form.
Within the helmet, a swirling, smoky substance churned, creating an eerie and disorienting effect. This substance obscured the creature's features, leaving only an enigmatic silhouette within. The creature's movements were graceful and fluid, reminiscent of a theatrical flair.
Its hands were adorned with mystical gloves that crackled with green energy, and it held a twisted staff, topped with a floating, green crystal orb, which emitted a haunting, pulsating light.
As the creature advanced, it left a trail of illusory phantoms in its wake, creating a surreal and disconcerting spectacle. Its presence exuded an air of malevolent showmanship.
By just looking at the creature, I recognized it in an instant.
It was none other than the master illusionist known as Mysterio (from MCU).
Mysterio, with his iconic fishbowl helmet concealing his face, surveyed his new surroundings, meeting the trio that stood before him.
"Who dares intrude on my domain?" Zatanna's voice held an authoritative command as she stepped forward, her fingers tracing arcane symbols in the air.
Mysterio, seemingly unfazed, lifted his hands, conjuring illusions that danced around him. "Uncharted territory. What a delightful surprise."
Manhunter remained vigilant, his emerald eyes locked onto Mysterio, ready to intervene at a moment's notice.
I, although relatively new to this, had my own bag of tricks at the ready.
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A/N:
Any discrepancies, such as Greenpoint being a hub of magic for DC, are because of the desire to explore the mystic Arts. A creative choice by I, the author.
Let me know what you would like to see. Comment.
Thank you.
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Up to 30 chapters in the works.