With Mysterio defeated and locked in Zatanna's mystical prison, she proceeded to welcome us into her aboard, Greenpoint.
(Greenpoint Sanctum)
"Welcome to your temporary sanctuary in Greenpoint," Zatanna exclaimed with a twinkle in her sapphire eyes as she swung the ornate wooden door wide open.
"This is the Greenpoint Sanctum, a place where all magic converges."
The moment we stepped inside, I was enveloped in an enchanting ambiance that seemed to emanate from every corner of the centuries-old townhouse.
The interior was a fusion of mysticism and comfort, where ancient charm coexisted harmoniously with modern amenities.
The scent of incense wafted through the air, casting a soothing spell over the space. Enchanted lanterns hung from the ceiling, their soft, golden glow adding a nostalgic touch to the surroundings.
The living area beckoned with plush, velvet-covered sofas and intricately carved wooden furniture adorned with mystical symbols.
Bookshelves lined the walls, holding tomes that whispered secrets of arcane knowledge. Crystals of various sizes glistened on shelves, their facets catching the light in a mesmerizing dance.
Zatanna led us through the cozy rooms, each infused with its own unique charm. "This is your home away from the Watch Tower during your stay in Greenpoint," she explained. "I've created a haven here for those who seek to explore the mysteries of magic in this neighborhood."
She gestured towards the bedrooms down a softly lit corridor. "And here are your sleeping quarters, each designed to provide a restful night's sleep infused with a touch of enchantment."
The bedrooms were an invitation to relaxation. Soft, embroidered curtains framed windows that looked out onto the mystical streets of Greenpoint. The beds were adorned with plush, velvet duvets and pillows that promised a night of sweet dreams.
Each room had its own unique decor, with symbols of protection and mystic runes etched into the walls.
Manhunter, looked around with his emerald eyes taking in every detail, his keen sense of observation at work. "This place feels...special," he remarked, his Martian senses attuned to the mystical energies that lingered in the air.
"It is," Zatanna confirmed with a smile. "Greenpoint is a place where magic thrives, and I've endeavored to make this townhouse a reflection of that magic. It's a haven for those who practice the arcane arts and a place of discovery for those who wish to learn."
As we settled into our new surroundings, Zatanna began to explain why she had chosen to base herself in Greenpoint. Her words painted a vivid picture of the neighborhood's unique role in the world of magic.
"I initially came here to improve my performances and learn more about magic, but my heart got stolen by the beauties of this place." She started.
"Greenpoint has always been a sanctuary for practitioners of the mystical arts," she continued. "It's a place where the boundary between the mundane and the magical is thin, and the energies of the arcane flow freely. For centuries, it has attracted mystics, witches, and wizards who sought to explore the depths of magic."
Stolen novel; please report.
She continued, her voice carrying the weight of history and reverence.
"My stay here in Greenpoint extended beyond what I had expected, and Greenpoint became a crucial part of me. I ended up becoming it's Mistress of Magic, protecting it from those who came with bad intentions."
"As a Mistress of Magic, also, it's my duty to ensure that the delicate balance of mystical energies in this neighborhood is maintained. I offer guidance to those who seek it, protect against dark forces that may threaten, and foster a sense of community among practitioners."
Zatanna's words were like a spell, weaving a tale of a neighborhood where magic was woven into the very fabric of daily life.
She described how Greenpoint had its own unique traditions and practices, with mystical shops and apothecaries that catered to the needs of both seasoned sorcerers and curious novices.
"And the enchanted artifacts, much like yours," she added with a wink to me, "you'll find them at every turn, from protective talismans to crystal balls that offer glimpses into the future. Greenpoint is a place where the mystical and the mundane coexist, where magic is not just a hidden secret but a source of wonder."
"With that, would you tell me what the relics you wield are and how you came across them?" She asked me. "Magic here is not exactly a mystery."
I had stepped into a world where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blurred, and I needed to always have the answers when curious questions like these came my way.
"This is the Eye of Agamotto. It's a time and illusion manipulation relic." I replied, holding at the relic around my neck.
"It's been passed down to me from many generations of being wielded by my predecessors, dating back to the father of the mystic arts." A thin line between a truth and a lie.
"And, this is the Cloak of Levitation. It allows me to float in the air, like this." I said demonstrating, flying backwards and suspending myself in the air.
"It came to me, a sign that it had chosen me." I said.
"What about the ring on your hand?" She asked, staring at my hand. "I saw you use it to create magic."
"The Sling Ring enables me to bring forth whatever I can visualize. It's a core object to my magic use." I replied to her. "It was given to me during my training years.
"For someone who claims to not have refined magical skills, you can achieve fascinating feats in a battle. How is it?" She inquired.
"I was told that I was a Sorcerer destined to be great, my powers beyond comprehension, while studying in Kamar-Taj. I have a natural talent for the mystics. While I might be good at performing magic, sometimes I lose control and something unexpected or unexplainable happens." This half-baked lie was beginning to feel real.
"My goal is to learn more about the mystic arts and achieve my destiny, while correcting my mistakes." I finished.
"Where is this Kamar-Taj?" Zatanna asked.
"A memory from my past I do not wish to recall." I said working hard to believing this as much as possible, hoping that she would buy it. I had let out more than enough.
But the idea of Greenpoint being a mystical hub really intrigued me. Something unknown even to the comics.
It was a neighborhood where every street held the promise of discovery, and every shopfront concealed a treasure of arcane knowledge.
Something that I truly needed right now as I tried to figure out how I could become the Prime Sorcerer and unlock my destiny and future. I hadn't yet understood the title and what it meant.
Neither did I understand why I was the one chosen to become the first Prime Sorcerer.
Ever since that chat with Doctor Strange, he hadn't reappeared to me to impact some more wisdom, perhaps it was because I was him now. Because I knew as much as he did, and more, having absorbed his experiences.
My quickest route to becoming the Prime Sorcerer was to maybe find Doctor Fate, and hope that destiny would unravel by itself.
But how would I locate the Tower of Fate, go there and meet him, while still trying to avoid a clash with my favorite heroes group. Besides, Clark needed answers and I wanted to help find them, having put him in his current situation.
"It's a place of great importance," Manhunter acknowledged, "and your presence here has ensured that its mystical heritage is preserved."
Zatanna smiled warmly. "Indeed, J'onn. And now, with the current disturbances in Greenpoint, we need to keep the heritage preserved as we find out how to help Clark. I shall indulge into your mystics tomorrow, but for now, rest."
As we settled into our respective rooms, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey that had brought me to this moment.
Everything had been happening so quickly and chaotically ever since I found myself in Gotham's skyline.
The trifle with Wonder Woman and Hal Jordan, the explosion in Gotham and Superman, Doctor Strange being in my subconscious and the conscious amalgamation, the Watch Tower, and now Greenpoint.
Being in Greenpoint gave me a sense of serenity and tranquility, as I hoped that this would be the beginning of a peaceful exploration of the DC universe, as Doctor Strange.
All this knowledge and power had been gifted to me and I felt a great urge to put it all in a cause much greater than me.
A desire to explore and see more... adventure and become more.
But first, maybe I just had to survive under the mercy of the heroes of this world, and that began in Zatanna's supposed backyard.
As I relaxed my form in the cosy sheets, I couldn't help but feel Manhunter's keen watch over my actions and thoughts from the next room.
I understood that he needed to carry his duty of affirming that I was not a threat to the world, and that I wasn't playing elusive tricks.
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A/N:
Let's observe some "peace and calm" for sometime...and excitement. No more chaos in the next chapters? What do you think?
Let me know. Comment.
Thank you.
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Advance chapters in Patreon:
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Up to 30 chapters in the works.