✦ 001 ✦ [video]

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[As the feed turns on, one may notice the camera pointed directly at an open window, where some might recognize a familiar face, and others, a slightly less familiar (and noticeably younger) face. Sitting on a large tree branch just outside her room. Because why not?]

[14-year-old Zatanna looks oddly at peace for the moment, back leans against the rough bark, a few pieces peppering the shoulders of her black jacket blazer. One leg dangles off the edge, the other bent at the knee. She has a half smile on her face, and her eyes continue to casually take in her surroundings, even as she addresses the Network.]

I'll admit...definitely not what I was expecting.

[Implying that she's somehow unsurprised by her current limbo status. Like she knew something like this would happen, even if there was no way she could've predicted exactly what. Knew and accepted it. For now.]

Can't really complain, though.  I'd take a giant tree house over an eternity in empty helmet space any day.

Name's Zatanna, by the way. Zatanna Zatara.

Comments

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[backwordscompatible]

Okay, that can't be right.

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[hackingyoursensors]

The part where Wally's actually early for once?

[He jests.

But his smile fades.]

There's a lot that doesn't make sense.

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[She cracks a fleeting smile also. Then sighs.]

Tell me about it. I've already had one guy claim to know me. Except I've never seen him before in my life, and he thought I'd magically de-aged myself or something.

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[hackingyoursensors]

[Looking sympathetic:] It's happened to me before too. People from different worlds expecting me to look older or know stuff I don't know.

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[See, this is why she likes you, Robin. You get her. Even in crazy, not-quite-dead worlds on the back of a giant turtle with doppelgangers and every other headache imaginable.]

Lucky us.

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[hackingyoursensors]

[That makes him smile.]

On the upside, it's kind of cool to find out what you've been up to in other dimensions.

[At least he gave Batman some warning...? Not that he expected Zatanna to show up at all.]

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I guess so.

So, what about you? Any good stories about your other self worth sharing?

[Nobody expects the Zatanna inquisition?]

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[hackingyoursensors]

[He's just going to pick the least upsetting thing he can.]

Apparently, I'm part of a team called the Teen Titans. Which is a little more creative than the Team, even if it sounds really corny.

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[Smart choice]

Fascinating. With just a touch of egocentricity.

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[hackingyoursensors]

Hey, there was some modesty in there too. I did say the Team's name wasn't as interesting.

See, alternate dimensions can be tricky.

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And to think, here I thought splitting up our world was complicated.

Were we still based in Mount Justice, or had we petitioned for an addition in the League's headquarters yet?

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[hackingyoursensors]

You know, I didn't ask. [Because his conversation with Bruce went rapidly south right about then.] All I know is that the Team and the Titans have different members.

But I think we both know which one's better.

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Well, yeah. The one without a name. Obviously.

[No bias here All the bias.]

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[hackingyoursensors]

Well, there isn't a name that can truly encompass how awesome we are.

[Yes he's distracting her. No, he doesn't care. Everyone needs a little distracting.]

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[A part of her knows she's being distracted. And she doesn't particularly care right now, because she kinda likes it.]

So much for the modesty, hmm?

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[hackingyoursensors]

Modesty is overrated.

[Well he can't distract her forever.]

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[backwordscompatible]

Exactly what I was thinking.

By the way, did you actually want to come in, or are you comfortable out there?

[Because, with him, you never know.]

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[hackingyoursensors]

[He shifts on the branch a little.]

It's not uncomfortable, but this might take awhile.

[So he'll just stand up, brushing off the bark. Balancing on a branch several stories off the ground, nbd.]

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Hey, I'm not going anywhere.

[For somebody who's known to swing and jump from rooftops? Totally nbd. She's not even worried.]

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[hackingyoursensors]

[Hope you don't mind that he's inviting himself in, then. You'll probably want to sit down for some of this stuff anyway, Zatanna.]

So, how much have you heard about our new home sweet home?

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[backwordscompatible]

[Considering she'd not-so-subtly implied...no, she doesn't mind at all. And while you're inviting yourself in, she's going to resume her seat over by her desk area. Sitting sideways in the chair so she can lean her head against the backrest.]

Bits and pieces. Are we really on the back of a giant turtle?

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[hackingyoursensors]

That's what they say. I've heard it from a few reliable people, so I'm pretty sure it's true. But we're, uh, docked so you can actually go to Shell's Edge and see for yourself.

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[backwordscompatible]

I think I might have to do that.

Where exactly are we docked right now?

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[hackingyoursensors]

Not exactly sure on the name, but the locals say it's a dangerous place.

[And he can't wait to explore. Bats, man.]

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[backwordscompatible]

...define "dangerous".