tushanshu | ✦ 001 ✦ [video]

[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.

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[This time--because she was looking directly at him and looking for a reaction--she notices.]

Just 'alright'?

He's just different. Really different.

Different...how?

This is going to sound weird, but he's not as good at communicating.

[Of course, that's from Robin's perspective, someone who is used to being able to see what Bruce is saying even when he isn't saying anything.]

[It actually didn't seem all that weird to her, considering.]

Do you think it's because he's not the Batman you know? Or because you're not the Robin he knows?

Both, probably.

That sort of makes sense.

...I'm sorry. [She couldn't imagine what that was like.]

It's alright. A Batman's better than no Batman at all, right?

[Depends on the Batman]

I guess so.

At least we'll know who to go to if we ever need help.

[Shh he's trying to be optimistic.]

Yeah.

[Then how come this whole conversation was gradually turning more and more depressing?]

...hey, wanna get out of here?

[Because when Dick gets depressed, he makes everyone else depressed.]

Um, sure? Where do you want to go?

[Well, stop that]

Anywhere. I don't really care.

The world is our turtle now. [Because that's totally how the saying goes] Might as well go exploring, right?

[No.]

Sure, I'll give you the grand tour.

...Mind sticking to the rooftops, though? At least until we find something we want to explore.

[B|]

Any particular reason why?

[He gestures to his uniform]

Robin doesn't exactly stroll down the street.

You could.

[Not that she particularly minds the rooftops. She's just pushing to see what he says at this point.]

And ruin my reputation for mystery? No thanks.

Besides, I'm not famous here the way I am back home. And I'm trying to keep it that way.

[Being able to operate on the sly is useful, you know.]

Alright, then. Rooftops, it is.

[He climbs onto the ledge of her window.]

Your way or mine?

[She follows.]

It's your domain. We'll do it your way.

[He turns and shoots a line to a nearby tree. Then he half turns and holds out his hand.]

Ready?

[She accepts it]

Always.

[And with a (very chalant) grin, they go swinging along the rooftops of Keeliai.]