Azure Bubbles

Young Justice

and


At some time during the two week skip

Zach had decided to make another trip to the mall. Nothing felt better after training than a little retail therapy. After browsing his usual favorite places, he decided to stop by the music store. Granted, Zach didn’t actually play any instruments himself. He just sang and danced. Still, there was nothing wrong with browsing the selection. They had various instruments set up for people to try out, which meant you could occasionally catch a show here if somebody who knew what they were doing happened to stop in.

Inside, he was met with a melody that was played on a piano. However, there wasn’t anyone sitting in the pianist’s chair. Instead, the musician in question was sitting on a high stool on the opposing side of the grand piano. The top cover of the instrument was removed for the time being, allowing for the unorthodox musician to see and play the strings themselves. It was a soulful song that he was playing, but his expression seemed rather intense. He didn’t want to mess it up again. It was always about the time of the second verse that he lost his footing so to speak.

Zach saw a familiar face examining the pianos strings, and playing a song without touching the keys, but the strings inside the piano themselves. It was a beautiful song, for sure. Although he wasn’t expecting to see the musician playing it. He had expected to spend a day at the mall by himself today. Should he even say anything? Ja was adorable, but it was clear to the magician that Kila didn’t like Zach very much… Eh, can’t hurt to try and be his charming self! He approached his teammate. “Hey Kitty Cat. Wasn’t expecting to see you here. I didn’t take you as the musical type… Did you even get permission to open the piano?”

Hearing the damned nickname made Kila retract his hands from the strings. As though caught in a moment of vulnerability, he eyed the Zatara from behind the shadow his mane cast. ”So long as the instrument isn’t damaged and I knew what I was doing…” The young veteran was willing to explain.

”The great Speech Devil has decided to commute with the common people it seems…?” Kila broke eye contact, resting his hands on the legs he had crossed in his seat.

Zach narrowed his eyes at the nickname, but shrugged it off. “Well of course! I love communing with my fans!” He said with a flourish of his hand. “Anyway… What brings you to the mall?”

Kila gestured with one hand to the device before him. ”I am intrigued by this instrument. Casper’s playing from before inspired me to return to it. I would buy this, though there is no space in my room currently…” He explained. Without much more to say though, his fingers went back to the strings to try again: CGBE, g b e g b e g b e g b e g…

Kila went back to playing, and suddenly an idea popped into Zach’s head. “emutsoc otni egnahc.” The magician was enveloped in smoke for a second, and was left standing in his signature tuxedo. He then grabbed a microphone that happened to be on display, and sat down at the edge of the piano with his legs crossed. “If you're going to put on a show, then do it right. Hit it Kila!” He raised the microphone to his mouth, and started to sing.

Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live just to play the game
Some people think
That the physical things
Define what's within
And I've been there before
That life's a bore
So full of the superficial

A crowd started to gather around the duo.

Kila all the while took all his willpower to keep from walking off. His music was often just for his own entertainment, sometimes for family. Zatara’s theatrics, while entertaining to some, were just a means to show off in reality. What was worse, he actually picked up a microphone and started singing along. Every opportunity to get attention…Regardless, Kila decided against making a scene.

What was more, as he played along, it seemed to actually sound good. Though, there was a reason why he didn’t play this song in front of…wait, the part he usually struggled with had already passed…? The crowd still cheered and Zatara was still singing. He looked down at his fingers still gently nipping at piano strings.

The transition from the intro to the verse was in private circumstances where he discoordinated. He had been struggling for weeks with it. He caught himself almost smiling in triumph, but it didn’t last long when a notion crossed his mind…Kila’s eyes turned to Zach singing along for a moment. The song had a mirrored transition into the outro that he equally struggled with in the past…The young lion kept playing, as an experiment came to him.

Zach continued singing as Kila played on the piano, people gathered around, and started cheering. This was what Zach lived for. The applause and attention of people. Kila was actually pretty good at this. This was one of the better live performances he had put on. Zach started to sing louder, and put more passion into it.

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you, baby
If I ain't got you, baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah

Some people search for a fountain
Promises forever young
Some people need three dozen roses
And that's the only way to prove you love them
Hand me the world on a silver platter
And what good would it be
With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me
Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you, baby
If I ain't got you, baby

Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, you, you
Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you, baby
If I ain't got you, baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah
If I ain't got you with me, baby, oh, ooh
Said nothing in this whole wide world don't mean a thing
If I ain't got you with me, baby

When it was over, Zach stood up, and took a bow, as people applauded. Kila abruptly pulled his fingers from the strings. Walking away from the piano, Kila barely acknowledged the crowd with a nod. He still eyed the instrument, then one of the hands he used to play it. Just before exiting the store entirely, he looked over his shoulder one last time at Zach. With the results of his experiment confirmed, Kila wasn’t sure what they meant. Without a word to say, the Meta let the magician bask in the ambiance.

Meanwhile, Zach stood there accepting bows and compliments from the audience. “Thank you, you have been a wonderful audience.” He was going to say something congratulating his partner in all this, but he left. It was unfortunate, because he deserved praise for this performance as well. Guess he didn’t like the spotlight as he much as he did…

Location: Communications Complex
Interactions: The Team @Courtaud

It had been two weeks, and finally they had been given their mission. In that time, he had worked on some new spells and magic tricks. Viktor did his best to teach Zach some nonmagic combat skills, but he just couldn’t get a handle on the manly tough guy fighting thing… Or maybe he was just distracted by Vik. Who knows… He also got to know some of his teammates better, although he still little interest in Casper. He just tolerated him more than anything.

After Batman explained the mission, it was an observe and report situation, he had chosen Talon to lead. After which, Talon divided the squads and gave them their roles in the group. It was the most he had heard Talon speak in the entire time he knew him. He never even removed that damn mask in that entire time. He probably had beautiful eyes underneath it.

Since it was supposed to be cold, and he needed to be stealthy, Zach had to make adjustments to his costume. “emutsoc egnahc” After being enveloped in smoke, he emerged in a more wintery magician costune, which included a fur lined coat, and a more muted color scheme. He then approached Talon, and gave him a salute. “Good luck captain.”

Tales from the Spider-Verse: Spidroin

Interactions: @EnterTheHero

Danny Davis swung through the streets of New York City. The city was beautiful at night, especially from this vantage point. Danny and his sister had spent a month designing their outfits, perfecting the formula for the spider silk, and, especially in Danny’s case testing the capabilities of what these new powers could do. So far, he found he could climb up walls, lift a car with relative ease, and he seemed to possess some sort… he wasn’t sure what to call it, but a feeling that alerted him to imminent danger.

Tonight was the test run. He had chosen to do this at night, because he was pretty sure no one was going to notice a guy in a pink and purple full body costume at night. Not with the other lights and noises of the city. So far, the spider silk seemed like it was able to support his weight, as it was designed to do. Finding things for the web to stick to in order to swing properly presented a challenge. He had to cling to a building when there wasn’t anything to stick to.

He landed on a roof, and stopped to catch his breath. That was when he saw another person sitting on the rooftop. Danny froze. He wasn’t expecting to find other people out here… Then again… It made sense. If he and his sister got powers, the possibility was there that other people did too. Still, why did they have to be out tonight? Danny was looking forward to a quiet night alone.

But wait a minute… Danny was a superhero now… Dealing with strange potentially ostumed individuals was going to be a part of the gig. What if this guy was a potential supervillain? He certainly dresses the part, even if the helmet looked a little silly… Danny took a breath. There was no need to jump to conclusions. Danny didn’t know this guy, and this guy didn’t know Danny. All he had to do was… Talk… The worst part… At least he was wearing a mask.

Danny took a breath, and approached the guy. “Hey buddy! Nice costume. But uh… Mines better. Of course, not everyone looks as fabulous in pink as I do!” Danny was actually relieved the other person couldn’t see his face. If he had actually said that to anyone in real life, he would have gotten punched in the face for sure. “So uh… Are you one of those people that like to hang out on rooftops often? If you are, I’m kind of new at this. We could start a club!”

Pokemon: Fallen Skies (Crimson Flame & SleepingSilence) [Closed]

Sorry that took so long!

Pokemon: Fallen Skies (Crimson Flame & SleepingSilence) [Closed]

The Joltik retaliated by firing a string shot at the images of Storm. But then the battle abruptly ended when his little sister screamed and he had to take off. Conner was disappointed that he couldn’t complete the battle, Conner supposed it wouldn’t be right to keep the kid away from his sister. Although he knew for sure he wouldn’t be so quick to come running if his sister screamed for him.

Miles also finished his battle, and he seemed to actually win his battle. Miles put his hand on Conner’s shoulder, and congratulated him. Conner returned the gesture. “Thanks dude! You did awesome too! I just wish I could have finished mine… Uh, anyway… what’s up with you?”

Young Justice

and

Location: Happy Harbor Mall

Zach’s solitary shopping adventure was interrupted when Kassy came in to ask about the Unicorn plushie he was holding on to. He was amazed she had the nerve to approach him again after everything that happened. Zach raised an eyebrow. “You… haven’t seen a unicorn before? Oh… right you’re from Atlantis. You probably grew up with Kelpies and stuff… He sighed. “Um… anyway, it’s called a unicorn. A mythical horse that’s as fabulous and magical as I am! Their magic comes from their horn. There’s a lot more to them than that, but I don’t think you’re here for a history lesson.”

“I see.” Kassy was actually listening with attention, though she wouldn’t quite meet Zach’s eyes. She wasn’t sure what to say to him, but she didn’t want to leave things as they were. “It’s very pretty. I’m sure it will make good company.” After a moment, she held out her stuffed shark.

“This one is coming with me. I’m not sure what to name it yet.” Kass had an odd predilection for naming inanimate objects, like her staff. For some reason, it just made her feel better.

Stepping closer, she lowered her voice. “About… earlier. I really am sorry. If you need to take your vengeance, I’d prefer it at home. But I also don’t like waiting for the other wave to crest.” She looked around the store, noting it mostly empty. The only other patron besides the store’s clerk was a harried looking mother with 2 children. “Go ahead. Hit me.”

Kassy had picked up a plush shark for herself. It was cute, although Zach didn’t understand why anyone would want to cuddle up with a carnivorous sea creature, but Zach wasn’t in a position to judge.

What she said next made Zach’s eyes go wide with shock. Did she really just ask that? “What?! No! I’m not going to hit you. It would reflect poorly on me if I just casually punched a woman with no context. My career would be ruined. Even with context that’s really bad. I don’t know how things are done in where you come from, but we don’t go around inflicting violence on everyone who upsets us… As much as we may want to.”

Zach sighed and shook his head. “I do suppose we have to talk about my reaction don’t we?” He put his purchases in front of the cashier for them to be rung up. The man listening to this was probably confused about what the heck was going on.

“Oh. Well, it’s not so much Atlantis as it is…” Just happening inside her house. The words stuck in her throat. “A long story. It’s a long story.” She did not have the energy to open that box. “And yes, we do have to talk about that. Though I’m not sure if here is the best place.”

Once Zach’s unicorn was paid for, she put up her shark on the counter to be purchased. “Would it be better to walk and talk?”

“Yes, it would be better to walk and talk. Mine is also a long story.”

Kassy nodded, and paid for the shark. She gestured for Zach to follow as she exited and joined the milling mall crowd. “If you didn’t want to…” She gestured a little punch in the face. “Then what did you want to talk to me about?” Her voice dropped to a bit of a mumble. “I’m used to that phrase meaning bad things, unfortunately.”

“I mean… I’m the one who ran off crying after a sparring session. I’m sure everyone that watched thinks oh Zach cried because he lost. He’s a sore loser. Boo-hoo! While, yes I’m not exactly happy about that. It’s a little more complicated than just getting beaten.” Zach sighed, and rubbed the back of his head.“Before I had access to magic, I often felt helpless… And that whole situation brought me back to those times… Zach bit his lip, and looked away from Kassy. He really hated talking about this stuff. He just wanted to be a world class magician and superhero. Why did this have to rear its ugly head again.

Kassy was surprised to see the usually confident Zach looking so downtrodden. Even more of a surprise was not having powers his whole life. The way he wielded them, he seemed to be born with them. “You couldn’t always use magic? That… must have been really hard.” She fidgeted with her hair, one curl being tweaked over and over. “I’ve always had magic, but… not very many people like what I can do, back home. So they’d…” She inhaled, and exhaled. If they were being honest, she’d have to at least comply. “Call me things. Do things to me.” He would probably have to drag the detail out of her if he even wanted to know. Hopefully he would not.

Zach nodded. It was clear that Kassy didn’t want to talk about what happened to her. It made sense. He barely wanted to talk about what happened to him. “Right, some people can be cruel for the most petty of reasons. It’s the same above the surface… I can’t imagine why anybody wouldn’t like what you can do. They’re awesome.”

Kassy actually flashed him a bit of a smile. It was there one moment, but gone the next. “Thank you.” Her hair was becoming a bit of a mess, as she had nervous hands. “But if I could give up my power, all of it, I would do it. It’s really caused me nothing but trouble most of my life.” She shook her head, curls bouncing. “I don’t expect you to understand that part, though.”

Zach shrugged his shoulders. She had a point. He only had his powers for two years, and he would never give them up for anything. “I mean… yeah… I wouldn’t. My mother bound my powers hoping to give me a normal life…For all the good that did. He chuckled a little. “I would never go back to that…”

“Well, you don’t have to.” Kassy nodded firmly. “And, seas willing, neither do I.” A hesitant smile slipped onto her face. “We’re going toward a new life. A better one. Hopefully.”

Zach nodded and grinned in return. “I hope so.”

Young Justice

Happy Harbor Mall
Interactions: No one

As soon as he arrived, Zach made a beeline for one of his favorite stores in the mall, the toy store. It was a miracle this mall had a toy store considering they seemed to be closing left right and center these days. The first thing he did when he got there was look at the selection of stuffed animals. He had a bunch of plushies in his own personal collection that he brought with him from home. He always got teased for his collection of cute plushies back home. People called them girly, or for babies, or whatever nonsense they said. They were idiots anyway.

The store did not disappoint. There was a bunch of stuffed animals to choose from. Some were sitting on the shelves displayed cutely, while bigger ones were piled into a large metal bin. Zach looked through them all to pick out the cutest ones. Some of these would decorate his room, and some of these would be used to decorate the base. The place was drab, and really needed a touch of cuteness.

He picked up a large plush unicorn, and hugged it. Yep, this one would be coming home with him.

Young Justice

Mt. Justice Base: Lounge
Interactions: Talon, @Courtaud Kassy @Mistress Dizzy

Zach wasn’t expecting any of these people to acknowledge his presence, and he would just sit there eating his ice cream in peace. Boy was he wrong. Talon decided to criticize his choice of snack. Who did he was, his mother? He was legally a grownup, he could have ice cream if he wanted. Talon ran to the kitchen and came back with a jar of peanuts. He looked at Talon, then at the peanuts. His voice wasn’t in a state to say something sassy right now, and Talon was clearly trying to do something nice. Zach just reached into the jar, and grabbed a handful of peanuts.“Um... thank you.” He starined, and shoved the nuts into his mouth. (Get your minds out of the gutter kids)

Then Kassy came in, and apologized for hitting him too hard. As if that was what he was upset about... It was a more complicated situation than simple “boo hoo, I’m injured.” But Zach wasn’t in the mood to discuss that right now. She also offered to ease the pain. Zach nodded. “Do it... We can discuss this later... When it doesn’t hurt to talk...”

___

Interactions: Viktor @FunnyGuy

It had been a few hours, and Zach’s ability to speak had been restored. He was relieved, he made a living on being able to talk, and being unable to was a nightmare.

Zach got dressed in his casual clothes, which today consisted of a purple T-shirt with a bunny on it, jeans, and sneakers. They had all been summoned together for a mission. They were all going to go to the mall to go shopping. Fun! Shopping was fun when you had money, and Zach did indeed have money. What was weird was that Red Tornado was treating this as if it were a serious mission. Zach just facepalmed and sighed.

There were several modes of transportation available to them. Zach had decided to go in the Jeep. There was no way he was taking public transportation like a Plebeian. The Zeta Tubes were an option but... Viktor was driving. “Great. I call shotgun.”

Young Justice

Mt. Justice Base: Lounge
Interactions: Whoever cares

Zach entered the base. His eyes were a still red and puffy from the crying. ”maerc eci!” He said in a pained, quiet, raspy voice. Unfortunately, no Ice Cream was summoned. He still hadn’t fully recovered from the punch to the throat. “Stupid bitch...” He muttered as he went to the kitchen. Since his voice wasn’t working too well, he had to make his own ice cream. Nothing felt better after a rough day than a bowl of ice cream.

Thankfully, the base had some ice cream. It was only vanilla, and they didn’t have fudge or whipped cream, but it would do in a pinch. After making himself a bowl, he walked to the lounge, and sat on a couch. He did notice the members of the other group were there, but Zach didn’t bother acknowledging them right now. He sat there eating his ice cream, and occasionally sobbing still.

Young Justice

vs

Location: Happy Harbour

Kassandra was a little surprised as their sparring partners were announced for them. The others had gotten to choose, so why not them? Oh well. It’s not like there was any point in speaking out about it.

“Very well.” She would battle Zach, but she didn’t have to like it. As the other teen approached, she waved him over. “We’re supposed to fight.”

Black Canary had chosen their sparring partners for them, and Zach was up against Kassandra. Well, it could be worse. He might have been paired up against someone like Aleen’a, or even the Canary herself. He sighed. “Well, let’s get this over with I suppose.” He approached the fighting arena, and tapped his head with his wand. ”etativel!” He floated a few feet off the ground. “Your move Little Mermaid.”

Kassandra readied her staff, and frowned slightly at the nickname. “Not a mermaid.” Without much other warning, she channeled her will through the staff. The eyes of the octopus figure started to glow a very soft pale blue, and a burst of air came through the top. She aimed it right at Zach’s feet, starting to twist it into a miniature tornado.

Zach shrugged. “Could’ve fooled me.” Suddenly, Zach felt a breeze, that got progressively stronger, and there was a small tornado forming beneath his feet, that pulled him to the ground, and he fell on his face. “Clever…” He stood up, and aimed his wand. “But you're going to have to do better than that! tlob enacra!” A purple ball of magic flew from the tip of Zach’s wand, and aimed at his rival magic user.

Kassandra was pleasantly surprised at Zach’s recovery speed. For all his complaining about not wanting to physically fight, he’d gotten up quick. “You haven’t seen anything yet.” She murmured as the purple bolt flew near. And then she simply disappeared. The bolt soared over empty air, and for a moment there was silence.

“In fact, you can’t see anything at all, can you?” Her voice seemed to echo from a dozen different directions. Being invisible was the first illusion that Kassy had learned, years ago. It came in handy for sneaking around the house. Multiple sound illusions were a little trickier, but it helped to have a good focal point. In this case, Zachary himself. “Catch me if you can!”

The bolt flew right by Kassy, and she vanished. Her voice echoed from multiple directions.“Interesting…” Zach mumbled. As far as he knew, Kassy couldn’t teleport. She couldn’t have gone too far. “Oh dear… Where did you go?” He turned his head in all directions, acting like he was searching. Then he took off his jacket, and rolled up his sleeves. sleeves.“skcor fo mrots!” Suddenly, a bunch of stones and rocks that were laying around the clearing, staring flying around wildy. One of these rocks was bound to hit her.

“Oof!” There was a grunt from a few feet behind Zach. Indeed, one of the rocks had hit home. Kassy popped back into view, rubbing her leg where she had been struck. That was going to be a bruise later. “Not bad… but you just messed up.” She raised her staff high and suffused her will. The octopus’ eyes lit yellow, and all of the rocks stopped in midair. Then she spun the staff hard, the rocks following the movement and heading for Zach like a stream of earth.

One of the rocks hit her, revealing his opponent, but then she turned the rocks back on him.“reirrab” A purple barrier of magic appeared in front of Zach, and blocked the stream of rocks. But… Zach fell to his knees and started panting. He had used a lot of magic, and was starting to get winded.

Kassandra was sweating as well. Using so many different things in such a short timespan was a definite drain on her resources. But - it looked like Zach was running out faster. “Sorry, Zach.” She darted forward, and reeled back, punching him right in the mouth. He wouldn’t be speaking spells after that. So much for not running out of magic. Maybe he’d take the physical stuff more seriously next time.

As Zach was catching his breath, Kassy came in and punched him in his mouth, knocking him to the floor. He got up, and tried to say something, but no words would come out. He felt as helpless as he did in his high school days. He could hear the laughter and name calling of everyone watching, whether they were actually laughing or not. So he lowered his head, and ran away. Tears streaming down his face, and sobbing softly. He didn’t want to hear what Black Canary, or any of these other idiots had to say. It was over.

Young Justice

Location: Obstacle Course
Interactions: Anyone who cares to answer.

As everyone was making away across the makeshift ladder, Talon nearly fell into the pit. Casper and Daphne tried to save them, and it looked like they had the situation under control. Until Daphne’s hair almost strangled Talon. Ja and Kassy tried to help them, but now their way across the gap had collapse, and Zach had only one spell left.

Suddenly, Aleen’a picked him up bridal style, and before Zach had a chance to demand to be put down, she took a running start and lept over the gap. “AHHHH!” He screamed as he was carried through the air. When they got closer, Aleen’a dropped him, and Zach landed on his butt. While Aleen’a landed on her face.

Zach sighed as he got up and dusted himself off. Thst was definitely an experience. Aleen’a explained that she was going to clear the rest of the course, while he could help out the rest of the team. She seemed sad that was unsure how to help the rest of the team. Zach looked back at the rest of his group. They seemed to have the situation under control… He could repair the ladder so they could get across. He still had one more spell left, and Aleen’a could probably handle what was left.

Then, Black Canary and Green Arrow came by to handle the situation. Canary said the obstacle course was over, and they could take a break before it would be their turn to spar. Zach was not looking forward to that, but at least this course was done, and he could use his magic again. Zach ran up to the gap. ”egdirb cigam!” Then a solid platform made of transparent purple energy materialized connecting the two sides, He ran across his construct to be with the rest of his teammates. “Ugh, I am so glad that’s over! Is everyone alright? You better be. We have to spar after all this…”