Ritual's Stage

And the show goes on... Zachary Zatara Club Owner Stage Magician Memeber of National City RP

[justistrue-deactivated20180213]

hocus focus | zachary & lucy

[cockymagi]

justistrue:

Either this was going to go smoothly or she was going to want to leave after five minutes. He seemed polite enough, even if the hand kissing was a little too aged for Lucy. A romantic, but not necessarily open to a strange man’s gestures. Still, he hadn’t been too aggressive in his charms so far now she could play nice to get the information she had came for. 

As she took a seat, she put her hand up. “I’m working, I can’t drink.” She gently rejected, giving a polite smile. “I’ve just got a couple of questions for you, Mr. Zatanna.” Lucy could only hope he’d be cooperative. She was confident as long as she remained polite herself, he’d be honest with her. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the event that took place at the CatCo Fundraiser.”

Looking to him, she searched for recognition on his face. She was aware he didn’t attend, which was just enough suspicious to warrant some informal questioning. “Can I ask why you didn’t attend?”

“No matter, I’ll turn it into whatever you please once it’s up here.” he said carelessly. Zach didn’t use his magic as much these days, but in the face of agents like this, it could be fun to see how easily unnerved they were. While this woman seemed calm he always enjoyed playing with an audience, whether they were being performed to or not.

“I assumed as much, Director Lane.” he nodded slightly, “Of course, it’s been all over the news. Quite the performance wouldn’t you say?” All flash and little skill, clearly an amateur. At her question his smile widened slightly and he lent a little closer, “Allow me to answer your question with a question: can you give me a brief description of a personal item you have in your home? A watch, a passport, a gun, something like that?”

After asking his vague question Zach lent back once more and continued to stare at her, his charming look also holding something akin to aloof amusement, like an adult would have upon looking at a performing child.

[cockymagi]

prettybirdlxnce:

“True, but there’s a fine line,” Laurel offered, still with an amused smile and tilt of her head. “Ah, I’m yet to be introduced to that,”

“Well congratulations on that,” The blonde laughed, “Star City’s a little too far from Metropolis, I think the youngest we ever had was Justin Bieber,” Though she winced comically “And I think that says a lot about our standards,” Ah, a retainer - now that was an offer she hadn’t expected. The distinct impression Laurel got was that this man wasn’t exactly an alien, but wasn’t a human either.

She was quiet for a moment. “Okay, I’ll bite. I’ll want to know what you mean by slightly dubious though, I’d want to know what I’m getting myself into.”

“A fine line I strive to live on the wrong end of.” he said with a shameless shrug, “Well, if you like I’d more than happy to guide you to it?” his tone hinting at innuendo.

“Why thank you, I am rather proud of that one.” he smirked, “Justin Bieber? Isn’t he probably getting arrested somewhere right now? Compared to him I’m positive well behaved.” he chuckled, “Yes, real entertainment is rare these days.” Entertainers like him, and yes he was quite the snob about it. “Still, I’ve taken a step back. I occasionally flirt with the stage but I’m also a businessman with several employees and a club to protect.” From legal issues and occasionally something more... arcane.

He rose an eyebrow at her question and his gaze wondered down to a cup on her desk, that would do. He opened his mouth, appearing to speak utter gibberish, “puC otni ekans.” The cup on the desk morphed into a live snake that coiled and raised its head but was otherwise docile.

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

It seemed kind of stupid to not believe in magic when you had literal super powers. So Wally decided to keep an open mind. Maybe magic was just another kind of science. There had to be plenty of things in the world that people hadn’t explained yet. In any case, the drink was working, and both he and Zacahary seemed pretty happy about the fact. Wally laughed, more buzzed than he had ever been in his life and very much enjoying it. “My man, I can hardly even afford the clothes I’ve got right now, let alone to buy a suit, but I appreciate the offer.” He needed to find a job. He’d never had to pay for anything before.

“Maybe your assistant and I can become friends, since you don’t have any, and share stories about how rude you are together,” Wally joked. God, he felt so much better now that he’d had a drink. He’d need more of that, for sure. “Hey my dude, you can show case anything you want around me, you know.” Wally hadn’t meant for that to sound flirtatious, but it kind of had. He was having the time of his life, surrounded by music and performers and the buzz of alcohol for the first time. “I love this place!”

Well, this one seemed a great deal calmer. Looks like his potion-craft was still on point. Handy, since he could rarely work up the motivation to attempt it properly. “Ahh, aren’t you a real Dick Whittington.” he smirked. Zach had been like that once, when he’d set out on his own aged sixteen. Now he was on top and very comfortable there, he supposed anyone could manage that too, provided they were talented enough. Hell... Maybe he was developing some kind of soft spot, “If you’re that desperate I could always use a good barman.” he let the offer hang, “How quickly could you make cocktails and serve drinks?”

“Bunny?” he asked, “She’s over there,” he tilted his head towards the stage, just visible on the edge of the stage was a beautiful young woman dressed in fishnets, a shirt and jacket, a female version of Zach really. “I’m certain she could tell you a fair few stories.” Except some he’d forbidden her to share. He rose an eyebrow and took a slow drink, it was too easy to pick up on flirtation, “Maybe when you’re in a better position to appreciate it Whittington.” he smirked. Zach chuckled, “And now you’re officially seeing Ritual as you should. Tom!” clicked his fingers, “Two more.” In minutes they had two more drinks set before them.

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

Wally couldn’t escape the little pang of joy that hit him when Zachary referred to him as ‘young man’. He had struggled with it for years, not being seen for who he was, and for everything Lex had done to him, at the very least, he had given Wally this. He hadn’t had a hormone shot in a while though. He’d need to figure out where to get that stuff now that Lex and Lillian weren’t around to give it to him. “Well I’m keeping an open mind aren’t I? I promise that next time, I’ll come dressed better than in jeans and a t-shirt.” Everyone but him looked so put together. Wally didn’t even have a suit, and he wanted to be a better person than someone who would use his powers to steal. He’d figure it out.

“I can’t figure you out, man,” Wally said with a chuckle. “You’re a little rude.” Black kids didn’t get the ability to be rude. They got called thugs if they were. “You’re kind of smug, but you’re also this inviting and giving person. Like, you didn’t have to show me your dancers or get me a drink or…” He looked at the magic fluid in his hand. “Or give me this. But you did.” Wally shrugged. “I guess the polite thing to do would be to appreciate it and to enjoy the show, huh?” Wally grinned, then downed the liquid in one gulp, waiting for the buzz to hit him. “Also, promise me this Midnite guy who raises zombies doesn’t live in National City,” he laughed, lowering the glass.

Zach was completely oblivious to the small sprig of joy he’d evoked, after all he hadn’t even been trying, he’s just been aimlessly rambling to pass the time. “That’s more like it. And who knows, as the night progresses you might just see a little magic.” he often took to the stage, and perhaps a quick trick or two wouldn’t go amiss before the music took over. “That’s more like it. If you’re desperate I could give a few names of good suit makers...” he paused for a moment, “But then you may be better off with off the rack, if you’ve got nowhere to live a suit may not be high on the agenda.” Whether the guy was new to town or just plain poor didn’t concern him. He could always provided excellent advice on suits.

“That’s the way I prefer it.” he said carelessly, “Only a little rude? You should speak with my assistant.” This was him on a good day, poor Bunny was often threatening to assault him in his sleep the way he carried on. “I am not smug, I am confident and feel the world should know it well.” He was a cocky shit and felt he’d earned the right, few, if any, had done all he had. “I enjoy showcasing my wares, it’s the way of a showman.” he chuckled, “And I can understand the need to,” he gestured at the bottle, “Take the edge off.” And that was all he’d say on the matter. “Indeed. So do just that.” he smirked, taking another swig, “Last i heard Midnite settled somewhere in Indonesia, I daresay the City is safe.”

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

Wally still wasn’t sure how to react around this person. Zachary seemed interesting, and maybe even fun, if you were in the right place to have fun. Wally wasn’t sure that he was, but something was keeping him from leaving. Magic? No. Unlikely. Wally wasn’t sure he even believed in magic. It was probably just that he had been alone for so long that any company seemed like good company. “Okay, okay,” Wally chuckled. “I won’t tell you that the only thing I was looking for was a place to sleep, in case you call me boring again. But just for the record… that’s totally what I was doing.”

He couldn’t help but agree with Zachary’s assessment. While Zachary himself might have been a difficult guy to read and not exactly the warm and fuzzy type, his performers were way more fun than anything he’d find at the hotel. “I didn’t say I disagreed, buddy. Sleep can wait.” He frowned at all the questions Zachary was throwing his way. “Rogue what now? Reanimated corpse? No man. My metabolism is just super-duper fast. Like super-human fast. Meta-human fast.” What the hell? It wasn’t as if Lex was there to tell him not to talk about himself. Who cared any more? Wally eyed the concoction in Zachary’s hand with a curious eye. “So it’ll get me drunk, but… with magic? Cool.”  

If there was one of the many things Zach prided himself on it was being unreadable. Magicians just loved having a aura of mystery about them, but more importantly if a person couldn’t read him then they wouldn’t know him, and right now that was the way he liked it. Wasting time on little indulgences like this kept him busy and kept Bunny’s nagging at bay, the girl was become more vocal over the years. Zach missed the early days when she’d been a shaky mess if he so much as looked at her with a little annoyance. He rolled his eyes, “Then consider yourself lucky you found us because this is how a young man should spend his nights.”

Or a young, wealthy man anyway. The benefit of money meant he could spend every evening this way if he wanted, all he’d need to do would be to hire a manager and that would be it. But then he’d have even less to keep him busy. “That’s more like it, maybe you’re not a lost case yet.” he chuckled, the frown on the guys face got a few more laughs out of him, “deity, think of them as Lesser-Gods. A reanimated corpse is what you’d call a Zombie, there’s a guy named Midnite who’s fond of raising them.” But he was his cousins problem. “Ah,” he nodded, “A fast meta eh? Interesting.” he took a slow drink, “Essentially, yes.” he grinned, “There’s ways around everything if you know what moves to play.”  

[justistrue-deactivated20180213]

hocus focus | zachary & lucy

[cockymagi]

justistrue:

The DEO kept tabs on just about anyone it could. A little disconcerting, if you thought about it, the lack of privacy. However, that argument was for another day. While generally an agent would be sent to question someone like this, it took a specific kind of person to not fall under the charm of Zachary Zatana. Who wasn’t aware of his talents? It was easy to be star struck. 

Lucy was exceptional at having business stay business, even if she had seen his shows before. It wasn’t until she joined the DEO that she found out there was some truth to it, something she’d yet to wrap her head around. Nonetheless she had to find out where he had been during the charity auction, not exactly a person of interest, but who knows, maybe some magic did play a part in what occurred that night. It was informal, making sure they had covered all their bases.

As she was allowed into his office, she kept her hands clasped behind her back, stiff as if she were in her dress blues and not the professional attire of the DEO. “Afternoon, Mr. Zatana. I’m Deputy Director Lucy Lane. I’m with the Department of Extranormal Operations.”

Zach didn’t really care who knew about him. Hell, he was a celebrity, part of his livelihood depended on it. He may not be a hero anymore but that didn’t mean contacts wouldn’t occasionally run up for advice or a diagnosis of the problem de jour. He only kept in regular contact with Eddie Bloomberg nowadays, but it wasn’t unheard of to have Robin on the line since they’d been Titans at the same time.

So when Bunny ran up in a tiz harping about some DEO agent Zach had, none-too gently told her to calm the hell down and show the agent up. Probably some ass in a suit come to show him an old coin or something. They were the history people right? Or was it the alien people... Either or.

When Bunny showed the agent in Zach’s eyebrow rose at the right of the rather attractive woman, and while he wasn’t on the market for reasons it was safer not to think about, he had a reputation to keep up. He rose to his feet, a charming smile on his face, “Good afternoon Deputy Director Lane,” he walked over and swiftly brought her hand to his lips for a brief kiss of welcome, “However can I help such a beautiful young woman?” he asked, “Ah, where are my manners, Bunny! Two gin and tonics, if you please.” His assistant rolled her eyes but went to fetch the drinks, “Please sit Director, let us talk.” he smirked, sliding back into his chair.    

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

Wally wrinkled his nose, looking down at his attire. He didn’t know what most people considered dressed ‘their best’, but he had a feeling it meant suits. He looked around to glance around at what other people were wearing. “Yeah, um… I don’t really have an explanation for that, except for only intending to come in here and ask for directions to the nearest hotel.”

Somehow the fact he wasn’t being personally targeted did little to make Wally feel better. He was poor people. He wasn’t just poor. He was homeless. He didn’t even have any friends. He didn’t have a cell phone other than ones he stole that always ended up de-activated within a few hours, and he definitely didn’t have a way to get in touch with his only friend. “I don’t think you understand. I can’t get drunk. Physically… can’t. So I won’t be able to forget or ignore any demons. My DNA doesn’t let me. Unless you have some kind of magic alcohol to go along with your magic show.”

Zachary rose an eyebrow, Wally seemed to have stumbled in from the streets, quite literally. “Well, that’s pretty boring.” he said after a moment, “Though, there’s hotel two blocks down on the left.” he said carelessly. “But, Ritual is far more fun than any hotel.” he said, gesturing at the still performing cabaret act.

He’d be lying if he said he really cared about the others feelings, but then it had been a while since he’d truly cared about anything at all. Although, Wally’s next words were pretty interesting. He slowly have the other a look up and down, “Really? So what are you?” he asked bluntly, “Meta? Alien, though that seems unlikely. Reanimated corpse?” Because he had fought zombies in his time. “Rouge deity?” He chuckled, “There’s always ways around that though.” he reached into his pocket and pulled out a thin phial with a stopper in it. “It’s magic, but it’s not alcohol. A single drop of a sleeping spell, diluted with water and sprig of lime.” he smirked, “Takes the edge off.”  

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

Wally scrunched up his face. “Are you saying I look dumb?” If that was sarcasm or a joke, Wally didn’t find it very funny. He had been spared from interacting with people for so long that it was still weird even interacting with them, much less navigating the social graces of banter. “Oh, so now I’m poor and dumb? Nice.”

He supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised that actually getting along with someone didn’t last very long. Lex had always said that the outside world wouldn’t understand him. He was a black, transgender meta-human, and while Zachary might only have known about one of those things, it was still something that played on his mind. The prospect of rejection had been drilled into his head. “Hey, you don’t gotta be such a dick, y'know.” He couldn’t even send Conner a post card if he wanted to. He didn’t know how to find him. That was what happened when you were a couple of hopeless lab experiments.

Zachary rolled his eyes, “No. But I’m saying your fashion sense could use a little work, this a nightclub after all, most folks come in here dressed in their best.” Or at least dressed to pull anyway. Wally didn’t look like he’d left the house with Ritual in mind as a destination. He chuckled a little, “My, my, aren’t we defensive.”

He took another gulp of his drink, “I said poor people. Not you specifically. Most people disagree with me on the matter. Feel free, I encourage it. But don’t take everything to heart, first thing you should learn about the world, Wally, it’s not about you.” If it was then it wouldn’t be so cruel as to take the best things in your life and crush them into pieces. “Please. This is me being nice. There are plenty of people in the world worse then me.” he said, and honestly, that was true. Zach knew he was an ass, but he didn’t care enough to go out of his way to hurt people. “So take a drink, enjoy the show and try to ignore your demons for one more evening.”

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

‘I don’t have friends’, came Zachary’s response, and Wally shot him a confused, maybe even a little amused, glance. “Yeah, buddy. Me neither.” He’d only had Lex, and he wouldn’t exactly class that as friendship. Not in the traditional sense anyway. Lex was years older than him and he spent way too much time yelling and making sure Wally did his training. Lex could be really nice, or really not nice, but he always made sure Wally knew he was doing this to help him. Tough love, he called it. “Celebrities must be sad as hell. Even I had one friend. His name was Conner. But we… lost touch.”

He wasn’t so sure about having plenty of friends once he had a few more drinks. Unlike normal people, Wally wasn’t able to loosen up or become more happy and carefree when drinking alcohol, but he just had to nod along anyway. “Well, regardless, your employees put on a hell of a show.”

“Then you’re smarter then you look.” He deadpanned, not to knock the guys fashion choices... Oh wait, that’s exactly what he was doing. But then not everyone could look so good in what they wore as he did. More importantly though he didn’t need to bother putting on airs of niceties around most people once they knew. Sure he’d throw up the charm when dealing with the press or the like, but everyone else, well... There was little need to bother. “Hardly. We’re rich. Money not buying happiness is just something poor people tell themselves to feel better.”

“How nice for you. Try sending a postcard if you need him that much.” He chuckled lowly and slid his gaze back to the stage, “As well they should. I don’t high crap acts.” They were definitely a good choice, Bunny had good instincts in her choice, there was a reason she ran the bar on his off days.  

[thestarspangledman]

[cockymagi]

prettybirdlxnce:

“I wouldn’t call myself grand,” Laurel said, glancing up at her new arrival, but there was a flicker of amusement on her face. A wry smile curling up her lips she added, “Thank you though, it’s nice to know my reputation precedes me,” Though not the one she had been expecting, well it wasn’t as though she’d had time to put on the fishnets yet and introduce National City to the Black Canary.

She sat up a little straighter, wondering if this Zachary Zatara was an alien or just seeking legal advice in a general. “I can’t say I have Mr Zatara, but I don’t have anybody booked to see me right now so what may I help you with today?”

“Now, now. A strong ego is good, healthy even.” he said breezily, leaning back in the seat and crossing his legs, the picture of ease. “I prefer to keep a finger on the city pulse as it were.” he needed all the distractions he could get, gossip was a rather substantial one.

He pouted expertly, feigning offence “Oh you wound me. I was the youngest solo act to sell out Metropolis Stadium.” Most likely only because Zatanna had performed there with his uncle at the time, “But that’s fortunate. You seem to focus on a rather, select clientele.” he said slowly, “I’d like to have you on retainer for my club, for both myself or my employee’s. Other legal aid has been slightly, dubious considering my...” he grinned, far too innocent a look. “Bewitching, nature.”

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

Wally ran a hand through his hair. It was getting about time for him to cut it again. In the lab, haircuts and shaving and brushing your teeth had all come with strict routine. Haircuts were once a month, and he was provided with a razor to shave daily, a toothbrush and toothpaste to use morning and night, a treadmill to run on… They had never had any experiments relating to socializing at a bar or club, or telling someone why you couldn’t get drunk. Luckily for him, Zach didn’t seem like the judgemental type.

“So does that mean we’re friends, or do we need to have a couple more drinks together to make that happen?” Wally managed a smile. The philosophy about appreciating a little of every religion seemed smart, as long as you got to leave behind the bad times too. The conversation was forced to a halt as the dancers took the stage, and like they wielded their own kind of magic, they seemed to assert a hold over the room. Wally watched, wide-eyed as they went through their performance. The way they moved seemed almost impossible. “So do they need magic to do all that or is that just talent?” Wally asked with a grin as he applauded.

Poor guy, Zach didn’t mean to shoot him down but the words, “I don’t have friends.” came out rather quickly. They were softly spoken, with a slight curl to his lips as though it would soften the blow, but they were true all the same. He neither had, nor wanted friends. He had employee’s and fans that would do. It was foolish in this day and age to try for ‘friends’ or anymore of that crap. But he was a showman through and through, so charm case easily at least. “It’s a celebrity thing.” he added breezily.

“Once you’ve got a few more down you, trust me, you’ll have plenty of other friends.” He spotted Bunny out of the corner of his eyes, she eyed the drink in his hand and shook her head. He sent her a slight glare and she continued on her way. That done, he turned his charming smile back to Wally, who seemed to be quite enthralled with the performance. You’d almost think the guy had never seen a dance act before. They were pretty good though, well timed exception, fluid choreography and the costumes were on point. He’d have to see about rehiring them for later dates. “That is talent. But the power of the stage is a magic all it’s own. When you’re, if you can own it, you’re invincible.”

[cockymagi]

prettybirdlxnce:

There was a pencil balanced in Laurel’s mouth, an assortment of pink post it notes across her desk and boxes still stacked in one corner. As it turned out, moving to a new city and setting up a legal aid office? Well that took time. She’d been in National City for about a week, it wasn’t home but Laurel thought maybe it could get there.

The blonde was engrossed in her thoughts, as she tapped at her laptop, hardly even noticing until she heard movement at the door of her office. Only a small sub section of one of National City’s buildings, but it was enough for her.

“Hi!” Laurel smiled, pulling the pencil out of her mouth - standing up from her desk. “Can I help you?” 

Every business needed a lawyer, and Zach enjoyed having... more colourful characters in his employ. Distractions to his mind. So when he’d heard about a rather experienced lawyer settling into the city through the grape vine, no one enjoyed gossip more than club go-ers. He decided to make her an offer.

When he walked in he sent the woman a charming smile, moving slowly and taking a seat opposite her with an exaggerated flair, “Hello indeed.” he replied, eyeing her up and down before continuing, “When I heard about a rather grand lawyer turning up in NC they never mentioned she was quite so beautiful.”

“My name is Zachary Zatara, perhaps you’ve heard of me.” he grinned once more, “I was wondering if I might have a few moments of your time?”  

[cockymagi]

zinkofbraal:

Zi nodded, taking in what he said. It definitely was interesting to watch and it made them curious to learn more. It didn’t seem like this was something inherited, like the control of metal among Braalians, so was this something anyone could do? “When do you perform?” They had a mild interest in watching more than cards but they weren’t sure if Zach did more than that—or if they would even be able to watch them in the first place. If someone was able to own a business like this… it wasn’t cheap.

Angels and magic and demons and ghosts? The idea confused Zink, but they still weren’t familiar with Earth culture. They’ve heard of these things, but none of them seemed to hold much credibility on their own. “That sounds dangerous.” From what they did know of them, they were other-worldly beings and he seemed like just a normal human. “Why do you do it?” Especially for something like entertainment. 

While Ziink was aware people did crimes and wasn’t innocent themselves but they didn’t exactly boldly and publicly approve of them. Unless they were the one doing them, of course. “We’ve never seen him before though. If he started small, people might have figured out how to prevent him from doing anything worse.” Zi didn’t exactly care too much about the strange speedster. He worked with Lillian Luthor who very clearly didn’t like aliens. However, they didn’t want to express those views to a complete stranger.  

Zach shrugged, well. Maybe he had a little curiosity piqued after all, might as well draw it out. “A night here and there. Whenever the mood strikes me. It’s a rush being on that stage.” he trailed off, gaze wondering over to the, currently empty stage, “The attention of hundreds, thousands of people on you, the applause, the adoration.” he chuckled, “It’s quite the drug.” Or at least it used to be. Like everything else nowadays the rush felt... muted. Like he was experiencing it from behind a thick sheet of glass.

“Oh it was, but it’s not my scene anymore. I’m nothing but a not-so humble, ever so successful businessmen these days.” And he preferred it that way. There was a great deal of less effort to deal with in his current way of life. “At the time it had a certain... appeal to it. Like entering a coliseum and emerging victorious.” he laughed haughtily, “But, like with all great warriors, I retired.”  

“Ahh, but the best part about starting small if you don’t draw a crowd, there’d be no one there to learn how to outsmart your tricks.” It was why all magicians started new tricks small, minuscule things done in private since the secrets were still in plain sight. Then by the time the critics got a look the execution was flawless, unstoppable. “The only worse thing he could possibly do now would be to rob a bank or hold the damned mayor at gunpoint.” he chuckled, “Both, unlikely.”   

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

“I don’t really get drunk anyway,” Wally shrugged. He was drinking the alcohol for the taste and because Zachary seemed to think it was cool. It would have been impolite to turn him down, and given the fact he was a lost, homeless kid in National City, he probably needed all the friends he could get. “And I don’t have many friends or… people to talk to.” Great. Way to make himself sound like a loser.

He gave a snicker when Zachary quoted the Bible, arching his eyebrow with a shake of his head. “You sound like the nuns at my orphanage, man. Don’t kill because killing is wrong. Not because some book said so. I hope that’s just a figure of speech.” Given the fact Zach seemed to be a free-wheeling party-animal magician, Wally was betting it was. “Well look, I don’t have anywhere else to be tonight, so you can keep me on my toes all you want,” he said with a smile. Maybe Zachary didn’t think he was a loser after all.

“Well, that’s no way to live.” he responded, “How else do you shut the demons up?” he voiced it as a rhetorical question despite it having being true to his mind. Zach had quite a few ways of quieting his demons, drink was the easiest. “Well, here’s a life lesson to live by.” he smirked, “Everyone’s your friend when they’ve had a fair few drinks.” In his case though, he only thought of them as fans.

Zach rose a very unimpressed eyebrow and drained the last of his drink, picking up the second, “Ugh. The day I get compared to a nun is a day I’m not doing my job properly.” he deadpanned, “And after dealing with all the crap I have you learn to appreciate a little of every religion.” From Christianity to Hinduism, seemed every one of them had pissed deity’s wondering about. He snorted, “Oh that isn’t my job, I’m not taking the stage tonight.” The curtains of said stage parted and the lavishly dressed dancers took to performing, “They are.” he pointed.

[cockymagi]

wvllacewest:

“Maybe I don’t want it in my blood stream quicker,” Wally shrugged. “Um, I didn’t mean for that to be rude.” He didn’t think he could get drunk anyway. Alcohol and drugs couldn’t effect him because of how fast his metabolism was. He was only drinking right now to fit in, to not seem even more conspicuous.

“Okay. So people who kill are bad, no matter who they’re killing. I think we can agree on that, maybe?” Lex and Lillian weren’t about killing people. They couldn’t be. He refused to believe it. “Drink /and/ cabaret? Pretty adventurous, dude,” Wally chuckled. “Probably more enjoyable than talking about death. Sure. I’ll give it a shot. It’ll be my first show.” Where he came from, cabaret wasn’t really a common form of entertainment. You were lucky if you got to play a ten year old playstation at the orphanage.

“Well, that’s your prerogative.” he chuckled, taking another large swig, the glass was mostly empty by the time he got his next drink from the bartender. He rose an eyebrow at Wally, “If that’s your idea of being rude then you don’t have to worry.” He came across worse most night and gave back with even more vigour.

“Sure, why not.” he shrugged after a moment, “Thou shalt not kill and all that.” he waved a hand slightly. He didn’t really care about the issue much. Hell, he found it hard to care about much of anything. “Here at Ritual we enjoy being adventurous and engaging to keep our clientele on their toes.” And the wider variety of acts they accepted the more acts came begging for a slot, one more win win. “That’s more like it. Drink up and enjoy, forget the cares of the world for an evening. Then feel free to come back and do the same thing tomorrow.” He did.

[cockymagi]

zinkofbraal:

Brows raise at the appearance of a card and then the disappearance. “Magic?” Zink questioned, not quite understanding the word in relation to what he did. “That’s what you do to entertain people?” Zi never had that sort of stuff back home, entertainers. It was just work and that was it. Earth could be so unusual sometimes. Zink had gotten used to it, however. Still, the idea of an entertainer dealing with magic creating such an uproar wasn’t quite comprehensible to them. That would be insulting, though, so they kept that to themselves.

As he listed off beings he had experience with, Zi couldn’t understand why he was seemed to take pride in things that didn’t exist. Angels and demons seemed to be tied to a popular religion on Earth, yet they respected it enough not to actually tell them it was fake. “Does that come with the magic?” Zi had to admit, though, they did not know much about the religions on Earth. Maybe magic and angels were similar things. “Nothing has been released on how they look, so they might be the same person. They’re both fast. Only difference is one was red and the other is yellow. We haven’t really seen anything like that in National City since the last time.”

Zi found it curious that he was more interested in the execution of the speedster’s appearance rather than the threatening nature of it. “It wasn’t very entertaining, but I don’t think he was trying to entertain. Just threaten the people there and steal money from people’s wallets.” Which, they had to admit, was pretty cool that he was able to do it since he moved so quickly. 

Well, usually that got a little ‘ohh’ or ‘ahh’ out of an audience, they may have been an audience of one but Zach considered the world his stage. “Magic.” he confirmed with a nod. “Well, of course.” he said as though it were obvious. “People love nothing more then experiencing a night of wonder and mystique provided by yours truly.” he gestured to himself slightly, taking another swig of his drink. He’d always figured that in a world where amazing things existed he provided a chance for people to see a little bit of that up close. Sure he couldn’t grab a missile from the sky, but he was damn impressive.

Luckily, telepathy wasn’t one of Zach's abilities so he couldn’t her their disbelief. He’d fought against demons, a nasty one in Las Vegas that almost had him and Zatanna on a shit list, and he’d heard of Contantine’s dealings with those ‘on high.’ Not that any of it really mattered anymore, he’d sworn off the whole hero shtick, along with any further delving into the world of the occult, despite Bunny’s occasional suggestions he do otherwise. “Yes.” he nodded slightly, “An unwelcome side effect. With great power comes a great many little irritations.” And some big ones. “Same or different, it hardly matters. They’ve probably got several targets on their back after that stunt.”

Zach shook a finger slightly, “It was probably entertaining to them. But what I meant was, you start small and work your way up.” Do a few street muggings, maybe the odd store after closing. Instead this guy goes after the city big wigs in day one. “I will admit though, they’re plucky.” If he’d been there he could have just summoned his own belongings back. Everyone else would have been on their own.