The Greedy Frog
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DC: The Enchanter Chapter 33
🕑 Added 2023-07-20 12:01:13 +0000 UTCChapter 33: Promise
"Here is your six million."
"Six?" I raised an eyebrow at being given the extra million.
"That is directly from Carl," Oswald said, quite pleased by the outcome, "He said you were a great sport around there."
"Well we did talk a little," And if I knew talking for a while could fetch me a million, I would have talked for longer.
"I expected nothing less from you Jasper," Oswald seemed to be in a great mood, "The reason this mission was important is because I was able to strike a deal with Carl to allow me to import and export a few things with his airline."
Checks out.
And I am certain that those 'things' are not your legal goods.
"This also is good for you," He said, making me curious.
"How so?"
"Remember I told you that I can help you get things that you desire, this will serve as a direct link to my suppliers which means quicker supply for you as well –that is if you want something." He grinned, "And through such routes it opens a lot of areas for me."
"That… isn't too bad for me," It wasn't, "But I still hasn't agreed to your deal."
In truth, the reason I wanted Zatanna, Lady Shiva, Chesire and possibly a few more with me is quite special.
Which means, I might end up having to clash with Penguin one day.
That might not be pretty.
But it wasn't an instant worry for me.
"Of course," Oswald nodded, "I remember that very well. That is why I want to keep hiring you so that one day you can trust me enough to accept that request."
I truly wonder who this person is that Oswald wants to compete against that he is gathering such forces.
"But there is a certain question that I wanted to ask you," He said.
"That is?" I leaned on the couch.
"I heard you captured those two assassins and didn't kill them?"
Ah, of course.
"Indeed." At my reply, he became curious.
"Why is that?" He asked, "Was it to gather information from them?"
"Close, but a little different," I smirked, "I hope you realize that I won't be giving you every answer that you ask for?"
He laughed, " Of course! Of course! I was simply curious."
He continued, "And I hope whatever you were looking for was a success."
I nodded, "It was."
The reason Oswald is so invested in me is because he has a hint about my powers.
Not exactly what it is or its full capabilities, but he has an idea.
"There will soon be another mission," His tone suddenly changed, drawing my attention. "One bigger than any of the previous ones."
"How so?"
He frowned, "Let's just say… this time it will include the Justice League and not simply their junior version."
This…
Was certainly big.
But.
"I would like to avoid that," I said, honestly not wanting to bother with the league at the moment.
I was not ready for them at the moment and if I get involved with them now, I might end up screwing up everything I have been doing till now.
So, let's not bother.
Oswald sighed, "That's fair. It is your choice after all. But I hope you will continue working with me on other missions."
It was interesting to see him use 'work with' instead of 'work for.' These subtle things were in one way or the other responsible for propelling him to become one of the most influential figures.
"Certainly," I assured, "But if you will excuse me… I have a certain somebody that I need to meet."
"Oh, a friend?" He was curious.
"I guess."
…
…
Friend.
No, that's not what we were.
We weren't close, and I most certainly couldn't cling to anyone.
Friendship in this field never ends well, I know that better than anyone else.
But I wasn't completely heartless.
I am greedy, I am selfish but that was not at the expense of the kind and the innocent. There were so many corrupt people, that I didn't have to rob the innocent to climb the ladder of power.
But I did need to climb this ladder to talk to her.
As I use my power, I unlock information about it. Ways, methods and possible outcome from enchantment.
I didn't have to research it –just keep using it. And as I increased my experience, new abilities kept unlocking on their own.
Just like now.
Giving the air under my feet the property of steel, I was able to make it a sort of platform to stand on. And with timed enchantment, I could immediately turn it back to normal the moment I got off of the surface.
So, with that method I formed a sort of staircase using air, leading to a very specific place –the rooftop of the building we stayed at.
As I walked up, I saw her, sitting all alone and staring at the moon.
"It's cold to be out here," I said but she didn't look at me.
"I don't feel much." She answered without looking, "When you lose almost everything you have, you rarely feel such small discomforts."
"That bad, huh?"
She was quite honestly broken. I could see the pain that she hid despite keeping the stone cold expression.
"They left," She said, staring at the moon without blinking, "As you said they would."
I walked towards her, before sitting on the edge right next to her –feet dangling in air.
"They left me, they gave up on my father's dream," I could hear the heartbreak in her voice.
"What should I do now?" She asked, basking in the moonlight.
She seemed lost, she seemed helpless but under the moonlight –her soft features came to life. The sadness reflected on her cold face, but even that couldn't diminish her beauty.
"I cannot tell you what to do," I said, "But I am here, at least as a moral support."
"My father told me that magic should be used to bring others joy, help them and make them happy," She said, "Does me using my magic in circus bring them joy?"
"People go to circuses and similar shows not only to watch a fun show, but to escape their stressful life and oftentimes, their pain," I sighed, recalling doing the same with movies, "So, you using magic to make them smile… laugh is indeed helping them. Maybe short term happiness, but still happiness."
She looked straight at me, her hand tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Will you help me revive the Zatara name if I agree to using my magic?" She asked, surprising me.
But the answer was simple, extremely simple.
"I promise."
