บท 12: A Living Vessel for Fate
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//********************************************************\\
"Whoa!"
Seated in a downtown Gotham café, Raiden attentively observed his surroundings.
Robin, noticing Raiden's astonished expression as he gazed at the Gotham city skyscrapers, inquired, "Is this your first time in a big city? I thought you were from Central City."
Raiden explained, "Oh no, it's just that... I haven't been outside the cave since, well, since I was freed."
"Really? Why didn't you leave?" asked Robin, genuinely curious.
Struggling to articulate his reasons, Raiden thought to himself, (This is my first time in America, that's why, Robin! Well, I guess I can't say that.)
Raiden then answered, "I was ten when I went into a coma, Robin. Even if I wanted to leave, I wouldn't know where to go."
Robin suggested, "You could have asked Wally or Connor."
Raiden countered, "Ah, yes, what a great idea. I'll ask Wally, who'll always invite his girlfriend, Artemis, or Connor, who'll always invite his girlfriend, Megan. Nah, thanks. I don't want to be the third wheel. Kaldur is ocean-bound; that man only comes for missions. And Rocket... Well, you know, I can't really ask a girl that, or she'll think I'm hitting on her or something, I don't know."
"Okay, okay, you've made your point. Hey, I promise, after we help Zatanna, I'll show you all the best places to hang out in Gotham!" said Robin.
Raiden asked, "Promise you won't bring Zatanna?"
Robin assured him, "Yeah, duh. I mean, we're not really a couple... I just, you know, don't like committing to relationships."
While the duo conversed, a yellow blur suddenly appeared and occupied the chair next to them. "I've got everything we need!" exclaimed the yellow blur.
The yellow blur turned out to be Wally, who had been tasked with gathering the resources needed for Homunculi.
"Nice! We've got thirty minutes left before the transformation wears off. Let's hurry up and go make the homunculi. I'm in the body of a thirty-something-year-old man, and I'm sitting at the same table with two 15-year-old kids. I don't want people to get the wrong ideas," Raiden commented.
Raiden and Robin got up from their seats, and as they did, Wally plopped down and said, "You guys just sat around and hung out, while I was running! Can't I at least get something to drink ?"
"Move it, Wally!" both Raiden and Robin urged, eager to get on with their objective.
…
"And here we have the final piece!"
(Yes, indeed, Master. You have successfully created a Homunculus. Now, it's time for the most crucial part. Although it won't take much time to create, you'll need to fully utilize my Item Construction skill for this one.)
"I still don't quite understand, Raiden. What sets this Homunculus apart from any other robot, like Amazo? We know for a fact that the Helmet of Fate can't possess inorganic beings," Robin inquired as he observed the lifeless white Homunculus that Raiden had crafted.
"You're absolutely right. In its current form, this Homunculus isn't any different from a robot that Ivo or any other mad or genius scientist could create in this world," Raiden admitted.
"In its current form? There's more!" Robin realized.
"Indeed. Here's the thing, the Homunculus itself accounts for only 20% of the process. The truly essential part is this." Raiden completed his work and displayed a contented smile. In his hand was a palm-sized, glowing red gem.
"Raiden, what is that?" Robin asked.
"It looks like a ruby," remarked Wally.
Raiden approached the Homunculus and inserted the large, red, glowing gem into its heart.
"This is the remaining 80%. It's one of humanity's most sought-after secrets—the Philosopher's Stone," Raiden explained.
"The Philosopher's Stone! I thought that was a myth!"
"What's the Philosopher's Stone?" Wally inquired.
"The Philosopher's Stone is one of Alchemy's four wonders. It has the ability to grant even amateurs the power of magic. Magic is the essence of life, the life force of all living beings. Essentially, by imbuing the Homunculus with it, while it won't possess free will or humanity, it will, technically speaking, become a living being—a perfect vessel for the Helmet of Fate. And as an added bonus, it will have a strong affinity for magic. So, I doubt it will disappoint," Raiden explained.
"Holy Shit, Raiden, this is amazing! We need to go to Zatanna NOW!" Robin urged in a hurry.
"ughh Hold on a sec, my head is spinning....I'm reverting... Thanks Paracelsus, I really appreciate your help" sitting in a chair after filling dizzy, Raiden's body started reverting to normal as he heard
(No need Master, Seeing you work hard for your friends, has truly moved my heart… alas I am the one who has committed treason. Therefore, I must not be forgiven. Being close to anyone again, will definitely not...)
{Bond Increased !
Paracelsus von Hohenheim Bond 1 → Bond 3}
"Raiden, you're back! Will the Homunculus still work now?" Robin asked.
"Don't worry, the work is complete. Alpha, get up," Raiden instructed.
Upon hearing his command, the Homunculus, now formally known as 'Alpha,' sat up.
"Do a full body check," Raiden ordered.
After a few seconds, Alpha responded, "Body fully functional. Magical ley lines and the magic circuit are fully operational, 100% ready, awaiting further commands, Master."
"Alright, now we can proceed," Raiden confirmed.
…
"So, how have you been?" Zatara inquired.
"I've been doing well. My teammates have been by my side, and I'm content with them. But I miss you; it's not the same without you, Dad," Zatanna expressed.
"I understand, darling. I know, but this is the only option we have. Dr. Fate is needed to keep the world safe. I'm sorry that it has to be this way, baby," Zatara regretfully acknowledged. He had no choice; without him, the helmet would have taken over his daughter.
"So, how do you like the team? I know I sheltered you a lot as a kid, but I'm pleased to see you with others like you," Zatara asked.
"Yes, I'm happy with them. I've made plenty of friends too, and we even have two new members."
*Knock* Knock* Knock*
"What? Who would come now of all times?" Zatanna was slightly annoyed at someone interrupting her precious time with her father.
"It's okay, darling. Let's see who's at the door," Zatara suggested.
Walking over to open the door, Zatanna was shocked to see Robin, Raiden, Wally, and a strange humanoid figure. It had a human appearance but was fully white and naked, as Raiden didn't have time to make it more presentable.
"Hi," Robin greeted.
"Yo," Wally added.
"Sup, Miss Wizard," winked Raiden.
"Guys! This is not the time! I'm busy now! My father is here! Also, what even is that thing?" Zatanna was angry at them for showing up at this moment and tried to close the door.
"Zatanna, are these your friends? Please invite them in," Zatara requested.
Hearing her father's words, Robin pushed the door open and said, "Trust me, you'll appreciate us coming over."
"What? Just come in! You guys better have a good reason for coming here now of all times!" Zatanna relented.
Raiden said, "I want to see Mr. Wizard. Is that not a good enough reason?"
Walking inside, Robin greeted Zatara, "Good to see you again, sir."
Zatara shook his hand and replied, "It's nice to see you again, Robin."
Wally stepped forward, shook Zatara's hand, and said, "Good to see you again."
"It's nice to see you as well, Wally," Zatara responded.
Finally, Raiden approached Zatara, shook his hand, and said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Zatara. I'm a huge fan of your work. My name is Raiden Kagawa, and I'm a friend of your daughter."
"Nice to meet you, Raiden. I'm happy that you're getting along with my daughter," Zatara acknowledged.
"Why are you guys even here, and what is this robot?" Zatanna inquired.
Ignoring Zatanna, Raiden walked toward the table and grabbed the Helmet of Fate.
"Raiden, put that down!" Zatanna screamed.
"Young man, that is not a toy. Please put it down! It's a very dangerous artifact," Zatara warned.
"Relax, Mr. Zatara. You too, Zatanna. Raiden knows what he's doing," Robin reassured.
"That's the whole reason we're here," Wally added.
"What are you here for?" Zatara asked.
"We're here to free you from the Helmet of Fate, Mr. Zatara," Raiden declared.
"Raiden, this isn't the time for jokes!" Zatanna expressed her annoyance once again.
"And how will you do that, young man? The most brilliant minds in Star Labs and the Justice League weren't able to lift the curse of the Helmet of Fate. How will you?" Zatara questioned.
Raiden looked at the helmet and said, "Hey, wake up Nabu. I know you can hear me."
The Helmet of Fate's eyes glowed with golden brilliance, and a voice was heard, "You, what is your aim here?" asked Nabu.
"Zatanna, you asked me about the robot? It's called Alpha, and it will be Nabu's newest host!" Raiden explained.
"THAT'S YOUR PLAN! You think no one thought of that! You came here to ruin my moment with Dad over this!" Zatanna shouted.
"Young man, it's futile. Nabu can't possess inorganic beings," Zatara stated.
However, to the surprise of both the father and daughter, the Helmet of Fate flew toward Alpha. It circled around it briefly, and then Nabu said, "Hmm, yes, this will work as a suitable host."
"WHAT?!" screamed Zatanna.
"Then you will!" Zatara insisted.
"However, I will not use it. Our deal still continues, Zatara," Nabu clarified.
"WHAT! HEY, THIS IS A SUITABLE HOST, RIGHT? THEN WHY WON'T YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Robin exclaimed.
"YOU! Do you not care for the destruction you cause to this family! We found you a suitable host! Just leave the man alone!" Wally urged.
"Give me back my father!" Zatanna demanded.
"I refuse. While the robot you've brought does work as an appropriate host, it still isn't as capable as Zatara's body. Its magic is only half of his. The world needs Doctor Fate. I will not leave a perfect host just because another one exists," Nabu reasoned.
"I see. So, in the end, no matter what, you won't let me go..." Zatara lamented.
"You are bound to me by your soul. If you retract your choice, I will possess your daughter again," Nabu asserted.
"So, in the end, it's all about magical power, huh? A suitable host is someone with the most magic, so you can use them effectively?" Raiden questioned.
"Yes, it is," Nabu replied.
"Then let's make a deal! Forgo Zatara's soul-bound curse, and I will be your new host," Raiden proposed.
"Have you not been listening? I need a host with high magical power—" Before Nabu could finish, Raiden's body began to glow.
(System, stop suppressing my magic output, leak as much as possible. I want him to know who he is dealing with here.)
"What is this?" Zatanna wondered.
Her father, however, recited a spell, "Wohs sih lacigm laitnetop" (Show his magical potential).
"Dear heavens! This magic is more than thrice as powerful as mine!" Zatara exclaimed.
Upon hearing her father's words, Zatanna repeated her father's spell to see what he was talking about. To her shock, a massive surge of magical aura surrounded Raiden, filling her entire apartment.
"I will accept that proposal, young one. However, you will have to make a soul-bound promise to wear the helmet," Nabu agreed.
"No, Raiden! Don't! I will not allow you to be entrapped by him. You're too young to squander your youth,"
Zatara pleaded.
"It's okay, Raiden. I'm grateful that you even made the robot and tried to help my father. Thank you, truly. But please, don't do this!" Zatanna implored.
"Hey, Raiden! That helmet is dangerous, man! You won't be able to remove it!" Robin cautioned.
"I wore it for a time, man. It's not a good feeling," Wally added.
"Relax! You think I'm foolish enough to do something like this without a plan? Just watch. Hey, Nabu, how confident are you in your magic?" Raiden challenged.
"Confidence has no matter here. I'm the agent of order. No one in this world has superior magic," Nabu asserted.
"Then are you up for a wager?" Raiden asked, planning something.
//********************************************************\\
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patréon at
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