The Dead Man

The Oblivion Bar was the go-to place for magicians who wanted a drink, being located in a pocket dimension and having portals throughout the U.S.

More importantly, it was a common nexus for magic users, so someone like me could get a drink and no one would bat an eye at my strange appearance. Of course, I wasn't here just for a drink, I was here for business.

Getting into a seat and placing my order, I waited for my associate to come with patience. I made a point to always come early to important meetings, as I knew that these types of individuals usually did not have time to spare.

By type of individuals, I was referring to heroes, such as Giovanni Zatara, who, garbed in his usual white shirt, yellow vest and black blazer, was making his way towards me.

Taking a seat across from me, he orders his own drink and then equips a serious expression on his face.

"Hello Nigel, glad to see you could make it. I'm sorry for being late, I had League matters to attend too."

Seeing Zatara's apologetic expression, I shrugged.

"It's fine, not like I had anything else to do. But why did you need to meet me so urgently? I'm pretty sure we already discussed moving the Amulet of Aten to the Tower of Fate?"

The Amulet going missing was still a sore spot for me. I never expected Wotan to take advantage of my current state to steal it. Sure, I hated it with my very being, but it was still shameful to lose it considering my family had been protecting it for generations.

"We have been having trouble contacting Dr. Fate, but that is not why I have called you. You see, the Justice League has created a team for youths who have just entered the hero life, and we are running a test trial with the sidekicks of various heroes."

That was pretty interesting. A team composed only of teenagers. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

"That's cool and all, but I still don't see how that relates to me?"

"Well, the current team is pretty well rounded, but we are still lacking a proficient magic user. We do have an Atlantean, but they are not specialized in magic despite their use of it."

Ah, I could see were this was heading already.

"So, you want me to join this team? Why don't you just send Zatanna? You know how much she admires you and wants to follow your footsteps."

A strict expression appeared on his face, as it usually did when Zatanna was mentioned in our conversations.

"She is not ready for the hero life yet. She is still practicing, and she has much less experience with fighting other magicians and the other schools of magic when compared to you."

That was true, considering how many magic artifacts were stored away in our family home. Not to mention how many dark wizards I had to block to stop them from gaining said artifacts.

"As much as I would like to, Zatara, I can't. You know why."

A look of sympathy was sent towards me, which caused a spike of anger. I didn't need his pity; I knew the consequences of that ritual like every other magician out there.

"I know about your condition, and the League promises to give full support if you join us. Not that we aren't already but having you there would make things much easier."

With a bit of hesitation, he then added

"The team is is also comprised of people in your age group and have similar interests. Not only that, but they would also not judge you based on your appearance."

Dark emotions washed over me, which I then proceeded to crush with supernatural calm. Zatara didn't mean anything by that, and I knew that, but that still did not stop the bitter feelings from breaking through.

I thought I would have gotten use to my new appearance, but it still hurts when others bring it up. That's why I no longer showed my body, having wrapped every inch of it in a complex wrap of white, which made me look like a mummy.

Controlling my breath, I responded while keeping my voice as monotone as possible, stopping any emotions from leaking out.

"I will think about it Zatara, though only because I owe it to you."

Zatara nodded, before getting up from his seat. Before leaving, he turned his head back and looked at me from the the corner of his eyes.

"You're a good child Nigel, and I know you are devoted to your duty. But thanks to your incident, you can now do as you choose. The higher powers have given you a choice, whether to see your misfortune as it is or to turn it into blessing in disguise. Have a good day."

I sighed as I put down the empty glass, contemplating what he said.

A higher power?

Give me a break.