Magic

I woke up while we were pulling into my driveway, it's funny how that works. I used to do the same thing in my past life, always waking up right when I need to.

Looking over at Dembe I asked, "did you take a break?"

He shook his head, "no,"

Scoffing I rubbed my eyes, "you should have,"

"I am fine sir," Dembe said with a small shake of his head, I saw a ghost of a smile

"I'm sure," I said as I exited the car

We began to take the gear we brought back into the house, once everything was packed away I went up to my room.

"Rest Dembe!" I shouted before entering my room and plopping on the bed

Taking out the book I first carefully examined the outside of it, it seemed like an old book but, it was weird, it gave off the feeling of being whimsical yet brutal.

Opening the first page I was greeted by the sight of an unrecognizable language, though it seemed as if there were notes in the margins.

(myths, legends, fairy tales,) one note read

As I began to stare at the contents the words began to shift almost, well the words didn't my perception did.

The words were starting to make sense, I was beginning to be able to understand the contents. And I didn't have the faintest clue as to why this was happening.

As the words started to make sense I turned to the cover, instead of the random symbols I know read the title.

'Myths, legends, fairytales, weave them into reality'

Turning back to the start of the book, I began to hungrily digest every word, every note, every torn corner.

I was going to live and breathe this book.

-break-

*knock*

*knock*

*knock*

"Sir you have to be at a meeting soon," I heard Dembe's voice as his knocking yanked me from my reading

"Oh, well let me get ready," I replied a little loudly so he could hear me

As I began to get dressed I thought about the book, I was so lost in reading I didn't notice how long I was at it, and I was only halfway through.

I'm using the three-read method, first I gloss over the page, then I read it in more detail, then I go over it and write down notes and observations I made whilst reading.

The book doesn't have chapters it's more like the experiences of the author, who still hasn't named himself.

And the more I read the book to more I fell in love with the type of magic that was in it, I couldn't help but think this was tailor-made for me.

I love literature, I love books, and this magic can allow me to bring those books into reality, it was libriomancy, but this person took the already overpowered and broken ability to the next level, they talked about methods in which you can use this magic without the need of books, just by using your mind, of course, if you are very familiar with the source material you are using this is an easier task.

No wonder everyone was trying to get this book, it's priceless. What's even better is that I can use the magic, I can make this work.

Reluctantly I stowed away the book and got dressed, I have a meeting with Walter and Moira today.

They want to talk.

As Dembe and I left the house I couldn't help but think of all the possibilities, with this magic by my side, I might be able to survive this DC universe.

The drive wasn't too bad, we were meeting at my bar so it was going to be a secluded area, I couldn't help but think of the absolute bullshit I was about to walk into.

A sigh escaped my lips, Dembe looked at me and said, "Sir, just hear them out,"

I nodded and replied, "I know, l will,"

"So Dembe, how is your family?" I asked

I saw a small smile break out on his face, "they are good,"

"I'm glad, say how about you take a vacation day and visit them?" I asked

"Sir, thank you but my job comes first," he replied sternly

I nodded my head and stayed silent, we just pulled into the bar's parking lot.

Getting out we both walked inside, I kept the bar closed today seeing as I wasn't sure how this meeting would go. As I entered Dembe stayed by the door.

I saw Moira sitting alone, I was a little late but not late enough for Walter to leave.

I sat across from her, "Mother, where might Walter be?" I asked with a small frown

How improper.

"Lucas, it's just me I thought you would be more likely to come if I said Walter was coming and this was about business," she replied not meeting my eyes

I frowned, I would have still come.

"I see," I replied calmly despite my annoyance at her lack of faith

"Lucas, let me start this by saying I'm so proud of you and what you are accomplishing," she told me with a warm smile

I was about to reply when she continued, "but, you cannot deny you need help, Oliver as well but he didn't move out I'm worried about you living alone,"

I kept my face blank, devoid of any emotions, "mother, I-"

"Lucas I love you! You will always be my baby boy but it pains me to see your attitude shift. Sometimes I can't even recognize you," she sobbed

I pulled out my handkerchief and handed it to her, she took it and began to dab at her tears. My frown was still there but for different reasons.

I know she wasn't completely at fault with the yacht sinking, Malcolm planned it. She covered fit it and helped build the earthquake machine, then again Thea's life was threatened.

"Moth- mom," the word escaped my lips and she raised her head

"Mom, I love you, I love Thea, I live Oliver but, I cannot and will not go to therapy. That being said I promise to talk to someone, I won't move back in I like my house but, you are always welcome to visit, call me, and meet up like this." I replied in a heavy tone

She got up and pulled me into a hug, her arms were tightly wrapped against me, and I felt unwavering sadness. Maybe I was too hard on her, too cruel and quick to pass judgment.

After all, aren't we all a bit crazy?

I rubbed her back in a soothing circular motion, no tears escaped my eyes, no matter how bad I wanted them to.

"Come to dinner," she said to me

"Not tonight, and next time we have dinner you will come to my place," I stated

She pulled back, "why not tonight?" she asked with a frown

"I'm going to Metropolis," I replied with a warm smile

"Why didn't you just leave there?" she asked confused

"Yes but, I realized there was something I forgot to do out of my selfishness," I replied with a small chuckle

"What's that?" she asked sitting back down

"Well, I'm going to...."

We talked for the rest of the evening, it was pleasant, I felt happy.

-break-

Now on the plane to Metropolis, I read the book once more, I scanned every single page and I haven't even gotten to the ones I have in my base.

As we landed I took the keys from Dembe, "I want to drive,"

"Of course sir," he replied dryly

As we drove to our destination Dembe asked, "what are we doing here sir?"

I pulled into a park parking lot, and looking at him I smiled a bright smile.

"I'm going to stay in the car before I get out I need you to walk around and check out the surroundings," my tone was completely serious

Dembe gave me a weird look and replied, "sir I can't leave your side,"

"This is an order," I said in a stern tone

Sighing he nodded and got out, I watched as Dembe walked through the park and then froze.

A little girl ran up and hugged him, Dembe robotically turned his head toward me and putting my hands on my cheeks I gave him a fake shocked face.

Who would have thought he would see his family here?!

Shocking really....

-end-

A/N: Dembe for how young he looks is indeed a grandfather and has a daughter.

Libriomancy is something I find super interesting, only one fanfic I could find has it in the story, 'a better class of criminal' is the title