Metropolis always knew how to draw a crowd, but something about tonight’s audience seemed…different? They were excitable, yet that skeptical restrain was evident on the faces that Zatanna scanned as she finished her first few tricks. One illusion after the next, the audience was always on their feet to cheer- but their cries of praise and wonder seemed lackluster to her. Zee tried not to dwell on the room’s atmosphere, instead choosing to plaster on her winning smile and pick up the pep as best she could. As the night wore on, nothing changed- the wonder and disillusionment that so often overtook her audiences just didn’t click, and as she took her final bow and disappeared from the stage, she couldn’t help but give a sigh in disappointment.

Walking backstage with a small frown, Zatanna couldn’t help but complain to her stage manager, “Mikey we’ve got to redo the act before our next stop in Metropolis…is it just me or did tonight feel like a bit of a dud?” She didn’t wait for a reply, it didn’t really matter now. What’s done is done, and now all Zee could look forward to was a warm bubble bath and a calming cup of tea.

Rounding the corner toward her dressing room, she was suprised to find someone standing beside the door. A well dressed man done up in an elegant suit and tie faced her with a sly smirk of a grin and a very distinguished bald head stood there, his arms folded across his chest as he waited for her. “Lex Luthor,” Zatanna called out, her brow raised in slight surprise, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”