Chapter Text
Zee Zatara got up from her bed and let out a yawn.
She had just awoken from an amazing beauty sleep.
She sat up on her bed and stretched her arms with grace.
It was a sunny Saturday and she had no plans, no scheduled gig and no one to hang out with.
All her friends were busy.
Barbara Gordon was going on a road trip with her bestie Harleen. Have fun, girls.
Diana Prince and Karen Beecher were going to the Metropolis Science Convention to listen to a bunch of guest speakers. Good for them.
Kara Zor-El Danvers was going to a loud rock concert. You do you, Kara.
Jessica Cruz was hosting yet another protest to prevent the shutdown of Centennial Park in favor of a new mega mall. Give ‘em heck, Jess.
And her daddy was away on some magic business that he’s waiting to tell Zee until she’s old enough to bear the burden.
For the first time in a while, Zee Zatara was free on a Saturday. What to do?
She could head outside and just hang around.
But would she go alone? Maybe she could or maybe, she could invite Casey. The girl who had recently rekindled their old, complicated friendship.
Zee was still shocked that Casey came to her asking for a fresh start. Last she saw her, Casey was angry, vengeful and unstable. Then one year later, she comes to her. Humble. Kind. Calm. Lonely.
Zee knew she was driven mad by loneliness and self-loathing. But for a long time, she hasn’t thought of her. She went on with her life. And now, they’re friends again.
Hopefully, there won’t be any more stalking, body-snatching or violent rampages.
Nevertheless, Zee was happy for Casey. She was happy that she was doing better.
Happy that she wanted to turn over a new leaf. And she was more than happy to highlife her along this new chapter of her life.
Zee turned on her phone and found Casey in her contacts. She gave her a call.
Casey picked up. Zee greeted her and asked if she was free to spend the day with her.
Casey was free. Of course, she was. She had no other friends to hang out with. And her mother worked overtime everyday.
They agreed to meet at Centennial Park.
Zee arrived and waited about 10 minutes before Casey did.
Soon enough, there Casey was. In her typical attire. A light purple shirt and a grey skort.
Casey looked up at Zee as she walked up to her. Zee smiled softly at the little girl and gently waved. Casey timidly waved back.
They almost hugged, but stopped in their tracks upon remembering their complicated history.
They offered each other’s hands and shook them.
They walked about the park. They asked each other basic questions. Questions concerning the weather, what they’ve done throughout the past year.
Casey described the months she spent sulking in sadness and how guilty she felt about what she did to Zee. She explains how years of rejection and dismissal took a toll on her mental state. She explains how she spent months reflecting on how horrible it was of her to steal Zee’s identity and almost kill her.
Zee listens as Casey explains.
And finally, Casey officially apologizes.
Zee is quick to forgive her. She understood how broken the girl was and how great it is that she wants to recover her childhood happiness.
Zee then talks about herself.
She tells Casey about all the silly adventures she had with her friends.
The time they bought a car and fought over how much time each of them got with it.
The time she unleashed a bunch of clones of herself that wreaked havoc on Metropolis.
The time she accidentally turned her friends into a bunch of zombies bent on giving her a great birthday.
Zee is pretty reckless with her magic, isn’t she?
They shared a couple of light chuckles over Zee’s stories.
They walked around the park some more.
A bunch of little kids approached them. They asked Zee for her autograph. Big fans of the princess of prestidigitation clearly.
She smiled at them and signed their posters. She shared some magical tips and words of encouragement.
Casey looked away out of envy. Some old thoughts were running around in her head again. For the first time in a while.
How she wished she was as pretty and admirable as Zee. Why can’t she be? Why did Zee have to ruin her chances of becoming popular and all-powerful..
Oh, no, no, no. Those old thoughts that drove Casey to try to become Zee were back.
Why can’t she be more like Zee?
Beautiful. Kind. Humble.
She wasn’t any of those things.
Instead, she is just Casey Krinsky.
Chubby. Unstable. Selfish.
She was unfamiliar with empathy. She never really had anyone else to care for. They either left her or were too busy to give her attention.
Casey began to shed some tears. She hated being reminded of how invisible she was.
As the kids left, Zee happily turned around to face Casey and was shocked to see her crying.
Zee went to comfort her. Casey denied that she was crying.
Zee ignored Casey and placed a hand on her shoulder. Gave her some words of wisdom.
Zee recounted her own struggles with low self-esteem.
There was a time when Zee dealt with negative thoughts. A time when she had to overcome inner demons and see the good in herself.
She overcame those demons with help from her friends. And now she wants to help Casey with her’s.
Zee walked up to Casey and wrapped her arms around her. Casey slowly wrapped her arms around Zee. They embraced each other for about a minute.
Afterwards, they decided to head to the beach.
They arrived at the beach. They changed into their swimsuits. Casey wore a purple one-piece swimsuit. Zee wore a blue two-piece bathing suit.
Casey blushed at the sight of Zee. She found her stunning and gorgeous.
They walked along the empty beach and sat down on a blanket on the warm sand.
It was 6 in the evening. The sky had blue, yellow and purple. The sun was about to set. The girls found the sight lovely.
The gentle breeze, the soft squawking of seagulls and the stunning view relaxed both girls.
Casey doesn’t recall the last time she felt so happy.
She felt like life was worth living after all. She took another look at Zee. Her eyes were closed and her hair was blowing in the wind.
Casey used to envy her beauty, but now, she admires it. Knowing that Zee was so much more than her looks gave her a more positive perspective on her.
Zee was both confident and humble. Brave and kind. Assertive and selfless.
Casey realized that if she changed who she was on the inside, maybe then she’ll like herself. She leaned her head on Zee’s shoulder and closed her eyes.
Zee was surprised by Casey’s action of affection. She smiled fondly at the happy girl.
Casey looked so peaceful. Zee found her adorable and sweet. She never thought she’d ever make peace with her. She thought she’d never warm up to her, but she’s glad they’re on better terms.
Casey fell asleep, so Zee slowly guided her head down to the blanket on the sand so that she was lying down. Zee laid down as well and just stared happily at the sleeping girl.
She’s so pretty, Zee thought. It was easy to forget that this was the same girl who stole her identity and her magic out of narcissistic envy.
Zee soon closed her own eyes. And both girls cuddled peacefully as the sun set on the shiny ocean.
Once they woke up, they portaled to Zee’s place. Casey decided to sleep over.
They got out of their swimsuits, showered and put on their pajamas. They then got into Zee’s bed and watched some TV.
Once again, they fell asleep and slept peacefully in each other’s arms.
Casey nuzzled her head as she comfortably thought about their day together. Hopefully, there’ll be more days like today.